The Doona Infant Car Seat combines a car seat and a stroller into one convenient package. Its compact design and easy maneuverability make it perfect for parents who often travel in taxis and spend time at airports. It is suitable for infants from birth up to 15 months.
I have been traveling overseas with my three kids since they were born. Now that they are over five years old, the biggest lesson I’ve learned about traveling with young kids is the importance of traveling light. Wise parents who understand this will want a travel booster seat that is durable, lightweight, compact, and easy to install.
The Doona Infant Car Seat is my top recommendation. I don’t just recommend it because I’ve been using this model for the past six months; many parents highly rated it on forums.
A perfect travel booster car seat should also meet safety standards. It also should have adjustable straps for a secure fit. I always look at how comfortable the seat design is and how easy it is to clean. There’s also the factor of age and weight specifications to consider. It can be a daunting search, especially if you’re on a budget. But fret not. I’ve done the homework for you.
In this article, I’ll review the best top seven booster seats I’ve tested for travel, their unique benefits, significant pros and cons, and their respective price to help you decide.
Here’s the rundown of my top recommendations:
| Booster Seat | Verdict Summary |
| Doona Booster Car Seat | Best overall |
| BubbleBum Inflatable Backless Booster Seat | Best inflatable and foldable |
| Mifold Grab-and-Go | Best compact and foldable |
| Chicco GoFit Backless Booster Seat | Best lightweight with a carrying handle |
| Graco TurboBooster Backless Booster Seat | Best sleek and comfortable design |
| Cosco Topside Backless Booster Seat | Best affordable and lightweight |
| Evenflo Big Kid AMP Booster Car Seat | Best removable high-back design |
Why Trust This Review?
Over the years, I have observed that many parents look at specific factors when buying any baby gear: safety, ease of use, and (in many cases) affordability. I am a lucky mom to have tried many booster seats for travel.
I have put together the lessons I’ve learned from good and bad purchases to handpick the best options in this list.
Here are the salient details I have considered while picking these seats:
- Safety: The safety of our children should be the utmost priority. The goal, for me, is to rank only the booster seats that meet or exceed the U.S. safety standards (including FMVSS 213). Now, I know this can vary depending on the country where you are. You can use this listing to verify if the seat of your choice in this review meets your country’s safety standards for booster seats.
- Portability: This is crucial since you’ll use the booster seat while traveling. The seats I’ve reviewed in this guide have received praise for being lightweight, compact, easy to carry, and not taking up much space.
- Ease of installation: I chose to review only the travel booster seats that are easy to install and secure properly. When I purchased these seats, they came with clear instructions and intuitive installation mechanisms.
- Comfort: Your child’s comfort is essential during travel. With this in mind, I only handpicked options with sufficient padding and cushioning to provide a comfortable seating experience. Some seats in this review come with headrests, armrests, and removable and washable covers as additional features.
- Adaptability: To crown it all, I prefer booster car seats that adapt to kids’ growing needs. Many parents would love this as it’s an economic-friendly consideration. With this in mind, I included two seats I’ve tested in this review that convert into backless boosters, providing extended usability.
Now let’s dive into a detailed review of each option.
1. Doona Booster Car Seat
Product Specification:
| Weight of seat | 14.3 pounds |
| Orientation | Rear-facing only |
| Weight range | 4 to 35 pounds |
| Height limit | 32 inches |
| Adjustable headrest | Yes |
| Side-Impact protection | Yes |
| Five-point harness | Yes |
| Colors | 7 options |
| LATCH system | Yes |
| Price | $550 |
Doona is quite a distinctive brand in the booster seat market because this model has wheels that pop out, making it convertible into a stroller. This is my most-loved feature about this seat, making it stand out from the rest.
The pop-out wheels also make this the best booster car seat if you’re the parent that frequently needs to move the seat in and out of different vehicles.
This innovative Doona booster seat has a sleek design and is FAA-approved for use on an airplane. The price was the only thing that made me bat an eyebrow before getting this option. It’s more expensive than the average infant car seat. But its versatility makes it unique. So it’s worth the value.
What I like about this booster seat
- The seamless transition between a car seat and the stroller. You won’t need separate equipment, thus saving time and effort.
- The integrated wheels make it easy to maneuver and transport
- Extensive safety features
What I don’t like about this booster seat
- It’s expensive.
2. BubbleBum Inflatable Backless Booster Seat
Product Specification:
| Dimensions (inflated) | Approximately
13.5 inches wide 13.5 inches deep 4 inches high (34.3 x 34.3 x 10.2 centimeters) |
| Weight | Approximately 1 pound (0.45 kilograms) |
| Weight range | Suitable for children weighing 40-100 pounds (18-45 kilograms) |
| Height range | Suitable for children up to 57 inches (145 centimeters) tall |
| Colors | Black, Emoji, and Pink Chevron |
| Price | $35 |
I used Bubblebum for my daughter from when she was seven. The lesson I learned from the performance of this booster is that it’s only a good option if your kids are mature and don’t sleep in the car. Little wonder why the manufacturer recommends 6 to 8 years as the age range for this product.
