Well, in this post, I will be walking you through some of the best travel booster car seats available on the market.
Moreover, I would also be throwing light on various aspects of a travel booster car seat in order to help you make an informed buying decision.
Lastly, I will be responding to the queries related to the travel booster car seat so that your doubts are cleared before you make a purchase.
But, before we dive deep into the discussion, please allow me to share some of the frequently asked questions by our clientele.
And, in case, you’re also looking for a logical answer to the below questions, then all you need to do is simply click on the link and it will take you to the detailed answer.
- Is Foldable Car Seat Worth It?
- Should I Buy A Lightweight Convertible Car Seat For Travel?
- What Is The Best Travel Car Seat?
- Is A Dog Car Seat Worth It?
- What Is The Best Toddler Car Seat?
Being a single MOM of two adorable kids and a traveling freak, I know the pain when things aren’t moving the way you want them to while you’re traveling.
And, the situation becomes worse in case you’re traveling with your kids.
Trust me, a proper booster car seat selection can reduce your hassle to a large extent.
I’ve personally experienced it numerous times.
But, choosing a travel booster car seat isn’t as easy as you might be thinking.
The market is flooded with a wide range of booster car seats, each one having its own claims of being superior to the competitors.
In the absence of proper knowledge about the travel booster car seat, you might end up making the wrong purchase.
All I’m saying is a summary of my past experience.
By the way, I run a small consultancy wherein I recommend car products and accessories.
Most of the time, clients approach us with queries such as What’s the best booster seat for my kid?
My intention has never been to offend my clients.
However, there isn’t any straight answer to such queries.
All I say to them is it depends…
To be honest, tagging any particular booster travel car seat brand or model with the title “best” wouldn’t be correct because the term “BEST” is relative and not ABSOLUTE.
In layman’s terms, the booster seat that may be best for you might not even cater to my requirements and vice-versa.
So, always look for the travel booster car seat that not only caters to your needs but also falls well within your budget.
We’ve come up with some of the best portable booster car seats for you.
But, before we talk about them, please allow us to explain the process that we follow for shortlisting the products.
First and foremost, our core team does the brainstorming and comes up with a set of evaluation parameters.
Each parameter is assigned a certain weightage depending upon its ability to influence the buyers’ decision.
During the evaluation process, the products are given certain scores across the parameters depending on their performance.
Just for your information, scores are relative and NOT absolute.
Finally, we sum up the scores and choose the top performers for review.
What is the best travel booster car seat?
To be honest, all the travel booster car seats that were made to our list are of high quality and worth the investment.
Each one of them has its own sets of pros and cons.
So, my advice to first-time buyers would be to choose the travel booster car seat that not only caters to their requirements but also falls well within their budget.
However, we’ve got a clear winner when it comes to choosing the best travel booster car seat.
Peg Perego Viaggio Flex
The Peg Perego Viaggio Flex is the clear winner of our evaluation process.
In simple words, it comprises almost all the essential ingredients including safety features that you might be looking for in your favorite travel booster car seat.
Of course, the fabric is smooth, comfortable, breathable, and long-lasting.
Since Peg Perego is made in Italy you can trust its quality.
Viaggio Flex can be adjusted in four different directions independent of each other making it one of the most convenient and user-friendly travel booster car seats.
Moreover, the installation process is quick, easy, and newbie-friendly, thanks to the rigid LATCH.
It provides ultimate comfort to your child during both short and long trips, thanks to the reclining seat that is capable of sitting in five different directions.
For additional safety and protection, the aluminum-reinforced backrest is right in place.
Not only does it protect your little ones during a front-end collision but also in a rear-end collision.
On top of it, when you’re not using it, you can easily fold it and store it in small and compact spaces.
Also, it is equipped with kinetic pods that play a crucial role in moving external forces away from your baby in case of a side collision.
What I liked about this uniquely designed portable travel booster car seat is that the back lowers and raises independently of the headrest.
Also, it’s really easy and convenient to operate this little beast, since the side wings are adjustable.
