Safest Booster Seats 2024 (Buyer’s Guide)

Product NamePrice
1.Graco Nautilus 65 LX 3-in-1 Harness Booster Car Seat Check Price on Amazon
2.Britax Pinnacle ClickTight G1.1 Harness-2-Booster Car Seat Check Price on Amazon
3.Graco Atlas 65 2-in-1 Harness Booster Car Seat Check Price on Amazon
4.Britax Parkway SGL G1.1 Belt-Positioning Booster Car Seat Check Price on Amazon
5.Evenflo Chase LX Harnessed Booster Car Seat Check Price on Amazon
6.KidsEmbrace Combination Toddler Harness Booster Car Seat Check Price on Amazon
7.Chicco KidFit 2-in-1 Belt Positioning Booster Car Seat Check Price on Amazon
8.Evenflo Maestro Booster Car Seat Check Price on Amazon
9.Maxi-Cosi RodiFix Booster Car Seat Check Price on Amazon
10.Graco High-Back Turbobooster Car Seat Check Price on Amazon

If you’re certain that your child is ready to transition to a booster car seat, then we highly advise you to check out this guide on the safest booster seats 2024 to ensure you choose the right type of booster car seat that meets your child’s needs in terms of safety, comfort and proper fit.

Our list includes a mix of the two types of booster car seats which are high-back booster seats and backless booster seats so parents can choose the right type according to their children’s age, height, and weight.

Each type of booster car seat comes with its own advantages and disadvantages, especially in terms of price, portability, ease of installation, and side-impact protection.

And we highly recommend you read our buyer’s guide just below the reviews to know more about the two types of booster car seats, the features to look for in a booster car seat, important tips to keep in mind, and also how to buy a great booster car seat for your growing child.

But first, let’s check out our top 10 list of the best and safest booster seats to buy, shall we?

Safest Booster Seats 2024

1.Graco Nautilus 65 LX 3-in-1 Harness Booster Car Seat

graco nautilus 65 lx

Getting the Graco nautilus 65 lx 3-in-1 harness booster for your child is like having three car seats in one product. It can be used as a harness booster for children from 22 to 65 pounds with a height from 27 to 49 inches tall.

When your child is ready, it can be converted to a belt-positioning high back booster seat from 30 to 100 pounds and 38 to 57 inches tall and then finally to a backless booster from 40 to 120 pounds with a height from 40 to 57 inches tall.

This enables it to keep your child in a booster seat by 20 pounds longer. In keeping with the AAP’s recommendation that forward facing children should use a 5-point harness for as long as possible, the nautilus 65 lx features an extended 5-point harness that fits children up to 65 pounds to keep them harnessed even longer.

With your kid’s comfort in mind, the seat has extra comforts such as seat pad, harness, buckle covers and a three-position recline that all combine to keep your growing kid comfortable in any sort of travel.

The armrests are also contoured and have integrated cup holders for keeping your child’s favorite drinks or snacks in close proximity. In just one motion you can adjust the height of the harness and headrest thanks to the simply safe adjust harness system.

The headrest can be adjusted to 5 different positions with just one hand to provide your growing child with a proper fit for optimal safety. And speaking of safety, the nautilus 65 lx has been side impact tested, engineered and rigorously crash tested to exceed or meet US standard FMVSS 213.

It also features EPS, energy-absorbing foam for effective energy management during impact and is reinforced with steel frame to provide it with strength and durability needed for years of smart utility.

It also comes with features that make the life of parents easy and convenient. The seat cover can be easily removed and machine washed without the need to rethread the harness straps.

The fuss free harness storage holds the buckle out of the way for easy loading or unloading of your child in the booster seat. The open-loop belt guides also ensure your vehicle’s seat belt is properly positioned in the high back booster mode while allowing your child to self-buckle independently.

Even though few parents find it difficult to adjust the strap buckle, this booster seat still remains as one of the top-rated and safest booster seats you can get on the market right now.

2.Britax Pinnacle ClickTight G1.1 Harness-2-Booster Car Seat

britax pinnacle g1.1

With the britax pinnacle clicktight g1.1 booster seat, parents can rest easy because of the outstanding safety features this booster seat provides to children of different weights and heights.

In fact, it’s very similar to the top-rated Britax G1.1 Frontier ClickTight Combination Harness-2 Booster Car Seat.