This booster is tiny compared to conventional car seats and backless boosters. The extreme lightweight of this car seat is its unique selling point. Added to this, it comes deflated and rolled up. I like that it includes a valve in the back corner for easy inflation.
What I like about this booster seat
- One of the best lightweight boosters I’ve ever tested.
- The seatbelt fits in a lot of car types.
- It’s a narrow seat.
What I don’t like about this booster seat
- It’s not ideal if kids are wiggly, as this can make it slide around.
- The car seat expires in 4 years, counting from the manufacture date.
3. Mifold Grab-and-Go Portable Booster Seat
Product Specifications:
| Weight range | 40-100 lbs (18-45 kg) |
| Height range | 40-57 inches (101-145 cm) |
| Dimensions (folded) | Approximately 10 x 10 x 2 inches (25 x 25 x 5 cm) |
| Weight | Approximately 1.6 lbs (0.7 kg) |
| Material | Plastic and foam |
| Price | $87 |
Apart from Australia and Taiwan, this mifold Grab-and-Go Portable Booster Seat is regulated for use in every country worldwide. I particularly like the clever design of this travel booster seat, and it can easily become the champion in the league of portable booster seats.
You can adapt the seatbelt to the child and fold the booster seat into a convenient, envelope-size pouch for travel. The compact, portable design, padded seat for extra comfort, and anti-slip design are all green flags for me.
However, mifold markets this booster seat as a perfect grab-and-go option. So it was pretty disappointing that it still needed a bit more setup.
What I like about this booster seat
- The extremely lightweight and portability makes it an absolute pick for travel or storage in a locker.
- The narrow design makes it usable for tight spots.
- If you have older kids that don’t fancy the idea of using “baby” seats, the less. “booster-looking” appearance of the mifold will appeal to them.
- I like how the lower belt guides thread easily,
- Thanks to the lock-in mechanism, the shoulder belt guide doesn’t detach from the belt.
What I don’t like about this booster seat
- Some users diss the difficulty of adjusting the shoulder belt guide on the mifold booster seat.
- It may not work with center seating positions with a mini buckle due to the detachable seatbelt.
4. Chicco GoFit Backless Booster Seat
Product Specifications:
| Seat depth, width, height | 13.5, 12.5, and 5 inches, respectively |
| Material | Plastic, fabric upholstery |
| Quick-release latch system | Yes |
| Dimensions (LxWxH) | 15.5 x 17.25 x 5 inches |
| Weight | 5.3 pounds |
| Built-in carry handle | Yes |
| Removable, machine-washable seat pad | Yes |
| DuoZone side-impact protection | Yes |
| Integrated cup holders | Yes |
| Price | $45 |
If your kid no longer needs a high-back booster seat, then the Chicco GoFit Backless Booster Car Seat calls their name. It’s safe and sturdy, and you can install it quickly and easily, thanks to the built-in lap belt guides and shoulder belt clip.
The most lovable feature for me is the contoured seat that is super comfortable with double-foam padding. This ensured my child remained comfortable, especially during a long travel period.
The booster also features dual cupholders, which you can fold away to save space when they’re not in use. You can transfer the GoFit into the car with the integrated carrying handle.
Above all, this model has been rated the Best Bet Booster by the nonprofit Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. So, it’s a globally recognized top option.
What I like about this booster seat
- The seat cover is washable.
- Excellent padding and the contoured seat shape
- “Best Bet Booster” Rating!
- Leatherette material
- Carry handle and LATCH installation
What I don’t like about this booster seat
- The Chicco GoFit Backless Booster Seat comes at a premium price even without adjustable armrests.
- The shoulder strap can be tricky to use, especially for first-time parents.
5. Graco TurboBooster Backless Booster Seat
Product Specifications:
| LATCH system | No |
| Adjustable headrest | Yes |
| Cup holders | Yes (dual cup holders) |
| Removable seat pad | Yes |
| Machine washable seat pad | Yes |
| Dimensions | 15.5″ (W) x 8.64″ (D) x 16.25″ (H) |
| Weight | Approximately 5 pounds |
| Material | Polyester fabric and plastic shell |
| Price | $29 |
This is another fantastic option if you’re hunting for a backless booster seat. Children between 4 and 10 years can safely use this seat. It is available in an assortment of designs. I have observed many mothers talk about this model in online baby gear communities where I belong. Suffice it to say; it’s a popular mother’s choice.
However, one thing I did notice about the Graco Turbobooster that is hard to ignore is that it doesn’t favor parents who need to go on extremely long journeys with their children because it features thin padding.
What I like about this booster seat
- The height-adjustable armrests.
