Best Big Kid Car Seats | Booster Car Seat Comparison

July 10, 2025

Emily Gaylor

When Is It Time for a “Big Kid” Seat?

Your kiddo might be trading cartoons for surprisingly adult dinner requests (California rolls?!), but that doesn’t mean they’re ready to ride without a car seat. Most kids aren’t ready to ride without a booster until somewhere between 10 and 12—yes, really. That’s because seat belts are designed for adult bodies, and until your "almost-grown-up" passes the 5-step test—more on that to follow—they need a boost to stay properly protected.

There are a few types of “big kid” seats that cover this stretch:

Combination seats start as forward-facing 5-point harnesses and convert into belt-positioning boosters.
High-back boosters use the vehicle’s seat belt and offer extra head and side support.
And once kids outgrow those, backless boosters are often the final step, raising them just enough for a safe belt fit without the added structure.

It may feel like a long road, but each stage is an important piece of the puzzle—and we’re here to help you find the seat that fits your kid, your car, and your everyday life.

Our Top Picks

Best Forward-Facing Harness-to-Booster: Britax Grow with You ClickTight

Why We Love It

If your not-so-little one is pushing the limits of their current car seat, the Britax Grow With You ClickTight is the hero your back seat deserves. This forward-facing-only seat nails the basics (comfort, longevity, safety) while delivering one of the easiest seatbelt installations in the game. Britax’s ClickTight system is practically magic: open the panel, thread and buckle the belt, then close it with a satisfying click. That’s it. It tightens for you. No sweat, no swearing, no need to summon a second adult.

It’s also a great pick for tall kids: a 9-position harness and a high top harness height are ideal for certified growth spurt champions. And that means more time in the safer 5-point harness mode before transitioning to booster mode. And when they’re finally ready for the seatbelt? The Grow With You makes that step stress-free, with clear belt guides and soft fabrics that won’t make them complain every time you buckle them in.

Other thoughtful details—like machine-washable, naturally flame-retardant fabrics, two recline options, and 4 (4!) cup/snack holders—make this seat feel like it was designed by actual parents. Toss in sturdy construction and strong side impact protection, and you’ve got a solid long-haul solution that’s comfy enough for naps and tough enough for road trips.

Highlights

ClickTight install = game changer: super secure, stress-free installation with the seatbelt and built-in lock-off
Tall torso approved: higher harness height than most combo seats = longer harness use
Easy to clean + chemical-free: Naturally flame-retardant fabrics that are machine washable and dryer friendly

Heads Up

Not a 3-across contender: At nearly 20" wide, this isn’t the slimmest seat on the block
Headrest compatibility matters: May not install well in vehicles with fixed, non-removable headrests
Tether quirk: Includes Britax’s V-shaped tether—great for safety, but may take some extra routing effort in certain vehicles

More Specs

Weighs: 27 lbs
Width: 23"
Highest harness position: 20"
Highest belt guide position: 22"
Forward-facing harness: 34-49 lbs, 22-65"
Belt positioning booster: 40-120 lbs, 44-63"
LATCH weight limit: 40 lbs
Recline positions: 2
Headrest positions: 9
Crotch strap positions: 2
Number of cupholders: 4
Expiration: 9 years
Warranty: 1 year

Best Premium Forward-Facing Harness-to-Booster: Nuna LUMN

Why We Love It

The Nuna LUMN screams major cool kid energy—with carpool cred to match. It transitions from a forward-facing harness to a high-back booster, covering 2 major stages with the kind of safety features and sleek styling that Nuna fans expect. Think premium details like wipeable leatherette accents, breathable fabrics, and a seat that actually looks like it belongs in your backseat—not in a shuttle van.

But it's built for real-life use,too. The no-rethread harness stows away easily when you’re ready for booster mode, and the seat pad comes off separately so you can toss it in the wash without having to uninstall the whole thing (victory!). The install is super secure thanks to Nuna’s True Tension system, and even in booster mode, the open belt path makes it easy for kids to buckle themselves—zero contortions required.

With 9 recline settings and 10 headrest positions, the LUMN keeps your growing rider comfortable mile after mile. It’s also slim enough to fit three across in many midsize vehicles, a life-saver if you're juggling multiple seats. Add in smart extras like dual pop-out cup holders, adjustable calf support, and FR-free materials, and you’ve got a seat that’s equal parts safe, stylish, and good-looking.

