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First off, let’s answer the number one question we’ll all asking…
When can my child use a booster seat?”
– every new mother
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the minimum age is 4 years old, however…
They advise that:
“4 – 7 Years:
Keep your child in a forward-facing car seat with a harness and tether until he or she reaches the top height or weight limit allowed by your car seat’s manufacturer. Once your child outgrows the forward-facing car seat with a harness, it’s time to travel in a booster seat…
8 – 12 Years
Keep your child in a booster seat until he or she is big enough to fit in a seat belt properly. For a seat belt to fit properly the lap belt must lie snugly across the upper thighs, not the stomach. The shoulder belt should lie snugly across the shoulder and chest and not cross the neck or face. Remember: your child should still ride in the back seat because it’s safer there.”
Please check your national and local regulations as well as other car seat safety recommendations to find what is best for your child. These are not personal recommendations, but rather just providing you with options.
So if your child meets these requirements, then time to get a booster seat (which makes for easier travel!).
High Back Travel Booster Car Seats
There are high back boosters like the Cosco Finale DX 2 in 1 Booster which was our every day booster until our son was big enough without the high back version. The seat is a bit hard but our son was never bothered by it.
We also have a high back Graco booster for every day home use now that our oldest is big enough. It converts to be able to remove the high back part and just bring the bottom of the seat for travel.
Backless Travel Booster Car Seats
Or Graco makes the booster without the high back for less than $30! These are great if you can’t lug around the high-back and if there is a seat/head rest that comes up high enough in the car.
The Chicco GoFit is another great travel booster, with it’s carrying handle and light weight. However, it doesn’t shrink down obviously like the inflatable booster.
High Back Transition to Backless Booster
I personally love the Graco that has two modes. We are currently using the high back booster at home and will take off the back to bring just the backless booster when traveling (as long as the rental car has a high enough backseat/headrest).
We have the Graco and it’s great. The price is right, also.
Chicco, one of the highest quality brands, has an even nicer one if you’d rather.
Inflatable Travel Booster Car Seat
We just got the UberBoost Inflatable booster from Hiccapop. We are excited to try it on our next trip. It deflates and packs down pretty small, definitely small enough to shove into a carry-on.
It is grippy on the bottom so it is non-slip, as well as safety certified, meeting federal car safety standards (FMVSS213).
Not quite ready for a booster seat? Check out other travel car seat options.
Still not sure if you want to bring a seat or rent one? Read more about the pros and cons of each, to help you decide.
