Booster car seats are like that cool middle step between those big, babyish car seats and riding in the car like a full-grown adult! See, seatbelts in cars are made with grown-ups in mind, and sometimes they don’t fit us kids quite right. A booster car seat fixes that!
Imagine the best booster car seats as a special platform that boosts your height. This makes the seatbelt across your body in the safest way – over your strong shoulders and hips. Booster car seats help you buckle up properly and keep you snug during the whole car ride.
Best Baby Booster Car Seats
Graco TurboBooster 2.0 Backless Booster
Diono Cambria 2 XL
Chicco Gofit Plus Backless Booster Car Seat
Chicco KidFit Booster
Graco Turbobooster lx Backless Booster Car Seat
Maxi-Cosi RodiSport Booster Car Seat
Graco Tranzitions 3 in 1 Harness Booster Seat Proof
Safety 1st Grand 2-in-1 Booster Car Seat Installation
Peg Perego Viaggio Flex 120
Baby Trend Hybrid 3-in-1 Combination Booster Seat
You might see different types of booster car seats! Some highback booster car seats have a tall back and sometimes even sides for extra support. Others, called backless booster car seats, are just the seat part without all the extra bits. Which one is the best booster car seat for you? That depends on how big you are, the kind of car you normally ride in, and even what feels comfy!
The most important thing to remember is that a booster car seat is necessary until you’re big enough for a regular seatbelt to fit perfectly. Don’t worry; one day, you’ll be tall enough, but for now, think of your booster car seat as your superhero sidekick for safe travels. Always use your booster car seat in the back seat, buckle up like a champ, and sit up straight – so those seatbelts can protect you!
A Note for Your Grown-Ups: Each state has rules for how long kids need booster car seats. Working together, you can check these rules to know when your child is finally seatbelt-ready!
Best Overall
Graco TurboBooster 2.0 Backless Booster
Pros
✔️Affordable Price
✔️Lightweight Design
✔️Comfortable Padding
Cons
✖️No Back Support
Key specs
- Color: Denton
- Dimensions: 15.5 x 17.5 x 8.64 inches
- Minimum weight recommendation: 40 Pounds
- Maximum weight recommendation: 100 Pounds
- Maximum height recommendation: 57 Inches
- Recommended Age: 4 to 10 years old
- Material Type: Polyester
- Material Composition: Polyester
- Item Weight: 5.15 pounds
The Graco TurboBooster 2.0 Backless Booster car seat is all about being simple and straightforward. It’s a great booster car seat for older kids who have outgrown their big car seats but need an extra boost to make seatbelts work properly.
What makes the Graco TurboBooster 2.0 cool is its easy use. There’s no fussing with tricky straps or confusing buckles – your kiddo can even set it up themselves! Plus, it’s lightweight, which makes it perfect for switching between cars on the go.
This booster car seat features comfy padding to keep journeys relaxing. It has special armrests and cup holders on both sides – perfect for a favorite drink or toy to make the ride more fun!
Here’s the thing to remember – it’s a backless booster car seat. That means it doesn’t have the tall back support you find in some other booster seats. Some kids might find this less comfy for really long car trips. Also, since kids grow super fast, the Graco Turbo Booster 2.0 might only last you for a few years. Finally, sometimes you must fix how they sit so the seat belt stays comfy and in the right place.
Overall, the Graco TurboBooster 2.0 Backless Booster is a great pick for families who need a budget-friendly and uncomplicated way to keep their big kids safe on car rides!
Best Headrest
Diono Cambria 2 XL
Pros
✔️Long-Lasting Use
✔️Sturdy Build
✔️Safety Focused
Cons
✖️Quite Bulky
✖️Pricey Investment
Key specs
- Color: Pink
- Product Dimensions: 16.1 x 20.1 x 29.9 inches
- Weight recommendation: 40 – 120 Pounds
- Height recommendation: 38.2 – 63 Inches
- Material Type: Polyethylene, Alloy Steel, Aluminum, Plastic
- Material Composition: 90% Polyester, 10% Spandex
- Number of reclining positions: 6
- Orientation: Forward Facing
- Forward-facing child weight: 40 – 120 Pounds
- Item Weight: 12.8 pounds
The Diono Cambria 2 XL is a best booster car seat built to last! Think of it like the booster car seat that goes through many awesome stages, just like you. It starts as a highback booster car seat, offering extra support and protection for smaller kids. But then, when you get even bigger, you can take off the back, turning it into a cool backless booster car seat.
