Best Backless Booster Car Seats for Kids

Best Backless Booster Car Seats for Kids

We all want to keep our children safe. While cars are safer than ever, they’re still not perfect. Until your child is between 8-12 years old, a booster seat is a must-have item. Without one, your vehicle’s seat belt can put your child in danger.

If your child is too small, less than sixty inches tall, the seat belt can choke your child in the event of an accident. We don’t mean to scare you. We just want everyone to be safe.

Booster seats come in many different shapes and sizes. Some resemble car seats, some are inflatable, and others are just cushions. While large booster seats are great for younger children, once your child is about forty inches tall, it’s time for a backless booster car seat. While these booster seats are small, they teach your child to wear a seat belt and ensure the seat belt is in the right place.

Things to Consider When Shopping for Backless Booster Car Seats

When you’re shopping online, it’s hard to determine if a product is a good fit. Backless booster seats are no exception. Still, there are ways to help you narrow down your options. We’re going to take you through a few things to consider before choosing a backless booster car seat.

Weight

We’ll begin with weight. How much weight a backless booster seat holds is one of the most important features. Typically, backless booster seats hold between 40 and 100 pounds, but there are some exceptions. Still, the 40-100 pound range is ideal for backless booster seats and a great place to start. If your child is too heavy or too light, the booster seat won’t support them or might break.

Height

Another thing to consider is the height of your child. When your child is in the car, you never want the seat belt to be in the wrong place. For example, if the seat belt is against your child’s neck, they’re at a greater risk for injury or death during an accident.

The purpose of a booster seat is to give your child a few extra inches of height. This helps the vehicle’s seat belt protect your child without putting them in danger by ensuring the seat belt is against your child’s chest and around their waist.

Still, you need to be careful with the height limitations of backless booster seats. Most products are safe for children between 40-60 inches, with slight variations. If your child is too short, it won’t help, and if they’re too tall, booster seats become dangerous again. When you’re using a backless booster, always ensure you’re within the height requirements provided by the product.

Type

Finally, you have to figure out what type of backless booster seat you want. The two most common types are inflatable and traditional backless booster seats. Inflatable products are more portable, but they’re less durable. Inflatable products are a great choice if you live in a metropolitan area, take public transportation, taxis, or change between vehicles often.

On the other hand, traditional backless booster seats are more durable but less portable. Traditional backless booster seats also come with more features than inflatable products. Some examples include cup holders, armrests, and safety latches.

Knowing what to look for in a backless booster makes finding the right fit hassle-free and gives you an excellent place to start. Read on to learn about the ten best backless booster car seats.

ProductHeightWeightTypeRating
Graco Galaxy TurboBooster43-57 inches40-100 poundsTraditional5
Chicco GoFit40-57 inches40-110 poundsTraditional4.5
Graco Turbo Go40-60 inches40-100 poundsTraditional4.5
Graco TurboBooster LX43-57 inches40-110 poundsTraditional4.5
Mifold Grab-and-Go Car Booster Seat40-57 inches40-100 poundsTraditional4.5
Cosco Topside Backless Booster Seat43-57 inches40-100 poundsTraditional4
BubbleBum Inflatable Backless Booster40-57 inches40-100 poundsInflatable4
KidsEmbrace Backless Booster Car Seat43-57 inches40-100 poundsTraditional4
Diono Solana 240-60 inches40-120 poundsTraditional4
Hiccapop UberBoost43-57 inches30-110 poundsInflatable3.5

Top 10 Best Backless Booster Car Seats 2024

1. Best Overall Pick: Graco Galaxy TurboBooster

Graco Galaxy TurboBooster

Why we like it: We love the Graco Galaxy TurboBooster because it comes with premium features, and it's below-average in price.

Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts

  • Height: 43-57 inches
  • Weight: 40-100 pounds
  • Type: Traditional

The Graco Galaxy TurboBooster is one of the most well-rounded backless booster seats you can find. The design includes cup holders, comfortable armrests, and a stylish design. Furthermore, the padding is comfortable and machine washable. You can disconnect the cushion from the rest of the seat and place it through a washing cycle. It’s also lightweight and easy to move between vehicles.

