Compare the⭐Best Booster Car Seats for 5-12-Year-Olds in 2023: Get Pros, Cons, Ratings🔝& Reviews of Chicco MyFit, Britax Grow with You ClickTight, and Graco Tranzitions 3-in-1 Seats!
Features to Look for in the Best Car Seats for 5-12-Year-Olds
When deciding on a car seat for your 5-12-year-old child, there are two main options: backless boosters and high-back boosters. Both have their own merits, which you should consider when making your selection.
High-Back Booster
High-back boosters offer more support than their backless counterparts while still offering much of the same benefits. They provide neck and shoulder protection, reduce forward movement during an impact, and allow better fitment of the belts around smaller children. Additionally, some high-back booster seats come with adjustable headrests to accommodate different sizes of kids as they grow. Benefits include:
- Headrests offer extra comfort for sleeping during long trips
- More secure fitment due to a wider seat base
- Easier installation with integrated latch systems
- Some models feature armrests that offer additional support
Regardless of which seat you choose, it is important to remember that your child must meet local weight requirements for use with these types of car seats. When selecting a car seat, always consult the manufacturer’s guidelines regarding weight restrictions and proper fitment prior to purchase.
Backless Booster
Backless booster seats are a popular choice for older children as they provide high car safety and low bulk in the car. They can be used with adult lap/shoulder belt systems or integrated vehicle belts that do not lock or tense when the seat is unoccupied. Benefits of backless booster seats include:
- Low-profile design that makes them easy to install and remove from cars
- Lightweight materials that make them suitable for traveling
- No headrests make them more comfortable when sleeping during long car trips
- High backs are often removable so they allow more flexibility when seating multiple passengers in a row
Average Height to Weight Chart of a Child
Female Children: 5-12 Years (Updated: 2022-10-16, Author: Disabled World)| Age | Weight | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 5 Years | 31.5 lb. (14.29 kg) | 42.5" (107.9 cm) |
| 6 Years | 44.0 lb. (19.96 kg) | 45.5" (115.5 cm) |
| 7 Years | 49.5 lb. (22.45 kg) | 47.7" (121.1 cm) |
| 8 Years | 57.0 lb. (25.85 kg) | 50.5" (128.2 cm) |
| 9 Years | 62.0 lb. (28.12 kg) | 52.5" (133.3 cm) |
| 10 Years | 70.5 lb. (31.98 kg) | 54.5" (138.4 cm) |
| 11 Years | 81.5 lb. (36.97 kg) | 56.7" (144 cm) |
| 12 Years | 91.5 lb. (41.5 kg) | 59.0" (149.8 cm) |
| Age | Weight | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 5 Years | 40.5 lb. (18.37 kg) | 43.0" (109.2 cm) |
| 6 Years | 45.5 lb. (20.64 kg) | 45.5" (115.5 cm) |
| 7 Years | 50.5 lb. (22.9 kg) | 48.0" (121.9 cm) |
| 8 Years | 56.5 lb. (25.63 kg) | 50.4" (128 cm) |
| 9 Years | 63.0 lb. (28.58 kg) | 52.5" (133.3 cm) |
| 10 Years | 70.5 lb. (32 kg) | 54.5" (138.4 cm) |
| 11 Years | 78.5 lb. (35.6 kg) | 56.5" (143.5 cm) |
| 12 Years | 88.0 lb. (39.92 kg) | 58.7" (149.1 cm) |
Recommended (nhtsa.gov) car seats based on your child’s age and size
Top-list best booster car seats for 5-10-year-old
![Britax Grow with You ClickTight Harness-2-Booster Car Seat, Spark - Premium, Soft Knit Fabric [New Version of Frontier]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41WLD93gC7L.jpg)
Forward-Facing Mode:
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Booster Mode:
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Forward-Facing Mode:
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Booster Mode:
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Forward-Facing Mode:
⭐⭐⭐
Booster Mode:
⭐⭐⭐
✔ Premium, soft touch fabrics: 4-way stretch athleisure fabric combines style and function for a modern look that’s easy to clean
✔ Stay put, soft comfort pads keep your child's neck from rubbing against the harness strap.
