What Are the Best High Back Booster Car Seats? (SAFETY FIRST)

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Being a parent/a parent-to-be is by no means an easy task, especially when you have to think in advance and obtain the right car seats for the safest and most comfortable rides.

But what if you have older children?

The task seems pretty challenging, especially if you want to stay within the budget.

Luckily, we have an article that reviews the products of your desire.

Therefore, if you consider purchasing the best high back booster car seats that suit maximum safety and protection, your budget, and comfort, you have come to the right place.

Want to know more? Let me see what I can do to help you!

Table of Contents

Top 3 Recommendations

Best High Back Booster Seats: My Top 12 Favourites

Chicco KidFit 2-in-1 Belt-Positioning Booster Car Seat - Best For Safety Features

If you pick our Chicco KidFit booster car seat, you undoubtedly won't regret it!

It features the Duo-zone side impact protection; it means that the shoulder and head parts have the top security features, and in the case of a car crash, children won't get hurt.

But, the high back booster seat also contains ten different positions for children; hence, it follows their height and weight.

Concerning protection, the LATCH system as the central seat belt system with the one-pull tightener provides the best stability and reliability, keeping the booster seat immovable and a child ready to go in or out of the car seat.

This refers to a child as well - no slipping away or dropping off during the ride, but with free movements of all body parts.

Support is another big plus since the Chicco KidFit booster seat has the Ergoboost double-layered foam paddings for all body parts and postures.

However, another advantage is a single height-adjustable headrest for more comfort and easy use. Pretty cool, right?

The material is breathable and pressure-free, but it's also machine washable, along with armrests and seat pads.

On both sides, children can find two cup holders for placing their snacks and drinks there, for a better ride and non-disturbance of a driver.

Finally, being 2-in-1, our high back booster seat quickly becomes a backless booster seat in seconds. You need to remove the upper parts, and the child can do it freely in a backless mode.

When you use it as a high back/backless booster seat, it can hold up a child from 30 pounds to 100 pounds. Contrary to this, if you use it as a backless booster seat, it withstands the child from 40 to 110 pounds.

Pros
  • Easy to install 
  • Easy to maneuver
  • Excellent load leg
  • Durable
  • Affordable
Cons
  • /

Britax Skyline 2-Stage Belt-Positioning Booster Car Seat - Best For Protection

If you consider purchasing this car seat of yours, please do so! I'm sure it will win your heart immediately!

First of all, due to plush foam padding in armrests, but also other car seat parts, your child will have the ultimate comfort both during long and short journeys.

So, the content is a breathable one, for more everyday use and atmosphere. Your child won't sweat intensely and leave sweat stains on their clothes or seat.

Furthermore, the adjustable headrest contains ten various positions for kids' better postures and pressure-free uses. So, they can choose and pick the top one, according to their preferences, and enjoy the moments they spend in motor vehicles.

The high back/backless booster is surrounded by safety! How so? 

Well, it contains the foam-lined headrest and the two-layered side impact protection with an energy-absorbing shell.

Thus, the booster seat (or the backless seat) shows excellent protection since nothing wrong will happen to your child if a car collision occurs.

Well, I have told you that you can use it both as a Skyline seat belt high back or backless booster seat, but I haven't related you how. But, I assume you can guess correctly. That's possible thanks to the removable upper part for more prolonged use.

Being convenient for parents, they can easily clean the machine washable parts, along with the cup holders on both sides of the seat for even more massive and more frequent uses. This way, the high back/backless booster will always be ready for another trip or adventure!

As the seat follows your child's weight requirements, height, and weight, it holds up children from 40 to 120 pounds and 63 inches tall kids. The weight requirements depend on the use - either as a high back or a backless seat.

Pros
  • Comfortable
  • Lightweight
  • Easy to install
  • Affordable
Cons
  • Not FAA tested 

Diono Cambria 2 Latch Booster Seat - Ergonomically Designed

Next off, we have come to our next top choice from the catalog! Stay tuned as the following seat will blow your mind away!

The seat is updated and upgraded.

If you ask what this means, I will tell you that the content is removable, machine washable, and dries fast; therefore, you can always keep the high back booster seat clean and ready for the next use.