What We Like:
- Steel reinforced frame
- Rigid LATCH
- A good number of size adjustments for a great fit
- Reclines for sleep
- Unique designed and extremely narrow
- 10-year expiration
What We Don’t Like:
- Expensive
- No armrests
Travel Car Seats For Airplane Comparison Chart | Rear & Forward Facing Car Seats
| Car Seat (Check Current Price On Amazon By Clicking The Below Product Link) | Weight Range | Width | Weight | Car Seat Type |
| Baby Trend Flex Loc | 5-30 lbs | 16.5″ | 18.7 lbs | Rear-Facing |
| Britax Emblem | Rear Facing: 5-40 lbs Forward Facing: 20-40 lbs | 18.5″ | 19.5 lbs | Rear & Forward Facing |
| Britax Pinnacle | 25-90 lbs | 22.5″ | 26.5 lbs | Forward Facing |
| Chicco KeyFit 30 | 4-30 lbs and up to 30″ in height | 17″ | 9.5 lbs | Rear Facing |
| Doona | 4-35 lbs | 17.5″ | 16.5 lbs | Rear Facing |
| Evenflo Sonus | Rear Facing: 5-40 lbs Forward Facing: 22-65 lbs | 19″ | 11.28 lbs | Rear & Forward Facing |
| Graco SnugRide 35 | 4-35 lbs | 18.6″ | 7.5 lbs | Rear Facing |
| UPPAbaby MESA | 4-35 lbs and up to 32″ in height | 17″ | 10 lbs | Rear Facing |
| Safety 1st Guide 65 | Rear Facing: 5-40 lbs Forward Facing: 22-65 lbs | 18.5″ | 14 lbs | Rear & Forward Facing |
| Primo Viaggio | 4-35 lbs and up to 32″ tall | 17″ | 9.5 lbs | Rear Facing |
| Evenflo Tribute | Rear Facing: 5-40 lbs Forward Facing: 22-40 lbs | 17″ | 9.29 lbs | Rear & Forward Facing |
IzzySmartHomeGuide.Com Top Picks
- Best Travel Backless Booster Car Seat – mifold
- Best Travel Highback Booster Car Seat – Peg Perego Viaggio Flex
- Best Travel Booster Seat Alternative – Ride Safer Travel Vest Gen 5
- Best Inflatable Booster Car Seat – BubbleBum
(Check the current price on Amazon by clicking the product link)
Travel Booster Car Seats Review And Buying Guide
Moving further, I will be discussing the nuts and bolts of some of the most affordable yet effective travel booster car seats that we at izzysmarthomeguide.com recommend to our clients.
Not only are they evaluated on a timely basis but also reviewed by our client base.
By doing so, we’ve been able to recommend the best products to our readers as well as clients.
Graco TurboBooster TakeAlong Highback Booster
Time and again, we’ve accepted that we heavily promote the brand Graco.
You could find a couple of articles related to the brand such as Best Graco Car Seats, Graco Extend2Fit, SnugRide SnugLock 35, Grows4Me, etc.
Well, quite a few of you would be inquisitive to know why we do so, right?
To be honest, we’re driven by the demand and feedback from our clientele, and trust us, the brand GRACO has garnered huge attention in recent times.
Mostly because the products are both durable and affordable.
To cut a long long story short, let’s get back to the product review.
The TurboBooster TakeAlong belt-positioning highback booster car seat can be operated in two modes, that is, highback & backless booster.
The TurboBooster is a great fit for bigger kids who have recently crossed the weight or height limits of forward-facing mode.
Any child can reap the benefits of this uniquely designed booster car seat if her weight falls in the range of 40-100 lbs.
The manufacturer very well understands the requirement of growing children in terms of adaptability so has inculcated a 6-position adjustable headrest, interesting, isn’t it?
The TurboBooster also includes space-saving cup holders so that you can carry snacks and drinks without any hassle.
Cleaning the seat pad is a breeze since it is easily removable and machine washable.
Of course, the travel booster seat is compact, portable, and easy to carry, thanks to the included carry bag.
Features such as an open-loop belt guide help you to properly position the seat belt across your kid so that she can remain intact in one place during a collision or otherwise.
What We Like:
- Can be operated in two different modes
- 10-year expiration
- Equipped with space-saving cup holders
- The seat pad is easily removable and machine washable
- Reasonably priced
What We Don’t Like:
- Too long when folded to carry
Baby Trend Flex-Loc Infant Car Seat
Well, the Baby Trend Flex-Loc has been quite popular among our clientele mainly because of two reasons, that is, safety, and ease of installation.
