Wider booster seat with hopefully a smaller footprint?

VHester1113

New member
I have a 2025 Toyota RAV4, and it is a struggle to buckle in the Graco Turbobooster highback booster seat for my 7-year-old son. But my son's hips are a tight squeeze between the armrests of the Turbobooster seat. I need to find something wider for him to fit, but hopefully with the same or a more narrow footprint than what we have. I reached out to Diono because their dimensions for the Solana and Solana 2 XL differ from their website vs. their Amazon site. It looks like the Diono Solana is wider than the Solana 2 XL, but still not as wide as the Graco Turbobooster. Every article I've found about wider booster seats for bigger kids has links to booster seats that are no longer made, or their dimensions are too small. Anyone have any suggestions? I appreciate your help!
 
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SafeDad

CPSDarren - Admin
Staff member
I have a 2025 Toyota RAV4, and it is a struggle to buckle in the Graco Turbobooster highback booster seat for my 7-year-old son. But my son's hips are a tight squeeze between the armrests of the Turbobooster seat. I need to find something wider for him to fit, but hopefully with the same or a more narrow footprint than what we have. I reached out to Diono because their dimensions for the Solana and Solana 2 XL differ from their website vs. their Amazon site. It looks like the Diono Solana is wider than the Solana 2 XL, but still not as wide as the Graco Turbobooster. Every article I've found about wider booster seats for bigger kids has links to booster seats that are no longer made, or their dimensions are too small. Anyone have any suggestions? I appreciate your help!

Of the mass market boosters, I'm not sure which currently has the widest seat between the armrests. One high end alternative is the Peg Perego Viaggio Flex that is an armless design. It's also $$$, so if you can't find a less expensive option that works, make sure you get a free returns policy. Same with the Uppa Baby Alta V2 that has a higher armrest design that may help for some kids.

 

VHester1113

New member
Thanks for the recommendations! Yeah, they're a little pricey, but if that's what I have to go with for my kid's safety it is worth it. Graco responded back that they do not have a wider booster than the Turbobooster. Cosco/Maxi-Cosi responded back to me asking for my son's height and weight. Hopefully they'll come back with some options as well.
 

SafeDad

CPSDarren - Admin
Staff member
Some of the backless boosters have arms that flare outward, those might offer more hip room, as long as your vehicle has adequate head restraints that fit your child. You can find some of those at stores like Target or Walmart to try before you buy.
 

ketchupqueen

CPST and ketchup snob
Staff member
It's worth noting that the Solana (more than the Solana 2) flares out, so it's narrower where you actually buckle but accommodates wider hips. I recommend giving it a try. Unfortunately most of the good options for this situation are all discontinued. It's a problem! As Darren said, buy somewhere with easy returns.
 

VHester1113

New member
It's worth noting that the Solana (more than the Solana 2) flares out, so it's narrower where you actually buckle but accommodates wider hips. I recommend giving it a try. Unfortunately most of the good options for this situation are all discontinued. It's a problem! As Darren said, buy somewhere with easy returns.
Thank you so much! I actually bought the Solana, and it is a perfect fit! The arms do flare out to allow my son to fit comfortably AND it makes the buckle completely accessible. Both my son and I can get the seat belt buckled and unbuckled without any obstructions. I definitely recommend for anyone in a similar situation. Thanks to everyone for your input!
 

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