PLEASE NOTE: This table is provided by Safe Ride News Publications based on a manufacturer survey conducted by the editorial staff, Summer 2009.
To provide maximum protection for children in booster seats, it is important that parents/caregivers find a booster that fits their child and their vehicles (see the Boosters to Fit article in the Fall 2009 Tech Update newsletter).
Click here for Booster Measurement list: This information does not advise or recommend any specific booster makes or models. It is for product comparison only.
Parents and Caregivers should keep in mind:
• Before purchasing a booster consider ALL family vehicles in which the booster will be used.
• Know how to determine correct belt fit while using a booster seat and when the child is too big for a booster. (See below.)
• Check the booster seat instructions to see if the vehicle seat may be slightly reclined or if it must be in the upright position at all times.
• Consult manufacturer instructions regarding use of LATCH (lower attachments or the tether strap) to anchor the booster itself, if attachments are provided, or storage, if LATCH attachments are not being used.
• Know that weight limits on LATCH anchors do not apply when used for a belt-positioning booster as the seat belt bears the crash forces, not the anchors.
• ALWAYS secure an unoccupied booster either by buckling the seat belt across it or using the lower LATCH attachments (see instructions).
Check seat belt fit with the booster when the child sits with buttocks against the booster or seat back;
• Lap belt should go across the top of the thighs, not up on the belly.
• Shoulder belt should cross the center of the shoulder and contact the body.
• Check these points as the child grows, to make sure the belt still fits well.
To fit the vehicle, a booster must:
• always be used in a seating position with a lap-shoulder belt.
• position the lap-shoulder belt correctly when child is seated.
• not hang over the edge of the vehicle seat.
• not rock or tilt due to contoured or uneven vehicle seats.
• fit between the lap belt insertion points of that seating position.
• fit with its back against the vehicle seatback. (Some vehicle head restraints interfere with some taller boosters.)
• not obstruct access to other occupants’ seat belts.
• be used with the vehicle seat in an upright position unless otherwise stated in the booster manufacturer instructions.
Other selection considerations:
• Inner width of the booster for the particular child – booster capacity for a child’s shoulders and hips varies considerably and growth must be taken into account.
• If the vehicle seatback is low, a few high-back booster models cannot be used when the child’s head (ears or center of head) is above the vehicle seatback, as the booster headrest may not provide adequate support.
• If three CRs and/or boosters are to be installed on one bench seat, check the entire outer width of the booster. In some cases, belt guides, cup holders, or arm rests are much wider than the booster base, interfering with fitting three child restraints across the vehicle seat.
Click here (PDF) for Booster Measurement list.