2009 Booster Seats compared – Britax Parkway SG

We’re doing a roundup of car seats unveiled at the 2009 ABC Kids show, the major annual convention for baby and kids products.

This year, the biggest story on car seats in general was in side impact head protection. While car seats have made major advances, this is still an area where more technology can save young lives. There were also at least 2 new seats developed to evolve with a child from 20 pounds to 100.

In this series, we will look at the following seats:

1. Graco Nautilus 3-in-1 (previously reviewed)

2. Britax Parkway SG

3. Safety 1^st Complete Air car seat with Air Protect

4. Evenflo Symphony 65

5. Clek Oobr

We’ve had the classic plaid Britax booster for years and have found it to be a simple and versatile booster seat. Face it, like the proverbial best camera, the best booster is one that gets used. If kids hate the booster or it doesn’t fit the car or can’t move from car to car, it has less value. That said, new improvements in car seat technology, including boosters makes it worth it to consider upgrading your seat since experts would love to see kids up to 100 lbs. sitting in boosters to prevent “submarining” (sliding under the seatbelt in a collision) as well as to improve side head protection.

The newParkway SG is a good choice for a moderately priced booster that can grow with your child.

Some basics:

Good for kids 40 -120 lbs

“True Side Impact Protection” to shield the head, as well as sides in a collision, as well as EPS (energy protective foam liner)

Retractable cup holders

Adjustable head restraint

Pros:

1. Simple to use. Throw it in the back seat and it’s ready for the child to belt over.

2. Slide guard is an improvement over old designs that is easy to use and prevents “submarining” sliding under the belt in an severe accident

3. Product details promise easy use for three across seating (we did not test this since we only had one seat).

Cons:

1. Back and booster harder to separate than previous models. Must be lined up and slid together. This might become frustrating if you have to do it a lot for two different kids.

2. Seat not tethered when kids not in seat. Seat can become a projectile if not belted down when not in use.

$119.95 at Amazon.

GreatDad.com Review Policy: The featured product for this review was provided to us, at no cost, by the manufacturer or representing PR agency for the sole purpose of product testing. We do not accept monetary compensation for reviewing or writing about products. We only review products that we have personally tested and used in our own homes, and all opinions expressed are our own.