Integrated Booster Cushion celebrates 25 Years since Introduction

Back in 1990 Volvo has introduced the first ever booster cushion for children. Since then it has become something we are used to seeing in cars that parents drive. If you do the math, this means that the first child who used the famous cushion is now 25 years old and probably their children use one of their own.

The integrated booster cushion took child safety to another level and we must admit that this changed things in the automotive industry very much. There is a story behind every discovery and this cushion has one too.

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The first one was actually a redesigned centre armrest. It was developed to elevate the seating position of the child. The sole purpose was to make perfect use of the 3-point safety belt. This in turn removed the child restraints for older children, thus making their comfort experience better.

Although, the cushion is very user-friendly and usable, it is still rarely for carmakers to offer it.  Another important advantage of the booster cushions is that it was developed as a part of the seat and this allows the safety belt to have more direct contact with child's body. In addition, it also removes the possibility of ‘slack' in the belt.

In 2007 Volvo continued with the improvements of child's safety features and introduced the integrated two-stage booster cushion in 2007. This one allowed for adjustment in the seating position. It also improved the safety further as well as the child's comfort. The cushion featured two seating positions so it was suitable for larger children.

What is next for Volvo? The goal is no one to be seriously injured or killed while driving a new Volvo car and the end date for this to be achieved is 2020. The longer term aim is to actually build vehicles that will not crash.

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Volvo Integrated Booster Cushion (2015)

Source: Volvo