Although the specifics can vary, boosters are generally intended for school-age kids who are at least about 40 pounds and 38 to 40 inches tall, and for those who are ready to graduate from a five-point harness. Younger kids have small frames that are not well matched to adult seat belts, so a booster’s job is to raise and position a child so that the lap and shoulder belts fit properly across their body. In the event of a crash, the vehicle’s safety belt is what holds the kid in place. The Graco TurboBooster 2.0 is a car seat designed for children who have outgrown their forward-facing harnessed seats. This seat is suitable for children weighing between 40 and 100 pounds and measuring between 43 and 57 inches tall. Featuring a high-back booster mode and a backless booster mode, the TurboBooster 2.0 offers flexibility to accommodate your child’s growth.
In-house testing is performed by and under the guidance of our onsite Certified Child Passenger Safety (CPS) Technician, Bob Wofford, father of 7. Bob works with Senior Review Editors, Wendy Schmitz and Jessica Riconscente, Senior Review Analyst. Wendy, a mother of 2, uses her science background to analyze crash test results and ease of installation. It is essential that your child ride in the type of car seat that is appropriate for their size and developmental stage.
It also is harder to buckle because the seat bottom is wide and obscures the buckle somewhat. However, if you want a potentially safer seat and can’t stretch your budget to consider the Chicco KidFit Zip Air Plus 2-in-1, we think many families will be content with the Cambria 2. Keep your growing toddler safe while out and about this this Graco highback booster seat.
The 10-pound KidFit ClearTex Plus is easy to install and remove, thanks to its alligator-style LATCH connectors, which are equipped with a clever tightening and release mechanism. Chicco calls its installation system SuperCinch; you clip the latches to the vehicle’s anchors; then you pull on a center strap at the front of the seat to tighten and snug the seat into place with one tug. The seat’s quick-release feature detaches the LATCH connectors with a single (one-handed) pull of a front handle—no need to jam your hand between the vehicle’s seat cushions, fishing for a clip to unhook. This attractive booster is safe, easy to use, and comfortable.
It expands at the shoulders, which bigger kids may find especially comfy. Unlike our other picks, the Monterey 2XT has shoulder wings that can expand via a knob on the back of the seat, to allow more room widthwise; this graco convertible car seat is unusual among booster seats. As with our other picks, the Monterey 2XT headrest adjusts easily by notching up to grow with the kid; this seat has an 11-position headrest, compared with the KidFit ClearTex Plus’s 10.
Like all other safety-related gear, we think this is not a time to save or let money drive your decision. While we understand you need to stick to what you can afford, we encourage you not to go for the cheapest option but instead look for the best option within your budget and worry about saving money on other gear. While we didn’t think this was a problem, and our child tester didn’t miss them, it is something to consider if your child wants them. Overall, if your budget allows, the Peg Perego is a great all-around option that we think won’t disappoint. Cars either have pretensioners and/or force limiters or they don’t; they can’t be added on. So when considering where to place the booster within your car, find out whether the car has these features and where they’re located.
I’m so sad to tell you that he passed away this summer and I’m now heartbreakingly free to assemble seats without his dedicated assistance. Indication of whether a seat has an adjustment for the width of the seat back in highback mode. Width of seat base (inches) as measured from underside of seat. A 13.5% Buyer’s Premium will be added to the final Sales Price. All applicable taxes will be assessed based on the sum of the sales price and buyer’s premium.
There isn’t much to this, and even the armrests are attached with just Velcro, which we can’t imagine will last over time. It also doesn’t even install in any way, so if there is not passenger, you’ll need to buckle it in place to prevent it from free roaming in your car. As one of the few backless options we tested, it isn’t a huge surprise it didn’t score well for comfort compared to the competition. While it is obvious you won’t have the nice side or support of competitors, what might not be obvious is the discomfort of the seat itself.
And I’ve scanned hundreds of reviews and read articles from reputable media outlets, including Car Seats for the Littles and BabyGearLab. After evaluating more than 50 booster seats, we recommend the versatile, easy-to-use Chicco KidFit ClearTex Plus high-back booster. We also recommend other high-back and backless boosters that will fit a range of budgets and circumstances. This model has reached an age where she requires an incentive for modelling car seats. She received 5 M&Ms and an episode of Doc McStuffins in exchange for spending some time with the TurboBooster LX. The lower anchor connectors aren’t required for use — they hold the unoccupied booster seat in place in the event of a crash the same way a vehicle seat belt does.