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Quick List: Best Booster Seats for Toddlers
If you don’t have much time to research a booster car seat for toddlers, here is a shortcut for your reference. Toddlers under 4 years old should also use a 5-point harness for safety, so they are the best booster seats for toddlers with a 5-point harness.
1. Best overall: Graco 4Ever DLX ($329.99) – up to 120 pounds, 4 modes, turn into a backless booster.
2. Best narrow: Diono Radian 3R ($199.99) – 17″ width. Extended rear-facing, foldable, and portable for travel.
3. Best all-in-one: Evenflo EveryFit ($209.99) – 4 modes, up to 120 pounds booster weight limit.
4. Highest harness – Chicco MyFit ($199.99) – 17.5″, 54-inch highest harness height.
5. Cheap booster seat: Graco Altals ($137.99) – budget-friendly for most families with big kids.
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Best Booster Seats for Toddlers
When to use booster seats for toddlers?
Children grow fast! When your child has outgrown the weight and/or height limits for their forward-facing child safety car seat, it usually means that they’re ready for a booster seat.
If you have used a convertible car seat that can support booster mode, it’s okay for you to still use that seat. But if not, you need to shop for the best booster car seats for toddlers at this time.
Booster seats are designed to keep your child safe before they can use the vehicle seat belt alone as a grown-up.
They can help position the vehicle’s safety belt properly on your child through the shoulder and lap, providing maximum protection to your child’s neck and chest in case of any accidents.
However, booster seats should be used when your child is ready for that. It’s not recommended to move them to a booster seat too early and keep your child in a harness car seat for as long as possible. Ask yourself below four questions before transitioning your child to a booster car seat:
> Is your child at least 4 years old?
> Is your child at least 40 pounds?
> Are the shoulder and lap belts available?
> Can your child sit properly the entire trip without leaning forward, slouching, playing with the shoulder belt, etc?
If you can answer “Yes” to all the questions, your child is safe to use a booster seat and you can buy one now.
Otherwise, you’d better get a harnessed booster seat for small toddlers under 4 years old.
Best Booster Seats for Toddlers in Rear-Facing
#1. Best booster seat for toddlers - all in one
Graco 4Ever DLX 4-in-1 Car Seat
Key Features
- Weight range (lb): 5-40 (RF): 22-65 (FF); 40-120 (Booster)
- Height limits: ~49"(RF&FF); 57"(Booster)
- Stage: 1st, 2nd, 3rd
- Lifespan: 10 years
- Suitable: Birth to 7-8 years old
The Good
- Up to 120 lb weight limit for big kids
- Going through the first three car seat stages
- Extension panel for more leg room
- Comparatively easy to install
- No rethread harness
- Fuss-free harness storage compartment
- A place to store the buckle
- Rapid Remove Pad for easy taking off
- Belt lock-off
- Two cup holders on both sides
- 10 years of lifespan
The Bad
- A bit pricey
- Heavy and bulky
- Not fit 3 across in small cars
$329.99
Keep your child in the forward-facing harness until your child exceeds the harness weight or height limits of the Graco 4Ever DLX 4-in-1 car seat. But you should also know that it’s time to change it to a booster, no matter whichever sort of limit comes first, weight or height.
Obviously, it allows children weighing below 65 pounds and below 49-inch tall to stay in a harness.
Seamless transition to the booster mode is available. Just store the harness in the storage compartment follow the 4Ever DLX’s user manual and install it in the high back booster mode first.
A high back booster is better and safer for younger kids but with a lower weight limit of 100 pounds. As your child grows, you can remove the back support and turn it into a backless booster until the 120-pound weight limit.
The Graco 4Ever DLX 4-in-1 car seat was designed to grow with a child with 10-position headrest adjustments and 6-position reclines. In the booster mode, the perfect position to fit the big kids as 7 years old is at the top and the recline should be turned at the 6th position.
It features Graco’s ProtectPlus for optimal protection in case of any crashes from frontal, rear, side, and rollover, passing through the rigorous crash tests under both US and European standards.
But these tests are generally done for rear- and forward-facing harnesses when your child is still fragile in a car seat.
But this does not mean the Graco 4Ever DLX 4-in-1 car seat is not safe. It has the company’s unique InRight LATCH system for an easy and safe installation. That’s good enough for a booster to accommodate the littles. Proper installation and fit ensure safety and comfort.