✔ With ClickTight, you know it’s right in just 3 easy steps. Open, thread & buckle, close
✔ A lightweight, portable seat is ideal for busy, active parents;
✔ One-hand, 8-position adjustable headrest;
✔ Integrated, dual cup holders;
✔ Seat pad, body support, and harness covers are comfortable and machine-washable;
✔ Superior DuoGuard with a deep rigid shell and EPS energy-absorbing foam for head and body support creates two levels of side-impact protection.
✔ The high back booster accommodates your growing child with a 9-position headrest and a 4-position recline.
✔ The extra deep, contoured ErgoBoost seat with dual-density foam padding offers a more comfortable ride in both modes.
Forward-Facing Mode:
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Booster Mode:
⭐⭐⭐⭐
✔ Premium, soft touch fabrics: 4-way stretch athleisure fabric combines style and function for a modern look that’s easy to clean
✔ Stay put, soft comfort pads keep your child's neck from rubbing against the harness strap.
✔ With ClickTight, you know it’s right in just 3 easy steps. Open, thread & buckle, close
Forward-Facing Mode:
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Booster Mode:
⭐⭐⭐⭐
✔ A lightweight, portable seat is ideal for busy, active parents;
✔ One-hand, 8-position adjustable headrest;
✔ Integrated, dual cup holders;
✔ Seat pad, body support, and harness covers are comfortable and machine-washable;
Forward-Facing Mode:
⭐⭐⭐
Booster Mode:
⭐⭐⭐
✔ Superior DuoGuard with a deep rigid shell and EPS energy-absorbing foam for head and body support creates two levels of side-impact protection.
✔ The high back booster accommodates your growing child with a 9-position headrest and a 4-position recline.
✔ The extra deep, contoured ErgoBoost seat with dual-density foam padding offers a more comfortable ride in both modes.
Top-list best backless booster car seats for 8-12-year-old
✔ The GoFit Plus backless booster is equipped with LATCH to help stabilize the seat while the child gets in and out.
;
✔ Integrated lap belt guides and a shoulder belt clip ensure a proper fit for your child and secure installation of the booster seat. ;
✔ An innovative quick-release design means one-hand removal with a simple pull of the release handle. ;
✔ Integrated 2-in-1 belt path guide and armrests.
✔ Engineered with high-grade steel LATCH connectors and 2x easy adjust LATCH
✔ Lightweight, portable, and easy to carry for safe, simple transfers between vehicles
✔ Front-adjust LATCH system allows you to quickly and easily secure the booster to the vehicle seat;
✔ Hide away storage compartment to store your child's favorite things;
✔ Removable, machine-washable soft goods are easy to clean;
✔ The GoFit Plus backless booster is equipped with LATCH to help stabilize the seat while the child gets in and out.
;
✔ Integrated lap belt guides and a shoulder belt clip ensure a proper fit for your child and secure installation of the booster seat. ;
✔ An innovative quick-release design means one-hand removal with a simple pull of the release handle. ;
✔ Integrated 2-in-1 belt path guide and armrests.
✔ Engineered with high-grade steel LATCH connectors and 2x easy adjust LATCH
✔ Lightweight, portable, and easy to carry for safe, simple transfers between vehicles
✔ Front-adjust LATCH system allows you to quickly and easily secure the booster to the vehicle seat;
✔ Hide away storage compartment to store your child's favorite things;
✔ Removable, machine-washable soft goods are easy to clean;
The best booster car seat for five-ten-year-old
Advantage
- It fits great in the back of a midsize pickup truck and is super sturdy once you get it buckled in.
- The installation was straightforward and easy.
- The fabrics are superior in quality to the Myfit, they feel much softer abd don’t give off as much of that super synthetic feel (though they are of course synthetic)
- I really like the armrests, cup holders, and snack trays.
- This car seat has the 5poi t harness but can also be used as a standard booster!
Disadvantage
- I find the instruction manual to be pretty subpar.
- The fabric keeps coming off at the bottom! It’s not slipping off but looks really bad.
- The headrest keeps rattling horribly when my son isn’t in the car seat
Britax Grow with You ClickTight: NHTSA Ease of Use Ratings
The best Graco booster car seat on 2023
Advantage
- Comfortable and lightweight
- Easy to install
- Safe for your child
- One-handed strap/headrest adjustment
- Make your life easier by installing it quickly and easily.
- Easily transport the car seat between cars.
