2020 Britax Skyline Highback Booster Review

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2020 Britax Skyline Highback Belt-Positioning Booster Review

The Britax Skyline is Britax’s base model dedicated highback booster and it’s based on the more expensive Britax Highpoint model, but with fewer features and a smaller price tag to show for it. A review on the Britax Highpoint can be found here.

Here’s a top-down pic to show the basic differences between the two boosters (Skyline is black, Highpoint is blue).

 

Britax also has a mid-level booster, called Midpoint that does not have side-impact cushions found on Highpoint but does have unique breathable fabric and the SecureGuard™ Belt-Positioning Clip.

Skyline Weight and Height Limits

Highback: 40-120 lbs.; 44-63”

Backless: 48-120 lbs.; 46-63″

Skyline Overview
  • 10-position headrest
  • Can be installed with lower LATCH connectors
  • Lined with EPP foam
  • Two removable, dishwasher-safe cup holders
  • IIHS Best Bet Rating
  • MSRP $99

 

Measurements

Belt guide heights: 15 ¾”-23”
Inside shoulder width: 14”
Inside hip width: 11 ½”
Seat depth: 14”
External widest point: 19 ¼”
Seat weight: 12.1 lbs.

For more measurements, see our comparison database.

 

There are 2 fashions available, Dusk and Teal. Since this is Britax’s more affordable line, you’ll be able to find these boosters at stores like Walmart, and at local Brixy retailers as well.

The only assembly required for the Skyline is adding the optional cup holders, if desired.

Fit to Child

Seat belt fit is very good; lap belt fit is aided by thick armrests that push the lap belt forward onto the thighs. Shoulder belt fit is adjusted by squeezing a handle on the back of the headrest and lifting up or pushing down. The Skyline is one of the tallest on the market, so it will be a good option for kids with tall torsos. Be sure to adjust the headrest so that the shoulder belt guides are above your child’s shoulders and his ears are inside the headrest. The label just above the shoulder belt guide helps you with placement. My model liked the Skyline and found it comfy. S is 5.5 years old, 40 lbs., and 44″ tall.

  

Fit to Vehicle

Check your vehicle owner’s manual to see if you can install the booster using the lower LATCH connectors. This is an optional feature that keeps the booster in place when the child is not in the seat; otherwise, the child should buckle the booster in when getting out of it so it doesn’t become a projectile in a crash.

Center LATCH installations with Non-Standard Spacing:

Permitted only in designated LATCH positions

Inflatable Seat Belts:

Not allowed

Cover/Maintenance/Ease of Use

Britax suggests hand washing the cover and hanging it to dry. It is fairly easy to remove and has a couple of elastics.

FAA/Lifespan/Crash

Because belt-positioning booster seats require the use of lap/shoulder belts, the Skyline cannot be used on an airplane.

The Skyline has a lifespan of 10 years. Britax follows NHTSA crash guidelines for replacement after a crash.

Advantages
  • 10 position headrest
  • Can be installed with lower LATCH connectors
  • Lined with EPP foam
  • Two removable, dishwasher-safe cup holders
  • Less expensive than the similar Britax Highpoint
  • Narrower by about 1.5″ than the Britax Highpoint because it lacks the side impact cushions at the shoulders
Disadvantages
  • Made in China
  • Lacks some of the features found on the more expensive Britax dedicated boosters

Skyline scores big as one of the tallest highback boosters on the market. It is less expensive than the Highpoint model, but it also lacks the SecureGuard lap belt clip that helps some kids stay in position better when transitioning from a harnessed seat. Not having the side-impact cushions on the outside of the shoulder area makes Skyline narrower than Highpoint, which is a positive if you’re trying to fit a booster next to another car seat or person. When comparing boosters, Skyline is definitely worthy of your consideration – especially if you’re in the market for a latchable highback booster seat that can accommodate very tall older children.

The Skyline sample used in this review was provided by Britax. No other compensation was provided and all opinions are my own.

This post and others at CarseatBlog contain affiliate links. Please read About CarseatBlog for our affiliate policy and see our Marketing Disclosure.

 

 

5

CarseatBlog Experts Rating

Editors’ Pick: Britax Skyline

8 Comments

  1. Melissa May 8, 2021
    • Heather May 13, 2021
  2. Vickie Kozhushchenko September 24, 2020
    • Heather September 24, 2020
  3. Amie September 13, 2018
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  4. Devon August 25, 2018
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