12 Car Seats for 6-Year-Olds (High Limits, Comfy & Safe)

Many kids start to resist using a car seat once they hit kindergarten or first grade. This is particularly true if they have an older sibling who no longer requires a seat. 

Having a right seat that your child likes significantly decreases the car seat battle. Car seats for 6-year-olds have a high weight and height limit, fun colors, and high safety ratings.

Our Favorites

Car Seats for 6-Year-Olds

1. Diono Monterey 4 DXT Latch Booster

The Monterey 4 DXT booster is a good car seat for 6-year-olds of parents with bigger kids. Designed for kids up to 120 lbs and 63 inches (over 5 feet), even the tallest of kids can sit safely in this portable car seat for 6-year-olds.

One great feature of this booster is the dial that adjusts shoulder width. A nice improvement from the previous version is that the new model has an updated headrest with EPP foam. The added foam makes it safer in the event of a side-impact crash.

Once your child is tall enough, you can remove the backrest to use it as a backless booster. However, some parents complain that when trying to move the sea between cars, the two pieces fall apart.

What We Liked

• Several bright color options
• Shoulder belt positioning guide
• Machine washable cover, easy to spot clean more minor stains
• 11 headrest positions
• Quick and easy installation

What Can Be Improved

• On some sites, the price changes based on color
• Big and bulky 
• No clip to secure the back of the seat

Age Range: 4-12 years
Height Range: 38 – 63 inches (97-160 cm)
Weigh Range: 40-120 lbs (18.14 – 54.43 kg)
Seat Weight: 18.7 lbs (8.5 kg)
Dimensions: ‎16.1 x 20.5 x 27.2 inches
Expiration Date: 8 Years from manufacture date

2. Britax Grow With You Clicktight Plus Booster Seat

The Britax Grow With You booster is one of the best-rated car seats for 6-year-olds. Your child will stay comfortable and cool with the wicking fabric and extra padded seat. 

The Grow With You is a great car seat for six-year-olds and up because it is stylish, durable, and comes with four snack and cup holders to keep goodies, small toys, and crayons. 

One change since the last model is the newest version’s SafePlus machine washable cover. 

Even though the Britax Grow With seat is designed for children as light as 25lbs, it is a forward-facing seat only. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends children remain rear-facing until 50 lbs or four years if possible.

What We Liked

• Available in a lot of fun colors and patterns
• Machine washable cover
• Click-tight installation
• FAA certified when in harness mode
• Made in the U.S.A.

What Can Be Improved

• Forward-facing only
• Large, bulky, and heavy

Age Range: 2-12
Height Range:: 34 – 63 inches (86.36-160 cm)
Weight range: 25-120 lbs (11.33-54.43 kg)
Seat Weight: 27 lbs (12.25 kg)
Dimensions:21 x 23 x 25  inches
Expiration Date: 9 years from manufacture date

3. WAYB Pico Car Seat

WAYB Pico Car Seat is for families who love to travel. This seat is the best car seat for six-year-olds whose families fly frequently use Uber or taxis regularly. This small car seat for a 6-year-old can be worn backpack style and weigh only 8 lbs. 

The WAYB Pico seat is forward-facing only but is approved for children two years and up who weigh at least 22 pounds and are a minimum of 30 inches tall and no bigger than 50 lbs or 45 inches tall.

Because this seat is so new, there have been no upgrades since the earlier versions, but perhaps new models could include more padding and cushioning in the seating area.

What We Liked

• FAA approved
• Foldable and portable
• Mesh fabric is breathable 
• Foldable – stores easily in plane compartments or car trunks
• Easy to clean

What Can Be Improved

• Difficult to install
• Sits low
• Forward-facing only

Age Range: 2-8
Height Range:: 30-45 inches (11.8-17.7 cm)
Weight range: 22-50 lbs (9.9-22.6 kg)
Seat Weight: 8 lbs (3.6 kg)
Dimensions:15.2 x 14.5 x 22.8-27.8 inches
Expiration Date: 6 years from manufacture date

4. Diono Everett NXT Booster

The Everett Diono high back booster is a lightweight car seat for 6-year-olds. Your big kid will ride in supreme comfort and safety while traveling in the car with memory foam armrests and ample padding in the seat cushion.

The cushioned headrest with added side-impact protection in this modern version is an upgrade from the past. The headrest is also adjustable, which helps parents achieve the perfect fit for their growing kids.

The rigid Latch connectors are unique and make installation a cinch and secure. This is especially helpful when transferring the set between cars.

Also, because the seat is light, your child can help carry it when switching cars, giving them an important responsibility. 

A cup holder is not included. However, there is an option to purchase them separately and attach them.

