The differences between a car seat and a booster seat

Most car seats are suitable for children from 11 months old and you can use them till they're about 4 years old. Car seats that grow along with your child until they're no longer obligated to be in a car seat are available too. You can use these car seats until your child is 7 or 12 years old. A car seat has a hard, curved backrest with raised edges that protector your child in case of impact.

A booster seat is the successor seat of a car seat. You can use booster seats with a backrest for children from 4 years old. The backrest and the headrest can easily be adjusted to the height of your child, so they'll always sit in the correct position. Booster seats without a backrest are for children from 6 years old. These don't offer support, but just make sure the seat belt fits around the body better. This is enough if your child sits in the car with grandpa and grandma occasionally, for example.

In a car seat, you can secure your child with a 3-point or 5-point seat belt harness. These harnesses distribute the pressure in case of impact, so the soft body parts like the belly are better protected.

With a booster seat, you secure your child with the seat belt. Booster seats with a backrest have a belt guider, so the seat belt fits well around the hips and shoulders of your child. A booster seat without backrest only has this at the hips. Do you often go for long drives? Choose a booster seat with a backrest, so your child receives the correct support. If your child sits in the car occasionally, a booster seat is enough.