Our Diono Cambria high backed booster seat provides the extra space for children; it follows the weight requirements and has the additional legroom for the growing little ones.

Also, an ergonomically designed seat prevents slippings and droppings. Thus, the child is immovable and safe at every moment while in a car seat.

Being a lightweight car seat, our high back booster makes it easier for you to move it from one motor vehicle to another.

The quick conversion from a high back booster to a backless booster is possible if you remove the upper part and leave the bottom part with the two cup holders for food and drink storage.

This way, with the appropriate shoulder belt and lap seat belt, the big kid high back/backless booster seat will provide the maximum security and protection.

Finally, the adjustable headrest consists of five positions, and when your child finds the right one, you can moderate it for more convenient use and ride.

As you see, our big kid high back booster puts the children's necessities first, and then everything else.

Why don't you make your little one happy and pick this seat as your top choice? I'm sure your child would!

Pros
  • Easy to install
  • Affordable
  • Excellent safety features
  • Comfortable
Cons
  • No LATCH/ISOFIX system

Graco Affix High-back Booster Seat - Best Travel High-back Booster

The Graco Affix high-back booster seat is the perfect travel model!

Due to its lightweight and narrow design, the Affix booster allows you to travel with a sound mind or easily carry it from vehicle to vehicle.

It's designed to support little ones from 40 to 100 pounds, meaning it can serve you until your kid is at least ten years old. Of course, it lasts long, but it's also quite the bargain!

The cost-effective booster has a low price tag compared to other competitors that offer similar features.

Now, let's talk about installation first.

The booster seat is installed with the ISOCATCH connectors connected to the back of the seat. All you should do is clip them on the ISOFIX connectors and secure the booster seat.

Strapping in the child is also reasonably easy.

It's also lightweight, making it an excellent booster for city dwellers that often take public transportation.

On the side of the seat, you will find a cupholder. This is one of the best beneficial features of the Affix booster as it offers a beverage storage spot for long trips.

Not only this, but kids will explore a secret hideaway storage compartment where they can sneak in a snack or two!

As for the safety of the booster, the Affix model includes side impact protection and a fully adjustable headrest to follow the child's growth.

Some parents complained about the straps being too short and tight, but this is only a matter of the child's fit, so you will need to look out for the height and weight limits.

Pros
  • Affordable price
  • Easily installed
  • Great for carpooling, traveling
  • Includes a storage compartment
  • Includes a cup holder
  • Installed with a latch
Cons
  • The straps may not be everyone’s fit

Graco TurboBooster High-back Booster Seat - The Most Cost-effective Booster Seat

If you thought that the previous Graco Affix car seat was affordable, wait till you hear about this one!

The Graco TurboBooster is the perfect model that combines cost-effective price with excellent quality.

Most parents use it as a backup option for lightweight traveling, but others swear on it to be the best booster for daily use!

Whatever the intended use, the Graco TurboBooster is there to meet all your demands.

Like most boosters, this one can support kids from 40 to 100 pounds. This means that your kiddo will be using this high-back booster until 10-12.

The best thing about this booster is that it weighs only 9 lbs! How amazing is that?!

You can use it safely for carpooling and traveling, but you can also move it quickly from vehicle to vehicle.

Additionally, the high-back booster is slim at only 16 inches, allowing you to install three across easily.

This is an excellent solution if you are a lucky parent of triplets or tend to be in charge of school carpooling.

We haven't even mentioned the best part!

This is a 2-in-1 car seat design, so you can use it as a high-back booster and take the back off when it's time for a backless booster ride!

We already know that Graco offers the best protection system as far as safety goes.

This high-back booster offers EPS foam in the side impact protection that absorbs all the crash force.

It also has padded and height-adjustable armrests so your kiddo can feel as comfortable as possible!

However, a few of the parents have complained about the flimsy installation and the fact that this booster does not offer a LATCH installation.

Pros
  • Lightweight
  • Suitable for traveling
  • 6-position headrest
Cons
  • A bit flimsy

Graco TurboBooster LX High Back Booster Seat - Follows The Kids' Development

The following car seat quickly follows the weight requirements and helps you transport your children with even more significant weight and height. But, more on that below.