So, if you’re very conscious and particular about the top-rated safety features, then definitely, you can definitely think of considering Baby Trend Flex.
In order to deal effectively with a side collision, EPS energy-absorbing foam is right in place.
Moreover, the seat is also equipped with a front to adjust a 5-point safety harness.
You can easily transport this car seat from one car to another, thanks to the smooth and durable carry handle that it comes with.
The weight and height limits set by the manufacturer for this car seat are 5-30 pounds & 30″ respectively.
In terms of compactness, it is one of the best that we’ve got on our list.
In fact, it slides right into the base with no problems.
Definitely, it’s a “value for money” infant travel car seat that comprises a premium quality fabric that is smooth, soft, and easy to clean.
What We Like:
- EPS energy-absorbing foam
- Front adjustable safety harness
- 4-position push-button height adjustment with a level indicator
- Smooth carry handle
- Easy, quick, and newbie-friendly installation process
- One of the best travel infant car seats for small and compact cars
What We Don’t Like:
- It may not be the RIGHT choice for the end-users who are on a shoestring budget
Graco Turbo GO Folding Backless Booster Car Seat
The Graco Turbo Go is yet another great offering from the brand.
Like the aforementioned Graco travel car seat, it also comprises almost all the essential ingredients that you might be looking for in your favorite backless booster car seat.
First thing first, the Graco Turbo Go is quite popular among our clients who are frequent travelers just because it folds compactly making it easier to carry.
If your child’s weight falls in the range of 40-100 lbs, then it could be a perfect fit for sure.
The seat pad is NOT only soft and comfortable but also easy to remove and machine washable.
Since it is lightweight, compact, and portable carrying it with you while traveling wouldn’t be an issue at all.
Furthermore, integrated, steel-reinforced belt guides are right in place in order to help you position the vehicle seat belt across the child.
Frankly speaking, it is one of the narrowest travel booster car seats that we’ve come across in recent times, and the best part is that it is capable of fitting 3 across a backseat.
What We Like:
- Portable, compact, and lightweight
- Sync well with most of the cars
- Easy to clean
- Reasonably priced
- Newbie-friendly installation process
- Convenient to use
What We Don’t Like:
- Some of our clients showed dissatisfaction with the design of the Graco Turbo Go
GoFit Plus Backless Booster Car Seat
Are you looking for an affordable backless booster car seat for travel?
Well, if that is the case, then definitely, you can consider GoFit Plus.
In spite of being highly affordable, the GoFit Plus doesn’t compromise on essential safety and comfort features.
Let’s discuss some of the interesting features that GoFit Plus possesses.
The first thing that will grab your eyeballs is the contoured ErgoBoost seat that comes with double-foam padding so that the comfortability of your child isn’t compromised.
Furthermore, it is equipped with cup holders for carrying snacks and drinks.
Don’t worry about the mess as these cup holders are easily removable and machine washable.
The built-in handle makes transportation quick, easy, and hassle-free.
In order to protect the vehicle seats from damage, a smooth underside is right in place.
Any kid can enjoy the benefits of this uniquely designed travel booster car if it satisfies both the weight and height requirements.
The weight and height ranges are 40-110 lbs and 38-57inch respectively.
What We Like:
- Easy to use
- Highly affordable
- Detachable & collapsible cup holders & shoulder clip holder
- Newbie-friendly installation process
- Smooth, easy-to-remove, and machine-washable fabric
What We Don’t Like:
- Some of our clients felt that the booster car seat is relatively heavier and bulkier
Cosco Highrise Booster Car Seat
The Cosco Highrise Booster Car Seat is a great offering from the brand and could be a great fit for those who have to travel long hours on a frequent basis, thanks to padded armrests.
A flip-down cup holder is right in place to carry your children’s drinks and snacks.
The Cosco Highrise is lightweight, compact, and portable so carrying it wouldn’t be cumbersome at all.
In fact, you can easily transfer it from one vehicle to another.
Also, it can be easily stored in small and compact spaces.
The permissible weight range of this travel booster seat is 40-100 lbs.
What We Like:
- Lightweight, small, compact, and portable
- Equipped with padded armrests
- Flip-down compartment with cup holder
- Newbie-friendly installation process
- Reasonably priced
What We Don’t Like:
- The seat seems to be hard and lacks adequate padding
Evenflo Spectrum 2-in-1 Booster Car Seat
Another travel booster car seat that we’ve in the affordable category is Evenflo Spectrum.
