Image: MomJunction Design Team
If you have a child at home aged four to eight years, here’s our list of the best 5-point harness booster seats for you. Until the age of three years, most children travel in forward- or rear-facing car seats. As they grow up, they need more space for movement, proper sitting, and better protection. A baby-friendly five-point harness set contains two harness belts for shoulders, two for hips, and one harness buckle between the legs. These harnesses and buckles hold the child securely in the proper position, offering superior protection and stability. The booster seats provide adequate support to your child’s back and hips to ensure healthy development.
As safety is the primary feature a parent looks for in a harness seat, choosing the right safety-tested product could be difficult. So, explore the various options listed below to choose a comfortable seat for your child with optimal security and support.
Top Picks
7 Best 5 Point Harness Booster Seats
1. Best Durable: KidsEmbrace 2-In-1 5 Point Harness Booster Seat
What fun it would be to take your child on a drive with Spider-Man! The high-back booster seat with 5 point harness from KidsEmbrace comes with utmost comfort The 5-point harness car seat has been tested for safety and has passed the Federal Motor Safety Standards. It has been rated as ‘Best Bet’ by Insurance Institute For Highway. You can use this two-in-one Spiderman booster seat with the harness and backrest for kids weighing 20 to 60 pounds and with or without the backrest for kids weighing 40 to 100 pounds. There are two detachable cup holders to make the Spiderman booster seat your child’s best travel companion. Watch this video for more information about the safety-tested booster seat before you buy.
Pros
- Best for highways
- Durable
- Machine-washable cover
- The headrest comes with an EPS energy-absorbing foam.
Cons
- Narrow buckles might be worrisome.
Review:
A reviewer writes, “I love this Spider-Man booster seat! The lifelike character adds fun to our drives, and its ease of use allows my child to buckle up independently. The support and cup holders are great too. The chest clip could be sturdier.”
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With over 20,937 reviews on Amazon, this product is a winner.
2. Best Easy-To-Buckle: Diono Radian 3R All-In-One Car Seat
The Diono Radian 3R All-In-One Car Seat can be the best choice for those who have no plans to change baby car seats now and then. You can use the Diono seat right from your little ones’ birth until they turn 10 years (120 pounds). You can use the 3-in-1 seat as a rear-facing seat, a forward-facing seat with a harness, and a high back booster seat as and when your child grows. The kid’s booster seat is engineered to keep your child in the rear position for the longest time and supports kids up to 50 pounds. Slim-fit design and ultimate comfort are the two most promising features of this 5-point harness car seat. This video gives detailed information about the product and lets you know how to use it.
Pros
- Easy buckling system
- Radian slim-fit design
- Combination booster seat
- Birth-to-booster adaptability
- It is a great fit for cars.
Cons
- The seat may be too reclined when rear-facing.
Review:
A user writes, “I’m impressed with the Diono car seat. Its unbeatable price, comfort, and easy installation exceeded my expectations. The compact design is great. I had to get cup holders separately though.”
Did you know?Why We Think It's Worth Buying
This product is a hit with users, evidenced by the 2,517 fine reviews on Amazon.
3. Best Comfortable: Evenflo Maestro Sport Harness Booster Car Seat
If your little one loves car rides, this Evenflo Maestro Sport Harness Booster Car Seat must be your pick! The baby-friendly booster seat supports kids weighing 22 to 110 pounds. You can use this seat as a high-back booster seat with a 5-point harness seat until your kid weighs 50 pounds. It can be used as a high back booster seat until your child turns 110 pounds. It is made with high-grade steel and is engineered to provide optimum safety. The cup holders on either side keep the snacks and drink secure and at your child’s reach as you drive. The high back of the booster seat gives your child that much-needed comfort when you’re on a long journey. If you are looking for one of the safest harness booster seats, this may be the right choice.
Pros
- Removable seat pads offer ease of cleaning
- Central and front access to adjust the harness
- Wipeable and machine-washable seat
- Vehicle seat belt automatically gets positioned when your child sits in it
Cons
- Some may find the installation process challenging.
Review:
A reviewer writes, “I’m quite pleased with this car seat by Evenflo. It’s lightweight and easy to install. The cup holders are a hit, and its value is undeniable. I wish it had more recline. A solid choice, though, for my son’s safety and comfort.”
