Best Backless and High Back Car Booster Seats

Some of the most sobering advice my parents gave me was this. I may be a safe driver, but I don’t know who else is on the road with me. So, as a parent, I know that my child deserves the protection of the best booster car seat.

Often, a child is required by state law to ride in a car seat until a certain age. Furthermore, a lot of states dictate a particular weight minimum for the different car seat styles.

However, here is the bottom line. No matter where you drive in the United States, your child needs a car seat at some point.

When your child is ready, they may need a booster car seat. Like most parenting decisions, choosing the best booster car seat does not come quickly or easily.

Nor should it! You want to make sure you take the time to understand the best booster car seat options out there fully.

Admittedly, as a pregnant mother-to-be, I had no idea, so many car seat options existed. My car seat is something I remember from childhood!

But, of course, I want to find the best booster car seat for my child. Like us, you may have questions swirling around regarding car seats.

When you first bring your bundle of joy home from the hospital, you need a baby or infant car seat. This cradle-style seat faces the rear of your vehicle.

Rear-facing car seats are safest for the added protection in the event of a collision. Commonly, infant car seats accommodate babies up to 22 to 35 pounds.

Next, a convertible, or infant/toddler, car seat works best for children up to 40 pounds when rear-facing. This type of car seat can also spin around to face forward. In that case, it can accommodate a child up to 70 pounds.

Such options are called “convertible” because they often transition from infant-to-toddler-to-booster.

Finally, you have two options with a belt-positioning booster seat. First, you could choose a high back booster seat. Many of the best booster car seats like this feature a five-point harness system.

Or you might go with the backless booster seat. Neither is safer than another when used properly.

First and foremost, you should not rush when transitioning your child to a booster car seat.

Many children are physically ready for a booster seat when they reach 30 or 40 pounds. Some manufacturers suggest an age range anywhere from 4 to 7 years.

However, it is best to gauge the maturity of your child when choosing the best booster car seat. Your child is probably ready for a booster car seat when they can remain upright and seated properly.

With a booster seat, your child has more freedom to move, making them more vulnerable. So you want to make sure your child is emotionally ready to handle those responsibilities.

When your child is ready for a booster car seat, consider the differences between the high back and backless options.

First, the high back booster seat comes with a base on which to sit and a back piece that extends above a child’s head. This option provides more head and neck support and helps your child sit correctly.

Sometimes a high back booster comes with an adjustable harness to go across the child’s shoulders and midsection. If your child is on the smaller side, they might feel more secure and comfortable in this option.

Additionally, you might consider a backless booster car seat. This option is more lightweight because it does not have the back piece. You strap your child in using the car’s seat belt, which reaches across the child’s lap.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends your child remain in a booster seat until the shoulder and lap belts of a car seat fit them properly. That is not often until the child is 8 to 12 years old and at least 4 feet 9 inches tall.

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If you haven’t made up your mind yet regarding backless or high back boosters, no worries. There are still some other factors to consider. Before presenting those, it is worth knowing exactly what went into this review.

Firstly, we researched federal requirements regarding age, weight, and height specifications on booster car seats. We wanted to know exactly when it was appropriate for your child to transition to the best booster car seat.

This led us to trusted agencies like AAA and Safety.com for guidance and advice.

Also, it was worth reading the opinions of trusted publications amongst parents. For example, BabyCenter and Parenting.com both feature articles detailing the best booster car seat options available.

Lastly, with a full repertoire of information, we explored the best booster car seat candidates and their customer reviews.

Oftentimes that led us to the manufacturer websites as well as leading safety websites to seek clarification. We wanted to find the best-rated and most affordably-priced options out there.

Image source: Pexels

The hours of research and hard work led to a comprehensive list of the 10 best booster car seat options for your little one.

These products are in no particular order, other than to first introduce the backless options. Then come the high back booster car seat choices.

First up is the KidsEmbrace Batman Backless Booster Car Seat. You’ll find this option in the low price range with a 4.7 out of 5.0 stars rating on Amazon.

Your child is ready for the KidsEmbrace if they are at least four years of age. Also, your child should weigh between 40 and 100 pounds and reach between 40 to 57 inches in height.

This backless booster car seat meets several safety requirements. First, it is a certified “Best Bet Booster” by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

Additionally, the KidsEmbrace company requires its products to meet strict internal design evaluations. Then products move on to extensive government compliance testing.

The KidsEmbrace backless booster features a shoulder-belt positioning clip to secure your child. Also, your kid is sure to love choosing from its extensive DC Comics designs.