The Graco 4Ever DLX is popular for its long-lasting through 3 car seat stages (including rear-facing, forward-facing, and booster) with a 10-year lifespan, making it an excellent money saver and one of the best booster seats.
This car seat has two cup holders that can be used in the booster mode. But they’re not perfect to hold circular cups or bottles for their square design. A few parents complain about spoiling during their travels.
#2. Narrow booster seat for toddlers
Diono Radian 3R
Key Features
- Weight range (lb): 5-40 (RF): 22-65 (FF); 40-100 (Booster)
- Height limits: ~49" (RF&FF); ~57” (Booster)
- Stage: 1st, 2nd, 3rd
- Lifespan: 10 years
The Good
- Slim design to fit 3 across
- Cheaper price tag
- Going through three car seat stages
- FAA approved foldable seat with great portability
- Extended warranty up to 36 months
The Bad
- Lacking head and body insert
- Less reclines
- Not fit well in small car seats in rear facing
$199.99
The Diono Radian 3R is able to ride a big kid up to 120 pounds in the booster mode, making it one of the best booster seats. It’s a pity that the car seat only supports high back mode, the back is not detachable to turn it into a backless booster.
But the 120-pounds booster weight limit is as good as other backless boosters anyway. It’s just big kids around 9-10 years (typically with a weight around 120 pounds) would not like to be seen staying in a car seat. That’s why backless car seats are popular.
However, it’s strongly recommended to accommodate a child younger than 12 years old in a car seat for security. That’s the car seat law requirement in most US states. Because car seat with back support delivers extra protection every time you ride the kids.
The reinforced steel core and frame ensure safe and stable riding, while the solid energy-absorbing foam is designed to distribute crash forces for full protection upon side impact.
The slim design to fit 3 across should play an important role to make the Diono Radian 3R be the best booster seat.
It’s common that the littles grow to fit well in a booster, and it’s also common that big families have several kids and the big one can use this booster seat as well.
Radian 3R is the entry-level model from Diono. There are advanced variants available with improved features like two layers of side-impact protection, 10- or 12-position headrest support, or even added body inserts for newborns and small babies.
#3 Cheap Booster Seat for Toddlers
Evenflo EveryFit 4 in 1
Key Features
- Weight range (lb): 4-40 (RF): 22-65 (FF); 40-120 (Booster)
- Height limits: 17-40"(RF); 28-49"(FF); 44-57"(Booster)
- Stage: 1st, 2nd, 3rd
- Lifespan: 10 years
- Suitable: Birth to 7-8 years old
The Good
- Ultra budget price under $200
- Up to 120 lb weight limit for big kids
- Real 4-in-1 car seat with no back mode
- US car seat
The Bad
- Lack premium features
- A bit hard to install
$199.99
The Evenflo EveryFit is an all-in-one car seat and it’s suitable for a child from birth to youth, going through three car seat stages including rear-facing, forward-facing, and booster. It ranks in the list of best booster seats for its multi-functionalities.
Yes, it’s more than a booster seat. It also works as a rear-facing infant car seat and forward-facing 5-point convertible. More appealingly, it combines a high back and backless booster into one.
When used in booster configuration, the EveryFit is able to ride a big kid from 40 to 120 pounds. The little rider should be at least 4 years old, just as most US states required in their local laws.
However, as the EveryFit features a 5-point harness, it’s better to keep your child in the last or current car seat stage as long as possible, meaning your child can stay up to 65 pounds before transitioning from forward-facing to booster. It’s easily understandable to follow this advanced tip.
After switching the Evenflo EveryFit to booster, it’s better to start with the high back at first. The high back mode provides extra support at the back for better safety.
Big kids may not want to be seen sitting in a high back booster when you drive them to school. Then you can remove the back and turn it into a lightweight and portable backless booster to ride them.
Few protective features are available in the booster mode, for example, the headrest adjustment and recline positions can’t be used in booster mode.
The 5-point harness is not attainable in the hig back mode while the side impact protection can’t achieve in the backless mode.
But the two cup holders on both sides are always there, along with the machine-washable fabrics, the Evenflo EveryFit tried their best to ensure your child’s comfort in the car seat.
A serious thing that needs your attention during the usage of the EveryFit booster car seat – When is the end of the durability. Made of the steel-reinforced frame, the car seat is capable of a long-lasting up to 10 years.
The 10-year lifespan started from the date of the manufacturer. It means the actual time of usage should be shorter than 10 years. And if you have used it since your child’s birth, you may need to throw it when the car seat reaches its limitation.
