Current booster ratings
IIHS ratings take the guesswork out of selecting boosters most likely to provide good lap and shoulder belt fit in a range of vehicles. Unlike child restraints with built-in harnesses, booster seats rely on vehicle safety belts to restrain children. Boosters are supposed to make adult belts fit children better and are for kids who have outgrown their forward-facing restraints.
Consumers can check the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s website for recalls on boosters and other child seats.
Manufacturers with top-rated boosters can use this logo in their advertising.
The Institute puts the booster seats it tests into four categories:
- BEST BETs are seats that provide good belt fit for typical 4 to 8 year-olds in almost any car, minivan or SUV.
- GOOD BETs provide acceptable belt fit in most cars, minivans or SUVs.
- Not Recommended don’t provide good belt fit and should be avoided.
There are currently no boosters on the market with this designation.
- Check Fit applies to booster seats the Institute has tested that have varied results depending on child size and vehicle model.
Proper fit is key
Our ratings identify boosters most likely to provide good lap and shoulder belt fit. Safety belts are designed with adults in mind, not kids, but when a booster seat is doing its job, the vehicle belt will fit a child correctly. That means the lap belt will lie flat across a child’s upper thighs, not across the soft abdomen, and the shoulder belt will cross snugly over the middle of a child’s shoulder.
Checking booster fit
Both the lap and shoulder belts must fit your child correctly.
Lap belt fit — The lap belt should lie flat and on top of the thighs, not higher up on the abdomen.
Good lap belt fit:
outline = arm rest removed to show belt positionPoor lap belt fit:
outline = arm rest removed to show belt position
Shoulder belt fit — The shoulder belt should fit snugly across the middle of the child’s shoulder.
If it falls off the shoulder or rests on your child’s neck, it won’t work as well. An improper fit could encourage your child to move the belt to a dangerous position, such as behind the back or under the arm.
Good shoulder belt fitPoor shoulder belt fitPoor shoulder belt fit
This 3D-printed dummy used in our booster evaluations is named Jasper (Juvenile Anthropomorphic Seat-belt Position Evaluation Rig) and represents a typical 6 year-old.
Test protocol
IIHS assesses boosters using a special dummy representing an average-size 6 year-old. Engineers measure how three-point lap and shoulder belts fit the dummy in each of the tested boosters under four conditions that span the range of safety belt configurations in vehicle models. An overall rating for each booster is then assigned based on the range of scores for the lap and shoulder belt measurements.
- IIHS booster protocol
- IIHS booster rating guidelines
- Booster test fixture drawing package
- Pelvis lap shield contour data
Graco TurboBooster Review – Updated Model
(Last Updated On: December 2, 2021)
Graco TurboBooster
The Graco TurboBooster has been a solid, well-fitting, popular booster seat for many years for good reason! It is lightweight, very simple to assemble and use, and fits a wide variety of children well.
It’s also budget friendly, making it a good choice for many families. The TurboBooster we know and love has seen a few small but important updates so we’ll take a look at this old friend with fresh eyes.
CSFTL Quick Stats
- High back booster weight range, United States: 40-100 pounds
- High back booster weight range, Canada: 40-100 pounds
- High back booster height range, United States: 43-57 inches tall (this height minimum has changed over the years, please confirm the minimum height for your seat)
- High back booster height range, Canada: 43-57 inches tall
- CSFTL recommends that children be at least 5 years old before moving to a booster seat.
- Backless booster weight range: 40-100 pounds
- Backless booster height range: 43-57 inches tall
- Expiration: 10 years
- Replace after any crash
- Does not require a vehicle head rest behind it
- No overhang allowed
- Required to be flush against the vehicle seat back
Features
- Two cupholders
- U-shaped hooks on bottom of the backrest that securely connect the back to the base
- IIHS Best Bet
Measurements
- Seat pan depth: 14 inches
- Width of high back at widest point: 17 inches
- Width of seat bottom with cup holders folded in: 17 inches
- Width of seat bottom with cup holders extended: 21 inches
- Internal seating width: 11 inches
- Height with headrest fully extended: 28 inches high
- Highest booster guide position: 19.
