Recommended Carseats
CarseatBlog’s Recommended Carseats List- Updated Sept 2012
For anyone interested, here’s a blog with some background to these recommendations. Feel free to comment about our list or about your favorite child seats there!
Infant Seats
Infant seats have a base that stays in the vehicle. This type of car seat is for infants from birth to 22 or 30-something lbs. and is highly portable. You can purchase an extra base for around $50+ depending on the manufacturer.
Click here to see our separate list of Recommended Carseats for Preemies & Multiples.
Features: 4-30 lbs.; up to 32″ tall; 5-point harness with front adjuster; 4 harness slots; infant-sized chest clip; adjustable base; harness and belly pads; built-in lockoff for seatbelt installations; push-on LATCH connectors; EPS foam; adjustable canopy; handle can remain upright in vehicle
Drawbacks: Lack of no rethread harness. That just means you have to detach harness from splitter plate and route straps through the next set of harness slots as baby grows. Not a big deal but not as easy as a no rethread harness.
Comments: Fits preemies and small newborns well. Easy to install in a variety of vehicles. Read our full review of the Britax B-Safe.
Features: 4-30 lbs.; up to 30″ tall; 5-point harness with front adjuster; 3 harness slots; infant-sized chest clip; adjustable base; unique “center-pull” LATCH adjustment; push-on LATCH connectors; built-in lockoffs for seatbelt installations; storage compartment in base for manual and small toys; EPS foam; newborn insert (4-11 lbs. use only); harness strap covers; well-padded cover; canopy that rotates 180°; handle can remain upright in vehicle
Drawbacks: Lack of no rethread harness. That just means you have to detach harness from splitter plate and route straps through the next set of harness slots as baby grows. Not a big deal but not as easy as a no rethread harness.
Our comments: Fits preemies and small newborns well. Super easy to install base using either LATCH or seatbelt; Chicco is the only manufacturer that allows the use of a specific aftermarket cover on its infant carseats. There’s also a Chicco KeyFit 22 version that has a maximum weight limit of 22 lbs. We have a full review of the KeyFit 30 here.
Features: 4-35 lbs.; up to 32″ tall; 5-point harness with front adjuster; 4 sets of harness slots; 3 crotch strap/buckle positions; fits preemies and small babies well; open cell foam “Air Protect” cushions for enhanced side-impact protection; handle can remain upright in vehicle; EPP foam; adjustable base; built-in lockoff for seatbelt installations; push-on LATCH connectors
Drawbacks: Lack of no rethread harness. May take up a lot of real estate in smaller backseats.
Our comments: A very nice infant seat, fits small babies and preemies well. Also one of the tallest infant seats so it fits older babies and toddlers longer than many other infant seats. Read our review here.
Features: 5*-35 lbs.; up to 32″ tall; 5-point harness with front adjuster; both lap and shoulder harness straps adjust in length; adjustable base; built-in lockoff for seatbelt installations; EPS foam; some models have additional memory foam; canopy that rotates 180°; handle can remain upright in vehicle; *newest models are rated from 4 lbs and have unique infant insert designed to help smaller newborns fit better in the harness.
Drawbacks: It’s large and may take up a considerable amount of backseat room especially when it’s reclined enough for a newborn. Older models with 5 lb minimum weight rating may not fit a small newborn or preemie baby well. Buckle requires a lot of pressure to buckle and unbuckle – not “grandparent-friendly.” Basic hook-style LATCH connectors.
Our comments: Works great as a larger infant seat. We know of many kids who’ve made it past 12 months in this seat. It has a very tall shell so it accommodates older, taller babies well. Just don’t confuse this SnugRide 35 model with the original SnugRide (22 lb version) model or with the SnugRide 30 model. They are all completely different infant seats all made by Graco. See our full review of the SnugRide 35.
