Hanna Manning

Written by Hanna Manning

Modified & Updated: 02 Oct 2024

Camryn Rabideau

Reviewed by Camryn Rabideau

7-best-booster-car-seats
Source: Verywellfamily.com

Are you in need of a booster car seat for your child? Look no further! In this article, we will explore the 7 best booster car seats that are not only safe but also comfortable for your little one. Whether you're going on a long road trip or just heading to the grocery store, having the right booster seat can make all the difference in keeping your child secure and happy. So, let's dive in and find the perfect booster seat for your family's needs!

Top Picks:

Overall Score: 8/10

The Graco TurboBooster 2.0 Backless Booster Car Seat is designed to safely transport kids aged 4-10, 40-100 pounds, and up to 57 inches tall. It is top-rated by leading consumer magazines and has been engineered to pass rigorous crash tests. Multiple users praise its comfort, safety, and affordable price, making it a well-received purchase for many families. Though some users have noted minor comfort and assembly issues, the booster's safety and value for money generally outweigh these points.

Key Features

  • Safely transports kids aged 4-10, 40-100 pounds, and up to 57 inches tall
  • Top-rated by leading consumer magazines and engineered to pass rigorous crash tests
  • Height-adjustable armrests for comfort
  • Graco Protect Plus Engineered for enhanced safety
  • Budget-friendly and comfortable for kids

Specifications

  • Color: Denton
  • Dimension: 15.50Lx17.50Wx8.64H

Pros

  • Easy, secure installation
  • Adjustable for growing kids
  • Portable for transfers between vehicles
  • Budget-friendly cost
  • Sturdy and durable

Cons

  • Fabric stains over time
  • Less side cushioning than premium brands
  • Comfort complaints on long drives
  • Vague assembly instructions
  • Missing or discontinued parts

While the Graco TurboBooster 2.0 Backless Booster Car Seat may have minor shortcomings in comfort and assembly, it remains a reliable and cost-effective option for parents looking for a safe and comfortable booster seat. Its safety features, value for money, and positive user feedback make it a popular choice for many families.

Overall Score: 8/10

The Cosco Rise Backless Booster Car Seat in Ripple is designed for children weighing 40–100 pounds and 43” to 57” in height. It features a wide base and higher armrests for easy self-buckling, while its stable platform prevents tipping. The seat pad is machine washable and dryer safe, and it also includes a shoulder belt positioning clip for a customized fit. Its lightweight and compact design make it great for travel and use in different vehicles.

Key Features

  • Backless Booster Car Seat: 40–100 pounds and 43” to 57” in height
  • Wide Base: Allows easy self-buckling
  • Stable Platform: Prevents tipping
  • Machine Washable Seat Pad: For easy cleaning
  • Shoulder Belt Positioning Clip: Customized fit

Specifications

  • Color: Ripple
  • Dimension: 14.00Lx16.25Wx8.00H

Pros

  • Affordable and functional
  • Lightweight and portable
  • Easy to move and use in different vehicles
  • Machine washable seat pad
  • Great for travel and airport use

Cons

  • Slides on leather seats
  • Doesn't have grip at the bottom

The Cosco Rise Backless Booster Car Seat in Ripple is a great choice for families looking for an affordable, functional, and lightweight booster seat. Its compact design and ease of use make it an excellent option for travel and use in different vehicles. However, it may slide on leather seats and lacks a grip at the bottom, but these can be easily addressed. Overall, it provides great value and convenience for parents and caregivers.

Overall Score: 9/10

The Chicco KidFit ClearTex Plus 2-in-1 Belt-Positioning Booster Car Seat offers secure head and torso protection, grab & go convenience, with no added chemicals, and high comfort. It's built to grow with 2-in-1 functionality and is available in Obsidian color.

Key Features

  • Head and torso protection
  • Grab & Go convenience
  • No added chemicals
  • Comfort and convenience
  • Built to grow

Specifications

  • Color: Obsidian
  • Dimension: 17.00Lx17.00Wx26.00H
  • Size: Oz.

Pros

  • Duo Guard for superior protection
  • Quick and easy to install and transfer
  • Removable and washable fabrics
  • Contoured Ergo Boost seat for comfort
  • 2-position recline backrest

Cons

  • Button for latch release may be easily pressed by child
  • Some users experienced difficulties with assembly

The Chicco KidFit ClearTex Plus 2-in-1 Booster Car Seat provides comfort, safety, and convenience. Its high-quality construction, portability, and comfort features make it an excellent choice for parents. Although it may have a few minor downsides, the overall performance and user satisfaction show that it is a top-tier option for families on the go.