As the name suggests, you can operate this booster car seat in two different modes with ease.
The acceptable weight range for Evenflo Spectrum is 40-100 pounds.
When it comes to safety, the Evenflo meets or exceeds all applicable federal safety standards.
On top of it, the car seat also passes Evenflo’s comprehensive Side Impact and industry-leading Rollover Test Standards which means your little one is in safe hands for sure.
The manufacturer has emphasized the side impact protection which is clearly visible from the fact that the booster seat is equipped with LyfGuard.
The LyfGuard plays a significant role in lowering the risk of injury.
In fact, it comprises energy-absorbing material that compresses on impact.
It is also equipped with cup holders and snack trays to carry snacks and drinks.
What We Like:
- Stowable dual cup holders & snack trays
- Lyf Guard for additional safety
- Provides 8 positions of adjustment
- One of the most affordable travel booster seats on our list
What We Don’t Like:
- Some of our clients felt that the covers were not easily attached or removed
Cosco – Highback 2-in-1 Booster Car Seat
Do I really need to introduce the brand Cosco?
I don’t think so…
This is yet another highly affordable offering from the brand Cosco that you’ll NOT regret investing in.
The COSCO highback booster seat can be operated in two different modes which simply means it grows along with your child.
Any child in the weight range of 22-80 lbs can reap the benefits of this kid’s travel booster seat.
For smaller children, you need to use a 5-point harness and when they grow big, you can convert it to a belt-positioning booster seat.
Like the other portable child booster seats that we’ve reviewed so far, the COSCO highback fabric is also easily removable and machine washable.
On top of it, the cupholder is easily removable and dishwasher safe.
What We Like:
- Lightweight, compact, and portable
- Suitable for bigger kids
- Affordable
- Super easy to install
- Uniquely designed and premium look
What We Don’t Like:
- Some of our clients felt that padding was NOT up to the mark
KidsEmbrace High-Back Booster Car Seat
If you’re looking for a travel booster car seat that can work as both a high-back booster car seat as well as a backless booster, then you can think of KidsEmbrace as a good option.
We’ve been recommending this affordable yet impressive high-back booster car seat to our clientele, and till now, a majority of reviews and feedback have been positive.
Trust me, it is one of the best travel booster car seats for a 4-year-old that we’ve on our list considering important parameters such as price, safety, comfortability, ease of use, etc.
The weight and height range of the high-back booster mode is 40 to 100 pounds, and 38 to 57 inches respectively.
On the other hand, the backless mode has slight relaxation in terms of height, that is, 40 to 57 inches, and the weight limitation remains the same.
In order to provide better seat belt adjustability, a shoulder belt positioning clip is right in place.
On the safety front, it meets and exceeds the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS 213).
The brand has been quite vocal about the BEST BET BOOSTER rating that it got from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
Of course, it is equipped with a cup holder that is easy to clean.
Not to forget, the car seat cover is easily removable and machine washable.
What We Like:
- An affordable travel booster car seat for a 4-year-old
- The seat cover is easily removable and machine washable
- Newbie-friendly installation process
- Lightweight and portable
What We Don’t Like:
- Quite a few of our clients complained that the back disconnects easily while moving the seat from one car to another
Diono Solana 2 Latch, XL Space Backless Booster Seat
The Diono Solana backless booster car seat is suitable for kids who weigh up to 120 lbs.
For providing better leg support and optimum comfort, the Diono Solana has extra length as compared to its competitors.
The uniquely designed kid’s booster travel car seat can be easily moved between cars because of its lightweight and portable nature.
In order to carry snacks and drinks, two retractable space-saving cup holders are right in place.
Don’t worry at all about your baby’s mess as the cover is easily removable and machine washable.
Moreover, the Integrated LATCH connectors make the installation a breeze and even though you’re a first-time buyer, you can expedite the entire installation on your own without the need for any expert guidance.
What We Like:
- 8-year expiration
- Lightweight, compact, and portable
- Wider than its competitors such as Graco
- Good quality fabric
- Easy to clean
- Newbie-friendly installation process
What We Don’t Like:
- Padding is relatively less thick
Britax Grow with You Harness-2-Booster Car Seat
The Britax Grow With You is a 2-in-1 booster seat.
