All posts by Mike

3 Across Installations: Which Car Seats Fit in a Toyota Corolla?

August 8, 2014 Mike

The Toyota Corolla is one of the most frequently seen small cars in the United States, competing with models like the Honda Civic, Ford Focus, Hyundai Elantra, Scion xB, Toyota Prius, and Chevy Cruze. It’s frequently chosen as an affordable option for small families interested in cheap and reliable transportation. I borrowed several and threw my best car seats in them in order to see how they did when it comes to fitting 3 car seats in a Toyota Corolla. Here is everything I’ve found.

I always like to start out with a quick review of best practices in car seat safety: rear-face as long as possible (ideally until 4!), and then forward-face as long as possible (ideally until at least 6!), and then booster until a regular belt fits your child (which typically happens between 10 and 12). These guidelines keep your kids restrained as safely as possible for as long as necessary, which gives them better odds of survival in serious collisions.

However, for this information to be helpful, you need to know if a particular car seat will fit in your particular vehicle. Here are my experiences fitting a range of seats inside various years of the Toyota Corolla, and I believe it’s the most comprehensive guide on the Internet. I’ll periodically update each page as I try more seats in more positions. The good news is that you can fit a number of seats in any Corolla with the exception of the current generation.

You can access the complete 3 across guide for every vehicle here and the complete list of recommended seats here. Canadians can find recommended seats here. 3 across car seat images are courtesy of Wikipedia.

2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 Toyota Corolla

Guaranteed 3 across installations:

It may be impossible to perform a 3 across installation in the current generation Toyota Corolla due to the restrictions placed on belt usage as outlined in the manual. Essentially, the center seat belt crosses with the outboard buckles, which is a no-no for seat installations. This means the Corolla might essentially a 4-person vehicle at this point, as the restriction also presumably applies to adults too. The same crossed-belt issue occurs with the current generation Toyota RAV4 and Toyota Highlander, but the Highlander still has belts spaced widely enough to make a number of 3 across installations feasible in every generation.

I’ve included 2 car seat arrangements that will work easily given the available space in the Corolla, but until Toyota corrects this, the Corolla will remain a 2-across vehicle.

Clek Fllo (x2).

Clek Foonf (x2).

Clek Oobr (x2).

Peg Perego Flex 120 (x2).

Maxi-Cosi RodiFix (x2).

Graco Size4Me 65 (x2).

Graco Contender (x2).

Diono Radian / RXT (x2).

Combi Coccoro (x2).

Tips and Tricks:

The main thing to remember with this generation of the Corolla is that 3 across installations just aren’t going to be an option; with that out of the way, the world is your oyster for 2-across installations, and if you’ve got very wide seats, just use the seat belts. You’ll most likely be able to get away with any 2 seats using LATCH, however.

2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 Toyota Corolla

Guaranteed 3 across installations:

Clek Fllo (x3).

Clek Foonf (x3).

Clek Oobr (x3).

Peg Perego Flex 120 (x3).

Maxi-Cosi RodiFix (x3).

Chicco KeyFit 30 (x3).

Diono Radian RXT (x3).

Diono Radian R120 (x3).

Diono Radian R100 (x3).

Combi Coccoro (x3).

Britax Boulevard ClickTight, Diono Radian / RXT, Diono Radian / RXT.

Britax Boulevard G4.1, Diono Radian / RXT, Diono Radian / RXT.

Britax Boulevard G4, Diono Radian / RXT, Diono Radian / RXT.

Britax Marathon ClickTight, Diono Radian / RXT, Diono Radian / RXT.

Britax Marathon G4, Diono Radian / RXT, Diono Radian / RXT.

Diono Radian / RXT, Safety 1st Complete Air, Graco Snugride 35.

Diono Radian / RXT, Diono Radian / RXT, Combi Coccoro.

Diono Radian / RXT, Diono Radian / RXT, Graco TurboBooster.

Chicco KeyFit 30, Graco Affix, Diono Radian / RXT.

Diono Radian / RXT, Diono Radian / RXT, Graco Snugride 35.

Safety 1st Complete Air, Diono Radian / RXT, Graco TurboBooster.

Tips and Tricks:

This generation of Corolla is 179 inches long and 69 inches wide, or 1 in longer and 2 in wider than the previous generation. As a result, it is generally safe to assume that any combinations that work in the previous generation will work in this generation. Once again, the angle adjuster will be your friend if you’re looking for room after rear-facing a Radian in the back seat.

