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Get the Best and Safest Narrow Booster Seat for Your Kids

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Last Updated: 21 March 2023

Are you stressed about your kids’ safety during road trips? Getting the best narrow booster seat will help you relax. A narrow booster seat protects the child from sudden brakes and blows during an accident.

This guide throws light on various aspects of the compact booster seat and ranks them according to the rating.

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Top 10 Narrowest Booster Seats: Comparison Table

Top Compact Design
Graco SlimFit 3 in 1 Convertible Car Seat
#1 Best Seller
Graco Tranzitions 3 in 1 Harness Booster Seat
Chicco GoFit Backless Booster Car Seat
Cosco Topside Booster Car Seat
BubbleBum Inflatable Booster Car Seat
Graco SlimFit 3 in 1 Car Seat -Slim & Comfy Design Saves Space in Your Back Seat, Darcie, One Size
Graco Tranzitions 3 in 1 Harness Booster Seat, Basin
GoFit Backless Booster Car Seat - Raindrop
Cosco Topside Booster Car Seat - Easy to Move, Lightweight Design (Magenta)
BubbleBum Inflatable Backless Booster Car Seat, Black
$179.99
$89.99
Price not available
$38.88
$29.99
-
-
-
-
-
Installation Type
Latch
Latch
Seat Belt
Seat Belt
Seat Belt
Orientation
Rear-Facing / Forward-Facing
Rear-Facing / Forward-Facing
Forward-Facing
Forward-Facing
orward Facing
Min. Weight
5 / 22 Pounds
22 / 40 Pounds
40 Pounds
40 Pounds
40 Pounds
Max. Weight
40 / 100 Pounds
65 / 100 Pounds
110 Pounds
100 Pounds
100 Pounds
Top Compact Design
Graco SlimFit 3 in 1 Convertible Car Seat
Graco SlimFit 3 in 1 Car Seat -Slim & Comfy Design Saves Space in Your Back Seat, Darcie, One Size
$179.99
-
Installation Type
Latch
Orientation
Rear-Facing / Forward-Facing
Min. Weight
5 / 22 Pounds
Max. Weight
40 / 100 Pounds
#1 Best Seller
Graco Tranzitions 3 in 1 Harness Booster Seat
Graco Tranzitions 3 in 1 Harness Booster Seat, Basin
$89.99
-
Installation Type
Latch
Orientation
Rear-Facing / Forward-Facing
Min. Weight
22 / 40 Pounds
Max. Weight
65 / 100 Pounds
Chicco GoFit Backless Booster Car Seat
GoFit Backless Booster Car Seat - Raindrop
Price not available
-
Installation Type
Seat Belt
Orientation
Forward-Facing
Min. Weight
40 Pounds
Max. Weight
110 Pounds
Cosco Topside Booster Car Seat
Cosco Topside Booster Car Seat - Easy to Move, Lightweight Design (Magenta)
$38.88
-
Installation Type
Seat Belt
Orientation
Forward-Facing
Min. Weight
40 Pounds
Max. Weight
100 Pounds
BubbleBum Inflatable Booster Car Seat
BubbleBum Inflatable Backless Booster Car Seat, Black
$29.99
-
Installation Type
Seat Belt
Orientation
orward Facing
Min. Weight
40 Pounds
Max. Weight
100 Pounds
Evenflo Big Kid LX High Back Booster
Cosco Finale Dx 2-In-1 Booster Car Seat
Diono 2020 Radian 3RXT Car Seat
Maxi-Cosi RodiFix Booster Seat
Baby Trend Hybrid Booster 3-in-1 Car Seat
Big Kid LX High Back Booster, Static Black
Cosco Finale DX 2-in-1 Booster Car Seat, Sport Blue
Diono Radian 3RXT, 4-in-1 Convertible Extended Rear and Forward Facing Convertible Car Seat, Steel Core, 10 Years 1 Car Seat, Ultimate Safety and Protection, Slim Design - Fits 3 Across, Red Cherry
Maxi-Cosi RodiFix Booster Car Seat, Essential Black
Baby Trend Hybrid Booster 3-in-1 Car Seat, Ozone
$44.99
$59.99
$279.99
$199.99
$98.63
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Installation Type
Seat Belt
-
Latch
Seat Belts, Latch
Latch
Orientation
Forward-Facing
-
Rear-Facing / Forward-Facing
Forward-Facing
Forward-Facing
Min. Weight
22 Pounds
‎40
- / -
40 Pounds
22 Pounds
Max. Weight
110 Pounds
100
50 / 120 Pounds
120 Pounds
100 Pounds
Evenflo Big Kid LX High Back Booster
Big Kid LX High Back Booster, Static Black
$44.99
-
-
-
Installation Type
Seat Belt
Orientation
Forward-Facing
Min. Weight
22 Pounds
Max. Weight
110 Pounds
Cosco Finale Dx 2-In-1 Booster Car Seat
Cosco Finale DX 2-in-1 Booster Car Seat, Sport Blue
$59.99
-
-
Installation Type
-
Orientation
-
Min. Weight
‎40
Max. Weight
100
Diono 2020 Radian 3RXT Car Seat
Diono Radian 3RXT, 4-in-1 Convertible Extended Rear and Forward Facing Convertible Car Seat, Steel Core, 10 Years 1 Car Seat, Ultimate Safety and Protection, Slim Design - Fits 3 Across, Red Cherry
$279.99
-
-
Installation Type
Latch
Orientation
Rear-Facing / Forward-Facing
Min. Weight
- / -
Max. Weight
50 / 120 Pounds
Maxi-Cosi RodiFix Booster Seat
Maxi-Cosi RodiFix Booster Car Seat, Essential Black
$199.99
-
-
Installation Type
Seat Belts, Latch
Orientation
Forward-Facing
Min. Weight
40 Pounds
Max. Weight
120 Pounds
Baby Trend Hybrid Booster 3-in-1 Car Seat
Baby Trend Hybrid Booster 3-in-1 Car Seat, Ozone
$98.63
-
-
Installation Type
Latch
Orientation
Forward-Facing
Min. Weight
22 Pounds
Max. Weight
100 Pounds

