Booster Seats: High Back Vs. Backless
There are two main types of booster seats - backless and high back. While they both work to position a standard vehicle seat belt correctly over your kiddo, one or the other may be better for you, your child, and your vehicle!
Generally, high back boosters are recommended for younger kiddos who still need/want that "car seat" feel after transitioning out of a harness. They also provide more body and head support, which some kiddos need. If your child falls asleep in the car often, a high back booster will provide more support for them and help them sleep safer. Some high back boosters also transition into a backless booster.
However, some high back boosters may not fit correctly in every vehicle, depending on the slope of the seats, the height of the seat backs, and whether or not there are head rests. Your child may also need something more portable than a high back booster, in which case you can look at backless boosters!
Backless boosters are great for older kiddos or those who need something lightweight and/or more portable. They typically have a shoulder belt positioner, which helps make sure the seat belt is positioned correctly on the child. They are best for vehicles that have higher seat backs and/or head rests that the child can use as they grow, since they do not provide their own head/neck/back support. Used correctly, both backless and high back boosters will help keep your child safe, but it’s very important to consider the maturity, temperament, and needs of your child of your child (along with budget and vehicle fit) when choosing a booster seat. A cheaper backless booster won’t be safe for your child if they aren’t mature enough to ride correctly in it!
Just like every other car seat stage (except the infant seat), make sure to max out the height/weight! And, as always, please read your booster manual thoroughly and make sure you're following all installation and usage instructions. A poorly used booster seat won't provide the protection a growing child needs.
