The Best Car Seat for 8 Year Old with Pros, Cons & Recommendations

 

Welcome to the Best Car Seat for 8 Year Old Awards!

After spending the last month testing car seats for 8 year olds by asking other moms, checking reviews, investigating recalls and putting my own son in the car and driving endless to see his reactions; meanwhile my husband was kicking back at home (you owe me one honey…); I’m ready to reveal which are the best seats.

Look:

Finding the perfect car seat for your 8 year old comes down to three things the length they will be using, the safety features you want and your budget. As soon as you know this it will be super easy to pick the right seat from the list below.

You see I’m a mom of 3 and my perfect little angel kids (mostly when sleeping) forced me to become an expert in car seats. So I thought it would help a lot of parents to find their perfect seat without wasting time.

I’m ranking the top 5 car seats for 8 year olds on safety features, comfort levels, installation speed and difficulty and of course, price.

Now you can rest assured that picking any car seat from the list below is a good one because only the best of the best are listed below.

Let’s see those car seats already!

 

[lwptoc]

 

#1 Diono Solana 2 XL Lightweight Backless Belt-Positioning Booster Car Seat – Best Booster Seat For 8 Year Old

We have a WINNER!

It’s the perfect booster seat for an 8 year old. It will keep your child safe before they can transition to the seat belt.

If you have a bigger child then they will fit perfectly without pain and the hips won’t get sore. It’s super comfy as well. What I loved about this booster is that the seat belt is positioned perfectly for optimal protection.

You can’t expect anything less from Diono than a beautiful car seat. It’s lightweight so you can easily move it between cars. And it comes with latches so it won’t move from the seat and become a projectile.

This is why this car seat got top of my list:

• Safe and Safe: Your child will be riding in safety with this backless booster seat plus it comes with anchors so it won’t become a projectile.
• Perfect for Bigger Kids: This booster seat is wide and it’s a perfect fit for older kids like 8 and above; it will keep your child safe and comfy
• For on the Go: You will be able to easily mount it or remove it and swapping between cars is a child’s play.

A few drawbacks I’ve found:

The product description is not accurate regarding the width, the actual size at its widest point is 18.5” which means that you won’t be able to do 3-across with this one.

This booster seat has minimal cushion, and it might be too thin to some kids, mine didn’t have any issues whatsoever.

For an 8 year old this car seat has been simply perfect. It comes with everything needed plus it’s easy to move around and lightweight for vehicle swapping.

However, it’s one of the most popular booster seats on the market, so you’re against stiff competition. The stocks are running low and you have to move quickly if you want to snag one before they run out.

If you want something cheaper, then check out #2 on my list.

 

#2 Chicco GoFit Backless Booster Car Seat – Safest Car Seat For 8 Year-Old

With this Chicco you’re getting one of the safest car seats for your child. No matter what happens, they will be protected at all costs.

The thing is as you go through the different car seat stages they are getting fewer safety features and become less comfortable. Well it’s not the case with this Chicco. By far it’s the most comfortable that I’ve ever had tried.

My kids are living proof because they weren’t complaining or annoying me while I tested these seats.

The best way to describe this seat is to be snug and secure. There’s no assembly needed and being lightweight you can easily swap it between cars.

Many parents buy this car seat for the sitter and grandparents because it’s so easy to use and it’s affordable.

This is why it’s a must-buy:

• The Most Comfortable: If you’re planning to take a long trip then this is the car seat you need to choose; it will make the ride a lot smoother
• Speedy Install: Thanks to the quick release you will be able to swap it between vehicles in record time
• Not a Baby Seat: Your 8 year old won’t be complaining that you’re forcing them to sit in a baby seat, it looks like an adult seat

Here are a few drawbacks to consider:

This booster seat doesn’t come with an anchor so it can potentially become a loose projectile, however it didn’t happen to me and I’ve used it for many miles.

Another thing that a few parents reported was that the seat slides 2-3” to the front making it uncomfortable for your child, maybe this is car-dependent, but I have never experienced it.

All in all this Chicco GoFit is an excellent booster seat for your 8 year old. By far it’s the most comfortable car seat that you can get and it’s easy to move around.

Since it’s so popular, no wonder they are almost sold out. Now you need to move if you want to grab this car seat before the next shipment comes in which can be weeks if not more.

 

#3 Graco TurboBooster Backless Booster Car Seat – Best Car Seat For 8 Year Old Boy

Boys and their toys. It starts at an early age. Not only you can’t put them in any car seat but now it has to be a boy seat as well.