With just a one-hand point, you can easily connect the LATCH seat belt system and connectors to the car's seat belt, thus ensuring the kid's fixations and protection during the ride.

Moreover, the booster car seat security connectors keep the seat in its place even if the seat isn't occupied.

Speaking of the seat belt connectors, these keep the booster car seat easy and effortless to self-buckling. Thus, your children will find the appropriate way to buckle up, and you will only have to check whether they did it correctly.

Of course, you can tighten the booster car seat to the vehicle's car seat thanks to the front adjustments; however, make sure that you did it correctly by checking it.

And please, make sure you don't tighten your child too much as the child might breathe heavily. You need to buckle them, but not too tightly!

If you want to use the seat as a backless booster, just remove the upper part, place the car seat into the motor vehicle, and expand the room for your children. The seat belt will provide the highest protection, as always.

Regarding content, the Graco car seat consists of protection plus engineered material, tested by the New Car Assessment Program in terms of the too-high car interior temperatures.

Additionally, our booster seat passed the rigorous tests concerning protection in a rollover, frontal, rear, and side-car accidents.

Due to the proportions, our booster seat holds up the children from 30 to 100 pounds. Hence, even more, robust children can use it without any problems, as the car seat follows the height and weight, as stated previously.

Pros
  • Great legroom
  • Excellent safety features
  • Affordable
Cons
  • Tricky installation
  • Not for long trips

Clek Oobr High Back Booster Car Seat - The Most Comfortable One

Made in the USA, this Clek Oobr booster seat is rated as the best bet booster seat for nine years! Wow, can you imagine that?

But, find out more advantages below.

The primary benefit is the LATCH seat belt system and connectors. The same seat belt system locks the car's seat belt and provides more protection in a car crash case.

The Clek Oobr booster seat has a high side impact protection built on a metal substructure, a structural headrest, and energy-absorbing foam layers. It ensures that the child stays unharmed even if the car collision occurs.

Since the booster seat is convenient for longer journeys, the adjustable headrest takes twelve different positions to keep your child sleepy and comfortable while in the vehicle. But, the main requirement is the LATCH installation.

The removable back part can serve for more extended use, and the kid can use it as a backless booster with a LATCH seat belt system.

You don't have to worry whether something might go wrong since the LATCH seat belt will do the job just like the high back.

Additionally, the material is fire-retardant since the jersey knit contains the chlorinated and brominated chemicals.

Of course, the Clek Oobr booster seat is suitable even for a more robust child, since the proportions hold up the child from 40 to 100 pounds without any problems. Thus, you don't have to worry whether it will suit your little one - it will!

If you think it's high time you obtained a booster seat for your child, let us recommend this seat since it's an ideal choice both for children and parents, offering the best safety standards, features, and protection!

Why don't you pick it yourself and see what the benefits are? And believe me, there are many!

Pros
  • Excellent legroom
  • Comfortable
  • Excellent LATCH system
Cons
  • Pricey

Peg Perego Viaggio Shuttle Plus 120 - Best Booster With Adjustable Features

The Peg Perego is a revolutionary item! It features both a highback booster and a backless booster in the design and is the perfect model that follows your kid's growth.

Firstly, the transition between the highback and backless booster is done in under a few seconds. Just push the button on the seat, and the entire headrest will be removed.

The Peg Perego booster includes the 3D Total Adjust Technology that follows the growth of your child. This means that the booster can be adjusted in three positions: the headrest, upper backrest, and side wings that expand.

The headrest adjusts in five positions and is excellent for tall toddlers and preschoolers, whereas the side wings expand in three positions.

So if you are looking for the quality design and comfort that would follow the kid's growth, you found your best pick.

So, what does the Peg Perego Viaggio Shuttle Plus have to offer you in terms of safety? To begin with, it includes an aluminum-reinforced headrest that is designed with utter care.

In a collision, the headrest offers extra safety and protection against crash forces, both in rear and frontal accidents. Next, there is an aluminum-reinforced backrest which is padded for comfort.

