Nothing is more important than the safety of your own child when you drive. Today's family cars are built with safety and security in mind, so your loved ones are better protected during your trips. However, it is also important to get a good-quality, reliable booster car seat to ensure the wellbeing of your kid. We analyzed the market and selected 5 excellent booster seats (in a mixture of price ranges) that might be suitable for your needs!
Overview
PROS
CONS
Our Top Choice
Britax Frontier G1.1 Clicktight Harness-2-Booster
If the utmost safety of your child is your top priority, this is absolutely the best booster seat available.
From a company that is well known for quality, this booster seat is both durable and easy to install. And of course it’s jam-packed with safety features
More expensive than most, but loaded with so many safety features it’s worth the money you will invest.
Best Value
Graco Backless Turbo Booster
As far as booster seats go, great safety ratings and very affordable. Two themes available – Cars and Disney princess.
Low cost, yet stylish. Comfortable for your child and easy to install for you.
Narrow design not a good fit for larger children. The seat can slide a bit.
Recaro Performance Sport Harness-2-Booster
Safety focused and on the higher end price-wise. A few design flaws are impractical for some users.
This booster seat has a five-point harness that is twist resistant.
Because of its narrow shape, this booster seat doesn’t fit all children. Cup holders are awkward to use.
Evenflo AMP™ Performance No Back Booster Seat
As long as your child fits in the seat, this booster has passed safety tests and is an affordable option.
With this booster seat and its 5 point harness system, there is no need to ever re-thread the straps.
Narrow seats don’t fit all children the same. Also doesn’t fit as well in all types of cars.
Cosco Juvenile Top Side Booster
Designed to be a simple and portable booster seat. Low cost option,
Portable and flexible enough to fit into cars of all different makes and models.
Best suited for “average” size children – doesn’t fit larger or petite sizes. No LATCH system for added security.
When it comes to choosing a booster seat, price is important but not if it means sacrificing the safety of your child. During our research for the best booster seats available out there, we stumbled upon many products from various brands. We've strived to avoid very cheap booster car seats because they were poorly built and potentially dangerous. Instead, we focused on high-quality booster seats that provide good value for money and come in different price ranges.
Before we take a look at the aspects which you should consider when shopping for booster car seats, we just want to mention that the safety and well-being of your child is equally important at home. Therefore, you might be interested in getting a top-quality, comfortable toddler bed at a reasonable price, so that your angel can sleep undisturbed every day and night.
Bottom line is that you shouldn’t rush your decision when considering accessories for your baby. When it comes to booster seats in particular, make sure that you pay attention to the following aspects.
Price
When it comes to the safety of your child, it would be great to say that money was no option, but the reality is that many parents are looking for affordable options. The great news is that more expensive doesn’t always mean that the booster seat offers a better level of protection. In fact, there are many top rated booster seats that are priced well. Because of their “simpler” design, backless booster seats typically are less expensive than ones with high backs.
Features
Remember to be mindful when it comes to the features of a booster seat because this will basically impact your child's wellbeing and safety. Today's booster seats come with a wide variety of features which make them more practical and comfortable.
The purpose of a booster seat is to raise a child up higher in the seat so that the built in seat belt fits properly, allowing the restraint system to protect the child. A seat belt should lay across the child’s upper thigh, not the stomach. The shoulder harness should securely lay across the middle of the shoulder and should not be too close to the neck. In addition, it shouldn’t slide off because it is too loose across the shoulder. In order to ensure better fit, as well as for growing with the child, many booster seats offer wide and/or adjustable bases and different levels for the shoulder strap slots.
Construction and Design
The most important feature in any booster seat, bar none, is the amount of safety that it provides your child. For example, backless boosters with a shield style closure are considered to be unsafe and should be avoided. Quality booster seats will have been tested by from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and you should check the results of the safety tests. One of the critical things that the IIHS examines is whether or not the seat offers proper, secure belt positioning. Besides belt positioning, you may also want to look for features such as adjustable side clips which can accommodate different heights, the reclining angle (you don’t want anything beyond 20-30 degrees because it could result in injury during a crash) and whether there is a belt retractor that flows smoothly.
Performance and Ease of Use
Car booster seats come in two main types, or styles – backless booster seats and high-back booster seats. Backless booster seats raise a child up so that there is better placement of the car’s lap belt. They cost less than booster seats with a high back, but they don’t offer the same level of comfort.. With a high back, there is a place for a child to lean against and rest their head. Many high-back booster seats also come with 5 point harnesses. The style of your car’s rear seats can impact what type of car seat you can use. If the seats have deep contours and good support, they are best suited for backless booster seats. However, rear seats with little support or low backs, are better for high backed boosters.
What is the Best Booster Car Seat?
Choosing the right booster car seat can be a difficult process, especially if this is the first time you do it. There are so many designs, colors and features to take into account. Still, we did the hard work for you and now we will present you with our 5 great finalists.