Unlike other booster seats which have only one or two layers of side impact protection, the pinnacle g1.1 features a deep foam-lined shell, a quick-adjust head protection and energy-absorbing side cushions all of which combine to form up to 3 layers of superior side impact protection for shielding your child from the most dangerous and severe types of collisions.

It also features the famous safe cell impact protection safety system that consists of a steel frame, an energy-absorbing base and patented v-shaped tether with staged releases that reduce the forward movement of the booster seat during a collision.

Anyone can install this booster seat easily and securely thanks to the clicktight installation system that allows you to squeeze the release button to open and buckle the seat belt across the belt path and then finally click the booster seat shut for a secure installation every time.

As a harness-2-booster seat, the pinnacle can be used for children who are two years old from 25 to 90 pounds in harness mode and also for children from 40 to 120 pounds in booster mode.

For your child’s comfort, you can quickly adjust the 2-position buckle and move it outwards easily to provide your growing child with a proper and secure fit. For more comfort, you can use the front-adjust recline and easily alter the car seat’s angle for a customized and comfortable sitting position.

We like the color-coded belt paths that are not only easy to access but which also remove all the guess work for a simplified installation of your vehicle’s seat belt. At around 26 pounds in weight, the pinnacle g1.1 is quite heavy to make the process of moving it from one vehicle to another a bit difficult and inconvenient.

However, most parents also feel like the heavy weight is a good indication of safety, sturdiness and stability especially during an impact. But apart from its heavy weight and high price, most parents are very impressed by how easy it is to install it and how it’s nicely padded to make it very comfortable for their kids.

Adjusting the harness is also extremely easy since you don’t need to rethread the harness in order to do so. All in all, this is definitely a great booster seat for any parent to consider.

3.Graco Atlas 65 2-in-1 Harness Booster Car Seat

graco atlas 65

As a 2-in-1 harness booster seat, the graco atlas 65 functions like two car seats in one. In the harness booster mode, it can support children from 22 to 65 pounds with a height from 27 to 49 inches tall.

When your child grows bigger, it can be converted to a high back booster seat from 30 to 100 pounds with a height from 38 to 57 inches tall and your child is secured safely in a 5-point harness in both the harness booster mode and high back booster mode.

In terms of safety, the atlas 65 features EPS, energy-absorbing foam for effective impact energy management together with a steel-reinforced frame for strength and durability to endure many years of use. It’s also been side impact tested and rigorously crash tested to meet or exceed US standard FMVSS 213.

Parents really like the simply safe adjust harness system that allows them to easily adjust the height of the harness and headrest in one motion to ensure their children are always properly secured.

Additionally, the headrest can be adjusted to 10 different positions with just one hand so as to provide your growing child with proper fit for optimal safety when on the road.

It also has parent-friendly features such as the easy-to-remove and machine washable seat cover that doesn’t require rethreading of the harness straps.

Also a harness storage for holding the buckle out of the way for easy in and out together with the open-loop belt guides for ensuring your vehicle’s seat belt is positioned properly in the high back booster mode while also allowing your child to self-buckle independently.

Your child’s comfort has also been given top priority with the use of seat pad, harness and buckle covers that keep your growing child riding in comfort during all sorts of travels. The two dual cup holders can be used for storing drinks while providing extra space for food containment when on the go.

In the high back booster mode, the 5-point harness can be kept out of the way by the integrated harness storage compartment so that your kid can use the vehicle’s seat belt with ease.

And even better, this booster seat has no any minor downsides or issues to complain about. In fact, most parents are happy and pleased with their purchase and they describe it as being high quality, easy to install, easy to clean and one that fits their growing children comfortably.

4.Britax Parkway SGL G1.1 Belt-Positioning Booster Car Seat

britax parkway sgl

The britax parkway SGL G1.1 belt-positioning booster is perfect for big kids between 40 to 120 pounds in weight who are still not large enough to ride without a car seat.

That said, this is actually the safest belt-positioning booster seat from Britax that employs the use of the SafeCell Impact protection and an extra layer of side impact protection.

In fact, it features the deep energy-absorbing shell together with a foam-lined headrest that combine to provide your child with two layers of superior side impact protection. The safecell impact protection includes a high-back design and a base that compresses to help absorb energy during impact.

