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If you are traveling with a child in a car, you need to ensure utmost safety and security for him or her. Because of their undeveloped body and mind, they would not be able to protect themselves during a car crash or sudden brake, and that is why you need to keep them secured in the best travel booster seat. In fact, it is so protective that some states have even made it mandatory to have it if you have a child in your car.
Now that you have realized the importance of having a travel booster seat, we have come up with this guide to put forward fifteen best travel booster seats you can choose from. Along with this, we are also sharing information about a few factors that you should consider when buying a suitable car seat for your baby, types of seats available, why it is so important for the safety of your child, and how to make your child accustomed to it.
CHECK THE TOP TRAVEL BOOSTER SEATS NOW!So, scroll through this buying guide and garner every kind of information you need to make an informed purchase.
Types Of Travel Booster Seats
In this age of the internet, you will come across different types of car seats available. You need to decide which one would suit your child in the best manner without compromising security and safety.
1. Infant Car Seat
For a newborn, a rear-facing seat serves the best. The weight of such seat ranges from 4 pounds to 40 pounds based on the model. These seats are considered convenient as the base is separate, not to mention the seat can be detached too. Also, this best travel booster seat helps the kid to sleep well without causing any discomfort.
2. Booster Seat
Once your baby is growing up fast, there would not be any need for a front-facing vehicle seat. You would need to buy a booster seat that can be secured using the vehicle seat belt. Such a seat keeps your child safe, offering a strap on the shoulder and the thighs.
You can either get a backless model of a backseat model. Ideally, backless booster seats are lighter, portable, and cheaper. On the other side, high back booster seats provide protection and help the child to rest the head as well.
3. Convertible Seat
This type of seat is ideal for infants and also for growing up children. It has high rear-facing and can manage up to 50 pounds of weight. You may also find a convertible seat with forward-facing that can manage up to 65 pounds of weight. It is better to pick a convertible seat if your child is growing, as it would be a long-lasting option.
4. Toddler Seat
This type of seat is different than the regular booster travel seat. It can be used when your child can sit comfortably in a forward-facing travel seat. If the seat has a harness, then a child of 20 to 90 pounds can fit in well. However, if the seat is in booster mode, then a child between 30 and 120 pounds would suit.
5. All In One Travel Seat
These travel seats are similar to convertible seats because they are available at lower prices. They have rare facing and can facilitate the children weighing from 4 to 50 pounds. The travel seats with rear-facing can weigh 20 to 65 pounds of weight.
If you are looking for a multi-tasking travel booster seat to save your money and time, then this all in one travel seat can be hailed as the best ones. The only problem is, it cannot fit into the small size vehicles. This seat is suitable not only for children but also ideal for old persons in the family.
Based on your requirements and considering the pros and cons, you can pick up a travel car seat that suits you the best. Besides the models, you may also check some other factors that may help you get comfort and security for your child.
In the following part of this article, you will find a buying guide helping you make the right choice for your child.
Factors To Choose The Best Baby Booster Seat
For the average buyer, one only looks for appearance, its functionality, and the budget before buying a car seat. But it should not be a mindset while purchasing the best booster seat. Below are some factors one should consider before buying a seat for your child.
1. Is Your Car Seat ECE R44 Or UNR 129 Approved?
Before the purchase of your car seats, makes sure the seats are tested and approved by a regulation standard, some of the best baby booster seats are tagged as ECE R44 or UNR 129 approved. These seats are considered safe as they have passed the regulation checks of the ECE R44 OR UNR 129.
Why are these regulations relevant? These regulations test the safety of seats in simulated front-facing, side, and back-facing collisions. A car only after passing these regulations test is then tagged as tested and approved, which customers like yourself can purchase without doubting its safety.
2. Choosing The Right Seat For Your Child With Age And Height In Consideration
Your child will eventually outgrow the car seat you installed for her. It is uncomfortable to let your child sit on a chair too big or too small for her size. Thus, companies provide car seats generally in three sets.
3. Seats For Babies
This first category of child seats is designed for accommodating newborns up to twelve months. Parents will find this car seat of great assistance because it will keep the baby’s head steady. Once your baby outgrows it, the next set of seats can be introduced.
4. Seats Designed For Toddlers
Toddler seats are available both as rear-facing and front-facing units. According to the regulation standard set up under UNr 129, toddler seats should remain faced to the rear for a period of a minimum of 15 months. Experts sometimes recommend extending the period up to 4 years or more in some cases. Once your child outgrows her seat and no longer accommodate her comfortably, then you can start looking into the next group of child car seats.
