The Chicco KidFit Plus Zip Air is a high performing highback-to-backless booster that provides very good belt fit in either mode. The seat also offers an optional footrest for additional comfort, meaning (potentially) less slouching and wiggling in the seat for a better seatbelt fit. The zip cover makes for easy removal and cleaning.

While this model can be used with or without its seatback, CR recommends highback boosters for everyday use because they typically position the shoulder belt better on a child, provide some side-impact protection, and offer a more comfortable place for resting children to lay their head. Once your child outgrows their forward-facing child car seat by weight or height, CR and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommend that kids use boosters until they are at least 4 feet 9 inches tall, are 8 to 12 years old, and have the developmental maturity to keep their belt properly positioned for an entire car ride.

A high performing highback-to-backless booster that provides very good belt fit in either mode.

A high performing highback-to-backless booster that provides very good belt fit in either mode.

The Harmony Dreamtime is a lightweight booster with excellent belt fit in highback mode. Our testers found adjusting the headrest to be difficult, however, especially with a child seated in the booster, because of a clunky adjuster that requires two steps to raise or lower, located behind the child’s head.

While this model can be used with or without its seatback, CR recommends highback boosters for everyday use because they typically position the shoulder belt better on a child, provide some side-impact protection, and offer a more comfortable place for resting children to lay their head. Once your child outgrows their forward-facing child car seat by weight or height, CR and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommend that kids use boosters until they are at least 4 feet 9 inches tall, are 8 to 12 years old, and have the developmental maturity to keep their belt properly positioned for an entire car ride.

A high-performing highback-to-backless booster available at a high price.

The Diono Everett NXT provides excellent belt fit.

A balanced backless performer but with a high price.