Unlike other booster seats which may go flying during an impact, the parkway sgl g1.1 is unique and even safer since it features the ISOFLEX LATCH Connection system whose purpose is to secure the booster seat firmly in your car when it’s not in use.

This is very important in the safety of other passengers since a booster seat that’s not secured can become a flying projectile during a collision and may end up injuring both your child and the front passengers.

For even more safety, it features britax’s own SecureGuard belt-positioning clip that prevents your child from sliding under the lap portion of your vehicle’s seat belt during a collision and therefore minimizing the risk of abdominal injury.

The headrest can be easily adjusted to fit your growing child and you can easily fit your child in the car seat by simply changing the height with the push of a button.

The backrest can also be removed to meet the needs of your child and you can store your child’s favorite drinks or snacks in the 2 cup holders integrated into the car seat.

Most parents like the super quick and easy installation process this booster seat provides even to first time users. In fact, you can install and adjust it in as little as 60 seconds.

Even better is how your child can easily get in and out of this booster seat and also buckle in and out independently without any assistance. The car seat is also easy to clean when it gets dirty and it’s very comfortable for your child even on long trips.

Even though few parents complain that it doesn’t fit properly in their vehicles, we’re sure that’s just a case by case issue and not a general problem. But we’ll have to give this booster seat credit for its safety, ease of use, comfort and good build quality.

5.Evenflo Chase LX Harnessed Booster Car Seat

evenflo chase lx

At only 11 pounds in weight, the evenflo chase lx harnessed booster seat is lightweight enough to allow for easy portability from one vehicle to another.

But don’t let its lightweight characteristics fool you since it can comfortably support children from 22 pounds to as heavy as 110 pounds in weight.

In fact, since it’s a 2-in-1 booster seat, it can be used on children from 22 to 40 pounds in the harness booster mode after which it can be converted to a belt-positioning high back booster seat for children from 40 to 110 pounds in weight.

In addition to the 2 crotch strap and 4 shoulder harness positions, this booster seat features an innovative design that adjusts to fit the needs of your child as he/she continues to grow.

In terms of safety performance, it meets or exceeds all the applicable federal safety standards including evenflo’s side impact standards. It’s been designed and tested for structural integrity at energy levels that are approximately 2X higher than those of the federal crash test standard.

You can easily install this booster seat in your vehicle and even transfer it between multiple vehicles with ease thanks to the LATCH system that’s integrated into it. Additionally, you can easily get your child in and out of this booster seat thanks to the 5-point harness that can be easily adjusted from the front of this car seat.

The shoulder harness is adjustable to 4 different positions to accommodate your growing child and keep him/her in the booster seat for longer.

To make the life of parents easy and convenient, it comes with a seat pad that’s easy to remove and can be machine washed when your kid messes on it. The belt-positioning paths also guide your vehicle’s seat belt to provide your child with an accurate and safe fit when on the road.

Your child’s needs have also been taken care of thanks to the 2 integrated cup holders for storing favorite drinks or snacks in close proximity.

Even impressive is how Evenflo has managed to integrate these 2 cup holders without increasing the width of this booster seat so as to allow multiple car seats to fit comfortably in your vehicle’s back seat.

The only minor issue with this booster seat is that few parents find the back to be too straight almost at an angle of 90 degrees and they would be happier if the back was a bit more reclined.

But on the whole, this is a great booster seat that functions beautifully and is of excellent quality especially for the price.

6.KidsEmbrace Combination Toddler Harness Booster Car Seat

kidsembrace combination

The kidsembrace combination toddler harness booster seat is one of the very few that your child will happily want to seat and ride in without having to argue with him/her to buckle up.

Apart from the friendly and attractive design and style, this booster seat also keeps up with the AAP’s recommendation that forward facing children should use a 5-point harness for as long as possible and that’s why it can be used as a front facing extended use 5-point harness for children from 22 to 65 pounds and also as a belt-positioning high back booster for kids from 30 to 100 pounds in weight.

If you doubt how safe this stylish booster seat is for your child, you’ll be relieved to know that it’s been rigorously tested to meet the FMVSS 213 and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety “best bet booster” which is actually the highest ranking given.

In addition to that, it has an internal harness system that features energy-absorbing technology together with a deep 3-position adjustable headrest with EPS, energy-absorbing foam to provide your child with superior side impact protection during a collision.

