We Use CookiesWe use cookies to enhance the security, performance, functionality and for analytical and promotional activities. By continuing to browse this site you are agreeing to our privacy policy

10 Best Car Seats For 5 Year Olds 2025 in the United States

How do we rank products for you?

Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

headphones-stars

Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Graco TurboBooster 2.0 Backless Booster Car Seat, Denton

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,346
Adjustability
Safety Ratings
Comfort Features

Most important from
30845 reviews

Adjustability
Adjustments for your child’s height are straightforward, enhancing comfort as they grow.
Safety Ratings
The seatbelt guides offer a secure fit, providing peace of mind about your child's safety.
Comfort Features
This booster seat is lightweight yet sturdy, making it easy to transfer between cars, and the comfortable padding ensures a pleasant ride.

The Graco TurboBooster 2.0 Backless Booster Car Seat, Denton, is a popular choice for parents seeking a reliable car seat for their 5-year-olds. It stands out with a high consumer rating, reflecting robust protection and comfort features suitable for children between 40 to 100 pounds and up to 57 inches tall. The lack of a harness system is typical for backless boosters, as it relies on the vehicle's seat belt system. It's designed for forward-facing orientation and uses a seat belt installation method, which is straightforward and commonly used. The height-adjustable armrests enhance comfort, accommodating the growing child over a range of years, from ages 4 to 10.

The car seat is engineered with Graco ProtectPlus, ensuring safety in frontal, rear, and rollover crashes, which is reassuring for safety-conscious parents. It has been tested for extreme temperatures, adding to its durability and reliability. However, it does not come with latch connectors, which some parents might prefer for additional stability during installation. The modern design with hide-away cup holders adds convenience and style, making it appealing to kids and parents alike. Despite its lack of recline options, the lightweight design of only 6 pounds makes it easy to move and install in different vehicles.

This booster seat is an excellent choice for those who need a simple, effective solution for older children's seating needs. It's important to ensure that the seat belt fits properly on your child as they grow since this model supports a transition from booster to using the vehicle seat belt alone. If you are looking for a car seat with advanced harness systems or recline features, you might need to explore other options.

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,346
Adjustability
Safety Ratings
Comfort Features

Most important from
30845 reviews

Adjustability
Adjustments for your child’s height are straightforward, enhancing comfort as they grow.
Safety Ratings
The seatbelt guides offer a secure fit, providing peace of mind about your child's safety.
Comfort Features
This booster seat is lightweight yet sturdy, making it easy to transfer between cars, and the comfortable padding ensures a pleasant ride.
#2

Graco Tranzitions 3-in-1 Harness Booster Car Seat, Forward Facing Car Seat, Highback, to Backless Booster, Black

Rating
9.6
Weight and Height Limits
Harness System
Installation Method

Most important from
26114 reviews

Weight and Height Limits
Height adjustment is lower than most, fitting better for children and making it easy to move between cars.
Harness System
The adjustable headrest and harness system grow with the child, eliminating the need for a new seat as they get older.
Installation Method
Installation is a breeze – it took about 10 minutes, and the seat fits perfectly in the car.
Adjustability
The adjustable headrest and harness system grow with the child, eliminating the need for a new seat as they get older.
Safety Ratings
The safety features are top-notch, giving peace of mind with great side impact protection.
Comfort Features
The fabric is soft yet durable, and the padding is plush and supportive, making it comfortable for the child.

The Graco Tranzitions 3 in 1 Harness Booster Seat is designed to grow with your child, providing long-term value by converting from a forward-facing harness seat to a highback booster and then to a backless booster. It is suitable for children weighing between 22 to 100 pounds. The standout feature is the Simply Safe Adjust Harness System, which allows you to adjust the headrest and harness in one motion without rethreading, making it convenient as your child grows.

The seat is lightweight and portable, ideal for busy parents on the go. An 8-position adjustable headrest ensures comfort and a good fit for your child over time. Additional features include two easy-to-clean cup holders and machine-washable seat pads, enhancing practicality and ease of maintenance. The open-loop belt guides help in the proper positioning of the vehicle’s seat belt for safety.

Graco ProtectPlus engineering ensures the seat meets rigorous crash test standards, providing peace of mind regarding safety. The seat only supports forward-facing orientation, which might not be suitable for all stages of child growth. Despite not offering the same level of comfort and cushioning as some premium models, it is a reliable and versatile option for parents looking for a durable and adaptable car seat.

