The Best Car Seat for 6 Year Olds and 7 Year Olds Pros, Cons & Recommendations

 

Welcome to the best car seat for 6 year olds and 7 year olds award show!

It has been a long month since I’ve been driving my 7 year old around to see which the best car seat is for him. Besides the endless miles I’ve asked other parents, read reviews and comparisons, also checked recalls while my husband was kicking back without a worry in the world, honey, it’s time to return the favor…

Look:

Finding the perfect car seat for 6 year olds or 7 year olds comes down to three points, your space available, the amount of safety you want, and of course, your budget.

I know all too well how hard it is to find a good car seat for your kids. I have three of them already, and I probably qualify for a Ph.D. in the matter. This is why I’ve decided to help you and save you a lot of time and spare you the frustration of picking a car seat from hell.

I’m ranking the top 3 car seats for 6 year olds and separately the top 3 car seats for 7 year olds on safety, comfort, ease of install and, of course, price.

No matter which one you choose from the list below, it’s a winner. There are only champions on my list, so you are in safe hands.

Let’s see those seats already!

 

In a Hurry? Here Are the Top Car Seats for 6 Year Olds

For parents who want the safest car seat while being skin-friendly and harmful chemical-free

For parents who want their child to sleep in as much comfort as possible and without head bobbing and compromised breathing

For parents who want a car seat that is functional at a reasonable price without any compromises on safety

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Researched Sources

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Reviews Considered

16
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Researching

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Products Evaluated

What Will I Learn? show

best car seat for 6 year olds and 7 year olds

 

Best Car Seats For 6 Year Olds

#1 Chicco MyFit – Best Car Seat for 6 Year Old

Best Car Seat for 6 Year OldsWe have a WINNER!

This car seat has everything that you will ever need for your 6-year-old. It is highly rated on safety, so no matter what happens, your child will be safe and sound.

And boy, let me tell you about the comfort! This car seat takes it to a whole other level. My 6-year-old son sat in this seat for 11 hours on our latest road trip and there were no complaints, naggings, or anything.

Best of all, Chicco did a great job with the seat’s design. There are no bobbing heads or dreaded head slumps. This means that your child’s airways are clear, and they will be able to sleep without a neck strain.

Here is why it’s top of my list:

  • It’s NOT a Baby Seat: As a matter of fact, it’s one of the coolest car seats for 6-year-olds, which will save them from embarrassment
  • Highly Rated for Safety: The Chicco Myfit seat comes with all the bells and whistles you can imagine, so your child will be safe and protected at all times
  • Triple-A for Comfort: This is one of the most comfortable car seats for six-year-olds. I have tested my seat on an 11-hour long drive and there were 0 complaints

Here are a few drawbacks that you might want to check out:

Hopefully, by the age of 6, your kids start to eat cleaner than mine because the padding on the straps is not removable and your only choice is spot cleaning.

This car seat is ideal for 3 across, so it’s geared towards thinner kids, which is important to know before you buy it.

The Chicco Myfit is an excellent choice for 6-year-olds. Not only is it safe and comfortable, but it also has that coolness factor. Also, keep in mind that this is a very popular car seat and stocks are always low, so you have to act quickly if you want this seat.

If you’re looking for something cheaper, check out #3 on my list.

Pros
  • It’s a heavy-duty car seat that won’t move no matter what
  • Your child will sleep easily without the dreaded head slump
  • It’s well-cushioned, and it won’t overheat
Cons
  • It has a narrow profile so thinner kids will be the most comfortable
  • Padding behind the belt not removable for washing

 

#2 Diono Radian – Best Booster Seat for 6-Year-Olds

Best Booster Seat for 6-Year-OldsThis car seat is the perfect choice for your 6-year-old in terms of safety, comfort, and, of course, coolness. No matter your needs, this car seat will keep up.

Not only is it good for 6-year-olds, but it will grow with your child until they don’t need a car seat anymore. In other words, this could very well be the last one you will ever have to buy.

It’s very resistant to wear and tear, so I have no doubt it will easily last 10 years. And best of all, you won’t be tempted to light the car on fire because of the dreaded installation. It’s simply a breeze; no rocket science diploma or Hulk strength needed.