A 2-position crotch belt also adds more safety while offering your child extra comfort. In terms of comfort, your child will appreciate the contoured seat with extra padding for the proper support and comfort that your child needs so as to enjoy the ride even on those long trips.

The recline foot rotates to provide your child with even more comfort on long trips while providing a more precise installation into your vehicle. Speaking of installation, parents will definitely love the LATCH connectors which are easy to install and use thanks to the quick push-button attach and release mechanism.

You can also properly position your vehicle’s shoulder belt with the help of the seat belt guides that are located on the adjustable headrest.

Of course we can’t forget the 2 large armrests with 2 cup holders that are integrated into the car seat to provide your child with both comfort and a place for keeping his/her favorite drinks and snacks within arm’s reach when on the go.

And the good news is that this stylish and attractive booster seat doesn’t have any issues or downsides that we feel you should know about.

In fact, most parents are very happy because of the comfort, safety, ease of use, ease of installation and great build quality it provides to both parents and children alike.

The children are even happier to seat and ride along in this booster seat because of the playful and friendly design that brings their favorite character to life.

7.Chicco KidFit 2-in-1 Belt Positioning Booster Car Seat

chicco kidfit

The chicco kidfit 2-in-1 belt positioning booster seat is a cut above the other booster seats on our list especially when you consider the 10 different adjustable positions of combined head and shoulder protection it provides to your growing child.

Thanks to the SuperCinch LATCH attachment and one-pull tightener, you can install and keep the kidfit firmly and securely in place while allowing your child to get in and out of the car seat with ease.

At just over 10 pounds in weight, the kidfit is impressively lightweight which of course makes it easy for parents to transfer it from one vehicle to another without any difficulty.

As a 2-in-1 belt positioning booster seat, the kidfit can comfortably support children from 30 to 100 pounds in weight as a high-back booster seat and also children from 40 to 110 pounds in weight as a backless booster seat.

You simply need to remove the backrest when you want to convert it to a backless booster seat.

We like the ErgoBoost double foam padding and contoured seat design which basically consists of a foam base layer and seat cushion with foam lining that combine to provide your child with proper support in all the right places.

The backrest can be adjusted to 2 different positions and enable you to recline the car seat so as to mimic your vehicle’s seat position.

Your child will appreciate the 2 cup holders that can be used for storing their favorite snacks and drinks when on the road. To make the life of parents easy and convenient, these two cup holders can be folded away to create more space when they’re not in use and can be removed for easy cleaning.

For even more convenience, the seat pad together with the armrest covers can also be removed and machine washed when they get dirty.

Even better is how there are no any downsides or issues we could find on this wonderful booster seat from Chicco kidfit.

The whole car seat is very easy to use and install and lightweight but still sturdy enough. Most parents are also happy with their purchase and say it’s a great booster seat for a great price that they would confidently recommend to any parent.

8.Evenflo Maestro Booster Car Seat

evenflo maestro

The evenflo maestro shares the same features found in the chase lx that’s reviewed above and they both come at the same price.

That said, the maestro can be used as a 5-point harness booster for children from 22 to 50 pounds in weight with a height from 28 to 50 inches tall.

When your kid is ready, it can be converted to a belt-positioning booster seat for children from 40 to 110 pounds with a height from 43.3 to 57 inches tall. Just like the chase lx, the maestro also comes with up to 4 shoulder harness positions and 2 crotch buckle positions to provide your child with extended use as he/she continues to grow.

The fact that the maestro is designed, engineered, tested, molded and assembled in the USA with components sourced from within the US and globally is a clear indication of the high quality and ultimate safety performance this booster seat provides to parents and children alike.

Speaking of safety, it’s been designed and tested for structural integrity to withstand approximately two times the energy of the federal crash test standard. It also meets or exceeds evenflo’s own side impact standards and all applicable federal safety standards.

Parents will also appreciate the simple harness adjustment with upfront tightening and loosening that makes it easy for them to get their children in and out of the booster seat hassle-free.

You’ll also be able to provide your child with proper and safe fit when on the go by using the auto-adjust belt path that correctly positions your vehicle’s seat belt across your child.

We really like the dual cup holders that are integrated into the car seat for keeping your child’s favorite drinks and snacks in close proximity while still keeping the car seat’s width narrow enough to allow for the fitting of multiple car seats across the back seat of your vehicle.

