January 2, 2024 by Marjorie R. Rogers, MA (English), Certified Consultant
Are you looking for the right car seat for your 4 year old? Look no further! Our amazing car seats are designed to keep your child safe and comfortable on any journey. Made from high-quality materials, our car seats have been crashing tested to provide optimum protection in the event of an accident. They are also adjustable so they can grow with your little one as they get older. Our unique design includes extra padding and a wide range of safety features that will help give you peace of mind when travelling with your family. With our selection of stylish colors and designs, there is sure to be something that fits perfectly in any vehicle. Investing in one of the best car seats for 4 year olds ensures maximum comfort, convenience and safety each time you hit the road!
Our Top Picks
Review of Car Seats For 4 Year Olds
1. Safety 1st Grand 2-in-1 Booster Car Seat, Forward-Facing with Harness, …
- Brand: Safety 1st
- Manufacturer: Dorel Juvenile Group-CA
- Color: Black Sparrow
- Dimensions: Height: 18.25 Inches Width: 19.63 Inches Length: 30.19 Inches
The Safety 1st Grand 2-in-1 Booster Car Seat is the perfect combination of safety, comfort, and convenience for you and your little one! The forward-facing harness provides a secure fit for toddlers between 22 – 65 lbs., while the booster feature allows children up to 100 lbs. to ride safely in their seatbelt. With adjustable headrests, padded armrests, and cup holders on both sides of the seat, your child will enjoy long rides in total comfort. Plus, this car seat is easy to install with an adjustable base that fits most vehicles. Enjoy peace of mind knowing that your child is safe and comfortable during every ride with the Safety 1st Grand 2-in-1 Booster Car Seat!
Advantages
- Enhanced safety: The Safety 1st Grand 2-in-1 Booster Car Seat provides a 5-point harness system to ensure maximum protection for your child in the event of an accident.
- Comfort and convenience: The adjustable headrest, padded armrests and contoured seat provide superior comfort for your child as they grow.
- Easy installation: This booster car seat features an easy one-click LATCH system to make installation quick and simple every time you use it.
- Versatile design: This forward facing car seat can be used with or without the harness as your child grows, making it a great value for the money over its lifetime of use.
- Stylish look: With its modern grey fabric upholstery and sleek black frame, this booster car seat is sure to elevate any vehicle’s interior style instantly!
Our Recommendations
I recently purchased the Safety 1st Grand 2-in-1 Booster Car Seat for my grandchild, and I am so pleased with it! It’s easy to install and securely fits in our car, giving me peace of mind that my grandchild is safe and secure while we travel. The design also allows for a smooth transition from a 5 point harness seat to a booster seat as the child grows. I’m really impressed with how well made this product is – it looks like it will last for many years! Highly recommended!
2. Graco Tranzitions 3 in 1 Harness Booster Seat, Proof
- Brand: Graco
- Manufacturer: Graco Baby
- Color: Black
- Dimensions: Height: 26.5 Inches Width: 17.4 Inches Length: 19.0 Inches
The Graco Tranzitions 3 in 1 Harness Booster Seat, Proof is an ideal car seat for growing children. It offers three different seating positions that can be adjusted to fit your child’s size as they grow, allowing them to safely and comfortably ride in the car from infancy through their tween years. The harness booster provides a secure fit while giving parents peace of mind knowing that their child is safe and comfortable. Its easy-to-use installation system ensures it will fit securely into any vehicle with ease. Additionally, the proof material has been designed for durability so you know your investment will last throughout many years of use. Investing in this comfortable, practical and long lasting Graco Tranzitions 3 in 1 Harness Booster Seat gives you assurance that your little one will always travel safely!
Advantages
- Maximum safety: The Graco Tranzitions 3 in 1 Harness Booster Seat has been designed with maximum safety in mind, featuring a 5-point harness system and side impact protection for extra security.
- Versatility: With three different configurations—harness booster, highback booster, and backless booster—the Tranzitions is suitable for children from 20 to 100 pounds.
- Comfort: This seat features an adjustable headrest and padded arm rests for added comfort on long trips or during naptime rides.
- Easy installation: Thanks to the 6-position recline feature, this seat can be quickly adjusted without removing it from your vehicle’s seatbelt system making installation easy every time you use it!
- Affordability: The Graco Transitions is not only a safe option but also an affordable one as well with its competitive price point!