2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 Toyota Corolla

Guaranteed 3 across installations:

Clek Fllo (x3).

Clek Foonf (x3).

Clek Oobr (x3).

Peg Perego Flex 120 (x3).

Maxi-Cosi RodiFix (x3).

Chicco KeyFit 30 (x3).

Diono Radian RXT (x3).

Diono Radian R120 (x3).

Diono Radian R100 (x3).

Combi Coccoro (x3)

Britax Boulevard ClickTight, Diono Radian / RXT, Diono Radian / RXT.

Britax Boulevard G4.1, Diono Radian / RXT, Diono Radian / RXT.

Britax Boulevard G4, Diono Radian / RXT, Diono Radian / RXT.

Britax Marathon ClickTight, Diono Radian / RXT, Diono Radian / RXT.

Britax Marathon G4, Diono Radian / RXT, Diono Radian / RXT.

Diono Radian / RXT, Safety 1st Complete Air, Graco Snugride 35.

Diono Radian / RXT, Diono Radian / RXT, Combi Coccoro.

Diono Radian / RXT, Diono Radian / RXT, Graco TurboBooster.

Chicco KeyFit 30, Graco Affix, Diono Radian / RXT.

Diono Radian / RXT, Diono Radian / RXT, Graco Snugride 35.

Safety 1st Complete Air, Diono Radian / RXT, Graco TurboBooster.

Tips and Tricks:

This generation of Corolla is 178 inches long and 67 inches wide, or 4 inches longer than the previous generation, though no wider. It’s still going to be a difficult affair to achieve 3 across installations, but it’s definitely still possible.

The angle adjuster may be necessary to successfully install the Diono if installed behind a taller driver or passenger, or if you simply enjoy having lots of leg space.

If using a TurboBooster with Dionos, it will be a difficult fit, and it might even be necessary to keep the seat buckled and have your child maneuver beneath the belt each time. It will be significantly easier to 3 across if you can do it without needing to buckle and unbuckle over and over again (i.e., via using harnessed seats for forward-facing).

1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002 Toyota Corolla / Chevrolet Prism

Guaranteed 3 across installations:

Clek Fllo (x3).

Clek Foonf (x3).

Clek Oobr (x3).

Peg Perego Flex 120 (x3).

Maxi-Cosi RodiFix (x3).

Chicco KeyFit 30 (x3).

Diono Radian RXT (x3).

Diono Radian R120 (x3).

Diono Radian R100 (x3).

Combi Coccoro (x3).

Britax Boulevard ClickTight, Diono Radian / RXT, Diono Radian / RXT.

Britax Boulevard G4.1, Diono Radian / RXT, Diono Radian / RXT.

Britax Boulevard G4, Diono Radian / RXT, Diono Radian / RXT.

Britax Marathon ClickTight, Diono Radian / RXT, Diono Radian / RXT.

Britax Marathon G4, Diono Radian / RXT, Diono Radian / RXT.

Diono Radian / RXT, Safety 1st Complete Air, Graco Snugride 35.

Diono Radian / RXT, Diono Radian / RXT, Combi Coccoro.

Diono Radian / RXT, Diono Radian / RXT, Graco TurboBooster.

Chicco KeyFit 30, Graco Affix, Diono Radian / RXT.

Diono Radian / RXT, Diono Radian / RXT, Graco Snugride 35.

Safety 1st Complete Air, Diono Radian / RXT, Graco TurboBooster.

Tips and Tricks:

This generation of Corolla is 174 inches long and 67 inches wide, which makes it one of the most challenging vehicles for 3 across configurations I’ve come across yet. While it’s possible, it won’t be fun.

The angle adjuster will definitely be necessary to successfully install the Diono if installed behind a taller driver or passenger.

If you find my information on best practices in car and car seat safety helpful, you can do your shopping through this Amazon link. Canadians can shop here for Canadian purchases. Have a question or want to discuss best practices? Join us in the forums!

Holly O’Neal, 37, in Norwalk, OH, Killed in Car vs. SUV Crash

August 7, 2014 Mike

Who:

Holly O’Neal, 37, in Norwalk township, died at approximately 6:50 AM on Whittlesey Road, to the north of Lais Road. She drove a 2001 Honda Civic, and crossed the center line while northbound to crash into a southbound 2007 Dodge Nitro that Mylinda Johnson, 39, was driving with two children, Kayla, 14, and Luke, 14. All occupants in the Nitro were injured.