This booster is big on comfort! It has super-thick padding so that those long car rides will feel exciting. There are even adjustable headrests to find that perfect fit. What’s awesome is how strong and safe the Diono Cambria 2 XL is built. It uses special LATCH connectors to click into your car so it won’t wiggle around.
Just a little heads up – this booster can be a bit big for some cars, and getting it set up the first time can be a bit challenging. Also, it’s a bit pricier than other booster seats.
But if you’re looking for a booster car seat that’ll stay with your growing kiddo for many years, offering top-notch comfort and safety, the Diono Cambria 2 XL in a fun pink color might be the perfect pick!
Best Travel
Chicco Gofit Plus Backless Booster Car
Pros
✔️Portable Design
✔️Comfortable Padding
✔️Secure Fit
Cons
✖️No Back Support
✖️Basic Features
Key specs
- Color: Vivace
- Dimensions: 15 x 17 x 8.5 inches
- Weight recommendation: 40 – 110 Pounds
- Height recommendation: 38 – 57 Inches
- Material Type: Polyester, Plastic, Metal
- Material Composition: 79.3% Plastic, 7.8% Metal, 12.9% Fabric & Fill
- Orientation: Forward Facing
- Forward-facing minimum child weight: 40 – 110 Pounds
- Harness type: 3-Point
- Item Weight: 5.5 pounds
The Chicco GoFit Plus Backless Booster Car Seat is about making big kid car journeys simple and smooth. Think of it as the perfect booster car seat for families always on the go!
What makes the Chicco GoFit Plus cool is how easy it is to set up. It has a special ‘click-in’ system for quickly attaching to your car, making it super secure. It’s lightweight and has a handy carrying handle, so popping it in and out of different vehicles is a breeze.
The Chicco GoFit Plus provides comfy padding for even those long car rides. Plus, it has smart guides that help your regular seat belt sit in the perfect position for the best fit.
Remember, it’s a backless booster car seat, so it doesn’t have that tall back part some other boosters do. It might be better for extra-long trips if your kiddo likes to lean back and snooze. Also, this booster can be wide for small cars and comes with something other than those fancy cup holders like others.
Overall, the Chicco GoFit Plus Backless Booster Car Seat (especially in that cool Vivaci Pink!) is a great choice if you prioritize ease of use, portability, and a safe, fuss-free way to help your growing kid buckle up during car adventures!
Best 2-in-1
Chicco KidFit Booster
Pros
✔️Super Adjustable
✔️Extra Comfy
✔️Easy Cleaning
Cons
✖️High Price
Key specs
- Color: Q Collection
- Dimensions: 20 x 17 x 26 inches
- Minimum weight recommendation: 40 – 110 Pounds
- Minimum height recommendation: 38 – 57 Inches
- Material Type: Polyester, Plastic, Metal
- Material Composition: 79.5% Plastic, 5.5% Metal, 15.0% Fabric & Fill
- Number of reclining positions: 10
- Harness type: 3-Point
- Item Weight: 11 pounds
The Chicco KidFit Zip Air Plus is like the superhero of booster car seats! Not only does it help bigger kids fit safely in the car, but it also has some awesome features to keep those rides extra comfy.
Think about this booster as having awesome customization powers. The Chicco KidFit Zip Air Plus has different parts that adjust easily, so your growing kiddo always has the perfect fit. The headrest moves up and down, and the sides expand for taller and broader kids!
Get ready for maximum comfort! It uses special 3D mesh fabric that allows airflow, keeping kids cool even on those long summer drives. Plus, the zip-off seat pad makes cleaning up quick and easy, perfect for when juice spills happen!
