In a 2009 study of 60 booster seats conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), 11 models weren't recommended at all because they caused seatbelts to fit so poorly. However, IIHS selected the Combi Dakota, the Clek Oobr, the Recaro Vivo, the Recaro Young Sport, the Evenflo Big Kid Amp, the Maxi-Cosi Rodi XR, the Britax Frontier, the Cosco Juvenile Pronto and the Eddie Bauer Auto Booster as its top choices for the year. Choosing the safest booster seat is critical for parents--the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia recommends that parents use booster seats on every trip, every time; keep children in the back seat; use the correct size booster and follow booster seat instructions for proper use.
Combi Dakota
IIHS selected the Combi Dakota as one of the top nine safest booster seats in 2009 for many reasons. This lightweight, backless booster, featuring an extra-wide seat, mesh fabric cover and detachable cup holder, retails for just $39.99. Weighing approximately 3 1/2 lb., it is easy to get in and out of the car. Customers at EliteCarSeats.com gave this child booster seat a five-star rating.
Clek Oobr
Though more expensive than the others selected by IIHS ($274.99 to $299.99, in 2010), the Clek Oobr booster seat offers many comfort features, including an adjustable head restraint, a wide base, LATCH connectors that anchor to the lower latch in 10 seconds or less, retractable LATCH connectors for better fit, 12-degree reclining back for increased comfort, comfortable seats, soft touch armrests and seat covers made with stain- and bacteria-resistant Crypton. EliteCarSeats.com customers give the Clek Oobr a four-star rating.
Recaro Vivo
The Recaro Vivo booster seat is moderately priced at $99.99 and receives a four-star rating from buyers at EliteCarSeats.com. With side impact protection that includes a reinforced aluminum structure, it meets and exceeds federal standards. Features include one-hand headrest adjustment, three seating positions, microfiber cover and an innovative belt routing system.
Recaro Young Sport
The Recaro Young Sport, priced at $249.99, offers side-impact protection, a top tether and adjustable five-point harness for increased safety for younger children, comfortable padding with a removable cushion and ergonomically designed armrests. This model also has a LATCH youth seat that may be converted for use with a lap belt and a carrying handle.