Now I know what you are thinking. Aluminum could not possibly be as good as steel, right? Well, you are somewhat right.

But, know that even if this booster were reinforced by a steel frame instead, it would be twice as heavier.

Think about what's more important: convenience or stable?

On the other hand, there is a cup holder on the side! Yay! The child can store his drink, toys, or even sneak snacks in there and have a treat during the long road trip.

Pros
  • Incredible design
  • Easy to install with rigid LATCH
  • Converts into a backless booster
Cons
  • Not foldable

UPPAbaby ALTA Booster Seat - Best Wide Backrest

Do you want a booster seat that can last you for at least ten years and has a mid-price range? I have trusted UPPAbaby with all my heart ever since I purchased their convertible car seat.

So now, it was time I tested out the good-old booster seat. It did not disappoint, and I'm hoping you will like it as much as I did.

When I purchase boosters, I always look at the seat design and check how wide it is. This UPPAbaby one has a spacious seat and backrest design that will keep the kid snug but comfortable.

Also, having such a wide backrest made the side impact protection much better than on narrow seats. Pair this highback booster design with armrests, and you got yourself a win-win situation when it comes to comfort.

The headrest can be further adjusted in seven different positions, which allow the booster to grow with your kid.

As for the weight limit, the backless booster seat is suitable for kids between 38 and 100 pounds.

Although it has such a low weight limit, I recommend you keep your kids restrained in forward-facing car seats at least until they reach 65 lbs.

You are probably by now used to the highback boosters transforming into backless ones. However, the bad news is that this one does no such thing. Instead, it's a plain highback booster, so it's great for occasional use or carpooling.

Moreover, the booster allows you to fit a cup holder on either side, but it is slightly flimsy when installed.

Lastly, the highback booster comes with a three-year warranty which is genius as many manufacturers offer only one year.

Plus, the booster is available in several color designs.

Pros
  • Side impact protection
  • Adjustable headrest
  • Large weight limit
  • 3-year warranty
Cons
  • Challenging to buckle the seat belt

KidsEmbrace High-Back Booster Car Seat - Best High-back/Backless Booster Design

When you want incredibly creative design, go for the Kids Embrace car seats. I swear, they make even the most stubborn kid want to ride in their boosters.

Besides being attractive, this highback booster is safe and secure for little passengers in the back.

The price tag is pretty affordable, so you won't have to limit your budget for this booster seat. Although they may look a bit funny, don't underestimate KidsEmbrace boosters.

It exceeds the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard and is rated as Best Bet Booster seat.

I also like the big weight limit. It's suitable for four-year-olds and up and has a weight limit between 40 and 100 pounds.

But, you know the best feature that this highback booster offers?

It's the transformation from a highback into a backless booster! This would be my top pick when it comes to a versatile booster seat! You don't have to splurge on another one when your kid surpasses the weight limit.

In addition, the Kids Embrace highback booster seat is super comfortable for kids. By featuring a contoured and padded seating area, no kid will complain about their booster being uncomfortable.

Kids and parents as well, like that there is a cup holder on the side. It makes long roads a lot more manageable.

I love when a car seat is designed to follow the growth of your little one. For this reason, the Kids Embrace car seat has a headrest with three adjustable positions.

However, this booster seat still has some stuff to work on.

Besides being well-designed, the entire construction is not as stable as some parents would like it to be. In addition, some reported a low-quality back design that does not keep the booster in place.

Pros
  • Affordable price
  • Creative design
  • Includes a cup holder
Cons
  • Low-quality

mifold hifold fit-and-fold Highback Booster Seat - Best Compact Fold

Wouldn't it be neat if you had a highback booster seat that folds down to a compact size, is suitable for traveling and everyday use? Guess what; I found one!

It's the incredible mifold hifold highback booster!

If you remember, I already reviewed the backless version of this seat a while back so that you can check out the full review there.

But now I found out that mifold offers a highback model for kids that don't yet meet the standards for a backless version. So I am all for this booster seat if you and your family travel a lot!

It features a multi-fit technology that allows the booster to be adjusted in 243 different configurations. How cool is that?

It folds down to the most convenient size you can imagine and saves you a lot of precious space.