Rating
9.6
Weight and Height Limits
Harness System
Installation Method

Most important from
26114 reviews

Weight and Height Limits
Height adjustment is lower than most, fitting better for children and making it easy to move between cars.
Harness System
The adjustable headrest and harness system grow with the child, eliminating the need for a new seat as they get older.
Installation Method
Installation is a breeze – it took about 10 minutes, and the seat fits perfectly in the car.
Adjustability
The adjustable headrest and harness system grow with the child, eliminating the need for a new seat as they get older.
Safety Ratings
The safety features are top-notch, giving peace of mind with great side impact protection.
Comfort Features
The fabric is soft yet durable, and the padding is plush and supportive, making it comfortable for the child.
#3

Graco TurboBooster 2.0 Highback Booster Car Seat, Declan

Rating
9.4
Installation Method
Safety Ratings
Comfort Features

Most important from
55558 reviews

Installation Method
The one-hand front-adjust Latch system creates a secure connection to the vehicle seat, making self-buckling easier and giving kids a sense of independence.
Safety Ratings
Graco ProtectPlus Engineering offers robust protection in frontal, side, rear, and rollover crashes, providing peace of mind for parents.
Comfort Features
The integrated cup holder and hideaway storage compartment keep drinks and favorite items within easy reach, making car rides more enjoyable.

The Graco TurboBooster 2.0 Highback Booster Car Seat in Declan is a versatile option designed to grow with your child. It offers a 2-in-1 convertible seat that transitions from a highback to a backless booster, accommodating children aged 4 to 10 years, weighing between 40-100 lbs, and up to 57 inches tall. This makes it a long-lasting choice for families. The seat is designed with safety in mind, featuring Graco ProtectPlus Engineering and rigorous crash tests. However, it's important to note that this model does not include a harness system, relying instead on your vehicle's seatbelt for secure positioning.

The open-loop belt guides are helpful for proper seat belt positioning, but some parents might prefer a harness for younger children. Installation is straightforward using the vehicle's seatbelt, but it lacks latch connectors which could make it less secure compared to other options. Comfort is another key feature, with height-adjustable armrests and head support, along with convenient hide-away cup holders. The seat is made of polyester, which may not be the most breathable material in hot climates. It also meets safety standards for extreme temperatures.

With its high safety ratings, this booster seat is a solid choice for parents looking for a reliable and comfortable option for their growing child. Just be aware of its limitations, like the absence of a harness system and latch connectors.

Rating
9.4
Installation Method
Safety Ratings
Comfort Features

Most important from
55558 reviews

Installation Method
The one-hand front-adjust Latch system creates a secure connection to the vehicle seat, making self-buckling easier and giving kids a sense of independence.
Safety Ratings
Graco ProtectPlus Engineering offers robust protection in frontal, side, rear, and rollover crashes, providing peace of mind for parents.
Comfort Features
The integrated cup holder and hideaway storage compartment keep drinks and favorite items within easy reach, making car rides more enjoyable.

Buying Guide for the Best Car Seats For 5 Year Olds

Choosing the right car seat for your 5-year-old is crucial for their safety and comfort during car rides. At this age, children are transitioning from toddler seats to booster seats, and it's important to select a seat that fits their size and weight, as well as your vehicle. Here are some key specifications to consider when selecting a car seat for your child.
Weight and Height LimitsWeight and height limits indicate the range within which the car seat can safely accommodate a child. This spec is important because it ensures that the car seat will provide adequate protection for your child. Car seats are generally divided into categories based on weight and height: forward-facing seats typically support children from 20 to 65 pounds, while booster seats are designed for children from 30 to 100 pounds. To pick the right one, measure your child's current weight and height and choose a seat that fits within those limits, allowing some room for growth.
Harness SystemThe harness system is what secures your child in the car seat. For 5-year-olds, a 5-point harness is often recommended as it provides better security by distributing the force of a collision across five points of contact. Some booster seats use a vehicle's seat belt instead. If your child is on the smaller side or you prefer extra security, opt for a seat with a 5-point harness. If your child is larger or more mature, a booster seat that uses the car's seat belt might be appropriate.
Installation MethodThe installation method refers to how the car seat is secured in your vehicle. This can be done using the LATCH system (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) or the vehicle's seat belt. The LATCH system is generally easier to use and can provide a more secure fit, but it has weight limits. If your child exceeds these limits, you'll need to use the seat belt installation method. Check your vehicle's manual to see which method is recommended and ensure you can install the seat correctly.
AdjustabilityAdjustability refers to how easily the car seat can be adjusted to fit your child as they grow. This includes adjustable headrests, harness heights, and recline positions. A car seat with multiple adjustment options can provide a better fit and more comfort for your child over a longer period. Look for seats that offer easy-to-use adjustment mechanisms and consider how often you might need to make these adjustments.
Safety RatingsSafety ratings are assessments provided by organizations like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). These ratings evaluate the car seat's performance in crash tests and ease of use. Higher-rated seats have been proven to offer better protection and are easier to install and use correctly. Check the latest safety ratings and choose a car seat that has high marks in both crash protection and usability.
Comfort FeaturesComfort features include padding, fabric quality, and additional amenities like cup holders or armrests. These features are important for keeping your child comfortable during longer car rides. Look for seats with ample padding and breathable fabrics, especially if you live in a warmer climate. Additional features like cup holders can make the ride more enjoyable for your child and convenient for you.

FAQ

Most Popular Categories Right Now