How:

Per reports, O’Neal was northbound, lost control, and veered to the left over the center line, prompting the head-on collision. She was wearing her seat belt, but died at the scene. Mylinda and Kayla, her front seat passenger, were severely injured. Kayla was not wearing her seat belt, while Luke, who was only mildly injured, was in the right rear passenger seat, and did wear his belt. Mylinda was wearing her belt.

Why:

This unfortunate case appears to have been the result of weather-related conditions. It’s unclear why O’Neil lost control, but multiple residents reported the weather was poor on the morning of the crash, and the images clearly indicate a mixture of rain and snow in the surrounding environment. It is possible that, had her vehicle been equipped with ESC, O’Neal might have been able to maintain control of her Civic.

Investigating the physics of the crash, it is not surprising that O’Neal died while the Nitro occupants lived, as her vehicle was massively outweighed by theirs. The 2001 Civic weighs 2507 lbs and comes with a “good” IIHS frontal score. It was impacted by a 2007 Nitro, essentially a Jeep Liberty, that weighs 4319 lbs, or 172% of the Civic’s weight. As a result, the Civic driver automatically faced 72% more force in the collision than she would have if she’d collided with another Civic, placing her at a severe disadvantage in the collision. The Nitro occupants, meanwhile, experienced 58% lower forces.

Given the likely speeds of the collision (~55 mph), the collision likely imparted at least 592KJ of energy into the Civic. The Civic frontal impact test simulates 182KJ of energy (a Civic impacting another at 40 mph). In other words, the Civic driver faced 325% of the force she’d have experienced in the type of crash her car was rated for. Given the speed of the collision, her odds of survival were, sadly, quite small.

The Dodge’s frontal test simulated 313KJ of energy (a Dodge impacting another at 40 mph), indicating that its occupants would have faced 110% of the forces the vehicle was rated to safely withstand, given that the Civic imparted 344KJ of energy into the Dodge. This was clearly a survivable collision for the Nitro’s occupants, which was reflected in their survival.

That said, it is surprising that Kayla, the 14 year old front-seated passenger, survived the impact, as she was unbelted, which severely increased her odds of suffering a fatal injury. She cheated death in this collision, while the survival of Mylinda and Luke in particular were to be expected. It is unclear why Mylinda suffered incapacitating injuries, although the “acceptable” subscore for the left leg in the Nitro’s front crash profile suggests leg injuries would have been possible in a typical collision.

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If you find the information on car safety, recommended car seats, and car seat reviews on this car seat blog helpful, you can shop through this Amazon link for any purchases, car seat-related or not. Canadians can shop through this link for Canadian purchases.

3 Across Installations: Which Car Seats Fit a Toyota Prius V?

August 6, 2014 Mike

The Toyota Prius V is a midsized car growing in popularity among families who are interested in having a decent amount of storage space while getting good fuel economy. It features a larger trunk than the standard Prius and is slightly wider and significantly longer, which means it is also going to be an easier car to install car seats in, particularly when trying to install them in a 3 across configuration. Besides competing with the regular Prius, it also competes with mid-sized wagons like the Subaru Outback and Volvo V60 as a family hatchback, since there aren’t very many in the North American market to choose between. Here are my experiences achieving 3 across car seats in the Toyota Prius V, as well as notes of any problems I ran into.

You know the basics of best practices in car seat safety: rear-face as long as possible (ideally until 4!), and then forward-face as long as possible (ideally until 6!), and then booster until a regular belt fits your child (which typically happens between 10 and 12). The goal is to keep kids safe by keeping them restrained in the best kinds of seats for as long as possible.

You can access the complete 3 across guide for every vehicle here and the complete list of recommended seats here. The Canadian list of recommended car seats is here. 3 across car seat images are courtesy of Wikipedia.

2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 Toyota Prius V (ZVW40/41)

Guaranteed 3 across installations:

Clek Fllo (x3).

Clek Foonf (x3).

Clek Oobr (x3).

Peg Perego Flex 120 (x3).

Maxi-Cosi RodiFix (x3).

Chicco KeyFit 30 (x3).

Diono Radian RXT (x3).

Diono Radian R120 (x3).

Diono Radian R100 (x3).

Combi Coccoro (x3).

Diono Radian / RXT, Diono Radian / RXT, Maxi-Cosi RodiFix.