25 inches high - Weight, high back mode: 6.6 pounds
- Weight, backless mode: 3.3 pounds
25 inches highCarpooling Essentials
- Easy to set up without (very much or any) adult assistance
- Easy to carry
- Consistent belt fit
Assembly
The TurboBooster comes out of the box in five pieces: two armrests, a bottom, and two back pieces. The manual, registration card, screws for the armrests and the shoulder belt positioning guide for backless mode come in a plastic bag.
Do NOT throw away the screws!
Don’t throw away any of it, actually – it’s all very important! Be sure to fill out the registration card or register your seat online right away.
Graco TurboBooster assembly
The manual has clear assembly instructions. Here’s an overview:
First, put the lower back support and the headrest pieces together, then attach the soft goods.
Graco TurboBooster screws in the armrests
Next, attach the two armrests to the bottom part of the booster, and install the screws that came in the package with the manual.
The TurboBooster will not perform as intended in a crash without the screws – don’t forget them!
Graco TurboBooster assembly
To attach the high back portion of the booster to the bottom, line up the U shaped hooks on the bottom of the backrest with the bars on the base. Make sure that none of the soft goods are in the way, and lift the backrest up. It will click into place, then the booster is ready to be used!
Improved Base to Back Connection
The new connectors are a great design improvement – the backrest and bottom portions of the older versions of this seat notoriously fell apart if you tried to move it from car to car. This new version, however, is pretty darn secure, and can be moved with ease.
The final assembly step is to route the shoulder portion of the vehicle seat belt through the shoulder belt guide, then make sure that the lap belt is under the armrests.
Headrest Adjustment
Graco TurboBooster headrest adjustment
To adjust the height of the headrest and belt guide, squeeze the red handle at the top of the seat, then pull up.
Do this as the child grows to ensure that the red belt positioning guides are slightly above the child’s shoulders.
Vehicle Headrest
Graco TurboBooster gap between booster and vehicle seat
When using the TurboBooster in high back mode, it does not require a vehicle head rest behind it. The manual specifically states that the vehicle headrest should not create a gap between the vehicle seat and the booster seat. If the head restraint pushes the headrest forward, adjust or remove it so the seat will sit flush against the seat back.
Check your vehicle manual to make sure that removing the head rest is allowed — if the head rest is creating a gap and cannot be removed from the vehicle, you’ll need to try a different seating position. Remember, though, that in backless mode, the child must have head support to the tops of their ears.
Overhang
Graco TurboBooster does not permit overhang
The manual prohibits the booster from extending off of the vehicle seat in any way.
This restriction could make the TurboBooster incompatible in some shallow seating positions. Be sure to check how the booster fits on the vehicle seat when choosing where to use it in your car.
Fit to Child
High Back Mode
5 Years Old
Graco TurboBooster 5 years old
This model is 5 years old and at the top of the charts for both height and weight. He’s 47 inches tall and a solid 84 pounds. He is new to non-harnessed car seats, but is booster training in his dad’s truck on short drives around town. Believe it or not, he still fits within the weight and height limits of his Britax Frontier in his mom’s car!
When using the TurboBooster in high back mode, the shoulder belt crosses his collarbone, but is a little high on his neck. The lap belt is nice and low on his hips, touching his thighs.
The first few times he tried to climb into the TurboBooster, the seat moved around on him a bit, and he had to get out and start over. After a few tries, though, he figured out how to climb in without moving the booster seat out of position.
He does not have much hip room to spare in this seat, but he claims it’s “comfy” regardless. He is able to sit all the way back, and properly route both the lap and shoulder belt portions under the armrests. When he tries to buckle the seat belt, he has to rotate around and lean over fairly far to connect the belt pieces, but he’s learning quickly how to remove the extra slack this creates and to ensure that the shoulder belt remains in the belt guide.
More About Our Model
A wider booster would likely be more comfortable for this model, but he has no complaints about this seat. The headwings and high back are a good reminder for him to sit up straight, though I doubt he has room to slump because he has broad shoulders and behind. He particularly likes the cupholders, and the fact that they slide in and out. Perfect for hiding treasures!