Luckily this Graco TurboBooster matches all criteria. It’s safe and comfortable while being easy to wash and it doesn’t look like a baby seat. Furthermore it looks like a boy’s chair so finally there are no more complaints about it.

What I love about the TurboBooster is that it’s easy to strap in, which means kids can do it by themselves after a certain age.

Since it doesn’t have a back, it’s quite small and will fit in compact cars.

This is why it’s a must-buy:

• Game Changer: Wow I was blown away by this booster seat; it’s safe, comfy and lightweight for easy transport, do you need more?
• Perfect for 8-year-olds Who Have Outgrown Lifer Seats: Yes I know it sucks and it happened to me as well that my child has outlasted the growth with your car seats; this booster will be the perfect match until they get to the seat belt
• Not a Full Cardio Program to Install it: Finally, a car seat that doesn’t require you to sweat your guts out just to mount it properly

Here are a few drawbacks to consider:

This Graco booster seat is a floater and it might become a projectile because there’s no latch. If you want to be on the safe side, you might need to get away to strap it down when it’s not occupied.

To my surprise this car seat is quite wide which means that you won’t be able to do 3-across, however it will be a great fit for an 8-year-old.

With this Graco booster seat you’re getting everything at a very affordable price. They haven’t cut any corners or tried to sell you junk. It’s the real deal.

 

#4 BubbleBum Hybrid Inflatable Travel Booster Car Seat – Best Inflatable Booster Car Seat

An inflatable booster seat??? What will they think of next?

I wanted to pass it off as a joke and to my surprise it’s the real deal and it has been accredited so it’s safe to use.

On a more serious note, this is a short-term solution, and it’s not meant to be used as a regular car seat. For that you will need a proper one.

If you’re traveling and you don’t want to haul a big all-in-one car seat that you will be forced to check at the gate, then this small inflatable booster seat will do the trick.

It can be inflated within 4-5 puffs and deflation is just as fast plus it takes up no space whatsoever. If you happen to be flying it can serve as a great pillow for your child.

This is why it’s a must-buy:

• Made for Short Trips: No matter you need it for a carpooling, taxi, Uber or plane this inflatable booster seat will be a great companion on the trip
• Fits in my Purse: One of the benefits of the inflatable booster is that you can remove the air roll it up and it takes no space at all I’ve managed to put it in my purse
• Develops Child’s Autonomy: This booster seat is easy to install and it’s easy to self-buckle so kids will have a great time developing their independence

Here are a few drawbacks to consider:

What if the expiration date is just 4 years away??? Well this is one of the main drawbacks of this inflatable booster seat. Luckily it’s very inexpensive even if you have to buy two of these.

Since it’s an inflatable booster seat, it’s not that stable and I wouldn’t recommend it for long trips. For those you will need a proper booster seat.

If you’re traveling this is a must-have for your kids. It’s quite inexpensive and takes up no space at all. Best of all you can inflate it with just 4-5 puffs, and you’re ready to roll.

Since it’s so popular, no wonder people are buying them up like crazy. The last time I checked, there was only a handful left, so you need to move or risk waiting for weeks on end.

 

#5 Mifold Comfort Grab-and-go Car Booster Seat – Best Travel Booster Car Seat

By far this is the best travel booster seat that you can buy. It’s well built and offers maximum protection for your child while being lightweight so you can easily carry it.

What I love about this car seat is that it allows for kids to test their independence. The Mifold is quite easy to buckle so kids can do it by themselves.

There will be no fusses about the looks because it’s cool and it’s far from the baby car seat look.

Now, this booster seat can serve as a great in the sitter’s car and even grandparents will be able to use it without issues.

This is why it’s a must-buy:

• Great Protection: This booster seat will keep your child safe from harm no matter what happens
• Perfect Backup Booster: If you have a sitter who takes care of your kids or even the grandparents can use this booster because it’s so easy to install
• Tiny and Cute: Mifold knows how to create a good looking car seat plus when folded it fits in the glove compartment

Here are a few drawbacks to consider:

This travel booster seat looks nice and sweet until you sit on it, because it’s not that padded and it’s not that super comfy seat either, however your child won’t be sitting on hard plastic either.

As the title says it’s a travel seat that should be used for a short duration and it shouldn’t be your main booster seat.

All in all this Mifold booster seat is a great solution for travel. It takes up only a small space, and it’s easy to carry no matter where you’re going. It’s the perfect solution for the travelling family.

