Question I need help picking out a high-back booster!

My 7yr old daughter is about to outgrow her Radian 80 and I need to buy a high-back booster and have it shipped to APO so I need recommendations since I can't go somewhere and try out a bunch of seats here in Japan. Anyhow, here's some I'm looking at:

Diono Monterey
Graco Turbobooster
Graco Turbobooster w/ Safety Surround
Britax Parkway SGL
Harmony Dreamtime
Harmony V6
Clek Oobr
Safety 1st Air Boost Protect
Graco Affix
Recaro Vivo


Unfortunately Kiddy Cruiserfix Pro won't ship here. :(
Some reviews said the retraction on a couple of these seats wasn't very good. I need personal opinions, thanks!!!
 
Last edited:
ADS

CTPDMom

Ambassador - CPS Technician
That's a really varied list!

Let's start by trying to narrow it down.

Do you prefer your booster be LATCHed? That was one of my non-negotiables. We have an active life, lots going on, and I wanted the safety for ME that comes with a LATCHed seat.
 
Our 3rd row in the van doesn't have LATCH, which is where I'd be putting her so it doesn't matter if it has LATCH or not. I'm really just trying to find the most comfortable, ease of buckle, no issue booster that coincides with the IIHS best bets list!
 

clmchrissy

New member
What kind of van do you have? How big is your 7 yo? and Has she ever ridden in a booster? I would probably narrow my list to include boosters that turn into backless boosters later and possibly those with longest life on a HBB. The PWSGL or Monterrey may be your best bets.
 
She's 49" tall and 50lbs. We have a 2002 Mazda MPV.

Yes, this is the first booster, but she has ridden in a friends car once or twice in their booster and did well. I tried the Parkway SGL before we came to Japan and my daughter had a hard time w/ it so I didn't get it.

I think I'm between the Monterey, Harmony Dreamtime, and the TB w/ SS. Which of those two? I'm hoping if I order the Monterey I get one w/ the new headrest so I don't have to deal w/ having them send me a new one. The TB w/ SS is on sale at Target right now and shipping puts the total at $71.
 
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jujumum

Well-known member
We have a 2000 & a 2003 MPV.

With the third row the seat belt is very low and is hard to buckle. I'd recommend a booster that is easiest to buckle. I can't comment on which is easiest of the ones you are leaning towards. The Monterey is the most substantial weight wise on the three. I'm not that impressed with the dreamtime from checking it out in the store (although I did like the harmony folding booster in the store). We've been very happy with our TB as a spare seat and the SS version looks even better.
 

arly1983

New member
If I were you I wouldn't want to take a change on getting one of the headrests that needs replacing so not a Monterey. Plus its heavy and I would want to latch it if at all possible (though I would use it without. I just wouldn't like it ;) )

I have both the dreamtime and a regular turbo. I really like both. The regular turbo is easier to buckle of the two and I love the idea of the SS. Also the turbo fit most kids of all shapes and sizes well. So if I were you and buying a booster without trying I would get a turbo SS out of those 3. :D
 

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