Britax Skyline
Face Front
- Weight Limit (lb): 40-120
- Height Limit: 63"
- Age Limit: 4-8 Years or older
The Britax Skyline was, once upon a time, the go-to performance booster seat but sadly this booster has had its heyday. While it benefits from high capacity, adjustable headrest, and two-stage from high-back to backless, there are many models that you can get your hands on for the same (or less) money, that outstrip it for specs, features, and practicality. Is the Britax Skyline worth the money? Is it right for your kids and family? What are the best alternatives? We’ll tackle all these questions and more, bringing you the key things you need to know.
*Price may change due to e-commerce platform and brand sales promotion.
Britax Skyline Review - Three Layers of SIP for Optimal Protection
Pros & Cons
The good and the bad
What is it best for
Who we recommend it for
Value for Money
Is it worth the price tag?
Design
Dimensions, weight, color, etc
Safety Rating
Crash tests, FMVSS213, SIP
Performance
Weight/height limits, airplane, etc
Installation
Install with LATCH or seat belt
Alternatives
Other car seats to consider
2. Pros and Cons
Pros
- 120 lbs/ 63" high weight and height limit
- 10-position adjustable headrest
- Two layers of side-impact protection
- Relatively lightweight and portable
- Can be used in two modes
- Cup holder and storage compartments
- Machine-washable cover
Cons
- Higher in price
- Limited color options
1. Who Is It Best For?
Will the Britax Skyline Be a Good Fit For Your Child and Family?
The Britax Skyline is suitable for big kids at least 4 years old, as well as those kids who have outgrown the forward-facing harness car seats.
Its adjustable 10-position headrest, two layers of side impact protection, two removable cup holders, and color-coded belt guides make the Skyline a highly versatile booster seat that’ll appeal to parents who are looking for a lightweight and portable booster seat that is easy to install and provides the necessary safety features.
Families always on the go, however, aren’t one of them. At 11 pounds, the Britax Skyline isn’t light (compared to those really lightweight convertible car seats under 10 pounds), nor is it particularly portable -and why would you want to limit this thing just to travel situations, anyway?
Ultimately, those who’ll get the most out of the magic Skyline can provide are parents who prioritize safety, comfort, and convenience for their children while traveling. It’s a fantastic booster car seat to graduate from an average, more kid-oriented choice before you’re ready to take the likes of what the Chicco and Diono lines have to offer.
3. Value for Money
Is the price tag worth it?
The Britax Skyline is a great booster, but do I think it’s worth the price tag? Most likely yes. It’s the cheapest Britax car seat and cheaper than the other booster seat from Britax – Highpoint, which has very similar weight and height limits, a 10-position headrest, and two-stage booster modes.
The Highpoint, as its name indicated, has safety extras for kids and easy-to-use features for parents. It includes three layers of side impact protection (one more layer than Skyline), a SecureGuard for enhanced safety and installation, and a LATCH system for easy installation. But it’s higher priced, at $199.99. Check the comparisons on Britax Skyline vs Highpoint.
If you don’t need these extras and want a basic booster with the necessary features to ensure your kid’s safety and comfort while still giving you the convenience to use and maintain – a lot of parents prefer this as far as I know, the Britax Skyline would be a better option and it’s worth the price tag.
The Diono Cambria 2 XL even retails for $10 less than the Britax Skyline, and while the extended warranty sounds gimmicky, you get the choice of things like roomy inner space that is friendly for big or tall kids.
Britax Skyline vs Highpoint
| Car Seats Comparison | Britax Skyline | Britax Highpoint | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $109.99 | $199.99 | |
| Weight limits (lb) | 40-120 | 40-120 | |
| Height limits (in) | 57" | 57" | |
| Installation | Quick-push Lower Anchors | Quick-push Lower Anchors | |
| SecureGuard Clip | - | ✓ | |
| Easy-Remove Cover | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Fabrics | Cool Flow | Cool Flow / Naturally Flame-Retardant / Safe Wash | |
| Side impact protection | 2 layers | 3 layers | |
| Headrest positions | 10 | 10 | |
| Harness type | 3-point | 3-point | |
| Width | 21 inches | 21 inches | |
| Car Seat Weight | 11 lb. | 12 lb. | |
| Machine-washable fabric | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cup Holder | Two | Two |
4. Design
Dimensions and Width
The Britax Skyline Booster Seat measures 19.5 inches in width, 27.5 inches in height, and 15.5 inches in depth. For this size among the booster seats or compared to its competitors, it’s not that compact, but still good to fit well and stably in most vehicles.
