You can learn more about proper seat belt positioning here, and you can find out how different booster seat models hold up in crash tests using the Office of Vehicle Safety Compliance’s compliance database. Readiness The UPPAbaby Alta Booster Seat boasts a feature no other booster we tested has: a lap belt positioner. This special piece helps kids 40 to 100 pounds and 38 to 57 inches tall find a proper fit easier.

This seat is safe for children between 40 and 120 pounds and up to 63 inches tall. It comes in multiple colors, and the cover is machine washable. To find the best booster seats, we began our research by studying AAP, NHTSA, and IIHS safety guidelines. We also spoke with parents and medical professionals, including Jessica Jermakian, DSc,Vice President of Vehicle Research for the IIHS; Heather Trnka, Injury Prevention Coalition Supervisor at Akron Children’s Hospital; and Denise Scott, MD, a JustAnswer pediatrician, to learn more about what to look for in a booster seat. Hiccapop uberboost inflatable booster has been tested thoroughly to meet and exceed the safety standards. It has a non-skid base, allowing kids to stay in one place throughout the journey. The leather and vinyl material of the seat feel comfortable. The headrest and seat covers of the UPPAbaby Alta are machine washable, but we found that brushing out the crumbs was enough to make the booster look like new. We didn’t have any challenges with cleaning the seat, and there were no deep or difficult-to-reach nooks and crannies. Plus, the plastic shell is a breeze to wipe down. A good compromise can be a convertible booster that starts as a 5-point harness and then convert to a seat belt booster if your child is still at the lower end of the age and size scale.Why does my child need a booster seat? The simple answer is, it is the best protection you can get for your child while traveling in a car. Booster seats raise the child, so the vehicle seat belt fits the body correctly with the shoulder, and lap belts are positioned to provide optimum protection while minimizing potential harm. This travel booster seat includes a metal belt loop that keeps the seat belt secure in one place. The fabric of this inflatable booster seat can absorb moisture so your kid can have a comfy ride. What You’ll Love About This Product When do you need to start considering buying a booster car seat? Whilst a harnessed car seat meets the needs of your baby or toddler, from the age of around four your child will outgrow their car seat and that’s when they’ll be ready to move on to a booster seat. Every parent wants to protect their children and keep them safe when out and about. Ensuring your kids are safe when travelling in the car is especially important, and your choice of car seat will play a big role in this. But, as your child grows, you The Safety 1st Solo is a convertible and reclining booster car seat, suitable for use from 12 months firstly as a forward-facing harnessed car seat, and then to a booster seat for use with a lap-sash seat belt from 4 to 8 years of age. One of Australia’s safest car seats, it combines long lasting versatility without sacrificing on comfort and safety, and is also a great budget friendly option.

We found the process of changing the position of the armrest slightly inconvenient: you have to remove a screw, press a button on the base, and reinstall the screw. On each side of the seat, you’ll also find a hide-away cup holder that folds into the base when not in use. The patented Slideguard clip ensures the seatbelt is positioned correctly for the size of your child to prevent slumping. To accommodate your child at any stage, the seat base cleverly extends. The lower side wings also expand and an impressive nine height adjustments ensure that this seat will keep up with your growing child. Converts from a rear-facing car seat to a forward-facing car seat with harness to a booster seat as the child grows Suitable for children aged between 4 and 8 years of age, the Safety 1st Apex is an unharnessed booster seat for use with your lap-sash seatbelt. Lightweight and super easy to install, this is a budget friendly choice that doesn’t skimp on features and with a generous six year warranty it will be sure to last the distance.

Lastly, avoid inflatable booster seats, as they may deform under the forces of a crash, explains Dr. Jermakian. Inflatable booster seats are less stiff; if a collision happens, you need a unit that's stiff enough to keep the seat belt across the pelvis and shoulder. Under the forces of a crash, inflatable boosters may cause a child's hips to slip under the belt, which can cause the seat belt to move into the soft areas of the abdomen and result in serious injury, Dr. Jermakian adds. KidsEmbrace is the best-bet booster car seat for growing kids. It features seat belt installation and forward-facing orientation. It is designed for kids over 4 years old. It can handle a maximum of 100 lbs and can be increased from 57 inches in height.