Booster instead of a child seat. Is it generally safe?

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.

Which booster seat is best for children?

Comparing boosters with classic car seats, the advantages and disadvantages of the former become clear. The disadvantages include the lack of side walls that protect both the body and the head, although not all car seats are sufficiently equipped with them. But boosters have many advantages that their users note. These include lightness, compactness, ease of installation, price, they do not hinder the child’s movements so much, they can easily be found in a place for storage, even in the trunk of a car.

When choosing a booster, you only need to decide:

• With the weight and age of the child. Since there are those that are suitable for groups 2-3 (weight from 15-36 kg), and there are only for group 3 (weight from 22-36 kg).
• Mounting method in the car: Isofix or standard belts. Here, of course, the Isofix system has a big advantage, since with it the seat is always fixed on the car seat in the right place, and not just at the moment when the child is fastened.
• The presence of guides for the position of the seat belt. This is necessary so that the belt does not move off the child’s shoulder and does not put pressure on the neck, but is in the correct points.
• Width, despite the fact that all these seats are compact, there is still a difference in this parameter and for some it may seem significant.
• And the most insignificant parameters are the shape of the seat, the softness of the upholstery and the quality of the cover.

It is noticeable here that even more expensive boosters do not differ much from budget ones, and not all cars have the Isofix system, and this is also worth taking into account. Therefore, it remains to decide on the category, mounting method and design.

For trips over short distances, almost any booster from our rating is suitable; they will all provide reliable support for the child and a more comfortable height position.
And for longer trips, you should choose a device with an anatomically shaped seat and softer upholstery. Enjoy the shopping! Thanks to All.ru in Yandex Zen. Daily updates, subscribe, we have a lot of interesting things

TOP 5 best boosters group 3 for children 22-36 kg

Mifold The Grab and Go Booster

A popular option among parents who often use taxi or car sharing services.

When folded, the device is very small in size, 25.5 by 12.7 cm and weighs 750 grams. Therefore, the booster will easily fit into your backpack until the next use. The booster is intended for children of the third age group, weighing from 22 kg.

The device is secured with standard belts, the design is suitable for any make of car.

It’s nice that the manufacturer took care of the belt tension lock. This ensures a secure fit for both the booster and the child.

But one of the disadvantages is the lack of armrests.

It is clear that they had to be abandoned for the sake of compactness and mobility, but this still affects the comfort of the small passenger, and when making a sharp turn, the child falls to the side.

Main characteristics:

1. Group - third / from 22 to 36 kg.
2. There are no internal belts.
3. Fastening type: car seat belts.
4. Weight - 750 grams.

pros

• the seat is height adjustable;
• there is a belt tension lock;
• little weight.

Minuses

• no armrests.

Siger Booster

A convenient model of an everyday booster seat for transporting children aged 6 years or older or weighing from 22 to 36 kg.

Available in orange, gray and blue, it is equipped with high armrests with a comfortable curve.

It is the armrests and high soft seat with increased seating that make this device an ideal option for traveling long distances.

The booster is secured with standard seat belts in one movement.

It can be installed on the back and front seats, and if necessary, it can be easily unfastened and moved into the trunk.

There is a lock that will monitor the tension of the belt and prevent it from slipping off your child’s shoulder . The booster has a removable cover that can be machine washed.

Main characteristics:

1. Group - third / from 22 to 36 kg.
2. There are no internal belts.
3. Fastening type: car belts.
4. Weight - 3.1 kg.

pros

• affordable price;
• wide seat;
• suitable for long trips;
• comfortable armrests.

Minuses

• There is a gap between the device and the seat.

Zlatek Gals

A lightweight booster option that will be a real salvation for a family where the restraint device regularly moves from one car to another.

It weighs only one kilogram, the main frame consists of durable plastic that can absorb impact in a collision.

The model is secured with standard seat belts and can be installed in both the front and rear seats.

It is worth saying that this model is more suitable for everyday use within the city - taking the child to classes or on a visit.

The seat here is not as soft as other models, so the child may experience discomfort on long trips. The surface of the booster is easy to care for; the fabric covering can be easily cleaned with wet wipes or a brush.

Main characteristics:

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

pros

• budget price;
• simple fastening;
• easy;
• comfortable armrests.

Minuses

• hard seat;
• Lots of plastic in the design.

Smart Travel Trust Fix

Convenient booster seat for the third age group, with a removable cover made of durable, wear-resistant fabric that is machine washable.

The model is equipped with wide and high armrests, which, if necessary, will protect against a side impact. The booster has a wide seat, which, however, is not soft, so it is better to use it for trips around the city.

Two mounting options are available - car seat belts or using the Isofix system.

The latter provides a more reliable fixation; even an empty booster will not move on the seat of your car during sudden movement.

Additionally, there is also a seat belt tension lock so that it is placed properly on the child’s body.

Main characteristics:

1. Group - third / from 22 to 36 kg.
2. There are no internal belts.
3. Fastening type: Isofix, vehicle belts.
4. Weight - 2.54 kg.

pros

• two mounting options;
• comfortable armrests;
• There is a belt tension lock.

Minuses

• not detected.

