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Here is the 2009 IIHS Research data on how well different boosters fit children:
2009 BOOSTER SEAT REVIEW
Here is the link to the video that IIHS put out (1min 58sec):
IIHS VIDEO
I have provided links to the different rating catagories with a quick list of the combination seats (that turn from harness mode to a booster) in each category:
Booster BEST BETS: IIHS BEST BETS
"Most likely to position lap and shoulder belts correctly on many children in many cars, minivans, and SUVs"
Combination seats that rate 'BEST BET' when used as a booster seat:
Britax Frontier
Recaro Young Sport
Booster GOOD BETS: IIHS GOOD BETS
"Acceptable lap and shoulder belt fit in almost as many vehicle belt configurations as the best-bet boosters"
Combination seat that rated as a GOOD BET when used as a booster seat:
Evenflo Symphony 65
Booster OTHER (neither on the good, best or worst bets): IIHS "OTHER" BETS
"These seats can provide good protection for some kids in some vehicles, but not in as many cases as top-rated boosters. If you are using one of these seats, make sure that the lap and shoulder belts fit properly. The lap belt should fit flat across a child's upper thighs, not the soft abdomen. The shoulder belt should cross snugly over the middle of the shoulder."
Combination seats that rate 'OTHER' when used as a booster seat:
Safeguard Go Hybrid
Graco Nautilus
Safety 1st Apex 65 (requires headrest support from vehicle)
Safety 1st Ventura
Safety 1st Summit
Evenflo Generations
Safety 1st Vantage
Booster WORST BETS (AVOID!): IIHS WORST BETS
"These are seats that don't provide good belt fit — the main job boosters are supposed to do."
Combination seats (harness then booster seat) to AVOID using as a booster seat (okay to use as harness seat):
*Alpha Omega
*Alpha Omega Elite
*Alpha Omega Luxe
*Eddie Bauer
*Eddie Bauer Deluxe 3-and-1
*Evenflo Express
*Safety 1st All-n-one
*Safety 1st Alpha Omega Elite
Have you tried him in a booster? If so, how does he sit? Do you have a younger child to pass a harnessed seat down to? Does your vehicle have headrests?
If he is mature enough and sits well, there's no need to buy a harnessed seat at age 6.5 - especially if he'll be the last to use it. OTOH, if you need a high back booster because you vehicle doesn't provide head support, nothing is taller than the Frontier 85.
I thought the original Frontier actually adjusted higher in booster mode than the Frontier 85... something about the Frontier adjusting higher in booster mode than intended?
I thought the original Frontier actually adjusted higher in booster mode than the Frontier 85... something about the Frontier adjusting higher in booster mode than intended?
We have the Parkway. It is ok for a backup but I am not a huge fan of it. He is just now starting to ride in the booster. Guess it took him awhile to realize the steps he had to past in order to ride in a booster. I like that the monterey latches so it keeps it in place. I also like the Frontier. Wish I could just buy both Thanks a bunch for everyone's response. It feels like such a huge step to leave a harness and consider a booster full time. Anyone know which seat between the Frontier, Monterey, Probooster did the best in testing or which one would be the safest??
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