I tried out each booster seat with two of my children over the course of six months. We also asked three other families and Wirecutter editors to compare some of the booster graco convertible car seat seats with kids ranging in age from 4 to 9 years old. We looked at the pros and cons of every seat, including install, fit, child preference, aesthetics, and ease of use.
Once the booster is flat, lift the back portion off of the backless portion and store it with your possibly embarrassingly large pile of car seats and car seat parts. Our tester was able to buckle the belt easily, but the shoulder belt did get twisted. We do think this will sort itself out over time as children learn how it works and get some practice under their belts.
When Graco showed us a sneak peek at the updated TurboBooster LX during the ABC Kids show last fall, we had a hard time imagining how they could possibly improve such a solid seat until all was revealed. Our TurboBooster Grow includes a rather robust piece of extra padding on the back. The manual lists this padding as optional so it can be used anytime your young passenger finds it comfortable.
For quality, we consider the materials and construction of the final seat. We analyzed our purchased competitors’ padding, foam, fabric, and attention to detail. Each component influences the longevity and stability of the booster. We checked the weight and width of each seat at its widest point. The booster’s weight can be crucial if you use it on travel or carpooling. The test dummies include sensors that measure impact forces in the chest.
Toysrus.ca & Babiesrus.ca base “Our Suggested Age” ranges on these manufacturer recommendations, as well as considering which ages will enjoy the product. Such factors as a child’s developmental skill set and toy popularity help determine the enjoyment levels of a product. The safest place for a car seat is in the centre of the rear seat, so that there is sufficient distance from the airbags. It is also pretty narrow, with a width of only 16.3 inches. Only one option is narrower than this option, which is great for multiple seats in one row; however, combined with its disappointing crash analysis, we would look elsewhere. The TurboBooster did not perform well in our crash tests, with some of the highest recorded g-forces for both the HIC (head) and chest clip sensors in the group.
We generally purchase high-end carseats but the Turbobooster was able to stack up to the more expensive seats for about 1/4 of the price. The Peg Perego Viaggio HBB 120 is an expensive high-back booster seat graco car seat with rigid LATCH; it can be converted to backless mode. In 2018, a spokesperson for Peg Perego told us that the company was planning to phase the model out of the product line, so we did not test it.
Clek makes a less-expensive version called the Ozzi, which does not have the quick-release feature, carrying strap, or cupholder, but it’s still pricey. Both seats were subject to a 2022 safety recall notice related to labeling, which is correct on newer seats. The Monterey 2XT is bigger, wider, and heavier than our top and runner-up picks (the Monterey 2XT is 14.3 pounds, versus the KidFit ClearTex Plus’s 10 pounds). So this model is not an ideal choice for those who want a booster seat they can quickly swap in and out of the car. This system allows you to install a car seat by attaching a pair of metal hooks or clips, which are built into the seat, to a set of anchors, which are built into the car.
The backless mode fit her reasonably well but once again, my car’s configuration made for a bit of a challenge. The shoulder portion of the vehicle seat belt is sliding off her shoulder so I wouldn’t say this is a good fit. Transporting the seat easily from car to car is essential if you plan to do it regularly.
You just place it in the car and thread the seat belt through the guide hook. It’s lightweight and easy to put in and take out.Child’s ComfortMy graco car seat child seems very comfortable in her special seat. She’s tall and slim and fits perfectly, and she is very happy to sit in her special chair.