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BEST BOOSTER CAR SEATS 2023 FOR YOUR CHILD’S SAFETY
Whether you are going on a short camping trip or longer summer vacation by car one thing that you should consider having is a comfortable booster car seat. Since there are a lot of car seat models and variations that are designed for children of different ages you might wonder when is the right moment for a booster seat.
Unlike some other types, a booster car seat allows your kid to use standard seatbelts that exist in the vehicle. Since the car seatbelt is designed for adults this kind of seat is made to boost the kids to the proper height. Now, it is complicated to say what is the perfect age for your child to start using this type of seat as they grow and develop differently. However some things are considered the norm – the kid should at least weigh 40 pounds, be four years old; be able to stay in the seat during the entire ride. If you opt for booster seat keep in mind that you can choose between two options – high back booster and backless booster.
If you are ready to shop for the best booster car seat but don’t know where to start, scroll down! We have independently reviewed and tested all child booster seats for cars mentioned in our article. After reading our comprehensive guide, you will be able to choose the perfect equipment like a pro!
Comparison Table of the Best Booster Car Seats in 2023
Graco is a trusted manufacturer of products for children. This Backless Turbobooster Car Booster Seat deserves to be the # 1 product on our list, and not without reason! It helps to transport kids with weight 40-100lbs and up to 57 inches. You’ll be surprised by the easy installation of this best booster car seat! It connects to the car seat with one hand due to the front-adjust latch system.
This top-rated booster car seat has undergone the most strict crash tests and extreme car interior temperatures tests and proved its ability to protect a child in any bad accidents.
This best booster car seat is a blend of trusted safety and comfort for kids!
Why We Like It
- Easy to maintain and clean
- A cup holder
- Compartment storage for kid’s things
Another great item made by Graco. This best-rated booster car seat can make a perfect transition from a baby car seat to a booster. This model features a removable highback which may be more comfortable in the early period of transition. Actually, you’ll have 2 products in 1. This item is suitable for 30-100 lbs, up to 57 inches of kids. You’ll install it just with one hand, like the previous Graco model.
Highback is adjustable and grows with your child; the headrest offers additional protection and comfort. This best booster car seat was seriously tested and is completely safe and protecting.
This best item gives you peace of mind because your kid is safe and secure.
Why We Like It
- Made with energy-absorbing foam for enhanced protection
- Easy self-buckle
- A cup holder
- Storage compartment for children’s things
- Easy to clean and maintain
Chicco presents one of the safest car booster seats with a high back, which can be used as a backless booster for bigger kids. It is suitable for 30-110lbs kids; this model will grow with your child as it features an adjustable 10-position back support. The highback boasts head and shoulders side impact protection. Mounting of this item takes seconds and a one-pull tightener keeps the equipment in place. A backrest has 2 reclining positions, so your child can comfortably rest during the ride.
This is one of the best models is safe, lightweight, sleek, plush and comfortable according to the booster car seat reviews.
Why We Like It
- Double-foam filling for better protection and support
- 2 removable and space-saving cup holders
- Pads and armrest cover are removable and machine-washable
This high back booster car seat with a harness comes with a 25lbs-100lbs weight limit. We like this particular model because it comes with a 5-point harness, and when your child is ready, it can be changed to a belt-positioning booster. So, this baby car booster seat will keep your child securely seated while he/she is growing. The backrest features 4 reclining positions for your kid’s enhanced comfort. Your child will be secured during car rides due to the side-impact protection made with energy-absorbing foam and steel-framed seats. Plus, Lock Secure technology ensures a perfect fit with a car belt.
This model will serve your family for a long time, so it’s a great investment.
Pros
- Deep, comfortable and secure
- 9 positions of the headrest
- Removable cup holders
- Comes in various colors
Cons
- Installation requires some effort
Seeking the best booster car seat for a little princess? Look no further! Britax has manufactured a high-quality 2-in-1 model with a weight limit of 25-120lbs. It features a 5-point harness and easily converts into a booster. This pink booster car seat provides the ultimate protection for your kid while riding. Kid’s head, neck, and torso are surrounded by 2 layers of side impact protection; exclusive Britax Safe Technology helps to absorb crash energy, V-shape tether, and steel-framed seat keep the item in its place tightly.
This girls’ booster car seat does a great job in keeping children comfortable, and, what is more important - safe.
