UPPAbaby Alta Review -Cheapest High-End Booster Car Seat

UPPAbaby ALTA Booster Seat

UPPAbaby Alta

Overall Rating
4.2/5
Face Front

Claiming the honor of being a high-end booster seat with a few safety extras and high-quality materials, the UPPAbaby Alta is the perfect wingman for kids craving a little more growing room as they safely take road trips in supreme comfort and style.

Boasting a top weight limit of 100 pounds and a 3-point harness type with a lap belt positioner for easy and stable installation, this firecracker wields its 7-position headrest adjustment to dazzling effect. In fact, you’ll not find a more performance booster seat under $180 at this time.

Building on the already impressive stats, the Alta’s side impact protection, which includes two side impact pods on both sides of the shell enhances safety by reducing the crash energy. This design is very commonly seen on more expensive booster car seats, like the UPPAbaby Alta’s competitors.

*Price may change due to e-commerce platform and brand sales promotion.

UPPAbaby Alta - Cheapest High-end Booster Seat with Safety Extras

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

1. Pros and Cons

Pros

Cons

2. Who Is It Best For?

Will the UPPAbaby Alta Be a Good Fit For Your Child and Family?

UPPAbaby has delivered on its promise to create a model that balances safety and comfort with a top weight limit that is good for big kids older than 4 years old – the manufacturer suggests an older 6 years of age use the Alta booster car seat.

Alongside Alta’s multiple-positioned adjustable headrest, durable fabrics and shell, and open-loop design, it lends itself to parents that want a reliable booster seat for daily pickups and long road trips.

It has been designed to grow with your kid with a lot of room in the inner, which results in a bulky design. That means, if you want to use it side by side with other car seats, you’d better think twice, especially in situations like installing three car seats in the same back row.

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3. Value for Money

Is the price tag worth it?

The UPPAbaby Alta offers incredible value for money when you want a booster seat with extra safety features and great comfort for your little one while delivering convenience for yourself.

Priced at $179.99, it may seem expensive compared to some other booster seat brands available in a cheaper price range. But it’s still worth your consideration.

Firstly, the booster seat has an adjustable headrest with 7 different positions, which ensures your child’s comfort as they grow. This feature, combined with the breathable foam and mesh fabric, provides the comfort your child needs during the ride. It has a removable cup holder that is used to hold drinks and snacks, making it convenient for the child to stay hydrated and nourished.

Secondly, the booster seat is easy to install with a seat belt, taking only seconds, and its self-ratcheting LATCH system, along with the intuitive SecureFit belt routing system and a unique lap belt positioner, tightens into place for a secure fit. This feature gives parents additional peace of mind knowing that their children are safe and secure during the ride.

Thirdly, the booster seat passes all applicable federal safety standards, and it also meets the federal standards of the side-impact test, which ensures children’s safety while they travel.

More than this, it features side impact pods to increase its protection performance in the event of side collisions.

Obviously, the UPPAbaby Alta seems high-end and is made of high-quality materials, which ensures longevity, making it a cost-effective solution.

4. Design

Dimensions and Width

The UPPAbaby ALTA booster seat has dimensions of 20″ L x 19″ W x 25.5-33″ H, which is neither too compact nor too large. The height varies depending on the headrest position for kids of different ages and sizes.

The booster seat’s height is adjustable, which allows it to grow with your child, and the seven adjustable headrest positions ensure maximum comfort. Despite the additional height, the booster seat’s width is similar to that of other booster seats.

It is 19 inches wide, which fits in most car models without much of a hassle, even though it’s slightly wider than the best narrow car seats within 18.5 inches.

The UPPAbaby ALTA booster seat’s relatively compact design makes it easy to move the seat from one car to another. Additionally, the seat is ergonomically designed to ensure your kid stays comfortable while providing ample space for other passengers.

Keep in mind that the booster seat may not fit in some smaller car models as it does require a bit of space. However, it will fit comfortably in most mid-size or larger cars with adequate space.

