best car seat for a four-year-old

Best Car Seat for 4-Year-Old with Quality Performance

When looking for the best car seat for a four-year-old, it helps to have a variety to choose from so that you find what suits your child best. Thankfully, we did a deep search on the market and decided to review the best models there are. Read further to learn what we discovered.

Make your next family vacation a breeze

Travel with your kids now and build amazing memories as a family! Get our book, written by parents just like you, that will guide you all the way.

Best Car Seat For 4 Year Old for 2023 Review: Key Features, Pros, and Cons

Before dissecting every product and looking at the pros and cons, we thought it wise to prepare this table to help you compare different products. The table below contains the most prominent features of each of the models in our review. Use it to look for features you desire in a car seat.

ImageBrandInstallation TypeDimensionsMaximum Recommended WeightMaterialDetails
BEST OVERALL
Graco Seat Belt18.9×10.47×33.5100 lbs.Plastic, MetalCheck price
PREMIUM PICK
Graco Latch20×21.5×24120 lbs.SteelCheck price
BEST VALUE
Graco Seat Belt15×16.5×26.5100 lbs.FoamCheck price
Britax Seat Belt23×18.5×23.565 lbs.Steel and Mesh FabricCheck price
KidsEmbrace Latch20×19×30100 lbs.Foam
Check price
Chicco Latch24.5×20.5×26.25100 lbs.FabricCheck price
Diono Latch16.1×19.9×27.2120 lbs.FoamCheck price

1. Graco Tranzitions Harness Booster Seat

BEST OVERALL
Highlighted Features
  • Simply safe adjust harness system
  • Adjustable headrest
  • Dual cup holders
  • Metal and plastic structure
  • Open-loop belt

If you are looking for an affordable car seat that comes with the best features, this is it. Graco Tranzitions Harness comes with features that you will love. Its design ensures comfort and safety for your child.

We loved the harness adjustment system that allows you to adjust the height of the harness in a quick motion. You don’t even have to use both hands to do this. There are about five options for you to adjust.

You never have to worry about cleanliness with this seat. For instance, you can use a damp cloth to clean the buckle. The main reason we recommend this seat is because it helps uphold safety. It has undergone rigorous crash tests to ensure that it meets the required safety standards.

On the seat is an open-loop belt guide so that you can position the vehicle seat belt correctly. You can use any of its two or both cup holders to hold your drinks during travel. Once it gets dirty, cleaning it is a straightforward process using soap and cool water.

Pros
  • This car seat is easy to clean. It takes mild soap and cool water to get it clean.
  • It is lightweight. You have an easy time moving it from storage to position it in your car.
  • The manufacturer takes all the necessary steps to ascertain its standard.
  • You have an easy time positioning and using it. It has a harness system that gives you the freedom to position the harness as you wish.
Cons
  • We found we had a bit harder time installing this seat. The manual can be helpful, but you have to know your tricks as well.

2. Graco 4Ever 4 In 1 Car Seat

PREMIUM PICK
Highlighted Features
  • Simply Safe Adjust Harness System
  • Adjustable headrest
  • InRight latch
  • Steel-reinforced frame
  • Seat Cover

Although this program is one of the most expensive ones in our review, we found its value worth its value. The first quality that we found impressive on this seat is its Simply Safe Adjust Harness System.

These features allow you to position the harness to a height that you are comfortable with. It is a simple process that you can get done in a single move. In addition, you will find it convenient since it adds to the convenience of the seat.

Another part of this seat that you will love is that you can adjust the headrest. You have the opportunity to ensure that the position of the headrest fits your child. When cleaning the seat, all you need is to remove the seat but leave the harness intact and go ahead and clean it.

Installing the seat in a vehicle should also be a straightforward process. It has a click that notifies you when you have installed it correctly.

Pros
  • Graco 4Ever 4 In 1 Car Seat is quite durable. It has a steel-reinforced frame to provide strength.
  • Getting the seat clean is easy since the seat cover is removable and washable.
  • You have control over the height of the harness and the position of the headrest. The seat comes with features that allow you to adjust these parts.
  • Installing the seat is an easy process since it has a custom latch to help you do that.
Cons
  • The latch system only works when the seat is facing the rear, which can be inconvenient.