Since he is at the top of the charts for height and off the charts for weight, this seat will not last him as long as most other children.
But if your little is of average height and weight, this is a great seat that will fit them well.
Note About the Shoulder Belt Guide
The vehicle seat belt does slip out of the shoulder belt guide rather easily in the course of regular use. It is very easy to slide the belt right back in, but make sure that someone checks every time the child buckles in that the shoulder belt is still in the guide.
6 Years Old
Graco TurboBooster: 6 years old
This model is 6 years old. He weighs 42 pounds and is 42 inches tall. The TurboBooster fit him well, he was able to buckle himself in without any issues, and he found the seat comfortable. It’s this kind of consistent belt fit that makes us such big fans of the TurboBooster!
We removed the padding insert in the headrest with this model. The TurboBooster fit him better without that insert.
8 Years Old
Graco TurboBooster 8 years old
This kiddo is 8 years old. She weighs 45 pounds and is 46 inches tall.
The TurboBooster fits her well. She finds it very comfortable and she likes the slide out cupholders.
7 Years Old
Backless Mode
Graco TurboBooster 7 years old
This model is 7 years old, weighs 100 pounds, and is 54.5 inches tall. She is right at the weight limit for the TurboBooster, and close to the height limit of the high back booster portion of the seat. Even though she is within the stated limits of the seat, she has already outgrown it in high back mode. The headrest is too low, making the vehicle seat belt curve below her shoulder.
When we took the back off the seat, she got a much better fit in the TurboBooster. She doesn’t have a lot of room to maneuver the seat belt, but she’s a booster pro and was able to buckle herself in with no issues. The shoulder belt fit was great, so we didn’t have to use the seat belt positioner that comes with the seat. This is the same booster she uses in her mom’s car, so she was an old pro.
7.5 Years Old
Graco TurboBooster: 7.
5 years old
This model is 7.5 years old, weighs 63 pounds, and is 50 inches tall. She’s got plenty of room to grow and enjoys the novelty of the occasional backless booster ride. The TurboBooster is easy enough for her to carry around and set up in the vehicle so it would be a great carpool option for her!
Important Information: Where to Find
FAA Approval
Graco TurboBooster FAA label
The TurboBooster requires a lap and shoulder belt, so it (like all boosters) is not FAA approved. However, the backless portion of the seat is light and compact enough that it could easily be carried on board the plane and stored in the overhead bin. Then you will be sure to have it at your destination.
The label prohibiting use on aircraft is on the bottom of the backless portion of the seat.
Manual Storage
There is a handy spot on the bottom of the backless booster portion of the seat to store the manual.
Expiration
Graco TurboBooster manual storage and date of manufacture
This TurboBooster has a 10 year expiration.
You can find this information in the manual, and also stamped on the bottom of the seat. The date of manufacture label is on the bottom of the backless portion of the seat, too, and will show when the seat was manufactured.
Pros
- Budget friendly
- Does not require vehicle head support
- Converts to backless mode
- Has cup holders
- Easy to use
- U-shaped hooks on bottom of the backrest that securely connect the back to the base
Cons
- Narrow seating area
- Requires assembly, specifically screws in the armrests
- Booster cannot hang over the edge of the vehicle seat
- No lower anchors
Overall Thoughts
I have very few complaints about the TurboBooster. It provides a good belt fit for both the shoulder belt and lap belt for most booster-ready children. It is easy to put together and use, it is reasonably priced, and, according to my model, relatively comfortable. It is lightweight, making it a good choice for travel, and easy to move between cars.
The cupholders are a nice bonus, but make sure no perishables get tucked away in there – that could be gross! All in all, this updated version of the seat takes everything we liked about the earlier version and makes it better.
