3 Best Booster Car Seats
Finding the right booster car seat for your child is important. These three options will keep your young one safe and happy.
Written by Andrew Koole
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
When it comes to the
safety
of your child, few purchases are more important than your car seat. While the booster seat market is highly regulated, you can still find significant differences between models. So how do you pick the right one?Thankfully, researchers at the
New York Times
’ consumer advice segment Wirecutter tested over 40 booster car seats to determine which one is best. Analyzing safety, price, durability, ease of use, and comfort (with the help of a few kids), they arrived at three options to stand behind. Whether you’re on a
tight budget
or you have the money to spend on the best, Wirecutter has you covered.The ultimate booster car seat
Of all the booster seats tested, Times writer Rebecca Gale says the Diono Monterey XT scored the best with safety experts, parents, and kids.
In side-impact testing, the Monterey XT was the only booster seat that managed to prevent the child’s head from making contact with the inside of the vehicle.
Gale also noted that kids were easily able to find the right position in the seat and properly buckle up without twisting the belt. Once strapped in, the seat positioned the belt on the child’s shoulder without the need for manual maneuvering.
Another aspect that set the Monterey XT apart was its adjustable sizing. Along with its higher height and weight limits, it was obviously built to last as the child grows.
Another good boost seat option
If you want to save a few dollars, Gale says the Chicco KidFit performed almost as well as the Diono Monterey XT and costs about $50 less.
The KidFit didn’t prevent contact with the car’s interior during side-impact testing, and its back can come apart while you’re moving it around, but otherwise, it works just as well as its more expensive competitor.
On top of that, its lighter weight, push-button latches, and superior tightening mechanism made it easier for parents to use than the Monterey XT.
A budget-friendly booster seat that still keeps your child safe
The Graco TurboBooster LX performed almost as well as the Monterey or the Chicco seats in the crash testing. It offers many of the same features as the other two such as a LATCH option and the ability to remove the back.
Plus, it has two cup holders to help keep your kid happy and hydrated during long car rides.
It might not have the same high-quality upholstery or feel as nice as the other two, but for only $60-$80, it’s a no-frills option that’s hard to resist.
How do kids affect car insurance?
MORE: How Children Affect Car Insurance Rates
Having children can affect your insurance rates. Depending on your provider, being a parent might be seen as a reason you will be a safer driver or a reason you will be more distracted on the road.
Indirectly, a few common effects of growing your family can help you lower your premiums. If you hold more than one type of insurance with your provider, you could be eligible for a multiple-insurance discount. Driving a vehicle meant for families can also bring
car insurance
costs down.Shopping around for the best price is the easiest, most effective way to save on car insurance. And the easiest way to do that is with
Jerry
. A licensed broker that offers end-to-end support, the Jerry app gathers affordable quotes, helps you switch plans, and will even help you cancel your old policy.
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