What We Liked

• Incredibly light; weighs under 9 pounds
• Padded Memory foam armrests
• Option to go backless
• Pocket included keeping manual safe
• Slim Fit provides more room in the back of your vehicle

What Can Be Improved

• It only has seven headrest positions (most Diono models have 11 or 12).
• Limited color options
• Cup holders are sold separately

Age Range: 4-12 years
Height Range: 38 – 63 inches (97-160 cm)
Weigh Range: 40-120 lbs (18.14 – 54.43 kg)
Seat Weight: 8.9 lbs (4 kg)
Dimensions: 18.5 x 14.8 x 27.6 inches
Expiration Date: 8 years from manufacture date

5. Diono Cambria 2 2-in-1 Booster

The Diono Cambrai 2 2-in01 Booster is a high-back and backless booster safety seat for 6-year-olds. It folds flat for storage and travel and is incredibly lightweight.

Although it is a bit bulky, its lighter weight makes the Cambria a great booster option for parents who need to swap seats out frequently. 

Its bright pink or blue options ensure that it’s the ideal seat for any car seat for a six-year-old girl or boy, whatever color they prefer!

Unfortunately, there are no improvements from the prior version, but it would be nice to see newer models offered in more colors!

Both the cover and the harness can be machine washed. Minor stains can also be easily spot-cleaned when needed, which is ideal when you have big kids snacking in the car!

What We Liked

• One-handed headrest adjustment
• Accommodates children over 5 feet
• Detachable cup holders included
• Storage bag on the seat to hold manual 
• XL contoured seat for bigger kids

What Can Be Improved

• It only comes in 3 colors.
• Oly has six headrest positions (most Diono seats have 11 or 12)
• Not FFA approved for travel

Age Range: 4-12 years
Height Range: 38 – 63 inches (97-160 cm)
Weigh Range: 40-120 lbs (18.14 – 54.43 kg)
Seat Weight: 12.1 lbs (5.5 kg)
Dimensions: 29.33 x 15.5 x 19.29 inches
Expiration Date: 8 years from manufacturer date

6. Chicco MyFit Zip Air Harness + Booster Car Seat

If you have a soon to be 6 year old at home, consider the Chicco MyFit Zip Air Harness + Booster. This seat has everything your big kid needs and wants, including four recline positions for the perfect positioning and a no-rethread 9-position headrest. 

This seat is designed for kids as young as two or 25 lbs all the way up to 100 lbs. So, depending on your child’s height and weight, this seat could last them a very long time!

A bonus compared to the previous model is the Zip Air version has 3D/AirMesh fabric backrest providing support and breathability where big kids need it most. 

Unfortunately, the Chicco MyFit booster doesn’t have a backless mode, but many parents feel the safest car seat for a 6-year-old utilizes a high back with extra side-impact protection.

What We Liked

• LATCH connectors in booster mode
• FAA approved – in booster mode.
• Foldable cup holders
• Bubble level indicators for harness and booster mode
• A deep seat base accommodates children with longer legs.

What Can Be Improved

• No backless option
• Forward-facing only
• Heavy

Age Range: 2-10
Height Range:: 38-57 inches (96.5-144.7 cm)
Weight range: 25-100 lbs (11.33-45.35 kg)
Seat Weight: 25 lbs (11.34 kg)
Dimensions:21 x 27 x 18  inches
Expiration Date: 8 years from manufacture date

7. Clek Oobr Full Back Booster Seat

The Clek Oobr Full Back Booster provides comfort for your child plus a slew of safety features to keep your child safe in the back seat!

Clek is a leading name in designer car seats, but the Oobr Full Back Booster is a highly recommended car seat for a 6-year-old. It received top ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. 

The Oobr is lightweight and easy to install, making it an excellent choice for parents who frequently need to switch or share a car seat. 

Parents say the fabric isn’t the softest and is prone to tearing, but their kids don’t seem to mind the texture plus, the cushions are removable and washable!

What We Liked

• The high back adds extra protection in a crash
• Clek offers a 3-year warranty when registered within nine days of purchase
• Backless option
• Removable cushions 
• Lightweight and easy to transfer

What Can Be Improved

• Fabric isn’t very soft
• The seat cushion could use more padding

Age Range: 4-10
Height Range: 38-57 inches (96.5-144.7 cm)
Weight Range: 40-100 lbs (18-45.3 kg)
Seat Weight: 10 lb (4.5 kg).
Dimensions: 16 L x 17 W x 28 H inches
Expiration Date: 9 years from manufacturer date

Also, check out the best car seats for 1-year-olds, which are super comfy and provide maximum security for your LO.

8. Mifold Hifold Fit-and-Fold Booster Seat

Few car seats for six-year-olds are as unique as the Mifold Fit-and-FOld booster seat. Its futuristic look and bright colors make your kid feel like they’re sitting in a space shuttle or robot. 