So the maestro and the chase lx are very similar to one another in terms of features and also price.

And even though you can’t go wrong with either one of them, it’s still up to parents to decide which one between the two models is better suited to their children’s needs in terms of comfort, safety, convenience and durability.

9.Maxi-Cosi RodiFix Booster Car Seat

maxi-cosi rodifix

The maxi-cosi rodifix booster seat is designed to provide your child with superior protection and the ease of use that most parents wish for.

It features air protect to provide your child with superior side impact protection where it’s needed the most, the head region.

And this feature alone is an advantage that many booster seats don’t have. The rodifix can be used to keep children safe from 40 to 120 pounds in weight and up to 57 inches in height.

You can easily, quickly and securely install this booster seat in a matter of seconds. Thanks to the rigid latch connectors, parents can easily and quickly install this booster seat in their vehicles while still ensuring the car seat stays secure in your vehicle by rigidly connecting the booster seat’s steel frame to your vehicle’s steel frame.

Additionally, there’s a synchronized multi-height headrest and expanding side wings designed to grow along with your child while also helping to ensure that your vehicle’s seat belts are not only in the best position, but also safely fit your child when on the go.

There’s also a 2-position recline that can be accessed from the front that allows the seat and seatback on the maxi-cosi rodifix to be adjusted to match your vehicle’s seat-back angle for the best fit and enhanced comfort as your child is riding along.

We like the belt routing system that’s not only easy for young children to learn how to use, but is also designed to make it easier for children to self-buckle themselves independently without the parent’s assistance.

Parents will also appreciate the seat pad that’s easy to remove and is both machine washable and dryer safe to make it easy, quick and convenient to keep the rodifix clean all the time.

For your child’s comfort, it features premium fabrics which are not only plush and comfortable, but are also self-wicking to help deodorize and draw liquids away from your child’s skin for a comfortable ride as you and your child explore the world together.

At about 13.6 pounds in weight, the rodifix is reasonably lightweight which makes the process of moving it from one vehicle to another a bit easy.

The only downside to this booster seat is the high price that’s actually worth it in our opinion. You get a booster seat that’s very comfortable for your child, is easy to use and clean with unmatched safety and quality.

10.Graco High-Back Turbobooster Car Seat

graco highback turbobooster

At a very affordable price, the graco highback turbobooster car seat comes with features that are sure to impress both parents and children alike.

Not only has it been rigorously crash tested to meet or exceed US safety standards, but it also features EPS, energy absorbing foam for effective energy management during impact and is also one of the top rated booster seats by leading consumer magazines.

Safety aside, it can be used for children from 30 to 100 pounds from 38 to 52 inches tall in the highback booster mode and then when your kid is ready, it converts to a backless booster for children from 40 to 100 pounds from 40 to 57 inches tall.

Whether you’re going on long or short trips, the comfort of your child is essential and luckily, this booster seat really delivers. The multi-layered headrest together with the full coverage back support in the highback booster mode both combine to provide your child with comfort and support as he/she continues to grow.

Additionally, the headrest is fully-adjustable to keep your growing child comfortable and secure on all of your travels together. Your kid will also be able to self-buckle independently with ease thanks to the open-loops belt guides that help him/her to easily position the vehicle’s seat belt.

The convertible convenience it provides to both parents and children allows it to comfortably accommodate the growth of your child for many years of use and longevity.

Bigger kids will also appreciate the wide, padded armrests which are extra-comfy for your child and the integrated cup holders for storing drinks and snacks when on the go. There’s also storage for small toys and games.

We like the mix of different colors on the fabric that make this booster seat stylish and visually appealing at the same time so your kid can travel in both comfort and style.

And at only 9 pounds in weight, this booster seat is impressively lightweight making it easy and convenient to move it from one vehicle to another without any difficulty.

And even though it doesn’t come equipped with the LATCH system, it’s still easy and quick to install it even if you’re doing it as a first time buyer.

Few parents also find it to be not as steady as they would have liked it to be. But for the price, this is a great booster seat that your child is sure to love because it fits children perfectly, it’s comfortable and also easy to install.

Booster Seats Buying Guide

A booster seat is usually the next and last type of car seat to transition to after your child outgrows the weight and height limits of a convertible car seat.

