Babies grow thick and fast, don’t they? Perhaps your baby has outgrown the newborn car seat, or you need to buy a new car seat. When your baby turns 4, you need a booster seat. These types of car seats are used for ages 3 to 12 years. High-back booster seats are typically well-padded and offer adequate comfort for long rides. If you ask me which car seats are best for a 4-year-old? I figure harness booster seats with 5-point harnesses, padded seats with side impact protection, passed out intensive crash tests successfully, and are easy to install are the best car seats. In this post, I am including my list of the best car seat for 4 year old for every need and a detailed guide to buy the perfect car seat.
How To Choose the Best Car Seat for 4 Year Old:
When considering a car seat, safety, and comfort is top priority. Bearing these things in mind, you should look for a few other essential things to buy the first booster seat for your kiddo.
Choose The Right Car Seat Type
For a 4-year-old baby, it’s recommended to use a forward-facing car seat with a harness and tether. However, once the kid outgrows the height and weight limit of the forward-facing car seat, the baby can sit in a booster seat, preferably in a high-back booster seat. High back seats offer more comfort to babies with adjustable headrests and reclining options than a backless seat. Only when a baby reaches 40 lbs. or a height of 35 inches, I recommend switching to high-back booster seats with a safety harness for your babies’ comfort and safety. Otherwise, carry your baby in a forward-facing mode.
See Also: How Many Car Seats Do I Need
Why get a high-back booster seat?
A high-back booster seat offers ample support and protection than a backless booster seat. It works best when your car has low back seats. High-back booster seats help baby to rest their head without facing any discomfort. In a high-back booster seat, your 4-year-old baby can easily take a nap as they can lean their head comfortably also in the side of the seat.
Safety
When purchasing the best car seat for 4 year old, check out the safety certifications and crash test results. To ensure more safety for your baby, you can also consider safety labels, side impact protection, and safety harness. Typically, car seats that pass-through crash tests and have a 5-point safety harness are considered safe.
What is a safer backless booster or booster with a back?
A high-back booster seat is safer for babies due to their head and side protection. Though backless booster seats help to keep the lap belt in place, they do not offer head and side protection as a high-back booster seat. Besides, high-back booster car seats are highly recommended for comfort and safety.
Easy To Install
Opting for an easy-to-install car seat can greatly reduce your hassle. Most car seats require latch connectors to attach them to the seat. The latch attachment system is more convenient for parents than thread attachment.
What is the best position for a booster seat?
The best position for a booster seat is in the rear seat, which has a lap and shoulder belt. When using a booster seat, ensure that the baby sits properly, then hold the lap-shoulder belt across the baby’s body and buckle it securely. It is essential to ensure that the shoulder strap remains in front of your baby at all times.
List Of The Best Car Seat For 4 Year Old
Safety 1st Grow and Go All-in-One Convertible Car Seat (Best Overall)
Specifications
- Dimension: 23.75″ L x 19″ W x 24″ H
- Item Weight: 18.56 lbs.
- Forward Facing Height Limit: 29-49″
- Rear Facing Height Limit: 19-40″
- High Back Height Limit: 43-52″
- Forward Facing Weight Limit: 22-65 lbs.
- Rear Facing Weight Limit: 5-40 lbs.
- High Back Weight Limit: 40-100 lbs.
Overall Rating: 4.5/5
When it comes to prioritizing safety, Safety 1st Grow and Go is the best car seat I recommend to most parents. When your baby turns 4, use the forward-facing or high-back booster mode. Safety 1st Grow and Go has undergone rigorous crash tests to ensure the baby’s safety during a crash. In addition, the car seat has a quick-fit 5-point padded harness and side impact protection. The seat is comfortable with soft padded seats for the toddler to relax and take naps on the go. Besides, the headrest of this car is adjustable. You can install the car seat with a hook belt system or use your car seat belt based on your convenience. The car seat is undeniably safe, super comfy, and very easy to install. Overall, Safety 1st Grow and Go stands out as the best car seat for 4 year old.
Pros
- 3-in-1 convertible
- Height adjustable
- 5-point safety harness
- Machine washable
- Easy to install
- Provide extra leg space
- Plenty of color options to choose from
Cons
- Heavier to lift up
Buy this if You are looking for the best overall car seat: Safety 1st Grow and Go has all the perks necessary to hold your 4-year kids on the go.
Don’t buy this if You’re looking for a toddler car seat for less than $100: Safety 1st Grow and Go comes at a $190 price tag. If you need a more affordable car seat that offers many similar perks, you can check out the Evenflo Chase Harness car seat next!
Evenflo Chase Harnessed Booster, Jameson (Most Affordable)
Specifications
- Dimension: 18″ L x 18.5″ W x 29.5″ H
- Item Weight: 9.14 lbs
- Height Limit: 28-57″
- Weight Limit: 22-110 lbs.