The average size of the Britax Skyline Booster Seat is beneficial for accommodating big kids and provides enough room for them to sit safely and comfortably, especially for children who are larger in size. The spacious inner allows children to move around or adjust their posture for boost fit, making it cozy for long car rides.
However, while being ample can be an advantage, it can also have drawbacks, especially if you need to install multiple seats in the back seat of the car.
The 19.5-inch width is a bit wide compared to those slim car seats with a narrower profile around 18.5 inches. You’d probably achieve the three across if you place it with another two narrow car seats.
See also:
Portability
Weighing approximately 11 pounds, the Britax Skyline Booster Seat is not a lightweight booster seat, but it’s not that heavy for overall portability. Parents, including short moms, can still manage to carry it and switch it between different cars.
It also features a built-in carry handle that makes it easy to transport the booster seat from one vehicle to another, take it on a trip, or store it when not in use. In addition, it has removable cup holders and a machine-washable cover, making it easy to clean and maintain on the go.
While the Britax Skyline Booster Seat is portable and relatively lightweight, it is not the lightest booster seat on the market.
The Graco TurboBooster weighs around 8.42 pounds, making it the lightest booster seat among the four models mentioned. The Chicco KidFit weighs around 10 pounds, making it similar in weight to the Britax Skyline Booster Seat. The Diono Cambria 2 XL, on the other hand, weighs approximately 11.9 pounds, making it slightly heavier than the Britax Skyline Booster Seat.
The Skyline strikes a balance between weight and safety features, such as the adjustable headrest, side-impact protection, and high weight and height limit. Parents who prioritize these safety features may find the slight increase in weight worth it.
See also
Cup Holder - Two
Unlike its well-known three convertible car seats, including Advocate, Boulevard, and Marathon, the Britax Skyline comes equipped with two built-in cup holders, which are useful to accommodate a variety of cup sizes and shapes. The cup holders are located on both sides of the booster seat and are easily accessible to the child seated in the car.
The cup holders of the Britax Skyline Booster Seat are L-shaped and can hold cups with different diameters, thanks to their adjustable size. They are also made of a durable and easily cleanable material, which is essential for spills and messes that inevitably occur during car rides.
Same as most car seats, the cup holders are detachable, making them easy to remove and clean.
Color option
The Britax Skyline Booster Seat is available in a variety of colors and designs to suit different styles and preferences. None of the colors or designs are specific to boys or girls, as they can be suited for any child regardless of gender.
Right now when this post is live, the available colors and designs of the Britax Skyline Booster Seat are Dusk (Grey and Blue) and Teal.
The colors and designs of the Britax Skyline Booster Seat are modern and stylish, with options in neutral tones, bright colors, and bold patterns. Parents can choose a color that matches the car’s interior, their child’s preference, or simply their personal taste.
In general, car seat manufacturers are moving away from gender-specific colors and designs, recognizing that both boys and girls can enjoy any color of their preference. The Britax Skyline reflects this trend by offering a range of diverse colors and designs that can appeal to both genders.
Therefore, parents can freely choose any color of preference for their child without being limited by gender norms. It seems the Highpoint has more color options available, including purple.
See also
Headrest and Harness - 10 Positions
The Britax Skyline Booster Seat features 10 adjustable headrest positions that ensure maximum comfort and safety for your child while in the car seat. The headrest can be easily adjusted by lifting the height adjustment lever located at the back of the booster seat.
The 10 headrest positions help to provide an optimized fit for your child, ensuring the seat belt is correctly positioned across their shoulders and chest at all times.