Pros
- Exceptionally safe
- Easy to install
- Padded with memory foam, feels comfortable
- Easy to clean cup holder and snack storage
Cons
- No reclining position
This no back booster car seat by Graco is designed for safe, comfortable and pleasurable rides. You will like the way this model helps to protect your child and raise him/her to the right height for the seat belt. The weight limit is 40-100lbs, height limit - 57 inches. The compact booster car seat feels ultimately comfortable thanks to cushioned place and height-adjustable, padded armrests. Your kid will definitely love the design with dinosaurs. And you, as a parent, will appreciate the overall high quality of this item.
The road trips will become much more enjoyable with this great model by Graco.
Pros
- Meets the USA standard FMVSS 213
- Hide-away cup holders
- Easy to clean cover
- Stylish design
Cons
- Padding could be thicker
The Spiderman booster car seat is a dream come true for every “big” boy! Parents will appreciate it too due to useful features. KidsEmbrace offers a 2-in-1 model that can handle 22-65 lbs as a facing-forward booster car seat for 5-year-olds and 30-100 lbs as a belt-positioning one, the height limit is 38-57 inches. It’ll grow with your kid! There are contoured place and height-adjustable headrest filled energy-absorbing foam, 5-point harness - everything for your child’s safety. This toddler car booster seat is easy to mount, no matter you use latch connectors and tether or not.
Your child will fall in love with a car booster seat appearance. And you, as a parent will love its quality!
Pros
- Meets the USA safety standards - FMVSS213
- 3-position adjustable height
- Easy to clean cup holders
Cons
- Padding is too thin, long-distance trips might not be comfortable
Why not love this 3 in 1 booster car seat if it is going to serve your family for such a long time? This model transforms from a 5-point harness (22-65lbs) to a highback belt-positioning (30-100 lbs), and then to a backless car booster (40-100 lbs). You can easily adjust the harness height - just in one motion: the headrest has an 8-position height set up. This lightweight, portable car booster seat is ideal for busy parents.
This model by Gracoha undergone all existing crash tests and proved its protectiveness.
Pros
- Meets federal safety standards
- Has a removable bolster - body support for little ones
- Suitable from toddler to teen years
- 2 cup holders
- The cover is machine-washable
Cons
- Complaints on the top latch - challenging to get it tight
This Cosco Topside Backless Car Booster is for growing kids with weight from 40 to 100 lbs, and height from 43 to 57 inches. It gives your child a comfortable raise to buckle a vehicle belt so that it is accurately positioned. Soft, plush padding makes long-distance trips comfy and enjoyable. The design of this children’s booster car seat is perfect for busy parents always on the go because it’s compact and lightweight. You can easily move this item from car to car.
This cheap booster car seat doesn’t compromise the quality.
Pros
- Available in various colors Affordable Made in the USA One-year warranty
Cons
- Hand-washable cover
Evenflo has created this combination booster car seat which features two modes - forward-facing harness and belt-positioning booster. it holds children with weight 22-110 lbs and height 28-57 inches. The 5-point harness is adjustable and sits snugly. This booster seat for a car is easy to mount, so you can switch vehicles and never worry to install your item improperly. This model is really comfortable for long trips due to soft padding. What is the most important - this car booster seat keeps a kid secure in case of a bad crash.
This toddler car booster seat is well-made, sturdy and comfortable for children.
Pros
- Affordable
- Available in different colors
- Cover is machine-washable
- Convenient cup holders
Cons
- Might be challenging to tighten straps
BUYER’S GUIDE: CHOOSING THE BEST BOOSTER CAR SEAT
What is a Booster Seat?
It is a special cushion that is used to lift kids in the car so that a vehicle seat belt fits properly. Actually, we need a booster car seat as well as a baby bike seat to keep a child secure in case of a crash. It is officially proven that children who don’t use car seats or boosters suffer from bad injuries far oftener during accidents.
Do You need a Booster Seat?
If your child weighs 40-122lbs and his/her hight is up to 57 inches, yes, he/she must use the best booster car seats. And here is why. Children with such a weight and height are too small for a vehicle seat belt, it usually ends up across the neck and on their belly. In case of a crash so-called “seat-belt syndrome” happens – abdomen organs and neck suffer severely. But if a child uses a car booster, a belt does its job properly – protects a passenger.
Things to Consider when Picking the Best Booster Car Seat?
Age of the Child
Consider this factor when you are choosing the best booster car seat for your child. A child’s age influences the type greatly.