What Sets It Apart

This backless booster seat is unique because it offers the most all-around value. It gives you everything you need in a booster seat, without an expensive price tag. The features are above-average in quality, and the ability to wash the cushion in a washing machine makes this product the best overall choice. Plus, it’s FMVSS 213 certified.

Things to Consider

The Graco Galaxy TurboBooster is a great product, but it doesn’t come with a latch. Latches keep booster seats secured to the vehicle, which adds another layer of protection for your child. Furthermore, latches are necessary for children closer to 40 pounds because it will keep the booster seat from moving.

If you like the Graco Galaxy TurboBooster but prefer a product that comes with a latch, the Graco TurboBooster LX is a great alternative. It’s made by the same manufacturer and includes the same features, but it comes with a latch.

Who It’s For

If you need a well-rounded booster seat that will last you a few years, the Graco Galaxy TurboBooster is the right choice. It covers a wide range of weights and heights, giving more longevity than other booster seats. Plus, it comes with more than enough features to keep you and your child safe and happy.

Pros

  • Comes with armrests and cup holders
  • Machine washable cover
  • Lightweight
  • Budget-friendly

Cons

  • Doesn't include a latch to secure it in your back seat

2. Best Premium Pick: Chicco GoFit

Chicco GoFit

Why we like it: We love how you can take the cup holders out of the booster seat and wash them in a dishwasher. It beats wiping them down with a rag after every drive.

Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts

  • Height: 40-57 inches
  • Weight: 40-110 pounds
  • Type: Traditional

The Chicco GoFit is comfortable and easy to work with. While the fabric is similar to other backless booster seats, it features an ergonomic pattern that supports your child. This backless booster also comes with features that make it convenient. You can remove the cupholders and clean them in a dishwasher, plus the fabric is machine washable. It also comes with a carrying handle for portability.

What Sets It Apart

The Chicco GoFit is a premium product all-around. From the padding to the removable cupholders, it’s one of the most convenient and safe backless boosters on the market. Furthermore, there is a Chicco GoFit Plus option, which includes a latch that secures it to your vehicle. Overall, the Chicco GoFit comes with the best features. It also comes with a lap belt that guides your vehicle’s seat belt into the right position.

Things to Consider

We love the Chicco GoFit, but it’s not budget-friendly. It’s also bulky, and you’ll struggle to fit more than two in your back seats. If you’re looking for a more compact and budget-friendly option but like the premium features, the Graco Galaxy TurboBooster is a great alternative.

Who It’s For

The Chicco GoFit is an excellent choice for any parent that wants a premium product. The double padding is more comfortable than most backless boosters, it comes with a seatbelt guide, and everything is convenient to clean. While it costs more than other backless booster seats, it’s worth every penny.

Pros

  • Double the padding and ergonomic cushion
  • Comes with armrests and cup holders
  • Machine washable cover
  • Dishwasher-safe cup holders

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Bulkier than other backless booster seats
  • Difficult to store

3. Best Budget Pick: Graco Turbo Go

Graco Turbo Go

Why we like it: The Graco Turbo Go is portable and affordable, which is why we love it. Compared to other backless boosters, it's the most affordable option.

Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts

  • Height: 40-60 inches
  • Weight: 40-100 pounds
  • Type: Traditional

Graco is excellent at making backless booster seats. While there are many options, the Graco Turbo Go is one of the best choices. It’s a simple booster seat that’s lightweight, comfortable, and safe. You can also fold this booster seat for storage or travel. Still, one of the best features it comes with is the reinforced seat belt guide. Made with strong steel, it guides your vehicle’s seat belt into the right position.

What Sets It Apart

The Graco Turbo Go is unique because of its foldable design and padding. The foldable design is not uncommon to this Graco product, but its comfort is. Other foldable backless booster seats sacrifice padding for portability, which makes your child uncomfortable. While the Graco Turbo Go is foldable, it comes with plenty of padding to keep your child comfortable.