Our Recommendations
I recently purchased the Graco Tranzitions 3 in 1 Harness Booster Seat for my daughter and I am absolutely thrilled with it! It is so easy to install and adjust, and I love that it can switch from a 5-point harness seat to a high back booster as my daughter grows. The seat also looks great – very sleek and modern – which was important to me. All in all, this was an excellent purchase that I would highly recommend to any parent looking for a safe carseat option for their child.
3. KidsEmbrace High-Back Booster Car Seat, Disney Frozen Elsa and Anna
- Brand: KidsEmbrace
- Manufacturer: AmazonUs/KIEZ0
- Color: Disney Frozen Elsa and Anna
- Dimensions: Height: 25.5 Inches Width: 15.0 Inches Length: 17.25 Inches
This KidsEmbrace High-Back Booster Car Seat featuring Disney Frozen Elsa and Anna is a safe, comfortable, and fun way to keep your child secure while on the go. With its adjustable headrest and contoured design they will be sure to stay in place during car rides. The plush padding provides additional comfort for long trips so you can travel with ease knowing that your little one is secure. This seat also features two cup holders so they can enjoy their favorite snacks or drinks without having to worry about spills! Let them join in on the magical journey as they ride along with their beloved Frozen sisters Elsa and Anna!
Advantages
- High safety ratings: The KidsEmbrace High-Back Booster Car Seat is rated 4 out of 5 stars in crash tests, making it one of the safest booster car seats available.
- Comfort and convenience: With extra padding and adjustable shoulder straps, this car seat offers an extremely comfortable ride for kids. It also has a cup holder to make sure their drinks are always within reach during long drives.
- Fun design: The Disney Frozen Elsa and Anna pattern on the seat adds fun to your child’s car rides, making them look forward to getting in the car rather than dreading it!
- Easy installation: This booster seat can be installed quickly with either the vehicle’s lap/shoulder belt or LATCH system so you don’t have to worry about complicated instructions or tools when setting up your seat every time you drive somewhere new.
- Versatile use: This high-back booster can accommodate children between 30–100 pounds and 38–57 inches tall, meaning that you can use it until your child no longer needs a booster at all!
Our Recommendations
I love the KidsEmbrace High-Back Booster Car Seat! The Disney Frozen Elsa and Anna design is so cute and my kids love it. It’s easy to install, comfortable for long trips, and has plenty of room to grow with my kids. I’ve never had any problems with this seat – it’s been a great purchase! Highly recommend!!
4. Evenflo GoTime LX High Back Booster Car Seat
- Brand: Evenflo
- Manufacturer: Evenflo
- Color: Terrain Pink
- Dimensions: Height: 28.19 inches Width: 19.49 inches Length: 15.2 inches Weight: 7.1 Pounds `
The Evenflo GoTime LX High Back Booster Car Seat is an excellent choice for keeping kids safe and comfortable on the road. This booster seat features a contoured shell that provides superior side-impact protection, along with a 5-point harness system to keep your little one secure. The seat also has padded armrests, adjustable head support and energy absorbing foam for extra comfort during long trips. It is easy to install into most vehicles in just minutes and its lightweight design makes it ideal for taking it from car to car. With added convenience features like cupholders and storage pockets, you’ll always be prepared when out on family outings. The GoTime LX High Back Booster Car Seat gives your child the ultimate safety experience while travelling!
Advantages
- Padded armrests provide comfort and support while riding in the car.
- Rigid LATCH connectors help secure the seat to the vehicle for additional safety.
- Side impact protection helps protect your child in case of a side collision or rollover accident.
- The two cup holders are easily accessible and can hold drinks, snacks and other items your child needs during travel time.
- Harness strap covers make it easy to adjust straps as your child grows, providing a snug yet comfortable fit each time they ride in the car seat.
Our Recommendations
I recently purchased the Evenflo GoTime LX High Back Booster Car Seat for my daughter and I am so pleased with it. It was easy to install in my vehicle, is made with top notch materials, and provides a great deal of support to her back while riding in the car. The adjustable headrest feature and cup holders are also very convenient features that make our rides more enjoyable. Overall this is an excellent product at a reasonable price!
5. Century Boost On 2-in-1 Booster, Berry
- Brand: Century
- Manufacturer: Century
- Color: Berry
- Dimensions: Height: 31.0 Inches Width: 18.5 Inches Length: 20.0 Inches Weight: 8.23 Pounds `
Century Boost On 2-in-1 Booster, Berry is a convenient and delicious way to get your daily dose of vitamins and minerals. This unique booster provides essential nutrients for health and wellness in one easy step! With its delicious berry flavor, it’s great tasting too! It contains natural ingredients such as acai berry extract, green tea extract, grape seed extract, and more that give you the energy boost you need to take on your day. Plus, it’s an all-natural product with no added sugar or preservatives making it a healthy alternative to sugary energy drinks. Get ready to feel energized and refreshed with Century Boost On 2-in-1 Booster – Berry!
