Wednesday, March 18, 2009

How to choose booster?


Choosing a booster can't be an easy job. Since there are so many brands and models in the market, it is quite difficult to choose. We provide you some important criteria for choosing the booster that fits to your specific environment.



  • Protection
    Protection is the number one priority. Not only head protection, side impact protection is also important. More and more new models are having extra protection on the side of the booster. Look for the booster has large head and side wings.


  • Height Adjustment
    Not only it is for protection, it is also for comfort. Make sure you can easily adjust the height of the back rest, as well as the height of shoulder strap when the child is getting taller. Some boosters come with removable pillow for height adjustment.


  • Cup Holder, Snack Holder, and Pocket
    Look for the booster that has two cup holders. Also, a snack holder and storage pocket for small toys are good for long trip. Some cup holders are retractable, so it is easy for kids to get in and out of the booster. Make sure the cup holder is deep enough to hold different sizes of cups. There are some cup holders are simply too shallow. The cups and bottles easily fall out during the trip. If the cup holder is not fixed, then you need to pay attention to how to put in the cup holder. Make sure the cup holder stays secure.


  • Retractable Arm Rest
    Since the space inside the car is limited, especially you are driving a compact car. Make sure your booster has retractable arm rest for your kids to get in and out of the booster easily.


  • Easy InstallationIf you need to move the boosters between cars constantly, you should look for a booster that is easy to install. Latch should be equipped for easy installation. Also, light weight is also an important factor for moving the booster around.


  • Washable
    Kids can make the booster dirty easily. It is recommended to buy a booster that the cover is removable and machine washable. For some boosters, the padding can also easily be removed and washed.


  • Color
    Try to avoid light color fabric and straps. Dark color doesn't make your booster look dirty so easily. Avoid those sand and yellowish colors.


  • Fit Car Back Seat
    For safety, boosters should not be movable after installed. Make sure the booster fits the seat in your car.


  • Travel
    If your booster is not FAA approved, you should use it on the plane. Some booster packaging box are well designed that you can lock the box and check in.


  • Easy to Fold Up
    For certain instances, such as business reason, or you need to switch between cars you may not want to your booster in your car. Then you may want to remove it and put in the trunk. Therefore, the booster that is light weight and easy to fold is an important factor to consider.


  • Rest up right pillow
    To go for a long trip, kids may sleep inside the car. Normally, their heads may move around and they won't sit up right. Consider to buy a rest up right pillow to make them sit properly while sleeping.


  • Air Vent
    When the kid sits too long in a long trip, the booster seat will become hot. Some booster has featured the air vents in the seat base for ventilation. This is strictly for healthy consideration.


  • Fabric
    You should look for the high quality fabric of the booster cover, such as Micro Fiber, that is washable and breathable, easy to clean, and not easy to tear. Avoid those boosters that are made of cheap mesh.



About the Author

WC Liu is the founder of StyleAndMatch.com.

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