In conclusion, the UPPAbaby ALTA booster seat strikes a balance between compact and spacious designs. Its adjustable height expands as your child grows, while the 19-inch width fits in most car models comfortably. You can rely on the practical dimensions and shape of the booster seat, which ensures optimal comfort for your child while fitting well in your car.

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Portability

As an experienced mom, you want your booster seat to be both comfortable and portable. However, the UPPAbaby ALTA booster seat, weighing at 16.6 pounds, is relatively heavy compared to other booster seats on the market. This heaviness can slightly impact the booster seat’s portability.

The extra weight of the ALTA booster seat can make it challenging to move from one car to another, especially if you are carrying additional baby gear. Additionally, the heavy weight of the booster seat may make it less ideal for frequent traveling.

However, the booster seat can be carried using the built-in handle on the back, which eases portability to a certain extent. The heavyweight isn’t such a problem when the booster is stationary in your car. It also benefits from increased stability thanks to its weight, making it less likely to shift as you drive.

Although the UPPAbaby ALTA booster seat can be heavy, this additional weight provides benefits such as added stability and durability. The booster seat can be a practical choice for parents who aren’t frequent travelers and can take advantage of the comfort the booster seat offers to their growing children.

While the booster seat is relatively heavy compared to some other booster seats on the market, it makes up for this with its maximum comfort and ruggedness. It is not the best option for frequent travelers who need a lightweight car seat but worth considering for those who prioritize comfort and stability. 

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Cup Holder - One

The cup holder is a practical design for the car seats. It’s a pity that the UPPAbaby Alta booster seat has only one cup holder. The lucky point is that the cup holder is removable and you can attach it to either side of the booster car seat for convenience.

Unlike some other booster seats featuring cup holders that may be too small, the Alta booster seat’s cup holders are adequately sized and can hold various cup sizes. Moreover, they are designed in a circular shape, which ensures that cups and bottles stay in place without falling off during the ride.

The cup holder can be conveniently placed alongside the booster seat’s armrests, making it easy for your child to access their drinks and snacks. That means the cup holder needs more space from the side seat in the back, making the less appealing compared to those narrower booster car seats like the Chicco KidFit which is only 17″ wide with cup holders just underneath the armrests.

Not only does this booster seat provide a practical and convenient solution for your child’s drinks and snacks, but it also ensures convenience for parents. The UPPAbaby ALTA booster seat’s cup holder is made of dishwasher-safe materials, making it easy to clean while saving time.

In conclusion, the UPPAbaby ALTA booster seat’s cup holders are a highlight of this booster seat, designed to be adequately sized, practical, and made of high-quality materials. The circular shape design ensures that cups and bottles stay in place, making it a practical and safe solution for parents looking for convenience and security all around.

Color option

As an experienced mom, you know that your child’s booster seat color can impact how they feel about it. The UPPAbaby ALTA booster seat comes in four available colors: Jake, Morgan, SASHA, and NOA.

All four colors look stylish and high-end, a good value for the money if you have a good budget for a booster seat.

Jake is the only color option that the manufacturer doesn’t classify as “for him” or “for her.” It is a solid black color, which makes it a practical and timeless option and suitable for both boys and girls. The black color is also great for those parents that do not feel comfortable opting for a gender-specific color.

The Morgan (Charcoal Melange) is the grey-colored version and is classified as the neutral-gender option as well. But it’s less popular than Jake, beating the other two colors.

SASHA is the brightest colored version of the booster seat option and is classified as “for her,” and it is similar to pink (at least a light pink) and appeals more to girls. The color pink is known to be a color of warmth, calmness, and happiness, and it can bring a sense of joy to your little one during rides.

The NOA color option (available on Amazon) is deep blue and is classified as “for him.” The blue color may appeal more to boys, giving them a more masculine feel. The color blue is known to be calming and soothing, making it an excellent option for those long car rides.