Adjusting the headrest up or down positions the side-impact protection in the right position to provide an optimal level of security and comfort.
The adjustable headrest positions make the booster seat suitable for children of different heights and weights. Parents can adjust the headrest to align with their child’s height, ensuring that the top of the child’s ears is within the top headrest position.
This will help to provide maximum protection in the event of a collision and ensure the child is comfortable and relaxed during the journey.
For enhanced comfort, the Britax Skyline features plush foam padding, which reduces pressure points and provides added support, making your child comfortable during long rides.
The cushioned armrests also help to provide additional comfort and support, reducing fatigue and ensuring your child’s safety and comfort through the journey.
Padding
The Britax Skyline features thick, plush foam padding that provides exceptional comfort to your child during car rides. The foam padding in the seat and backrest helps to reduce pressure points, ensuring optimal comfort and support.
The thick padding is designed to keep the child comfortable during long car rides, reducing fatigue and discomfort associated with extended sitting. The cushioned armrests also provide additional comfort and support, reducing fatigue and preventing the child from slouching on the seat.
The backrest of the Britax Skyline Booster Seat is contoured, providing extra support to a child’s upper and lower back. The contoured shape of the backrest reduces pressure points and improves spinal alignment, ensuring the child’s comfort during extended periods in the seat.
The thick foam padding also provides a layer of protection in the event of a side-impact collision, absorbing some of the shocks and reducing the risk of injury to the child.
In conclusion, the thick, plush foam padding of the Britax Skyline Booster Seat provides exceptional comfort to your child during car rides. The seat and backrest padding reduces pressure points and prevents fatigue during long rides, while the cushioned armrests provide additional comfort and support. The contoured shape of the backrest and the thick foam padding provides optimum protection in case of a side-impact collision, enhancing the safety of the child.
5. Crash Tests and Safety Ratings
Is it safe to use Britax Skyline?
The Britax Skyline features a dual layer of side-impact protection, which is designed to keep children safe during a collision.
The first layer of side impact protection is the energy-absorbing foam-lined shell, which reduces the impact of a crash by absorbing and distributing the force. This feature helps to reduce injuries to the child’s head, neck, and torso during a side-impact collision.
The second layer of side-impact protection is the large, foam-lined headrest that protects the child’s head, neck, and torso during a side-impact collision.
The dual-layer of side impact protection in the Britax Skyline Booster Seat has been thoroughly tested to meet safety standards set by the federal government, including the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 213. This safety feature provides parents with peace of mind and ensures that their child is protected and safe while riding in the car.
Side Impact Protection
The Britax Skyline features a dual layer of side-impact protection, which is designed to keep children safe during a collision.
The first layer of side impact protection is the energy-absorbing foam-lined shell, which reduces the impact of a crash by absorbing and distributing the force. This feature helps to reduce injuries to the child’s head, neck, and torso during a side-impact collision.
The second layer of side-impact protection is the large, foam-lined headrest that protects the child’s head, neck, and torso during a side-impact collision.
The dual-layer of side impact protection in the Britax Skyline Booster Seat has been thoroughly tested to meet safety standards set by the federal government, including the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 213. This safety feature provides parents with peace of mind and ensures that their child is protected and safe while riding in the car.
6. Performance
Weight and Height Limits
The Britax Skyline has the highest weight and height limits that are suitable for children in different phases of their growth. It’s able to accommodate children who weigh between 40-120 pounds and are between 44-63 inches tall.
According to the manufacturer’s guidelines and the car seat laws on booster seats, children must be at least four years old to sit in the Britax Skyline booster seat. The minimum weight and height requirements (40 lbs/ 44″ for high back booster and 48 lbs/ 46″ for backless booster) must also be met.
Additionally, the child should be mature enough to sit in a booster seat, keep the seat belt on, avoid slouching or leaning forward while in the car, and be mindful of their behavior while traveling.
