The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) released its latest reports on children’s booster seat evaluations. With safety in mind, IIHS, a non-profit organization funded by auto insurers, carries out research and produces ratings for passenger vehicles, as well as for certain consumer products like booster seats. In reading the report, it’s not just the seat that’s important, it’s how the seat and seatbealt fit the child. Most booster seats, unlike carseats, utilize a vehicle’s seatbelt. Carseat.org (link to an informational PDF) says booster seats are typically used by children 4 until 10.
According to IIHS, it’s important to note that the Institute doesn’t conduct vehicle crash tests to evaluate boosters because boosters don’t do the restraining in a crash. It’s the fit of the belt that’s important. A good booster routes the lap belt across a child’s upper thighs and positions the shoulder belt at midshoulder.
IIHS says that this year’s top-rated boosters outnumber ones that they don’t recommend. Brands such as Britax, Chicco, Clek, among others make the list. Read more to find out which seats make IIHS’ list.