You can’t beat the narrow profile, so multiple kids will be able to sit in a row comfortably.

Here’s why it’s a must-buy:

  • The Last Car Seat You Will Ever Need: This is built like a tank and it will last for a very long time. I’m pretty sure it will easily last 10 years
  • The Most Secure Car Seat: This seat has a steel core, so no matter what happens, your child will be protected at all times
  • Super Compact: If you have several kids, you will be able to do 3 across with ease, so no car upgrade will be needed

Here are a few drawbacks that you might want to check out:

Sadly, this car seat won’t win any beauty pageant contest because the sleek plastic and metal parts are visible. Although, I didn’t care because it does a great job with safety.

This car seat is also quite heavy, so you will struggle a bit if you’re swapping between cars. However, in my book, it’s heavy in all the right places.

The Diono Radian 3RXT has all the bases covered. It’s safe and comfortable and looks cool while being easy to install. Can you ask for more?

Since it’s a hot car seat, you need to act fast or you’ll risk waiting for the next shipment.

Pros
  • Finally, a car seat where the baby isn’t slouching or sliding down
  • It’s lightweight and easy to move around
  • It’s soft and padded plus it comes with side impact protection
Cons
  • The gray fabric is not that stain friendly
  • You can’t remove the fabric the only solution is spot cleaning

 

#3 Graco Tranzitions Backless Booster Seat – Safest Car Seat for 6 year old

Safest-Car-Seat-for-6-year-oldYou can have many reasons why the Graco Tranzitions Backless Booster Seat would be a good fit for you. First of all, it’s light in your pocket.

It has everything you will need to keep your six years old safe and comfortable. It’s a 3 in 1 car seat so you can start using it from an earlier age. Plus, the maximum weight limit is set to 100 pounds. This means that you’re getting a lot of use for the years to come.

It’s an ideal secondary car seat or for the grandparents. It has a narrow profile, so 3 across is possible. If there are other siblings, then they will be comfortable in the back row with enough space between them.

The installation is fairly simple;. There’s no rocket science involved. It’s not a heavy car seat, so you can easily swap it between cars.

It can be the last car seat you will ever use if you want to move to the seat belt option earlier.

Since the car seat is so affordable, you can buy multiple ones. Also, it’s a good travel companion. Beats are paying for those overcharged and uncomfortable car seats that rental companies have.

When money matters, Graco Tranzitions Backless Booster Seat is the best choice.

Pros
  • Finally, a super lightweight car seat that’s easy to transition in and out
  • It has a narrow profile so three car seat can be fitted in the back
  • The cushion gives extra comfort, so it’s good on long road trips
Cons
  • The armrest feels short you can only utilize them in backless booster mode
  • It’s not the prettiest car seat around it gives a cheap feeling

 

#4 Clek Oobr – Best Car Seat for 6 Year Olds

Best-Car-Seat-for-6-Year-OldsClek Oobr won the Best Car Seat for 6 Year Olds award.

If there were a beauty award for car seats, this would be the main contender. The Oobr is different. Kids at the age of 6 want to stand out from the crowd. This car seat will help them do that because it’s similar to the grownup car seat.

There’s far more going on with this car seat than its looks. This car seat has the highest safety rating that you can get. The frame is made out of though magnesium, and it’s built to protect your child. When you buy this car seat, it will be the last one you will ever need. The upper limit is set to 100 pounds, so you’ll be getting a lot of mileage out of it.

It’s as perfect as it can be when it comes to car seats. The installation is a breeze. Being parents of six-year-olds, you won’t have time to hassle with the install. The Clek Oobr has a rigid latch system that can be installed in less than 10 seconds. It’s one of the fastest ones you can choose.

Clek is known for making eco products. The fabric is made out of merino wool, and there are no harmful chemicals in it. If your child has sensitive skin, this is the go-to car seat.

This is why it’s the best car seat: kids love it because it’s different; it’s easy to install and doesn’t contain harmful chemicals.