Designed to grow and expand with your child, the seat has three width settings for the head, body, and seat and nine height settings. 

The Mifold Hifold Fit-and-Fold is suitable for children ages 4-plus who weigh at least 40 lbs and are 40 inches tall. It is foldable and portable with the included carrying strap. 

It is an excellent 6-year-old car seat for families who enjoy traveling and is approved for use worldwide except for Australia.

What We Liked

• Easy to fold and put away if you need more room in the car
• Lightweight and portable
• Great for travel – but not FAA-approved. It does fit in most overhead bins.
• Can fit three across in most cars
• Four layers of impact protection

What Can Be Improved

• Only available in two colors
• Heavier than some portable boosters
• No harness option

Age Range: 4-10
Height Range: 40-59 inches (101.5 – 149.86 cm)
Weight Range: 40-100 lbs (18-45.3 kg)
Seat Weight: 10 lb (4.5 kg).
Dimensions: 13.7 x 18.9  x 29.7 H inches
Expiration Date: 7 years from manufacturer date

9. RideSafer Travel Car Seat Vest

The RideSafer Travel Car Seat Vest is a different approach to car safety. The car seat vest is an alternative to a car seat for 6 years old and up and a great option for travel.

Parents can use the vest on planes and in most cars. The safety vest meets all the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards crash test requirements and is approved for children three years old and up. 

The vest is available in four sizes x-small, small, large, and x-large. In addition, the RideSafer vest works with the Delighter Booster if the child needs additional height.

The RideSafer vest is an excellent choice for carpools and is easy to install and use. Parents can only use the RideSafer vest in cars where the back of the seat is higher than the child’s ears.

What We Liked

• Great for taxi rides and traveling
• FAA approved
• Lightweight
• Children can use it with a lap or lap and shoulder belt.
• Top-tether option

What Can Be Improved

• No height measurements are included.
• It doesn’t work in all cars.
• Training is required as people are not familiar with the product.

Age Range: 3+
Weight Range: 30-110 lbs (13.6-49.9 kg)
Seat Weight: 2.4 lbs (1.1 kg)
Dimensions: ‎15 x 9.5 x 3.5 inches 
Expiration Date: Vests manufactured after 2013 have a date 10 years from the manufacturer’s date

10. Peg Perego Viaggio Shuttle Plus 120

Getting older children to sit in a car seat can be challenging, but moms and dads should have no issue getting their big kids into the Shuttle Plus 120.

The Viaggio Shuttle Plus 120 is one of the best car seats for 6-year-olds. Not only is the seat soft with padding in all the right places, but it’s adjustable to accommodate kids of all sizes and heights comfortably. 

The seat comes in two neutral colors, so it is an ideal car seat for a six-year-old boy or girl. 

Some parents say that the seat detaches too quickly from the high back when transferring, but they also state it is easy to snap back together and install.

What We Liked

• The headrest, backrest, and side wings are all adjustable
• Cup holder included 
• Backless booster option
• Five recline positions
• Side impact protection

What Can Be Improved

• Heavy
• No Kinetic pods
• Wider than standard booster

Age Range: 4-12
Child Height: 39-63 inches (99-160 cm)
Weigh Range: 40-120 lbs (18.14 – 54.43 kg)
Seat Weight: 14 lbs (6.35 kg)
Dimensions: 17 x 17 x 26.75 inches
Expiration Date: 7 years from manufacture date

11. Nuna Aace Flame-Retardant Free Booster Seat

The Nuna Aace Booster is among the top recommended car seats for six-year-olds. The soft, breathable knit fabric will keep your big kid cool and comfortable and contains no added chemicals or flame retardants.

The Nuna Aace is ideal for kids four years and up, and when your kid is big enough, it has a backless option that extends the life of the booster. The seat also has various depth options to accommodate your child as they grow. 

The rigid LATCH connectors make it easy to install and move from car to car and keep even bigger and heavier kids securely in place!

The seat only comes with one hollow cup holder, so you’ll need a separate cup to place in the holder if using it for snacks.

What We Liked

• Backless booster option
• Energy absorbing side-impact pods
• One-hand height adjustments
• Eight recline positions
• Belt positioner aid to help with proper placement

What Can Be Improved

• The cover is not machine washable or dryer safe
• Only one cup holder
• Not FAA approved

Age Range: 4-12
Height Range: 38-60 inches (96.5-152.4 cm)
Weigh Range: 40-120 lbs (18.14 – 54.43 kg)
Seat Weight: 15.6 lbs (6.8 kg)
Dimensions: 22 x 15 x 33 inches
Expiration Date: 10 years from manufacture date

12. Cybex Solution Z-Fix

The Cybex Solution Z-Fix booster is an incredibly comfortable and safe option for your preschooler and older children. This high-back booster is a great car seat for a 6yr old for parents who want safety, style, and comfort. 

