Booster seats come in a variety of styles, sizes, and prices. There are different types to fit the needs of your car and there are different types to fit the needs of your growing child. The important thing is to find a booster seat that fits your child right.

The Basics
Types of Booster Seats
Find a Seat That Fits Your Child
Seats for Children with Special Needs
Booster Seats to Avoid

The Basics

• You need to have a lap and shoulder belt to use a booster seat.
• Your child needs to be over 40 pounds to use a booster seat.
• Your child's head always needs to be protected against whiplash. Make sure the booster seat or your car's headrest comes up above his ears when he is using the booster seat.
• A higher price does not mean the seat is safer or fits better.

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Types of Booster Seats

There are 3 types of booster seats that protect children in car crashes. You should always follow your booster seat manufacturer's instructions for each seat. Pay attention to the weight limits listed on the seat label.

No-back Booster Seat

Must be used with a lap and shoulder belt. Your car's seats need to have headrests that come above your child's ears when she is sitting in a no-back booster seat. No-back booster seats are easy to pack up and move from one car to another

High-back Booster Seat Must be used with a lap and shoulder belt. A high-back booster protects against whiplash in cars with low-seatbacks. It can be used in cars with or without headrests. A high-back booster can be comfortable for a child who likes to nap in the car.

Forward-Facing Seat with Harness or Combination Seat

This seat combines a car seat with a booster seat. It allows your child to use the same seat as she grows up. If your child is between 20-40 pounds, attach the safety seat to your car's seat with the seat belt and buckle your child in with the harness. When your child weighs 40 pounds (or the upper weight limit for the harness), remove the harness and detach the safety seat from the car's seat. Now, you have a high-back booster seat! Use the lap and shoulder seat belt to buckle your child in safely. This type of booster seat can be used in cars with or without headrests

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Find a Seat for Your Child

Click here to find out what seat is best for your child and your car.

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Seats for Children with Special Needs

Some children may require a special safety seat to be protected in the car. Talk with your child's doctor about the best type of seat for his needs. The American Academy of Pediatrics also has information about the different types of seats available. Click here to view a .pdf of the brochure. (Note: You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to open this .pdf document. Adobe Acrobat Reader is free.)

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Booster Seats to Avoid

Some seats are not recommended by doctors and safety experts.

Shield Booster Seats

Using the shield portion of this booster seat is no longer recommended. It may cause injury during a car crash. If the shield can come off, take it off. (Check the seat's instruction book.) Now, you have a no-back booster seat! Use the seat without the shield by buckling your child in with the lap and shoulder belt. Your car's seats need to have headrests that come above your child's ears when she is sitting in a no-back booster seat. If the shield cannot come off, do NOT use this seat.

Recalled Seats

Some booster seats have been recalled by the manufacturer. These seats should not be used. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has a listing of recalled seats. Click Here

Secondhand Seats

We do not recommend using secondhand seats that you find at garage sales or thrift shops. The seats may have been in a crash or may have been damaged. You may not be able to see the damage. Do not use a booster seat unless you know its history.

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