Diono Radian / RXT, Diono Radian / RXT, Britax Parkway SGL.

Tips and Tricks:

This is the 1st generation of the Toyota Prius V, but it already looks like it will be slightly easier to 3 across than with the regular Prius, as the Prius V is slightly wider and significantly longer. It may be necessary to use the angle adjuster with the Diono seats, depending on the sizes of the front seat occupants.

The width of this generation of Prius V is 70 inches while it is 182 inches long. This is wide enough to make 3 across feasible in several combinations, as I typically consider 70 inches my lower limit for practical 3 across setups, although it’s definitely possible to go smaller. Remember to use your seat belts instead of LATCH to get as much space as possible in an installation.

3 Across Installations: Which Car Seats Fit a Honda Odyssey?

August 5, 2014 Mike

The Honda Odyssey is one of the most popular minivans available today in the United States, along with the Toyota Sienna, Kia Sedona, Dodge Grand Caravan, Chrysler Town & Country, and the new Chrysler Pacifica. It’s frequently chosen by families interested in safe and incredibly versatile way of transporting their children. However, it can be a bit confusing trying to figure out which car seats will fit in a Honda Odyssey, especially if you’re on a budget. This is why I put together the most detailed guide on the Internet regarding which car seats will and won’t fit Odysseys from the last 15 years or more. I will also include information on puzzling combinations I’ve seen, in terms of which seats fit nicely (or not so nicely) with others in particular vehicles.

First of all, it’s worth reviewing principles to keep in mind when installing car seats in the Odyssey or any other vehicle. Here are the basics of best practices in car seat safety: rear-face as long as possible (ideally until 4!), and then forward-face as long as possible (ideally until at least 5, 6, or 7!), and then booster until a regular belt fits your child (which typically happens between 10 and 12).

However, for this information to be helpful, you need to know if a particular car seat will fit in your particular vehicle. Here are my experiences fitting a range of seats inside various years of the Honda Odyssey. I’ll periodically update each page as I try more seats in more positions.You can access the complete 3 across guide for every vehicle here and the complete list of recommended seats here. The guide for Canadian car seats is here. 3 across car seat images are courtesy of Wikipedia.

2018, 2019 Honda Odyssey

Guaranteed 3 across installations:

2nd or 3rd row – Clek Fllo (x3).

2nd or 3rd row – Clek Foonf (x3).

2nd row – Diono Rainier (x3) (may need to alternate, e.g., RF, FF, RF). *

2nd row – Diono Pacifica (x3) (may need to alternate, e.g., RF, FF, RF). *

2nd row – Diono Olympia (x3) (may need to alternate, e.g., RF, FF, RF). *

Clek Oobr (x3).

Peg Perego Flex 120 (x3).

Maxi-Cosi RodiFix (x3).

2nd or 3rd row – Diono Radian R120 / RXT / R100 (x3). *

2nd or 3rd row – Combi Coccoro (x3).

2nd row – Clek Foonf, Clek Foonf, Britax Chaperone.

2nd row – Britax Frontier 90, Britax Boulevard / Marathon, Graco TurboBooster.

2nd or 3rd row – Britax Chaperone, Britax Chaperone, Britax Boulevard / Marathon.

Tips and Tricks:

The current generation Odyssey is 78.5 inches wide and 203.2 in long, or a tad narrower and longer than the previous generation. As a result, generally, any seat combination that works in the prior generation Odyssey will also work in the current generation.

It is best to install an infant seat (e.g., the KeyFit 30) in a 2nd row outboard seat instead of a convertible (e.g., the NextFit) when attempting 3 across if access to the 3rd row is required, as it will be easier to remove an infant seat from a base to provide 3rd row access than it will be to continually install and remove the convertible.

2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 Honda Odyssey

Guaranteed 3 across installations:

2nd or 3rd row – Clek Fllo (x3).

2nd or 3rd row – Clek Foonf (x3).

2nd row – Diono Rainier (x3) (may need to alternate, e.g., RF, FF, RF). *

2nd row – Diono Pacifica (x3) (may need to alternate, e.g., RF, FF, RF). *

2nd row – Diono Olympia (x3) (may need to alternate, e.g., RF, FF, RF). *

2nd or 3rd row – Diono Radian R120 / RXT / R100 (x3). *

2nd or 3rd row – Combi Coccoro (x3).

2nd row – Clek Foonf, Clek Foonf, Britax Chaperone.