Overall Score: 9/10

The Chicco GoFit Plus Backless Booster Car Seat is a convenient and safe option for children weighing 40-110 lbs. It features a contoured seat with double foam padding, LATCH attachment, and quick-release design. The seat is equipped with integrated lap belt guides and a shoulder belt clip for a proper fit. Additionally, it has 2 dishwasher-safe fold-away cup holders and a removable machine-washable seat pad for easy cleaning. The booster is lightweight, portable, and provides a comfortable, secure seating option for children. It's designed for easy installation and is anchored to the car for security. The chic design, high-quality construction, and tether/anchor feature make it a popular choice for families on the go.

Key Features

  • Booster seat for children 40-110 lbs
  • Grab & go convenience with LATCH
  • Contoured seat with double foam padding
  • Belt-positioning booster
  • Easy to care for with dishwasher-safe cup holders

Specifications

  • Color: Iron
  • Dimension: 15.00Lx17.00Wx8.50H
  • Size: 1 Count (Pack of 1)

Pros

  • High-quality and safe
  • Lightweight and portable
  • Stylish and modern design
  • Easy to install and remove
  • Dishwasher-safe cup holders

Cons

  • Fabric may be prone to damage during travel

The Chicco GoFit Plus Backless Booster Car Seat offers a winning combination of safety, convenience, and comfort. Its innovative design with LATCH attachment, contoured seat, and easy-care features make it a top choice for parents. While it may have a slight downside when it comes to fabric durability during travel, its overall benefits and positive customer feedback earn it a high recommendation.

Overall Score: 8/10

The Diono Solana is a pack of 2 lightweight backless booster car seats, perfect for kids aged 8 years and above. It features cup holders, machine washable covers, and a shoulder belt positioner for proper seat belt positioning. The contoured premium soft fabrics with layered foam padding provide comfort and support, and the booster can be safely and securely installed using the vehicle seat belt. Available in a purple wildberry color. Customers love its slim design, easy installation, and comfortable fit, although some find it not thin enough for certain car models.

Key Features

  • 8 Years One Booster – suitable for kids from 40 – 120 lb
  • Two built-in elastic cup holders
  • Contoured premium soft fabrics with layered foam padding
  • Shoulder belt positioner for proper seat belt positioning
  • Lightweight and easy to install

Specifications

  • Color: Purple Wildberry
  • Dimension: 13.20Lx16.90Wx7.70H
  • Size: 2-Pack

Pros

  • Slim design
  • Comfortable fit
  • Easy to install

Cons

  • Not thin enough for certain car models

The Diono Solana backless booster car seats are a great option for older kids, offering comfort, convenience, and a sleek design. While it may not fit some car models perfectly, it’s a reliable and cost-effective choice for everyday use.

Overall Score: 8/10

The Evenflo GoTime LX Booster Car Seat in Chardon Black is designed to boost your safety quotient with a deep design and easy height adjustment. It offers two modes of use and comes with 2 cup holders. The seat has a dimension of 15.20Lx19.49Wx28.19H and is available in a sleek Chardon Black color.

Key Features

  • BOOST YOUR SAFETY QUOTIENT: Features a deep design with overlapping head and body sides, providing added support where it’s needed most; meets or exceeds all applicable federal safety standards
  • MAKE ADJUSTMENTS WITH EASE: Allows for easy height adjustment to 7 positions with one hand for better fit for your child as they grow
  • SMOOTH THE TRANSITION: Offers two modes of use, easily transitioning from high back to no back booster for kids at least 4 years of age, weighing 40 to 120 lb
  • JUST GET UP AND GROW: Allows you to keep your growing child in the booster longer, adjusting as needed to maintain proper vehicle belt fit
  • KEEP BEVERAGES HANDY: Features 2 cup holders built into the seat, keeping drinks and snacks close and allowing the driver to stay focused on the road

Specifications

  • Color: Chardon Black
  • Dimension: 15.20Lx19.49Wx28.19H

Pros

  • Easy to adjust and assemble
  • Lightweight and affordable
  • Meets or exceeds safety standards
  • Comes with 2 cup holders for beverages

Cons

  • Instructions for attaching the cover could be clearer
  • Some users find it lightweight and flimsy

The Evenflo GoTime LX Booster Car Seat in Chardon Black offers a seamless transition from a standard car seat and provides added safety and support. It is easy to adjust, lightweight, and meets all safety standards. However, some users find it to be a bit flimsy, and clearer instructions for attaching the cover could be beneficial. Overall, it is a great booster seat for older children that offers both safety and comfort.