Parents love the adjustable headrest that assures their child’s head stays in a safe position even when asleep. Kids love the bright, fun colors and soft, temperature-regulating fabric that keeps them cool, even on long car rides. 

Unfortunately, this seat does not have a backless option, but the high-back side and headrest provide additional side-impact protection during a crash.

What We Liked

• Side impact protection
• One-handed height adjustment
• Soft fabric and comfy cushioning
• Bright color options
• Rigid LATCH system to anchor the seat securely.

What Can Be Improved

• The seat is heavy for a booster
• It cannot convert to a backless booster
• Not FFA approved for airline use

Age Range: 4-12
Height Range: 38-60 inches (96.5-152.4 cm)
Weight Range: 40-120 lbs (18.14 – 54.43 kg)
Seat Weight: 15.9 lbs. (7.2 kg)
Dimensions: 15.9 x 21 x 24.6 inches
Expiration Date: 8 years from the manufacturing date

What Car Seats Should a 6-Year-Old Be In?

Ideally, your child should be in a car seat from birth until twelve. Afterward, older children will use a forward-facing harness seat or a booster.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the appropriate car seat for a 6-year-old is either a forward-facing car seat or a high-backed booster. Your child should remain in a car seat until they are tall enough that the lap belt fits snugly across their upper thighs and the shoulder belt goes across their chest. 

The proper car seat for a 6-year-old will be based on the weight and height specifications for each specific car seat. However, keeping your child in a 5-point safety harness for as long as possible is recommended. This is because most children are not tall enough for a booster until eight years old. 

Convertible Car Seat vs. Booster Seat

A convertible seat is a seat that accommodates a child through different stages of their car seat years. For example, some convertible seats work from birth through booster years. However, most are suitable for a child four years and up.

The best convertible car seat for a 6-year-old will be one they can use for several years. Ideally, a seat they can use when they’re as young as four or five all the way up through twelve.

A booster does not use a safety harness and is typically only suitable for children eight and up. However, you should always follow the height and weight recommendations set by the manufacturer and not your child’s age. 

High Back Booster vs. Backless Booster

A high-back booster is a seat that has a supportive back and headrest attached to the seat. High-back boosters are best for children just starting in a booster seat as they provide extra support and protection in the event of a crash.

Some highback boosters have a detachable back you can remove once your child is tall enough to go backless. If you’re looking for a cheap car seat for a 6-year-old for travel or an extra car, a no-frills detachable back booster is a good idea. Children should not use an entirely backless booster until they are at least eight. 

Choosing an Appropriate Car Seat for 6-Year-Old

Most six-year-old children should be in a forward-facing 5-point harness car seat. When choosing a six-year-old car seat, parents should consider weight and height limits, fabric options, safety features, and ease of use.

High Weight And Height Limit

Parents need to pay attention to car seat manufacturers’ weight and height limits. While many seats in the same category have similar height and weight recommendations, they vary. Using a seat too big or too small for your child can lead to injury and possibly even death in a car accident. 

Non-Toxic Fabrics 

Most car seat fabrics are non-toxic and must pass various chemical inspections and tests. However, many car seat brands are now using naturally flame-retardant fabrics—this way, no additional chemicals or flame-retardants need to be added. 

Look for brands that specifically mention the type of fabric they use and have not added any flame-retardants to the material. 

Safety Features

A six-year-old should be in a high-backed booster or forward-facing seat. Seats should also include absorbent foam and shock absorbers to protect your child in the event of an accident. 

Adjustable headrests and harnesses are another safety feature parents should look for; having the correct harness placement and headrest support is vital to keep your child safe and comfortable. 

Ease of Use

Lastly, parents should consider the ease of use. If you need to move the seat frequently, you’ll want one lightweight and easy to install. Rigid LATCH or easy LATCH options make placing and removing seats a cinch.

Parents should also test how easy it is to adjust harnesses and headrests and the difficulty of tightening belts and tethers. 

FAQ

Should a 6-year-old be in a car seat or booster?

A six-year-old should either be in a high-backed booster or a forward-facing car seat with a 5-point safety harness. Always follow the height and weight recommendations for your specific car seat.

Should a 6-year-old have a 5-point harness?

You shouldn’t use a baby car seat for a 6-year-old. However, a convertible seat with a 5-point harness is ideal for a six-year-old. 

Can a 6-year-old be in a booster seat?

A six-year-old can be in a booster if the booster has a high back. Typically children should not be in backless boosters until at least eight. Always follow the height and weight recommendations for your specific car seat.

Can a 6-year-old use a backless booster seat? 

No. In most cases, a six-year-old is not big enough for a backless booster. The recommended age for a backless booster is 8-12 years. But you should follow the height and weight guidelines for your specific seat.