Convertible Seats
Convertible seats can be used either rear-facing or forward-facing. They are generally the next step after the infant seat. However, many models will fit average-sized full term newborns well and many parents choose to skip the infant seat altogether and use a convertible right from the start. For optimal crash protection use a convertible seat in the rear-facing position until the child reaches either the rear-facing weight or height limit. With a few exceptions for the smallest convertibles and/or the largest toddlers, most kids can remain safely rear-facing until they are 2 or 3 years old. Weight and height limits vary depending on the specific model. Convertible seats are more permanent in the vehicle than infant seats are, so you lose the ability to lug your little prince/princess around town in the carseat.
Britax Boulevard 70-G3 & Advocate 70-G3
Features: 5-40 lbs. rear-facing, 20-70 lbs. forward-facing; Advocate model has energy-absorbing “Side Impact Cushion Technology” bolsters on sides of seat for additional protection in side-impact crashes; no rethread harness – harness height is adjusted with a squeeze of a handle; EPP foam; non-twist straps; HUGS harness system; 2 buckle positions; “rip stitch” energy management tether that can be used rear-facing as well as forward-facing; anti-slip base; SafeCell technology; built-in lockoffs for seatbelt installations; push-on LATCH connectors, velcro to hold back the harness when it’s not in use; G3 improvements include E-Z buckle system and improved HUGS pads
Drawbacks: Shell is shorter than other convertible seats in its class; Side Impact Cushion Technology on Advocate model takes up more space and may make it difficult to place this seat next to another carseat; lockoffs can be difficult to close in some vehicles but are only needed if installing with seatbelt – our blog with videos will help you.
Our comments: Easy to use correctly and one of the easiest convertible seats to install if you’re using LATCH. Fits newborns well but optional infant positioning insert is recommended if you’re planning to use it from birth. Tends to fit well rear-facing in smaller vehicles. If you don’t have the room for the additional width of the Advocate model then go for the Boulevard 70-G3 instead. See our full review of the Advocate 70 here. Comments specific to the G3 upgrades can be found here.
Features: 5-40 lbs. rear-facing, 20-55 lbs. forward-facing; 4 sets of harness slots; 2 buckle positions; EPP foam; removable infant body pillow; non-twist straps; ”rip stitch” energy management tether that can be used rear-facing as well as forward-facing; built-in lockoffs for seatbelt installations; push-on LATCH connectors; anti-slip base; SafeCell technology; velcro to hold back the harness when it’s not in use.
Drawbacks: Must re-thread harness to change harness height; shell is shorter than other convertible seats in its class; lockoffs can be problematic in some vehicles but are only necessary when installing with seatbelt – our blog with videos will help you. Lacks G3 upgrades found on other Britax convertibles.
Our comments: This is the budget-friendly Britax convertible. Easy to use correctly and one of the easiest convertible seats to install if you’re using LATCH. Fits newborns well but optional infant positioning insert is recommended if you’re planning to use it from birth. Tends to fit well rear-facing in smaller vehicles. See Kecia’s full review of the Roundabout 55 here.
Features: 5*-33 lbs. rear-facing, 20-40 lbs. forward-facing; narrow and compact; installs easily in a lot of cars and on airplanes–designed to work well in small vehicles and 3-across situations; lightweight; built-in lockoffs; optional Euro-style rear-facing seatbelt routing; infant insert cushions; all Coccoros may now be tethered rear-facing. *Newest models are rated down to 3 lbs for preemies.
Drawbacks: Has tendency to flip toward vehicle seatback when installed rear-facing, but tethering it rear-facing (if possible in your vehicle) would solve that problem. Small and compact so it’s outgrown quickly by height compared to other larger convertibles. Basic hook-style LATCH connectors.
Our comments: Niche product. Makes a great travel seat. Lightweight. Fits well rear-facing in compact cars. Read our Coccoro review here.
