Rating of car boosters for children: TOP best models by price and quality

A booster is a special seat for a child with armrests and fastenings. It raises the baby to a height sufficient for safe fastening with belts. As a result, the tape passes over the shoulder without touching the neck. According to current traffic regulations, this level provides maximum protection in the event of an accident.

The law allows the use of a booster seat for children aged 3 to 12 years. In this case, there is a gradation according to the rules of transportation on the seat:

• Children under 7 years of age must use restraints;
• from 7 to 11 years old can be fastened with a regular belt in the back seat, or a booster seat or seat in the front seat;
• From the age of 12 you can use a seat belt if it is suitable for your height.

The booster must comply with Appendix No. 10 of UNECE Regulation No. 44-04. It’s easy to find out about them: manufacturers put appropriate markings on the labels. Several designation methods are common in Russia:

1. Domestic manufacturers put the mark GOST R 41.44-2005 or UNECE No. 44-04.
2. On foreign brands you can find the designation ECE R44/04 (approved by the European Commission).

Boosters without signs on the label are becoming increasingly rare. In this case, the certificate of conformity must be in the documents.

Top 10 best boosters for the car

Children appreciate the convenience of the booster, and parents should pay attention to safety. The most suitable option meets the following requirements:

1. High armrests. They not only better secure the child, but also help to hold on when turning. Not to mention that children love to lean on them.
2. The ideal width of the armrests is 30 cm. Judging by reviews from parents, it is considered the most comfortable for children of different sizes.
3. Many buyers recommend taking products made of smooth material so as not to damage the interior. It is better to put a lining on genuine leather upholstery.
4. Good boosters have an iron base, softening layers and impact-resistant plastic parts. The product should not be very pliable or rigid, especially if long trips are planned. It is recommended to purchase a removable, washable cover.
5. More expensive products have additional fasteners and regulators. A popular technology is Isofix, although it also has its disadvantages.

Rating of boosters for children

The two most important indicators of a quality product are safety for parents and ease of travel for the child. Our team also relied on these characteristics, and also selected the list of nominees based on other parameters:

• Construction materials, coatings;
• Case shape, ergonomics;
• Type of fastening element;
• Indications by age, body weight, height;
• The level of security promised by the manufacturer;
• Armrest sizes;
• Availability of additional structural parts;
• General dimensions, weight;
• Seat hardness;
• Conditions for cleaning and washing.

The result of a comprehensive analysis was a top list of 10 positions. These are goods from different countries of production, different price segments. To simplify the search, we have divided the review into 2 categories – models for children over 3 years old, and over 6 years old. Thanks to customer reviews, we have highlighted the pros and cons of each.

Renolux Jet

Thanks to the high soft armrests and the same soft seat with an extended cushion, this booster seat is ideal if you are going on a long trip with your child, but the baby does not like the car seat or feels uncomfortable.

The manufacturer indicates that the booster is used for a child weighing 15 kg and at least 100 cm tall.

The removable cover made of plain fabric fits any interior and is also easily machine washable.

The booster is secured using car seat belts . Despite the Chinese production, the quality of the design does not raise doubts about reliability.

The main frame is made of durable metal, and the tall, soft, high-density polyurethane cushion absorbs most of the impact or braking force when needed.

Main characteristics:

1. Group - second and third / from 15 to 36 kg.
2. There are no internal belts.
3. Fastening type: car belts.

pros

• high and soft pillow;
• comfortable armrests;
• soft support for feet.

Minuses

• There are no belt guides.

Baby Care BC-781-0 Bugs

Booster Baby Care BC-781-0 Bugs, designed for a child weighing 22–36 kg, equipped with small sides.
Weighs 1 kg, compact enough to take up minimal trunk space when not in use. Fixation is done with a standard belt. Buyers note convenience, reliability, and ease of use. Thanks to the removable cover, you don’t have to worry if the product gets dirty – it’s easy to remove and wash. There are several color options to choose from.

The base is made of durable plastic. The only negative is that it slides on the car seat. This is the most common complaint from owners. But in terms of convenience, the reviews are positive. Most children feel comfortable. However, the hard plastic base, despite the softening seat, is not the best solution for long journeys. But around the city and for trips to school, Baby Care is ideal. Plus it makes kids feel more grown up in the car.