Our Top Choice
The Britax Frontier G1.1 Clicktight has an extra layer of side impact protection, an impact-absorbing base and steel frame, so you will always know that your child is completely safe riding in your backseat.
Britax Frontier Clicktight Combination Harness-2-Booster Car Seat
Britax Frontier G1.1 E9LY76L - Vibe
Features
When it comes to the number of safety features offered, the Britax Frontier absolutely leads the pack. The high-back booster has "True Side Impact Protection" technology, deep walls and energy absorbing foam that all help to distribute force in the event of a crash – greatly reducing the chances of injury to your child. Another safety feature can be found in the base of the seat -- SafeCell technology which works to compress and lower the center of gravity, helping to prevent the seat from flying forward in an accident. On the “convenience” side, the Britax has features such as integrated cup holders, storage spaces for snacks and toys and a removable cover that makes clean-up super easy.
Construction and Design
The Britax Frontier is a forward facing, high back booster seat that is designed to grow with your child. When you use the five-point harness system it can handle a child up to 90 pounds and has a maximum shoulder harness height of 20.5 inches. The Frontier can convert into a booster mode which has a capacity of up to 120 pounds.
Performance and Ease of Use
With its lower LATCH connectors, the Britax Frontier is easy to fit securely in just about any vehicle (although because it is a high back, if you have a much smaller car, the fit may be a little tight). The booster seat has two buckle positions in order to ensure proper fit for children of varying sizes. The Clicktight Installation System lets you install your vehicle’s belt in harness mode. The manufacturer provides clear, color coded belt guides to make sure that the belt is in proper position in whether you are using booster or harness mode. A clearly audible “click” from the LATCH system will remove any concerns about whether or not the seat is installed properly!
The Britax Frontier is one of the two expensive booster seats on our top 5 shortlist, but in terms of what you are getting as far as the safety and protection of your precious cargo, we believe that it’s well worth the investment. With Britax you get a 5 point harness for younger/smaller children, True Side Impact Protection and SafeCell technology. Because of its size, this booster seat is a bit heavy and bulky – not making it the best choice for parents who switch vehicles frequently. But once you have it installed, you can absolutely rest assured that your child will have the utmost protection with Britax.
The backless Turbobooster® by Graco helps to protect your child by raising them up to the proper height for the seat belt.
Graco Backless TurboBooster® Car Seat
Graco TurboBooster® 1823382 - Galaxy
Features
The Graco Backless TurboBooster doesn’t only has impressive overall safety ratings, but it also received the award for “Best Bet Booster” from the IIHS. This award was due to the booster seats outstanding ability to provide protection for children during accidents. The TurboBooster comes in two Disney designs – Cars and pink princess. Both are colorful and are sure to brighten up any car! The seat has removable padded cushions and cup holders that can be hidden away.
Construction and Design
The Graco Backless TurboBooster is best suited for children between the ages of 4 to 10, who weigh from 40 to 100 pounds. While kids love the Disney Cars and Princess themes, parents love how easy it is to install. This is a well designed and comfortable car booster seat.
Performance and Ease of Use
With the Graco TurboBooster, installation couldn’t be any easier. Simply place the booster where you want the child to sit and attach the belt. Even though it’s backless, Graco has added adjustable padded arm rests to add extra comfort. There have been some reports that older or larger children find the seat cushion a little narrow, but for most children you are ensured optimal posture and comfort with the TurboBooster CarSeat by Graco. Keep in mind, because of the design of backless booster seats, children can slide around without the sides that are built into high back booster seats.
Coming in at an extremely affordable price of around twenty dollars, the Graco TurboBooster is a backless booster seat worth considering. And don’t let the low cost fool you – this booster has received some of the highest ratings from the IIHA for safety. Plus, Graco has built in cup holders and armrests that can be adjusted by height into the booster seat. The removable seat pad is easy to clean. With a choice of Disney Cars or Disney princesses, you definitely get a lot of value for the money with the TurboBooster.
The Performance SPORT is a combination harness to booster car with a 5-point harness system and side impact protection technology. It is available in several different luxurious, temperature-balancing fabrics.
RECARO Performance SPORT Combination Harness to Booster - Good for 20 - 120 lbs
RECARO Performance SPORT - 386.01.ROSE
Features
The RECARO Performance SPORT is made with energy absorbing EPS foam that is designed to not only provide support, but also great crash protection. For an added layer of safety, the booster offers protection from side impacts with “safety” stripes on the harness edge. Your child’s head and face are shielded by the enhanced head wings and reinforcements along the hips, thighs and sides help to stabilize his or her pelvis and torso. As far as non-safety features, the RECARO SPORT has a quick-flip recline mechanism, fabrics that balance temperature and cup holders. On a side note, some users report that the cup holders are too small and can be difficult for younger children to use.
Construction and Design
The RECARO Sport is a high back booster seat that offers a high level of safety and protection with its twist resistant harness technology. For children between 20 to 65 pounds, the five-point harness adds the extra protection that smaller children require. The booster can grow with your child and he or she can ride securely in it until reaching 120 pounds.