Graco Booster Basic (Sport Lime)

A practical model that is suitable for families with several cars - compact dimensions, simple mounting and a weight of 2 kg allow you to quickly move the booster from one car to another.

There are two retractable cup holders at the bottom, and the manufacturer did not forget about comfortable armrests. The model is intended for children of the third age group, up to 150 cm in height.

Let’s say right away that many parents point out the rigidity of the seat, so they rarely take it on a long trip . But for trips around the city, in a personal car or taxi, the booster is ideal.

The cover is removable, made of thick fabric, from which minor dirt can be easily removed with a regular damp cloth.

Main characteristics:

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

pros

• quality of construction;
• reliable fixation;
• practicality, ease of use;
• two cup holders.

Minuses

• hard seat;
• When driving, the cup holders may rattle; additional fixation is required.

Comparison table of characteristics

In the table, we have compared the technical characteristics of the presented child car seats so that you can easily compare and, possibly, choose your own option among them.

You may be interested in: TOP 10 best car seat covers: universal, eco-leather, reviews

TOP 5 best children's booster seats for cars by price/quality for 2021

RANT Flyfix

This seat is an intermediate form between a car seat and a booster, which is why it is very popular among buyers..

The booster has a high soft seat and a small backrest with an inclination, which is convenient for the child to lean on while traveling.

The manufacturer also took care of high and wide armrests, which will absorb the main force of a side impact . This booster looks very reliable and safe compared to other models.

The manufacturer indicates in the instructions that the seat is best used for a child with a height of 125 cm and a weight of up to 36 kg.

Two types of fastening are available - using the Isofix system and standard seat belts. The booster comes with a wear-resistant, removable cover that can be machine washed at 30 degrees.

Main characteristics:

1. Group - second and third / from 15 to 36 kg.
2. There are no internal belts.
3. Fastening type: Isofix, vehicle belts.
4. Weight - 3.5 kg.

pros

• there is a small back;
• two types of fastening;
• lightweight design.

Minuses

• not detected.

Peg-Perego Viaggio Shuttle

Comfortable booster seat in solid colors, with high armrests . seat

It is made of two-layer foaming 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

The seat from Siger is very popular among parents of babies weighing from 22 to 36 kg.

The booster is attached to the car seat using standard belts or using the Isofix system.

The fixation is reliable, the device does not slide around the seat of the car, and can be easily placed in another place.

The booster is equipped with small armrests so that the child can sit comfortably.

However, the manufacturer recommends that before purchasing you make sure that the booster can be used in your car.

The fact is that in some brands the booster covers the place where the belt is attached .

There is also a small gap between the car seat and the booster, but, according to most buyers, this has virtually no effect on the comfort of placement.

Main characteristics:

1. Group - third, from 22 to 36 kg.
2. There are no internal belts.
3. Fastening type: car belts, Isofix.
4. Weight - 3.1 kg.

pros

• compact and lightweight model;
• there are armrests;
• two types of fastening.

Minuses

• Doesn't fit every car.

Heyner SafeUp XL Comfort

This booster is a simpler version of the SafeUp XL Fix model from the same brand, which we will discuss below.

The booster has a wide seat and high armrests, so it is suitable for large and tall children. And the breathable materials used for the seat upholstery will ensure comfort even in hot weather.

There are ISO 9001 and ECE-R 44/04 certificates, which act as a guarantee of the safety and reliability of the device.

The product is regularly tested by Rostest and is considered one of the safest restraint devices for this age group in 2021.

The booster is attached to the rear or front seat of the car using standard belts.

The booster is equipped with a special guide that allows you to control the belt tension.

Main characteristics:

1. Group - second and third / from 15 to 36 kg.
2. There are no internal belts.
3. Fastening type: car seat belts.
4. Weight - 2.3 kg.

pros

• high armrests and wide seat;
• ease of use and fixation;
• breathable materials;
• There is a belt guide.

Minuses

• The upholstery wears out after a year or a year and a half.

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.

Best lists

We recommend that you take a closer look at the models that are leading according to the following criteria:

• budget price;
• best quality materials;
• with Isofix system.

Budget price

It is worth paying attention to Heyner SafeUp XL Comfort. The chair is one of the widest on the market. All groups are available, from approximately 3 years old to 12 years old. Equipped with belt fasteners, comfortable armrests and ergonomics, the child will be comfortable even in winter clothes.

Approximate cost: about 3000 rubles.

Heyner SafeUp XL Comfort

Best quality materials

Mifold The Grab and Go Booster is a chair that combines comfort and increased safety. The booster seat is 10 times smaller than a regular seat, intended for children up to 150 cm and weighing from 15 kg. The quality is confirmed by the American FMVSS 213 certificate and the Canadian RSSR standard.

Price: from 3100 to 3700 rubles.

Mifold The Grab and Go Booster

With Isofix system

Peg-Perego Viaggio Shuttle won first place with Isofix. The booster will not work for cars that do not have such a system. The chair is equipped with high armrests, has a cool design and high-quality materials. The booster weighs 3 kg.

Approximate price: about 6,000 rubles.

Peg-Perego Viaggio Shuttle