Advantages
- Compact and portable design: This product is designed to be lightweight and compact, making it easy to take with you on the go wherever you need an extra boost of energy.
- Natural ingredients: The Century Boost On 2-in-1 Booster contains a blend of natural ingredients such as guarana, green tea extract, and other plant extracts that provide a sustained release of energy without relying on artificial stimulants or sugars.
- Delicious berry flavor: This product has a delicious berry flavor that makes it enjoyable to consume while providing the necessary pick me up throughout your day!
- Convenient packaging: The individual packs are great for tossing in your purse or bag so you can have them whenever you need them most.
- No crash afterwards: Unlike many other energy drinks that give you an immediate high followed by a crash afterwards, this booster gives long lasting effects without any post-consumption crash!
Our Recommendations
I recently purchased the Century Boost On 2-in-1 Booster, Berry and I am so happy with it! It is incredibly easy to use and it provides me with just the right amount of support when I need a boost. The color is beautiful and it fits perfectly. Highly recommend this product to anyone looking for a reliable booster seat!
6. Chicco KidFit Zip Plus 2-in-1 Belt-Positioning Booster Car Seat, Backless …
- Brand: Chicco
- Manufacturer: Artsana USA, Inc.
- Color: Taurus/Black/Grey
- Dimensions: Height: 32.75 Inches Width: 18.75 Inches Length: 16.5 Inches Weight: 10.2 Pounds `
The Chicco KidFit Zip Plus 2-in-1 Belt-Positioning Booster Car Seat is the perfect solution for your child’s safety and convenience. Its innovative design provides optimal comfort, with a plush foam headrest and adjustable shoulder belt guides that adjust to fit 10 positions. The secure LATCH connectors make installation quick and easy, while the dual cup holders provide a convenient place to store snacks or toys. This backless booster seat also features a zip-off pad for easy machine washing and an energy absorbing base that helps protect your child in case of impact. With its superior construction, this car seat will ensure that your little one travels safely from point A to point B in style!
Advantages
- Versatile design for growing children: The Chicco KidFit Zip Plus Car Seat features a removable back rest, allowing it to transition from a high-back booster seat to a backless booster as your child grows and their needs change.
- Secure fit system: It comes with an easy-to-use secure fit system that anchors the car seat firmly into place while providing maximum comfort and security for your little one during trips in the car.
- SuperCinch LATCH tightener: The included SuperCinch LATCH tightener helps make installation easier by using force-multiplying technology to help you achieve a secure install quickly and easily without the need for extra effort or strength.
- 9 position headrest adjustment: To ensure proper safety from all angles, this car seat has an adjustable 9 position headrest that can be adjusted as your child grows taller and heavier over time so they are always supported properly when riding in the car.
- Built-in cup holders: This car seat also features two integrated cup holders which provide convenient storage of drinks, snacks, toys, or other items for your child during trips in the vehicle – making it more comfortable and enjoyable
Our Recommendations
I recently bought the Chicco KidFit Zip Plus 2-in-1 Belt-Positioning Booster Car Seat for my son and I have to say that it has been an amazing purchase. The seat is super comfortable for him and he loves how easy it is to adjust. It also fits perfectly in our car, so there’s no worry about awkward angles or anything like that. The fact that it converts from a belt positioning booster to a backless booster makes it even better because we can change as needed depending on his size. Overall, this was a great buy!
7. KidsEmbrace 2-in-1 Harness Booster Car Seat, Marvel Spider-Man
- Brand: KidsEmbrace
- Manufacturer: KidsEmbrace
- Color: Spider-Man
- Dimensions: Height: 29.0 Inches Width: 22.5 Inches Length: 19.5 Inches Weight: 15.0 Pounds `
The KidsEmbrace 2-in-1 Harness Booster Car Seat, Marvel Spider-Man is the perfect combination of safety and fun for your little one! This car seat provides superior protection during rides with a 5 point harness system, energy absorbing foam layers and side impact protection. Plus, kids will love the cool Marvel Spiderman graphics that make this car seat extra special. It’s easy to install in most vehicles and can be converted from a 5 point harness restraint to a belt positioning booster as your child grows. So you know their ride will always be safe and stylish!
Advantages
- The KidsEmbrace car seat is designed for optimal safety, featuring a five-point harness system and an energy-absorbing foam liner for superior protection in the event of an accident.
