Finding the best 5-point harness booster seat for 3 year olds is not as easy as it seems. Parents need to look for safety features, ease of use, and comfort too. The best car seats should also be lightweight and compact enough to move from one vehicle to another or even carry on a day out.

If you’re looking for the best car seat for 3-4 year old, here is a list of top 5 boosters to choose from. These seats are designed to provide safety and comfort for children between the ages of 0 and 10 years.

You should check that the booster seat you choose for your 3 years old has all the necessary certifications including NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration).

best 5-point harness booster seat for 3 years old

Our Top Picks: best 5-point harness booster seat for 3 years old

Image Product Name Dimensions Recommended age Price
1. Britax Grow with You ClickTight Booster Car Seat   19 x 21 x 25 inches; 23 Pounds  24 months – 12 years Check Price
2. Graco SlimFit3 LX 3 in 1 Car Seat 20.7 x 16.7 x 24.5 inches; 19.2 Pounds 0 – 9 years Check Price
 3. Evenflo Maestro Sport Convertible Booster Car Seat  17 x 19 x 27.5 inches; 9.6 Pounds  24 months – 8 years Check Price
 4. Diono Radian 3R booster seat  16 x 17 x 28.5 inches; 25.9 Pounds  0 – 10 years Check Price
5. Safety 1st Grand Booster Car Seat  30.19 x 19.63 x 18.25 inches; 1 Pounds  36 months – 7 years  Check Price

best 5-point harness booster seat for 3 years old

1. Britax Grow with You ClickTight 5-Point Harness Booster Seat

Britax is best known for making car seats that are best in safety features. They use top-notch technology and their seats are made according to the strictest industry standards. The Britax Grow with You ClickTight Harness-2-Booster Car Seat is no exception. Made to fit children between 40lbs and 110lbs, this 5-point harness booster seat uses an internal harness system as a secondary restraint along with the regular 5 point harness system. With 10 different position recline, you can adjust the best way to make your child comfortable while driving on any journey from 20 mins to long trips.

Coming to the best part, you can easily tighten and loosen the best 5-point harness booster seat without pulling too much on either side of your child. The best thing about this best 5-point harness booster seat is that it will grow with your child up to 110lbs. You can use this Britax seat as a car seat from 40lbs – 100lbs and then convert it into a high back booster from the height of 3 – 12 years. after researching many car seats we found this is the best lightweight car seat for 3 year old.

Pros and cons of Britax Grow with You ClickTight Booster Seat

What we love about this:

  • This booster seat is very easy to install and uninstall. The best part is it uses ClickTight technology which makes installation really secure.
  • Great for toddlers that want a backless booster, as it has a separate hook and loop adjuster.
  • The seat is super strong and sturdy. It does not bend or collapse under pressure.
  • It reclines to the full depth of your car seat (from 5 – 40 inches).
  • Great to use as you don’t always need an upright position in the car like babies.

Things to Consider:

  • None

Best travel car seat for 3 year olds with 5 Point harness

2. Graco SlimFit3 LX 3 in 1 booster seat

The Graco SlimFit3 LX 3 in 1 Car Seat is your family’s road trip essential. Fitting three car seats across, this slimline car seat grows with your child from rear-facing harness (5-40 lb) to forward-facing harness (22-65 lb) to highback booster (40-100 lb). With a spacious seat and a slim design for more room in the back seat, it’s the only car seat you’ll need. The SlimFit3 LX has been crash tested and approved for use with children 5 – 100 lbs. The best part about this best 5-point harness booster seat is that it is suitable for children up to 70 inches tall.

The Graco SlimFit3 LX 3 in 1 is great as a 3 year old booster seat. This booster seat is the perfect combination of safety, comfort, and convenience. The SlimFit3 is easy to install with its no-rethread harness system that adjusts easily from the front of the car seat without having to take your child out of the car seat. The 10-position No-Rethread Simply Safe Adjust Harness System allows you to adjust the headrest and harness together so you don’t have to rethread when your child grows or if they fall asleep on long trips.

Pros & cons of Graco SlimFit3 LX 3 in 1 car Seat

What we love about this:

  • Slim and portable, great for long car trips!
  • A seat that grows with your child so you don’t have to buy a new seat every year.
  • One-hand fold is very easy.
  • The slim and portable design.
  • It fits tight in the back seat and doesn’t take up too much space at all!
  • It has plenty of room for my child and they love it.
  • The padding is really soft and comfortable.

Things to Consider:

  • None really, we would prefer if it was a bit lower price wise.

Best 5 point harness booster seat 2021

3. Evenflo Maestro 5-Point Booster Car Seat

The Evenflo Maestro Sport Convertible Booster Car Seat is the best 5-point harness booster seat for 3 years old, with a steel-reinforced frame that supports children between 30lbs to 100lbs. This best 5-point harness booster seat comes with its own travel bag making it great for when you are on the go. The best part about this best 5-point harness booster car is that it looks super cute! You can choose from three different colors of grey, blue and purple which all look really modern and stylish in any car. 