A little heads-up, though – this awesome booster car seat can be a tad pricey and sometimes has a slightly tricky setup. Also, since it has all those comfy and adjustable parts, it can be bulky.
The Chicco KidFit Zip Air Plus is a fantastic choice if you want a booster car seat packed with comfort and cool features designed to grow with your child through many exciting car adventures!
Best Latch System
Graco Turbo Booster lx Backless Booster Car Seat
Pros
✔️Affordable Price
✔️Lightweight Design
✔️Secure LATCH
Cons
✖️Basic Features
Key specs
- Color: Matrix
- Product Dimensions: 15.5″D x 16.2″W x 8.6″H
- Weight recommendation: 40 – 100 Pounds
- Height recommendation: 43 – 57 Inches
- Material Type: Foam
- Material Composition: Polyester
- Number of reclining positions: 6
- Harness type: 3-Point
- Item Weight: 9.24 pounds
The Graco TurboBooster LX Backless Booster Car Seat offers safety and convenience while keeping things budget-friendly. It’s ideal for families who need a straightforward, no-frills booster that will do the job of helping those seatbelts fit as they should!
This booster makes car trips simple, and it’s super lightweight and easy for kids to manage independently. The LATCH system has a special feature that lets you quickly clip it into your car for extra security.
It’s a backless booster car seat for when kids have outgrown those full-sized car seats. Some kiddos might wish for something to lean back against during long drives. Also, you may need to help readjust their posture to ensure the seatbelt stays in the right place.
The Graco Turbo Booster LX Backless Booster Car Seat is a good value booster. It prioritizes easy installation and keeping your growing kiddo safe with that perfect seatbelt fit. If back support isn’t a major concern, this might be the fuss-free solution for your buckle-up needs!
Most Comfortable
Maxi-Cosi RodiSport Booster Car Seat
Pros
✔️Comfortable Design
✔️LATCH attachment
✔️Lightweight Build
Cons
✖️Less Adjustable
✖️Hard seat
Key specs
- Product Dimensions: 35.1 x 19.2 x 10.3 inches
- Minimum weight recommendation: 40 Pounds
- Maximum weight recommendation: 100 Pounds
- Maximum height recommendation:57 Inches
- Material Type: Polyester
- Number of reclining positions: 7
- Harness type: 3-Point
- Item Weight: 15.85 pounds
Think of the Maxi-Cosi RodiSport Booster Car Seat in Essential Blue as the “comfy and uncomplicated” champion. While it doesn’t have a ton of fancy bells and whistles, it focuses on being a solid booster car seat that gets the job done!
This booster car seat prioritizes a snug, padded design that helps make all those car rides, from quick errands to longer journeys, feel way more comfortable for your growing kiddo. Plus, the Maxi-Cosi RodiSport has a really simple setup (always a major win for busy parents!). That lightweight design makes it super easy to switch between cars when needed.
A little something to keep in mind: it offers fewer adjustments compared to some other booster seats. Also, some kids prefer a booster with additional head and back support for super-long adventures. Finally, if your car is very compact, the Maxi-Cosi RodiSport could feel slightly wider when installed.
Overall, you’re looking for a budget-friendly booster car seat that delivers a comfortable ride and easy installation. In that case, the Maxi-Cosi RodiSport Booster Car Seat in Essential Blue is worth considering!
Best Booster
Graco Transitions 3 in 1 Harness Booster Seat-Proof
Pros
✔️Adjustable Fit
✔️Easy Cleaning
✔️Secure Harness
Cons
✖️Bulky Design
Key specs
- Color: Proof
- Product Width: 19 in
- Product Height: 26.5 in
- Product Depth: 17.4 in
Graco Transitions 3-in-1 Harness Booster Seat Proof is like the car seat that goes through stages, just like your kiddo! It does three super important jobs, so you only need one car seat for a long time.
