Booster seats are restraints best used on children over 40 pounds and must be used with lap and shoulder belt. These selections are top picks for safety and installation.

Once children have outgrown their harnessing car seats they can be placed in a belt positioning booster. With many booster seat options on the market, this list can help guide parents to the best booster seat choice for their child and their vehicle.

High Back Booster or Backless Model

Booster seats can come in two styles -- high back and backless. Both versions require the use of the lap/shoulder seat belt of the car and cannot be used with lap belt alone. High back boosters must be used in vehicles that have low seat backs with no head rests. Depending on the model, high back boosters may have added side impact protection not seen in backless versions.

Backless booster seats are suitable for use in automobiles that have head rests or if there is ample room between the top of the child's ears and the top of the seat back. For the sake of comfort, children who tend to nap in the car would likely better off in a high back booster than backless. An article that addresses best picks for backless belt positioning boosters will be forthcoming.

Parents should take note that though many of these models are marketed for children as low as 30 lbs, it is much safer to keep children harnessing beyond that minimum limit. There is no need to move a child to a booster seat if the harnessing car seat fits the child. It is imperative that children be able to sit properly in the booster with lap and shoulder belt.

Britax Monarch

The Monarch, which replaced the Britax Parkway, is a high back belt positioning booster that also converts to a backless seat. It is marketed for children from 30 - 100 lbs. and up to 60" tall. The Monarch sets itself apart from many other boosters because it features EPS foam in both the head and torso wings, giving added safety protection. It has the Britax patented side impact protection. Of note are the expandable armrests. These arm rests can be adjusted from 10 to 12.5" wide, providing a more secure fit and allowing for toddler growth.

Additional features include comfort foam on backrest and base, one-hand height adjustment, open loop shoulder belt guides, and two retractable cup holders. Selling for $150, the Monarch is one of the more expensive boosters currently being sold.

Compass 510 or 530

These two models from Compass have many great features. Suited for children from 30-100 lbs and 38" to 57" tall, this booster conveniently folds for travel and a carrying case can be purchased separately.

EPS foam in head rest provides added safety and the lip on the base gives greater thigh support than other boosters. Additional features include two retractable cup holders, pivoting arm rests, open loop shoulder belt guides, and ample headrest convenient for napping. Depending on the model, price ranges from $80 to $100.

Disadvantages to these two Compass seats are that they do not convert to a backless booster, and they provide little torso side impact protection.

Graco TurboBooster

The Graco TurboBooster is a very popular model and sells at the reasonable price of $50 to $80 depending on the model. Developed for children 30-100 lbs and 38 and 57", the TurboBooster also can transfrom into a backless booster.

The TurboBooster has multiple features which contribute to its popularity. These features include EPS foam in head rest, two retractable cup holders, arm rests that adjust to height, open loop shoulder belt guides, a headrest suitable for napping, one hand back adjustment to height, and 2 recline positions.

Whether parents have a tight budget or a little more to spend, they can find quality seats in these three high back boosters. Caregivers should always read and follow the instructions of the booster seat manual.

To view other articles on car seats, including specific recommendations and safety guidelines, refer to blog entry entitled Car Seat Article Index.

References:

• American Academy of Pediatrics
• Car-safety.org
• National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration