This pricey seat has an optional crotch buckle, which can help with correct posture and positioning but can also be a nuisance. We were unable to test the Highpoint due to availability issues. Boosters are positioning devices, meaning the car’s seat belt is responsible for restraining the child. The seat has plenty of padding and feels cushy for the rider. Like the KidFit ClearTex Plus, the GoFit Plus has removable, dishwasher-safe cupholders that expand and collapse.
That was the thing about the seat I didn’t like, but it wasn’t a big deal. The biggest compromise with the TurboBooster LX is that it has hook-style LATCH connectors; they’re the least-user-friendly type of LATCH. It’s often tough to see what you’re doing and to maneuver around in the tight space behind the seat, and the TurboBooster LX’s LATCH hooks can be particularly tricky to get on and off your car’s anchors. This could get frustrating if you’re intending to rely on the LATCH and to frequently move the seat to different locations. Although we believe most kids will fit comfortably in the KidFit ClearTex Plus, its slender frame may be less appealing to bigger kids who prefer a wider seat. You may need to use the booster in an area of the car that doesn’t have LATCH anchors (like the middle seat or in a third row).
The vehicle seat belt is mounted directly behind the vehicle seat, not on the pillar of the car’s frame. This means the vehicle seat belt tends to fit slightly differently than it does in other vehicles. For us, it means that this model gets to ride in a high back booster for a while graco car seat yet because the shoulder belt guide fit is better with a fixed shoulder belt guide. It’s also helped her remain in the correct position when she’s sleeping in the car. She’s got plenty of room to grow in the TurboBooster LX with True Shield and it offers a good vehicle seat belt fit.
Despite the lighter weight, it would not be our choice for travel or carpooling as it is harder to carry than some smaller competitors. Wirecutter is the product recommendation service from The New York Times. Our journalists combine independent research with (occasionally) over-the-top testing so you can make quick and confident buying decisions. Whether it’s finding great products or discovering helpful advice, we’ll help you get it right (the first time). Our only design complaint is that there’s nowhere to store the LATCH connectors when they’re detached. So if you’re carrying the seat around, they’ll flap, which could be annoying.
They’re not accessible from outside the seat so if they get twisted, there’s no easy way to untwist them. I mention this because ours got twisted during the review process. “I know what you are thinking. Who wants to keep the same car seat for 6 years? Well, the seat cushion is machine washable, which is awesome.” As one of the few backless options we tested, it isn’t a huge surprise it didn’t score well for comfort compared to the competition. This Graco earned one of the lowest results for comfort.
The Diono Monterey 2XT Latch is similar to our top pick in terms of function, but it’s covered in a plusher fabric and has the option of extending the sides through the shoulders. This makes it a good choice for kids who have a wider frame and parents who want bigger children to stay in a high-back booster seat longer. This seat received a Best Bet rating from the IIHS for its ability to provide a proper seat-belt fit. Graco discovered an omission in the owner’s instruction manual included with select Graco Highback and Backless TurboBooster car seats manufactured between December 22, 2015 through April 5, 2016.
Most of the time she rides in a backless booster but she was kind enough to test out this booster in high back mode for us. She’s at the top range of the height for the seat and found it uncomfortable with the back portion attached. At this point, her primary mode of transportation is a harnessed car seat so every time we review a booster, it’s a little more booster training for her.
Parents often look forward to transitioning their kids from one milestone to the next, but car seats are one area where delaying a transition is the better thing to be celebrated. The RightGuide is small enough and flat enough to fit into the pocket of my vehicle seat. It also tucks nicely into a backpack or other smallish bags that a booster rider might carry. At about 1 pound, it’s light enough that most carpoolers can carry it in such a bag or backpack without issue. Airplane seats have lap belts only, so the TurboBooster LX and all booster seats are not approved for use on airplanes.
Our top-pick high-back booster, Chicco’s KidFit ClearTex Plus, does convert to a backless version that’s very similar to the GoFit Plus. But for families that want to purchase a standalone backless booster, the GoFit Plus is a quality option. This seat weighs 6 pounds and has a Best Bet rating from the IIHS for its ability to provide a proper seat-belt fit. LATCH stands for Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children. This system allows you to install a car seat by attaching a pair of metal hooks or clips, which are built into the seat, to a set of anchors, which are built into the car.