5. Baby Booster Seats With A High Back
Children’s seats with top backs are designed to accommodate children from the age of 12 or if your child’s height is 135 cm. It is going to be your most used child car seat before she or he is finally ready for adult seats.
6. How Easy Is The Installation Process?
A highlight of some of the best baby booster seats is its easy installation. One must purchase seats with ISO fix rings as they act as indicators to help you assess your fittings from improperly securing them. Make sure to read the label on the product for instructions on the installation procedure. If you follow those instructions, you will find it easy to fix the seat.
7. Comfort With Security
Alongside security, make sure your child seats are comfortable. It would be pointless to purchase a seat with the best safety feature if it is only going to leave your child uncomfortable. So comfort alongside safety is an excellent factor to consider during the purchase.
8. Choose Seats With More Legroom For Added Comfort
During the purchase of your child’s car seat, look for seats with the room for adjustment in your child’s leg space. Not only this factor will save you money from procuring a new one every time your child outgrows it, but seats with adjustable legroom for more comfort and durability.
9. How Easy Is It To Operate?
Car seat locking mechanism comes in several different types, the two most popular mechanism being the latch system and the usage of a seat belt. Both methods of locking are effective in safeguarding children in their seats, but often parents have found seat belts quite the trouble maker during the process of installing. In this regard, the latch system might seem a better option as they are easier to install.
Whichever you decide to purchase, make sure to test how quickly you can operate the seat. During an emergency, when time is of the essence, a cumbersome unit could only result in severe safety risks.
9. Maintenance
As adorable as they are, toddlers are a messy bunch, they could puke, sneeze, urinate, and so on. You have to stop them from making the seat a messy affair. If not correctly taken care of, the seat could give off an odor.
On some occasions, if the seats devoid of maintenance, the chances of fungus and bacteria forming are quite high, which could jeopardize your child’s health. Thus, during purchase, make sure your child car seat is easy to maintain in such events.
10. Child Lock
Children are restless by nature, so when purchasing a car seat for your child, make sure the unit contains a child lock safety system. It is to prevent the child from inadvertently unlatching him or her during travel, which could have harmful consequences.
Thus, installing a unit with a child lock system is recommended in order to avoid any accident from occurring.
What Are The Benefits And Limitations Of A Travel Booster Seat?
You will come across plenty of advantages when using a booster travel seat for the children. Nowadays, there are numerous models of travel seats available for the babies and children fitting the needs of every parent. So, it is not difficult for the parents to pick the best product for their babies. Some of the common ones are mentioned as follows.
- It helps the baby or the child sit comfortably at the back of the car. The parents do not have to hold the baby all of the time during traveling.
- If you commute often and cannot leave your baby at home, then you must buy a travel booster seat and fix it in your car.
- When not in use, some of the travel booster seats can be used at home as well for various purposes, such as eating or sitting on the dining chairs.
- The old persons or grandparents can also use some of the booster seats in the family.
- Some travel car seats can be removed and deflated when not in use. And these are easy to set up or assemble as well. They are light in weight and portable too.
There are certain disadvantages of using travel booster seats too. Some of them are explained below. Usually, most of them are associated with the improper use of the product.
- When the straps are loose or not fixed correctly, the child may fall, leading to injuries.
- If you are looking for an infant seat, then do not buy a child seat because there is a difference between the two.
- Always check the seat when you are putting your baby on it. Sometimes, the seat may wear off, and that could cause discomfort to the children.
- If your baby does not want to or cannot sit properly even when the belts are fixed, then it is better that you do not force your baby for it.
Introducing Your Baby To Travel Booster Seat
If your child has never used or sat on a travel seat, then you need to introduce him or her by helping them and giving them some time to adjust. You should start talking before you purchase the car seat for your kid. For instance, tell them that you will have your seat now.
Then take them through the process of selecting the best seat for themselves. Ask them what they would like to have if they have any color choices or any other requirements. When you first make them sit on the seat, make sure you are at their side. You can make them comfortable by giving them snacks or other foodstuffs.
Safety Tips For Your Child
As per some studies, the misuse rates related to the booster car seat or seat belt varies from about 74 to 90%. Learning some safety tips, however, would help the parents to install and fix the seats properly, which ensures the utmost safety of the child. Here are some of them.
1. Tight Seat
When you install the travel booster seat on the vehicle seat, see that it does not move for about 1 inch in the front, side, or back.
2. Right Kind Of Seat
It is essential to check the weight and height of the seat. These figures should be compatible with the vehicle. Age is also a deciding factor, as it reflects the skeletal development of the baby.