Highlights

Chic and kid-friendly: leatherette accents + plush, breathable fabric = car seat meets first-class seat
Custom comfort: 9 reclines, 10 headrest heights, and ergonomic padding to match your kid’s growth spurts
Slim but substantial: fits 3-across in many midsize cars without skimping on comfort or safety

Heads Up

Top tether required: it's not a hassle or complicated, but you will need to use the top tether in every mode (even high-back booster)
Pricey, but posh: one of the more premium options—but Nuna fans will know that going in
On the taller side: While it’s relatively slim, it’s not the most compact seat front-to-back—worth double-checking fit if you’ve got tight legroom

More Specs

Weighs: 26.2 lbs
Width: 18.5"
Highest harness position: 18.5"
Highest belt guide position: 22"
Forward-facing harness: 34-49 lbs, 30-65"
Belt positioning booster: 40-110 lbs, 43-57"
LATCH weight limit: 40 lbs
Recline positions: 9
Headrest positions: 10
Crotch strap positions: 2
Number of cupholders: 2
Expiration: 10 years
Warranty: 2 years
Certified to latest side and frontal impact standards (FMVSS No. 213a and 213b)
GREENGUARD Gold Certified

Best High-Back Booster Seat Not Made in China: Clek Oobr

Why We Love It

Designed by parents with a background in the automotive industry (yes, actual car people), the Clek Oobr is built like your backseat—just scaled down for your booster-aged kid. Designed and made in Canada, the Oobr combines serious safety engineering with minimalist style. This is the seat you choose when you care just as much about crash test performance as you do about keeping your car’s interior looking uncluttered.

We really love the Oobr's the rigid LATCH system, which locks the booster into place even when your kid’s not in it. That means no seat sliding across the bench like it’s got a mind of its own. You’ll also find high-tech structural features—like steel-reinforced side wings and energy-absorbing foam—that help shield your big kid in the event of a crash. The adjustable headrest and reclining seat back add some flexibility, and you can even convert the Oobr to a backless booster down the road.

Parents who care about materials will also appreciate that every fabric option is FR-free and PFAS-free, and that the seat is recyclable through Clek. That’s a rare combo of safety, sustainability, and thoughtful design. It’s a high-end option with high-end quality to match.

Highlights

Rigid LATCH installation: anchors the seat securely to your vehicle—even when not in use—for stability and peace of mind
Made in Canada: designed by parents with auto industry experience, engineered and manufactured in Canada for standout safety and quality
Premium, planet-conscious materials: PFAS-free, flame-retardant–free, and recyclable for a safer, more sustainable choice

Heads Up

Cover isn’t removable: spot-clean only, which can be tricky after big messes or snack-time disasters
Heavy and awkward to move: not the easiest seat to switch between vehicles due to its weight and rigid frame
Comfort is subjective (and kids are loud): the seat’s firm padding and shorter base can be a tough sell for sensitive riders—especially on longer drive

More Specs

Weighs: 20 lbs
Width: 18"
Highest belt guide position: 21"
Belt positioning booster: 40–100 lbs, 40–57"
Backless booster: 40–100 lbs, 40–57"
LATCH weight limit: 40 lbs
Number of cupholders: 2 with purchase of Clek Drink-Thingys
Expiration: 9 years
Warranty: Lifetime
GREENGUARD Gold Certified

Best High-Back Booster for the Price: UPPAbaby Alta V2

Why We Love It

The UPPAbaby Alta V2 is proof that premium doesn’t have to mean pricey—it hits the sweet spot of big-kid comfort and top-tier safety at a not-so-scary price. Its updated design includes a narrower footprint—just 17.5 inches wide—making it one of the better options for 3-across setups or tighter back seats. And while it doesn’t convert to a backless booster, it’s still a solid choice for families who prioritize seatbelt fit, flame-retardant-free materials, and an install that won't cause your blood pressure to spike.

We especially love the adjustable lap belt guide—a rare feature that improves belt fit and also gently reminds wiggly kids to stay properly seated. (Shoutout to low-key parenting hacks.) Rigid LATCH connectors keep the seat in place even when it’s unoccupied, and the 7-position headrest grows with your kiddo without making the seat feel clunky. As for comfort, the padding is a little on the thinner side, but the fabrics are soft and the dual armrests mean ergonomic support that booster-age kids appreciate—especially on longer rides.

It’s also worth noting that UPPAbaby designed this booster with cleaner air in mind. The Alta V2 is GREENGUARD Gold Certified and flame-retardant-free in every colorway. It may not be the flashiest booster on the market, but it checks the boxes for everyday functionality with plenty of minimalist cool.