Pros:

• Light weight.
• Compactness.
• Removable cover and durable plastic base.
• Affordable price.

Minuses:

• Slips.
• May be inconvenient for long trips.

How to install in a car

The legislation provides for the transportation of children only with safety equipment, one of which is a booster. It is recommended to install it only in the back seat and preferably in the middle, since your child is as far away from a possible threat in the event of a collision. Depending on the booster, mounting can be done in two ways.

• Most often, models provide for fastening with standard vehicle belts. That is, transverse and diagonal tape. The seat is placed in the right place, the child sits in it and is fastened with a belt along with the seat. The device should fit as tightly as possible to the seat. The transverse tape should pass under the armrests of the booster and wrap around the baby’s legs, and the diagonal tape should secure the body. There are models with an additional retractable tape, which can be used to adjust the position of the diagonal tape to suit the child’s height, since it must pass through the passenger’s chest. Such options are not safe enough due to the lack of rigid fastening of the booster to the car seat.
• The second method is fixation using the Isofix system. Here the booster is attached directly to the car body with rigid latches, which ensures the stability of the structure during maneuvering and collision. Next, the seat belts are manipulated using the first method.

Which booster is best for children?

The presented top rating of booster packs for children showed not only reliable manufacturers, but their specific products, and also named the determining criteria for selection. Which of these to buy is only your decision and responsibility. In turn, Vyborexperta.ru notes several review nominations:

• Rant Flyfix is ​​an inexpensive alternative to a soft-back car seat, approved from 3 years of age;
• Heyner SafeUp XL Comfort – spacious booster seat for large children, wide pillow + high full armrests;
• Baby Care BC-781-0 Bags - an affordable model made of lightweight plastic with orthopedic armrests;
• Siger Booster FIX - the nominee of domestic production with a reliable Isofix system, streamlined shape, tension lock;
• Heyner SafeUp XL Fix is ​​a hypoallergenic chair with comfortable high armrests, an extended cushion, tension lock and Isofix.

Once your baby has outgrown the car seat, you can buy him a more communicative, comfortable device. It is easier to store, transport, change from place to place. And it costs much less. All that is required of you is an understanding of the features of such designs and selection according to the parameters of the passenger’s body.

Zlatek Raft

This car seat belongs only to group 3, from 22 to 36 kg.
The enlarged seat allows the child to sit comfortably even in winter clothes, and the design of the armrests ensures comfortable travel. At the same time, the holding device will not take up much space, since its width is only 42 cm. The design has a reinforced frame and the booster has passed all the necessary crash tests. The cover is made of high quality material and can be easily removed for washing. The booster is attached to the car using a standard seat belt.

Complies with Russian standards and technical regulations of the Customs Union. The light weight of 1.3 kg of this car seat makes it easy and quick to install in the car and remove it back.

Pros:

• Compact and light.
• Sufficient in width.
• Soft and comfortable seat.
• Removable cover.
• Price.

Minuses:

• There is no guide to regulate the position of the seat belt.
• No Isofix system.

Graco Booster Basic (Sport Lime)

Graco Booster Basic (Sport Lime) takes fifth place.
The booster is designed for children weighing 15-36 kg and up to 150 cm in height. It has a removable cover, which greatly simplifies cleaning. Equipped with cup holders. Weighs 2 kg - not very convenient for traveling, but ideal if you often have to transport your child in different cars - in a taxi, in a friend's car. It will also come in handy when each parent has their own car. There are no internal straps. Installation is carried out facing forward. The design of the booster is simple and practical, but many parents talk about the rigidity of the seat. Buyers also claim that the cup holders rattle while driving. Some people, in order to fix the problem, resort to a universal assistant - adhesive tape - using it to fix rattling parts. Otherwise, the design of the model is of high quality and reliability. You can find reviews online from people who have been using the booster for several years and are completely satisfied with it.

Graco Booster Basic (Sport Lime) is the ideal solution for short trips. He will help, if necessary, take the child to school, go out of town on the weekend or to the store.

Pros:

• High quality materials.
• Convenience and practicality.
• Availability of cup holders.
• Reliable fixation.

Minuses:

• Hard seat.
• The cup holders rattle while driving.