Pros
  • It’s the best looking and safest car seat on the market
  • Right side click then left side click, and it’s installed
  • Superior fabric without any trace of toxic chemicals
Cons
  • It’s a pricey car seat to buy
  • In certain cars, it might cover the belt buckle

 

In a Hurry? Here Are the Top Car Seats for 7 Year Olds

For parents who want a car seat that is super-affordable without any compromises whatsoever

For parents who want the best in safety for their child while offering the best comfort for long road trips and being easy to install

For families who are a lot on the road and this car seat will eliminate crankiness and will protect your growing child

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2471
Reviews Considered

16
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Researching

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Products Evaluated

 

Best Car Seats For 7 Year Olds

#1 Britax Grow With You – Best Car Seat for 7 Year Olds

Best-Car-Seat-for-7-Year-OldsWe have a WINNER!

There’s nothing better for your 7-year-old than this Britax car seat. It’s one of the highest-rated seats on the market, so you can’t go wrong with it.

Your child will be able to enjoy the highest safety, which will keep them protected at all times while being comfortable.

I tested this car seat with my son on a road trip, and there were no complaints from the back row.

My friend Susan has six kids, and she also approves of this car seat. Her partner and she have multiple Britax seats, and she says that it’s all worth it for the kid’s safety.

Here is why it’s top of my list:

  • The Cadillac of Car Seats: Britax managed to create this car seat that is highly rated in terms of safety while being comfortable and looking cool for 7-year-olds
  • Road Trip Approved: This car seat is super comfortable. My son has sat in it for hours without any complaints, so it’s a great pick.
  • No More Cursing for Mommy: Finally, a car seat that doesn’t require high tax in the swear jar because it’s a breeze to install and get it right every time!

Here are a few drawbacks that you might want to check out:

This seat is heavy, so you won’t be hauling it around or swapping between cars anytime soon. However, it’s heavy in all the right places.

Even though the installation is easy, Britax could’ve done a better explanation video. Luckily, many parents filled this void on YouTube.

As you have seen, the Britax Grow With You car seat is a great choice for any 7-year-old. Not only is it safe and comfy, but it also looks cool. Now, this seat is one of the hottest selling car seats on the market, so you need to step on it or you might have to wait weeks on end for the next shipment.

If you’re looking for something cheaper, check out #2 on my list.

Pros
  • The safest car seat after you have clicked it in it doesn’t wiggle a bit
  • Your little one will be safe like a Nascar driver thanks to the 5-point harness
  • This is the ultimate traveling companion if you want to style
Cons
  • Big and heavy you won’t be swapping between cars
  • This car seat needs better instructional videos

 

#2 Graco Nautilus – Most Comfortable Car Seat for 7 Year Olds

Most-Comfortable-Car-Seat-for-7-Year-OldsYou can’t go wrong with one of the highest-rated car seats on Consumer Reports. It has everything that your 7-year-old child will ever need. It’s built to last.

My son loved the padding. It’s so soft and comfortable. If you touch it, you get the impression that it is memory foam. So, no wonder kids love it!

As kids get older, the safety levels tend to drop with most car seats. Thankfully, that is not the case with the Graco Nautilus. Your child gets the same protection at age 7 as if they were a toddler.

I loved the no-rethread harness. It makes the adjustments without a fuss.

Here’s why it’s a must-buy:

  • Versatile Seat: It’s ideal for a seven-year-old because it offers different setup options, and it won’t cost you an arm and a leg
  • Highly Rated: I checked Consumer Reports, and it’s one of the highest-rated car seats you can pick for your child
  • Comfort and more Comfort: The padding is simply perfectly soft. It’s almost like memory foam, so your child will be in great hands

Here are a few drawbacks that you might want to check out:

This car seat will serve your child for many years. However, the material that’s stitched on by elastic won’t last as long…

I miss the leveling guide from other brands, so getting the right fit will come down to trying over and over again.

All in all, the Graco Nautilus offers a lot of protection and safety in one package. Kids love it because it’s comfy, and parents love it because it’s one of the safest car seats.

However, it’s very popular, and people are buying them like hotcakes. So, you need to take action now if you want to get it.

