Safest booster seat under $100?

[Unregistered]

I would so appreciate advice on finding the safest boosters on a budget.
I have 5 yr old twins, 40 lbs ea, and am looking for high back boosters that emphasize safety, comfort, the boys' ability to buckle themselves in and budget-conciousness. We have a 2012 Toyota Highlander (if that's relevant) and the boosters will stay permanently in the backseat. Any suggestions about the best possible boosters for this scenario?
Thank you in advance!

 

[Keeanh]

Hi! At 5yo & 40lbs, your boys are big enough for boosters. But a booster is only safe if the seatbelt & rider are properly positioned. Are you sure your boys are ready in terms of maturity? Not all 5yos are ready to sit properly at all times, even when sleeping, bored, or distracted, and to always leave the belt in place. You have to make that call, since you know your boys

Will the seats ever be used in a vehicle without headrests? I ask because some seats require support behind the booster's headrest. Are you looking for under $100 for both combined, or each? I like the look of the new Graco Affix. I also like the Britax Parkway, Recaro Probooster, Diono Monterey (this one sometimes isn't so great for slender kids). The Diono requires headrest support. I'm not sure about the Recaro. Britax & Graco don't require support, as far as I know. If you want both for $100 combined, the Graco Turbobooster & Harmony Dreamtime are good bets. I'm in Canada, so not familiar with all the US offerings.

Here's a list of "best bets" (most likely to have a good belt fit):
http://www.iihs.org/iihs/ratings/child-boosters/best-bets

Here's an article about checking booster fit:
http://www.iihs.org/iihs/ratings/child-boosters

If you think your boys could do with a harness a little while longer, I would personally grab a couple Evenflo Maestros ($70-ish each). They'll last another 10lbs in harness mode, and probably get you some time as highback boosters as well. Then you can sell them and get cheap backless boosters down the road.

 

[Unregistered]

Thanks for the info! I'm looking for <$100 each, and they'll only be used in the Highlander which has headrests...

 

[ketchupqueen]

With your criteria in mind I'd look at the Safety 1st Boost Air Protect, the Recaro Vivo, the Graco Affix and the Graco TurboBooster with Safety Surround, most likely.