Plus, it even has a carrying strap that allows portability to be much more manageable. So not only is it great for traveling, but this is an outstanding design if you often use public transportation such as a taxi or an Uber or if you carpool.

It has four height settings, so it follows the growth of your kid as well.

In addition, you can control the seat width, which is incredible! Not many boosters have this ability, so this is a huge bonus.

What more can you adjust with this booster? Glad you asked.

You can also set the desired body width and head width so your kid will always have a proper fit.

Although it meets and exceeds NHTSA FMVSS 213, the booster seat is unsuitable for Canadian traffic and transportation.

Pros
  • Up to 243 configurations
  • Compact dimensions when folded
  • Lightweight
  • Best for traveling
  • Includes 6 advanced impact-protection zones
Cons
  • Some customers received a broken booster

Safety 1st Grand Booster Car Seat - For All Children

Finally, we're here. And it's time for our ultimate seat from this review. I hope you'll like the booster as much as I do!

And why do I love it?

Well, because Safety 1st Grand car seat is a forward-facing one. You've heard me well; it serves as a forward-facing seat too! But, let's see what else our fantastic seat has to offer!

The extended usage is its best feature: namely, you can place it as a forward-facing car seat with a 5-point harness if your children weigh between 30 and 65 lbs. Or you can install it as a belt-positioning booster for kids of 40 to 120 pounds.

As you can find, Safety 1st Grand high back booster seat follows the children's growth and leaves an extra space for their growing needs.

Our forward-facing 5-point harness car seat/ booster car seat fits all motor vehicles; therefore, it's convenient for on-the-go families and carpools. The lightweight feature helps you move it quickly from one motor vehicle to another.

A comfortable ride is another great benefit due to the deluxe fabric, which is breathable and pressure-free. Thus, children will have a relaxed ride, without sweating or heat.

Moreover, the material won't leave stains of sweat either on the seat or on children's clothes since the material reduces the heat thanks to the breathability.

The 5-point harness ensures that kids have two belts around shoulders, two across hips, and one crotch for maximum stability. Thus, the 5-point harness forward-facing seat is suitable even for kids younger than 8 years old. This is possible due to the harness system, of course.

The headrest is adjustable; hence, kids will have the most comfortable rides in our 5-point harness forward-facing seat.

If you agree, pick it now, become another happy customer, and make your kids enjoy every moment in the seat!

Pros
  • Easy setup 
  • Comfortable
  • Lightweight
Cons
  • Cushions easily removable
  • Flimsy

Important Factors About the Best High Back Booster Seats - Buyer's Guide

1. Safety

top high back booster car seats

The safest booster seats are those with side impact protection, energy-absorbing foam pads, and cushions on both sides.

But, many high back booster seats include torso protection and headrest with extra paddings.

Finally, these car seats should face Federal Safety Standards with USA design for best booster seats and car seat performances.

2. Booster Seats and Age

As your kids are growing, you should always opt for 2-in-1 booster seats.

This is vital since popular high back booster seats contain the removable backrest that follows your kids' growth and leaves a space in backless mode.

Also, these car seats have the adjustable harness to fit your kids if they're smaller.

However, you should consider the children's development and age limits for all high back booster seats and pick the right seat for your little ones.

3. Comfort

As your little ones should love their booster seats as much as possible, they must be comfortable.

The most popular booster car seats contain the high-quality double-foam paddings for a cozy ride.

But, for extra comfort, the seats should be easily adjustable (harness and headrest) and convenient.

Hence, you could look for booster seats with additional features, such as armrests, extra space, or cup holders.

4. Easy to Clean

Since messes seem to be an obligatory part of every journey, you should be able to clean any spills and dirt on plastic parts of the booster seats with water and soap.

Therefore, you should pick the booster seats with a removable machine washable content for detailed cleaning and convenience.