Highlights

Secure, supportive fit: 7-position headrest, side impact pods, and an adjustable lap belt guide for optimal belt positioning—especially great for tall, slender kids
Flame-retardant-free + GREENGUARD Gold Certified: every fabric option is free from added chemical flame retardants and meets stricter emissions standards
Good for tight spaces: at just 17.5" wide, it’s one of the slimmest high-back boosters, which may help in 3-across configurations

Heads Up

Padding isn’t plush: the seat cushioning is a bit firm, which might not be ideal for extra-long car rides or kids who like a cushier feel
Doesn’t convert to a backless booster: if you travel often or want a longer-term seat, you may eventually need to buy a secondary option
Not compatible with all headrests: this booster must sit flush with the vehicle seat back, so it may not work with non-removable, forward-leaning headrests

More Specs

Weighs: 17 lbs
Width: 17.5"
Highest belt guide position: 22"
Belt positioning booster: 40-100 lbs, 38-57"
LATCH weight limit: 40 lbs
Number of cupholders: 1
Expiration: 10 years
Warranty: Lifetime
GREENGUARD Gold Certified

Best Premium High-Back Booster: Nuna AACE

Why We Love It

Looking for a high-back booster that combines top-tier safety with modern design, next-level adjustability, and real-kid comfort? The Nuna AACE has all the must-haves, with a few major perks to boot. It’s not just stylish (though the automotive-inspired look does feel fancy); it’s jam-packed with clever design details that make it stand out in the booster crowd.

The AACE is built to grow with your kiddo from early booster days through their backless booster phrase, and it does that with surprising customization. You get a 9-position headrest, a shoulder system that expands side-to-side as the headrest rises (genius), and a 3-position seat depth adjuster so legs don’t dangle awkwardly. Rigid LATCH keeps the seat locked in place, even when it’s empty, and the side impact pods plus energy-absorbing foam mean extra peace of mind.

Comfort-wise, the AACE delivers. The padding is plush, the ventilation is built in, and the fabric is soft but durable (and machine washable, naturally). We also love that it converts to a backless booster with a belt positioner for safe travel—because no one wants to wrestle with a full seat in an airport parking lot.

Highlights

Customizable fit for years: adjustable headrest, shoulder system, and seat depth let the AACE adapt as your child grows
Top-tier crash performance: outstanding crash test scores with side impact pods and energy-absorbing foam
Convertible convenience: transitions to a backless booster with belt positioner for safe, easy travel

Heads Up

Pricey, but worth it: one of the more expensive boosters—but it performs like it
Not the easiest buckle for noobs: Armrests and seat shape can make self-buckling a bit tricky at first
Wider than some: May not be the best pick for 3-across setups in smaller vehicles

More Specs

Weighs: 15.6 lbs
Width: 21.5"
Highest belt guide position: 21"
Belt positioning booster: 40-110 lbs, 43-57"
Backless booster: 50-120 lbs, 43-60"
Headrest positions: 9
Seat depth positions: 3
Number of cupholders: 1
Expiration: 10 years
Warranty: 2 years
GREENGUARD Gold Certified

Best Backless Booster for Older Kids: Peg Perego Viaggio Shuttle 120

Why We Love It

Backless boosters can feel a little… underwhelming. But the Peg Perego Viaggio Shuttle 120 provides a level of comfort and quality that’s unusual in this category—without making your backseat look like a daycare on wheels. Designed and manufactured in Italy by a family-owned brand with decades of baby gear expertise, the Shuttle 120 delivers impressive long-haul comfort in a premium, low-profile package.

It's one of the few backless boosters with rigid LATCH, which helps keep the seat stable for buckling and secures it in place when not in use. And while many seats in this category offer little more than a glorified cushion, this one has dual-layer padding for serious comfort—plus an ergonomically contoured seat pan that’s roomy enough for bigger kids.

Speaking of bigger kids: the 120-pound weight limit and 63-inch height limit make it one of the most accommodating options out there for late bloomers still riding in a booster. And while it’s not the lightest, a built-in carry handle makes it manageable for carpool swaps or travel.

Yes, it’s a splurge compared to other backless options. But if you’ve got multiple kids or plan to use this seat for years, the quality and comfort can more than justify the price tag—especially considering it’s made start-to-finish in Italy with premium materials and zero added flame retardants.