Some of them include Batman, Batwoman, and a collage of beloved DC characters.

Your child can ride in comfort with the contoured base and cushioned seat with padding. Also, they’ll love the cup holder for drinks, snacks, or trinkets. Finally, you’ll love that the cover is machine-washable.

The only regret with the KidsEmbrace is that it does not feature a latch clip. Latch systems on car seats are designed to clip to anchors in your car for added stability.

Next is the Peg Perego Viaggio Shuttle. It falls in the high price range but comes with a solid 4.4 out of 5.0 Amazon star rating.

Children between 40 and 120 pounds sit comfortably in this chair, as do kids between 39 to 63 inches in height.

This particular option does come with an integrated Rigid LATCH system. The materials also help keep kids safe. The first layer of cushioning is expanded polystyrene, which is designed to absorb deceleration in a collision.

Additionally, the Viaggio comes with a shoulder clip to help with proper positioning of the seat belt.

The Viaggio Shuttle features a cupholder and armrests. Also, the second layer of fabric is expanded polyurethane for comfort. An added bonus for you is that it is machine-washable.

Additionally, your child will love to choose from one of its four stylish colors. It comes in Daytona (yellow), Crystal Black (black with gray accents), Monza (black with red accents), and Licorice (all black).

Finally, you’ll love that it features a carrying handle for easy transport.

Speaking from personal experience, Chicco car seats are hard to beat. This Chicco booster seat falls in the mid-price range and earned 4.7 out of 5.0 stars on Amazon.

Chicco recommends children at least four years of age use the GoFit Backless Seat. Also, your child should weigh between 40 and 100 pounds and stand 38 inches to 57 inches tall.

Regarding safety, the Chicco comes with an integrated lap belt guide and shoulder belt clip. Both add extra support and guidance for proper seat belt positioning.

The Chicco features Ergo Boost contoured seating with double foam padding as comfort for your little one’s bum. Also, the smooth underside of this car seat helps protect your vehicle’s seats, a definite bonus with the Chicco.

Also, this car seat has two foldaway, removable, soft-sided cupholders. Both can be tossed in the dishwasher for easy cleaning. Speaking of, the seat cover is conveniently machine-washable.

Regrettably, the Chicco does not come with latch connectors.

First up in high back booster car seats is the Cosco Combination Booster, which falls in the mid-price range.

This option converts from harness to backless booster seat. In the harness position, your child should be between 30 and 65 pounds and reach between 32 to 49 inches.

When sitting in the belt-positioning booster, your child should weigh between 40 and 100 pounds and reach 43 to 52 inches. Simply remove the harness when you want to convert this seat.

For safety, this option is a top contender. First, it includes a five-point harness in the high back position.

A five-point harness securely sits over your child’s two shoulders, two hips, and crotch. Also, the Cosco was awarded a “Best Bet Booster” rating by IIHS.

Additionally, it meets or exceeds federal, ASTM, and JPMA safety standards. You’ll feel even better with its 1-year limited warranty and the added stability of its latch system.

Next, the Cosco seat features three color options. Also, the seat is lightweight and compact. You can comfortably fit three Cosco boosters across the back seat of your car.

Furthermore, the Cosco comes with one detachable cup holder that can be removed and placed on either side of the seat.

Throw it in the dishwasher for carefree cleaning. The same goes for the padded car seat cover, which is machine-washable.

The Graco High Back Booster also fits in the mid-price range. Amazon customers deemed it worthy of 4.6 out of 5.0 stars.

If your child is between 30 and 100 pounds and 38 to 57 inches, they might feel the safest riding in the harness position. When your child grows to be 40 to 100 pounds and 40 to 57 inches, they can ride safely in the booster option.

Conveniently, the Graco includes many built-in safety features. For example, it comes with a latch system and belt guide. Additionally, its padding made of energy-absorbing foam and has an adjustable headrest.

Also, the Graco was side impact-tested for an added layer of security. Finally, the Graco meets FMVSS 213 regulations.

The Graco easily converts from a five-point harness to a belt-positioning booster, which helps you get your money’s worth.

Also, it comes with two armrests. Unlike most booster seats, this Graco features a cupholder and a hideaway storage compartment.

Finally, you can choose from three attractive color combinations. First, the Atomic option features a red accent on black material.

The Grapeade includes a purple accent on black fabric. And the Pierce also comes with black material but tan accent coloring.

Next up is the Evenflo, another low-priced option in booster car seats. Amazon customers gave it a 4.6 out of 5.0 star rating.

