Best Booster Seats
My husband and I just bought two new booster seats for our cars, so this is a perfect time to share our finds with you! As you can gather on your own, finding a decent booster seat isn't difficult, but a well-engineered one with thoughtful features ensures a safer fit and a better experience for both you and your kids. After evaluating many options, I think it’s safe to say we’re all looking for versatile, easy-to-use, comfort, and a booster seat that fits your budget. And in case you are new to the booster seat world, these seats are typically for younger school-age kids, typically around 40 pounds and 40 inches tall, who are ready to move on from a five-point harness seat. So let’s dive in…
**Note: I do earn a small commission on some of these items below…
BEST OVERALL
Lightweight Easy-to-Install Narrow Design Comfortable
The Chicco KidFit ClearTex Plus gets the top spot this year. It’s lightweight, easy-to-install, comfortable, and attractive design makes this booster seat a parent favorite. Weighing in at only 10 pounds, this is easy to take in and out of the car when grandparents are running the kids around for you. Its SuperCinch LATCH system allows for one-handed tightening and release. The seat uses Greenguard Gold-certified, eco-friendly fabric, includes two collapsible cupholders, and has an excellent seat-belt threader. Its narrow design may fit three across in the back row of some vehicles. The top portion can be detached, converting it from a high-back to a backless booster. Overall, it combines convenience, eco-consciousness, and versatility, making it a standout option among high-back boosters.
RUNNER-UP
All-In-One Solution Budget-friendly Comfortable Light-weight
Parents, meet the Graco SlimFit 3-in-1 Car Seat, your all-in-one solution! This seat evolves with your child, transitioning from a rear-facing harness (5-40 lb) to a forward-facing harness (22-65 lb) and then to a highback booster (40-100 lb). It saves back seat space while providing room for your child to grow. The rotating cup holders make the seat 10% slimmer, optimizing space. Designed with Graco ProtectPlus Engineering, it ensures safety in frontal, side, rear, and rollover crashes.
SAFEST BOOSTER SEAT
Superior Safety Stylish Narrow Design Adjustable
The Peg Perego Viaggio Flex 120 is a top-rated high-backed booster seat with excellent crash test scores, making it ideal for safety-conscious parents. It features height and width adjustability to accommodate various-sized children and has a folding design for easy transport. The LATCH system is easy to install, super adjustable, and prevents the seat from floating when not in use. Although it’s one of the pricier options and lacks an armrest or backless conversion for travel, its superior safety and adjustability make it a strong contender. For families with a generous budget, it meets a wide range of needs and preferences.
ANOTHER GREAT CONTENDER
Chicco KidFit Zip Air Plus 2-in-1
Highest Safety Rating Removable/Washable Cover Easily Adjustable
The Chicco KidFit Zip Air Plus 2-in-1 is a top-ranked booster seat praised for its high crash test scores, quality, and ease of use. It features a removable, washable cover, extendable leg padding, and an adjustable headrest. While it is relatively large, it’s not the biggest or heaviest in its group and can fit multiple seats in one vehicle row. Its excellent safety results, combined with its additional features, make it a standout choice for parents seeking a reliable and convenient booster seat.