3. Graco TurboBooster Highback Booster Seat

BEST VALUE
Highlighted Features
  • EPS energy-absorbing foam
  • Multi-layer headrest
  • Padded adjustable headrest
  • Open-loop belt
  • Graco ProtectPlus Engineering

The first thing we liked about this seat is the fact that it is affordable. Its affordability comes with a variety of features that make it worth its value.  You should consider getting it when looking for the best car seat for a four-year-old.

The seat’s design includes a seat to convert from a high back booster seat to a backless booster. This kind of adjustment is excellent, especially since you can use it on your child in different stages of life.

Another property on this seat that we found convenient is the energy-absorbing foam used in the design of this seat that enhances its safety features. As a result, your child will hardly suffer from impact in case of an accident.

It has a multilayered and adjustable headrest for comfort and safety. It’s easy to use and install since it has an open look belt to guide you on position. Once you get this seat, you are assured safety since it is tested for standards and has unique engineering to help manage the impact.

Pros
    Cons

      4. Britax Marathon ClickTight Convertible Car Seat – Easiest Installation

      Highlighted Features
      • Patented click
      • Seven recline positions
      • Steel frame
      • 14 position harness
      • 2-position buckle

      The manufacturers of this seat ensure that it is easy to install. You have an easy time positioning it in your vehicle since it comes with a patented click. This feature makes it convenient to use the seat, especially when you are in a rush.

      This car seat guarantees safety and comfort for your child with its 14 position harness and two-position buckle. If you have been looking for the perfect gift for a friend who has a toddler, you can get them this seat.

      Britax Marathon ClickTight Convertible car seat employs seven recline positions so that your child is comfortable at various positions. It is also pretty durable, all thanks to its steel frame and base designed to absorb impact.

      Pros
      • The seat offers seven recline positions to ensure comfort.
      • It has extra features to enforce safety besides buckles. Its design includes side impact protection and a base that absorbs impact
      • Installing the seat is a straightforward process.
      Cons
      • Getting the seat out of the vehicle is a hassle.

      5. KidsEmbrace Harness Booster Seat – Most Innovative

      Highlighted Features
      • 5 point harness security
      • Five harness positions
      • Two-mode options
      • Safety certification
      • Adjusted height headrest

      This seat is one of the most recommended ones by experts. Besides being cost-effective, it comes with various features that you will love. We started by looking at the fact that it has a five-point harness security system. It ensures that your child is secure at various points on the child’s body.

      The seat has two positions for the shoulders and two-position points of the hips, and one point between the legs. Besides these, it also has three harness positions allocated for the shoulders. The positioning of the harness depends on your child’s height and age.

      You can install this seat for a child weighing between 22 and 65 pounds and is 29 to 49 inches tall. Also, you can convert the belt position for a child weighing between 40 and 100 pounds, and they are 48 to 59 inches tall.

      This seat is one of the best-rated models by insurance institutes after safety tests. You get to enjoy your beverages while traveling since it has cup holders that allow this.

      Pros
      • This seat has revolutionary safety and comfort features. For instance, it has three harness positions.
      • The seat has undergone several state tests. Your kid is safe in case of an accident.
      • It came with additional features for convenience. There are two cup holders on it.
      Cons
      • You might have a hard time installing and uninstalling this seat.

      6. Chicco MyFit Harness Car Seat – Most reliable

      Highlighted Features
      • Duo Grand side impact protection
      • Four-position recline
      • Nine position headrest
      • Deep Ergonomic Booster seat
      • Premium Latch
      • Cup folders

      As the most reliable car seat in our review, you will be grateful that you got this seat once you start using it. It’s the best car seat for a tall four-year-old since it has four recline positions. Chicco MyFit Harness offers high levels of comfort with the fact that it has sufficient padding.

      When it comes to installation, you’ll enjoy how easy it is, thanks to its premium latch connectors and the belt-tightening system. This seat is one of the safest models since it has impact protection for your head and torso. Also, you get to use it for a long time since it has a steel frame.