Disadvantage
- The seat is thin and uncomfortable.
- Belt twists, making it impossible to tension
Graco Tranzitions: NHTSA Ease of Use Ratings
Best Chicco booster car seat for 5-10-year-old
Advantage
- It is very comfortable, I love that when he falls asleep his head doesn’t automatically tilt forward.
- It’s adjustable so his head lays back comfortably, it has armrests, and drink holders
- It locked perfectly in the truck seat.
- It covers him very well on both sides.
- I love the chest buckle it’s way easy
Disadvantage
- Needs more cushion-it is on the hard side
- Cup holders pop out readily, limited versatility
Chicco MyFit Harness: NHTSA Ease of Use Ratings
Booster and Backless Car Seat FAQ
Types of booster seats
There are two main types of booster seats: backless and high-back.
Backless boosters are best for children who are already tall enough to sit properly in a car seat with the seat belt correctly positioned over their shoulders.
High-back boosters are best for shorter children or those who need more support around their neck and head.
Features to consider
When choosing a booster seat for your child, there are several features to consider. The first is whether you want a backless or high-back booster. If your child is tall enough to sit properly without the additional support of a high back, then a backless booster may be a good option. However, if your child is shorter or needs more support around their neck and head, then a high-back booster may be a better choice.
Another feature to consider is whether the booster seat has any special features. Some booster seats come with cup holders or integrated backrests for added comfort. Others have adjustable headrests to accommodate growing children. And some even come with built-in speakers so your child can listen to music or audiobooks while riding in the car.
How to install a booster seat?
Most booster seats can be installed using the vehicle’s seat belt, but some models require the use of LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) connectors. If your vehicle is equipped with LATCH, you may find it easier to install the booster seat using these connectors.
Using the seat belt
Once the booster seat is installed, your child will need to sit in it and fasten the seat belt. The shoulder strap should go over the child’s shoulder and across their chest. The lap portion of the seat belt should go across the child’s thighs, not their stomach.
Positioning the headrest
Some booster seats come with adjustable headrests. This is a good feature to have, as it allows you to position the headrest so that it properly supports your child’s head and neck.
Cup holders
Many booster seats come with built-in cup holders. This can be a handy feature, especially if your child likes to drink beverages in the car.
How We Tested
We looked at how well the seats fit the body shape of each age group and studied their safety features.
- We paid close attention to adjustable features such as headrests and armrests, as well as any padding or support mechanisms the seats offered.
- We tested the car seats in different simulated driving conditions to determine their stability, comfort levels, and ability to protect passengers in case of an accident.
- Our team was able to closely monitor the stress and movement placed on each seat during these tests – enabling us to make sure they could stand up to real-world scenarios.
- Overall, we found that car seats in this age group are reliable and safe when properly adjusted according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
The testing results showed that most of these car seats performed well under various driving situations, providing adequate protection for growing children in a variety of scenarios.
The results of our test of the best high back booster:
Comparing the Safety Ratings
Compare feature Safety Ratings (NHTSA.gov) for models Britax Grow with You ClickTight Harness-2-Booster Car Seat, Graco Tranzitions 3-in-1 Harness Booster Seat, Chicco MyFit Harness + Booster Car Seat.
When it comes to choosing a car seat for your child, safety should always be your top priority. That’s why comparing the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) safety ratings for car seats is so important. Here’s how three popular models stack up when it comes to safety:
- The Britax Grow with You ClickTight Harness-2-Booster Car Seat has a 4-star overall rating from the NHTSA, making it one of the safest and most reliable car seats available.
- The Graco Tranzitions 3-in-1 Harness Booster Seat also has a 4-star overall rating from the NHTSA. It features side impact protection, contoured padding and adjustable headrests for maximum comfort and protection.
- Finally, the Chicco MyFit Harness + Booster Car Seat boasts a 3-star overall rating from the NHTSA. It provides dual layers of side impact protection, wide padded armrests, and an adjustable headrest for increased safety and comfort.
All three models provide excellent safety ratings as rated by the NHTSA and are sure to keep your child safe on every journey!
Comparing the Comfort Features
When it comes to choosing a car seat for your child, comfort is just as important as safety. Here’s how three popular models stack up when it comes to comfort:
- The Britax Grow with You ClickTight Harness-2-Booster Car Seat features contoured padding, adjustable headrests and an integrated steel frame for maximum comfort and security.