Pros
  • It’s super easy to install just listen to the “Click” sound
  • It’s top-rated on Consumer Reports
  • Padded side protection for older kids not many car seats offer this
Cons
  • The material stitched on by elastic that par won’t last
  • There’s no leveling guide, so you have to guess

 

#3 Britax Midpoint High-Back Booster Car Seat – Best Booster Seat for  7 Year Olds

Best-Booster-Seat-for--7-Year-OldsNot everybody wants to mortgage their home just to get a decent car seat. This is why Britax Midpoint booster car seat won this award. It costs half than other brands while offering more features. That’s a big win in my book.

Some parents told us that their kids are regularly fighting over who gets to sit in the big kid chair. OK, they are not seven-year-old. Still, it’s good to know that kids want what’s the coolest.

This car seat is ideal for parents who want something light that can be easily swapped between cars. The Britax Midpoint booster car seat is lightweight and easy to move.

It comes with a belt guide that is the safest way to strap your child in. The fabric is some kind of futuristic sci-fi material. It passively cools your child during the summer heat. It’s a self-wicking material that drives the moisture away from the body. You won’t have to overuse the AC just to keep your child cool.

There’s no doubt that this car seat is for the big kids. The lowest weight limit is 40 pounds, while the upper limit is 120 pounds. When you get this car seat, it will be the last one you will ever need. After this, they will probably get their driver’s license and graduate from the second row to the first. This booster car seat deserves the spot on this list.

Pros
  • Finally, a car seat where the baby isn’t slouching or sliding down
  • It’s lightweight and easy to move around
  • It’s soft and padded plus it comes with side impact protection
Cons
  • The gray fabric is not that stain friendly
  • You can’t remove the fabric; the only solution is spot cleaning.

 

Buyer’s Guide for backless booster seats and high back booster seat

That’s a lot of information to go through, huh? I love to over-deliver, so I thought it would be a great idea to have a buyer’s guide. By checking it out, you will be able to eliminate car seats faster so you can spend time on those that really matter.

Over the past few years, I’ve reviewed over 50 car seats, so I’ve accumulated a lot of knowledge. I want to share with you the top highlights so you can work fast and efficiently as me.

Before we get to the buyer’s guide, let me share with you two hot tips. The first one is about where you place the car seat. Did you know that not all spots are equal? The safest place for your child is in the middle of the car. OK, I know that’s not practical for everyone, so here’s the second safest place which is behind the driver.

The next hot tip is about the correct install. Did you know that 75% of car seats in the US are not installed correctly? That’s a big problem. If the install is poor, then the car seat won’t be able to protect your child as it should.

When I’ve created the list above, I made sure that I only pick and choose car seats that are easy to install. As parents, we have a million and one things to do, and wasting time on installs is not one of them. Make sure that the seat is tight. The wiggle room should be less than an inch.

If you want a second opinion, you can reach out to a licensed professional. Amazon offers a car install service for a price as well. There’s no reason not to go with either of the options above.

Now let’s get this buyer’s guide stared.

 

Safety

Safety is the top priority for all parents. You can’t skimp out on this. Get the most protection as you can get.

Here’s a dirty secret that some brands don’t want you to know. All car seats on the market are safe because they’ve passed the safety tests. Now there are a few brands that barely passed. So which one would you like to protect your child, the one that barely passed or the one that went the extra mile?

All car seats have front and rear impact protection. More and more car seats use side impact as well. These usually range between 1 and 3 layers. A very few offer rollover crash protection. There is only a handful of them each year, but they contribute to most fatalities.

 

Size Limits

This is second on my list. Let’s face it these car seats are expensive, and you might have to buy multiple ones. Over here you can save some money. Best of all, you don’t even have to compromise on safety.

The secret is to buy it for a longer time. The car seats listed above for 6 and 7-year-olds are all lifers. So they are the last seats that you will ever have to buy. The longer a child can use the car seat, the more money you’re saving.

 

Install

The install is the most problematic with car seats. Some require you to be a professional athlete to get it to wiggle proof. Luckily I’ve picked those car seats which are easy to mount.