Best Overall Extra Narrow Booster Seat: Top Compact Design - Graco SlimFit 3 in 1 Convertible Car Seat Review

Sale
Graco SlimFit 3 in 1 Convertible Car Seat
  • 3-in-1 car seat grows with your child from rear-facing harness (5-40 pounds) to forward-facing harness (22-65 pounds) to highback booster (40-100 pounds)
  • Slim design with dual integrated cup holders that rotate away, making the seat 10% slimmer to save valuable back seat space
  • Graco ProtectPlus Engineered: A combination of the most rigorous crash tests that helps to protect your little one in frontal, side, rear & rollover crashes
  • No-rethread simply safe adjust harness system allows the headrest and harness to adjust together in one motion
  • Choose the perfect headrest height from 10 positions to get the safest fit for your child as they grow

Lightweight & Safe: #1 Best Seller in Child Safety Booster Car Seats - Graco Tranzitions 3 in 1 Harness Booster Seat Review

Sale
Graco Tranzitions 3 in 1 Harness Booster Seat
  • 3 in 1 harness booster helps protect your child, from toddler to youth; harness booster (22 to 65 pounds), high back booster (30 to 100 pounds), backless booster (40 to 100 pounds)
  • Simply Safe Adjust Harness System adjusts the height of your harness and headrest in one motion; one hand, 5 position adjustable headrest easily adapts for your growing child; Buckle may be cleaned with a damp cloth
  • Engineered & rigorously crash tested to meet or exceed US standard FMVSS 213; the Nautilus 65 has been side impact tested for occupant retention solely with the built in 5 point harness system
  • Open loop belt guides properly position vehicle seat belt across child; seat pad, body support and harness covers are comfortable and machine washable
  • Dual cup holders help keep your child's drink close; lightweight, portable seat is ideal for busy, active parents

Best Backless Model: Chicco GoFit Backless Booster Car Seat Review

Chicco GoFit Backless Booster Car Seat
  • Ergo Boost contoured seat with double foam padding provides support in all the right places
  • Removable, machine-washable seat pad and armrest covers
  • 2 fold-away cup holders are removable and dishwasher-safe
  • Integrated lap belt guides and a shoulder belt clip
  • Built-in carry handle makes it easy to transfer from vehicle to vehicle

Best Slim Car Seats For Small Cars

BubbleBum Inflatable Backless Booster Car Seat
  • TAKE ANYWHERE CAR BOOSTER - The inflatable travel car booster seat for children aged 4 - 11yrs and weighing 40 - 100lbs. Reinforced with memory foam for stability and comfort.
  • ULTRA PORTABLE - The USA's lightest backless booster car seat. Folds away to fit in a purse or backpack. Can be easily carried by children wherever they go.
  • FIT 3 ACROSS - The narrow, slimline and compact design is perfect for the middle seat. It will even fit between 2 full sized car seats. BubbleBum allows you to fit 3 children across in almost any car.
  • EASY TO INSTALL - BubbleBum is so convenient to move from one vehicle to another and can be installed in seconds. It’s ideal for carpools, taxis, and vacations.
  • GOLD STANDARD SAFETY - BubbleBum has been named an IIHS ‘Best Bet’ booster for the past 10 years. It meets (and exceeds) all US safety standards.