Additional 3 Reasons For Obtaining Boosters

best high back booster car seat lady
  1. 1
    Injury Prevention - As the ASPCC - American Society for the Positive Care of Children indicates, the booster seats reduce the risk of severe injuries up to 45%. Hence, when you purchase the right booster seat, you'll make sure your little one is safe and protected with the paddings and the appropriate seat belts.
  2. 2
    Safety Laws Requirements - According to the car seat safety laws, you are obliged to put your children into child restraints systems (rear-facing/forward-facing/booster seats/seat belts). Therefore, you should follow the manufacturer's recommendations and check when it's time for the safety law's car seat.
  3. 3
    Kids' Constant Growth - As kiddos quickly outgrow infant and forward-facing seats, simultaneously, they'll outgrow the seat's load leg, headrest, and harness system. To keep them secure and safe, you'll have to pick the booster seat for a comfortable and convenient ride.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are booster seats safer with a high back?

YES, they are, for various reasons:

- They provide the headrest if your motor vehicle doesn't, or if the headrest doesn't match children's heads for safer and more convenient rides.

- The high back booster seat provides the belt guides that position the shoulder belt correctly and keep it at the right place. If the kids move, the belts remain fixed, and they won't cover any other body parts, just those they must.

- Booster seats with a high back include the head protection from all sides, as well as a convenient spot for them to sleep.

- A study showed that kids are up to 70% safer in high back booster seats than in any seat belts alone.

- The so-called "wings" - the foam paddings that are energy-absorbing keep the heads and upper parts untouchable in all types of car collisions.

best high back booster car seat 2020

When can I place my child in a high back booster?

All kiddos whose weight or height outcomes the forward-facing limits of their seats should sit in a belt-positioning booster seat until the motor vehicles' seat belts fit them correctly.

Typically, this happens when they are between eight and twelve years old and four feet nine inches tall.

What weight can a child go in a high back booster?

A kid must weigh at least 40 pounds until they are ready for a belt-positioning booster seat.

However, you have to remember that even though your kid might have met the weight limit for using a booster, they still are not ready for one.

It's recommended that kids up to 65 pounds remain riding in forward-facing car seats that offer a 5-point harness.

Can my 4-year-old use a high back booster seat?

The majority of high-back boosters have a bottom weight limit of 40 pounds. So if your four-year-old is at least 40 pounds heavy, they can use a high-back booster seat.

When transitioning from a forward-facing car seat to a high-back booster, a child needs to feel secure and comfortable.

With that in mind, it's for the best if you picked out a 2-in-1 booster that acts as a forward-facing seat.

The transitioning will be much easier, while the four-year-old will be secured with a harness.

Can I put my 3 years old kid in a high back booster seat?

The AAP - American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that kids sit in the booster seats only when they outgrow the forward-facing seats with a 5-point harness.

According to this organization, three years old kids are not ready for a booster seat, even though they fit the manufacturer's weight and height requirements and guidelines.

Can I put my two years old kid in a high back booster seat?

best backless booster car seat 2020

No, you cannot! As previously explained, the AAP suggests that three years old or younger should sit in appropriate forward-facing or rear-facing seats, according to the manufacturer's guidelines.

These kids are not ready for booster seats yet.

What is the narrowest high back booster seat?

The narrowest high-back booster seat is a mifold hifold fit-and-fold highback booster seat which is only 16 inches wide!

This is the ultimate portable high-back booster for parents who love to travel!

It's easily installed in most vehicles, and it allows for three installations.

The high-back mifold booster is also expandable, so you can adjust the width, height, and seating area as your child grows.

How long are high back booster seats good for?

Like all car seats, a high-back booster has a life expectancy of approximately 10-12 years.

You must always pay attention to the car seat's expiration date before you continue using it. This mainly applies to the hand-me-down car seats or the ones you use for the second child.

Once the car seat has reached its full potential, it must be recycled or thrown away. However, it will need to be fully dismantled before you get rid of it.

Do high back booster seats expire?

High-back booster seats expire after 10-12 years. Unfortunately, most car seats have the same life expectancy, so it's important to check them once in a while.

Additionally, you should not use an expired high-back booster seat as its safety is compromised.

Can a high back booster go in the middle seat?

The safest spot for any car seat is in the middle seat in the back of the vehicle.

The majority of studies show that installing the seat in the center position is up to 43% safer than installing it in the back of the passenger or driver.

However, if your vehicle does not offer a safe installation for the center position, you should, by all means, avoid it!