Things to Consider

The Graco Turbo Go is excellent for portability, but that’s about it. There are no premium features, like cup holders or armrests, so it’s basic compared to other backless booster seats. Furthermore, the padding is not ergonomic and leads to discomfort during prolonged use.

If you’re not worried about portability but like the quality of a Graco product, the Graco Galaxy TurboBooster is a great alternative. While it’s less portable, it comes with cup holders and armrests.

Who It’s For

If you need a portable backless booster that’s comfortable, the Graco Turbo Go is the right choice. There are other portable products, but they’re not as comfortable as this one. This is because Graco uses a foldable design alongside comfortable and supportive padding.

Pros

  • Lightweight and portable
  • Foldable design saves space for storage
  • Reinforced-steel seat belt guides

Cons

  • Lacks cup holders and armrests
  • Less comfortable than ergonomic booster seats

4. Best for Safety: Graco TurboBooster LX

Graco TurboBooster LX

Why we like it: We love the Graco TurboBooster LX because it comes with everything you need to keep your child safe and comfortable. It offers quality of life features, like cup holders and armrests, but it also has a latch to keep it secure in your car.

Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts

  • Height: 43-57 inches
  • Weight: 40-110 pounds
  • Type: Traditional

The Graco TurboBooster LX is a well-rounded product that comes with everything you need in a backless booster seat. It comes with a latch that secures it to your vehicle, a seat belt guide for safety, and a few amenities for you and your child. These amenities include armrests, an ergonomic cushion, and two cup holders. The padding is also machine washable for a quick clean-up.

What Sets It Apart

The Graco TurboBooster LX is similar to the Graco Galaxy TurboBooster, but this is the high-end model. While it comes with everything we love about the standard model, like FMVSS 213 safety ratings and the comfort it provides your child, this backless booster takes it a step further with the latch. The latch secures the booster seat in your back seat, which prevents your child from moving or shaking it.

Things to Consider

The Graco TurboBooster LX is a reliable product, but it’s not perfect. The main drawback is the expensive latch it comes with. If you like this Graco booster seat, but don’t need the latch, the Graco Galaxy TurboBooster is a great alternative. It comes with identical features, just no latch, and you can save some money.

Who It’s For

If you want a top-of-the-line backless booster seat for an affordable price, the Graco TurboBooster LX is the right fit. It comes with many premium features and doesn’t cost too much. Still, it’s more expensive than some of the more budget-friendly products on our list. Overall, it’s an excellent mid-tier option.

Pros

  • FMVSS 213 safety compliance
  • Includes a latch and seat belt guide
  • Machine washable cover
  • Features armrests and cup holders

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Lacks portability

5. Most Portable: Mifold Grab-and-Go Car Booster Seat

Mifold Grab-and-Go Car Booster Seat

Why we like it: We love the Mifold Grab-and-Go Car Booster Seat because it's the most portable backless booster. It's ten times smaller than most products, making it simple to take with you on the go.

Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts

  • Height: 40-57 inches
  • Weight: 40-100 pounds
  • Type: Traditional

The Mifold Grab-and-Go Car Booster Seat is convenient, small, and useful. It doesn’t resemble other backless booster seats because it’s ten times smaller than average products. While this sounds less safe, it’s quality tested and adheres to regulations provided by FMVSS 213. This product also handles an impressive amount of weight for its size, which is right there with the industry average of 100 pounds.

What Sets It Apart

The Mifold Grab-and-Go Car Booster Seat is one-of-a-kind. Being ten times smaller than the average backless booster seat, it’s more portable and simple to store. To provide perspective, the product is small enough to fit in the glove box or center console of most vehicles. Still, what makes this backless booster seat impressive is its ability to work as well as larger products while bringing more flexibility to the table.

Things to Consider

We like this backless booster seat for many reasons, but it’s not perfect. The small size makes it portable, but that’s about it. There are no extra features or storage capabilities. It also doesn’t come with latches to secure it to back seats.

If you’re looking for a backless booster seat with more features but need portability, we recommend the Graco Turbo Go instead. It’s closer to traditional backless booster seats, with more padding and features, but similar in portability.

