12 Car Seats for 5-Year-Olds (High Limits, Comfy & Safe)

Having a 5-year-old is an exciting time because your baby is growing up. But, this means you need to decide on the best car seat to keep them safe while keeping your independent child happy.

Car seats for 5-year-olds have a high weight and height limit, fun colors, and adjustable sizing so that your child can choose the seat they want and you have peace of mind knowing it is safe.

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Car Seats for 5-Year-Olds

1. Britax Grow With You Clicktight Plus Booster Seat

This seat is ideal for growing 5-year-olds because it has a high weight and height limit that grows with your child.

Your child can use this seat from 2-12 years or until they meet the maximum limits of 120 lbs and 63 inches.

This car seat for five-year-olds and up has 3 layers of side impact protection rather than 2, which is a change since the last version.

The quick-pull harness and 2-position buckle make this easy for you to adjust as your child grows, although the straps can sometimes be hard to tighten.

What We Liked

• The padding is plush and comfortable
• The cover is easy to remove for cleaning
• Color-coded belt guides ensure a safe installation
• Flame-retardant-free fabric
• Older kids can buckle themselves in

What Can Be Improved

• Cup holders are not removable
• Headrest moves and squeaks
• Recline feature does not have clear indicators

Age Range: 2-12 years
Height Range: 34-63 in (86.4-160 cm)
Weight Range: 25-120 lbs (11-54.4 kg)
Seat Weight: 27 lbs (12.2 kg)
Dimensions: 21 H x 23 W x 25 L in
Expiration Date: 9 years from the manufacturing date

2. Diono Monterey 4 DXT Latch Booster

This is the best car seat for 5-year-old kids because it has 11 headrest positions and expandable side walls that grow with your child.

Your 5-year-old will love choosing from the 7 vibrant color options and the automotive-inspired fabrics, an improvement from the previous model, are breathable.

The extra seat depth makes this a good car seat for 5-year-old kids who are higher on the height and weight side.

This seat is very big and might not fit well in all cars. Despite this, a weight limit of 120 lbs and a height limit of 63 inches make this a versatile option for kids aged 4-12.

What We Liked

• Integrated LATCH connectors
• It has a backless booster option
• 4 layers of side impact protection
• AIRTEK foam for additional comfort
• Great headrest shape

What Can Be Improved

• The wide seat can make buckling tricky
• Cupholders not removable
• Bulky to install

Age Range: 4-12 years
Height Range: 38.2-63 in (97-160 cm)
Weight Range: 40-120 lbs (18-54 kg)
Seat Weight: 18.7 lbs (8.48 kg)
Dimensions: 27.2 H x 21.3 W x 16.1 L in
Expiration Date: 8 years from the manufacturing date

3. WAYB Pico Car Seat

This seat is an ideal portable car seat for 5-year-old kids who carpool to school or to use in multiple vehicles.

It is lightweight and easy to install, so you can move it from vehicle to vehicle.

This seat looks like a ‘big kid’ seat and your 5-year-old will feel very grown up using it.

The WAYB Pico does have a lower height and weight limit than other seats, with a height of 45 inches and a weight of 50 lbs.

This seat should fit kids between 2 and 6 years.

What We Liked

• 5-point safety harness
• Naturally flame-resistant fabrics
• Folds compactly for travel and storage
• Narrow and non-bulky
• Easy to install

What Can Be Improved

• This seat doesn’t have armrests
• A tight crotch strap and buckle can be uncomfortable
• The cover needs to be hand washed

Age Range: 2-6 years
Height Range: 30-45 in (76.2-114.3 cm)
Weight Range: 22-50 lbs (10-23 kg)
Seat Weight: 8 lbs (3.6 kg)
Dimensions: 18.9 H x 14.5 W x 11.6 L in
Expiration Date: 6 years from the manufacturing date

4. Diono Everett NXT Booster

This car seat for 5-year-old and up will keep your child safe from 4-12 years or until they reach the maximum height of 63 inches and a maximum weight of 120 lbs.

An upgrade from the past version is the Rigid LATCH Isofix installation option which makes it simple to install.

This seat has a slim design that still offers your growing 5-year-old plenty of space. As your child gets older, they might complain about being in a booster, but the plush padding will keep them comfortable.

This seat doesn’t have cup holders and you need to purchase them separately.