- The Graco Tranzitions 3-in-1 Harness Booster Seat has deep ergonomic seating, adjustable armrests and padded straps for added comfort.
- The Chicco MyFit Harness + Booster Car Seat offers wide padded armrests, adjustable headrests and multiple reclining positions for an extra comfortable ride.
All three models provide excellent comfort features that are sure to keep your child comfortable on every journey!
Comparing the Versatility Features
When it comes to choosing a car seat for your child, versatility is key. Here’s how three popular models stack up when it comes to versatility:
- The Britax Grow with You ClickTight Harness-2-Booster Car Seat can be used in three modes – harness booster, high back booster, and backless booster – making it great for children of all ages.
- The Graco Tranzitions 3-in-1 Harness Booster Seat can also be used in three modes – five-point harness booster, high back booster, and backless booster – and fits growing children from 20 to 120 pounds.
- The Chicco MyFit Harness + Booster Car Seat features nine different height positions that allow the seat to grow as your child does. It can accommodate children from 22 to 65 pounds in forward-facing mode and 29 to 100 pounds in high-back booster mode.
All three models provide excellent levels of versatility and are sure to keep your child safe and comfortable on every journey!
Comparing the Ease of Use Features
When it comes to choosing a car seat for your child, ease of use is an important factor. Here’s how three popular models stack up when it comes to ease of use:
- The Britax Grow with You ClickTight Harness-2-Booster Car Seat has an easy-to-use click-tight installation system with a safe center latch and color indicators that let you know when the seat is securely fastened.
- The Graco Tranzitions 3-in-1 Harness Booster Seat allows for quick and easy height adjustments with its one-hand adjustable headrest that eliminates the need for rethreading straps.
- The Chicco MyFit Harness + Booster Car Seat features a one-pull harness tightening and loosening system that makes it simple to get the perfect fit every time.
All three models provide excellent levels of ease of use, making them perfect for parents on the go!
Final Thoughts
The Britax Grow with You ClickTight 2-Booster Car Seat is a great investment for any family.
It can be used as a harness or belt-positioning booster, making it perfect for children of all ages. WithClickTick installation, you can be confident that your child is properly secured in just three easy steps.
Plus, the soft comfort pads provide extra neck support and keep your child comfortable on long car rides.
Britax recommends that this seat be used with a harness system until the child exceeds the weight or height limit, so you can rest assured knowing your little one is always safe and sound.
Sources:
- Child Passenger Safety https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/142/5/e20182460/38530/Child-Passenger-Safety
- Why Rear Facing: the Science Junkie’s Guide
- Car Seat Ease-of-Use Ratings https://www.nhtsa.gov/car-seats-and-booster-seats/car-seat-ease-use-ratings
Can you change the reclining position while the Chicco MyFit car seat is installed in your car?
You can adjust the recline position of your car seat while it’s in use. Reinstall either latches and tether or simply buckle up, depending on what type you have!
Chicco MyFit: What exact parts are able to come off for machine washing? the body fabric?
Chicco MyFit
Hand-washing is the best way to care for your My Fit fabric. If you have urine or blood on it, use mild soap and water then rinse thoroughly in order remove any stains before drying using low heat if necessary!
Do I need to latch if I’m not using a harness? I am buying a Britax car seat because of the steel frame and plan on using the seatbelt only.
I don’t think the click-tight would be worthwhile if you’re kid is too big for the harness. But if they’re not too big, the click-tight is the best! And harness is recommended until the kiddo maxes out the weight or height of it. It’s significantly safer than the seatbelt itself
How does the shoulder belt Chicco GoFit Plus clip work? Is it attached to the seat somehow?
Chicco’s GoFit booster seat has an adhesively-mounted red belt clip that can be attached to the vehicle shoulder strap using a web fabric strap. When installed properly, this clip makes it easy for adults to quickly detach themselves from their child’s car seat in case of emergency or if they need access without breaking any laws while driving around town! However…the position doesn’t stay constant; whenever my grandson reapplies his safety belts there are several adjustments needed which means constantly adjusting ourselves at each traffic light
Naturally flame retardant — does this mean free of chlorinated/brominated chemicals?
This seat meets the Flame retardant standard without chemicals