Toddler booster seats are for older children who have outgrown their forward-facing car safety seats. It is best for children to ride in a harnessed seat as long as possible, at least to 4 years of age. If your child outgrows his seat before reaching 4 years of age, consider using a seat with a harness approved for higher weights and heights.


Booster seats are designed to raise the child up so that the lap and shoulder seat belts fit properly. High-back and backless booster seats are available. They do not come with harness straps but are used with the lap and shoulder seat belts in your vehicle, the same way an adult rides. Booster seats should be used until your child can correctly fit in lap and shoulder seat belts. Booster seats typically include a plastic clip or guide to help ensure the correct use of the vehicle lap and shoulder belts.


A few things to consider when looking for a toddler booster seat:

- adjustable height, width, seat depth, and side wings

- can be used as a backless booster

- folds for storage or easier transport i.e airport travel

- top tether anchor

- drink holders

- padded armrests

- ease of use

 

One that has received good reviews for ease of use (just make sure you read the instruction manual) is the Britax Frontier Booster Car Seat

it features

 
  • Deep side walls and adjustable head support provide True Side Impact Protection to distribute crash forces, shield from vehicle intrusion, contain the head and body, and minimize side-to-side head movement
  • Highest five-point harness seat capacity allows children to remain harnessed up to 80 pounds or in booster mode up to approximately 100 pounds
  • Quick-adjust headrest and harness re-positions head support and harness height effortlessly without having to re-thread the straps
  • Tangle-free, five-point harness with eight harness heights and three buckle positions for a snug and secure fit
  • Premium push-button LATCH connectors ensure a quick, simple and tight installation

 







The time when a child is ready to sit without a booster is not age or weight specific but more when he can sit in the seat and the seat belt fits properly. This is all depends on the size of the child and the design of the vehicle.

 

To take the  5-Step Test to see if a child is ready to ride without a booster.

 








The 5-Step Test to see if a child is ready to ride without a booster.

 

1. Does the child sit all the way back against the auto seat?

 

2. Do the child’s knees bend comfortably at the edge of the auto seat?

 

3. Does the belt cross the shoulder between the neck and arm?

 

4. Is the lap belt as low as possible, touching the thighs?

 

5. Can the child stay seated like this for the whole trip?