Combi Dakota

Among backless boosters, the Combi Dakota stands out as a top reviewer choice for comfort and safety. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety awards the Dakota its coveted "best bets" designation, meaning it was a top performer in the organization's rigorous fit testing process. CarseatBlog.com says the Dakota is an exceptionally comfortable booster seat, especially for bigger or taller kids who need a seat with extra depth. For the same reason, some critics say it's not the best choice for preschoolers at the low end of the weight range (listed as 33 pounds). It's also worth noting that most experts recommend a five-point harness for at least 40 pounds, and that very few advocate the use of backless boosters with kids under that weight. The Graco TurboBooster SafeSeat (*Est. $60) is a budget belt-positioning booster that can be used either with or without the back and head support.

The parenting book "Baby Bargains" has a loyal following among parents, thanks to its reputation for unbiased reviews and impartial advice. The authors -- baby gear gurus Denise and Alan Fields -- offer honest reviews on individual safety seats along with letter grades for easier comparison among models. The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety categorizes booster seats according to how well they perform in fit tests with a crash test dummy. CarseatBlog.com and CarseatSite.com both include the Dakota in their booster recommendations by child passenger safety tech Heather Watson.