The minimum requirements for the Britax Skyline Booster Seat ensure that the child is secure and comfortable throughout the journey. The child’s weight and height are essential factors in determining whether the booster seat is suitable for them. The car seat manual also clarifies the steps to follow when adjusting the height of the seat to ensure it is correctly installed and safe to use.
See also
Stage / Modes -3rd
The Britax Skyline is a booster seat, meaning it is the last-stage car seat -based on the NHTSA’s definition of four car seat stages. Car seats in this stage are front-facing only, and so does the Skyline.
You may have seen the two-stage word in the product description. That’s very different from the NHTSA’s classification of the car seat stages.
It actually means the Britax Skyline can be used in two modes – high-back booster and backless booster.
The backrest can be removed to turn it into a more portable backless booster. With this versatile feature, parents can use the booster as their child grows, increasing the value of the booster seat over time.
The high-back booster mode is suitable for younger children weighing between 40-120 pounds and measuring between 44-63 inches tall. You should pay attention to the minimum weight and height requirements: 40 lbs and 44 inches.
In high-back booster mode, the booster seat features a backrest, headrest, and adjustable shoulder belts. The backrest provides proper back support, while the headrest provides cushioning to the child’s head, helping them nap or fall asleep comfortably. The adjustable shoulder belts can be moved up and down to ensure they fit snugly across the child’s shoulders, allowing the seat belt to keep the child safely in place during a collision.
The backless booster mode is suitable for older children weighing between 48-120 pounds and standing between 46-63 inches tall. This mode features a raised seating surface that helps position the child correctly when using the car’s seat belt. This mode is ideal for older children who need a boost to achieve the correct positioning in the car’s seat back.
In conclusion, the Britax Skyline is the last-stage car seat that comes in high-back and backless booster modes, ensuring children are safe and secure during car rides. The high-back mode is suitable for younger children, while the backless mode suits older children. These modes ensure the child is safe, has the right positioning, and is comfortable during car rides, regardless of their age or size. The ability to transition from one mode to another provides longevity to the booster seat, making it a cost-effective and practical option for parents.
See also:
Age Requirements and Limits
Like all the booster seats, there is a minimum age requirement for Britax Skyline – your kid must be 4 years or older to sit in this booster seat.
The top age limit is not specified. But it’s recommended to keep your child in the Skyline booster for as long as possible until they’re large enough to use the vehicle seat belt.
The age limit may vary due to the child’s growth and development, and different children may reach the maximum weight and height limit at different ages.
However, in the US, federal laws don’t require a child to use a booster seat or same-level child restraint system at 8 years old (or 57 inches tall).
It’s essential to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and local laws regarding car seat usage, as they may differ from one state to another. Parents should also consider any other factors that may affect their child’s safety, such as the type of vehicle, the child’s behavior during car rides, and road conditions.
See also
Airplane
Is Britax Skyline approved for use on a plane?
The Britax Skyline Booster Seat is not FAA-approved, just like the other booster seats. As a result, it is not suitable for air travel. The booster seat is designed for use in a motor vehicle with a lap-shoulder belt that secures the child in an upright position while in transit.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has specific guidelines and regulations on the use of child restraint systems on airplanes. Booster seats, including the Britax Skyline Booster Seat, are not approved for use on airplanes for several reasons, including variability in the seat belt design, aircraft seat sizes, and turbulence or other in-flight incidents.
For air travel, the FAA recommends using a child car seat approved for air travel or airline-approved harnesses that meet FAA guidelines or in-seat belts provided by the airlines. Parents must follow the specific guidelines or regulations provided by the airlines when traveling with children to ensure their safety and convenience.
If you want to use a car seat on the plane for kids around 2-3 years old, find some lightweight convertible car seats, or car seats that are portable for easy transport through the airport and installation.
See also
Lifespan
How long is Britax Skyline car seat good for
The Britax Skyline has a lifespan of 10 years from the date of manufacture.
The real usage lifespan depends on several factors that affect its integrity, including the frequency of use, exposure to different elements, and the care and maintenance provided by the parent.
