Although we believe most kids will fit comfortably in the KidFit ClearTex Plus, its slender frame may be less appealing to bigger kids who prefer a wider seat. Late in 2015, the original TurboBooster started shipping with an improved back to base connection that stops the seat from flopping around when it’s being moved. This makes the seat a great option for carpooling situations that don’t require three seats across.
We analyzed the crash test sensor data from each booster’s crash sled dummy to determine how they performed compared to each other. To help you understand crash tests better, we’ve included comparison graphs using the actual crash test results in each booster’s gear review, and we have summarized them below. Our young testers enjoyed the double cupholders, which push in and out (they are not removable, unlike those on our top pick). And the easy-to-wipe-down, machine-washable, colorful fabric comes in red, blue, yellow, plum, as well as traditional black. One of our testers said her kids all vied to sit in the “fancy blue seat,” as they described the Monterey 2XT.
Ordered this last week because my older kid is almost at the max of her convertible car seat and her younger sister is almost at the max for her infant car seat. Figured it was time to train her in a high back booster and if she passes the test, give her sister the bigger car seat. The Chicco GoFit Plus backless booster is the best of all the backless-only boosters we tested, thanks to a winning combination of essential features and thoughtful touches. Our top-pick high-back booster, Chicco’s KidFit ClearTex Plus, does convert to a backless version that’s very similar to the GoFit Plus.
The Britax Highpoint is another high-back booster seat with push-button alligator LATCH connectors that can be converted to backless. This pricey seat has an optional crotch buckle, which can help with correct posture and positioning but can also be a graco car seat nuisance. We were unable to test the Highpoint due to availability issues. The seat has plenty of padding and feels cushy for the rider. Like the KidFit ClearTex Plus, the GoFit Plus has removable, dishwasher-safe cupholders that expand and collapse.
Once it’s removed from the TurboBooster Grow, fold the tab on the RightGuide’s bottom back under the seat, and it’s free to carry another passenger or be tucked into a backpack. The TurboBooster Grow ships in 3 main pieces, with the required cupholders in a separate bag. If you’ve read any of my reviews in the past, you may recall that review dog Leroy loved helping me assemble review seats.
The Clek Olli is a backless booster seat with rigid LATCH that weighs 5 pounds. The LATCH connectors release easily with the pull of a strap. This seat comes in a range of stylish, premium fabrics, and it has a removable carrying strap and dishwasher-safe cupholder.
Note that booster seats are not intended for use with lap-only seat belts, which can still be found in some cars manufactured before 2007. The shoulder belt guide worked quite well in my reviewmobile. There’s no way this particular model is ready for the responsibility of sitting properly in a backless booster but because some of her peers are, we wanted to show how well this booster fit her. The shoulder belt fits across the strongest portion of her shoulder; the lap belt fits across the tops of her thighs. This makes for good belt fit overall, even if she’s not mature enough to ride this way.
I mention this because ours got twisted during the review process. The headrest snaps into the back portion — this is a one time assembly. Once the back portion is assembled, lay the entire back graco car seat portion flat, then slide the two hooks at the bottom onto the corresponding spaces on backless portion of the seat. Push down until the hooks snap into place, then move the back portion upright.