First, it starts as a harness booster. Harnesses offer snug, extra-secure fits for smaller kids. Second, when your child gets taller, it turns into a highback booster seat, supporting their back and head. Finally, once they’re big enough, you can take off the back completely, and boom, you have a backless booster seat!
This Graco Tranzitions seat adjusts easily, so you can always find that perfect fit as your child grows. It has a built-in cupholder for snacks on the go!
Since it does so many things, this seat can be bulkier than basic booster seats. Rethreading the harness straps is also tricky when switching between modes. It’s on the pricier side.
Overall, the Graco Tranzitions 3-in-1 Harness Booster Seat Proof is perfect for families who want one car seat to last them through different stages. It offers safety and adjustability as their child transitions from little to big!
Best Grand
Safety 1st Grand 2-in-1 Booster Car Seat Installation
Pros
✔️Straightforward Setup
✔️Secure LATCH Option
✔️Versatile Installation
Cons
✖️LATCH May Be Tricky (depends on the car)
✖️Bulky in Harness Mode
Key specs
- Weight capacity: 30 to 120 lbs.
- Material Type: Polyester, rubber latex thread, polypropylene, PPG + TDI, laminated fabric, single fabric, non-woven
- Product Dimensions: 30.19″ x 18.25″ x 19.63″
- Product weight: 12 lbs.
The Graco Tranzitions 3-in-1 Harness Booster Seat Proof is like the car seat that goes through stages, just like your kiddo! It has three super important jobs, so you only need one car seat for a long time.
First, it starts as a harness booster. Harnesses offer snug, extra-secure fits for smaller kids. Second, when your child gets taller, it turns into a highback booster seat, supporting their back and head. Finally, once they’re big enough, you can take off the back completely, and boom – you’ve got a backless booster seat!
The cool thing about this Graco Tranzitions seat is that it adjusts easily, so you can always find that perfect fit as your child grows. It has features like cup holders and easy-to-clean fabrics for maximum convenience.
Since it does many things, this seat can be bulkier than basic booster seats. Rethreading the harness straps is also tricky when switching between modes. And, like many multi-stage seats, it could be on the pricier side.
Overall, the Graco Tranzitions 3-in-1 Harness Booster Seat Proof is perfect for families who want one car seat to last them from the toddler years up to when kids are ready for just the seatbelt. During those exciting car ride adventures, it’s all about safety, adjustability, and growing with your kiddo!
Best With LATCH
Peg Perego Viaggio Flex 120
Pros
✔️Super Adjustable
✔️Comfortable Ride
✔️Safety Focused
Cons
✖️Pricey Investment
✖️Limited Color Options
Key specs
- Product Dimensions:22 x 17.25 x 26.75 inches
- Weight recommendation:40 – 120 Pounds
- Height recommendation:39 – 63 Inches
- Material Type: Aluminum, Polyester Blend, Plastic
- Material Composition: 90% Plastic, 5% steel, 5% polyester blend
- Number of reclining positions: 8
- Orientation:Forward Facing
- Item Weight:14 pounds
If you’re looking for a seriously adaptable booster car seat, the Peg Perego Viaggio Flex 120 is hard to beat. This booster is all about growing with your kiddo for long-term use, plus some awesome features for comfort and safety.
This isn’t just your average booster! You can change how the Peg Perego Viaggio Flex 120 fits in many ways. The headrest goes up and down, the backrest has different heights, and even the sides expand! This is fantastic for getting the perfect, safest fit as your child gets taller.
Peg Perego is known for high-quality stuff, and this booster car seat is no different. It’s built with strong materials and plush padding for super-comfy road trips. Your kiddo will feel safe thanks to special side impact protection and a secure way to fasten the car’s seatbelt.
With all the adjustments and comfy features, it can be a tad bulky. It’s a higher-priced booster, too, and the John Deere edition might have a smaller range of color choices.
The Peg Perego Viaggio Flex 120 in John Deere is a fantastic choice if you want a comfortable booster car seat with maximum adjustability. Get ready for this one to last throughout your kiddo’s growing years as they reach that point where a seatbelt alone is the perfect fit!