Who It’s For

The Mifold Grab-and-Go Car Booster Seat is for parents that need portability. If you live in a metropolitan area and use Uber or taxis often, it’s easy to take with you in a small bag. It’s also a great choice if you have multiple children because you can upgrade to a two-pack, which saves you a few extra bucks.

Pros

  • Foldable design makes storage simple
  • Lightweight
  • FMVSS 213 compliant
  • The two-pack option offers excellent value

Cons

  • Smaller than most backless boosters, which leads to discomfort
  • No cup holders or armrests

6. Easiest to Install: Cosco Topside Backless Booster Seat

Cosco Topside Backless Booster Seat

Why we like it: We love the Cosco Topside Backless Booster Seat because of its simple design. It doesn't include many impressive features, but it's easy to work with and move between different vehicles.

Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts

  • Height: 43-57 inches
  • Weight: 40-100 pounds
  • Type: Traditional

The Cosco Topside Backless Booster Seat is made with a simple design. It’s more compact than most backless booster seats, and you can fit up to three of them in most vehicles. There is also an extra layer of plush padding for additional comfort. Furthermore, padding is on the booster seat’s bottom, preventing it from leaving marks on your vehicle’s seats. While this backless booster uses a simple design, it’s one that works.

What Sets It Apart

The Cosco Topside Backless Booster Seat is unique because of its manufacturer. Cosco has been one of the leading brands for baby products over the past 70 years, and the company’s products are well-made. This backless booster is no exception, so you don’t need to worry about the quality. Everything is also made in the United States, and Cosco offers a 1-year warranty.

Things to Consider

While we like this backless booster, it’s not perfect. The simple design gets the job done, but it’s missing several key features. There are no cup holders, latches, or possible adjustments. What you see is what you get, and while that’s not always a bad thing, some parents are looking for more value in a backless booster car seat.

If you’re looking for a product with more features, we recommend the Graco Galaxy TurboBooster as an alternative. It comes with cup holders, storage, and the ability to wash it in a washing machine.

Who It’s For

If you’re looking for a simple backless booster, the Cosco Topside Backless Booster Seat is a great choice. It won’t impress you with extra features, but it gets the job done. Its simple design also makes it hassle-free to work with and move between vehicles.

Pros

  • Portable and straightforward design makes it easy to work with
  • Extra layer of plush padding
  • Padded bottom layer prevents it from damaging your vehicle
  • Low price
  • Comes with armrests

Cons

  • No cup holders

7. Best Inflatable: BubbleBum Inflatable Backless Booster

BubbleBum Inflatable Backless Booster

Why we like it: We love the BubbleBum Inflatable Backless Booster because of its patented memory foam. It won the product an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) award and keeps your child more comfortable than other inflatable products.

Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts

  • Height: 40-57 inches
  • Weight: 40-100 pounds
  • Type: Inflatable

The BubbleBum Inflatable Backless Booster is an Inflatable product with an innovative design. You can inflate the booster seat by mouth in less than thirty seconds, and it deflates in about ten seconds. While it uses an inflatable design, it’s also comfortable. This is because there is a layer of memory foam underneath the padding that conforms to your child’s size and shape. It also comes with a carrying bag for storage, and it meets the safety criteria outlined in FMVSS 213.

What Sets It Apart

With an inflatable design, the BubbleBum Inflatable Backless Booster is innovative and portable. When deflated, it’s easy to store and take with you on the go, and when it’s inflated, it performs like the average backless booster seat. When you combine this with the patented memory foam material, it’s one of the best portable backless booster seats you can find.

Things to Consider

The BubbleBum Inflatable Backless Booster is innovative, but it’s not perfect. While it’s durable, if something punctures the padding, it won’t inflate. This leaves you without a working booster seat, and you’ll have to get a new one. Luckily, the tubing is protected by a layer of memory foam and padding.

If you would rather go with a traditional backless booster to avoid the risk, but like the portability, we recommend the Mifold Grab and Go Car Booster Seat. While it’s not inflatable, it’s small enough to fit in your glove box and take with you on the go.