Extra Height Thinnest Convertible Car Seat: Cosco Topside Booster Car Seat Review

Cosco Topside Booster Car Seat
  • Secure fit: The Cosco topside booster car seat gives your little one the extra height they need so that your car’s seat belt will fit safely and securely on them
  • Suitable for 40 100 pounds: The seat is designed to hold children weighing between 40 and 100 pounds and from 43″ to 57″ in height
  • Extra comfy plush pad: The booster helps make long rides more comfortable thanks to the plush padding on the seat
  • Easy to move and install: Need to change cars? The lightweight design and compact size make it easy to move from car to car; It’s that easy
  • Leaves car seats unmarked: The cosco topside booster seat has been carefully designed to leave your car seats unmarked; This will help keep your car seats to remain smoother, without the annoying indentations other seats leave behind

Slimmest High Back Booster Seat For Older Kids: Evenflo Big Kid LX High Back Booster Review

Evenflo Big Kid LX High Back Booster
  • 2 Modes of Use: Seat easily transitions from high back to no back booster. Safety for Older Kids: Giving them the extra boost they need for proper vehicle belt fit
  • 6 Position Height Adjustment: Easily adjust the height with one hand, offering a better fit for your child as they grow. Correct Positioning: The included belt clip facilitates correct vehicle belt positioning around your child's shoulder.
  • Dual, Integrated Cup Holders: 2 Cup holders are built into the seat, keeping drinks and snacks close and allowing the driver to stay focused on the road
  • Easy To Clean: Removable seat pad is wipe able and machine-washable. Easy Vehicle to Vehicle: The lightweight booster is easy to move between vehicles, perfect for on-the-go families
  • Cool Colors: Let your big kid express their individuality with a variety of fun colors and patterns. With backrest-44 to 57 inches and tops of the child’s ears are at or below the top of the booster seat headrest

Narrow Convertible Booster Seat - Reinforced Steel Core

Sale
Diono 2020 Radian 3RXT Car Seat
  • SAFE & COMFORTABLE NEWBORN POSITIONING: Features newborn travel high wedge to create a safe and secure lie-flat travel position. The innovative technology pushes baby up to reduce head slump while helping to keep airways open. As your baby grows, simply remove the wedge to allow the 2-in-1 infant positioning liner for support
  • REAR-FACING FOR LONGER: This slimfit convertible car seat is designed and engineered to keep your child rear facing even longer up to 50 lb/ 22. 7 kg, approx. 4 years old
  • 10 YEARS ONE CAR SEAT: With 4 ways to travel safely from birth to booster, the radian 3RXT adapts as your child grows to offer a custom adjustable fit from birth to 120 lbs
  • REINFORCED STEEL CORE: Mechanically engineered, reinforced steel core, made from automotive grade high density plastic and steel to create the ultimate protection for your child
  • THE ORIGINAL 3 ACROSS: Built with our famous radian slim fit convertible design, to fit 3 across in most vehicles without compromising child or passenger comfort. Feel safe having your children secure in the backseat

Most Narrow High Back Booster Seat With Harness - Premium Fabrics

Maxi-Cosi RodiFix Booster Seat
  • Belt-positioning booster 40-120 lbs & 40" - 57" in Height
  • Featuring PureCosi fabrics that no longer require fire-retardant chemicals
  • Premium cushioning for ultimate comfort
  • Easily removable pad is machine washable and dryer safe
  • Rigid LATCH connectors provide the easiest and quickest installation and ensure that the seat stays secure in the vehicle

Thinnest Convertible Car Seat Good For Small Children: Baby Trend Hybrid Booster 3-in-1 Car Seat Review

Baby Trend Hybrid Booster 3-in-1 Car Seat
  • "Stage 1: Weight 22-50 lbs Height 29"" -48"" Stage 2: Weight 30-100 lbs Height 38""-50"" Stage 3: Weight 40-100 lbs Height 42""-57"""
  • Seat pad, body insert, and harness covers are removable and hand-washable
  • The weight range for the product recommended is 22 pounds to 100 pounds
  • Convenient multi-size cup holders for drink and snack
  • Multiple-position head support provides superior side impact protection

Best Slim Convertible High Back Booster Seat With 5 Point Harness

Cosco Finale DX 2-in-1 Booster Car Seat
  • Extended Use: Forward-facing with harness 30-65 pounds and Belt-positioning Booster 40-100 pounds
  • Designed to fit 3 across in most vehicles - Great for growing families and car pools
  • Lightweight and easy to move from car to car
  • Deluxe fabric gives kids a comfy ride
  • Dishwasher-safe cup holder detaches for use on either side of seat

Buyer’s Guide: The Best Narrowest Booster Seat

Getting a new car that fits your new requirements as a parent is never an option. But getting the small booster seat is feasible. You need to pay attention to its safety features most. It needs to be affordable and easy to use.