3. Secure Harness
Once your child or baby is seated, see that he or she is comfortable and cannot move on the sides. The shoulder strap should be so tight that it does not allow you to pinch or pull the fabric.
4. Height Harness
If you are using a rear-facing seat, then it would have harness straps below the shoulders of the baby. In the case of forward-facing seats, the straps would be above the shoulder level. There would be either a chest clip or a waist belt. Before starting the vehicle, you should double-check every strap.
5. Final Check
It is also essential to check the reclining angle of the car booster travel seat. It will help you to prevent the child from falling and would also not give him or her any trouble in breathing. In case of front-facing seats that come with a seat belt or latch, see that it is not too loose or too tight that may increase the chances of head injury.
Where To Buy Best Travel Booster Seat For Your Child?
Now that you have a fair idea of what to look for in a child’s car seat, you can go ahead and purchase. It is recommended to buy from reputed stores as not only they serve customer’s interest, but also to stock the best baby booster seats.
Often reputed store has a knowledgeable employee to assist you in the ‘how to’ operating the seat. Such a person will help you to avoid common mistakes like inserting seat belts in wrong angles during installations, setting up the seat belt incorrectly, installing the seat to the car loosely.
If you do not want to go out in the market and want to check out the booster seat online, then you need to look for reputable and reliable websites online. These websites not only offer you the products at the best cost possible but also give you a detailed description along with the reviews and ratings. Also, you may even get some exclusive discounts or offers at the top online websites.
Top 15 Travel Booster Seats 2022
1. Graco TurboBooster
This turbo booster will make your children feel comfortable in the car. It is a backless booster that can also be used by the parents. The product offers additional protection because the seat can be adjusted as per the child’s convenience. You will get a seat belt to feel completely secure.
The best part is the booster is made using high-quality fabric and also features child-approved characteristics. If your children are around 4 to 10 years of age, then this is the right choice.
Pros
- It is convenient to use.
- It can be washed in the machine.
- It has easy to clean cushions.
- It has extra comfortable armrests.
- It comes with a cup holder.
Cons
- May not be durable enough.
- Fabric may wear off with time.
2. Mifold Grab-and-go
You can call it one of the most portable and compact best travel booster seats available. This booster seat offers a comfortable experience and adjustable seat to the children. One can have the utmost safety with this product; it can be folded and stored when not in use. The design has made it compact and convenient.
The booster seat regulates according to the laws in the USA. You will be impressed with its easy to install feature; you can fix it on the vehicle seat and remove it if you do not want it. This car seat can be your companion for any travel experience.
Pros
- Available in six different colors.
- It is designed for children who are four years and above.
- It has been tested and approved.
- Versatile design.
- It can be set up in almost 30 seconds.
- It provides the utmost security to the child.
Cons
- May not be long-lasting.
- It may be uncomfortable for some.
3. BubbleBum Inflatable
This car booster seat is safe to use, foldable, and inflatable. The intriguing part is, it has been rated as the best bet for about eight years in a row. You will find its design light and narrow, making it attractive when you travel. When not in use, the car booster seat can be folded and stored in a backpack too. The product has been designed as per the US safety regulations. The best part is that you need only 10 seconds to inflate this car seat. Hence, it can be counted on as safe for children.
Pros
- Convenient and lightweight.
- Available in four different colors.
- It is ideal to be fixed in the middle seat.
- It can be inflated and deflated quickly.
Cons
- May slip off quite often.
- May not be durable.
4. Cosco Topside
The prominent features of this car seat is a lightweight topside that provides safety and protection to the child. It comes with a plush pad and an additional height feature. Children can use it between 40 and 100 pounds—an ideal product for growing children.
The booster car seat consists of a compact design, and the company offers a warranty of one year too. The fabric used can be conveniently washed by hand. You will be relieved to know that the product is tested and approved for the safety of young children.
Pros
- Available in five different colors.
- It has extra padding to offer additional comfort.
- It is manufactured as per the safety standards.
- It comes with armrests for the children.
Cons
- It could be too small for some.
- Plastic or fabric is too hard.
5. Graco Affix
This booster car seat comes with a latch system but manufactured without a backside. It can be installed easily on the car seat using the latch. You will find a cup holder to hold snacks or water bottles, plus a storage compartment to make the child feel comfy behind.
The product has been tested to meet the standards of US safety because it can be assembled and can be removed quickly. You can wash it in the machine too. This car seat booster is considered to be a protective product for young children.
Pros
- It comes with seat belts and armrests.
- It can be washed easily.
- Children of any age can use it.
- It can be adjusted easily as per the kid’s convenience.
