Booster Seats: Reviews

If your child has outgrown his/her convertible car seat (typically used for tots up to 40 pounds) but is not yet tall or heavy enough for a full-fledged booster seat, a combo booster seat can be a solid transitional… choice. One major advantage of convertible seats is that they can grow with your child. For instance, the Graco Nautilus 3-in-1 features a five-point harness (meaning it has straps at the shoulders, hips and crotch to keep kids secure) for children 20 to 65 pounds; it then converts to a belt-positioning booster from 30 to 100 pounds. Some experts recommend keeping kids in a five-point harness as long as the seat allows (40 pounds is standard, but the Nautilus goes up to 65 pounds). At 40 pounds and up, it can be converted into a backless booster. Parents appreciate this product's versatility, and reviewers say the Nautilus is comfortable for kids and easy to use. Parents also like the Nautilus' side-impact protection wings, energy-absorbing EPS foam and supportive headrest. This isn't a highly portable seat though. Its 26-pound weight and bulk make it a less attractive alternative for moving in and out of cars.

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A high-back booster is a good choice if your car has short seat backs, because these products offer kids more back and head support than a backless booster. One highly reviewed product, the Recaro Vivo, is designed for… children between 3 and 12 years old who weigh between 30 and 100 pounds and are up to 59 inches tall. Reviewers say the Recaro Vivo is a sturdy, well-designed seat for children who no longer need a five-point harness. The Vivo has a full complement of safety features, including head and midsection impact protection, structural support in the hip and thigh area, and a reinforced aluminum frame, which some reviewers say has a sturdier feel. Comfort features include foam padding and adjustable head and backrests. The Vivo is also one of only seven high-back booster seats to earn a "best bets" rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. This non-profit organization, which stringently tests and evaluates boosters for safety purposes, is dedicated to reducing traffic accidents and injuries.

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The Graco TurboBooster Step 3 continues to be a top pick in reviews, although the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety tests gives the lead to the more expensive Recaro Vivo. Still, the less expensive Graco TurboBooster… also performs well in recent crash tests, and parents say their kids find it comfortable. The TurboBooster, which is secured in place using your vehicle's seatbelts, can be used for children 30 to 100 pounds and up to 57 inches tall. Features include a reclining back, cup holders, adjustable head support and side wings that offer additional support for napping children. Its seatback is also removable once a child reaches 40 pounds, although some safety experts say waiting longer is preferable. A backless-only model, the Graco Backless TurboBooster (*Est. $25) is also available separately.

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If your child weighs at least 40 pounds and your car has rear-seat headrests, you can save some money by using a backless booster seat like the Combi Dakota. (The Dakota is officially rated for use with children who weigh… between 33 and 100 pounds and are up to 57 inches tall) An Insurance Institute for Highway Safety "best bet," this seat earns high marks for both fit and comfort. Reviewers praise its comfortably padded seat, saying it's a favorite with kids and a good choice for long car rides. The Dakota also gets good feedback for its spaciousness (its seat base is 16.75 inches wide), which makes it especially useful for older or heavier children who may find other seats too confining. As with all backless boosters, the Dakota lacks head support for napping or side wings for impact protection.

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The First Years Compass B510 is winning high ratings from parents and professional reviewers; its fold-up seat and carrying handle make it a good choice for consumers who frequently change cars and want to use the same… seat. This booster features flip-up armrests, a height-adjustable backrest and an EPS foam headrest with side wings for extra protection. It can be used for children who weigh 30 to 100 pounds and are up to 57 inches tall. If you don't need a fold-up seat, however, the top-rated Recaro Vivo gets a better fit-test rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

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