3 across car seats

If you have toddlers, you should go for a narrow booster seat with a harness. Your car size also matters. If you have a small car, you better look for car seats for small cars. You should pay attention to the customer reviews and compare the features yourself.

Everyone’s requirements differ. It is better that you make a checklist of your requirements and then look for the best narrow booster seat 2023 on the market.

What is a narrow booster seat? What is it for?

How many times have you wondered, is this car seat safe for my kids? Will these seat belts hold them in place in case of an accident? The answer is no. Conventional car seats are designed for adults. To make them max safe for kids, you need the best booster car seats.

These are compact booster seats in which you can fit over the car seats. Their size protects the kids against road mishaps.

How To Choose The Best Narrowest Booster Seat On The Market

All slim booster seats are not the same. You need to accept the fact that companies are more concerned about their profit than the kids’ safety. So, refrain from getting away with high-profile advertisements. Check every technical detail of the narrow booster seat.

What age can you take the back off a booster seat

Pay attention to the narrowest booster seat reviews. Customers always point out the pros and cons of a product without any brand promotion. A top-rated seat may come at an affordable cost. But what matters most is safety measures.

So, let us have a look at the check-points:

Size/width

An infant car seat should be 16-17.5 inches wide. However, the size and width differ according to the kids’ age. Opt for a convertible slim booster seat for longer use.

Size of Your Car

If you have small cars, opt for slim car seats. They take up less space. Also, the age of your child matters. You need infant seats for kids less than 2 years, convertible seats for toddlers till 5 years of age, and booster seats for kids above 5.

Features for fitting small cars

Typically, SUVs and minivans are designed to accommodate 3 narrow booster seats on their back. However, this number can differ for small cars. Also, the design of the booster seat matters. You should look for harnesses and latches that hold them in place.

Car Seat for Infant

Also, look for additional features like:

  • Collapsible seats
  • Collapsible cup and milk-bottle holders
  • Narrow backless booster seat for better space usage
  • Compatible with road safety standards
  • Compatible with air-travel standards

Easy to install and use

Narrow booster seats should be easy to install and should not take considerable time to fit in your kids.

Extra features

  • Shoulder and waist straps: Look for 2 adjustable shoulder straps and 2 waist straps. For added safety, ensure that it has 1 leg strap, compatible with the car latch system, and also side cushions against blows.
  • Anti-rebound bars: It is a bar near the booster seat’s foot to prevent kids from injury in case of an accident.

Choosing narrow booster seat: Safety suggestions

  • Always ensure that the booster seat complies with road and air travel guidelines. If you fly often. You need to ensure that your booster seat meets safety protocols in most countries.
  • Go through the car’s and booster seat’s installation guide carefully. Ensure that they are compatible and will hold the baby securely.
  • Go through smallest width car seat reviews on different forums and then choose the best.
  • Ensure that the harness and latches are strong enough.

Top booster car seat brands 2023

Brand reputation is a credible way to save some time while shopping. If you want to blindly trust some, these are the ones that have carved a niche for them over the time:

  • Diono
  • Chicco
  • Britax
  • Graco
  • Peg Perego

Best narrowest booster seat FAQ

How do I know that the booster seat is installed securely?

Move it strongly in all the directions. In any direction, it should not displace more than an inch.

When can I use a backless booster seat?

When your child is old enough to sit without support, you can switch to a narrow backless booster seat.

Can I Reuse An Old Booster Seat?

No. booster seats have a safety age. After that, they are not safe to use. If you have been in an accident with a booster seat, you should dispose of it off.

Can you put a booster in the middle seat?

Can you put a- booster in the middle seat

Usually, the middle seats do not come with seat belts and proper head support. Also, in case of a rear accident, the blow will throw the kid directly onto the car front, proving dangerous. So, you should not put a booster there.

What age can you take the back off a booster seat?

When your kid exceeds the height limit and can sit properly without support, you can take the back off a booster seat.

Are high back booster seats safer than backless?

Not exactly! This depends upon the kids’ age. If your kid is still small and needs support to sit straight for long, you should continue with a high back booster seat. As soon as they cross the height and weight limit, the backless seat will serve the purpose.

Do Booster Seats Need To Be Anchored?