It can operate in forward-facing mode as well as booster mode.
So, you need only one kid to travel booster seat till the time your little one grows from toddler to big kid.
Our clients have been very vocal about the premium quality of fabric that the Britax Grow comes with, which definitely, enhances the comfort ness multifold, especially during long road trips.
On top of it, soft and smooth comfort pads are right in place in order to prevent your child’s neck from rubbing against the harness strap.
The manufacturer has emphasized a lot on safety features and thus, has inculcated features such as a steel frame, impact-absorbing base, etc.
Also, two layers of side impact protection are right in place to deal effectively with side collisions.
The exclusive SafeCell technology plays a crucial role in absorbing crash energy.
In order to reduce & slow down the movement during a collision, a V-shaped tether is right in place.
For stability of the seat, a high-strength steel frame is right in place.
The seat cover can be easily removed and quickly cleaned so even though your child messes up frequently with the seat, you don’t have to worry at all.
What We Like:
- Easy and quick transition from a 5-point harness to a belt-positioning booster
- 2-layer of side impact protection
- Quick-push LATCH connectors
- 2-position recline
- 9-position quick-adjust headrest and harness
What We Don’t Like:
- Some of our clients felt that the installation process was tedious and time-consuming
Britax Skyline 2-Stage Belt-Positioning Booster Car Seat
The Britax Skyline is yet another great offering from one of the most trusted brands in the car seat domain.
As the name suggests, it can operate in both high-back booster and backless booster mode with ease.
The permissible weight and height ranges are 40-120 lbs and 63 inches respectively.
Plush foam padding and built-in armrests keep your kids comfortable during long road trips or even otherwise.
Dishwasher-safe holders are right in place to carry snacks and drinks.
The cover is easy to clean so you don’t have to worry at all about your little one creating a mess all of a sudden.
Also, it is equipped with two layers of side protection to provide your little one with additional safety during a side collision.
The energy-absorbing shell is right in place to counter external thrust during a collision or an unprecedented event.
What We Like:
- Equipped with an energy-absorbing shell and foam-lined headrest
- Color-coded belt guides for quick and easy positioning of the seat belt
- 2 dishwasher-safe cup holders
- Plush foam padding and built-in armrests
- Compatible with most of the vehicles
What We Don’t Like:
- Some of our clients complained that the shoulder seat belt gets stuck
mifold hifold fit-and-fold Highback Booster Seat
Well, time and again, I’ve retreated that mifold hifold is one of my favorite travel booster seats, and of course, for all the good reasons.
I’ve been recommending this little beast to our clientele for quite some time now, and you know what, the feedback and reviews are literally mind-boggling and wild.
Kids are not only loving it but literally enjoying the comfort and safety that it provides.
The brand claims to be the most adjustable booster seat in the world right now.
Many first-time buyers wouldn’t be aware of the fact that the mifold booster seat is equipped with an idiosyncratic advanced “multi-fit” technology that can be adjusted to 243 individual settings.
Definitely, it is one of the best travel booster car seats for a 4-year-old that we’ve got on our list.
The weight and height ranges are 40-100 lbs., and 40 to 59 inches respectively.
If anyone asks me which is the world’s most portable booster car seat?
I proudly affirm that mifold is the one and no one is even near to it in the competition till the time I’m penning down this buying guide on travel booster seats.
Furthermore, the “multi-fold” technology allows it to quickly fold down to a convenient and compact size so that storage, travel, carpooling, etc. could be a hassle-free affair.
Not only is it lightweight, compact, and portable but also includes a carry strap for convenience.
On the safety front, the portable booster travel car seat meets or exceeds NHTSA standard FMVSS 213 and can be used across the globe other than Australia and Taiwan.
Rest assured, your kids are in safe hands.
What We Like:
- Equipped with innovative and advanced “multi-fit” technology
- Claims to be the world’s most adjustable portable travel booster car seat
- 243 individual settings
- Folds down easily and can be stored in small and compact spaces as well
- Versatile, convenient, and lightweight
What We Don’t Like:
- Quite a few of our clients felt that it’s good for travel but NOT for everyday use
Travel Booster Car Seat Alternative
At times, people drop by and ask us for a travel car seat alternative.