Overall Score: 8/10

The Regalo Baby Basics™ Booster Seat is a versatile and safe option for your child's dining needs. With a three-point safety harness to keep your child secure and adjustable anchoring straps to attach the booster seat to an adult chair, this booster seat is perfect for travel and family dinners. The lightweight and sleek design, along with the easily wipeable plastic, make it convenient for parents. However, some users have reported issues with the small and unadjustable straps and finicky buckles. Overall, it's a great choice for those looking for an inexpensive and easy-to-clean booster seat.

Key Features

  • Three-point safety harness
  • Adjustable anchoring straps
  • Lightweight and sleek design
  • Durable and easily wipeable plastic

Specifications

  • Color: Gray Plastic
  • Dimension: 16.00Lx16.00Wx9.00H

Pros

  • Versatile and can be easily attached to an adult chair
  • Lightweight and easy to clean
  • Great for travel and family dinners
  • Affordable option

Cons

  • Small and unadjustable straps
  • Finicky buckles

The Regalo Baby Basics™ Booster Seat is a budget-friendly and convenient option for parents looking for an easy-to-use and easily portable booster seat for their child. While it may have some minor issues with straps and buckles, its overall functionality and affordability make it a worthy purchase for families on the go.

  • Safety Standards:
    • Look for booster seats that meet the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 213. This means they have been tested and approved for safety.
  • Age and Size Recommendations:
    • Check the manufacturer's recommendations for the age and size of children the booster seat is designed for. Make sure it matches your child's specifications.
  • Type of Booster Seat:
    • Choose between a high-back booster seat or a backless booster seat based on your child's comfort and safety needs. High-back boosters offer more neck and head support, while backless boosters are more portable and can be easier to install.
  • Installation:
    • Ensure that the booster seat can be installed securely in your vehicle. Look for clear and easy-to-follow installation instructions.
  • Adjustability:
    • Opt for a booster seat with adjustable headrest and armrests to accommodate your growing child. This will ensure a comfortable and proper fit.
  • Ease of Cleaning
    • Consider how easy it is to clean the booster seat. Removable, machine-washable covers can make maintenance much simpler.
  • Compatibility with Vehicle
    • Check if the booster seat is compatible with your specific vehicle. Some booster seats may not fit well in certain car models.
  • Side Impact Protection:
    • Look for a booster seat that offers side impact protection, as this can provide an additional layer of safety in the event of a collision.
  • Weight Limit:
    • Consider the weight limit of the booster seat to ensure that it can accommodate your child as they grow.
  • Testing and Reviews:
    • Research the booster seat by reading reviews from other parents and looking for any safety testing that has been conducted by independent organizations.
  • Warranty:
    • Consider the length and terms of the warranty offered by the manufacturer. This can provide assurance in case of any defects or issues with the booster seat.
  • Comfort and Support:
    • Look for a booster seat that provides adequate cushioning and support for your child. Comfortable seating can help make car rides more enjoyable.
  • Sturdiness:
    • Inspect the construction and materials of the booster seat to ensure it is sturdy and durable enough to withstand regular use.
  • Price:
    • Compare prices of different booster seats to find one that fits within your budget while still meeting safety and quality standards.
  • Recall History:
    • Research if the booster seat has had any recalls in the past. It's important to ensure that the booster seat has not been associated with any safety issues.
  • Additional Features:
    • Consider any additional features that may be beneficial, such as cup holders, storage compartments, or multi-position recline. However, prioritize safety and comfort over unnecessary extras.

Frequently Asked Questions about 7 Best Booster Car Seats

Why do I need a booster seat?

You need a booster seat to make sure the seat belt fits properly and keeps you safe in the car.

How do I know if I need a booster seat?

If the seat belt doesn’t fit across your shoulder and chest, and the lap belt rides up on your stomach, then you need a booster seat.

Can I use a booster seat instead of a car seat?

Once you outgrow your car seat, you will need to use a booster seat until you are big enough to just use the regular seat belt.

Can I sit in the front seat with a booster seat?

It’s safer to sit in the back seat with the booster seat, but if you must sit in the front, make sure the airbag is turned off.

How long do I need to use a booster seat?

You should use a booster seat until you are big enough for the regular seat belt to fit properly, which is usually around 4 feet 9 inches tall.

Was this page helpful?

Our commitment to delivering trustworthy and engaging content is at the heart of what we do. Each fact on our site is contributed by real users like you, bringing a wealth of diverse insights and information. To ensure the highest standards of accuracy and reliability, our dedicated editors meticulously review each submission. This process guarantees that the facts we share are not only fascinating but also credible. Trust in our commitment to quality and authenticity as you explore and learn with us.