Cons
- It may not fit well in European cars.
- The Latch system may not be as expected.
6. Chicco GoFit
It features a shoulder belt and lap belt to be secured on the vehicle seat. You will find a handle that helps to carry it easily from one place to another. This car seat features two cup folders that can be removed when not in use, and you can also take it off and rinse it.
The best part is that the seat is double padded and has a contoured seat to provide extra support to the child sitting on it. No surprise, it is suitable for four years old.
Pros
- It is safe and comfy.
- It comes with armrests and secure seat belts.
- It offers ergoboost comfort.
- Available in three different colors.
Cons
- May not be long-lasting.
- The cushion is small in size.
7. KidsEmbrace Spiderman
An exclusive best travel booster seat that has a spiderman design on it. It is backless but has a shoulder belt to provide the utmost safety. The seat has a contoured design and comes with extra pads for comfort during long trips.
The product has a cup holder where the child can keep his bottle, glass, or snacks. The booster car seat has been rated best bet for its safety features. Kids can use it over four years of age. Children find it attractive as their favorite spiderman is on the seat cover.
Pros
- It comes with a machine washable cover.
- Available in another design of Avengers.
- It is certified safe as per the standards of premium associations.
- It provides additional comfort to the child.
Cons
- Some children may find the seat to be hard.
8. Chicco GoFit
Chicco has designed this seat for children four years and above. This backless seat has a quick-release and innovative design that can be set up and removed conveniently. It comes with a built-in handle, using which the seat can be carried anywhere.
There are two cup folders on the side, and the product has armrests too. The quick latch system makes it easy to use and provides safety to the child. The seat is well-padded and can be secured safely. The product can be set up in no time and can be disassembled easily too.
Pros
- Available in two different colors.
- It comes with a shoulder belt for safety.
- The fabrics can be washed in the machine.
Cons
- The clamps are not of good quality.
- It may not last for long.
9. Graco TurboBooster
This best travel booster seat is made with travel-friendly features, making it comfortable and secure. It is backless and can be folded whenever not in use. The product comes with a carry bag in which the booster seat can be stored. There are two cups on its side so that the child can sit comfortably. It can be fixed on the vehicle seat with ease.
The company is known to design children-friendly products for years and never leaves its customers dissatisfied. It is hailed as a versatile booster and ideal for the children who are four years and above.
Pros
- Available in two variants.
- Comfortable to use.
- Easy to be ported anywhere.
- Seat pads can be washed in the machine.
Cons
- The pad is not flat.
- The design is not compact.
10. Hiccapop Inflatable
It is a practical and compact booster seat specially engineered to provide complete protection. The product is comfortable and light in weight. It is ideal for children who are four years and above. The best part is it certified as a safe car seat for the children and can be inflated with air in about 20 seconds.
Not to mention, it is also easy to deflate the air and store the product when not in use.
It can be carried easily in a backpack. The product is available in three different colors: blue, pink, and black. You can pick any of them based on your child’s needs because it is easy to carry for long trips.
Pros
- It comes with a leak-proof feature.
- Secure and sturdy.
- It is comfortable and soft for the child to sit on.
Cons
- May not be long-lasting.
11. Mifold
Many hail it as a booster seat that offers complete support to the child. It is ideally designed for children who are four or more. It features the seatbelt that protects the child sitting behind. The product is made with friction fabric that prevents the child from slipping. It is light in weight and can be handled with one hand only. You will be impressed with a simple and compact design that fits well on the vehicle seat. It is an advanced seat that can be carried while traveling in cabs or taxis too.
Pros
- It comes in a flat design.
- It is tested as per the safety standards.
- It is made in an advanced form.
- Can place three in one row.
Cons
- It may not be comfortable for all children.
- It doesn’t have any pad.
12. Diono Solana 2
Many call it one of the best travel car booster seats designed for the comfort and safety of a child. It comes in a pack of one and two. You may pick as per the number of children in your home. It can be set up easily without any hassle. It is light in weight and can be carried anywhere with utmost convenience. It comes with two cup holders at the side, which offers quick help to the child to have snacks.
Pros
- It is available in three colors, black, blue, and pink.
- It is ideal for growing kids.
- It has safety features.
Cons
- The seat is too wide for some.
- Not suitable for small-sized cars.
13. Hiccapop UberBoost
The product is made with a durable and thick vinyl bladder that helps in preventing bursting or deflating when traveling. The inflatable seat for the vehicle is made comfy and secure for children who are four and above. It takes no time to inflate and deflate the seat. The company is also known to offer excellent customer service. Get this seat for your kid, and be sure that your next journey would be enjoyable without any kind of hiccups.