Overall Rating: 4.5/5
The Evenflo Chase Harnessed Booster is a lightweight yet sturdy car seat that you can shift from a harness system to belt-positioning. You’ll love its ample padding on the high back. The soft padding and enhanced side wings make long journeys like ‘cozy flings’ for your baby. All the crash tests ensure this toddler car seat is safe and secure for your 4-year older kids. The 5-point safety harness is snug to tighten and keeps the baby protected on the go. Installing and adjusting the seat is simple and convenient. With the easy latch attachment, installing the booster seat at the back row is a breeze. With all perks mentioned above at a $79 price tag, this Evenflo car seat is a wonderful choice for parents on a budget.
Pros
- Lightweight and compact
- Easy latch attachment
- Adjustable safety harness
- Integrated cup holders
- 5-point safety harness
- Provide side impact protection
- Machine washable
Cons
- Headrest is not adjustable
Buy this if You’re looking for a lightweight toddler car seat: The Evenflo Chase Harness Booster car seat weighs only 9.14 lbs. This car seat is easy to lift, carry and install, convenient to the parents on the go.
Don’t buy this if You need a car seat with an adjustable headrest: Evenflo comes in at a competitive market price, and it doesn’t offer an adjustable headrest. Instead, you can consider the Britax Grow ClickTight Booster as the best car seat for 4 year old.
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Specifications
- Dimension: 17″ L x 17″ W x 26″ H
- Item Weight: 10 lbs.
- Height Limit: 38-57″
- High back booster weight Limit: 40-100 lbs
- Backless booster weight Limit: 40-110 lbs
Overall Rating: 4.0/5
The Chicco KidFit 2-in-1 car seat is compact and lightweight. You can use this booster car seat both as a high-back or in backless booster mode. Its high back mode can carry babies from 4 years old (weighing between 40 and 110 lbs.). For support and comfort, the seat includes double-foam padding. It also has 10 adjustable height positions. This best car seat has passed various crash tests and withstands the standard safety measures necessary for your baby. The side wings provide adequate safety to babies. What’s more? Chicco KidFit is equipped with a force-multiplying tightener and Latch connector to ensure stability during use. The quick-release Latch system also enables installing and releasing the car seat easily.
Pros
- Comfortable seat
- 10-position adjustable headrest
- Sturdy enough
- Easy installing process
- Machine washable
- Two separate cup holder
Cons
- No safety harnesses
Buy this if You are looking for a slim-fit car seat for your toddler: Chicco KidFit is compact enough (17″ in width) to accommodate 3 car seat side by side at the back of the car.
Don’t buy this if You want a car seat with a safety harness: Chicco KidFit doesn’t include any safety harness. Instead, you can consider Evenflo Chase Harnessed Booster included in my list.
Graco 4Ever DLX 4 in-1 Car Seat (Best Premium Car Seat For 4 Year Old)
Specifications
- Dimension: 20″ L x 21.5″ W x 24″ H
- Item Weight: 23 lbs
- Rear-Facing Harness Weight Limit: 4-40 lbs
- Forward-Facing Harness Weight Limit: 22-65 lbs
- Forward-Facing Harness Height Limit: up to 49″
- High-back Booster Weight: 40-100 lbs
- High-back Booster Height Limit: 43-57″
- Backless Booster Weight Limit: 40-120 lbs
- Backless Booster Height Limit: 43-57″
Overall Rating: 4.5/5
The Graco DLX is a durable, versatile and best car seat for 4-year old baby. Besides, this car seat is stylish, sleek and offers top-notch comfort with ample padding on the high back. You will get a removable head and body insert for added comfort to babies for a prolonged trip. The 10-position headrest allows parents to adjust the height of the seat if the baby needs it. This car seat performed better in our multiple crash tests, so you can rely on it regarding safety issues. It has an adjustable safety harness and reinforced side impact protection to keep the baby secure in a crash. The car seat is also easy to use with a latch connector and push button release. It’s one of the highly recommended car seats if you are flexible on budget.
Pros
- Removable head and body insert
- Built-in 5-point safety harness
- Side armrests
- Easy to install
- Removable cup holders
- Sturdy and durable
Cons
- Hefty Price tag
Buy this if You are looking for a stylish and premium car seat: The back of the seat, headrest, and armrest of the Graco 4Ever DLX are comfy and stylish. It has all you can desire from a premium car seat.
Don’t buy this if You prefer a best car seat for 4 year old in an affordable price: Graco comes with a hefty price tag of $314. If you’re on a budget, consider the Evenflo Chase Harness booster car seat that comes at a meager price tag of under $80.
