Booster seat suggestions for an older (6yo) child?

[KimRaye]

I need to soon get a new booster seat for 6-1/2yo DD. One that is smaller, but more importantly easily transportable in/out of a car, and still safe of course. Several kids in her kngr last year had just the bottom base-type. Are these enough? I'm sure they're easier, as these kids were taking them in with them to school each day (obviously a 2 car situation). I haven't needed this type of seat since DS was younger (about 10 years ago), so I'm not sure what brand/make is good.

Any help?

TIA

 

[helenabear]

Kim, as you would know, I have no clue on this. Just wanted to bump up for you

 

[piglet too]

I would think that she would be OK in a seat like the one you described.

You can try this link.

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/browse/-/542452/104-4466949-9612749



These are some of the seats that we carry at Toys R Us and Babies R Us. I know that at my TRU, we sell a lot of the very first one. I have the one in the third row, far left side. The five point harness can be removed and you can just use it for the belt positioner. The key thing to look for is that it at least goes up to 80 pounds. This should be good enough to last your daughter until she is 8 per Illinois state law. If you go to TRU or BRU, they have all the weight info on the little display signs. Another thing to look for, and I think they all have them now, is the LATCH system if you have a newer car, This allows you to not need to use the seatbelt, therefor easier to get in and out of the car.

 

[padams]

DSs 6 and 8 (yes, I still make the 8 year old use one) have the Graco bottom only seats. I think I paid $19.99 per seat. They have armrests and pull out cup holders in them. They look more big kid like than the boosters with backs. DSs think they are pretty cool for booster seats (although 8 year old won't publicly admit it). We have 4 seats. DH keeps 2 of them in his trunk for when the boys are in his car. The seats are small enough to fit in with DH's golf clubs, and other junk, I mean, stuff, in his trunk.

 

[jel0511]

Looking at the link provided by the above poster, we have the Graco Turbo Booster, that's $59.99. DD is 6 and it's GREAT!!! I personally like these types better then the bottom ones, because they are MUCH tougher to get the seat belt to lay properly over their shoulders. With the one with the backs, the seat belt goes through a positioner on the upper part, which perfectly positions it. Also, it has head protection in the wings, which are also great to use for a little snooze. DD is 44inches tall, and she had plenty of room to grow in this seat. I'd recomment it highly!!

 

[padams]

DSs are 46 and 53 inches. We have had the seats for at least a year, and we don't have any problem with the positioning of the seat belt. It is designed to have the belt fit under the armrest which keeps it securely in the right spot across their shoulders.

 

[KimRaye]

Thanks for the bump Elaine.

And thanks for the link piglet too, as well as all the suggestions. Never hurts to ask what works for everyone else.

 

[Jennyfyar]

We must have the same seats that padams uses. DD is 8 and 67 lbs. It is not as "babyish" looking as the booster seats with the backs. Very few of her friends are in boosters anymore, I don't know why, they are her size and need to be in one. But she has never complained about having to still sit in hers, I think the design helps.

 

[janette]

When I was shopping for a bigger seat I took my DD to a store that displayed them and let her try them out. It helped because she was able to tell me which were more comfortable for her. I also like the ones with back because it gives them a place to lean their heads.

 

[Az Pirates]

We use the Britax starriser comfy.

It has a back that can be adjusted to your childs height. It can also be taken off and you can use just the base. The width is also adjustable.
Ours is the denim one - really like the classic look of it - we didn't want any funky prints.
It's a little on the expensive side - but is rated very highly in terms of safety and comfort. I think it's suggested for 3-8 yrs.

 

[floridaminnie]

Originally posted by padams
DSs 6 and 8 (yes, I still make the 8 year old use one) have the Graco bottom only seats. I think I paid $19.99 per seat. They have armrests and pull out cup holders in them. They look more big kid like than the boosters with backs. DSs think they are pretty cool for booster seats (although 8 year old won't publicly admit it). We have 4 seats. DH keeps 2 of them in his trunk for when the boys are in his car. The seats are small enough to fit in with DH's golf clubs, and other junk, I mean, stuff, in his trunk.

We all have this one for DD. Her father and I have the one that comes with the back, because we have sedan cars without the head rests that can move....my parents just have the bottom for their van. Either one is very east to move from car to car and it's one of only a few booster seats the consumer reports recommends also.