Originally written by Kristina Hocking, edits maintained by CSFTL
Nautilus SnugLock Forward Harness Booster reviews and… 🪑 Car Seats, 🚗 Car Seats & Accessories
Media
(4)
Details
| Brand | GRACO |
|---|---|
| Installation Type 9 0030 | Seat Belt, Latch |
| Material | Polyester |
| Color | Franco |
| Orientation | Forward Facing 9 0032 |
Description Nautilus SnugLock Forward Harness Booster
3-in-1 grows with your child: from forward-facing seat belts (22-65 pounds) to high-back booster (40-100 pounds) and backless booster (40-120 pounds).
Cultivation Technology: The backrest expands as the headrest is raised, ensuring the best possible fit and comfort for your child at every stage. SnugLock technology installs in less than one minute with a car seat belt or LATCH. Graco ProtectPlus Engineered: A combination of the most stringent crash tests to help protect your child in frontal and rear crashes…
Show more
Great car seat in Car Seats
Melanie L. Lang
United Kingdom, Belfast
Level 1
450 Review
0 Karma
Great car seat for toddlers and older. I like that it’s thin. We have a small car and with another baby on the road, I needed something less bulky than my other Graco car seat. This one is super thin. Very well made and easy to install. I love that my little one can grow into it and it has different settings for every age of her car seat travel.
Definitely recommend! It is very beautiful and graceful. The lid is also easy to remove and wash. The price is pretty…
Pros
Cons
-
Nothing here
I have a few questions: Car seats and accessories
Ryan H. Harriger
1 Level
494 Review
0 Karma
Bought this car seat for my 5 year old daughter – we used Nuna Rava on her, which we love, but we are ready to sit on the booster to change dishes. Installing this chair is an absolute breeze. I have two big problems with this seat: 1. It makes the loudest beep when your child is in it – there is foam on the sides of the seats and every time your child is in the seat or you drive on a bumpy road, the car seat makes unbearable sounds from the friction of the foam .
..
Pros
-
Crossed fingers
Cons
-
Very expensive
901 35 Published on January 06, 2023
Excellent 3 in 1 car seat.
Hayden T. Tang
1 Level
478 Review
0 Karma
I bought this seat for my 7 year old daughter who is 46 inches tall and weighs about 43 pounds. It has evolved from a forward-facing seat belt system and now uses the high-back reinforcement feature. She likes it because the car seat belt is more comfortable. and less annoying to use. She is very annoyed by the straps that wrap around her legs and groin area. As expected from Graco, the car seat comes with good documentation and instructions for…
Pros
-
Great choice
Cons
-
Trading
9017 1 Posted on January 06, 2023 
551Z”> Updated on January 06, 2023
Convenient and easy to install
Cody H. Hinckley
1 Level
1115 Review
0 Karma
The car seat has a minimum weight of 22 pounds and is forward facing only, so it is not suitable for children under 1 year old. The rear-facing seat provides more support and security, so ideally this Graco car seat should not be used until the rear-facing seat has exhausted its capacity. It’s also a great “grow with me” seat that offers seat belts, then a high-back reinforcement for proper seat belt position…
Pros
-
Hands free
Cons
-
Little things
9 0207 Published on January 06, 2023
Graco Nautilus for Boosters
Sandra G. Getchu
Bulgaria, Sofia
1 Level
419 Review
0 Karma
The Graco Nautilus is a 3-in-1 device that grows with your child car seat.
SnugLock technology installs in less than a minute with a car seat belt or buckle. The backrest expands as the headrest is raised, giving your child the best fit and comfort with every step. The Protect Plus system protects your child in the event of an accident. Protects against rollover, frontal, side and rear impacts. Headrest adjustable in 10 positions…
Pros
-
even old fashioned
Cons
-
Mostly good, but…
9000 2
Good car seat with excellent specifications, but comfort and build quality could be better.
Tracy A. Anderson
Peru
1 Level
457 Review
0 Karma
I needed another car seat for my eldest daughter who will soon outgrow car seats too, so we bought this Graco baby seat that works if we need to repair it.
My family has been using Chicco car seats for 7 years now and they love the quality so this Graco can be compared to our experience with Chicco. The Graco car seat looks good with plenty of padding and is much lighter than our Chicco car seats which is great when you need to move…
Pros
-
Pleasant
Cons
-
I won’t say anything
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Graco Endure Car Seat Review – Car Kids
-36 kg, 9 months – 12 years
Removed
from production
Other car seats of the same group
Britax RömerAdvansafix M i-Size
41 550
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31 500 24 600
AvovaSanderling-Fix
32 900
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) is a car seat for children from one to 12 years old.
