Which booster for a back up

[Milkie&Cookie]

So, I'm thinking of buying a booster for DS to use on playdates/field trips and for his friends to use when I drive them some place. I haven't done any research on boosters, because I want him to be harnessed for as long as possible. So, just based on a bit of reading here, I've seen

Parkway
Monarch
Compass
Monteray


DS is a peanut and I would never use this as his main seat. I just know that I couldn't lug in his regent for a play date and expect another mom/nanny to install it properly. So for these rare occurances, what do you wise ones suggest? I was intrigued by the Compass because it would store small and if I ever flew with just me and the kids to my mom's, I could take it with for a seat in her car (otherwise I'd have to buy a seat and have it shipped there) However, with money as tight as it is, I doubt I would ever be able to fly.

[wendytthomas]

Piper is the same size and age as your son. I had her in the Compass in the store yesterday and it was SO wide around her. She could probably fit two of her bums on the seat. She uses the Parkway as a backup and I really like it. It hugs her quite well. The lack of armrests means that it can't be messed up, too.

It's been discontinued, but if you can find one they're a good price. I think the Recaro Young Style has been discontinued as well, but it's another good seat for tiny bums.

Wendy

[TerisBoys]

Parkway is fairly fool-proof because it doesn't have arms. It also surrounds peanuts very nicely.

Another to consider would be the Vivo. It too works nice for small kids.