To be honest, we’re NOT left with many options as the travel booster car seats are incredibly useful and worth the investment.
However, we do have one little beast that has performed really well and is slowly and gradually closing the gap between it and the booster travel car seat.
So, without wasting any time, let’s dive deep to find out what is so special about it.
Safe Traffic System Ride Safer Travel Vest Gen 5
Well, here I am with my favorite travel booster car seat alternative, and I’m sure that you would love this product.
I bought Safe Traffic System a couple of years back and since then it has been continuously delivering high performance.
It would definitely be unfair if I did not talk about Ride Safer Travel Vest.
The RideSafer Travel Vest can be used in two different ways.
You can put this little beast to work by securing it with a top tether anchor in the vehicle.
Another way to use it is without a tether belt.
On the safety front, it is certified to be used in motor vehicles.
Also, it meets all applicable FMVSS 213 requirements.
Kids older than 3 years can use it ONLY IF their weight falls in the range of 30-110 lbs.
In comparison to conventional car seats, Ride Safer Travel Vests are easier to carry as they can fit into a suitcase or child’s backpack easily.
Since it is lightweight, compact, and portable your child can also carry it without being overburdened.
What We Like:
- Rolls up to the size of a 2L soda bottle
- Perfect for Uber ride
- 10-year expiration
- Easy to fit 3-across since it’s only as wide as the child
- Reasonably priced
What We Don’t Like:
- No side impact protection like a highback booster seat
- NOT permitted for use on planes
Inflatable Travel Car Booster Seat
So, here I am with my favorite Inflatable travel car booster seat that mostly we recommend to our clientele.
In layman’s terms, it comprises almost all the essential ingredients that you might be looking for in your favorite inflatable travel car booster seat.
Hiccapop UberBoost Inflatable Booster Car Seat
If you’re a frequent traveler then you must be well aware of the fact that no one wants to carry a heavy and bulky car seat, right?
At least, I don’t prefer it.
To be honest, I give preference to an inflatable booster car seat as compared to a traditional counterpart.
One thing that I really like about the Hiccapop UberBoost portable car seat is that it can be inflated in less than 20 seconds as well and installation is a breeze.
On top of that, carrying it is easy because of its lightweight, compact, and portable nature.
In fact, you can easily carry it in a backpack.
Of course, it is safe to use and meets or exceeds all federal standards for car seat safety (FMVSS213 Federal Motor Safety Standard for the USA).
The base is not only robust and sturdy but also prevents skidding problems irrespective of the type of seat.
Even though you won a smaller vehicle you don’t have to worry at all because the Hiccapop is uniquely designed to fit 3 UberBoost inflatable car seats across the back seat of even a smaller vehicle.
Positioning clips are right in place to ensure that the child’s belt fits properly and comfortably across the lap.
The seat cover is easily removable and machine washable so even though your kid does mess up more often you don’t have to worry.
What We Like:
- Easy, quick, and hassle-free installation process
- Compact, lightweight, and portable
- Machine washable cover
- Reasonably priced
- Equipped with no-skid silicone bottom
What We Don’t Like:
- A couple of our clients felt leakage issues and the included leak seal didn’t solve their as well
BubbleBum Inflatable Booster Car Seat
The BubbleBum inflatable booster seat is quite popular among children of the age group 5-11 years.
The permissible weight range of this little beast is 40-1oo lbs and comes with a seat belt positioning clip in order to provide your child with the best possible seat belt fit.
On top of it, the brand claims to be the USA’s lightest backless booster car seat.
Storing and caring BubbleBum is comparatively easier as it folds away to fit in a purse or a backpack.
The high-density memory foam and a complex webbing harness are right in place to provide the much-needed stability, and structural integrity, and of course, comfort is also enhanced.
When it comes to safety, it meets and exceeds all US and EU safety standards.
In fact, it has been named an IIHS ‘Best Bet’ booster for the past 10 years which is definitely an incredible achievement in my eyes, and something to brag about, isn’t it?
The slim and unique design allows you to fit 3 children across any car.
The installation process is newbie-friendly and can be expedited in an epigrammatic span of time.
You can use it for travel as well as everyday use.