Regular checks, careful usage, and appropriate maintenance enhance the booster seat’s durability and longevity, keeping it safe and efficient.
If the car seat has not yet been in any serious or middle crashes, it should work well to ride your kid safely to the last day they don’t need the Skyline.
When you find the car seat expired, it’s better to deal with it carefully. You can store it and take it to the next Target car seat trade-in event for a 20% off coupon and buy new kid gear.
See also:
Warranty
The Britax provides a one-year limited warranty for the Skyline booster seat, starting from the date of original purchase. The warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship under normal use and service.
The warranty does not cover damage caused by misuse or abuse of the car seat, normal wear, and tear, or damage caused by accidents or collisions.
7. Britax Skyline Installation
Before starting to install the car seat, you may where to put it. The center of the back seat is probably the safest position to install a car seat.
If possible, install the car seat on that spot. If that seat is not applicable for a proper installation, for example lacking a shoulder belt, either seat on the side would be safe. You may choose any of them based on your family’s and kid’s needs.
You need to pay special attention to the booster seat installation, which is required by the federal booster seat laws (in the US) to use a lap-shoulder system for proper installation. If there is no lap-shoulder belt in the center of the back, just put the Britax Skyline on either window seat.
Install Britax Skyline using LATCH
- Verify the booster seat is compatible with your vehicle. Refer to pages 26 – 27 in the car seat manual for information about compatible seat belts and head restraints.
- a. Push the booster seat back against the vehicle seat back and ensure that it is positioned correctly so the vehicle head restraint allows the backrest to lying flat against the vehicle seat back.
- b. Ensure that the base of the booster seat does not hang over the edge of the vehicle seat.
- If the vehicle seat back is adjustable, ensure it is in the upright position before placing the booster seat on the vehicle seat.
- Push the lower connector release button and pull the lower connector to fully extend the lower connector adjuster strap. Repeat on the opposite side to ensure that all slack has been released from the lower connector system.
- Attach the lower connectors.
- a. Verify the lower anchor adjuster straps are not twisted.
- b. Using the lower anchor farthest from you for the easiest positioning push the lower connectors onto their adjacent lower anchors. NOTE: You may need to turn the back of the booster seat towards you for easier access to the lower anchors.
- c. A click confirms lower connectors are attached. IMPORTANT: If a click is not heard when connecting the lower connectors, the lower anchor adjuster strap may be twisted or there may be debris in the lower connector. Correct either situation before continuing with the positioning process.
- Guide the booster seat into place while pulling the lower anchor adjuster strap on either side of the booster seat to remove slack.
Securing Your Child
Use the Skyline Booster Seat with Backrest
- Sit your child in the booster seat, ensuring that the child is sitting upright and that their back is against the backrest. Check the head restraint for proper height adjustment. The top of the head restraint should be above the child’s ears.
- Pull the vehicle seat belt out and route the shoulder part of the vehicle seat belt through the shoulder belt guide.
- Route the lap part of the vehicle seat belt under the left and right armrests and over both base belt guides. NOTE: The shoulder part of the vehicle seat belt should be routed under the armrest on the buckle side.
- Verify the vehicle seat belt is not twisted and then fasten it across the child. NOTE: The lap part of the vehicle seat belt should rest low on the child’s upper thighs.
- Remove slack from the vehicle seat belt. NOTE: Proper positioning is achieved when the shoulder belt lies across the center of the child’s chest and is positioned at or just above the child’s shoulder.
- Review the Checklist to ensure all steps have been completed fully.
Using the Skyline Booster Seat without Backrest
- Ensure the booster seat is positioned in a location that has a vehicle head restraint, and attach lower connectors as shown in positioning and installing the Booster Seat.
- Seat your child in the booster seat. The top of the child’s ears must be below the top of the vehicle head restraint.
- Pull the vehicle seat belt out, then route the lap part of the vehicle seat belt under both armrests and over the left and right base belt guides. NOTE: The shoulder part of the vehicle seat belt should be routed under the armrest on the buckle side.