Luckily all brands have upgraded their seats. Now you’re getting effortless seat installation from most of them.

 

Fabric

Last but not least, I always look at the cover fabric. Even with 6 and 7-year-olds, you will have accidents. And as a parent, you must clean up for them.

So if we have to might as well choose that car seat, that’s the easiest to clean.

 

Conclusions

We have reached the end of the best car seat for 6-year-olds and 7 year old. By now you should know which car seat is the best fit for you.

There are different categories to choose from, so I made it easy for you. Now it’s your time dear reader take action. Last time I’ve checked, the stocks were running low, so hurry.

I would love to hear your thoughts about these car seats share them below.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

What car seat should a 7-year-old be in?

Depending on the weight of the 7-year-old child they can be in a high back booster seat or backless booster seat.

What kind of car seat should a 5-year-old be in?

A 5-year-old should be in a harness booster car seat or in an all in one car seat. Take a look at the best car seat for 5 year old for more top rated car seats.

What is the safest car seat on the market?

The safest car seat on the market is the Britax Advocate Clicktight convertible car seat.

What is the best car seat for a 6 year old?

The best car seat for a 6 year old would be the Clek Oobr High Back Booster Car Seat.

Which booster seats didn’t make it on the list?

There were a few backless booster seats that didn’t make the cut: Britax frontier belt-positioning booster car seat, Britax pioneer backless booster car seat, Britax frontier belt-positioning booster car seat, graco turbobooster, highback boosters with 5 point harness and other car seats (different car seats).

What are the weight requirements for these backless boosters for six years olds?

The weight requirements for backless booster seats 40 pounds and above. The height limit is 57 inches tall or occasionally 62 inches tall. These are all forward-facing car seat options so when your child is mature enough you can upgrade to booster mode. Your child has to be at least 40 pounds to get into belt positioning booster seat. They have to be mature enough to ride in a forward facing high back booster car seat or harness mode. If you’re interested in the best booster review check it out here.

What kind of safety standards are needed for a booster seat for six year olds?

Safety is important with booster mode seats as well. When your child is mature enough you can upgrade to forward-facing car seat belts. The best booster seat comes with two layers of side impact protection. Of course there’s seat belt fit and shoulder belt fit. The belt guides help with the fixing. In harness mode they still have the 5-point harness system. Make sure that the seat belt fits car’s seat belt guide for booster mode. As you know the 5-point harness is the safest harness on the market today. When you’re checking out a car seat check the crash test performance rating as well. These car seats are ideal for 4 years old and 8 year olds.

What is the best bet award for booster mode?

The best bet award is given out by the IIHS for booster mode and booster seat.

Do booster seat come with cup holders?

Yes the booster seat comes with cup holders. There are usually two cup holders. This is perfect because you can use it to store drinks and toys. Make sure that these cup holders are fixed so they don’t become projectiles.

How do you install booster mode for a 6 year old?

If you’re child is above 65 pounds then you can’t use the latch system. The only thing what has remained is the vehicle seat belt and shoulder belt for booster mode and booster seat. You can use the belt guides for the lap and shoulder belt. Since this is the last mode the seat belt will be the best one to go. After this the seat can be lost and the seat belt will be the fixer. You can use the shoulder belt guide for the belt fit.

What is a good alternative for the best car seat for 6 year old or booster seat?

Definitely the best alternative (booster seat alternative) would be a forward facing high back booster car seats: chicco kidfit forward facing high back booster car seats, evenflo maestro sport forward facing harness highback booster seat.

The best car seat for 6 year old is it good for car rides?

If your child meets the size requirements then car safety won’t be an issue. Keep in mind the harness weight limit and that’s it. On taxi rides you can use combination seats. Booster seat manufacturer stride to create the best travel combination car seats from a safety perspective. It’s also great that the height and weight limits are big. They are almost similar to the adult seat. You can use a booster seat whenever when you’re going with highback mode and travel booster seats. Some forward facing harness mode seats are also know as folding booster seats. The folding booster seat can be used by elementary school kids with the proper harness height positions. If your child meets the height and weight requirements then the belt positioning highback booster seat is the next upgrade but they have to be mature enough. These typically come with a carry bag.