However, don’t feel limited to choosing a specific color simply based on gender. Ultimately, the color you choose for your child’s booster seat depends on their personality and preferences. You know your child best, and you can choose the booster seat that would make them the most comfortable and happy on the road.

You can pick any color regardless of the gender classification; decide based on your child’s personal taste and preference.

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Headrest - 7 Positions

The UPPAbaby ALTA booster seat features a unique seven-position headrest adjustment that allows you to customize it to your child’s growth needs. This means your child will receive maximum head, neck, and shoulder support in any scenario, promoting a comfortable ride for your little one.
As your child grows, the car seat’s headrest should be moved up to accommodate your kid at the right fit, ensuring their head, neck, and shoulders are precisely where they need to be in the seat. This innovative design feature ensures that your child remains comfortable and supported at all times. Additionally, it ensures that the seat belt adjusts accordingly, guaranteeing a secure fit and ultimate passenger safety.
Having a seven-position headrest adjustment is incredibly convenient, especially as your child grows and changes, meaning you won’t have to worry about purchasing another booster seat for a while. Instead, you can adjust the headrest to fit your child’s changing needs, without having to purchase another car seat.
One thing you should note is that while it is essential to have a headrest position that offers maximum comfort to your child, it is equally important to ensure it is also safe. Make sure you adjust the headrest to the appropriate position, so the seat belt always fits your little one correctly.

Reclines - 7 Positions

The Britax Advocate ClickTight has 7 recline positions for both rear-facing and forward-facing. This number of recline positions ranks top among convertible car seats, only three positions fewer (7 vs 10) than the Nuna Rava but higher priced at $550. 

When the car seat is rear-facing, it has seven recline positions, which can be adjusted using a recline lever located at the front of the seat (the recline indicator ball in the blue region). This lever can be used to adjust the angle of the seat base, to ensure that the car seat is installed at the proper angle for your child’s age and weight.

After turning it to forward-facing, the Advocate has two recline positions, which can be adjusted using the same recline lever located at the front of the seat – the recline indicator ball is in the red region. The forward-facing recline positions are designed to provide a more comfortable seating position for your child, while still ensuring that they are properly secured in the car seat.

Adjusting the recline positions can be important for ensuring your child’s comfort and safety in the car seat. For example, a more reclined position may be more comfortable for younger infants, while a more upright position can be better for older toddlers or children. Additionally, the proper recline position can help to ensure that your child’s head and neck are properly supported in case of a crash.

Padding

The UPPAbaby ALTA booster seat features a unique padding system designed for ultimate comfort and support.

The materials used are high-end and the padding is decent to ensure your child receives maximum comfort during extended car rides. The padding’s soft feel will cradle your child and adapt to their body shape – thanks to its ergonomic design, ensuring maximum support while minimizing pressure points.

Additionally, the ample padding helps to absorb shock, and its unique design provides excellent ventilation that keeps your little one cool and dry, especially during hot weather.

When it comes to maintenance and cleaning, you’ll also appreciate the booster seat’s easy-to-clean padding. The seat pad is removable and the fabric is machine washable, allowing for effortless cleaning in case of any spills or dirt.

5. Crash Tests and Safety Ratings

Is it safe to use UPPAbaby Alta?

As an experienced mom, safety is your top priority when choosing a booster seat for your child. The UPPAbaby ALTA booster seat is not only stylish and comfortable but also packed with essential safety features that make it safe to use.

Without a doubt, it meets or exceeds all Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS 213) that are required for all car seats sold in the US.

Plus, the booster seat’s adjustable headrest ensures optimal head and neck support, making it suitable for both growing and older children. Secondly, the booster seat comes with side-impact protection – two pods on both sides, that reinforces the seat’s sides in case of a collision.

This booster seat also comes with robust seat belt guides that securely hold your car’s seat belt in place, which ensures that your child stays secure and in place during the ride. The seat belt guides, along with a lap belt positioner, keep the seat belt aligned correctly with your child’s shoulder and waist, reducing the risk of injury in case of an accident.