2nd row – Britax Frontier 90, Britax Boulevard / Marathon, Graco TurboBooster.

2nd or 3rd row – Britax Chaperone, Britax Chaperone, Britax Boulevard / Marathon.

Tips and Tricks:

The 2011-2017 generation Odyssey is 79 in wide and 203 in long, or 2 inches wider and longer than the previous generation. As a result, generally, any seat combination that works in the prior generation Odyssey will also work in the current generation.

It is best to install an infant seat (e.g., the KeyFit 30) in a 2nd row outboard seat instead of a convertible (e.g., the NextFit) when attempting 3 across if access to the 3rd row is required, as it will be easier to remove an infant seat from a base to provide 3rd row access than it will be to continually install and remove the convertible.

The 3rd row in the current generation Odyssey is ridiculously narrow; the hip room measurement is something like 49″, even though the shoulder measurement is around 60.” You can still fit 3 across back there, but I’d start with the narrowest seats and count my stars if I got anything else to fit there. Radians and Clek seats will fit. After that, it’s hit and miss.

* It’s important to note that some parents have reported trouble installing Diono seats in the center 2nd row seat of the current generation Odyssey, due to the seat moving excessively at the bight (where the upper and lower parts of the vehicle seat connect) after seemingly secure installations. While it’s possible to achieve 3 across with Dionos in the 2nd row in some vehicles, it may not be possible in yours, which is why I’d recommend a non-Diono seat in the 2nd row center position (e.g., a Fllo or a Foonf) if possible.

2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 Honda Odyssey

Guaranteed 3 across installations:

2nd or 3rd row – Clek Fllo (x3).

2nd or 3rd row – Clek Foonf (x3).

2nd or 3rd row – Combi Coccoro (x3).

2nd or 3rd row – Diono Radian R120 / RXT (x3).

2nd row – Britax Boulevard / Marathon, Britax Boulevard / Marathon, Britax Frontier 90.

2nd row – Britax Frontier 90, Britax Boulevard / Marathon, Britax Frontier 90.

3rd row – Recaro Performance, Harmony Literider, Britax Boulevard / Marathon.

3rd row – Recaro Performance, Diono Radian R120 / RXT, Harmony Literider.

Tips and Tricks:

As with the current generation Odyssey, it is best to install an infant seat (e.g., the KeyFit 30) in a 2nd row outboard seat instead of a convertible (e.g., the NextFit) when attempting 3 across if access to the 3rd row is required, as it will be easier to remove an infant seat from a base to provide 3rd row access than it will be to continually install and remove the convertible.

Keep in mind, additionally, that it’s difficult to find seats that will work reliably in the 8th seat (center 2nd row).

1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004 Honda Odyssey

Guaranteed 3 across installations:

2nd or 3rd row – Clek Fllo (x3).

2nd or 3rd row – Clek Foonf (x3).

2nd or 3rd row – Combi Coccoro (x3).

2nd row – Britax Frontier 90, Diono Radian R120 / RXT, Diono Radian R120 / RXT.

3rd row – Diono Radian R120 / RXT (x3).

3rd row – Graco MyRide 65, Harmony Youth, Diono Radian R120 / RXT.

3rd row – Graco MyRide 65, Graco TurboBooster, Diono Radian R120 / RXT.

3rd row – Graco MyRide 65, Diono Radian R120 / RXT, Diono Radian R120 / RXT.

3rd row – Harmony Youth, Diono Radian R120 / RXT, Diono Radian R120 / RXT.

Tips and Tricks:

It may not be possible to successfully do 3 across with Dionos and a Frontier if the Frontier is placed either adjacent to a forward-facing Diono or located in the center position.

Kiddy Cruiserfix Pro Review: Great High Back Booster!

August 4, 2014 Mike

When it comes to car safety, you can focus on driving safely and you can focus on choosing a safe car. However, if you have children, you also need to focus on choosing a safe car seat. This is one of a series of reviews I’ll write on what I consider to be the best car seats currently available in the United States.

Kiddy Cruiserfix Pro – What’s the big deal?

The Kiddy Cruiserfix Pro is one of the latest car seats by German car seat manufacturer Kiddy. It comes with a range of interesting features that makes it one of the more impressive booster seats on the market. It’s a single mode booster car seat, which means it can be used exclusively as a high back booster, but not as a backless booster. Let’s take a look at why the Kiddy Cruiserfix Pro is among the best boosters on the market for parents of booster-age children.

