As soon as your child has outgrown the car seat harness but is still too young to ride in the rear seat without a booster seat, you should make the switch.
Booster car seats can either have a high back or no back at all.
A high-back booster seat provides the same level of safety and security as a traditional car seat, but it uses the vehicle’s seatbelt instead of a harness. Your child’s seatbelt should go through the booster’s shoulder over his or her chest and through the seat’s arm across his or her upper thighs. The shoulder guide of a booster seat is no longer necessary for your kid, and he or she may be ready for a backless booster seat. Booster seats may often be adjusted from having a back to having none at all.
What to look for when shopping for a booster car seat
- Height and weight limits: AThere are always minimum and maximum weight and height requirements for a booster seat. Be sure your kid is within those ranges for the seatbelt to fit properly and provide the most protection.
- Seat adjustments: Choose a booster seat that allows for height adjustments at the neck or back for the best possible safety and comfort. Moreover, certain versions allow you to change the width for a more personalized fit.
- Easy cleaning: Messes can occur at any age. Thankfully, similar to infant and convertible car seats, the covers and cushioning on many booster seats can be removed and washed in a machine.
- Design: Young adults have preferences, and they will want a booster seat that matches their sense of style. You may get chairs in a wide variety of colors and designs, and many of them also include handy extras like cup holders and food trays.
Monterey XT – DIONO
With its two recline settings and height and breadth adjustments, the Diono Monterey XT high back booster is able to provide a more personalized fit than its competitors. For younger children who don’t need the extra back support, you may just just take the back off. Children up to 120 pounds and 63 inches in height may ride comfortably in this booster, which also features a roomy seat, two hidden cup pockets, and an increased weight and height range. The seat covers may be removed and washed in the machine for further convenience.
Big Kid LX – EVENFLO
The height of this booster seat can be adjusted to one of six different settings, and it can be converted from a high back to a backless position. The maximum user weight is 110 pounds, which is more than competing products, and it features a detachable, machine-washable seat pad and two cup holders. Furthermore, it can be purchased for only $45 and is available in a variety of colors and patterns.
Turbobooster Backless Booster Seat – GRACO
In case your child doesn’t require lumbar or neck support, Graco has a backless booster seat alternative. It’s cheaper than high-back options at $27, yet it still gives your kid the height and seatbelt advice they need to remain secure in the car.
4Ever DLX 4-in-1 Car Seat – GRACO
You can get your money’s worth out of this seat since it can be used in four different configurations throughout its 10-year lifespan: as a rear-facing seat, a front-facing seat, a high-back booster, and a backless booster. Installing is a breeze thanks to LATCH, and it offers a wide range of customization options, including a 10-position headrest, 6-position recline, and a no-rethread harness, all of which are highly regarded by our experts. A pair of cup holders and removable, washable seat cushions are included.
Tranzitions 3-in-1 Harness Booster – GRACO
This Graco option can be used from the time your child weighs 22 pounds and is ready to transition to a regular seat to the time they are ready to graduate from the booster seat altogether thanks to its ability to convert from a forward-facing booster with a harness to a high back or backless booster. It boasts two detachable cup holders, machine-washable seat cushions, and an adjustable headrest that can be set at one of eight different positions for maximum comfort.
KidFit 2-in-1 Belt-Positioning Booster – CHICCO
For more defense along the sides and on top of the head, the KidFit 2-in-1 may be converted into a high back mode with 10 different height settings. For children who have grown, the back can be unzipped entirely. Our experts were impressed by the curved seat and double-foam padding, both of which are ideal for children, and the fact that the coverings for the seat and armrests can be removed and washed.
Grow with You ClickTight – BRITAX
This booster seat has an unusually high weight and height restriction of 120 pounds and 63 inches, respectively, making it suitable for youngsters who outgrow regular booster car seats. It was simple to set up, and our reviewers praised the adjustable headrest and several compartments for drinks and snacks. This model, however, is more costly than others available now by about $100.
Oobr – CLEK
The magnesium seat frame, rigid-LATCH connection, and winged headrest of Clek’s booster seat provide optimum stability, and the seatbelt guides ensure that the seatbelt is properly positioned over your child’s body. This chair can be reclined to many angles, has a removable headrest, and can even be used backwards. It’s available in several color and material combinations, and features a detachable cup holder and seat cover for simple maintenance. However, you could expect to pay as much as $350 for all of this opulence.
Maestro Sport Harness Booster Seat – EVENFLO
This Evenflo alternative may be used from the time your child outgrows the harness stage until they are ready for a high-back booster seat. Easy-to-clean machine-washable seat cushions with built-in cup holders and storage space for snacks and beverages. Keep in mind that this seat may only be converted from a harness to a booster, as the headrest is fixed in place.
Alta – UPPABABY
Despite its small size, the UPPAbaby Alta’s stylish design doesn’t sacrifice any of the stroller’s useful functions. It has a belt routing system that properly and securely places the shoulder strap and the lap belt, and it has seven different headrest settings to assist youngsters learn to buckle up on their own. And it’s available in your choice of four stylish hues.