Highlights

Roomy, long-lasting fit: accommodates kids up to 120 lbs and 63" tall, with a wider seat that offers more space for long legs and bigger builds
Secure install, even when empty: rigid LATCH keeps the seat anchored, so it doesn’t fly around when not in use (and tucks away for easy transport)
Comfort-first design: dual-layer padding and a soft, breathable microfiber cover make it a dream ride for longer drives

Heads Up

Not exactly budget-friendly: one of the priciest backless boosters on the market
Not the lightest: heavier than most, though it does have a built-in carry handle
Cupholder is a single clip-on: works fine, but isn’t as sturdy or integrated as some competitors

More Specs

Weighs: 6 lbs
Width: 15.25"
Backless booster: 40-120 lbs, up to 63"
Number of cupholders: 1
Expiration: 12 years
Warranty: 2 years

What is a Booster Seat?

A booster seat is the final stage in car seat usage before your kiddo ready to use the regular seatbelt on its own. It “boosts” your child up so the vehicle seatbelt fits where it’s supposed to—low across the hips and snug across the chest—for maximum safety. Unlike infant or convertible seats, boosters don’t always come with a built-in harness (though some do start that way and convert later). Instead, your child uses the car’s seatbelt—once they’re big enough and mature enough to sit properly the whole ride.

Safety experts recommend keeping kids in a booster until they pass the 5-step seatbelt test, which usually happens somewhere between ages 10 and 12, depending on your child’s size and your vehicle (more on that, below).

Types of Booster Seats

Combination Seat

Also called a harness booster, this hybrid option starts out as a forward-facing seat with a 5-point harness and later converts to a high-back booster. Some combination seats look like convertible car seats but are meant for forward-facing use, exclusively. They’re a great option for kids who aren’t quite ready for a booster but are outgrowing their toddler seat.

High-Back Booster

As the name suggests, these boosters have both a seat and a backrest. They’re designed to provide head, neck, and torso support—especially helpful if your vehicle doesn’t have headrests or if your kiddo is a big fan of naps on the go. Most high-back boosters also include a shoulder belt guide to help position the seatbelt correctly, and many come with adjustable headrests for a better fit as your little one grows.

Backless Booster

Backless boosters are exactly what they sound like—just the seat. They still raise your child up so the vehicle seatbelt fits properly across the chest and hips, and often have belt guides to keep the lap belt in place. While they don’t offer upper body support, backless boosters are usually lighter, more affordable, and easier to move between vehicles. Just make sure your vehicle has a high enough seat back or headrest to support your nugget's head. If the back of your vehicle seat doesn’t reach at least the top of their ears, they should use a high-back booster for added head and neck protection.

When to Transition to a Booster Seat

We get it—your kiddo is growing fast, and it can feel tempting to level up their car seat once they hit the big 4-0 (pounds, that is). But when it comes to booster seats, slower is actually safer.

Switching from a forward-facing harness to a booster is one of the biggest transitions in car seat safety—you’re moving from a secure five-point harness to relying solely on your vehicle’s seatbelt. And that change only works if your child is physically and developmentally ready.

So how do you know it’s time? Your child is ready to switch from a harnessed seat to a booster when all of the following are true:

They've outgrown their forward-facing car seat.

This is the absolute minimum requirement. Check your car seat manual for the harness’s height and weight limits. If your kiddo still fits within those bounds, there’s no rush to move them to a booster—even if they meet the booster’s minimums.

Many forward-facing seats go up to 65 pounds or more with the harness, and it’s safest to max that out before transitioning.

They meet the booster seat’s minimums.

Most boosters require a child to be at least 40 pounds and 38–43 inches tall. But these are just baseline requirements—not a green light to make the switch. Focus less on whether your child can use a booster, and more on whether they should.

They’re mature enough to sit still the entire ride.

This is a big one. A booster only works if your child sits upright, doesn’t wiggle out of position, and leaves the seatbelt alone—every single time you’re in the car. That includes short drives, long road trips, and even when they’re sleepy.

If your kid likes to twist, slouch, or practice yoga moves in the back seat, they’re not ready for booster mode just yet.

The seatbelt fits properly on their body.

The booster’s job is to position the vehicle seatbelt safely. That means:

Lap belt sits low on the hips and touches the upper thighs (not the stomach).
Shoulder belt crosses the middle of the chest and lies snug on the shoulder—not the neck or face.
Their back stays flat against the seat, and knees bend comfortably over the edge.