What We Like:
- Claims to be the lightest travel booster car seat
- Extremely narrow
- Compatible with most of the cars
- Reasonably priced
- Easy, quick, and newbie-friendly installation process
What We Don’t Like:
- 4-year expiration
How To Choose A Portable Child Car Booster Seat
If you’re a first-time buyer then you need to be very careful when it comes to choosing a portable child car booster seat.
Missing out on certain important parameters may lead to wrong purchase so our recommendation would be to gather as much information as you could about the portable child car booster seat.
Since your child is gonna use the seat you need to honestly think about her requirements as well as priorities.
For example, is your kid satisfying the weight and height requirements set by the manufacturer?
What kind of fabric does she want for her booster seat?
If she does a lot of mess then look for the pads and covers that are easily removable and machine washable.
Does she need additional safety features in her booster car seat?
Well, there could be numerous questions that you can ask your kid before making a purchase.
In case, you’ve got a doubt then don’t preassume the solution yourself rather have a word with your child and then come to a conclusion.
At the same time, you also need to compare brands on features such as portability, lightweight, convenience, ease of use, safety, and overall performance.
Moving further, let’s have a quick look at certain important parameters that you can’t afford to miss when it comes to buying a travel booster car seat.
Warranty
It’s always good to buy a kid’s travel booster seat that comes with a longer duration of warranty.
In fact, a longer warranty duration clearly depicts the trust and confidence that the manufacturer possesses in its offering.
In layman’s terms, the longer the warranty duration the better it is.
Price
As we all know, price is an important buying parameter and is capable of influencing buyers’ decisions to a large extent.
So, always look for the travel booster car seat that not only caters to your requirements but also falls well within your budget.
Trust me, from my knowledge and past experience, all I can say is that the cheapest products aren’t always the worst and the costliest aren’t always the best.
So, my advice and suggestion to the avid readers of izzysmarthomeguide.com would be to always buy a “value for money” booster seat.
Fortunately, almost all the travel booster seats that were made to our list are reasonably priced and worth the investment.
Rest assured, you’ll never REGRET investing in any one of them.
FAA Approved
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) individually approves car seats for travel in flight.
Well, the good news is, the majority of portable child car booster seats that were made to our list are FAA-approved and you can carry them in an airplane without any issue.
If you’re a first-time buyer and don’t know how to check whether your travel booster seat is FAA-approved or NOT.
Then, let me tell you, it’s so simple, quick, and easy.
FAA-approved booster travel car seats will have a sticker present on the side, back, or bottom.
So, don’t forget to check the FAA sticker before making a purchase.
Side Impact Protection
We at izzysmarthomeguide.com recommend our clients buy a travel booster car seat that comes with side impact protection.
In our review, we’ve emphasized a lot on side impact protection because it plays a crucial role in protecting your kid during a side collision.
It’s good to have two layers of side protection in your kid’s booster seat.
Steel-reinforced Frames
A good quality steel-reinforced frame provides more stability, rigidity, and robustness to the travel car seat.
Most of the top brands such as Britax and Diono include steel-reinforced frames in their booster car seats.
The frame is known to counter external force in a successful manner during a collision.
Anti-Rebound Bars
In the event of a rear-end collision, the anti-rebound bar is designed to reduce rotational forces and the likelihood of whiplash and neck and spine injuries.
So, try to find a car seat that comes with an anti-rebound bar.
Load Legs
The load leg is designed to reduce rotational forces in the event of a rear-end or front-end collision.
So, why not have this feature in your kid’s booster travel car seat?
Energy-Absorbing Foam
As the name suggests, an energy-absorbing foam plays a crucial role in tackling external thrust during a collision.
It is placed in the shell of a car seat, typically on the sides, bottom, and back in order to enhance safety during a collision or an unprecedented event.
The EPP and EPS are the two most common types of energy-absorbing shells.
Both have shown great results in the past when it comes to dealing effectively with a car collision.
Crash Testing Performance
Though the federal government conducts crash testing on car seats but unfortunately, doesn’t publish the results.
The rationale is that all car seats approved for sale in the USA pass their rigorous safety tests.
Several other organizations including the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) perform crash testing and provide results to the public.
Before buying a travel booster car seat make sure that you’re thorough with the crash testing performance.
Adjustability
In order to provide your child with adequate comfort and proper fitting, you must look for a kid’s travel booster seat that provides you with a wide adjustability option.