Moreover, the UPPAbaby ALTA booster seat has a magnesium frame, which makes it sturdy and durable, providing extra protection for your child. The seat’s solid construction ensures it stays stable and in place during rides without any wobbling.

In conclusion, the UPPAbaby ALTA booster seat is safe to use and has numerous safety features that make it an excellent option for parents looking to keep their children secure on the road. The adjustable headrest, side-impact protection, robust seat belt guides, a magnesium frame, and the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards compliance ensure that your child will be safe and secure.

You can trust the UPPAbaby ALTA booster seat to provide high-quality safety, ensuring you have peace of mind on the road.

Side Impact Protection

As an experienced mom, you are aware of the risks that side-impact collisions pose. The UPPAbaby ALTA booster seat has side-impact protection that ensures your child is well-protected in case of an accident.

The side-impact pods would be one of the standout features of the ALTA booster seat’s side-impact protection. They provide an extra layer of impact protection, absorbing excess force in the event of an accident. The pod’s design is unique to the ALTA booster seat and is meant to protect your child’s sensitive head and vital organs.

Actually, high-end booster car seats like the Britax Highpoint and Nuna Aace have this feature as well. A higher price with safety extras is reasonable! You pay for what you get.

Additionally, the booster seat’s side-impact protection includes reinforced sidewalls. These sidewalls work together with the side-impact pod to reduce the impact of a collision, keeping your child safe and secure.

The UPPAbaby ALTA booster seat’s side-impact protection is also visible in the design of the seat’s headrest. The headrest is large and adjustable, allowing for maximum head and neck support, which provides extra protection for your child in case of a side-impact collision.

6. Performance

Weight and Height Limits

Just like the majority of the booster seats on the market, the UPPAbaby ALTA allows a weight range between 40-100 pounds, while the height range is between 38-57 inches.

One of the benefits is that it accommodates children for a more extended period of time. Your child can use the booster seat until they reach either the 100-pound weight limit or 57-inch height limit, whichever comes first. This means you can use the seat for several years, saving you the hassle and cost of replacing it frequently.

Another benefit is that it adapts to your child’s needs. These extended limits cater to children of various sizes, making it a practical option for families with multiple children. Moreover, the adjustable headrest ensures maximum head and neck support for growing children.

However, the downside of the UPPAbaby ALTA booster seat’s weight and height limit is that it may not be suitable for smaller children. The minimum weight requirement is 40 pounds, which may leave the younger children ineligible to use it. For parents with smaller children, other booster seats with lower weight limits may be a better option, such as the harnessed booster for toddlers.

The 100-pound weight limit and 57-inch height limit are average among the booster seats. This combination is quite good enough to last until your kid is big enough and ready to stop using a car seat.

However, it’s not the highest, a lot of car seats have a higher weight limit at 120 pounds, while some models have a 60-inch or 63-inch height limit, like its competitors, Nuna Aace (view the detailed comparison on Nuna Aace vs UPPAbaby Alta) and Britax Highpoint.

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Stage / Modes -3rd

The UPPAbaby ALTA booster seat is not just a typical booster seat. It is designed to grow with your child through the last booster stage but still provides you with a practical and long-term solution for your child’s car seat needs.

The ALTA can be used only in the high-back booster mode for children weighing between 40-100 pounds and heights between 38-57 inches. It has an adjustable headrest, which ensures maximum head and neck support for your child during their growth years.

The inclusion of the high-back booster ensures your child is secure and protected while on the road, boosting their sense of safety and comfort.

Compared to its alternatives, it’s the only booster seat that does not support backless mode, which is considered for bigger and older children. Backless booster seats are also more lightweight (with the backrest removed) and more portable.

But the UPPAbaby ALTA booster seat is a long-term solution for your child’s car seat needs. With its average weight and height limits, the car seat stage accommodates children of various sizes, and the lightweight and portable design makes it a practical option for frequent travelers or carpooling.