Diono Radian 3R, 3-in-1 Convertible Car Seat (Best Car Seat for Flying)
Specifications
- Dimension: 16″L x 17″W x 28.5″H
- Item Weight: 26 lbs
- Height Limit: 18-57″
- Forward Facing Weight Limit: 22-65 lbs
- Rear Facing Weight Limit: 5-50lbs
- High Back Weight Limit: 4-120lbs
Overall Rating: 4.0/5
Diono Radian 3R is a top-rated convertible car seat and is great for flying with 4-year-old babies. You can install this car seat on an airplane effortlessly. The Radian 3R is so compact in shape that it can accommodate three babies side by side in the back. The seat offers adequate comfort and is padded with energy-absorbing EPS foam that keeps the baby secure in the event of a crash. On top of that, this car seat offers superior side impact protection than other models. Also, the height is easy to adjust as the baby grows. The car seat is safe and ranks the highest score in most crash tests.
Pros
- Narrow Shape
- Sturdy and strong base
- Superior side impact
- High build-quality
- Height adjustable
- Can be installed on the airplane
Cons
- Heavier than other models
Buy this if You are looking for a car seat for air travel: Diono Radian 3R car seat is so compact as it is approved for the airplane. This car seat is best suited for parents who travel by plane frequently.
Don’t buy this if You are looking for a lightweight car seat: Diono Radian weighs 26 lbs, heavier than the other models. If you prioritize a more featherweight car seat that you won’t take on a plane, think Chicco KidFit 2 in 1 car seat that weighs only 10 lbs.
Britax Grow with You ClickTight Harness-2-Booster Car Seat (Best for Travel)
Specifications
- Dimension: 17.75″ L x 26.5″W x 25″H
- Item Weight: 23 lbs.
- Weight Limit: 25-120 lbs
- Harness Type: 5-point
- Color Options: Yes
Overall Rating: 4.0/5
The Grow ClickTight booster car seat is the latest harness booster car seat from Britax, with its one-click installation to make your life easy while you are on a trip. This car seat is durable, like a tank, that offers unparalleled protection to your baby. This Britax car seat does not fall short when it comes to comfort. On long trips, there will be no complaints whatsoever from the backseat credit to its soft padding, multiple recline, and adjustable headrest nesting your baby. Last but not the least, this is one of the safest car seats that will keep baby safe and secure with its 5-point safety harness.
Pros
- Comfortable high back
- Very easy to install
- Comfortable reclining seat
- Adjustable harness and headrest
Cons
- Wider than other models
Buy this if You’re looking for an easy-to-install car seat: Britax Grow with You ClickTight booster car seat offers a click-tight installation system. I found it very easy to install also when I was in a hurry.
Don’t buy this if You are looking for a narrow booster seat: Britax Grow with You ClickTight booster car seat is 26.5″ in width that might not accommodate multiple seats at the back of your car. I recommend looking for the Diono Radian to accommodate your third baby in the back.
Graco Tranzitions 3 in 1 (Best Convertible)
Specifications
- Dimension: 19″L x 17.4″ W x 26. 5″ H
- Item Weight: 20 lbs
- Height Limit: 32-57″
- Harness booster weight limit: 22-65 lb
- High back booster weight limit: 40-100 lbs
- Backless booster weight limit: 40 -100 lbs
Overall Rating: 4.0/5
If you’re looking for a compact car seat for 4-year-old kids, the Graco Tranzitions 3-in-1 can be the best travel gear you need. With 3-mode convertibility and a 7-year lifespan, you may never need another car seat. The car seat also provides comfort and keeps the baby safe with harness pads and slightly wider strap spacing. The car seat has an adjustable headrest and a no-rethread harness that is convenient to use as your baby grows. However, all the best perks come with one tradeoff: the seatbelt and LATCH strap path are positioned quite high on the car seat, so you may need some extra time for proper installation.
Pros
- Well-padded seat
- 3 Modes of use (forward facing, high back, and backless booster)
- 8-position adjustable headrest
- Machine washable
- Integrated dual cup holder
- Non-rethreaded harness
Cons
- A little bit bulky
Buy this if You’re looking for a high-quality convertible car seat: Graco Tranzitions 3 in 1 can be used as a forward-facing, high back, and backless booster. The forward-facing mode can be for babies up to 65 lbs, while both high back booster and backless booster can take babies up to 100 lbs.
Don’t buy this if You want a toddler car seat that reclines: Graco Tranzitions do come with a host of perks, but the seat doesn’t reline. If you prefer a more comfortable seating position, I recommend the Safety 1st Grow and Go.
Verdict:
When it comes to finding the best car seat for 4 year old, it’s wise to prioritize safety and comfort. Hope you find the perfect one from my list. Rest assured that these top-rated car seats will provide the utmost security and comfort a toddler deserves and also allow you to embark on memorable journeys with peace of mind.
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