Finding a suitable child restraint system when baby outgrows his infant car seat is much easier with the Cosco high back booster car seat. Although car seat laws vary from state to state, the general trend has been to raise age and weight minimums. Many states have already mandated that children should remain in a booster seat until age 8 and 80 pounds.

One of the most economical car seats on the market from a trusted brand dedicated to safety and value, the high back booster seat provides comfort and protection for your most precious cargo.

For toddlers from 22 to 40 pounds and meeting the age requirement to upgrade from an infant seat, the forward-facing restraint system employs an internal five-point harness with a two-piece chest clip to keep your child secure. The seat is equipped with the LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system for cars that are capable of using this feature, but it also allows parents to use the automobile seatbelts. It has two harness heights for a better fit, although this does require rethreading.

When the top harness guides are below the child's shoulders and the child weighs over 40 pounds, remove the harness and convert the seat into a belt-positioning booster. The two belt positioning guides will ensure a snug fit. The maximum weight for the belt-position booster seat is 80 pounds.

The booster seat is wide and roomy. The padded area around the head gives children space to doze in the back seat. The removable cup holder clips onto the side of the car seat and comes in handy for longer trips. It is reachable by the child, which is sometimes overlooked by other car seat makers. The padding is comfortable and is fully removable. The manufacturer recommends washing it in warm, sudsy water. The plaid isn't haute couture, but this car seat is more focused on safety and value, and it meets all expectations. --Scott Teal