Car Seats: Booster Seat

For information on rear-facing and forward-facing car seats, check out our blogs “Car Seats: Rear-Facing” and “Car Seats: Forward-Facing.”

A forward-facing seat with a harness should be used until a child reaches the top height or weight limits listed on the seat. Once they have reached these limits, then a child should move into a booster seat placed in the back seat.

There are 4 types of booster seats:

1. Booster seat with back. A booster seat is designed to boost the child’s height so that the seat belt fits properly. This type of booster provides neck and head support. It is ideal for vehicles that do not have head rests or high seat backs.
2. Backless booster seat. A backless booster seat is designed to boost the child’s height so that the seat belt fits properly. It does not provide head and neck support. It is only for vehicles that already have head restraints.
3. Combination seat. This seat transitions form a forward-facing seat with a harness into a booster.
4. All-in-one seat. This seat can change from rear-facing, to forward-facing, to a booster seat as a child grows. Make sure to carefully read the manufacturer’s description as to when it is time for your child to switch. 

A booster seat is designed to boost the child’s height so that a seatbelt will fit properly over the strongest parts of the child’s body. This can help reduce injury during a crash.

For more information, visit the NHTSA’s car seat and booster seat recommendations or review the Colorado car seat and booster seat FAQs.