Who It’s For

If you need a portable backless booster seat or want one to store it in your vehicle, the BubbleBum Inflatable Backless Booster is a great choice. The inflatable design makes it easy to keep in your car, and it’s not cumbersome. Still, we recommend this product as a back-up or backless travel booster. While we like the design, it doesn’t come with cup holders or storage value.

Pros

  • Inflates in less than thirty seconds
  • Deflates in less than ten seconds
  • FMVSS 213 compliant
  • Memory foam padding

Cons

  • Less durable than traditional backless booster seats

8. Best Super-Hero Themed Booster: KidsEmbrace Backless Booster Car Seat

KidsEmbrace Backless Booster Car Seat

Why we like it: The KidsEmbrace Backless Booster Car Seat is one of our favorite products because of the superhero theme. While it's safe, it's also visually pleasing for children.

Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts

  • Height: 43-57 inches
  • Weight: 40-100 pounds
  • Type: Traditional

The KidsEmbrace Backless Booster Car Seat is a high-quality product with a fun Spider-Man theme. The fun theme makes it easier to get your child excited about moving from their car seat to the booster seat.

While this backless booster lures children in with a unique design, it’s also safe and comfortable. It’s made with comfortable foam padding, and the cover is machine washable. The KidsEmbrace Backless Booster Car Seat also comes with a cup holder and armrests.

What Sets It Apart

The KidsEmbrace Backless Booster Car Seat is unique because it’s one of the few products with a Spider-Man theme. Plus, the company didn’t cut any corners to make its booster seat a hit with children. It was awarded the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s Best Bet Booster rating and adhered to U.S. and E.U. safety guidelines.

Things to Consider

While the KidsEmbrace Backless Booster Car Seat has a unique design, if your child dislikes Spider-Man, we don’t recommend this product. If you need a backless booster seat with a more traditional style, the Graco Galaxy TurboBooster is a great alternative.

Who It’s For

If your child is a fan of Spider-Man, this backless booster seat is perfect for them. Giving this product a try is also a good idea if your child has been opposed to backless booster seats in the past. Sometimes the transition from car seats to booster seats doesn’t go over smoothly; kids can be rowdy. So, a visually pleasing product can help you mitigate your child’s opposition and make the transition a breeze.

Pros

  • Fun Spider-Man theme
  • IIHS "Best Bet Booster" winner
  • Comes with a cup holder
  • Comes with armrests
  • Machine washable cover

Cons

  • If your child dislikes Spider-Man, they won't like this product

9. Best for Heavy Children: Diono Solana 2

Diono Solana 2

Why we like it: The Diono Solana 2 comes with some unique features that surprised us. Our favorites are the retractable cup holders and lightweight design.

Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts

  • Height: 40-60 inches
  • Weight: 40-120 pounds
  • Type: Traditional

The Diono Solana 2 is a lightweight backless booster that comes with many premium features. While it’s light and portable, it comes with unique features like retractable cup holders and an adjustable latch to secure it in your vehicle.

There are also many colors to choose from and comfortable armrests for added comfort. You can also remove the fabric for machine washing if any spills or accidents happen on the road.

What Sets It Apart

The Diono Solana 2 is unique because of its lightweight design and premium features. Many backless boosters come with premium features, but most of them weigh over ten pounds. This design is superior because it’s only six pounds, which makes it portable too. Still, what makes this impressive is the product’s weight capacity. Most backless boosters are acceptable up to 100-110 pounds, but this product supports children up to 120 pounds.

Things to Consider

The Diono Solana 2 is a great product, but it’s not perfect. We like where Diono was going with the retractable cup holders, but they’re a liability. If they break, you won’t be able to use them properly or at all. If you like the premium features and design but prefer stationary or removable cup holds, the Chicco GoFit is a great alternative.

Who It’s For

If you need a premium backless booster seat that’s portable, the Diono Solana 2 is a great choice. It combines high-end features and comfort with a lightweight frame for travel. Furthermore, the quick-release latch makes it easy to set up and remove the backless booster on public transportation.