- The removable cushions are machine washable, thus easy maintenance.
- It’s an affordable option for budget-conscious parents.
What I don’t like about this booster seat
- The padding is thin and a bit hard.
6. Cosco Topside Backless Booster Seat
Product Specifications:
| Weight range | 40-100 pounds |
| Height range | 43-57 inches |
| LATCH system | No |
| Seat cover material | Polyester |
| Removable seat cover | Yes |
| Dimensions | 15.5 x 16.5 x 7.5 inches (LxWxH) |
| Weight | 2.6 pounds |
| Cup holder | No |
| Color options | 5 |
| Price | $27 |
The first impression I got from using the Cosco Topside Backless Booster Seat was that it’s not for everyone. And that’s because it’s a nothing-too-special kind of booster seat. There’s nothing more to it.
- This Cosco backless booster securely fits in your car and gives your child the extra height they need to keep seatbelts properly positioned
- Made for growing kids, the seat holds kids weighing between 40 to 100 pounds and 43 to 57 inches in height
- Lightweight, compact design makes the seat easy to move whenever you need to change vehicles. Latch not required
However, it stands out because it’s one of the best lightweight options in the market right now. It’s also smaller than other backless boosters, which is suitable for travel (but a not-so-nice thing if you have larger kids).
I’d recommend this for anyone who prioritizes lightweight and wants to get a name-brand. Besides that, it’s just a booster – no cup holders, rotating armrests, a LATCH system, etc.
What I like about this booster seat
- Affordable, which is expected.
- It’s a perfect option for parents looking for a simple backless booster that’s not complicated to use.
What I don’t like about this booster seat
- No cup holders
- The small size may not fit larger kids.
7. Evenflo Big Kid AMP Booster Car Seat
Product Specification:
| Item weight | 6.2 pounds |
| Material | Plastic |
| Product dimensions | 16.5 x 19 x 28.75 inches |
| Minimum weight recommendation | 40 pounds |
| Maximum weight recommendation | 100 pounds |
| Price | $30 |
The Evenflo Big Kid AMP is often placed head-to-head with the Graco Turbo Booster reviewed earlier because both models share similarities. Still, the Evenflo Big Kid adds icing to the cake with its height and lap depth adjustability.
This feature won my heart because most boosters I’ve tested are just height adjustable. This booster seat also served my daughter for a long time, thanks to the back that removes as kids grow bigger, adding a discreet boost without having her look “uncool.”
Also, if you prefer the Graco Turbo Booster but got discouraged by the price, this Big Kid is a relief. It’s less expensive.
I do have some reservations about this travel booster seat. The padding is a bit skimpier, so it’s not great for significantly longer trips. Also, the side protection isn’t as impressive as many booster seats in its class. But it gets the job done.
What I like about this booster seat
- The price is low.
- Comes with reading lights
- Features an ESP foam.
What I don’t like about this booster seat
- In all fairness, my reservations about this option aren’t necessarily a problem, considering the value of the booster in the first place. It’s not a high-end option.
Wrapping Up
I speak for many parents with young kids when I say traveling with these little ones can be a slog. One of the many things that can make your journey less stressful is a lightweight, compact, easy-to-install travel booster car seat.
When choosing a car seat, your kids are at the center of your decision-making. But it also has a lot to do with you. While considering their weight, size, and age, you’re also looking at the safety regulations, your budget, and convenience for your commute.
We’ve looked at seven of the best travel booster seats today. I’ve also shared my little secrets behind making the perfect choice in the market for car seats. So I hope this buying guide has helped you in the decision-making process.
If you found this article helpful, we would appreciate it if you shared it on your social networks. Who knows? You could help a friend struggling to decide which seat to buy.
FAQs
Can you travel with a booster seat?
Yes, you can travel with a booster seat. Booster seats are commonly used for children who have outgrown their forward-facing car seats but are still too small to use the vehicle’s seat belts alone.
Booster seats provide the necessary elevation to position the seat belt correctly on the child’s body for safe travel.
What is the best portable booster seat?
There’s no all-embracing ‘best’ portable booster seat, as it depends on your needs and budget. However, the BubbleBum Inflatable Booster Seat is widely praised for its exceptional portability due to its inflatable design and compact size, making it easy to carry and store. So it’s a sure bet if you prioritize portability above other features in a booster seat.
How do you fly with a backless booster?
To fly with a backless booster seat, first check the airline’s policies regarding booster seats, then confirm that the booster seat is approved for use on aircraft. Securely fasten the seat belt around the child and the booster seat and follow instructions provided by the cabin crew for a safe and comfortable flight.
Can you take a booster seat on Ryanair?
Yes, according to Ryanair, you can bring two items of carry-on baby equipment for free. This can include a pushchair/buggy, car seat, booster seat, or travel cot. However, the Irish airline company policy stipulates that the booster seat will be tagged at the check-in or boarding gate.