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Age requirement

The UPPAbaby ALTA booster seat’s age limit is a common question that parents have when choosing a car seat for their child. While the booster seat’s suggested age range is between 4 and 10, the actual age range can vary based on your child’s weight, height, and development.

The ALTA booster seat is designed for children weighing between 40-100 pounds and height between 38-57 inches. The manufacturer suggests children at least 6 years old use the Alta. However, the booster seat laws in most states have a lower age requirement – 4 years old. That’s the common rule of 99 percent booster seats on the market.

However, you should note that age is just a number and less important than weight and height limits, and some children may be smaller or taller than average for their age. For this reason, it is crucial to check your child’s weight and height before buying any booster seat. This will ensure that the seat fits your child correctly and provides optimal safety and comfort.

Moreover, it is recommended to keep your child in a booster seat until they have outgrown the booster seat’s weight and height limits or when the vehicle’s seat belt fits them correctly without needing the booster seat. Typically, children can use a booster seat until they are at least 8 years old when they legally stop using a car seat but wear a seat belt like their parents.

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Airplane

Is UPPAbaby Alta FAA approved for use on a plane?

The UPPAbaby ALTA booster seat is not FAA-approved.

According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), children under the age of two or below 40 pounds would be better sit in a car seat on an airplane, while bigger kids can choose to sit either in a car seat or on the plane’s seat, using the airplane’s seat belt.

The only reason that booster seats are not certified for use on airplanes is that they need a lap-shoulder belt system for tight and proper installation, while there is only a lap belt for security on the plane.

Another issue with using a booster seat during flights is that it can be challenging to transport. The booster seat is typically bulky and challenging to carry around the airport. Additionally, some airlines may charge extra fees for carrying booster seats on the plane.

If you intend to travel by airplane with your child, it is recommended to use an FAA-approved car seat for children under the age of two or a CARES harness for children over two years old. The CARES harness is a safety restraint designed explicitly for airplane use, and it is lightweight and easy to carry around during travel.

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Lifespan

How long is UPPAbaby Alta car seat good for

The UPPAbaby ALTA booster seat is meant to be a long-term investment for your child’s car seat needs, designed to grow with your child from the time they transition from a car seat to entering the world of booster seats until they outgrow the booster seat height or weight limits.

The longevity of the booster seat depends on how often it is used and how your child grows and develops.

The ALTA booster seat is designed to adapt to your child’s changing needs, and it allows for an extended use period than other booster seats with lower weight and height limits. The booster seat can hold a maximum weight of 100 pounds and height between 38-57 inches, making it practical for children aged between 4-10 years.

The adjustable headrest and high-back booster seat ensure the child’s head and neck are supported during growth spurts, making it a comfortable and safe option for children during extended car rides.

Moreover, the UPPAbaby ALTA booster seat is made with high-quality materials, ensuring durability and strength. The booster car seat can last for years before it needs to be replaced as long as it is not used in a severe or middle crash.

It is essential to consider the booster seat’s expiry date when using it. The ALTA booster seat expires after ten years from the date of manufacturing, as indicated on the label attached to the seat.

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Warranty

The UPPAbaby provides a two-year limited warranty for the Alta booster car seat, starting from the date of original purchase. 

Your UPPAbaby product is warranted to be free from any manufacturing defects for a period of 2 years from the date of purchase under normal use and in compliance with the operating instructions.

The manufacturer provides a registerable lifetime warranty, which applies to UPPAbaby car seats and only the original owner, within the lifetime of the product.

To receive your Limited Lifetime Warranty, you MUST register your car seat within three months of purchase and provide a valid purchase receipt from an authorized UPPAbaby retailer.

The “lifetime” of the product is defined as the period of use by the registrant for use with his/her children up to 10 years from date of manufacture. That’s the same as the lifespan of the UPPAbaby Alta booster seat.

7. UPPAbaby Alta 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.

Install UPPAbaby Alta with LATCH

SecureFit Lap Belt Positioner

NOTE: You may have to open the Lap Belt Positioner Soft Cover to access the buckle and strap.