Quick tip KidsEmbrace 2-In-1 5 Point Harness Booster Seat Best Durable | Diono Radian 3R All-In-One Car Seat Best Easy-To-Buckle | Evenflo Maestro Sport Harness Booster Car Seat Best Comfortable | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Color | Spider-Man | Pink Blossom | Wesley |
| Material | Polyester | Alloy Steel, Polypropylene, Plastic, Polystyrene | Polyester |
| Weight | 15 pounds | 25.9 pounds | 9.6 pounds |
| Dimensions | 19.5 x 22.5 x 29 inches | 16 x 17 x 28.5 inches | 17 x 19 x 27.5 inches |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 20,937 | 2,517 | 5,112 |
| Price | $199.99 | $189.99 | $114.99 |
4. Best Crash-Absorbing: Britax Grow With You Click Tight Harness-2-Booster Seat
You no longer have to think twice when taking a bumpy ride with your kids with this booster seat with 5-point harness. The safest 5 point harness booster car seat you could get for your little one could be the Britax Grow With You Click Tight Harness-2-Booster Seat— the seat grows with your child from a harness seat to a booster seat. Your kids can use it with the harness belts and buckles until they’re 65 pounds, and can use it as a normal booster seat until they weigh 120 pounds. The bottom of the kid’s booster seat comes with SafeCell Technology that absorbs crash energy and keeps the child safe in the seat. Your child’s head, neck, and torso stay extra protected with the two-layer protection at the backrest. With all these features, the Britax booster seat becomes your child’s travel pal.
Pros
- Comfortable booster seat with armrests
- High-strength steel frame
- Two recline positions for comfort
- Crash absorbing tether and base
- The seat cover is easy to clean and is washable.
Cons
- The stationary armrests make cleaning and moving a sleeping child a little tough.
Review:
A user says, “I’m delighted with this 2-in-1 booster seat. It’s compact, and the cup holders and armrests make my child feel like a “big kid.” Although we noticed some noise issues, its security and convenience outweigh any minor drawbacks. Highly recommended.”
5. Best Sweat-Proof: Graco Nautilus 65 LX 3-In-1 Harness Booster Car Seat
If you are keen on ensuring your little one’s comfort, this is the booster car seat for you. The trusted brand offers a seat that provides superior comfort to kids as they grow from 22 pounds to 120 pounds. The three-in-one seat can be used as a five-point harness car seat for kids weighing 22-65 pounds. Kids weighing 40-100 pounds can use the same seat as a high back booster seat, and the ones weighing 40-100 pounds can use it as a backless booster seat. All of these settings happen without a glitch. The headrest can be altered in 5 different positions to position your growing child’s head. There is a three-recline position adjustment to keep your child positioned in the best way possible, making it one of the best five-point harness booster seats.
Pros
- Crash-tested booster seat meets US Safety Standards
- Made of high-quality steel to provide strength and durability
- Sweat-proof
- Reclining booster seat
- Machine-washable
- The handles come with storage pockets and cup holders.
Cons
- May be difficult to fully tighten the harness straps once the child is seated
Review:
A parent writes, “I’m glad I chose this Graco car seat. The set-up was unexpectedly easy, and it’s super sturdy and comfortable. My child’s safety is paramount, therefore, I don’t mind that it is slightly heavier than other products.”
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The whopping 5,495 positive reviews on Amazon reflect the superior quality of this product.
6. Best Adjustable: Cosco High Back Booster Car Seat
Ride with peace when you travel with your child comfortably seated in COSCO’s High Back Booster Seat. You can tuck your little one who weighs 22-40 pounds in the seat using the safety harness belts. You can also remove these belts and use the product as a belt-adjustable high back booster seat until your child weighs 80 pounds. The super-comfortable seat offers ease of cleaning as the cover is machine washable, and the cupholders can be washed in the dishwasher. The portable booster seat is airline-approved to be used with harness belts, and this is an add-on advantage. This adjustable harness booster seat makes a great fit for cars too.
Pros
- Safety harness booster seat with high back
- Detachable and dishwasher-friendly cupholders
- Designed with shoulder belt guides
- The seat comes with uncompromising comfort.
Cons
- The headrests are not adjustable.
Review:
According to a reviewer’s experience, “The Cosco high back booster seat is a great fit for my tall three-year-old and has the double buckle I needed. It allows room for three in the backseat, and the ease of installation and affordability make it a good purchase.”
7. Best Convertible: Baby Trend Hybrid LX 3-In-1 Booster Car Seat
Watch your child smile and never go cranky on long journeys. The Baby Trend Hybrid LX 3-In-1 Booster Car Seat comes with the coolest design to grant your child the best comfort. You can start using the seat as a harness booster when your child weighs 22-50 pounds. The seat can be converted into high-back and backless mode once your child weighs 40 pounds. The harness belts come with soft pads to give cushiony support to your child. The one-handed harness adjustment makes it easy for you to secure your little one in the seat quickly. You can easily install the tried-and-tested seat in your car and it will stay safe and secure for your child to travel in.
Pros
- Comfortable body insert
- Secure fit harness booster seat
- Dual detachable cup holders
- One-handed harness adjuster
- The seat comes with padded armrests.
Cons
- Tightening the latches can be a tiring process.