What other features you will need to check out with belt positioning highback booster seat for 6 year olds?

These seats come with a storage compartment thanks to the car seat tech so you can hide the harness pads, harness straps when they are not in use. The car seat cover and seat pad should be washing machine friendly. It’s also good idea if you have a 2 in 1 adjustable headrest to make the necessary size adjustments. Here’s a list of other features to check out with the car’s seat: harness straps, foam padding, lap belt, harness height, shoulder belt guide.

What is an inflatable booster seat (backless booster seat, backless boosters)?

The inflatable booster seat (backless booster seat) it is what the name implies. You inflate them so your child’s body is comfortable in the car there’s no backless portion only the seat and this can be used for extended period by many kids. Sadly these booster seats don’t come with cup holders or cup holder. I can imagine these booster seats ideally as travel car seats or portable booster seat.  The inflatable ones can be secured with the lap belt and live up to the federal motor safety standard. Also it’s perfect for rental cars because it easily converts all needs and ensures ride safely.

Which is the best booster seat for a 6 year old (best booster seats)?

The best booster seat for a 6 year old including backless booster seat and high back booster seat is:

  • Graco Affix High back Booster Seat with Latch Connectors; comfortable arm rests
  • Chicco KidFit 2-in-1 Belt Positioning High Back Booster Car Seat ;
  • Evenflo Big Kid AMP High Back Booster Car Seat; passes federal safety standards
  • Graco SlimFit 3 in 1 Car Seat with 5 point harness (forward facing harness) and high back booster seats; integrated cup holders; comfy arm rests
  • Britax Grow with You ClickTight installation system Harness-2-Booster high back booster seat and backless booster seat for 6 year old;

Are backless booster seats recommended for young children or older children?

The backless booster seats are recommended for older children 6 year old and above so the child’s neck is above the child restraint. Either way it’s a good idea to check the weight and height requirements. For tall kids of course you can make an exception if they reach the weight limit and height limits. These backless booster seats rarely come with latch connectors. There’s no 5 point harness only the seat belt.

For a 6 year old a high back booster seat or backless booster seat is the right choice?

For a 6 year old there’s no clear cut choice between a high back booster and a backless booster seat (car booster seat).  If your 6 year old passes the safety requirements and your happy with the safety features the backless booster seats are a good choice. When you’re looking to get a new car seat you need to know if you want it to install it on the back seat or the front seat. Typically on the back seat your child won’t fall asleep that comfortably. Here are some features that the best booster seat (car booster seat, vehicle seat) should have: 5 point harness, cup holders, adjustable headrest, seat belt guides,  ensured that the child sits in the proper position (sit correctly),  comfortable head restraints (head restraint), steel frame preferably magnesium frame, minimal head movement during crash tests, recline mode, machine washable cover.  To ride in a booster mode set the preferred position the same time.

What is the best booster seat for 7 year old?

The best booster seat for 7 year old is the Britax Midpoint High-Back Booster Car Seat. It is lightweight and easy to move, and it comes with a belt guide to ensure your child is safely strapped in. Plus, the fabric is soft and comfortable, and it keeps your child cool in the summer heat.

What car seat should a 6 year old be in?

Most six year olds can sit in a high back booster seat or a backless booster seat. If your six year old can’t sit still in the car or still falls asleep in the car, it might be better to choose a five-point harness.

Do 6 year olds need a car seat?

A 6 year old kid requires a car seat or a booster seat to ride safely and lawfully in the vehicle. Seat belts are meant to keep adult bodies in check, so most children do not obtain a secure seat belt fit until they are 10-12 years old.

 

Last Updated on October 25, 2023 by Brian Beasley

Written by Linda Reid

Hey there, I'm Linda, a mom of three cool kids. I've tried so many car seats, you could call me a "Car Seat Detective." Searching for the perfect car seat can feel like finding a needle in a haystack, but don't worry! I've committed to researching and reviewing car seats that are super safe, cozy, and great for growing kids. Together, we'll find the perfect car seat that keeps your child safe and cozy, and makes you feel like a super-parent!