Children between 30 and 110 pounds standing 38 to 57 inches tall get the most out of the high back position. When your child reaches 40 to 110 pounds and 40 to 57 inches, they will love the booster position.

For safety, the Evenflo comes with an adjustable back, which easily moves between six positions.

Also, extra padding around the head provides more stability and comfort. Finally, the belt guides and “Best Bet Booster” rating from IIHS will help you sleep more soundly at night.

Next, the Evenflo features armrests and two built-in cup holders. Your child can surely find something they love with its six colors and patterns. You’ll love that the fabric is machine-washable.

You should note that the Evenflo is a convertible option but does not come with a five-point harness. Instead, the back detaches for it to become a backless booster.

The only regret with the Evenflo is that it does not feature a latch system.

If your child is a Marvel fanatic, they are going to love the KidsEmbrace Combination Booster Seat. This combination booster sits in the high price range and earned 4.6 out of 5.0 Amazon stars.

If your child is between 22 and 65 pounds and 29 to 49 inches, they can sit comfortably in the high back position. Then, when your child reaches 30 to 100 pounds and 38 to 57 inches, they can sit safely in the booster seat.

This booster option comes backed with many safety features. First, the KidsEmbrace fits in the latch system if your vehicle has anchors.

Next, this car seat meets or exceeds FMVSS 213 regulations as well as Calspan 1983-17-01 and 1983-18-01. Lastly, EPS foam provides not only comfort but also shock-absorbing material in a crash.

This seat’s features also boast safety. It comes with a five-point harness system in the high back position. It even includes a two-point crotch latch, which is definitely a perk to the KidsEmbrace.

If your child acts like the Hulk on a daily basis, they can complete the deal with the Hulk-themed car seat. Or they can choose from a wide variety of other Marvel characters, including Spider-Man and Black Panther.

Finally, the KidsEmbrace comes with a three-position headrest and two cup holders. Finally, its fabric is machine-washable.

Next is the Chicco KidFit Booster, which falls in the upper price range. It comes backed with 4.8 out of 5.0 Amazon stars Amazon.

The Chicco is great for kids four and older. If your child weighs between 30 and 100 pounds, they should ride in the high back position. It is worth noting that the manufacturer does not specify a height for the high back position.

But when your child reaches 40 to 110 pounds and 38 to 57 inches, they are ready physically to switch to the backless booster.

In addition to a solid reputation, the Chicco offers plenty of safety features. First, the Chicco comes with a latch system and its SuperCinch tightener. This strap helps you tighten the latches with ease and assurance.

Also, the DuoZone head and shoulder side-impact protection system maneuvers between 10 positions.

Additionally, its side wings are made from EPS to help absorb dangerous impacts. Finally, the Chicco offers a two-position backrest and belt guides.

The Chicco is a convertible car seat but does not feature a five-point harness system. Rather, the back piece detaches to convert the seat to a backless booster.

Its two removable, foldable cup holders are dishwasher-safe. Also, the seat cover and padded armrests are machine-washable.

Finally, the Chicco comes in three colors: Celeste (purple), Monaco (teal), and Atmosphere (red).

Finally, we have the Britax Booster Seat. Choosing the best booster car seat for your child just got a little bit harder with yet another strong contender. The Britax sits in the high price range and earned 4.4 out of 5.0 Amazon stars.

Your child may be ready to ride in the high back position when they weigh between 40 and 120 pounds.

The Britax features the greatest maximum weight, so your child can ride in it longer. Your child should also reach between 38 to 63 inches to ride in this seat.

For safety, the Britax comes with a latch system and 10-position adjustable headrest. Also, it features three layers of side impact protection.

Finally, its SecureGuard belt positioning clip can help foster independence and safety in your child.

Next, the Britax features cool flow material made of a mesh fabric to help regulate temperature. Additionally, it comes in three colors. You can choose from Asher, which is a light gray jersey-type fabric.

Or maybe you fancy the Cool Flow Gray, which is a mesh black fabric with dark gray accents. Perhaps you like the Cool Flow Teal, which is also mesh black fabric but with teal accents.

Note that the Britax is neither a five-point harness nor a convertible seat.

Image source: Pexels

Of course, safety is a priority for most parents. Fortunately, car seat companies are held to strong regulations meant to protect your child.

The only downside of that is you have so many options to choose from when it comes to the best booster car seat!

Thankfully, you now have plenty of information regarding car seat options and when to transition your child.

Also, you now know 10 of the best booster car seat choices for your family. So, which do you think is perfect for your little one?

Comment below!