Today, families drive more than they used to and kids spend more time in the car than ever before. That is why having a highly secure booster seat is crucial. But this doesn’t mean you have to spend a fortune. You can start ahead by looking at our list of top 9 best booster seats of 2018 while bearing in mind the tips outlined here. Take note that pricier seats don’t always necessarily mean that they are better than the cheaper versions. Always check the types of materials and cushion used, and more importantly – the security features.
Top 9 Booster Seats of 2018 Reviewed
When shopping for a booster seat, safety should be your top priority. But there are some more features to consider. Check out the following booster seats and find out why they are regarded as among the best ones out there.
1. Evenflo Amp High Back Booster Car Seat, Carrissa
Appropriate for children ages 3 and up, the Evenflo Booster Car features “2 seats in 1”, which means it can be transitioned from a high-back to a no-back booster. It also has one-hand full body adjustment so your child can still use it as he or she grows bigger. Your child will also love the comfortable padding around the head and the body.
2. Cosco – Highback 2-in-1 Booster Car Seat
The Cosco Highback Booster has two different modes – forward-facing with harness and belt-positioning booster. The latter is intended for children from 40-80 pounds and the former for children from 22 to 40 pounds. It features a 5-point harness that can be adjusted, machine-washable seat fabric, and removable dishwasher-safe cup holder.
3. Cosco Finale DX 2-in-1 Booster Car Seat
Featuring extended use in both of the two modes (forward facing and belt-positioning booster), the Cosco Finale DX 2-in-1 Booster Car Seat makes a good selection for a growing family as it is designed to fit 3 across in the back seat. Its features include machine-washable and dryer-safe seat pads, and a detachable cup holder.
4. Evenflo Chase LX Harnessed Booster
Another 2-in-1 booster car seat which fits children between 22 and 110 lbs. The harnessed seat position is for kids from 22-40 pounds while the belt-positioned seat is for children 40-110 pounds. Evenflo Chase is also equipped with latch systems for convenient and easy installation between different vehicles.
5. Graco Atlas 65 2-in-1 Harness Booster Car Seat
This brand features a very simple, straightforward harness system that adjusts to 10 height positions. It also comes with a handy harness storage compartment, buckle cover, harness cover, dual cupholders, and a machine-washable seat pad. The Graco Atlas Booster Car Seat accommodates children from 22 to 100 pounds.
6. Britax Parkway Belt-Positioning Booster, Spade
The Britax Parkway Booster Seat has a safe cell-impact protection system that works together to protect your child. This innovative system includes an impact-absorbing base and side impact protection.
7. Britax Pioneer Combination 2-Booster Car Seat – Domino
In addition to the safe cell-impact protection system, the Britax 2-Booster Car Seat features an 8-position harness that can be quickly adjusted, and 2-position buckle that allows you to move the harness upward for a secure, comfortable fit as your child grows.
8. Britax Frontier Clicktight Car Seat
With Britax Frontier Clicktight Car Seat, installation is a breeze as it has a ClickTight feature that ensures anyone can install the booster securely by simply buckling the seat belt. As to safety, it offers SafeCell Impact Protection – a security feature consisting of a steel frame, impact-absorbing base, and a unique V-shaped tether. In addition to this, the booster comes with adjustable 9-position harness and a multi-position recline system.
9. Evenflo Spectrum 2-In-1 Booster Car Seat, Teal Trace
The sleek, modern design of Evenflo Spectrum perfectly matches the latest models of cars and minivans. It can be transitioned from a high-back booster to a no-back seat. Other valuable features include dual cup holders and 2 snack trays that can be removed when not in use. This booster can securely carry children between 40 and 110 pounds.
How To Choose A Booster Seat For Your Child
A car seat is one of the most important things you will ever buy for your child. Regardless if you have your own car or not, your baby has to be put securely in a specialized seat on your journey home from the hospital. So as early as now, you may want to start searching around for a high-quality car seat. You’ll need to pay attention to some features to choose the right booster seat.
Types
Car seats for children come in different types, including infant car seats, convertible seats, and boosters. Boosters come in two styles – high-back and backless versions. High-back car seats are more secure and best for younger children. Latest models feature two-in-one seats that can be adjusted to either high-back or no-back versions.
Age and Weight
Newborns can fit in two kinds of car seat – the rear-facing infant seat and a convertible seat. Convertible car seat makes a better investment because it can last through toddlerhood and has high-security features. The only downside is that it isn’t portable and may not be taken in and out of the car. Additionally, check if the booster you’re buying perfectly fits your child. Some boosters are designed to grow with the child, such as those that comfortably sits children between 40 and 110 pounds. These are better options because your child gets to use it for quite a while.
Features
The more features, the better. But it could also mean a higher price tag. Determine what features you want for your child. If you travel more often, you may consider choosing the car seat which has a number of harness adjustability levels, a cushier fabric, and some additional accessories like cup holders and snack trays. More than these, you want to prioritize the safety features. Make sure that the product you are buying has passed strict safety standard tests. Some brands offer a more advanced design, like the side-impact protection in which extra form or air pads are placed at the side of your baby’s head along with a 5-point harness.
Check how it’s installed
Installation is one of the most common concerns of parents when it comes to booster seats. Traditional infant car seats usually require more effort to install. Good thing, manufacturers continue to simplify the process of installing booster seats. A number of modern models even allow you to install the booster by simply buckling the seat belt. Nonetheless, it is still recommended that you let a professional car seat installer oversee or perhaps do the installation process himself.