Now since it’s so inexpensive and it’s very trendy people buying them up like crazy. Sometimes they are actually out of stock, so you have to return on a later date. If you hurry you might just snag the last one.

 

Which is the Best Backless Booster Seat?

The best backless booster seat is the Diono Solana. It’s one of the safest and most comfortable booster seats that you can get. Plus it comes with latches so the seat doesn’t become a dangerous projectile. For all these reasons is the best backless booster seat.

 

Which is the best Booster Seat For 9 Year Old?

The best booster seats for 9 year old would be:

• Diono Monterey XT Latch : Best Overall Booster Seat for 9 year old

• Graco TurboBooster LX : Best Booster Seat for Multiple Cars

• Chicco KidFit 2-in-1 : Best Booster Seat for Comfort for a 9 Year old

 

What’s the Booster Seat Age?

The booster seat age varies from state to state. Although the most common age for boosters is the age of 4.

 

Which is the Best Booster Seat For 7 Year Old?

The best booster seat for 7 year olds would be:

• Britax Grow With You

• Graco Nautilus

• Britax Midpoint

 

Which is the Safest Car Seat For 7 Year-Old?

The safest car seat for 7 year old would be the Britax Grow With You. Britax is known for its excellent safety ratings.

 

Which is the Best Car Seat For 7 Year Old Boy

The best car seat for a 7 year old boy would be the Britax Midpoint it has some manly colors and it doesn’t look like a baby seat.

 

Conclusions for the Best Car Seat for 8 Year Old

We have reached the end of this award ceremony. You probably already picked the right car seat for your needs.

As promised I’ve done my best to deliver the best seats and also covered every interest as best as I could.

Since I’ve picked the best sellers and most popular ones then you can expect the stocks to be low. This means you need to move fast to secure that booster seat.

Also, you might be able to help me, if you loved the content and found it useful please share it because that would help me a lot. Thank you!

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

What kind of car seat should an 8 year old be in?

An 8 year old should be in a booster seat. Depending on their weight and height this can be a high back or backless booster seat. In most cases parents opt for the backless booster to make things easier.

Can my 8 year old use a backless booster seat?

Yes, an 8 year old can use a backless booster seat  if they are in the minimum weight and height requirements set by the manufacturer.

Should an 8 year old be in a 5 point harness?

There’s no car seat that offers a 5 point harness for an 8 year old. Even though that’s the safest way to secure your child it’s not possible at this age.

Is 8 too old for a car seat?

No your 8 year old is not too old for a booster seat if the seat belt can’t be applied correctly. Plus you need to check state laws because some require booster seats until the age of 12.

What is the safest car seat for 8 year old?

The safest car seat for 8 year old is the Chicco GoFit Backless Booster Car Seat. This seat is highly rated for safety and it’s also comfortable.

What should I keep in mind if buying a car seat?

When it comes to car seats, there are a few things to keep in mind. For one, each seat has limits in terms of height and weight. It’s important to make sure your child is within the range specified by the seat manufacturer. Additionally, most car seats are designed for children who are at least 4 years old. However, there are some seats that are specifically designed for 8 year olds and up. These seats typically have lap belts and shoulder straps that can be adjusted to fit a wider range of body sizes. Lastly, when choosing a car seat, it’s important to consider the fabric and design. Some seats have padded fabric that can be more comfortable for long car rides, while others have a more basic design. Ultimately, the best car seat for your 8 year old will depend on their individual needs and preferences.

When children outgrow their infant or toddler car seats, it’s time to switch to a bigger seat. Depending on the height and weight of your child, they may need a car seat with a 5-point harness, a booster seat, or simply a seatbelt. However, finding the right car seat for an 8 year old can be tricky. In order to ensure that your child is safe and comfortable, you’ll need to consider factors like headrests, neck support, cup holders, and the type of seatbelt they need. Additionally, it’s important to regularly clean and inspect your child’s car seat for signs of wear and tear. By taking the time to find the right car seat for your 8 year old, you can help keep them safe on the road.

When Can My Child Stop Using a Booster Seat?

The answer to this question varies based on a few different factors, such as the child’s height, weight, and age. In general, however, most children can safely transition to a seat belt at around 4 feet 9 inches tall. However, it is important to keep in mind that height is not the only factor to consider. Children of all heights can benefit from using a booster seat, as it helps to position the seat belt correctly. This is especially important for children who are between the ages of 8 and 12, as they are more likely to be involved in a crash. Additionally, many booster seats come equipped with side impact protection, which can be beneficial for all children.