Features: 5-35 lbs rear-facing (Scenera 40 RF models are rated to 40 lbs rear-facing), 22-40 lbs forward-facing; 4 sets of harness slots; 3 crotch strap positions; fits average-sized newborns well; narrow footprint; generally easy to install; lightweight; budget-friendly
Drawbacks: No EPS or EPP foam; sparse padding; usually requires pool noodles or rolled up blanket/towel to achieve proper rear-facing recline angle in vehicle, basic hook-style LATCH connectors.
Our comments: A good budget seat. Nice for traveling since it’s lightweight. We have a review of the Scenera here.
Features: 5-45 lbs. rear-facing, 20-80 lbs. forward-facing; equipped with push-on “SuperLATCH” connectors for children up to 80 lbs. (but only in vehicles made after Sept 1, 2005); EPS foam; adjustable head wings for use with the top 3 harness slots; tall top harness slots; tether that can be used rear-facing as well as forward-facing; SafeStop crash force load limiter for forward-facing harness use (requires tether to 40 lbs.; remove SafeStop at 40 lbs.); infant head support and body support; 8 year expiration date; rubber grips on base of seat; folds flat for storage; steel frame
Drawbacks: Weight; incompatible forward-facing installation with seatbelt in some vehicles; may take up a lot of room rear-facing if you need the full recline angle for a newborn. Shoulder belt guides are problematic when used in booster mode.
Our comments: If you want to rear-face your kid forever, or if you’re trying to fit 3 seats across the back of a smaller vehicle then this may be the seat for you. The Radian RXT & Radian R120 both have 45 lbs. rear-facing weight limits but only the RXT has the deeper headwings for improved side-impact protection (SIP). We have a review of the newest Diono RXT model here and an explanation of the SuperLATCH connectors here. The Diono rear-facing angle adjuster accessory can help make the seat more upright (subsequently taking up less space) for rear-facing kids over 1 year old.
Evenflo Symphony 65 E3 (aka Evenflo Symphony DLX)
Features: 5-40 lbs. rear-facing, 22-65 lbs. forward-facing with 5-point harness, booster from 40-100 lbs.; Infinite Slide harness height adjusting system; unique self-ratcheting “SureLATCH” connectors; E3 foam for enhanced side-impact protection; one-hand adjustable headrest
Drawbacks: Lacks a built-in lockoff; not tall enough in booster mode to be the last seat your child will need.
Our comments: A nice 3-in-1 seat with deep headwings for enhanced SIP. Innovative push-on “SureLATCH” connectors have built-in retractors. You attach the connectors to the lower LATCH anchors in your [2003 or newer] vehicle, shove down on the seat and the SureLATCH connectors automatically tighten for you! The Symphony 65 e3 is an IIHS.org Best Bet booster pick. See our full review here.
Features: 5-40 lbs. rear-facing, 22-65 lbs. forward-facing; EPP foam in head through leg area; Infinite Slide harness height adjuster; 2 buckle positions; infant support insert
Drawbacks: Harness not removable for cleaning/replacement; it’s wide so it may not fit side-by-side with other car seats; harness adjuster knobs can be cumbersome; basic hook-style LATCH attachments
Our comments: A nice alternative to more expensive convertible seats. It has all the safety foam, plus ease-of-use features. The knob harness adjusters may take some getting used to, since it’s different than a central front adjuster system. Tends to fit well rear-facing in smaller backseats.
True Fit Premier c670 & True Fit SI (Side Impact) c680 by Learning Curve
Features: 5-35 lbs. rear-facing, 23-65 lbs. forward-facing; anti-rebound management bar on the Premier version; fully lined with EPP foam; removable upper head restraint portion for rear-facing infants who weigh less than 22 lbs. and are less than 29″ tall; harness height adjustment from side of seat without unthreading the harness; 2 buckle positions; body and toddler pillows; built-in lockoffs.
Drawbacks: The rear-facing lock-off may be in a position that makes it difficult to install in some vehicles; can take up a lot of room in the backseat when rear-facing once the upper head restraint portion is required.