1 Pull down on the strap to tighten.

2 Pull up on the bottom of the buckle to loosen.

3 Adjust the Lap Belt Positioner so that the vehicle lap belt lies flat and snug across the child’s upper thighs and not above.

Install Using LATCH Connectors

Lower Anchors can be used to prevent the booster from becoming a projectile in the car when not in use. The Lower Anchor system does not restrain your child. You must use the lap-shoulder belt to properly secure your child. Always refer to your vehicle’s owner manual to determine if your vehicle is equipped with Lower Anchors and in what seating positions.

1 To release the Rigid Lower Anchors Connectors, pull the Lower Anchors Release handle located at the front of the seat to expose from the storage housing.

2 Rotate the Rigid Lower Anchors Connectors 180-degrees until they are pointing toward the Lower Anchors in the vehicle.

3 Place the booster on the vehicle seat. Push the Rigid Lower Anchor Connectors onto BOTH Lower Anchors until you hear a click. The red to green indicators located on connectors should be green indicating a secure connection. Pull back on each connector to ensure secure.

4 Pull Lower Anchor Release Handle and push the booster in the seat bight until the backrest sits against the vehicle seat back.

The Rigid Lower Anchor Connector indicators will both show GREEN when properly secured.

Install UPPAbaby ALTA Using the Lap/Shoulder Seat Belt

You can directly use the Alta booster without the LATCh installation. After storing the Rigid Lower Anchor Connectors, you need to place the booster on the vehicle seat with the backrest flush with the vehicle seat back.

NEVER leave Child Restraint unsecured in your vehicle even when it is unoccupied. In a crash, it could become a projectile and injure other vehicle occupants. When not using Lower Anchor, use the vehicle lap and shoulder belt to secure the booster.

The back of the booster MUST fit tightly against the back of the vehicle seat, and the front of the booster MUST NOT hang over the front of the vehicle seat. If the vehicle head restraint cannot be adjusted or removed, a different seating position or a different booster seat should be used.

13. Manual

You should always read the user manual before starting to install and use it for riding your child. 

The UPPAbaby ALta 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 
BrandUPPAbaby
Type 
Suitable forBig kids
PositionsForward-facing
Design 
Portability (1-10)6. Bulkdy and heavy duty
Weight (pounds)15.6
Weight limits (lb.)40-100 for booster
Height limit (inch)57” for booster
Dimension20″ L x 19″W x 25.5-33″ H
Cup holderOne
Performance 
Age Range4-8 years or older
Stage3rd
InstallationLATCH & Seat belt
Headrest Positions7
Recline positions
AirplaneNo
Lifespan10 Years
Extra FeaturesSide impact pods, lap belt positioner

UPPAbaby Alta vs Nuna Aace

Car Seats Comparision UPPAbaby ALTA Nuna AACE
Price $179.99 on Amazon $250 on Nuna Website
High-back Booster Capacity 40–100 lbs /38–57 in 40 to 110 lbs /38 to 60 in/ 4 years or older
Backless Booster Capacity - 0 to 120 lbs /38 to 60 in/ at least 5 years old
Headrest Positions 7 8
Recline 0 9
Color 4 6
Installation SecureFit™ belt routing system Lower anchor and colored belt path
Side impact protection
Side impact pods
Width 19" 22.5"
Weight 16.6 pounds 15.6 pounds
Cup holder One One

9. Alternatives

What other booster car seats should you consider?

Britax Highpoint High Back Booster Seat

Britax Highpoint

Why is it better than the UPPAbaby Alta?
Why is it worse than the UPPAbaby Alta?
Chicco KidFit Booster Seat

Chicco KidFit

Why is it better than the UPPAbaby Alta?
Why is it worse than the UPPAbaby Alta?
Nuna AACE Booster Seat

Nuna Aace

Why is it better than the UPPAbaby Alta?
Why is it worse than the UPPAbaby Alta?