What We Liked

• Color indicators show when the seat is installed correctly
• Your independent 5-year-old can buckle themselves in
• Vibrant blue and red options make this a good car seat for a five-year-old boy
• Offers good legroom for tall kids
• 7 headrest positions for your growing child

What Can Be Improved

• It doesn’t convert to a backless booster
• The lower connectors don’t work well with contoured seats
• The reclining backrest is not for comfort but for a better vehicle fit

Age Range: 4-12 years
Height Range: 38.2-63 in (97-160 cm)
Weight Range: 40-120 lbs (18-54 kg)
Seat Weight: 11.1 lbs (5.05 kg)
Dimensions: 27.6 H x 18.5 W x 14.8 L in
Expiration Date: 18 years from the manufacturing date

Also, check out the best car seats for 6-year-olds, which are super comfy and provide maximum security for your LO.

5. Diono Cambria 2 2-in-1 Booster

The Cambria 2 is a 5-year-old car seat your child will love.

It is an XL seat with a contoured seat base and extra length, which works well for taller kids and gives the seat longevity as your child grows.

It has two retractable cup holders and your independent child will enjoy the backless booster mode as they get older.

Car seats for 5-year-old kids should offer head support for after-school naps. The Cambria 2 has good head support that doubles as side impact protection.

This seat is designed for kids aged 4-12 with a maximum weight limit of 120 lbs and a height limit of 63 inches. That means it may be too big for some vehicles.

What We Liked

• 2 retractable cup holders
• A fairly cheap car seat for 5-year-old kids
• Pretty pink car seat for a five-year-old girl
• Lightweight for a booster seat
• Machine washable cover

What Can Be Improved

• It could use more padding
• 6-position adjustable head support
• Bulky and awkward to move

Age Range: 4-12 years
Height Range: 38.2-63 in (97-160 cm)
Weight Range: 40-120 lbs (18-54 kg)
Seat Weight: 12.8 lbs (5.8 kg)
Dimensions: 29.9 H x 20.1 W x 16.1 L in
Expiration Date: 8 years from the manufacturing date

6. Chicco MyFit Zip Air Harness + Booster Car Seat

For children aged 2-10 with a max height of 57 inches and a weight of 100 lbs, this safety seat for 5-year-old kids is a great option.

Something to consider is these limits are lower than other booster seats.

Not only does this seat have plush padding and a no-rethread harness, but it also offers your 5-year-old 4 recline positions for ultimate comfort.

The Zip Air has a SuperCinch LATCH and breathable 3D mesh compared to the previous version. 

This seat has a bonus storage console for your 5-year-old to store snacks and toys.

What We Liked

• Transitions easily from 5-point harness to belt booster
• Super easy to install
• 9 headrest positions grow with your child
• 2 dishwasher-safe cup holders
• Zip-off cover for easy cleaning

What Can Be Improved

• It can be tricky to clean
• It is quite bulky
• Heavy

Age Range: 2-10 years
Height Range: 38-57 in (96.52-45 cm)
Weight Range: 25-100 lbs (11.3-45.3 kg)
Seat Weight: 26 lbs (12 kg)
Dimensions: 26 H x 17.5 W x 21 L in
Expiration Date: 8 years from the manufacturing date

7. Clek Oobr Full Back Booster Seat

The Oobr is the first full-back booster seat in the Clek range with a higher weight limit of 100 lbs, an improvement from the prior model of convertible seats.

Your child can use this seat from 4-10 years and up to 57 inches.

The back of this seat reclines but is also fully removable, growing with your child. It is also a lightweight car seat for 5-year-old kids weighing 10 lbs.

The Oobr is designed to look like the seat of your car rather than a child seat, so your 5-year-old will feel like a grown-up while still being extremely safe.

What We Liked

• Raises your child 4 inches to improve shoulder belt fit
• Flame-retardant-free fabrics
• A selection of fun colors and fabrics
• Rigid LATCH installation is quick and easy
• Deep side wings for afternoon naps

What Can Be Improved

• Lower height and weight limit than other seats
• The seat rattles when empty
• Could have a longer seat

Age Range: 4-10 years
Height Range: 38-57 in (96.52-45 cm)
Weight Range: 40-100 lbs (18.1-45.3 kg)
Seat Weight: 10 lbs (4.5 kg)
Dimensions: 22 H x 18 W x 14 L in
Expiration Date: 9 years from the manufacturing date

8. Mifold Hifold Fit-and-Fold Booster Seat

This is a small car seat for 5-year-old kids because it folds up and is easy for carpooling families.

It has good padding and well-positioned belt guides that adjust with the seat to keep your child safe. With 243 adjustment options, this seat can be customized to suit your growing child.