Our comments: A great option for extended rear-facing with kids who weigh less than 35 lbs. The First Years improved upon the original True Fit model by adding an anti-rebound bar and recline feature to the Premier. See our C670 review here.
Graco Size4Me 70 & My Size 70 (BRU exclusive – same product; different name)
Features: 4-40 lbs. rear-facing, 20-70 lbs. forward-facing; separate LATCH straps and connectors for rear- and forward-facing beltpaths; push-on LATCH connectors; EPS foam; no rethead harness; 8 position adjustable headrest; 2 buckle positions; infant insert; integrated cup holder
Drawbacks: Can be difficult to get the last bit of slack out of the harness when tightening, especially on a smaller child. Buckle requires a lot of pressure to buckle and unbuckle – not “grandparent-friendly.”
Our Comments: Excellent choice for extended rear-facing. Very easy to install in many vehicles. Should fit average-sized full term newborns well but may not be a good fit for low birthweight babies or preemies. See Darren’s full review here.
Features: 15-35 lbs. rear-facing, 25-65 lbs. forward-facing; docks onto Orbit base for rear-facing or can be installed rear-facing and forward-facing with included braces; the head area is surrounded by EPP foam; new G2 model has improved harness and deeper headwings for enhanced SIP; very tall top harness slots; strap covers; built-in lockoffs for seatbelt installations; attaches to Orbit stroller; cover certified to Oeko-Tex Standard 100 for having fewer chemicals
Drawbacks: Heavy; removable braces could be lost when seat used with base
Our Comments: The Orbit Toddler seat is often overlooked in the sea of Higher-Weight Harness convertible seats, but it’s a cool seat to consider. When rear-facing, it can be docked on the infant base, which allows it to be swiveled for in/out removal of the child. The LATCH straps and tether strap are neatly tucked away behind a panel on the back of the seat–no straps hanging out getting caught in doors or stepped on! See Jennie’s review of the current Orbit Toddler G2 model here.
Features: 5-40 lbs. rear-facing, 22-65 lbs. forward-facing; deep headwings and Air Protect technology for enhanced side-impact protection; no rethread harness; 3 crotch strap positions; EPP foam; push-on LATCH attachments, LX version has a base with recline built-in
Drawbacks: Can take up a lot of room rear-facing if you need the full recline for a younger child. Current models and older stock lack the dual recline angle indicators.
Our comments: The Complete Air is one of the tallest rear-facing seats on the market, so it’s a great candidate to consider for extended rear-facing. New models (arriving in stores in Oct/Nov) will have dual angle indicators and will allow a more upright install for kids over 22 lbs. We recommend the LX version with the improved base with recline feature. Darren has 2 reviews here and here, and Lovinwaves has a review here of the 50 lbs. version.
Maxi-Cosi Pria 70 with TinyFit
Features: 4-40 lbs. rear-facing (4-18 lbs with TinyFit), 22-65 lbs. forward-facing; unique TinyFit insert is literally a shell within a shell; 12 harness height positions; no rethread harness; deep headwings and Air Protect technology for enhanced side-impact protection; push-on LATCH connectors; 2 chest clips (standard sized and smaller infant size); integrated cupholder
Drawbacks: There is a bit of a learning curve involved with this seat since it offers so many options and is highly adjustable. Harness can be difficult to tighten when using the TinyFit insert.
Our comments: Great fit for newborns and big kids alike. May take up less room when rear-facing than other large convertibles. Tall top harness slots. Ridiculous amounts of padding in the cover – it’s like sitting on a cloud! See full review here.
Peg Perego Primo Viaggio SIP 5-70
Features: 5-45 lbs. rear-facing, 22-70 lbs. forward-facing; deep headwings for enhanced side-impact protection; 10 harness height positions; no rethread harness; 2 buckle positions; EPS foam; thick no-twist harness straps; push-on LATCH connectors; premium fabrics
Drawbacks: Rear-facing beltpath is tight to work with.
