Question Do kids ever NEED a backless booster instead of highback?

[cantabdad]

We're potentially in the market for a booster seat soon, and have been looking at some models that can convert to a no-back booster later on, versus a few that are highback only (e.g. Recaro, Kiddy).

I'm a little embarrassed that I don't know the answer to this very basic question, but here goes....

Is the no-back option just for convenience, e.g. while on vacation or for carpooling? Or are there situations in which a child is small enough to still need a booster, yet has grown to a height where the HBB is outgrown? (I guess that would be if the uppermost setting of the HBB shoulder-belt guide is still too low or the HBB is too snug around the torso/shoulders?)

Just trying to figure out if there is any real disadvantage to the highback-only models. We already have a Bubble Bum so I feel like we're set for travel/vacation, but it's not something I'd use on a day-to-day basis at home, if only because I find the belt guides to be somewhat of a pain.

 

[ketchupqueen]

Yes, many kids will outgrow many high-back options before completely passing the five-step test. If the one you want is high-back only though, get it. Backless boosters are cheap.

 

[cantabdad]

Thank you, Ketchup Queen. That makes sense. I think I was trying to avoid the prospect of having to buy *yet another* carseat at some point down the road -- but as you point out, the backless models are relatively cheap and we can cross that bridge when we come to it.