Your child can use this seat from age 4 to 12 or until they meet the maximum weight limit of 100 lbs and height limit of 59 inches.

This seat does feel less safe than traditional seats, but it has 6 advanced impact protection zones to keep your child safe.

What We Liked

• Adjusts separately in 4 areas
• Comes with a convenient carry strap
• Works well in a 3-across installation
• Regulated for global use
• Made with AirFlow washable fabric

What Can Be Improved

• It could be more durable
• Not very soft
• Not ideal for a bucket or cup seats

Age Range: 4-12 years
Height Range: 40-59 in (101.6-150 cm)
Weight Range: 40-100 lbs (18.1-45.4kg)
Seat Weight: 10 lbs (4.6 kg)
Dimensions: 29.7 H x 15.6 W x 15.6 L in
Expiration Date: 7 years from the manufacturing date

9. RideSafer Travel Car Seat Vest

Your child will feel like a big kid in this car seat for 5yr old kids, but your independent 5-year-old might not enjoy sitting on the seat because they can’t see out of the window.

This vest is ideal if you are a carpooling family and your 5-year-old could easily put the vest on themselves.

It also helps position the vehicle shoulder strap and lap belt correctly, so you don’t need to worry about additional head support.

Your 5-year-old will love that they aren’t in a ‘baby’ seat and they will enjoy the independence of the Ride Safer vest.

What We Liked

• The design has multiple fail-safe mechanisms
• Extremely compact
• Perfect for 3-across situations
• Adjustable straps for growing kids
• Vest changes crash dynamics and reduces head and knee injuries

What Can Be Improved

• Clips cause wear on seat belts
• Instructions could be more thorough
• Some children don’t like how it feels

Age Range: 3-14 years
Height Range: 29-64 in (74-163 cm)
Weight Range: 22-110 lbs (10-50 kg)
Seat Weight: 2.4 lbs (1.1 kg)
Dimensions: 3.5 H x 9.5 W x 15 L in
Expiration Date: 10 years from the manufacturing date

10. Peg Perego Viaggio Shuttle Plus 120

This is one of the best car seats for five-year-olds because you can customize the fit to your growing child. It works for kids aged 4-12, up to a weight of 120 lbs and a height of 63 inches.

The 3D adjustment system allows you to adjust the seat in 4 directions, all independent from each other. This is an upgrade from the earlier model. 

The side wings are adjustable for larger kids and when they are ready, you can remove the backrest and convert the seat into a backless booster.

What We Liked

• Integrated Rigid LATCH
• Aluminum reinforced backrest
• It has a cupholder and armrests
• Super-soft padding
• Blind lock attaching so a passenger can’t accidentally release the seat

What Can Be Improved

• Only 2 color options
• Hand wash only
• Could do with more padding

Age Range: 4-12 years
Height Range: 39-63 in (99-160 cm)
Weight Range: 40-120 lbs (18.1-54 kg)
Seat Weight: 14 lbs (6.3 kg)
Dimensions: 26.75 H x 17.25 W x 26.75 L in

11. Nuna Aace Booster Seat Flame-Retardant Free

The Nuna Aace is an appropriate car seat for 5-year-old kids because it offers longevity as your child grows. Children between the ages of 4 and 12 can use this seat for up to 120 lbs and 60 inches.

The 3D growth system has a 9-position headrest, expandable shoulder width, and a seat that has 3 depth options. This is ideal no matter what size or height your 5-year-old is.

The high-back booster can transition to a no-back booster if your 5-year-old has met the minimum weight limit of 50 lbs and height limit of 38 inches.

The height of this booster is not compatible with all seats.

What We Liked

• The bamboo/polyester blend fabric is naturally flame-resistant
• The shoulder system adjusts simultaneously with the headrest
• Green tab on connectors to ensure correct installation
• Side impact protection pods
• Dishwasher-safe cup holder

What Can Be Improved

• Can’t fit three of these boosters across
• This seat is quite bulky
• Difficult to put the cover back on after washing

Age Range: 4-12 years
Height Range: 38-60 in (96.5 152.4 cm)
Weight Range: 40-120 lbs (18.1-54.4 kg)
Seat Weight: 15.6 lbs (7.1 kg)
Dimensions: 33 H x 22.5 W x 15 L in
Expiration Date: 10 years from the manufacturing date

12. Cybex Solution Z-Fix Car Seat

Children aged 4-12 can enjoy this proper car seat for 5-year-old as it adapts as they grow. This seat will last until your child reaches 60 inches in height and 110 lbs in weight.