- Newborns to 2 years: Use a rear-facing baby car seat. By the way, it is an essential item among baby registry must-haves.
- 2 to 4 years (or weight 40 pounds and up): Use a forward-facing kid’s safety seat. You may start using a 3-in-1 best booster car seat with harness and high back.
- 4 to 8 years:: Use a high back car booster seat.
- 8 to 12 years: Use a belt-positioning booster car seat.
Weight & Size
Always pay attention to weight, height limits, and size. Otherwise, a booster won’t do the job in case of an accident.
Safety
It’s always better to choose the best car boosters which passed the crash test and meet the federal safety standard.
Ease of Use & Clean
The best booster is easy to mount and use. Also, it’s better if the cover is removable and machine-washable. Because we deal with children, constant spots and spills are guaranteed. And don’t forget to use the best car seat protector if you want your back seat to look neat!
Seats for Children Living With Special Needs
It’s better to use specially designed car seats for disabled children. Usually, such items have a 5-point harness, adjustable height or length and have additional posture pads. They are anchored into a car like regular car seats. Some of the best booster car seats with a harness and supportive padding might be used for children with special needs. However, experts do not recommend using folding booster car seats.
Types of the Best Booster Car Seats
- Forward-Facing to Booster Convertible Seat: The purpose of this booster is holding, supporting and protecting a child’s body, a 5-point harness is used.
- High-back Boosters: It’s a type with height-adjustable backrest. Due to such a booster, a kid learns to sit properly so that he/she can use a vehicle seat belt.
- Backless Boosters: You put it on the back seat of a car and it provides a better fit for children aged 8-12. Thanks to these boosters, a safety belt is used correctly.
- Combination Seats: They are 3-in-1 (combine all 3 types mentioned above), or 2-in-1 (when a high back booster car seats that turn into a booster).
Best Booster Car Seats FAQ
When Should my Child Switch From a Car Seat to a Booster Seat?
If you start to ask yourself, “When can a child go into a booster seat?”, here is an answer you: when your little one outgrows his/her baby car seat (2-4-year-old), it’s time to make a transition to a forward-facing or high back booster car seat.
Do High Back Boosters Need to be Anchored?
Most of the highback boosters do not come with anchor connectors. However, you have to mount a booster into your car back seat. Do it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
How Can I Make My Booster Seat More Comfortable?
Booster seats are super convenient, especially for long rides. However, they aren’t the most comfortable option you can find on the market. Some people are trying to make them cozier for their kids by adding some extra cushions but this rarely solves the problem. The best you can do is to look for the most comfortable booster car seat out there. Also, keep in mind that at the beginning most of the kids prefer the high back seat.
Can You Recline a Booster Seat?
When it comes to chairs for children recline is one of the best features. Kids especially enjoy it because the more recline options there are, the more they can choose sitting position according to their preference. Talking about comfortable booster seats for long trips you should know that some have a lot of recline options and others don’t. If this is something important for you and your kid that you should check online or in the shop for the model that comes with most recline positions.
How Do You Sleep in A Booster?
Booster seats, unfortunately, aren’t the best place for sleeping. But there are some things you can do if you are going on a long trip to make sleeping better for your kids. If you have a high back seat that the kid can lean on the head wing when they want to sleep. If you have a backless booster then you can try to ask them to rest, but it is not a comfortable position for a sleep.
OUR RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE BEST BOOSTER CAR SEAT
We, at parenthoodroutine.com, like each model from our list. And we would use them for our children because they all are safe and secure. However, we have to name the winner, and it is Graco TurboBooster LX Backless Booster (# 1 product on our list). We consider it the best booster car seat 2023 since this model meets all federal safety tests. It underwent so many serious examinations, we can rely on it. These girls and boys’ booster car seat has a blend of trusted safety and excellent features, such as nice cup holders, storage compartment, machine-washable pads, etc. Our team fell in love with this car booster seat!
Our team is constantly searching for the best products for kids! If you are interested in the best toddler backpacks, you are welcome to read our reviews!
It was a challenging and responsible task to write this article because it’s all about children’s safety! But we did it since we have children too, and this is a very interesting topic for us. So, what has been done?
- We read reliable online reviews and customers reports
- We talked to experience parents who had already been using car booster seats for a long time. Some of them switched between models several times
- We selected 10 models and tested them independently. After that, we discussed the pros and cons of each booster car seat; and finally, our team created this shopping list and buyer’s guide.
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