Performance and Ease of Use
RECARO's Easy Adjust five-point harness, designed for children who are under 65 pounds, is not only easy to fit properly on your child, but it’s comfy too! The twist resistant HERO harness is ergonomic and provides great support for children of different ages and sizes. This system is unique in that it maintains clip positioning properly while keeping the shoulder pads secure --- with a proper fit around your child’s head, shoulders and neck without any twisting. With RECARO's convenient level lift, you can adjust for alignment and head position without having to re-thread the straps.
The RECARO Performance SPORT is another great choice for parents who are looking for a high back booster seat that is not only safe, but comfortable as well. As an added bonus, this car seat has both a harness mode and a booster seat mode, letting it grow with your child. While parents love the side impact protection and the twist resistant harness, there are some complaints that the LATCH system can be difficult to install. Still, this is one of the most popular and practical booster seat available on the market today, so don’t be discouraged by a few negative reviews as most customers had a positive experience with this product.
The Evenflo® AMP™ is designed for older children who are ready to use the vehicle’s belt. The built in belt clip helps to ensure correct belt positioning, which you will love. Your kids will love all the great colors and the built in cup holders – not to mention the comfort.
Evenflo AMP™ Performance Belt-Positioning No Back Booster Car Seat
Evenflo AMP™ Booster - 34011243 Red
Features
The Evenflo Amp Performance is a backless booster seat that was designed to surpass the federal crash standards – times two! You might be happy to know that Evenflo is a name that is known for safety with a wide variety of products – definitely maintains this priority when it comes to booster seats. Research shows that this booster seat maintains its structural integrity in the event of crashes or accidents. For convenience, the booster seat has two cup holders and a removable polyester pad for easy care and washing.
Construction and Design
The Evenflo Amp is a comfortable and safe forward-facing backless booster seat. The contoured padding makes the seat enjoyable to sit, in even for the longest of rides. This car booster seat is designed for children ages 4 and older. The manufacturer provides information that even if your child is sleeping the seat belt will stay in its proper position. As far as fitting in your car, while most parents report a great fit, some owners have said that the wide base keeps it from fitting snuggly against rear seats that are curved.
Performance and Ease of Use
The Evenflo Amp is a basic backless booster seat. Because of its design, not all children fit in it as well but for those who do, the ride is a comfortable one with the seat’s contoured padding. As far as size goes, this may not be the best booster seat for children who are taller or larger because the seat cushion is on the narrow side.
With a price tag of around $27, the Evenflo Amp Performance is a good choice for budget conscious parents looking for a backless booster seat. This booster seat was designed for both comfort and safety. Tests show that it provides a level of protection that is double federal crash test standards. The cup holders and removable seat cover are nice convenience features. On the downside, because of its narrow design, not all children fit in it as well, but overall this is a great product!
The Evenflo Amp is a simple, portable booster seat at an affordable cost. It's available in 7 different colors so you are sure to find one that your child will love.
Cosco Juvenile Top Side Booster Car Seat - Backless Booster Seat
Cosco Juvenile Booster BC030CMM - Magenta
Features
The Cosco Juvenile Top Side Booster Car has received top consumer ratings for both its portability and lightweight design. Not only is it easy to install, but the plush seat padding is removable to make cleanup just as simple! Because of its small size and the fact that it doesn’t have to be tethered down, it can be easily removed from the back seat and stored in the trunk when not in use. For a child that goes from one vehicle to another a lot, this is one handy and affordable booster seat.
Construction and Design
If comfort is important, and of course it is, the Cosco Juvenile Top Side Booster Car is a backless booster seat that comes with extra plush padding. This booster is designed for children between 43 and 57 inches tall, who weigh between 40 and 100 pounds. One common complaint that car owners have about car seats and booster seats is that they mark up the vehicle seats, but with Cosco's unique "seat-safe" design this isn’t a problem. Because of its narrow size, this booster seat is a great option for people with smaller cars.
Performance and Ease of Use
Because of its simplicity in design, the Cosco Juvenile Top Side Booster Car Seat fits in cars of all sizes – but that doesn’t mean that you are giving up safety! Designed for children starting at about 40 pounds, this booster doesn’t require a LATCH. All you need is the vehicle’s seat belt – making this a great option for people who want a portable booster seat. The lightweight design is a bonus for parents when it comes to portability. Children love the extra plush padding that makes for a comfortable ride.
Coming in at under twenty five dollars, the Cosco Juvenile booster seat is a bargain – without sacrificing the safety and comfort of your child! Designed for children of up to 100 pounds, Cosco’s seat friendly design will leave your vehicle seats without the markings that are common from many other booster seats. Because of its size, this booster seat is great for smaller cars – which also means that larger children may not fit in it as easily, but this is a minor disadvantage in comparison with the plethora of features and benefits you get.
We hope this information has helped you choose a booster seat that will keep your child safe. We have shortlisted the top booster seats available on the market today down to 5 models that we think will work out great for you.