- Verify that the vehicle seat belt is not twisted and then fasten it across the child. NOTE: The lap part of the vehicle seat belt should rest low on the child’s upper thighs and be routed under the armrests. The shoulder belt should lie across the center of the child’s chest and be positioned at or above the child’s shoulder.
- Remove slack from the vehicle seat belt.
Checklist
- Vehicle seat belt is not twisted.
- Vehicle seat belt is securely positioned and fastened.
- Lap part of the vehicle belt rests low on child’s upper thighs and be routed under the armrests.
- Shoulder belt lies across the center of the child’s chest and is positioned at or above the child’s shoulder.
Britax Skyline Car Seat Manual
You should always read the user manual before starting to install and use it for riding your child.
The Britax Skyline manual is stored in a small storage slot behind the cover of the car seat, but you can always find the online user manual on its official website, or download the PDF here.
8. Specification and Comparison
| Brand | |
| Brand | Britax |
| Type | |
| Suitable for | Big kids |
| Positions | Forward-facing |
| Design | |
| Portability (1-10) | 7.5. Relatively lightweight but a bit |
| Weight (pounds) | 11 |
| Weight limits (lb.) | 40-120 |
| Height limit (inch) | 63″ |
| Dimension | 16 x 19.5 x 27.5″ DWH |
| Cup holder | Two |
| Performance | |
| Age Range | 4-8 years or older |
| Stage | 3rd |
| Installation | LATCH |
| Headrest Positions | 10 |
| Recline positions | 0 |
| Airplane | No |
| Lifespan | 10 Years |
| Extra Features | – |
Britax Skyline vs Diono Cambria 2 XL
| Car Seats Comparison | Britax Skyline | Diono Cambria 2 XL |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $109.99 | $99.99 |
| Weight limits (lb) | 40-120 | 40-120 |
| Height limits (in) | 63" | 63" |
| Installation | Quick LATCH | Quick LATCH |
| Side impact protection | 2 layers | 2 layers |
| Headrest positions | 10 | 6 |
| Width | 19.5 inches | 20.1 inches |
| Car Seat Weight | 11 lb. | 12.1 lb. |
| Machine-washable fabric | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cup Holder | Two | Two |
*About the height limit for rear-facing: The top of the head must be 1” (2.5 cm) below the headrest adjustment lever.
What other booster car seats should you consider?
9. Alternatives
Chicco KidFit
- Weight range (lb): 40-110 (Booster)
- Height limits: 57” (Booster)
- Stage: 3rd
- Lifespan: 8 years
- Suitable: 4 to 8 years or older
Why is it better than the Britax Skyline?
- Slim designed to fit 3 across
- Front-adjustable LATCH installation
- Two more recline positions (2 vs 0)
Why is it worse than the Britax Skyline?
- Lower weight limit (110 lbs vs 120 lbs)
- Lower height limit (57" vs 63")
- Shorter lifespan (8 yrs vs 10 yrs)
Diono Cambria 2 XL
- Weight range (lb): 40-120 (Booster)
- Height limits: 63” (Booster)
- Stage: 3rd
- Lifespan: 8 years
- Suitable: 4 to 8 years or older
Why is it better than the Britax Skyline?
- Slightly cheaper ($99.99 vs $109.99)
- XL size for more space
- Extended warranty up to 36 months
- More storage compartment
Why is it worse than the Skyline?
- Shorter lifespan (8 yrs vs 10 yrs)
- Fewer adjustable headrest positions (6 vs 10)
- Narrower (19.5" vs 20.1")
Graco TurboBooster
- Weight range (lb): 40-100 (Booster)
- Height limits: 57"(Booster)
- Stage: 3rd
- Lifespan: 10 years
- Suitable: 4 to 8 years or older
Why is it better than the Britax Skyline?
- Slightly cheaper price ($59.99 vs $109.99)
- More lightweight (8.42 lbs vs 11 lbs)
Why is it worse than the Britax Highpoint?
- Lower weight limit (100 lbs vs 120 lbs)
- Lower height limit (57" vs 63")
- Fewer padding