tarynsmum
Senior Community Member
So, there has been a lot of requests recently for recommendations for smaller kids in boosters. I've amassed a decent collection of the most-frequently recommended, so I hope that helps someone. The only things I don't have on hand is a Monterrey and a Oobr (although I did take pics with the Olli, just to see lap belt fit). Pictures are taken in a 2011 Town and Country, in the drivers-side captains chair, with the seat all the way back. DD is 40lbs on the nose with this clothing and boots on (I weighed her as we walked out to do pics). But she fluctuates between 38-42 depending on what's she's been eating and how long it's been since she's pooped (sorry TMI). She's between 44 and 45 inches tall; 45 with the boots on, with about a 17inch torso (she's almost outgrown the Radian XT in this vehicle)
First up: Parkway SG, 3rd "notch" (2 clicks up)
The shoulder belt is barely on her shoulder.
Even with the SG - I feel like the lap belt is too high. The straps for the SG are too long for her, and without the SG it's the same (I didn't take a pic, sorry).
Next: Graco Turbo Booster "regular" version, not Elite):
Fit is OK, this is 2 clicks up, I think I could go one higher. My main issue with the turbo is the amount of room on either side of her body. My main feeling about the Turbo is "meh" - the fit is OK, but I'm not in love.
Cybex Solution X-fit (5th or 6th notch, I can't remember and I'm not taking it out to figure it out):
Is my current favorite. The LATCH is futuristically cool, but CRAZY hard to remove in my sloped seats. I curse like a sailor every time. Also, the reclining headrest is super cool.
ETAL: the way the shoulder belt feeds is kind of weird. I wanted to keep everything exactly the same for the pictures, but in real life I move the vehicle seat up a little bit so that the belt feeds more smoothly.
After I realized how low the bottom slot is, I decided to try DS in it. He is 30lbs today with clothes and heavy tennies on, 34 inches tall. He is built the opposite to DD - he has broader shoulders (they're actually the same measurment from shoulder tip to shoulder tip, lol):
Uhhh.... The fit is RIDICULOUSLY good. I mean, wow. I literally had to bribe him with candy to sit still for the 3 seconds to take the shot, so that should tell you how ready for a booster he is, lol.
Vivo pics are coming soon. I have to get it out of DH's car when he gets home. To tide you over, these are from a couple months ago (but her stats haven't really changed:
First up: Parkway SG, 3rd "notch" (2 clicks up)
The shoulder belt is barely on her shoulder.
Even with the SG - I feel like the lap belt is too high. The straps for the SG are too long for her, and without the SG it's the same (I didn't take a pic, sorry).
Next: Graco Turbo Booster "regular" version, not Elite):
Fit is OK, this is 2 clicks up, I think I could go one higher. My main issue with the turbo is the amount of room on either side of her body. My main feeling about the Turbo is "meh" - the fit is OK, but I'm not in love.
Cybex Solution X-fit (5th or 6th notch, I can't remember and I'm not taking it out to figure it out):
Is my current favorite. The LATCH is futuristically cool, but CRAZY hard to remove in my sloped seats. I curse like a sailor every time. Also, the reclining headrest is super cool.
ETAL: the way the shoulder belt feeds is kind of weird. I wanted to keep everything exactly the same for the pictures, but in real life I move the vehicle seat up a little bit so that the belt feeds more smoothly.
After I realized how low the bottom slot is, I decided to try DS in it. He is 30lbs today with clothes and heavy tennies on, 34 inches tall. He is built the opposite to DD - he has broader shoulders (they're actually the same measurment from shoulder tip to shoulder tip, lol):
Uhhh.... The fit is RIDICULOUSLY good. I mean, wow. I literally had to bribe him with candy to sit still for the 3 seconds to take the shot, so that should tell you how ready for a booster he is, lol.
Vivo pics are coming soon. I have to get it out of DH's car when he gets home. To tide you over, these are from a couple months ago (but her stats haven't really changed:
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