The width and height adjust simultaneously with 12 different options to choose from and the ventilation system will keep your child cool and comfortable.

The clean lines and bright color options will make your 5-year-old feel like they are sitting in a ‘big kid’ seat and the Z-fix is less bulky in your backseat.

This seat doesn’t have a cupholder which might be an inconvenience for your 5-year-old.

What We Liked

• Extended linear side impact protection
• Rigid LATCH for quick installation
• Reclining headrest for nap times
• Soft and durable fabric
• Lightweight and easy to install

What Can Be Improved

• The side bolsters can make it difficult to see out the window
• No top tether strap
• Belt doesn’t retract properly through the positioner

Age Range: 4-12 years
Height Range: 38-60 in (96.5 152.4 cm)
Weight Range: 40-110 lbs (18.1-50 kg)
Seat Weight: 15.9 lbs (7.2 kg)
Dimensions: 25 H x 21 W x 16 L in
Expiration Date: 8 years from the manufacturing date

What Car Seats Should a 5-Year-Old Be In? 

The NHTSA recommends that children between the ages of 4 and 7 stay in a forward-facing seat with a harness until they have met the maximum weight and height limit of the car seat. 

You can keep your 5-year-old in a 5-point harness until they have reached the maximum height and weight limits before transitioning them to a booster seat that uses the car seat belt.

The CDC recommends a forward-facing harness seat until at least age 5, saying that most kids aren’t big enough for a seat belt to fit properly in a booster until they are about 9 years old.

Convertible Car Seat vs. Booster Seat 

The best convertible car seat for 5-year-old kids will have a high weight (120 lbs) and height (57 inches) limit so you can keep your child in a 5-point harness and rear-facing for longer (up to 50 lbs). 

Convertible car seats can be bulky and your older child might not enjoy being in a car seat. But they often provide more safety features like side impact protection and a tether.

A booster seat is the best option if your child has reached the max limits of their convertible car seat. Most kids between 4 and 12 years can use a booster and there are many that have adjustable sizing to better fit your child.

High Back Booster vs. Backless Booster 

A highback booster is ideal for children transitioning from a forward-facing convertible car seat. They have a padded seat, back, side impact protection, headrest, and are often adjustable. 

A highback booster uses the car’s seat belt and usually has positioners for correct placement. They are usually for kids between 40 and 120 lbs with a minimum height of about 38 inches and a maximum height of 63 inches.

A backless booster has a padded seat but no side impact protection. For this reason, a highback booster is a safer option until your child reaches the age of 12.

Choosing an Appropriate Car Seat for 5-Year-Old 

The best-rated car seats for 5-year-old kids are convertible seats with a high weight limit and a 5-point harness or a highback booster with adjustable sizing.

Weight and Height Limits 

The recommended car seat for 5-year-old children is a convertible car seat with a rear-facing weight limit of 50 lbs. It is safer for your child to be rear-facing with a 5-point harness.

If your child weighs more than 50 lbs, then a highback booster with a weight range of 40-120 lbs is best. This is a safe and comfortable option for children between 38 and 60 inches tall. 

Non-Toxic Fabrics 

Car seats should keep your child safe in a crash but also use safe fabrics. Look for a seat made with wool or polyester, as these are naturally flame-resistant. 

Avoid seats that use dangerous flame-retardant chemicals or PFAs to make the seats waterproof.

Safety Features 

The safest car seat for 5-year-old kids has adjustable headrests so you can customize the fit as your child grows. Seats that have expandable side wings and seats are also safer as they provide a better fit.

They also use chemical-free fabrics, have side impact protection, and use Rigid LATCH connectors for a safe and easy install.

Easy to Use 

Car seats for 5-year-olds should have one-hand adjustable headrests that simultaneously adjust the sides of the seat.

They should also have machine washable covers and cup holders.

Car seats that are lightweight and have a Rigid LATCH installation option are easier for moms to use.

FAQ

Should a 5-year-old be in a car seat or booster? 

A 5-year-old should be in a car seat until they have reached the maximum height and weight limits of the seat.

Should a 5-year-old have a 5-point harness? 

A 5-year-old should have a 5-point harness until they have reached the maximum height and weight limits of the car seat.

Can a 5-year-old be in a booster seat? 

A 5-year-old can be in a booster seat if they meet the minimum weight and height limits.

Can a 5-year-old use a backless booster seat? 

No, a 5-year-old should not use a backless booster until they are at least 9 years old.