Are there foldable high back booster seats?

Yes, there are! One of the best foldable high-back booster seats is the mifold hifold fit-and-fold. It's compact for travel and allows for three-across installations.

The foldable car seat meets all the safety regulations, but it's still one of the most convenient designs when you need extra space in your luggage!

Is the high back booster seat travel-friendly?

If you get a foldable high-back booster seat like the mifold hifold fit-and-fold, then it's considered travel-friendly.

Other models can be lightweight, but they are not precisely space-saving for traveling.

However, they are slim, so you can use many high-back boosters for three-across installations and carpooling.

Do high back booster seats need to be anchored?

Yes, all types of boosters are best to be anchored for the safest installation. By anchoring the high-back booster to the vehicle seat, you will ensure a tight fit.

Otherwise, you will risk movement that can compromise your child's safety. However, anchoring the high-back booster is impossible in some vehicle types.

Anchoring the high-back booster is a simple way of ensuring no extra wobbly movement of the booster when the car is in motion.

Do high back boosters need to be latched?

No, highback boosters do need a LATCH for installations.

But, beware, not all models are the same, so it's best to consult with one of your choices to check what kind of installations they require.

Although LATCH installations are not always necessary, it's recommended you use one to make sure your car seat or booster does not slide off the car seat.

How to install a high back booster seat?

Place the high-back booster on the vehicle seat.

The booster base should fit evenly; if not, you need to consider getting a different kind of booster as the one may not be compatible with your vehicle.

Check if the high-back booster is attached to the vehicle's headrest or if the headrest needs to be raised. Next, pull out the vehicle's lap belt under the lap guides and secure it.

Ensure the lap belt is sitting correctly on the hips, not on the stomach. Adjust the shoulder belt, ensuring it does not cut into the child's neck.

Should I lock the seatbelt with a high back booster?

Although locking the seatbelt is considered controversial with a high-back booster, it should be done as a last option!

When the seatbelt is locked in, it's almost impossible for the child to unloosen it.

So even though this sounds like a perfect solution for fussy preschoolers, it can also become a safety hazard in some situations!

How do you secure a high back booster seat?

Start by positioning the high-back booster in the center position of the vehicle's back seat. Next, place the car's lap belt across the child's thighs.

Finally, have your child sit up straight and adjust the vehicle's seat belt.

The shoulder belt should be between the child's arm and neck. Adjust all the other points in the high-back booster, such as the headrest, armrests, and seat width, if possible.

Depending on the type of car, you can further install the high-back booster with a LATCH system or lower anchors.

When to remove high back from booster seat?

Once your kiddo has outgrown their high-back booster seat, you may remove the back and use it as a backless booster.

Ensure the child completely meets the weight and height regulations for a backless booster before removing the back.

Usually, this will happen after the child's shoulders have reached the height of the red guides.

Final Thoughts - Summary

And now, let's revise and see what we've learned so far!

As there are various multiple factors that you should consider, you should never compromise for safety and comfort when choosing the best boosters.

And the high back booster seats can provide you with these factors!

You could see, there are many benefits that high back boosters offer, and since they are the safest option, we highly recommend them for every ride.

Our best option, and our top choice, is, of course, Chicco KidFit 2-in-1 Belt-Positioning Booster Car Seat!

The best features are maximum safety, a reliable manufacturer with more than 1000 satisfied customer reviews, the best protection, and a weight limit of 100 pounds, which is an ideal option!

Chicco KidFit 2-in-1 Belt-Positioning Booster Car Seat, Backless and High Back Booster Seat, For...*
  • Duo's zone head and shoulder side-impact protection with 10 positions
  • Premium LATCH connectors with super Cinch 1-pull tightened
  • Ergo Boost contoured seat with double foam padding
  • 2 dishwasher-safe cupholders are easy to remove and hide away to save space
  • Backrest reclines and is removable to create a backless booster for older children
Avatar of Kathy Warner

Kathy Warner

Kathy is a busy mother of two and a CPS technician for more than eight years. Her mission is to awaken parents to the importance of child passenger safety and show them the right practice. You can read more about her here

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