This depends on the booster seat model. Some come with a 5-point latch system that does not require anchoring. Those without it need to be anchored properly to the car seat.

Can you use a booster seat in the front seat?

American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all children under 13 ride in the back seat because front airbags are designed to protect adults, not children.

Width of Most Popular Car Seats and Booster Seats

Narrow Car SeatTypeWidth
Diono Radian 3RConvertible17 inches
Graco SlimFit 3-in-OneConvertible18 inches
Britax One4Life ClickTightConvertible19 inches
Diono Radian 3QXT All-In-OneConvertible17 inches
Clek Foonf ConvertibleConvertible17 inches
Combi CoccoroConvertible15.5 inches
Cosco Scenera NEXTConvertible17 inches
Clek FlloConvertible17 inches
Graco Milestone All-in-OneConvertible17.5 inches
Britax Marathon ClickTightConvertible18.5 inches
Chicco Key Fit 30Infant17 inches
UPPAbaby MESAInfant17 inches
Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35Infant17 inches
Safety 1st OnBoard 35 AirInfant16.5 inches
Clek LiingInfant16.9 inches
CYBEX Aton 2Infant17 inches
gb Asana 35 LTEInfant17 inches
Chicco Fit2 Air Infant & Toddler17 inches
Maxi-Cosi RodiFixBooster18 inches
Cosco Finale DX 2-in-1Booster17 inches
Evenflo AMP Big KidBooster16 inches
Peg Perego Viaggio HBB 120Booster16 inches
Chicco KidFitBooster19 inches
Peg Perego Primo Viaggio Shuttle Plus 120Booster16 inches
Evenflo ChaseBooster17 inches
Hifold The Fit and FoldBooster13-16 inches

What Is The Narrowest Booster Seat Our Verdict and Recommendation for 2023

We understand that you wish the best for your kids. That is why our testers went through rigorous tests on these booster seats to present to you the best narrow booster seat 2023.

The narrowest booster seat on the market scores high on security, comfort, and ease of use. If you wish to know more about the best narrow booster seat, visit parenthoodroutine.com.

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COMMENTS

    • dadi
    • 20 November, 2020
  • I always spend a lot of time on the internet trying to find the best deal for me) When it was time to buy a car for my wife, it was no different. Next time it was with the slim booster seat into that car. I finally decided to buy Graco TurboBooster and would say it’s worth its money!! It’s slim and safe! It’s easy to use and easy to install. Thanks for mentioning all the details for each set and helping me to choose the best one🙏
    • Jodi B. Bowles
    • 18 November, 2020
  • I’m so aware of my kids’ safety and I’m looking for the best car seats:) I have three twins) and my car is small for my big family. For now I can’t afford buying a new car( All of these above mentioned offerings are great, but I’m just hesitating which booster seat for small cars is the best (I have Kia Rio)? Thanks!
    • Cynthia Johnson
    • 5 November, 2020
  • Hey! When it came time to upgrade the seat for our kid, we decided to browse a bit to find the best booster seat with a harness. My main complaint with the previous seat was that the harness was really hard to push in. Now we are more cautious with what we buy. Thanks a lot for sharing with this staff. It’s really helpful esp. with the links on the sites and customers’ feedbacks👍
    • lindesse
    • 1 November, 2020
  • I already have two kids and we are having a third kid in 2 months and I’m just confused to see how we can fit 3 seats in our car. We already have two convertible seats. And now we really need the best and most narrow car seat to take up less space in the backseat. I have my eye on Graco Transitions 3 in 1, but wonder to know how wide is its base? Thanks.
    • THOMAS DUNN
    • 26 October, 2020
  • thanks for QUALITY brands in your review brands! Safety 1st 👍
    • Andrew
    • 14 September, 2020
  • tthank you for sharing this post. I took into account all your tips and looked through all the reviews to settle on the right choice) We needed a third hybrid booster seat for our car that would be easily installed and converted into the backseat. I have already ordered GRACO and can’t wait to receive it!
    • Judith R
    • 31 August, 2020
  • I’m so happy I bought Graco SlimFit 3 in 1 recently! It was easy to secure to my car and to find out it’s of the perfect size for our car. It’s also comfortable to take out to wash👍. I would definitely recommend this for anyone who needs a convertible and safe seat👍. Thanks for sharing!💋
    • richmond1
    • 11 August, 2020
  • Hey! I’d like to say thank you a lot for your help! We have just bought a car and needed a nice narrow booster seat for our 3-aged kid. We didn’t know what to consider when choosing the best one, but your review with direct links helped a lot. We bought a seat that was REALLY EASY to install. The material is comfortable and all the cushions are well done. 10/10