Review:
A parent states, “Finally, a baby car seat that ticks all the right boxes. Its slim design and ease of installation make it a standout choice. I’m impressed by its safety features and comfort. Looking forward to using it for my youngest too..”
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product boasts 964 reviews on Amazon, and many buyers have said they would purchase the product again.
How To Choose The Right 5 Point Harness Booster Seat?
Here is what you need to look for when getting a 5 point harness booster seat for your little traveler.
- Safety: Your child’s safety must be the priority for you. When you are buying a harness booster seat, ensure that it meets the US Safety Standards. A well-engineered and trusted car seat with a crash-proof bottom and strong harness belts can be your first choice. Also, ensure that there is a rigid latching system to attach the booster seat to your car seat. Always remember that a 5-point harness car seat is a safe booster seat in itself.
- Model: When you are planning to get a booster seat for your child, buy one such booster seat that can be used in the long run. You will find many convertible booster seats that can be changed from a rear-view booster seat, into a front seat booster or a harness booster. A few more car booster seats can be used as a belt-positioning high back booster or even a backless booster seat. Grab a booster seat that can easily accommodate your growing child.
- Cleaning: Hygiene is something that you cannot dare to compromise on for your growing child. There may be a lot of messy days when you travel, whether the nausea effect or the sudden spilling of food, milk, and juices. A detachable booster seat cover and detachable cup holders can make cleaning easy. Many booster seats come with machine-washable booster covers and harness belts. Choose such boosters for clean and hygienic travel.
- Usage: Some harness booster seats are designed with the intent to get the right fit in cars. How about fitting and using the booster seats anywhere? Always remember that you will be needing a booster seat to fly in planes too. Get a 5 point harness booster seat that can be easily attached to any sort of car seat or even the seat in the airplane. This can extend your travel comfort while traveling with your child.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When should my child transition from a car seat to a booster seat?
Experts recommend kids below the age of 13 to ride in the back seat of the car. Little children, until the age of two, need to be put into a rearview booster seat and until the age of eight can be put into the forward-facing booster mode or a 5-point harness booster seat for protection. Any child weighing above 60 pounds can be transitioned into a belt-positioning high back or a backless booster seat.
2. Is seven years of age too old for a 5-point harness?
No, your child can continue using a five-point harness car seat until they are eight years old, as per the American Academy of Pediatricians. Otherwise, your child should reach 65 pounds or more for the transition (1).
3. Is a 5-point harness safer than a booster?
A five-point harness would be safer than a booster seat for younger children as the child will be restrained. But the harness seat can not support a child’s weight after a certain age. So, it would be best to switch to a booster seat. For older children, latch-equipped booster seats can be good options.
4. How long does my child need to be in a booster seat?
The child can be in a booster seat right from eight years until the age of 13 years. Shorter kids can use booster seats even after they turn 13 to make travel safe and comfortable. Start with a rear-facing booster, and as the child grows, switch to a forward-facing booster, a 5 point harness booster, a high back belt-positioning booster, and finally a backless booster.
5. What are the height and weight requirements for standard kid’s booster seats?
The height and weight recommendations for any kid to use a booster seat are until the child reaches the height of 57 inches and weight of at least 110 pounds. Get a booster seat that fits these height and weight requirements for your child.
6. How do I install the booster seat correctly?
Every booster seat comes with its kind of latching or belting system. It is advisable to watch the installation video of the product or seek expert help to fit the booster seat onto your car seat. This can be the safest thing to do.
Why Trust MomJunction?
We scoured various websites and studied user feedback to bring you this list of the best five-point harness booster seats for children after considering the safety, material quality, and latest features. These seats guarantee appropriate and comfortable seating for your child while traveling in a car. In addition, we addressed some common queries and brought you the crucial factors to consider while buying a five-point harness booster seat.
The Bottom Line
The best booster seat will help create a safe space for your little one while you drive without any worries. Before picking one, ensure it is certified by American Standards for Safety. You may opt for one with a strong five-point harness system and properly cushioned to protect your little one and keep them comfortable. Our top picks include the Diono Radian 3R All-In-One Car Seat that grows with the child, and the Britax Grow with You Click Tight seat with crash-absorbing technology. Additionally, ensure that the seat’s fabric is soft and comfortable for your child. You may also consider buying a harness booster seat that is stylish and suits your vehicle and child’s color preferences.
Infographics: Safety Precautions When Using A Booster Seat
Use a booster seat when your child outgrows the regular car seat. It helps position your child at a certain height, ensuring the shoulder-lap belt lies across the chest and pelvic region instead of the neck and belly. Check out the below-mentioned infographics to know more about the safety precautions in detail. Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
References
- When to Switch Your Child’s Car Seat
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/when-to-switch-your-childs-car-seat/ - Car Seats: Information for Families
https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/on-the-go/Pages/Car-Safety-Seats-Information-for-Families.aspx
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