Reminder, all the manufacturers would recommend not to use a car seat that is out of expiration. It’s better for us parents to follow this suggestion. After all, using a car seat following the user manual and manufacturer’s advice is fundamental for the child’s safety.
Luckily, big kids at their 10 years old can use the vehicle’s seat belt.
Harnessed Booster Seats for Toddlers
Highest Harness Booster Seat for Toddlers
Chicco MyFit - 17.5"
Key Features
- Weight range (lb): 25-65 (FF); 40-100 (Booster)
- Height limits: 54" (FF); 38"-57” (Booster)
- Stage: 2nd, 3rd
- Lifespan: 8 years
The Good
- Longer harness time
- Armrest on both sides
- Comfortable padding
The Bad
- A bit price
$199.99
The Chicco MyFit is a great harness booster seat with lots of amazing features. It was designed to accommodate children between 25-100 pounds, going through the second and third stages until your child is ready to wear a seat belt.
The car seat is for front-facing use only, both the harness and booster modes only support installing facing front. The 5-point harness allows your child to stay in the car seat till he or she reaches the 65-pound weight limit or the 54-inch height limit, whichever comes first.
Then you should remove the harness and move the child to the booster after that. The Chicco MyFit is able to ride children up to 100 pounds heavy and 57-inches tall when working as a booster car seat.
If you want to switch to the booster mode as early as your child is ready, keep in mind that your child should reach the minimum requirement of 40 pounds weight and 4 years old age.
The Chicco MyFit harness booster seat comprises safety and comfort. The DuoGuard of two layers of side impact protection combines with a high-strength steel-reinforced frame to perform the best safety rating.
Note: the side impact protection is generally tested in the harness mode, not in the booster stage.
It comes with a 9-position headrest and 4-position reclines to provide your child a perfect fit during their growth. The 9-position adjustment is available for both harness and booster modes.
Premium LATCH connectors are included for LATCH installation, but if you prefer the way to install the MyFit with a seat belt. You would love the LockSure technique. It contains lock-offs and wide belt routing for extra help so that you can install this car seat effortlessly with some confirmations.
Two cup holders keep your child’s snacks and drinks in easy touch during the car seat trip. They are removable if needed when you want to install multiple car seats in the back, just push the yellow button under the cup holders.
It’s a pity that the MyFit harness booster car seat does not support backless mode. If you prefer a backless booster seat, you’d better find other cheap alternatives like the Chicco GoFit Plus and others listed in the best backless booster car seats part.
The tons of thick padding earn this car seat a few compliments for the most comfort. But it causes a problem. It’s very probable that your child’s back will get sweaty, especially when your child stays in the car seat for a long time.
It’s not suggested to keep your child in a car seat for more than two hours continuously.
The manufacturer has noticed this problem and upgraded with a new version – Chicco MyFit Zip Air, which comes with a few improvements including the price. The new version costs about $100 bucks more. You may give it a shot when this item is on sale on Amazon or other online stores.
Cheap Harnessed Booster for Toddlers
Graco Atlas
Key Features
- Weight range (lb): 22-65 (FF); 40-100 (Booster)
- Height limits: 49" (FF); 38"-57” (Booster)
- Stage: 2nd, 3rd
- Lifespan: 7 years
The Good
- Cheap price
- Well-known brand
- Comfortable padding
The Bad
- A bit wide to fit in small cars
$137.99
The Graco Atlas 65 ranks one of the best booster car seats for its 2-in-1 features. It’s a harness booster that can be used to ride a child between 22-65 pounds in a 5-point forward-facing harness. This is a great feature for small toddlers and preschoolers.
It’s proved that a 5-point harness provides better protection for the littles than the booster, as all the harness car seats should be side-impact tested for occupant retention solely with the built-in 5-point harness system.
That’s why all booster seats on the market require that a child should be older than 4 years or at least 40 pounds to ride in a booster. That’s the same reason for the Graco Atlas 65 to work in the booster mode, which rides a child between 40-100 lb in weight and 38-57 inches in height.
This car seat was designed to grow with your child, so it comes with an adjustable 10-position height headrest. More positions mean a short gap between each position. No matter whether your child fits in the harness or booster mode, you can find a comfortable and perfect fit for them at that time and age.
With the frame made of reinforced steel and the seat pad made of breathable fabrics, the Graco Atlas 65 ensures safety and comfort, along with easy installation thanks to the open-loop belt tips.