Pros
- It is secure, sturdy, and stable.
- It offers additional comfort to the kids.
- It is made as per the standards of safety.
- It can be easily portable.
Cons
- It may not last for many months.
14. Evenflo Big
This product is made for older children. You will find no back support but an additional boost to the child sitting. It comes with a seat belt that takes care of the child’s safety. It is padded and comfortable, ideal for long trips. It can be set up in no time, also can be removed to wash in the machine. This best travel booster seat comes with two cup holders on the side where the kid can place his bottle or snacks. It is safe for kids from four and above.
Pros
- The product is easy to clean.
- The belts offer correct positioning to the child.
- It can be set up and removed without hassle.
- It is light, compact, and well padded.
Cons
- Cup holders are not as expected.
15. Hiccapop UberBoost
You can call it an advanced inflatable car seat that has been designed for kids to have comfort. It is easy to inflate and deflate the seat. You find it stable and secure for the children. The product has been certified as per the safety standards in the USA. It is light in weight and has a compact design too. The product is suitable for children who are four years and above. The company manufacturing the booster car seat is known for its prompt customer service.
Pros
- It is ideal for kids of growing age.
- It can be packed and portable.
- It is made sturdy.
Cons
- May not last for a longer time.
Irrespective of the type of travel booster seat you choose, it is essential to know some instructions. Otherwise, it would not only be dangerous for your child but also wear off in less amount of time. We have some safety measures that you can keep in mind when using the travel seat in your vehicle for your little one.
- If you are using a new travel booster seat, then make sure you are not adding anything to it. You may not use a bench and neither a stool that has a backrest.
- In case you have a seat with a harness, see that the kid’s ears are below the headrest. Also, the adjusters of the seat should be over the shoulders of the baby.
- When you have purchased a backless booster seat, see that the vehicle’s seat offers support to the head of the baby.
- You need to keep in mind the height and weight of the child when you are buying the best travel booster seat. A mismatch would make the child feel uncomfortable.
- Do not keep the shoulder belt under the baby’s arms or behind their back. It may cause discomfort to the baby and may not be protective.
- The latch or belt of the travel seat should fit securely. It is better to have a lap belt and a shoulder belt.
FAQs on Travel Booster Seats
1. Are Portable Travel Booster Seats Safe?
It depends on how much attention you pay when buying a travel booster seat and how well you fix it. Ideally, most of the portable or easy to carry portable seats are safe. But if you fail to get a wrong sized seat for your child, then the chances of safety go down.
Also, make sure the best travel booster seat should be locked with the straps; if you fail to fix the straps of the seat with the vehicle, then the assurance of safety goes down a great deal. Therefore, all the factors related to buying and fixing should always be in mind of the parents to keep their babies safe.
2. Are High Back Booster Seats Safer Than The Backless Seats For Children?
Ideally, both types of booster seats, i.e., high back booster seats and backless booster seats are safe for the children. However, many high back seats offer protection to the baby as they give support to the child’s head and neck. Although backless booster seats are safe too, they do not have a stiff support to the neck or back. Nonetheless, parents should buy according to the child’s age, height, and weight when purchasing the safe booster seat.
3. Do Short People Require Travel Booster Seats?
Not really. Children require booster seats as they may not be able to sit correctly and may not be careful. But adults who are not tall do not need any travel car seats because they fit better into the regular seats. One can sit stiffly without any kind of additional support required.
4. At What Age Do One Should Stop Using A Booster Seat?
Children till 5 or 6 years of age should be given a travel booster seat. But, if your child reaches 8 to 12 years of age or if he or she is about 4 feet of 9 inches in height, then you must not use it for them. Also, the car seat should be as per the weight of the child. Some heavyweight children may not be able to use the seat belt. Hence that should be taken into consideration as well.
Enjoy Your Travel Experience By Keeping Your Child Safe
Even if you keep your likes and dislikes aside, still you can conveniently find your desired travel booster car seat for your baby. You no more have to hold your baby or child throughout the journey; more than this, your baby will not experience pain or discomfort during the long journey.
Do make sure to look at the features, pros and cons of every product. You can go through the list we have provided again and again so that you can make a checklist of your requirements. Some other characteristics that you should compare are the price and durability of the products. Once you find them, have a glance at the reviews given by the other customers who have recently purchased the travel booster seat.
Based on the reviews and ratings, you may find it easy to find the most suitable travel booster seat for your child. Let a smile spread across your lips to know that your long trips will be pleasant and smooth by purchasing the right kind of travel booster.