When it comes to choosing a booster seat, there are a variety of options available on the market. Some seats recline for added comfort, while others come with storage compartments for convenience. There are even models that convert into a step stool, making it easy for kids to get in and out of the car. With so many options available, there is sure to be a booster seat that meets your needs and budget.

What car seat for 8 year old?

There are so many different options on the market, and it can be hard to know which one is best for your needs. However, when it comes to choosing a car seat for an 8 year old, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, booster mode car seats are typically the best value for money. They offer a quality shell and ample padding, and they can be used in both booster mode and backless mode. Additionally, many booster mode car seats come with adjustable straps and clips that make it easy to customize the fit for your child. Finally, when choosing a car seat for an 8 year old, it is important to consider the child’s ability to stay seated during a long car ride. For this reason, many parents opt for a car seat with a high back and headrest. This type of seat offers superior support and can help to prevent neck and head injuries in the event of an accident. Whether you choose a booster mode or backless mode car seat, be sure to select one that is durable, comfortable, and easy to install. With so many different options on the market, you’re sure to find the perfect car seat for your 8 year old.

What kind of car seats can I buy?

A convertible car seat can be used in both the rear-facing and forward-facing positions, making it a versatile option for families with children of different ages. An infant car seat is designed specifically for newborns and small babies, and must be used in the rear-facing position. A rear-facing car seat is recommended for infants and small children up to the age of two, as it provides superior protection in the event of a collision. A belt-positioning booster seat is intended for use by children who have outgrown their car seats but are not yet big enough to use a seat belt safely. Booster seats help to position the seat belt correctly on the child’s body, ensuring that it provides adequate protection in the event of an accident.

 

 

What factors should one consider when looking for a car seat for an 8 year old?

When shopping for a car seat for an 8 year old, you should consider length of use, safety features and budget.

What is the Diono Solana 2 XL Lightweight Backless Belt-Positioning Booster Car Seat like?

The Diono Solana 2 XL Lightweight Backless Belt-Positioning Booster Car Seat is safe and comfortable for bigger kids, easy to move between cars, but not suitable for 3 across.

What makes Chicco GoFit Backless Booster Car Seat a good option?

The Chicco GoFit Backless Booster Car Seat made our list due to its comfort level and ease of installation. However, it does not have latches so may become a projectile.

Why is Graco TurboBooster Backless Booster Car Seat great for 8 year olds who outgrew life seats?

Graco TurboBooster Backless Booster Car Seat has easy installation, good fit and boy friendly look – however no latch prevents projectile mode making it perfect for 8 year olds who outgrown life seats.” ”

What is the best car seat for 8 year olds?

The best car seat for 8 year olds depends on length of use, safety features and budget. Some good options include the Diono Solana 2 XL Lightweight Backless Belt-Positioning Booster Car Seat, Chicco GoFit Backless Booster Car Seat or Graco TurboBooster Backless Booster Car Seat.

What are some safety features of a booster seat?

Safety features of a booster seat include adjustable shoulder straps, buckle positioners, chest clips and an anti-submarine feature. The Diono Solana 2 XL Lightweight Backless Belt-Positioning Booster Car Seat includes all these features for added security and comfort.

How does Graco TurboBooster backless booster car seat look?

The Graco TurboBooster backless booster car seat has a boy friendly design that makes it perfect for 8 year olds who outgrown life seats with easy installation, good fit and comfortable look.” ”

Does my 8 year old need a booster seat?

Yes, your eight year old should use a booster seat when travelling in a vehicle. Booster seats help to ensure proper positioning of the adult lap/shoulder vehicle belt on children between 30-100 lbs (approx. 4 – 10 years). Highback boosters provide additional neck and head support when compared to traditional backless versions.

What are the weight limits for car seats?

Weight limits for car seats vary depending on the type of model and manufacturer specifications. Generally speaking, small infants up to 22lbs typically require rear-facing infant carriers; children from 20-65lbs should use forward facing harnesses; and larger kids weighing 40-120lbs need either highback or backless booster seats with lap belts secured by adult safety belts.

What kind of latch system do most car seats come with?

Most car seats come equipped with Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) systems designed to secure them tightly in place within the vehicle during travel. Vehicles manufactured after 2002 must include LATCH anchors in both front & rear designated seating positions making it easier than ever before to install child restraints without using any additional components like locking clips or safety straps.”

Last Updated on November 7, 2023 by Brian Beasley