Until your child can properly wear a seat belt, you are required to provide him/her with a booster seat since seat belts are designed to be used by adults. Booster seats are designed to help lift your child up in your vehicle so as to allow the seat belt to be worn correctly.

To put it in simpler terms, they are belt-positioning seats. Without a booster seat, the seat belts of most vehicles can’t fit most children properly until they’re at least 10 years of age.

But still, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration advises to use proper child restraint systems or booster seats for children who are still less than 4 feet and 9 inches tall, irrespective of their age and weight.

Types of booster seats

There are mainly two types of booster seats and they are backless and high-back booster seats. Backless booster seats are more portable than high-back boosters since they are easier to move or transfer from one vehicle to another if you have more than one vehicle.

Once it is fastened over your child, a backless booster seat is usually kept in place by your child’s weight together with your vehicle’s seat belt.

High-back booster seats on the other hand may come with a LATCH system which makes it easy to secure the car seat in place.

High-back booster seats are generally recommended more than backless boosters because they position your vehicle’s seat belt better and unlike backless boosters, they can also be used in vehicles that have or don’t have headrests.

High-back boosters are also safer since they can protect your child from whiplash and provide him/her with side impact protection during a collision.

There are also high chair booster seats which are basically boosters seats that are designed to fit comfortably into your baby’s high chair and then used for feeding purposes.

Things to consider when choosing a booster seat

Your child – just like any type of car seat, booster seats also come with height and weight limitations. Because of this, you’ll need to keep track of your child’s age, weight and height since these factors will definitely affect the type of car seat your child will need.

Choosing a booster seat that fits your child properly is very important since the safety of car seats largely depend on your child’s compatibility with the car seat.

Your vehicle – you also need to familiarize yourself with your car by reading and understanding the owner’s manual. Find out your vehicle’s features in terms of car seats and whether it’s equipped with a LATCH system.

Whether your vehicle has low-seatbacks or has a headrest or not will also determine its compatibility with a booster seat.

Important features to look for in a booster seat

High safety rating – the safest booster seat is one that has undergone rigorous crash tests and found to be very safe in protecting your child from fatal injuries around the head, neck and torso regions during a collision.

It might be helpful and important to check out which booster seats have the highest safety ratings from federal safety organizations such as NHTSA, IIHS and even Consumer Reports.

LATCH System – LATCH basically standards for Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children and it allows a booster seat to be easily and securely installed in any vehicle that’s equipped with latch connectors.

In fact, all vehicle models manufactured from 2002 up to the present are all compatible with car seats that have LATCH connectors.

Adjustable headrest/harness – this is important if your child is to achieve a secure and proper fit in the booster seat. Since your child might still be too small to achieve a proper belt positioning even with the help of a booster seat, a harness might still be the perfect option for them.

That’s why a booster seat with an adjustable harness will allow your child to be securely and safely fastened in the car seat until he/she is big enough to use your vehicle’s seat belt alone.

Impact-absorbing foam – this usually helps to reduce the fatal forces of impact during a collision to help protect your child from fatal injuries.

Side impact protection – since a collision can happen on the side of your vehicle, a booster seat that has superior side impact protection will really protect your child in the most important areas such as the head, neck and even torso during a side impact.

Removable seat cover – a machine-washable seat cover that’s easy to remove will make it easy for you to clean and keep the car seat in a good condition every time your child messes on it.

Positioning clips – some of the high-end booster seats feature a belt-positioning clip that guides your vehicle’s seat belt to ensure that the seat belt fits your child properly and correctly.

Easy to install – some booster seats come with color codes or guides together with the manufacturer’s instructions to help you install the booster seat easily and correctly.

This is especially important if you have more than one vehicle since the easier it is to install a booster seat, the bigger chances you have of installing it properly and correctly without spending lots of time in the process.

Comfort – a good booster seat should have multiple layers of padding and cushions and even self-wicking fabrics that suck liquids or sweat away from your child’s skin to keep him/her both comfortable and dry during long trips.

A reclining feature is also important so as to provide your child with a customized sitting angle for ultimate comfort or taking naps when on the go.

Auxiliary – these are basically additional features like cup holders, and storage compartments for keeping your child’s favorite drinks, snacks, toys, and games when on the go.