The Evenflo Maestro Sport booster car seat has a smaller stature and is lighter in weight. This makes it easier to carry around as well as easy for even the smallest of parents to install. Some believe that this might be uncomfortable for kids since they don’t have enough room but I’ve been able to take my deflated football into those tight spots! The convertible feature comes from the built-in back wings which allow you to remove your child from the seat without having to completely uninstall it.

The fabric covers are removable, washable and can be easily replaced if worn or torn. When you feel like traveling with only your baby in a car seat because it’s small enough, this is what you should buy!

If I had to find negative things about this product, I would say that the harnesses seem flimsy, but they do their job perfectly fine for everyday driving purposes since these seats are well suited to children of any height. I love this seat because you can deflate the cushion and it will go with pretty much every car (even very small ones) even without adapters, which reduces dragging your seats around!

Pros & cons about Evenflo Maestro Sport Convertible Booster Car Seat

What we love about this:

  • It is very easy to install.
  • This 5-point harness booster seat is super lightweight, making it easy to take in and out of the car.
  • It has a nice travel bag which makes it very portable.
  • This 5-point harness booster seat is comfy, soft yet still supportive.

Things to Consider:

  • Nothing really! We are very happy with this purchase.

4. Diono Radian 3R Convertible Booster Car Seat

The Diono Radian 3R is a premium convertible car seat with a slim-fit design that offers safety, comfort, and convenience for your child from birth to 120 lbs up to 10 years of age. The radian 3R features an easy-to-use one-hand harness adjustment system, 8 recline positions, and adjustable head support for added comfort. The high back booster mode adds an extra layer of protection and comfort for any child transitioning into booster mode. This slim-fit car seat is designed and engineered to keep your child rear-facing even longer with the best crash test results available.

The Radian 3R takes the best of any convertible car seat (especially since it’s for toddlers) with ease. It has a removable 5-point harness, tether hooks for added safety features built-in like Advanced Guardian Angel Technology which makes this item an elite one! You can remove your kids from this booster without having to take off the entire thing from the car.

This Diono Radian also has a no-rethread harness, so it’s even easier to use! We love this seat because not only is it super easy and safe to use but its 5 point restraint system makes beaming out of your cars even more secure. In addition, there are side impact protection elements built-in for added safety while traveling on bumpy roads or going over small holes at highway speeds without causing any harm to your kids.

Pros & cons of Diono Radian 3R Convertible Booster Car Seat

What we love about this:

  • It’s so easy to use!
  • It has more space than most other brands which makes it perfect for really tall kids who need more room to grow!
  • This is by far the best convertible car seat on the market with great crash test results, super high safety ratings including NHTSA’s best crash test rating of any convertible car seat with a 9.50 out of 10!
  • You can also make your child feel cozy without compromising safety because you can recline the shell in 8 different positions and adjust your little one’s head support for maximum comfort, allowing them to sleep soundly through every ride.

Things to Consider:

  • The Diono Radian 3R is a bit pricy when compared to other 2-in-1 car seat options. It has standards that go above and beyond in comparison to others, however, you get what you pay for.

safest car seat for 3 year old

5. Safety 1st Grand 5-point harness Booster Seat for 3 years old

This booster seat is especially safe and lets your little one stay comfortable and secure for up to 400 pounds! It’s super easy installation because it has a “blind spot only” installed pell system. It also tilts forward with ease, has front airbags for safety and, even has parent alerts which are great if you want to keep an eye on your kid but don’t necessarily want him or her right next to you.

This best 5-point harness booster seat if you would like to keep your child as safe as possible. No matter where they sit in the car, this safety 1st grand is sure to be a snug and comfortable fit for children that are two years old and up. It has side impact protection built into the head wings that can provide greater protection in the event of a collision.

This 5-point harness booster seat also has the best crash test results and it’s easy to install in most cars. It has the best safety ratings, so you can complete your vehicle with confidence knowing that they passed all mandatory testing for this best 5-point harness booster seat.

Pros & cons about Safety 1st Grand 5-point harness Booster Car Seat

What we love about this:

  • It’s easy to install because it uses an adjustable no-twist belt, has integrated curves for better safety in the event of a crash, and can take you anywhere with its LATCH connectors!
  • The one thing that makes up for even more safety is the parent alert system.
  • It’s simple but effective. You simply settings the seat upright and then press that button, letting you know when your child begins to cry.
  • The only downside is that it’s located on the back of the booster seat, but I think safety should be first, and believe me, your passengers will thank you for this added peace of mind!