Pros

  • Comes with a latch to secure it in the backseat
  • Comes with cup holders and armrests
  • Lightweight and portable
  • Machine washable

Cons

  • The retractable cup holders lack durability, making them prone to malfunction
  • Expensive

10. Best for the Bus: Hiccapop UberBoost

Hiccapop UberBoost

Why we like it: We like the Hiccapop UberBoost because of its inflatable and portable design. While it's susceptible to puncture damage, the tear-proof vinyl keeps it safe 9/10 times.

Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts

  • Height: 43-57 inches
  • Weight: 30-110 pounds
  • Type: Inflatable

The Hiccapop UberBoost is portable and practical. It’s an inflatable booster that’s easy to inflate and deflate, even if you’re using public transportation. While it’s inflatable, it’s also durable and easy to clean. You can remove the cover for machine washing, and the tubing is protected by tear-proof vinyl. It also comes with a seat belt guide travel bag.

What Sets It Apart

The Hiccapop UberBoost is unique because of the silicone bottom and tubing seal. It’s no-skid silicone that keeps the booster seat in place without damaging the interior of your vehicle. This feature is also helpful if you travel with Lyft or Uber because the drivers will appreciate not having their interiors damaged. Furthermore, the tubing seal, where you inflate the booster seat, is air-tight with two layers of plastic for protection.

Things to Consider

Hiccapop is a great company, but this backless booster needs some work. While its design is sturdy and safe, it’s not the most comfortable option. Furthermore, if something punctures it, you’ll have to get a new one.

If you like the inflatable design but need more comfort, the BubbleBum Inflatable Backless Booster is a great alternative. If you want to avoid inflatable boosters altogether, but need portability, the Graco Turbo Go is a great alternative.

Who It’s For

We like the Hiccapop UberBoost, but it’s not for everyone. While the design makes it great for traveling, it doesn’t come with features we want to see in everyday backless booster seats. For this reason, this product is more of a travel option for parents that live in metropolitan areas. We wouldn’t recommend using this product as your child’s primary booster seat.

Pros

  • Easy to inflate and deflate
  • Carrying bag for travel
  • Folds flat when deflated for storage
  • Durable padding and tubing
  • Machine washable cover

Cons

  • Not a great everyday backless booster
  • Susceptible to puncture damage that renders the product useless

Everything You Need to Know About Backless Booster Seats

girl smiling in a booster seat

Choosing a backless booster seat for your child seems simple, but many factors determine if one product is the right fit. Furthermore, some children might have preferences of their own. For these reasons, we’re going to take you through some shopping tips to help you narrow down your options. While all of the products we’ve listed are excellent choices, we want to make sure you pick the right one.

Getting Started

When you’re shopping for a backless booster seat, you need to think about your vehicle. It’s best to choose a booster seat that fits in your vehicle and leaves plenty of extra room in the back, especially if you have older children that no longer use booster seats. So, we’re going to take you through a few examples.

No Vehicle

First and foremost, if you don’t own a vehicle, you’re not off the hook. If you use public transportation or things like Uber and Lyft, it’s a good idea to bring a booster seat with you. This is because children are required by law to use a booster seat, even if you’re not driving. Every state has different rules, but you can face legal fines and penalties.

If you don’t own a vehicle and need a simple booster seat to use occasionally, the Graco Turbo Go is a great choice. It’s one of the most affordable backless booster seats around, and it folds for hassle-free storage.

Coupe

If you drive a coupe or two-door vehicle, it’s best to choose a more compact booster seat. Typically, coupes have less space in the back, so bulkier booster seats won’t fit. Even if it does work, it will be cumbersome for your child and other passengers. For these reasons, we recommend using an inflatable backless booster seat like the BubbleBum Inflatable Backless Booster in coupes.

Inflatable backless booster seats take up less space, and you can store them in your glove box. Plus, some of them come with armrests, so you don’t have to miss out on features.

Sedan

With a sedan, you have options. Most modern sedans have roomy back seats, so you don’t need to worry about space as much. Still, there is less space than an SUV or light truck, especially if you have other passengers back there.