At what age is it legal to switch from a car seat to a booster?

The relatively low price of boosters allows you to change models as the child grows. It is recommended to be guided by the same criterion when the question of changing a car seat comes up on the agenda, because if the child is as comfortable as possible in it, then there is no need to rush to change it.

If, on the contrary, he is clearly cramped in the seat, then it’s time to think about a booster, which will make the experience of the trip practically no different from that of adults. That is, in some cases it makes sense to be guided not by the child’s age, but by his weight, dimensions and comfort.

Also read: at what age can you use a “corner” for fastening a child.

Another thing is that the baby must be at least 3 and no more than 12 years old, because car seats for children were developed specifically for this age category, not excluding the use of a chair if it is still comfortable.

If the child is already 3 years old, then this is not a reason to quickly seat him in a chair. Instead, it is strongly recommended to measure its basic physical parameters, remembering that the optimal values ​​for transplantation from one device to another are 15 kg of weight and 120 cm of height, without which it is better not to rush.

Requirements from traffic regulations

The decision regarding the transportation of children was made back in 2021, and according to it, from the moment of birth until the age of 11, a child can travel in a vehicle exclusively in a special device, which can mean both a car seat and a booster.

It is strongly recommended not to choose a booster without a child

This means that the choice between a full-fledged chair with a backrest and a seat is a personal matter for parents; another thing is that, due to physiological characteristics, you certainly can’t carry babies in a booster seat, so it still makes sense to use the chair at the first stage, transferring the child to the seat no earlier than three years of age.

In addition, the traffic rules provide for certain relaxations for children over 7 years old, which provide for the use of seat belts only if the child travels in the back seat.

In front, it will be necessary to transport a small passenger exclusively in a restraint device, and so on until the age of 12, when you can already limit yourself to belts alone.

Selection by weight and height

For those who are not sure about choosing the optimal device for transporting children, it is worth giving some practical advice. And first of all, we are talking about the fact that in addition to boosters without a back, you can easily find devices with this part on sale, made in the form of a compact chair. By the way, this model is ideal for transporting thin, short children who are much smaller than their peers.

If the child is large and also mobile, then a seat without a backrest will be more suitable for him, the role of which will be played by the internal equipment of the car itself. As for the fixation, in both cases it will be equally reliable, assuming a rigid attachment to the car seats. But the child will be fastened in different ways: with the straps of a booster, made in the form of a high chair, or with the straps of the car itself, if you only have to use one seat without a backrest.

The upholstery material is also of great importance, and if possible, it is better to give preference to natural, breathable materials.

In addition, it is strongly recommended not to choose a booster without a child, who must be seated on the device before purchasing it, choosing a model for growth.

If we talk about fastening systems, today the most common ones are the American Latch with carabiners, the European Lsofix with brackets, as well as the ideal Top Tether anchor mechanism for infant carriers, despite the fact that they all have their own advantages.

What are boosters and why are they needed?

A booster is a special device for children that is mounted in the car. It can be used instead of a car seat, i.e. place the child in it and secure it with seat belts. As a rule, boosters are used for children from 3 to 12 years old. Such products usually do not have backs, but they often have armrests, which make it more comfortable for children to sit in a chair, and they additionally protect the child from impacts. Thus, the booster lifts the child a little so that the seat belt does not rub or squeeze his neck, but passes over the chest, like an adult. As a rule, boosters are quite compact and lightweight, so they can be easily moved from one car to another.

Do you need a booster? Of course, you can do without it if the car seat in your car is suitable for older children (3 years and older). But most often, parents prefer to purchase boosters: they are cheaper, lighter, and can be taken with them on trips, in taxis, or in carsharing cars. Their use is permitted by traffic regulations, the main thing is that the product is safe and allows the child to be securely secured using seat belts.

It is important that the booster is comfortable and of high quality - in this case, the child will be safe while traveling in the car, and at the same time he will feel comfortable

You might be interested to know which seven-seater cars are best for a family to buy .

Happy Baby Booster Rider

A model from a popular English manufacturing company, which is considered an example of an ideal price-quality ratio.

The device weighs only 1.3 kg, which makes it easy to move it between cars or take it with you. The booster is secured with standard belts; there are no internal belts.

The model is suitable for installation not only on the back seat, but also on the front.