How to buy booster car seats

(a) You need to determine whether your child is ready for a booster seat or not. Since different car seats cater to different age groups, the kind of protection that a forward-facing car seat provides to babies older than 2 years of age will not be the same kind of protection it can provide to an infant who’s meant to be using an infant car seat.

So it’s best to ensure your child is ready for a booster seat since the level of protection usually reduces as you start to move up a type of car seat.

(b) Hit the retail stores with your child and test whether that particular booster seat is compatible with your vehicle. Also, let your child sit in the booster seat to determine whether it’s the right size for your child and also your vehicle.

(c) Do thorough research online and read reviews of as many booster seat models as possible. Look for models that are top rated with the highest safety ratings for crash test protection, ease of use, and ease of installation.

Checking the list of booster seats that were recalled in the recent past for safety issues is also important.

(d) Prepare your budget. While you can get a good backless booster seat for as low as $25, a high-quality high-back booster seat will usually cost you around $100 to $250.

(e) It’s also important to keep the receipt and your booster seat’s serial number since you’ll need them in case you want it to be replaced because it’s damaged or faulty or if it happens to be recalled in the future.

Important tips and reminders to keep in mind

(a) Since car seats are crash tested and rated for one use only, it’s important to avoid buying a second-hand booster seat which might unknowingly leave you with a car seat that was involved in a crash.

In case you didn’t know, any car seat that has been involved in a crash must not be used again and should be replaced with a new one immediately.

(b) Booster car seats have weight and height limits and so do the LATCH anchors that hold the booster seats securely in place. With this in mind, you need to read the manufacturer’s manual and follow the safety guidelines together with the specified weight and height limits.

Once the combined weight of your child and the booster seat exceeds 65 pounds, it’s advised to use the vehicle’s seat belt to hold the car seat in place.

(c) When your child has exceeded the weight and height limit of a forward-facing car seat, and the shoulder harness slots are below his/her shoulders or when his/her head has already reached the top of a forward-facing car seat, then these are good indicators that your child is ready to start using a booster car seat.

(d) In case you’re using a backless booster seat, then your vehicle must have headrests that are above your child’s ears.

(e) Once the booster seat is installed in your car with your child in it, you’ll know that it’s the right fit for your child if he/she is seated comfortably all the way against the backseat with his/her knees bent at the seat’s edge without the legs sticking straight out.

(f) Once your child is fastened, the seat belt should go across the thighs and not on the abdomen while the shoulder belt should land across the center of the chest, which is between the sternum and collarbone and not on his/her neck.

(g) The best position to place the booster seat is in the middle of your vehicle’s back seat to keep your child well protected from side-impact collisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When can a child be in a backless booster seat?

A: If your child has outgrown the height limitations or the internal harness of a forward-facing car seat and he/she weighs between 40 to 80 pounds but his/her height is under 4’9″.

If he/she is also aged between 4 to 8 years and is at least 35″ tall, then such a child can be ridden in a backless booster car seat.

Q: Are harness booster seats safer?

A: Car seats that have an in-built harness are much safer than booster car seats that use seat belts. If you transition your child into the next category of using a seat belt too early, it can be dangerous for your child since he/she won’t have adequate protection in a crash or collision.

Q: What is a 5 point harness booster?

A: Just like the name suggests, it’s a booster seat with a harness that has 5 points of contact. These points of contact are the shoulder, shoulder, hip, hip, and crotch.

A belt-positioning booster is a device that’s been designed for positioning the adult-sized seat belt over your child’s body in the correct locations.

Conclusion

That wraps it up for this detailed guide on the safest booster seats 2024. If you’re still undecided on which type of booster seat or model you want to get for your growing kid, then you can leave your questions in the comments below and we’ll try to answer them to the best of our ability.

4 thoughts on “Safest Booster Seats 2024 (Buyer’s Guide)”

  1. I have a 53 pound child that I would like to keep safe and comfortable. I can’t choose between the Chicco Kidfit 2 in 1 and the Britax Parkway SGL and the Britax Frontier G1 Clicktight. I am looking at 3 things: first is safety, second is comfort, and lastly easy install and cleaning.Please give me your opinion.

  2. One thing I noticed a few years ago when I was buying my now 4yo’s infant seat…Britax- at least at that time- was not machine washable. You couldn’t take off the fabric and wash it. That was enough to turn me off of it.

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