Things to Consider:

  • It’s a bit pricey (although not as much as some other options) and has an unfortunate fit room issue. However, if we can overlook these few, the Safety 1st Grand is an extremely safe booster seat!

Benefits of Car Seats For 3-Year-Olds

Children under the age of 3 are still considered to be in the developmental stages and need a car seat that is designed for their size.

There are many benefits of using a car seat for 3-year-old children including:

  • It helps protect your child from injury during an accident. 
  • It reduces the risk of death or serious injury in an accident by 80%. 
  • It will help prevent your child from suffocating, falling out, or becoming trapped inside the vehicle during an accident. 
  • Your child will be less likely to suffer long-term injuries like spinal cord damage, paralysis, or amputation due to improper use of seat belts or safety devices like airbags.

Types of Car Seats For 3-Year-Olds

There are 3 types of car seats: rear-facing, forward-facing, and booster seats. But only forward-facing and booster seats are for 3-year-olds.

FORWARD-FACING

When your child is 3 years old or weighs less than 20 pounds, they can use a forward-facing car seat. You can change the height of the headrest to make sure it is safe for them. When your child weighs at least 60 pounds, they won’t need a harness and you can move them to a different type of car seat.

BOOSTER SEAT

If you turn your car seat around to face the back, then it can be made into a booster seat. This is good for when kids are between 60 and 65 pounds. Some seats are tall and good for comfort. They hold the 3-year-old on the seat belt in your car.

Buyers Guide

To help you determine the best travel seat, we compiled a list of important features to consider. These factors include weight and height limits, comfort features, and child restraints.

Here’s what to consider when buying the best 5-point harness booster seat for 3 years old:

  • Weight and Height Limits: The best car seats will have weight and height limits that range from 2 years old to 8 or 9 years old. This is because smaller children need more support than bigger children do.
  • Comfort Features: When choosing the best car seat you should try it out yourself in case there are any issues with its size or design. You should also choose the best 5-point harness booster seat that has adjustable headrests and armrests to best suit your child’s needs.
  • Child Restraints: The best 5-point harness booster seat will have a padded safety shield that goes over the car seat belt. This can increase comfort while traveling, but it is important to make sure that there are no gaps around the safety shield where the kid might get their legs stuck underneath them during an accident.
  • Storage Capacity: It is nice if your best 5-point harness booster seat for 3 years old has a storage tray under the best travel seat. This allows for a place to put drinks or snacks while on a plane ride without spilling them everywhere throughout the trip. The best 5-point harness booster seat should also have a cup holder for drinks.

best 5-point harness booster seat for 3 years old FAQs

  1. What is a 5-point harness booster seat?

    A 5-point harness booster seat is a safety device used to prevent children from being injured when riding in cars, trucks, or other vehicles.u003cbru003eu003cbru003eThe five points of the harness are secured around the child’s body with straps that are designed to distribute weight evenly across their shoulders and chest. The 5-point harness is also more comfortable for the child than standard car seats because it prevents them from slipping forward. u003cbru003e u003cbru003eThere are many benefits of using a 5-point harness booster seat including:u003cbru003e• It helps keep your child safe while they’re riding in a vehicle, especially if you have children who might otherwise fall out of their regular car seat. u003cbru003e• It can help protect your child during an accident by keeping them safe on impact. u003cbru003e• The belt will distribute weight evenly across your child’s shoulders and chest, preventing them from slumping forward, which may lead to whiplash injuries or concussions if they hit their head on the dashboard or windshield during an accident.

  2. What Do You Need to Consider When Finding the Best Travel Seat for a 3-Year-Old?

    The most important thing to consider when finding the best travel seat for a 3-year-old is size. u003cbru003e u003cbru003eA three-year-old needs to be able to sit up, buckle their own seat belt, and reach the tray table. If they are unable to do these things, then it may not be safe for them on an airplane.u003cbru003e u003cbru003eOther things that you should consider are the weight limit of the seat and whether or not it has storage space underneath. A lot of parents like seats with storage space because they allow their child’s bag to fit underneath the chair in case there is no overhead bin available.

  3. Does my 3 year old need a 5-point harness?

    Children under 3 years old must travel in a car seat that faces the back or front of the car. The child should be strapped into the car seat with a 5-point harness or safety shield.u003cbru003e u003cbru003eYou may be wondering why you should buy a 5-point harness for your 3 year old, but it is because they are safer than the standard car seat belts that are available in the market. u003cbru003e u003cbru003eThere are some benefits of using a 5-point harness on your child which include:u003cbru003e u003cbru003e• It can reduce injuries by 90% or more. u003cbru003e• It can prevent spinal cord injury by up to 80%. u003cbru003e• It also helps children feel safe and secure while traveling in the car.