The seat upholstery is soft, as are the small armrests. The booster is suitable for babies from 99 to 145 cm tall and complies with the ECE R44/04 safety standard.

The position of the belt is adjusted using a special limiter . A wide range of colors allows you to choose a booster to match any upholstery.

Main characteristics:

1. Group - second and third / from 15 to 36 kg.
2. There are no internal belts.
3. Fastening type: standard belts.
4. Weight - 1.3 kg.

pros

• lightweight device, quick to install;
• compact dimensions;
• reliability of design;
• Belt guides are installed.

Minuses

• no isofix fastening;
• The armrests are a bit hard.

Basic criteria for choosing a booster for a car

Passengers must travel in a vehicle while wearing a seat belt; children are no exception. The safety of the child is important, so special requirements are placed on it. The car seat can become uncomfortable, and belts are not yet an appropriate solution. But this does not mean that there is a right to violate traffic rules. A car seat is not the only reliable way; another is considered a booster, which is permitted by law.

The choice of booster is based on a number of criteria, the most important of which are:

• child’s weight (15-36 kilograms);
• height > 120 cm.

There are several recommendations for selecting a booster:

• availability of official permission to use the booster, which is a certificate confirming the product’s compliance with standards;
• the material between the layers should be of medium softness and hardness;
• The upholstery is made of durable material. Ideally, it should be removable for easy washing;
• The size of the armrests and their height correspond to the child’s equipment;
• The width of the product is suitable for summer and winter driving. If the purchase took place in the summer, then it is worth taking into account the extra seat width required for winter;
• low cost is an alarming fact, as it may indicate low quality;
• the lower half of the device in contact with the upholstery of the car must be smooth. This will protect the interior from damage and scratches;
• The equipment is important, since some models include a belt pad, a fastener, and so on;
• Before purchasing, be sure to measure the parameters (weight/height) of the baby in order to be guided by them;
• do not overestimate the fit;
• choose a booster with your child so that he can appreciate the convenience and “try on” it.

Heyner SafeUp XL Comfort

A booster seat from the German manufacturer Heyner for large children, as well as those who have outgrown a child's car seat. A special feature of the model is its wide pillow. Belongs to the II-III age group of boys and girls from 3 to 12 years.

Secures with a standard three-point seat belt. The upholstery is soft yet durable to the touch and provides a comfortable position on long journeys. The ergonomic body is made of high-strength plastic. There is an overlay for the safety belt and a reinforced fastener.

Lightweight and comfortable. Presented in 4 colors, all characterized by a strict and practical design. High armrests increase protection in side collisions. Dimensions 44x46.5x23 cm, total weight 2.3 kg.

Advantages:

• For a large passenger;
• Wide seat cushion;
• High full side edges;
• Soft upholstery;
• Reinforced standard belt adjustment clamp;
• Strict, practical upholstery style.

Flaws:

• Price;
• No Isofix mount.

Due to its compactness, the nominee can be stored in the trunk. Placed at the rear in the direction of travel. The removable fabric cover can be easily removed for washing. The permissible height limit is up to 120 cm.

Which company should you choose?

In 2021, experts recommend taking a closer look at booster models from the following manufacturers:

1. Graco . There are many models for children from 5 to 12 years old, with soft seats and simple care rules.
2. Chicco . The main profile of the company is children's furniture. But among the manufacturer’s products there are several popular models of car seats and a comfortable and high-quality Qussar booster model, which is suitable for a child weighing over 18 kg.
3. Heuner . This is a German manufacturer that produces a wide range of children's booster seats that meet international standards. The brand often uses unique technologies, and the price tag is quite loyal to the quality of the devices.
4. Clek Ozzi . There are many budget models that are of high quality. There are devices for large children that can withstand heavy loads.

How to choose a booster seat for children

After getting acquainted with the top products of the current year, it remains to determine the criteria for the right choice. We recommend paying attention to the safety level, weight and age, and the method of attaching the machine to the seat. Since we are talking about children, give preference to natural, hypoallergenic materials.

Safety

How to determine the reliability level of such a product in absentia? We recommend giving preference to models with high armrests and durable fasteners. Make sure that the safety belt does not reach your face, this will prevent injuries and injuries in emergency situations.

