I remember fondly the day my daughter learned to hold her bottle by herself, the day she learned to dress herself, and the day she learned to buckle her own seat belt. The past few weeks, the Mom-Mobile has had an extra passenger. This meant I had three seat belts to buckle and to do so I had to crawl to the back on my minivan. Ugh.
Imagine my relief when the Graco Connext Backless Booster Seat came into my life. Georgia has been in a booster seat for a little while, but always had trouble pulling the seatbelt strap through the back’s shoulder harness. I’ll be honest that I think part of it was a ploy to get me to take the back off so she could feel like a “big kid.” The Connext is backless, allowing for easier self-buckling.
My main concern, of course, is safety. The rear-adjust LATCH system keeps the booster seat securely in place, even when it’s not in use. This was huge for me, because my other booster seat rattles when no one is seated in it (it’s the universe’s way of making me feel guilty for ever being separated from my children). The LATCH system utilizes hooks installed within newer cars’ seats. It was incredibly simple to install the seat and, after adjusting the Connext’s straps, it doesn’t wiggle or move around.
Georgia was disappointed that the seat was “boy colors” as it’s red and black, but it matches the upholstery of my car so I won’t complain. Her younger sister was disappointed that she’s not able to use the new seat. The Connext is for “big kids” aged 4-10 years old weighing 40-100 pounds. Since we are currently required to keep them in booster seats until they are 8 and 80 (8 years old and 80 pounds), it will be around for a long time.
One drawback of having a backless seat is there isn’t any head support when your little one falls asleep. Since this is a pretty common occurrence for Georgia, I’m planning on using the Connext for Grandma’s car. Since the seat is so lightweight, it’s perfect for carpooling or traveling. Considering the low-price of the Connext, I would absolutely consider picking up a second one when Harper is a little older.
Thanks to the Connext Backless Booster, I’ll be listening to the happy sounds of seat belts buckling by independent big kids. Whooo hoo!
Buy:
You can buy the Graco Connext exclusively at Walmart for the suggested retail price of $17.99.
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I’m not usually in love with backless boosters but I love that this one has the LATCH system whereas other boosters don’t. that’s a HUGE plus!
I agree! It really does feel snug and secure, which made me feel better.
This looks like a great booster.
Sounds great!
I’ve not had a booster seat with LATCH. That is so cool.
I hadn’t either. It’s a great feature!
My daughter has quite a few pounds left to go before she sizes out of her car seat, but I would like to get something more portable for traveling in friends cars. It’s a pain removing & reinstalling hers each time, so I usually end out driving.
I know your pain. My mom drives my children home pretty frequently, so the switching of seats gets really old.
Looks like a great booster. We have been looking for a new one for my youngest.
It’s a great option. Happy shopping.
This is an interesting concept , backless…
Our previous boosters had the option of taking the back off, but I hadn’t ever tried it. You’ve got to check out where the seatbelt falls on your child to see if it would work for you.
Looks like a great booster seat and I love the fact that it’s backless!
Great review. Seems like a great booster seat to check out.
Thanks. It is a great seat and a great price.
I love everything from Graco
Absolutely! Loved my infant carseat/stroller, too.
We used a Graco booster seat when my daughter out grew her car seat.
My son is currently in a booster. I like the one you have!
Wow! At under $20 this is a great find!
Absolutely!
This sounds like a great choice for when we are ready to move up.
very nice. My 4 yr old turns 5 this month and were ready to move him up to a car seat such as this
It’s a great option for big kids. Happy Booster Shopping!
I have one of each. I like the one with the back better.
What an awesome booster! My niece was in one like that until she was 6 because she was so petite!
I never would have thought about the lack of head support for when your kiddo falls asleep so thanks for sharing that.
Georgia puts her heads down on her knees when she’s tired. That couldn’t be comfy! Older kids who don’t snooze on the road would be fine without the head support.
It’s great to see a review of a seat for an older child. I love the reasonable price, especially from a trusted brand like Graco.
The big kids actually use the boosters the longest!
Looks like a great option! I can’t believe how fast they grow up these days.. we just got a convertible car seat
thanks for a great review
Sounds like a great booster seat.