Look for headrest and harness height adjustments (5 or more height positions is great), crotch buckle adjustments (2 is great), wide recline adjustments (5 or more recline settings are great for fitting different vehicles), and maybe even adjustable legroom when rear-facing (like seen on the Extend2Fit).
Ease Of Use
Always look for the seats that come with quick, easy, and hassle-free installation.
Similarly, look for fabrics, pads, and covers that are easily removable and machine washable.
Make sure, the fabric is breathable and the heat doesn’t build up even though your kid spends long hours on the seat.
Also, good to have cupholders and storage pockets.
FAQs
As promised to the readers of this blog, I will be responding to the queries related to the travel booster car seat review in order to clear your doubts before you make a purchase.
In case, I’ve not covered your queries then please feel free to reach out to us via the contact form, and our team would be more than happy to assist you.
Can a 4-year-old trip in a booster seat?
Of course, a 4-year-old can trip in a booster seat.
However, she must comply with the weight and height limitations set by the manufacturer.
We’ve recommended some really high-quality travel car booster seats for a 4-year-old.
Are travel backless booster seats legal?
Of course, they are legal.
All the travel backless booster seats sold in the United States have to undergo crash testing.
And, if the performance is found to be satisfactory then only they are allowed to be sold in the market.
Children weighing more than 22 kg and taller than 125 cm can use a backless booster seat.
When can I use a booster seat instead of a car seat?
Once your kid has exceeded either the weight or the height limitation of forward-facing mode, then she must use a belt-positioning booster seat till the time vehicle seat belts fit properly.
Do you need a booster seat on an airplane?
We highly recommend parents use FAA-approved travel booster car seats on flights.
Both the Federal Aviation Administration and the American Academy of Pediatrics strongly recommend that you should use FAA-approved travel booster car seats on airplanes.
Can my 5-year-old use a travel booster seat?
The prerequisite set by most state laws and booster seat manufacturers is that your children must be at least 4 or 5 years old in order to reap the benefits of a travel booster car seat.
So, if your kid is 5 years old, she can definitely use a travel booster seat.
Do airlines charge for booster seats?
Luckily, major airlines across the globe will allow you to carry a booster seat in the airplane at NO EXTRA cost to you.
In fact, most airlines may allow you to bring the booster seat into the cabin as a free carry-on provided it fits into the overhead compartment.
However, FAA-approved travel booster car seats are only allowed on flights.
Should my 7-year-old be in a 5-point harness?
NHTSA recommends children remain in a forward-facing car seat with a 5-point harness until they reach the top height or weight limit set by the manufacturer.
Post that, she can be moved into a belt-positioning device.
What kind of car seat should a 40-pound child be in?
Definitely, she should go for a booster seat.
In fact, any child who weighs at least 40 lbs and is 35 inches tall should use a booster car seat.
Are high-back booster seats safer than backless?
As per consumer reports, high-backed booster seats are safer than their backless counterparts.
You might be wondering why is it so, right?
Well, a high-back booster seat does a great job of properly positioning the seat belt across your child’s chest, hips, and thighs.
Is my child ready for a backless booster?
Well, your kid is ready for a booster seat when she has outgrown the weight or height limit of the forward-facing harness which in most cases falls in the range of 40-65 lbs.
Wrapping Up The Travel Booster Car Seats Review
First and foremost, I would like to thank you for being with us till the end.
Secondly, I would like to bring to your notice that I along with my core team have put loads and loads of effort into coming up with this idiosyncratic superlative comprehensive buying guide on travel booster car seats.
And, in case, you liked our efforts and want to appreciate us, then please do share this piece of information with the ones who are in need of it.
After all, sharing is caring, isn’t it?
To make a long story short, all the travel booster car seats that were made to our list are of high quality and worth the investment.
So, which is the best travel booster car seat for the money?
Frankly speaking, the term “BEST” is relative and NOT absolute so the travel booster car seat that may be best for you might not even cater to my needs and vice-versa.
However, the Peg Perego Viaggio Flex was the top performer in our evaluation process, and we recommend it wholeheartedly.
But, it doesn’t mean that other products are inferior in quality.
We’ve reviewed some of the best portable travel booster car seats available on the market.
Moreover, we’ve tried to the best of our capabilities to provide you with as much information as we could regarding the best travel car booster seats.
That’s all, as of now:):):)
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