If your child is too small or the seatbelt doesn’t hit in the right spots, stick with a harness or try a different booster with better belt guides.

Bottom line: Don’t treat booster mode as a milestone to rush toward. Most kids aren’t truly ready until age 6 or even older—and that’s totally okay. The longer your child stays harnessed within the seat’s limits, the more protection they have. When it is time to transition, a high-back booster can help make the move feel supportive and familiar (and safer for sleepy passengers, too).

Booster Seat FAQs

When is my big kid ready to move out of a booster seat?

Your child is ready to graduate from a booster when they can pass the 5-step seatbelt test in your vehicle without the booster. Here's what to check:

Their back is flat against the vehicle seat.
Their knees bend comfortably at the edge of the seat—no slouching needed.
The lap belt sits low across the upper thighs, not riding up on the belly.
The shoulder belt crosses the center of the chest and shoulder, not the neck or face.
They can maintain this position the entire ride—no slumping, wiggling, or leaning.

Most kids don’t pass all 5 steps until they’re between 10 and 12 years old.

How does a booster seat attach to the vehicle?

Unlike harnessed car seats, boosters primarily rely on the vehicle’s seatbelt to secure your kiddo—not to attach the seat itself. But some high-back and even backless boosters now include LATCH connectors. These help keep the booster in place when not in use (so it doesn’t become a projectile in a crash) and make it easier for kids to climb in and out without the seat sliding around. If your booster doesn’t have LATCH, simply place it directly on the vehicle seat and thread the belt correctly when your child is riding.

Can I use a booster in any seat?

Not quite. Booster seats must always be installed in a forward-facing vehicle seat that has both a lap and shoulder belt—never with just a lap belt. The shoulder belt is essential for keeping your child’s upper body safely restrained in a crash, and a lap-only belt doesn’t offer enough protection.

If you’re using a backless booster, your vehicle seat also needs to have a headrest. That’s because backless boosters don’t provide any head or neck support, so your child’s head must be supported by the seat back itself. If the top of their ears rises above the seat back or there’s no headrest, you’ll need to use a high-back booster instead.

And remember: boosters should never be used in rear-facing or side-facing seats (like jump seats in some trucks or third-row benches in older SUVs). Always check your vehicle manual and the booster seat instructions to make sure you’re using it safely and correctly.

Can my child go straight to a backless booster?

It depends on your child’s age, size, maturity, and your vehicle. Backless boosters are safe when used correctly—but they don’t offer the same head, neck, or side impact protection that high-back boosters provide. If your kiddo is booster-ready and your vehicle’s seat back comes up to at least the top of their ears, a backless booster may be an option. But if your vehicle has low seat backs or no headrests, a high-back booster is the safer choice.

Backless boosters also give kids more freedom of movement, which not every child can handle responsibly. If your kiddo still struggles to sit upright for the entire ride (especially when they fall asleep), it’s worth sticking with a high-back model a little longer.

What’s the safest type of booster seat?

There’s no single “safest” booster seat for every child—it really depends on your kiddo’s size, maturity, and your vehicle setup. High-back boosters are often a great choice for younger or smaller riders because they offer better seatbelt positioning, plus added head and neck support (especially helpful if your child still tends to nap in the car). Many high-backs also have built-in shoulder belt guides that help keep the belt properly aligned across your child’s chest.

Backless boosters, on the other hand, are safe for older kids who have outgrown the need for extra support and can sit upright without slouching. They’re also more compact and easier to move between cars—but should only be used in vehicle seats with a headrest and proper seatbelt geometry.

Some booster seats come with additional safety features like rigid LATCH connectors (which keep the seat in place when not in use), side-impact protection, or even anti-submarining features to help prevent your child from sliding under the belt in a crash. These extras can be helpful, but the key is finding a seat that fits your child and vehicle well, positions the belt correctly, and supports your child’s ability to ride safely every time.

Why should you trust Bambi Baby?

At Bambi Baby, our decades-long commitment to quality and customer satisfaction has established us as a trusted authority in the baby products' industry. With over 40 years of experience, we have developed a deep understanding of what parents require when choosing the perfect gear. Our expert team is dedicated to guiding you through this important decision with personalized recommendations, ensuring that the gear you pick perfectly matches your lifestyle and needs.

Still have questions?

Bambi Baby experts are ready to connect! If you have any more questions regarding car seats, you can reach us at cs@bambibaby.com or chat with us on our website. We would love to hear from you!