Convertible booster seats are simply forward-facing seats β they cannot be used as a rear-facing child restraint. They’re designed to elevate children to a height where the vehicle’s seatbelt fits correctly across their body, for maximum protection in a collision.
Even though the law allows a child to be forward-facing from six months of age, in reality six months is too young β a child hasn’t yet developed sufficient neck and back strength to support themselves in a forward-facing position.
π Convertible booster height markers
Child safety experts recognised this gap and pushed to introduce extended rear-facing child restraints. In the Australian Standards, these extended rear-facing child restraints are referred to as A4 child restraints.
An A4 baby car seat is tested to a large 30-month-old, with an exit marker of 39cm.
Shoulder height markers refer to a child’s torso length while seated. Prior to AS1754:2013, convertible booster seats already existed, but didn’t have standardised minimum and maximum shoulder height markers β the 2013 standard introduced this consistency across manufacturers.
When choosing a convertible booster, also consider extra safety features many modern seats include β side impact protection, energy-absorbing foam, and multiple recline positions β all of which improve safety and comfort.
π Transition to booster mode
As children grow, moving from a harnessed seat to a booster seat is a significant milestone. While your child may fall within the required height range, they also need the maturity to sit properly for the entire trip β back against the seat, no slouching β which is essential for the seatbelt to work effectively.
ποΈ Holiday hire for baby car seats and boosters
Visiting Melbourne Bayside? TravelSafe can help you with baby car seat hire β both rear-facing and forward-facing seats β plus baby capsules (birth to 6 months) and booster seats.
π Convertible booster height markers (6 monthsβ8yrs)
Listed in descending order by tallest inbuilt harness height
| Seat | Entry | Harness-to / booster entry | Exit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Safe n Sound Maxi Rider Easy Adjust | 31cm | 45cm | 51cm |
| Infa Secure Comfi Caprice | 29cm | 45cm | 51cm |
| Infa Secure Comfi Crown / Comfi Cruiser / Roamer Plus / RallyE / Atlantis / Sprinter | 29cm | 45cm | 51cm |
| Safe n Sound Novus | 31cm | 42β43cm | 52cm |
| Love N Care Virgo | β | 42cm | 50cm |
| Cargo Marathon | 30cm | 40cm | 51cm |
| Babylove Easy Combo | 30cm | 39cm | 50cm |
| Hipod Senator | 30cm | 39cm | 44cm |
| Safety 1st Custodian | 28cm | 38cm (FWD facing) | 52cm |
Call 0420 516 587 for baby car seat fitting service in Melbourne.
β Frequently asked questions
What is a convertible booster seat? οΌ
Why is 6 months too young to forward-face, even though it’s legal? οΌ
What is an A4 baby car seat? οΌ
Which convertible booster has the tallest harness height? οΌ
Can I hire a booster seat for a Melbourne holiday? οΌ
When should my child transition to booster mode? οΌ
Bayside Baby Car Seat Installation Melbourne
Not sure which booster fits your child right now? Book a fitting for expert, independent advice.