Best Removable
Baby Trend Hybrid 3-in-1 Combination Booster Seat
Pros
✔️Comfortable armrests
✔️One hand harness is best for adjustable
✔️Seat case with footrest.
Cons
✖️It can be a laborious task to tighten the latches.
Key specs
- Product Dimensions: 21×18×29.25 inches
- Material Composition: 85% Plastic, 20% Fabric, 5% Metal
- Forward-facing minimum/maximum child weight: 22/100 Pounds
- Item weight: 15.2 Pounds
If your child is ready, the greatest option to replace the bulky car seat in the back seat is this baby-trend hybrid 3-in-1 combination booster seat. This is for you if you’re a little person looking to upgrade your driver’s seat or if you want your child to go about in a G wagon or premium seat while you’re sitting in swamp ass in your Toyota. Excellent value for the money, with a ton of features. All corners of the seat bottom and high back are contoured to prevent them from digging into leather seats. Additionally, the seat bottom features two sizable grab pads to ensure stability when utilized as a single booster bottom.
We thoroughly examine all that the Baby Trend Hybrid 3-in-1 combo booster Car Seat has to offer in terms of convenience, comfort, and safety in our review. It is rated for kids that weigh between 22 and 100 pounds and have heights between 29 and 57 inches. With a six-position headrest for dependable side impact protection and a replaceable insert that comes with it, it’s made with safety for tiny children in mind. The height-adjustable headrest offers excellent comfort and side impact protection. For the growing youngster, comfort, variety, and convenience are provided with the two cup holders and the changeable and soft inserts.
FAQs About Baby Booster Car Seats.
When does my child need a booster car seat?
Kids usually need a best booster car seat when outgrow their big, forward-facing car seat. You’ll know they’re ready when they reach their current seat’s highest weight or height limit. But even if they aren’t the biggest kid around, a booster helps the seatbelt in the car fit the safest way – across their strong hips and shoulders.
What different types of booster car seats are there?
There are two main types:
- Highback Boosters: They fully support your child’s head and back. Many even have side-impact protection, just like their bigger car seats.
- Backless Boosters: These are just the “seat” part. They lift your child but don’t provide extra back and head support.
How do I choose the best booster car seat?
It’s all about matching the booster car seat to your child and your car! Consider their size, the space in your vehicle, and extra features you might love, like cupholders or comfy armrests. Ensure the booster is easy to install in your car – those secure connections are a big part of safety!
How long must my child stay in a booster car seat?
Booster car seats are important until your child can fit properly in a normal seatbelt. That means:
- Shoulders flat against the car seat
- The seatbelt fits across the middle of the shoulder and chest
- Hips and thighs rest flat against the seat
Each state has rules for the exact age and size for switching out of a booster, so check the regulations where you live!
What are the important safety features of booster car seats?
Look for best booster car seats that meet or even go beyond US safety standards. Features like side-impact protection offer extra peace of mind. Some come with special systems like LATCH to click quickly and securely into your car. Guide loops that show exactly where the seatbelt needs to make car rides way safer!
All about this article
Booster car seats are a simple but powerful step to keep your growing child safe on every car journey. It might seem strange that kids still need help fitting in the car correctly when they seem SO big! But car seatbelts are made for grown-ups, and booster car seats act as that super-smart platform to give kids the lift they need.
The trick is matching the right booster to your kiddo. Highback boosters are awesome for those who enjoy having something to lean back against, especially on longer trips, and they usually include head support and side protection. Backless boosters are portable and great for carpooling or switching between cars quickly. Remember, backless boosters don’t have that tall back part for when your kiddo takes a car nap.
Think of finding the perfect booster car seat as an exciting team effort! Talk to your child, see if you can try different options in stores, and always read those labels to check weight and height limits. Your grown-up should also ensure the booster you pick will work perfectly in your car. When in doubt, many fire and police departments or trusted websites and organizations offer information and even help install your booster correctly, just to be extra safe!