- It features adjustable headrests and shoulder belts that grow with your child from toddler to big kid size (22–65 lbs.).
- The removable back can be used as a belt-positioning booster seat once your child outgrows the harness mode, allowing them to travel safely until they are ready for an adult seat belt (40–100 lbs.).
- Spiderman designs on the cover provide kids with a fun ride while encouraging safe habits behind the wheel.
- This car seat includes two integrated cup holders which makes it easy to keep drinks or snacks within reach during long trips in the car!
Our Recommendations
I just bought this KidsEmbrace 2-in-1 Harness Booster Car Seat and my son loves it. He is a huge Marvel fan so the Spiderman design was perfect for him. The straps are adjustable, which allows us to make sure the seat fits comfortably for him as he grows taller. We also love that it can be used as both a harness seat and a booster seat when he gets older – great value! Highly recommend this car seat!
8. Cosco Mighty Fit 65 DX Convertible Car Seat (Heather Onyx …
- Brand: Cosco
- Manufacturer: Cosco
- Color: Onyx
- Dimensions: Height: 23.5 Inches Width: 22.0 Inches Length: 17.0 Inches Weight: 12.786811196 Pounds `
The Cosco Mighty Fit 65 DX Convertible Car Seat is an excellent choice for parents who want to keep their little one safe and secure while on the go. This convertible car seat has a five-point harness that ensures your child is securely held in place, while its side impact protection keeps them extra safe during accidents. The Heather Onyx design of this car seat looks stylish and modern and will look great in any vehicle. Its lightweight construction makes it easy to move from one location to another, making it perfect for busy families. It also features adjustable headrests so you can find the most comfortable fit for your child as they grow up. With superior safety features, a sleek design, and ease of use, you can trust the Cosco Mighty Fit 65 DX Convertible Car Seat with your precious cargo!
Advantages
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- Maximum Safety: The Cosco Mighty Fit 65 DX Convertible Car Seat is designed with a 5-point harness system to ensure maximum safety for your child.
- Versatile Design: This car seat can be used as both a rear-facing and front-facing car seat, which allows for more flexibility when it comes to transporting your child in a variety of situations.
- Comfort & Support: The adjustable headrest and multiple recline positions provide ultimate comfort and support for your little one while in the vehicle.
- Easy Installation: It has an easy installation process that only requires the use of one hand, allowing you to install the car seat quickly and easily without any hassle or frustration.
- machine washable covers make it easy to keep clean and ensures lasting use of this product over time..
- Durability & Maintenance Friendly: Its durable construction combined with its removable,
Our Recommendations
I purchased the Cosco Mighty Fit 65 DX Convertible Car Seat for my toddler and I could not be more pleased with this product. It is easy to install, well made and comfortable for my daughter. The 5-point harness system ensures her safety while riding in the car and it also has adjustable head support so she can lean back comfortably when napping. Plus, the adjustable buckle positions make it easy to customize the fit as she grows. Highly recommend!
9. Evenflo Maestro Sport Convertible Booster Car Seat, Forward Facing, High …
- Brand: Evenflo
- Manufacturer: Evenflo
- Color: Whitney
- Dimensions: Height: 27.5 Inches Width: 19.0 Inches Length: 17.0 Inches Weight: 9.6 Pounds `
The Evenflo Maestro Sport Convertible Booster Car Seat is an excellent choice for keeping your children safe and secure in the car. It offers superior comfort, with a 5-point harness system to ensure proper fit and padding for added protection. The adjustable headrest easily grows with your child, while side impact cushioning provides extra security during those unexpected bumps. Its lightweight design makes it easy to install or move from one vehicle to another without hassle. With its forward facing design, this booster seat provides optimal safety for your little ones as they take their first steps into independence on the road.
Advantages
- Five-point harness system provides superior safety and security for growing children.
- Lightweight design allows for easy transport between vehicles or when traveling with your child.
- Dual cup holders keep beverages close at hand for the child and make it easier to keep car organized during trips.
- Energy absorbing foam lining provides additional side impact protection in case of an accident, giving parents peace of mind on the road.
- Forward facing seat helps promote proper posture and positioning as well as providing extended comfort during long rides in the vehicle
Our Recommendations
I recently purchased the Evenflo Maestro Sport Convertible Booster Car Seat for my son and I am absolutely thrilled with it! It is easy to install, comfortable for my son and provides excellent safety features. The adjustable headrest ensures a perfect fit, so we don’t have to worry about him being too small or too large for this seat. The removable cup holders are great for snacks on long rides. Best of all, it’s incredibly affordable compared to other booster car seats in its class! Highly recommend this product!!