      Pros
      • The seat offers high-level comfort and security for your toddler
      • Installing this car seat is easy. It has a latch connector and locks belt-tightening that makes this possible
      • There are removable cup holders that are also dishwasher safe on this seat.
      Cons
      • You may find it bulkier than other models, which complicates the stallion process.

      7. Diono Monterey XT Booster Seat – Most Convenient

      Highlighted Features
      • Convertible
      • Contoured seat base
      • Two retractable cup holders
      • Side impact protection
      • 11 position headrest

      The convenience that comes with this seat originates from the fact that it’s convertible. You can use it throughout your child’s development, from infancy to toddlerhood. It can convert into a backless booster seat.

      Even after conversion, it leaves a contoured seat base behind with retractable cup holders. We loved Monterey X because it provides a 69 percent increase in the amount of space that your child can occupy.

      When designing this model, the manufacturer included unique engineering with extra aluminum reinforced sides that protect the head, shoulder, and torso from impact. Adjusting the headrest is also possible, and all you have to do is use one hand.

      The seat also gives guardians an easy time installing it since it is lightweight at only 15.5 pounds. You need not look further for a seat that meets your needs

      Pros
      • The design of this car seat is attractive.
      • This seat allows you to switch from a Highback to a backless booster seat at your convenience.
      • You will find the seat lightweight. It only weighs 15.5 pounds which makes it portable.
      Cons
      • It’s too firm, which compromises the quality of comfort a child receives.
      best car seat for a four-year-old

      Buying Guide for the Best Car Seat for 4-Year-Old

      When buying a car seat, you have to know the features you shouldn’t miss. Your car seat should have essential features to ensure that you have something that promotes your child’s safety.

      Here is a buying guide to help you with your purchases.

      Versatility

      One of the best things you can do for yourself to start traveling with your child is getting an adjustable car seat. Versatility in car seats shows how you can convert a high back into a backless booster seat.

      Such a seat is an excellent option because you get to use it when your child is an infant up to the time they are a toddler. Besides, you get to save money to save yourself the process of buying a new one besides ensuring your child’s safety.

      Also, a seat that can switch between forward and rear-facing is handy.

      Harnessing

      When you choose a car seat with a harness adjustment system, such as the Graco Tranzitions Harness Booster Seat,it gives you an allowance since you can use it throughout your kid’s life. The age and weight limits of the seat can help you decide if the harness positioning system will help your child. Ensure that you test the fit of the harness before purchasing a car seat.

      Headrest

      A good quality headrest ensures that your child’s head has sufficient support and that they are comfortable. It’s all in the material used to make the headrest and how easily you can adjust it to ensure it aligns with your child’s head.

      Safety

      Most manufacturers have their products tested to ensure that they meet safety standards as required by the law. Take the initiative to research the kind of certification to look for when buying a seat.

      As for the hardware associated with safety, it will be in your best interest to ensure that you learn how to operate it. Also, check for other things like how the seat behaves in case of impact.

      Frequently Asked Questions

      Q: What’s the best kind of car seat for a four-year-old?

      A four-year-old child grows quickly. Therefore, the best thing is to ensure that you get a car seat that can accommodate that growth rate. All-purpose booster seats and convertible seats are suitable in this case.

      Q: How much does an average four-year-old weigh?

      The average weight of an average four-year-old is about 40 pounds. At that age, a child is joining a preschool.

      Q: Are high-backed booster seats safer than backless ones?

      According to most consumers, high-backed car seats do a better job when it comes to positioning the seat belt across a child’s chest. As a result, experts say that they reduce the risk of injury in a child by 45 percent.

      Conclusion

      Your child’s safety and comfort should be a top priority when it comes to purchasing the best car seat for a four-year-old. Our review is a straightforward guide to some of the best-performing models available. We selected the items that we have reviewed with your needs in mind. Now you are in a better position to choose a high-quality car seat for your child.

      0 0 votes
      Article Rating

      Ready to embark on an adventure with your kids?

      Subscribe to our newsletter AND get a free sample copy of our entire book, How to Travel With Kids (Without Losing Your Mind)!

      Subscribe
      Notify of
      guest
      0 Comments
      Inline Feedbacks
      View all comments