Contents
Features
Safety
Adjustments
Car installation
Child restraint
Quality of materials
Instructions
Accessories
Features
Standard: ECE 44/0 4
Group: 1-2-3 (from 9up to 36 kg)
Height: 80 to 150 cm
Chair weight: 5.75 kg
Dimensions H × W × D: 82 × 46 × 52
90 002 This review features the Graco Endure Car Seat in Black. The versatile Endure chair has a number of advantages: roomy seat, wide headrest, breathable materials, easy installation.
Safety
The chair has a lightweight yet durable construction. The deep headrest provides good head protection, the sidewalls cover the child’s shoulders in a side impact.
Adjustments
The car seat has a number of convenient adjustments that allow you to adapt the seat to the age and height of the child.
The headrest is adjustable in height to ensure that the child fits properly in the seat as they grow.
To raise the head restraint, use the gray button located at the back, in the upper part.
There are 7 height adjustment positions for the head restraint.
Graco Endure headrest adjustment
Inner five-point harness adjustable in three positions.
To adjust the height of the straps, remove the shoulder straps from the metal holder on the back of the chair. Then rearrange the belts to the required position and connect them back.
Graco Endure adjustment neney
Graco Endure Adjustment
Internal straps lock in three positions
The car seat has a backrest tilt to match the angle of the car sofa. It is enough to press hard on the back.
Graco Endure Tilt Adjustment
Vehicle Installation
Endure is forward-facing mounted using the vehicle’s original seat belts. To attach the car seat, special guides are used, marked with red arrows. When properly installed in the car, the car seat is firmly fixed to the sofa.
Belt slot (group 1)
Diagonal belt guide (group 2-3)
Lap belt guide (Group 2-3)
Mounting options
Forward-facing installation: Group 1 (9 to 18 kg)
Vehicle belt passes through the holes on the sides of the seat.
View from the center of the car
View from the side of the car door
18kg)
A special anatomic insert is provided for babies. A small child is tightly fixed in the chair, which ensures greater safety.
Up to the age of four, the child is secured in the car seat with a five-point safety harness.
The shoulder straps are equipped with wide and soft pads made of thick non-slip fabric.
There are plastic holders on the sides so that the belts do not interfere when the child is seated.
Before placing the child in the seat, you need to unfasten the lock by pressing the red button in its center.
Next, stretch the straps to their full length. The belts are pulled out by pressing a button in the slot in the lower central part of the seat. After landing, the belts are reduced to one point and fixed in the lock. The lock is framed by a soft lining that protects the child’s groin from injury.
Graco Endure Child Restraint
The harness system tightens with a strap located under the button.
Transformation
At the age of 3-4 years (height above 95 cm), the child is fixed with a regular car belt. The chair transforms into a group 2-3.
The five-point harness and buckle are attached to the chair base using metal holders. When transformed into a group 2-3, they are completely removed.
Group 2-3 (15-36 kg)
The child and seat are held in place by the vehicle’s standard three-point seat belt. The belt passes through special guides.
Before the child sits in the seat, the diagonal strap must first be guided into one of the red plastic guides under the headrest.
They are located on both sides and are used depending on where the child seat will be installed in the car. The guides are located very conveniently, so the belt is carried out easily.
After the child is seated in the seat, you need to connect the two straps of the car belt under the armrest, pull it up to the lock and click it into place. It is important that the belts are not twisted and well tensioned.
Material quality
The fabric is soft, pleasant to the touch, does not irritate the skin.
Car seat cover can be easily removed and machine washed at 30 degrees (delicate wash).
Car seat frame made of high impact plastic.
Instructions
Instructions in Russian included.
The instructions are located on the side, in the inner pocket of the upholstery.
There are pictograms with installation information on the side of the chair body. Mounting schemes are as simple and clear as possible.