The seat pad is machine washable and can be easily taken off for easy cleaning. Two cup holders on both sides allow the snacks and drinks in easy touch for a happy time in the car seat.
When to Buy the Booster Seats for Toddlers
When your child outgrows the weight or height limit of the forward-facing child safety seat with a harness, it’s time to convert to a booster seat.
This generally happens during your child’s 4-5 ages, some big or tall kids may need a booster seat when they’re 3 years old because they reach the forward-facing seat limitations faster.
However, it’s not recommended to rush to move your child to a booster seat before they’re ready. And the child safety experts suggest keeping your child in a harness seat as long as possible.
Of course, you need to prepare the booster seat before your child needs it. If you have used a combination seat that supports booster mode, like all-in-one convertible seats, you don’t buy another booster seat anyway, just remove the harness and transition it to booster mode.
Things to Consider to Look for the Best Booster Seats for Toddlers
Your Child
You should always take your child’s weight and height into consideration before picking up an appropriate booster seat, after all, it’s them who stay in the car seat for a long time. Your child’s age is a useful reference, some booster car seats states their age requirements, like 2 years or 4 years old. If your child grows faster and taller, you might need a booster seat that features a higher weight/height limit and is great for big kids.
Your Vehicle
Even the booster seats are not as bulky as convertible car seats, they come with different sizes and design. Some booster seats feature a wide width may not fit well for compact cars, especially those boosters with two built-in cup holders on both sides, they may not even fit 3-across.
Growing with your child
As your child grows, they may not want to stay in a car seats with backrest, a booster seat that can be used in high-back and backless modes are preferable at this time.
Your Budget
The booster seats are priced in a wide range. Some have a cheap price under $100, even under $50; a few costs hundreds of dollars with premium materials and additional features. But you can always find a suitable and safe booster seat within your budget.
Frequently Asked Questions on Booster Seats for Toddlers
You can always find the minimum weight and height limitations of a booster seat in its product description, 30 pounds or 40 pounds for most booster seats. Generally, if your child’s weight or height falls into the range, you can move him/her to the booster.
Some booster seats may also state an age requirement, like the Britax Pinnacle ClickTight for 2+ years toddlers and Clek Oobr for 4+ years kids.
It’s strongly recommended to keep your child in a harness seat as long as possible before moving them to a booster seat, even if their weight, height or age has reached the minimum requirements.
The answer depends on your child’s size and age, and the law in your state. Laws aside, kids aren’t ready to switch from a booster seat to seat belts until they’re at least 4 feet 9 inches tall and can pass the five-step test below – typically between ages 8 and 10.
To judge whether your child is ready to ride with a seat belt alone, test the fit of your vehicle’s belts from time to time. Buckle your child into the back seat without a booster seat, and consider the following:
Does he sit all the way back against the car’s seat?
Do his knees bend comfortably at the edge of the seat?
Does the lap belt naturally rest below his belly, touching the top of his thighs?
Is the shoulder belt centered across his shoulder and chest?
Can he stay seated like this for the whole trip?
If you answer no to any of these questions, your child should still stay in the booster.
The short answer is yes. All child safety seats have a life-span after they leave the factory where they are manufactured. Most manufacturer have stated an expiration date on the seat, or mold it onto the shell on the back of the seat, some even introduce on their official site. We also include the lifespan for most booster seats in our list. If you can’t find it online, you can call the customer service for help to check. The expiration date of most booster seats is six (6) years from the date of manufacturer, if it is not specifically announced.
That depends. Generally, when your child’s size (weight and height) meets the low requirements of a booster car seat, you can switch a booster seat for him/her. But it’s always recommended to keep your child in the last stage of forward-facing harness seat as long as possible. Or you can ride them in some booster seats with a 5-point harness, like the Chicco MyFit.
That depends on the highway safety law of each state. Every US state has made the laws to require the driver or operator to ride the children with a child passenger safety restraint system, like a car seat or booster seat or travel vest. In most states, the child less than 57 inches in height are required to stay in a booster seat. This may vary based on each state’s specific requirements, and you can read our car seat laws to find the local of your state.
Actually, all the booster seats meet the federal safety standards and go through rigorous tests before it selling on the market. The safest seat is the one that fits your child’s age, weight, height and behavioural maturity, can be properly installed in your vehicle and will be used correctly every time the child rides in it.