Kiddy Cruiserfix Pro Limits for Weight and Height

High back booster: 33-100 pounds, and between 38 and 60″ in height, or until the top of the child’s ears reach past the top of the headrest. The seated shoulder height of the child in terms of the belt guide can range between 15 and 20.5″ in 10 adjustable steps.

Remember that research into car safety indicates children should remain rear-facing for as long as possible (the average is 4 years in Sweden, which posts the lowest child fatality rate on Earth), and after rear-facing, the child should remain forward-facing as long as possible before switching into a booster. Remember that children should remain in booster seats until their seat belts fit them over the shoulder, across the chest, and flat on the upper thighs.

Buy the Kiddy Cruiserfix Pro on Sale with Free Shipping at Amazon here.

Dimensions of the Kiddy Cruiserfix Pro

The seat is 23″ wide at its widest point, which is at the shoulders, and 12″ wide at the bottom of the shell. The seat weighs 16 pounds.The internal width of the seat at the shoulders ranges from 19″ to 23.” The depth of the seat adjusts from 15 to 18.”

Why Buy the Kiddy Cruiserfix Pro?

I’ve had the privilege of reviewing some pretty awesome car seats over the last few years, both as a parent and as a grizzly guy writing a car safety blog. I advocate rear-facing to the limits, forward-facing to the limits, and only then switching to boosters. I prefer convertible seats to infant seats and combination seats to boosters, simply for efficiency. Dedicated boosters, in the end, are designed to do the same thing as combination seats in booster mode: to properly position seat belts on children who are old enough to sit in them. So if there are combination seats that do as good of a job as dedicated boosters, why would I review and even suggest a dedicated booster?

First of all, it’s an incredibly comfortable seat. There’s a great deal of cushioning everywhere, and it’s a roomy seat! I’m too big for it, but kids will enjoy it. And comfort is where the Kiddy Cruiserfix Pro starts to shine. It has an expanding shoulder section that moves outward as the headrest is raised. As a result, when kids are growing upward, they also have room to grow outward. At the lowest belt guide, the shoulder width is 19″, while at the highest belt guide, the shoulder width is 4″ wider at 23.” This alone is reason for me to recommend the Kiddy Cruiserfix Pro.

Secondly, I love that the seat depth can be adjusted at the thighs. What this means is that kids who have longer legs won’t have to choose between slouching and dangling legs. There are 4 positions that span 15 to 18″ in seat depth.

Buy the Kiddy Cruiserfix Pro on Sale with Free Shipping at Amazon here.

Third, I’m a fan of the Thermotex material used in parts of the seat. The goal of the fabric is to keep air moving through the seat so the child doesn’t overheat. Because the fabric is breathable, kids are more comfortable in the seat over long trips and in warm weather, which can make a significant difference with children with medical conditions. I love this.

Other great things about the Kiddy Cruiserfix Pro include the use of k-fix anchors, or lower LATCH anchors, that can be used to anchor the seat without the use of a seat belt when the seat isn’t being used. It’s a nice little convenience feature that should be included on more seats as the years go by.

The manual is written clearly and includes good graphics that make sense and are actually helpful when installing the seat. A storage pouch is included that allows the manual to be kept as a reference directly on the booster’s back. I like that, since I have a habit of throwing manuals away after reading them once, only to find myself looking for them months later.

Overall, I’m quite a fan of the Kiddy Cruiserfix Pro. It fits kids well and was even declared a best fit booster by the IIHS, which suggests it’s easy to install in a wide range of vehicles. The seat has several unique features that make it perhaps the most child-friendly booster I’ve reviewed so far. While part of me wishes it had a backless configuration, I generally believe that high back boosters should be used over backless boosters whenever the choice is available, and I like that this booster makes the choice for you.

Finally, I like that the seat has an 8 year lifespan, as there are an awful lot of boosters that expire after 6 years, and every extra year increases the likelihood of the seat being useful for younger siblings.

The Kiddy Cruiserfix Pro is a solid car seat and, in my opinion, one of the best booster car seats currently available in the United States for children above the age of 4. It’s likely to be the last seat your child needs before s/he is ready for a regular adult seat belt. You can buy the Kiddy Cruiserfix Pro in a range of colors here. Canadians can buy it here.

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35,000 Americans will die this year on the road. You don't have to be one of them. A car seat and car safety blog to promote best practices for families.