  4. How do I choose a good 5 point harness booster seat for 3 year old?

    Choosing a 5 point harness booster seat for 3 year old is important because it provides safety and security to the child.u003cbru003e u003cbru003eThe following are some of the things that you should consider before buying one:u003cbru003e1. Safety belt fit: Ensure that the seat has a five-point harness and ensure that the lap belt fits snugly around your child’s hips, not their stomach or waist. u003cbru003e2. Fit to car: If you plan on using this in your car, make sure that it fits properly in your vehicle and doesn’t cause any damage when installed. u003cbru003e3. Material: Make sure that the material used is safe for children’s skin because otherwise they may develop rashes or blisters from contact with harsh materials such as plastic or metal. u003cbru003e4. Age Range: Look for seats that can be used by children between three and six years old so they will grow into them over time without any complications.

  5. How long can a 3-year-old stay in a car seat?

    The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that babies should not be in a car seat or lie in a fixed position for more than 2 hours.

  6. Is there any disadvantage to using a 5 point harness booster seat for 3 year old?

    The 5 point harness booster seat is a great choice for your child as it offers safety and comfort.u003cbru003e u003cbru003eHowever, the only disadvantage of using this type of seat is that they may not be comfortable to sit in for long periods of time due to their size.

  7. Should a 3 year old be rear-facing?

    A 3 year old should be rear-facing for two reasons:u003cbru003e u003cbru003e1. Rear-facing car seats are safer than forward-facing car seats.u003cbru003e2. A child’s neck and spine are still developing, so they need to remain in a neutral position until the child is 4 years old or older, at which point it is safe to switch them to a forward-facing seat.

  8. What are the height and weight limits for these forward facing car seat for 3 year olds?

    Forward facing car seats for 3 year olds should have a height limit of about 54 inches and a weight limit of about 45 pounds.u003cbru003e u003cbru003eThis is because they will grow into the seat as they age, and having these limits ensures that they are safe in the seat as long as they can sit upright without slouching.

  9. What kind of harness booster seat does a 3 year old need?

    There are a few different types of harness booster seats that can be used by 3 year olds.u003cbru003e u003cbru003eThe first type is the combination harness and seat belt, which includes both a car seat and a booster. This allows your child to use the car seat in the vehicle without any issues while still being able to ride in the booster. The next type is simply an adult-sized booster with no attachment to a car seat. The last type is an infant-sized booster for toddlers under 30 pounds.

  10. What kind of car safety features do these 3 year old combination seats come with?

    1. Inflatable seat belts: This is a safety feature which is designed to help reduce the risk of severe injury or death in the event of an accident.u003cbru003e2. Safety belt pre-tensioners: This is a feature that helps prevent sudden slackening of a vehicle’s safety belt by preventing it from coming off its mounting point on the seat backrest during an accident.u003cbru003e3. Impact absorbing foam: The impact-absorbing foam offers maximum protection for your child and helps reduce injuries from being thrown around inside the car seat if there is an accident.

  11. What kind of car seat safety standards are for three year olds?

    In the United States, all car seats sold must meet the FMVSS 213 safety standard. This is a federal law that applies to children from one year old and up.u003cbru003e u003cbru003eFMVSS 213 includes two types of safety standards:u003cbru003e1) The restraint system, which defines how safe a seat is in an accident. u003cbru003e2) The design standard, which determines how much injury can be expected from a crash of different severity levels. u003cbru003eThe following are examples of some FMVSS 213 requirements for three-year-old child car seats:u003cbru003e• A restraint system that allows the child to move at least 10 inches away from the edge of the seat without coming into contact with it or other parts of the vehicle’s interior during a moderate-impact crash (32 km/h). u003cbru003e• A design standard that does not allow for more than 35% total body surface area to make contact with any part of the interior of a vehicle during a severe-impact crash (64 km/h).

  12. What is the best 5 point harness booster seat for 3 year old?

    The u003ca href=u0022https://amzn.to/2YHdWaIu0022u003eBritax Grow with You ClickTight Harness Booster Seatu003c/au003e is the best 5-point harness booster seat for 3 years olds because it is lightweight, easy to install and also features an adjustable headrest.u003cbru003e u003cbru003eThis product has a low profile that helps protect against vehicle intrusion and allows your child to sit up comfortably without straining their neck. It also provides side impact protection, making it safer than other similar products on the market. u003cbru003e u003cbru003eIt is designed with two cup holders that can be used for holding snacks or drinks while you are driving. The car seat also features a snack tray that will help keep your child’s chin from resting on the hard surface of the car’s dashboard.


We are glad to have this opportunity to share our knowledge with you. As parents, we are always worried about our children’s safety when they are in the car. There is a lot of research on the best booster seats for your child, but if you want to know which one is the best booster seat for a 3 year old then let us help you out. Please take some time and read through this article carefully again and then leave your comments below!

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