Our comments: One of the very few convertibles rated to 45 lbs in the rear-facing position. Very easy to install and use properly. Italian fabrics are high-end and luxurious. Molto Bello! See Heather’s full review here.
Forward-Facing Only Seats
Forward-facing only seats can be broken into two groups: forward-facing harnessed seats and combination seats. Forward-facing harnessed seats are seats that can only be used with the 5-point harness. Combination seats are seats with a 5-point harnesses (rated to 40 lbs. or a higher), that then convert to a belt-positioning booster seat after the harness is outgrown.
Combination Seats
Britax Frontier 85 & Frontier 85 SICT
Features: 5-point harness from 2 years AND 25-85 lbs.; booster to 120 lbs.; front harness adjuster; no-rethread harness height adjuster; 3 buckle positions; dual integrated cup holders; arm rests; smooth harness adjuster; SICT model has additional energy-absorbing “Side Impact Cushion Technology” bolsters on sides for increased protection in side impact crashes.
Drawbacks: Must remove screw in head restraint before using it as a booster; long belt path installation takes some getting used to; no-rethread harness adjusts from back of the seat
Our comments: High weight limits combined with very tall top harness slots will keep kids in a 5-point harness longer than most other seats on the market. Kudos to Britax for being leaders in the industry and putting a 2 year minimum age limit and reasonable lower weight limit on the seat! The Frontier 85 and Frontier 85 SICT are IIHS.org Best Bet booster picks. Darren reviewed it here and listed all the differences between the new Frontier 85 and the original version.
Features: 5-point harness from 20-50 lbs.; booster from 40 to 100 lbs.; 4 sets of harness slots; tall top harness slots; EPS foam; 2 crotch strap positions; dual integrated cup holders; arm rests; lightweight
Drawbacks: Not very tall in booster mode; non-adjustable headrest; buckle requires a lot of pressure to buckle and unbuckle – not “grandparent-friendly.”
Our comments: It’s a great lightweight seat for the money! Kecia reviewed it in her Combo Seat as a Booster series. The Maestro is an IIHS.org Best Bet booster pick.
Features: 5-point harness from 20-65 lbs.; booster from 40 to 100 lbs.; 4 sets of harness slots; 2 buckle positions; SureLATCH self-tightening LATCH connectors; energy-absorbing “e3″ foam; very tall top harness slots; dual integrated cup holders; lightweight
Drawbacks: Harness might be a little tight for kids on the top end of the weight and height limits – especially if they are dressed for colder weather. Lacks no-rethread harness. Buckle requires a lot of pressure to buckle and unbuckle – not “grandparent-friendly.”
Our comments: Everything we love about the Maestro but better! SureLATCH connectors tend to work really well due to the design of this seat. If you don’t have lower LATCH anchors in your vehicle then save yourself a few bucks and opt for the 300 model instead. See Kecia’s full review of the SecureKid here.
Features: 5-point harness from 20-65* lbs.; booster to 100 lbs.; converts to a backless booster; tall top harness slots, 3-position recline; cup holder built into right armrest; storage areas in each armrest; EPS foam; *Argos 70 model has no-rethread harness rated to 70 lbs.
Drawbacks: Outer position for crotch strap/buckle is not particularly generous for bigger/older kids. Nautilus model lacks the no-rethread harness feature. Basic hook-style LATCH connectors. Buckle requires a lot of pressure to buckle and unbuckle – not “grandparent-friendly.”
Our comments: The Nautilus & Argos models have longer than average lifespans before expiration. Overall, they are both well-made seats that are generally easy to install and use correctly. The Argos Elite version has adjustable headwings and lockoffs. Both Nautilus & Argos are an IIHS.org Best Bet booster pick when used in highback mode.