For sedans, we recommend a mid-sized backless booster seat like the Graco Galaxy TurboBooster. It’s one of the most well-rounded products with plenty of extra features like cup holders and armrests.

SUV/Light Trucks

Unlike most passenger cars, SUVs and light trucks are spacious and feature large interiors. Plus, most SUVs offer an additional row of seats in the back, so you don’t need to worry about passengers feeling cramped. In other words, with SUVs and light trucks, you have the most freedom.

Still, if you have an SUV, why not go big? A great backless booster seat for SUVs is the Chicco GoFit. While it’s more expensive than your average backless booster seat, it’s worth the money. It has ergonomic padding, cup holders, and armrests. Plus, it’s even portable.

Portability or Luxury: Which Is Better?

As you narrow your options down, you’re presented with an important choice. It comes down to portability and luxury. Luxurious backless booster seats come with things like cup holders, latches, and armrests.

On the other hand, portable backless booster seats sacrifice luxury features for reduced weight and better portability. The good news is that most products are FMVSS 213 safe, so you don’t need to worry about sacrificing your child’s safety for either choice.

Portable Backless Booster Car Seats

We’ll start with portable backless booster seats. If you only have one vehicle or travel often, portable backless booster seats are a great choice. These products are also great if you have more than one child that needs a booster seat because they’re more compact. This means you can fit more portable products in your back seat than luxury products. Portable products are also easier to store and move between vehicles.

While portable booster seats are versatile and convenient, they don’t come with many features. It’s lucky to find one with a cup holder, and the padding is typically thin. Still, for someone who travels often or needs to switch vehicles, portable backless booster seats are a great choice. Our favorite pick is the Mifold Grab-and-Go Car Booster Seat because it’s small and comfortable. Plus, you can choose a two-pack if you have more than one child.

Luxury Backless Booster Car Seats

Luxury backless booster seats take up a lot of space, and most are challenging to carry around. These are products you don’t want to move often, so we recommend leaving them in the back seat. While these products lack versatility, they make up for it with premium features. For example, the Diono Solana 2 comes with retractable cup holders and armrests. The padding is also ergonomic and comfortable, even during long drives.

Making a choice isn’t always easy. Luckily, you can never have too many booster seats. If you have more than one vehicle, we recommend getting one of each. This way, you’ll be ready for anything.

FAQ

Boy in a backless booster seat

When Should My Child Use a Booster Seat?

Once your child outgrows the car seat, it’s time to introduce booster seats. On average, children outgrow car seats when they’re around five years old or forty inches tall. You can also tell by looking at where the seatbelt is when they’re using it. If the seatbelt is against their neck, you need to use a booster seat, even if they’re 10-12 years old.

Do I Need a Booster Seat?

If you live in the United States, you need a booster seat. While legislation depends on the state you live in, most states have laws about booster seats and car seats. To avoid penalties, and in the interest of keeping your child safe, we recommend using booster seats between four and ten years of age to be safe.

Most states also have height and weight limits. For example, according to the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, booster seats are for children under four feet, nine inches. Furthermore, New York also has a weight limit between 40-80 pounds. Keep in mind; this is only one state out of fifty.

Can I Use the Same Booster Seat for Multiple Children?

Using the same booster seat for multiple children is never a good idea. Every child should have their own booster seat to prevent germs and bacteria from spreading. Plus, children might develop preferences for their booster seat and cause a fuss if they need to share it. While sharing is a valuable lesson, that’s not a lesson you want to teach during a two-hour drive.

If you’re looking for booster seats that work well for families with multiple children, make sure to see this guide of the best narrow booster seats.

Final Words

Keeping your child safe and happy is a mission that every parent shares. While the world is safer than it used to be, you still need to look out for your little one. Most children aren’t happy about going from car seats to booster seats, but the transition needs to happen.

Unfortunately, cars aren’t designed with toddlers in mind, so booster seats are essential until your child can wear an adult seatbelt properly. While shopping online is challenging, backless booster seats are easy to shop for when you know what to look for. Plus, they’re budget-friendly, so you can try a few until you find one you like.

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