The Thomashilfen Defender Reha Booster Seat accommodates children weighing between 40–120 lbs. (18.4-55 kg) whose height is between 34–57 in. (86.4–144.8 cm). The booster seat must be installed in the forward-facing position.
This is a Universal Restraint System for children with special needs. It is approved in accordance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 213 for general use in vehicles and it will fit most but not all cars. A correct fit is likely if the vehicle manufacturer has stated in the vehicle handbook that the vehicle is capable of accepting a Universal Restraint System for this age group. The booster seat is only suitable for use in vehicles with 3-point (lap & shoulder) seat belts.
The Defender Reha US Booster Seat is manufactured by Harmony and modified by Thomashilfen to provide 360 degrees of impact protection for children with special needs. Head, trunk and thigh support are standard features in the Defender Reha. These supportive pads are easily removed to accommodate growth or changes in the child’s functional abilities. This adaptive booster seat is perfect for children with developmental differences such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), cerebral palsy (CP), hypotonia (low muscle tone), muscular dystrophy and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Children with these diagnoses who have outgrown their car seats often require more postural support when riding in a car than ordinary booster seats provide. The Defender Reha Booster Seat is designed to accommodate the child’s continued growth while remaining narrow enough for a second car seat as well as another child to fit in the back seat.
The Defender Reha is a high back belt-positioning booster seat offering many features and functions to accommodate your child with special needs. There is an integrated, height-adjustable headrest (9 positions, one-hand height adjustable), 5-point harness for positioning purposes ONLY, lateral trunk supports (removable), and lateral thigh supports (removable). These along with optional positioning accessories provide the best support possible for your child. The Defender Reha Booster Seat meets or exceeds US FMVSS213 Safety Standards.
PLEASE NOTE: When using the Defender Reha Booster Seat, the VEHICLE’S 3-POINT SEAT BELT (the car’s lap plus shoulder belt) is ALWAYS USED. The CAR’S SAFETY BELT IS THE RESTRAINT for the child and the Booster Seat. Integrated 5-point harness (the strapping system that comes with the booster seat) provides positioning support ONLY.
When purchasing the Defender Reha US Booster Seat, you will have the following choices:
Please refer to images under main product image for pictures of choices below.
- Booster Seat ONLY
- Booster Seat with Swivel Base and LATCH*- The Swivel Base makes getting into and out of the booster seat easier for children and their caregivers. The open front of the booster seat is turned to face the open door. No more heavy lifting over the booster seat’s side supports.
- Booster Seat with Swivel Base and LATCH* + Front Stand- The Front Stand guarantees a stable hold of the booster seat in the passenger footwell. Especially when using the swivel function, this special needs booster seat is exposed to additional strain in daily use.
- Booster Seat with Swivel Base and LATCH* + Front Stand + 4.7 in. OR 7 in. Footrest- The Footrest provides a place for the user to rest their feet. It is height and tilt/angle adjustable. The Footrest height adjustment range is 11”-17" (28-43 cm) from seat surface to footrest. Weightbearing through the lower extremities while sitting helps to stabilize the seated posture. Choose between 4.7 in. or 7 in. Footrest depth.
- Booster Seat with No-Swivel Base and LATCH* + Front Stand + 4.7 in. OR 7 in. Footrest- The Footrest provides a place for the user to rest their feet. It is height and tilt/angle adjustable. The Footrest height adjustment range is 11”-17" (28-43 cm) from seat surface to footrest. Weightbearing through the lower extremities while sitting helps to stabilize the seated posture. Choose between 4.7 in. or 7 in. Footrest depth.
LATCH* is an abbreviation for Lower Anchors and Tethers. A LATCH system allows you to secure the child safety seat to the vehicle without using the seat belts. All standard vehicles sold in the USA in 2003 or later are required to have a LATCH system. Some vehicles older than this may have a LATCH system. You would need to verify within your own vehicle. Though not required by law for a booster seat, it does secure the safety seat to the vehicle when it is not occupied. If a booster seat does not have a LATCH system it must be buckled into place when it is not occupied using the VEHICLE’S 3-POINT SEAT BELT (the car’s lap plus shoulder belt) so that it remains stationary and secure if the vehicle makes a sudden stop or is in an accident. If you have any questions about the LATCH System please contact Customer Service at (800)371-2778.
Please Note: The Defender Reha Booster Seat is NOT CERTIFIED for use in an aircraft.
If you need some help Understanding Car Seats vs. Booster Seats as you get started, click here for more information.
Please refer to the User’s Manual for information regarding the car seat/booster seat EXPIRATION DATE. A link to the User’s Manual can also be found at the end of the Features Section on this page. You may also find this article to be helpful: Car Seats Have an Expiration Date. (And Here’s Why!)