Weight and age

You can change your usual car seat only from the age of 3, as stated by the rule. But manufacturers advise that when choosing, you should be guided not only by the question of at what age you can, but also at what height.

The booster is recommended for passengers at least 130 cm tall; if the parameter is smaller, the back will not receive sufficient support, which is harmful for posture. As for body weight, minimum 15 kg.

Mounting method

These types of seats are usually secured either with a standard car belt, or with special Isofix or Latch fasteners. The first option on the seat is held under the weight of the passenger, after which it is fastened using a car belt. In the second, the body clings to the body, and then fastens the baby with belts.

Material

The reliability indicator is the strength and durability of materials. Depending on this criterion, you will consider 3 types:

• made of polystyrene foam - the cheapest, but not practical option, it is light but fragile, and in case of emergency it will not provide adequate protection;
• made of plastic - more reliable, inexpensive and at the same time compact, versatile and practical, therefore the most popular choice of most parents;
• with a metal frame - the strongest, most durable option, it is larger, heavier, and has a thick layer of fabric upholstery on top, which guarantees maximum comfort for the small passenger.

We recommend the second or third option, depending on how often and for how long it will be used for its intended purpose.

Heyner SafeUp XL Fix

An excellent booster option for regular installation in a car, due to its large dimensions and weight of 3.6 kg - it’s not always possible to take such a seat with you.

However, we immediately note the increased comfort of the model - the seat is soft, upholstered in thick fabric. Installed in cars using standard belts or the Isofix system, both in the front and rear seats.

The booster has soft armrests, and mesh baskets are sewn on the sides for bottles, toys and other small things that may be needed during the trip..

The device is attached very securely, the fixation does not depend on whether the child is sitting in it or not. The seat has an elongated cushion that provides support for the legs.

The seat width is 40 cm, of which 36 cm is the usable area . And the discreet colors will fit into any salon.

Main characteristics:

1. Group - third / from 22 to 36 kg.
2. There are no internal belts.
3. Fastening type: Isofix, vehicle belts.
4. Weight - 3.6 kg.

pros

• high-quality construction and durable materials;
• soft upholstery;
• there are pads on the belts;
• there is no gap between the booster and the seat back;
• two types of installation.

Minuses

• price;
• weight, not suitable for transportation.

Peg-Perego Viaggio Shuttle

Comfortable booster seat in solid colors, with high armrests . The seat is made of two-layer expanded polystyrene, which ensures comfort and safety even when traveling over long distances.

It absorbs most of the braking in a crash . The model is installed using standard seat belts or using Isofix hooks of your car.

The latter method ensures reliable fastening of the booster even if there is no child in it, that is, the device does not slide around the car seat.

To ensure that the seat belt is correctly placed on the baby’s shoulder, the manufacturer has provided a tension lock. There is also a convenient handle for carrying, as well as a cup holder.

Main characteristics:

1. Group - second and third / from 15 to 36 kg.
2. There are no internal belts.
3. Fastening type: car belts, Isofix.
4. Weight - 3 kg.

pros

• classic design;
• softness and safety of the seat;
• high armrests;
• two types of fastening;
• There is a carrying handle.

Minuses

• more expensive than other models.

Siger Booster FIX

A Russian-made nominee with a reinforced base, a large seat for the older group, and a weight category of up to 36 kg. It is equipped with the Isofix system, but requires fastening with regular standard belts.

The reinforced base of the body is made using extrusion-blow technology from durable low-pressure polymer. The filling of the chair is foam rubber. The cover is made of wear-resistant fabric, which can be easily removed for washing. The streamlined shape allows you to sit comfortably inside the chair without your body sagging.

Overall dimensions – 43x39x14 cm with a weight of 3.1 kg. A special feature of the installation is the presence of a tension regulator for the standard belt. It is attached in the direction of travel of the car. There are soft side edges that increase comfort.

Advantages:

• The seat is larger than normal;
• Isofix fastening;
• Presence of tension clamp;
• Streamlined shape;
• Compactness;
• Quick installation.

Flaws:

• Price;
• The fabric material is hard.

The car seat, reinforced with the reliable Isofix system, is attached once without the possibility of reinstallation and movement around the cabin. The non-toxic material is safe due to its hypoallergenicity.