Features: 5-point harness from 20-90 lbs.; booster to 120 lbs.; tall top harness slots, 3-position recline; EPS foam; no-rethread harness; deep head and side wings for enhanced side-impact protection
Drawbacks: No-rethread harness adjusts from back of the seat, no cupholder
Our comments: Sturdy, solid construction. Easy to install and use properly. Comfortable. IIHS Best Bet rating. See Darren’s review of the ProSport here.
Features: 5-point harness from 22-65 lbs.; backless booster from 40 to 100 lbs.; tall top harness slots; easy no-rethread harness adjuster system; EPS foam; lightweight and highly portable
Drawbacks: No central front harness adjuster; requires tether anchor; not a lot of support for sleeping; difficult to install properly with seatbelt
Our comments: Niche product. Great for families who travel, babysitters, grandparents and departments/agencies that transport various forward-facing kids. Also a good option for tight 3-across situations. Easy to install with LATCH and use properly. See the full Hybrid Go review here.
High Back Boosters
High back booster seats are belt-positioning booster seats that have a back and head restraint. Some may also convert to a backless booster.
Features: 40-120 lbs.; armrests; dual cup holders; “SecureGuard” lap belt clip to prevent submarining; removable back to convert to a backless booster; back adjusts height-wise with one hand. SGL model has lower LATCH attachments.
Drawbacks: Lap belt clip may annoy some children
Our comments: A versatile booster that will grow with your child. Very tall maximum height setting. The Parkway SGL is an IIHS.org Best Bet booster pick when used in highback mode. The Parkway SG is a Good Bet when used in highback mode. See our review here.
Features: 33-100 lbs. with back; 40-100 lbs as a backless booster; rigid LATCH attachments; EPS foam; open loop shoulder belt guides; tall armrests; recline feature when attached to lower LATCH anchors; magnesium frame; has a detachable drink-thingy; Crypton upholstery fabric
Drawbacks: Wide; heavy, leg depth not as deep as some other dedicated boosters
Our comments: It’s oh so cool! The rigid lower LATCH attachments, a ”true” recline feature, the Crypton fabrics (on all fashions except for Drift), the Paul Frank covers… what’s not to love? The Oobr is an IIHS.org Best Bet booster pick when used in highback mode. See our review here.
Features: 30-100 lbs.; highback only (does not convert to backless booster); height adjusts with one hand; generous amounts of EPS foam; deep head and side wings for enhanced side-impact protection
Drawbacks: leg depth not as deep as some other dedicated boosters
Our comments: Sturdy; comfortable; great for sleeping; fits narrow kids very well, an IIHS Best Bet booster pick.
Graco TurboBooster & TurboBooster Safety Surround
Features: 30-100 lbs.; removable back – converts to a backless booster (40-100 lbs); EPS foam in head rest; some versions have “Gracopedic” memory comfort foam; dual retractable cup holders; height-adjustable arm rests; back adjusts height-wise with one hand; back has 2 recline positions
Drawbacks: Assembly required. Armrests require screws to be installed on original model. Not as tall as other dedicated backless boosters.
Our comments: Even though this model converts to a backless booster, we recommend it as a highback for its head and torso protection. The screws provided in the plastic bag with the manual (to secure the arm rests) are often lost and they are required, so look for them if you purchase the seat. The TurboBooster in the Baldwin pattern is an IIHS.org Best Bet booster pick when used in highback mode. New Turbo Safety Surround model has deeper head and torso wings for enhanced side-impact protection.
Features: 33-100 lbs.; highback only (does not convert to backless booster); rigid lower LATCH attachments; various types of thick energy-absorbing foam; height-adjustable back; unique leg extension feature; crumple zone technology in lap belt guide; fabric is treated so it resists spills; 8 yr expiration
Drawbacks: heavy; seat depth may be too much for younger kids with shorter legs (which could promote slouching)
Our comments: A fine example of German engineering. Highly adjustable. Rigid LATCH attachments are awesome! See Kecia’s full review of the Cruiserfix Pro here.
Diono Monterey (2013 model with updated shoulder belt guide)
Features: 30-120 lbs.; removable back – converts to a backless booster; fully lined with EPS foam; torso wings are width adjustable; back height adjusts with one hand; deep head and side wings for enhanced side-impact protection; flexible LATCH attachments; dual cup holders.
Drawbacks: Somewhat heavy and bulky. Requires head support from the vehicle even when used with the back.
Our comments: A popular booster that tends to fits taller and wider kids well. The previous Diono Monterey model had issues with the shoulder belt guides which caused incompatibility problems in many vehicles. The issue appears to be resolved with an improved integrated belt guide design on the newest models. Although no one booster is going to be compatible with every seating position in every vehicle, we feel comfortable recommending this newest Monterey model based on the changes made. The Monterey is an IIHS.org Best Bet booster pick when used in highback mode. We have a review of the original Sunshine Kids model here and we hope to have a full review of the newest Monterey model in the near future. FYI – Avoid Red & Blue fashions which are discontinued 2012 models guaranteed to have the older (problematic) shoulder belt guides. Tangerine & Green fashions are brand new for 2013 and are guaranteed to have the updated shoulder belt guide.
Backless Boosters
Backless boosters are belt-positioning boosters that position the child so the seat belt fits the child correctly. The vehicle must have a head restraint for the child since the booster seat doesn’t provide head support for whiplash protection.
Features: 40-100 lbs.; rigid lower LATCH attachments; soft foam cushioning; tall armrests for easy buckling; cargo-thingy on side of seat; fun and fashionable interchangeable covers (called “jackets”)
Drawbacks: Price; seat depth is shorter than some other backless boosters
Our comments: The Olli fits larger children well because it doesn’t angle to be narrower in the back. If you’re looking for a slightly less expensive version with slightly fewer features, check out the Ozzi. Read Kecia’s Olli review here.
Features: 40-100 lbs.; dual cup holders; tall armrests for easy buckling; optional shoulder belt adjuster strap
Drawbacks: Wide; may not fit well in narrow or contoured seating positions
Our comments: It’s a backless booster with cool, kid-pleasing colors at a reasonable price. What else is there to say? Well, there’s more to say in Kecia’s review! And the Big Kid Amp is an IIHS.org Best Bet booster pick!
Features: 30-110 lbs.; offers nice support for bigger/older kids with long legs; full-wrap cover; optional shoulder belt adjuster strap
Drawbacks: Width and depth may be too much for younger/smaller kids. This could encourage dangerous slumping. May be too wide to fit in narrow or contoured seating postions.
Our comments: Wide! Comfortable. Great option for older/larger kids who still need a booster. This booster is also known as the Secure Comfort Deluxe. The Secure Comfort Deluxe is an IIHS.org Best Bet booster pick. See Kecia’s review and follow up here.
Features: 30-100 lbs.; full-wrap cover; optional shoulder belt adjuster strap; size and shape make it a good option for narrow or contoured seating positions
Drawbacks: Low profile guides are easily missed by kids who buckle themselves (and inattentive parents or caregivers). Make sure you route the seatbelt properly under those little armrests!
Our comments: Narrow and lightweight. A great little booster for a great price. Fun fashions that appeal to older kids. Available at most Wal-Mart stores. The Harmony Youth Booster (aka LiteRider) is an IIHS.org Best Bet booster pick.
Features: 40-100 lbs.; inflatable; very lightweight; optional shoulder belt adjuster strap; size and shape make it a good option for narrow or contoured seating positions
Drawbacks: shallow leg depth; lap belt guides are difficult for younger kids to navigate
Our comments: A niche product. Great for travel, carpooling and tight 3-across situations. Now available in Black & Silver! The BubbleBum is an IIHS.org Best Bet booster pick. See Heather’s review here.
For anyone interested, here’s a blog with some background to these recommendations. Feel free to comment about our list or about your favorite child seats there!