10. Babytrend Hybrid 3-in-1 Combination Booster Seat, Ozone
- Brand: Baby Trend
- Manufacturer: Baby Trend
- Color: Ozone
- Dimensions: Height: 10.4 Inches Width: 19.6 Inches Length: 31.0 Inches
The Babytrend Hybrid 3-in-1 Combination Booster Seat is the perfect choice for parents looking to provide their child with a comfortable and secure ride. This versatile seat features three modes that can be used from infancy through toddlerhood. The Ozone color adds a modern, stylish touch to any car interior. Its five-point safety harness keeps your little one safe, while its adjustable headrest offers maximum comfort on long drives. With easy installation and easy cleaning, this booster seat provides convenience and peace of mind for busy parents who are always on the go!
Advantages
- Converts from a forward-facing harnessed booster seat to a high-back belt positioning booster seat and finally to a backless belt positioning booster seat, making it ideal for growing children.
- Features an adjustable headrest with 5 height positions that grows with your child.
- Has two cup holders on each side of the chair which can hold snacks, drinks, and toys while keeping them within reach of your little one during the ride.
- Comes equipped with LATCH connectors for secure installation in vehicles without removing the base when transitioning between modes or vehicles as well as top tether straps for additional security when used in rear facing mode.
- The cover is removable and machine washable so it’s easy to keep clean and fresh looking over time.
Our Recommendations
I recently purchased the Babytrend Hybrid 3-in-1 Combination Booster Seat for my daughter and I couldn’t be more pleased. It is a great value for the money, and it’s well made. The seat easily adjusts to fit my growing child properly, which gives me peace of mind that she is safe in her seat. My daughter loves being able to transition from toddler mode with the 5-point harness, all the way through preschooler booster mode as she grows up. The Ozone color looks great in our car too! Highly recommend this product!
Frequently Asked Questions
What car seat should a 4 year old be in?
A 4 year old should be in a forward-facing car seat that is correctly installed and fitted with a 5-point harness. The car seat must meet all applicable safety standards, including the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 213, and your local laws. It’s important to make sure that the car seat is age appropriate for your child and fits properly in your vehicle.
A booster seat may also be necessary depending on how tall your child is; check with your local Department of Motor Vehicles or pediatrician for more information about this.
Does a 4 year old need a booster seat or car seat?
Yes, a 4 year old does need a booster seat or car seat in order to ensure their safety when riding in a vehicle. Booster seats are designed for children who have outgrown their infant and convertible car seats but are still too small for an adult seat belt. Booster seats should be used until the child is tall enough to use an adult seat belt properly – typically around 4 foot 9 inches tall and between 8-12 years of age.
Additionally, all 50 states currently have laws that require children under the age of 8 (or 80 lbs.) to ride in appropriate car restraints while traveling in motor vehicles. In short, it’s important to make sure you’re 4 year old is safely secured with either a booster seat or proper fitting adult car seat whenever they travel by vehicle.
How much does a 4 year old have to weigh to be in a car seat?
The weight requirements for car seats vary widely, but generally speaking, most manufacturers recommend that a 4 year old should weigh at least 40 lbs in order to be properly secured in a car seat. Depending on the type of seat you have, the lower limit may be higher or lower – so it’s always important to check with your manufacturer’s guidelines before purchasing and installing one. It is also recommended that children remain rear-facing until age 2 or until they reach the upper height/weight limits for their particular seat.
When can I switch my child from a car seat to a booster seat?
In most cases, you can switch your child from a car seat to a booster seat when they have outgrown their current car seat and are at least 4 years old. It’s important to make sure that the booster is appropriate for your child’s size and weight before making the transition. A properly fitting booster should be positioned so that the lap belt lies low across their upper thighs, not their stomach, and the shoulder belt should fit snugly over their shoulder and chest.
Also consider if your vehicle has lower anchors available which can help secure the booster in place more securely than using a standard seatbelt alone.
Conclusion
For parents of four-year-olds looking for a car seat, there is no better option than one designed specifically for their age group. Not only will it provide the best possible safety and comfort, but also peace of mind knowing that your child is secure during every ride.
About Author (Marjorie R. Rogers)
The inspiring mum of 6 who dedicates her time to supporting others. While battling with her own demons she continues to be the voice for others unable to speak out. Mental illness almost destroyed her, yet here she is fighting back and teaching you all the things she has learned along the way. Get Started To Read …
