As a reward for FINALLY hitting 40 lbs this fall at age 6 (and growing so tall), we decided to put our oldest child into Britax‘s Parkway SG Booster Seat (MSRP $119, on sale right now for around $95). I know any car seat (or stroller) that Britax makes is quality AND we were excited that Britax’s Parkway SG would fit along our other two car seats in our 1995 Camry. I love Britax, but once we had three kids in the back of our small car, I had to go to other brands to fit (:<).
The decision to put him in the seatbelt booster wasn’t an easy one. There were ones on the market we liked, but they weren’t Britax, a company I love and have worked with on many blogging projects. And Ben isn’t always mature (which is why we waited) and I wasn’t sure if he could handle being in a seat belt, as opposed to a 5 point harness. But we decided to test it out and see how he did. And the seat also was narrow enough that it fit in our 3 car seat back seat easily.
How did Ben handle the seat? It was a resounding success. He loves strapping himself in (he could never work the bottom buckle of a 5 point harness). I do pull the shoulder strap tight so there’s no slack. It’s MUCH easier to get him in and out though and he’s handling it wonderfully (meaning he’s staying buckled in and not messing around). While I know that California just increased the age limit for Boosters, we’ll do what the law says in NY – my kids need to be safe and that’s what comes first (so if we were in California and he had to go back in a booster seat, that’s what would happen). Luckily, he’s happy with his booster seat and the independence factor of the Parkway SG has him (and me thrilled).
Installation wasn’t hard, in fact it was so easy that I was scratching my head. I thought I had to do more. I don’t have LATCH or Tether, so I followed the instructions in the booklet and viola’ — perfect installation. I’ve heard recommendations that you should belt the seat even when your child isn’t in the seat (but sometimes I forget).
Official Deets:
The PARKWAY SG Belt-Positioning-Booster seat can be used for children 120 lbs. or less as long as the vehicle shoulder belt guide places the belt in the proper position for the child, and the top of the child’s ears are below the top of the head restraint, and the child physically fits in the seat, and is not being used beyond its expiration date (6 years from date of manufacture).
- Energy-Absorbing Foam Liner (EPS) absorbs and distributes crash forces
- 120-pound Weight Capacity for safety and comfort as your child grows
- High Density Comfort Foam provides an extra layer of padding to gently cushion your child
- Armrests help provide a secure fit and a comfortable place to rest tired arms
- Retractable Cup Holders are designed to hold children’s cups and snacks
- Narrow Footprint is ideal for 3-across seating
- Color-Coded Vehicle Belt Guides indicate the path and positioning of the vehicle lap and shoulder seat belt
- Removable Back allows the booster seat to easily convert to a backless booster while maintaining safety of SecureGuard
- Durable and Washable Cover in mature fashions for the growing child
While this model is outdated now — buy the latest version on Amazon.
Britax Parkway SG Booster Car Seat, Onyx
If you are thinking about putting your child in a booster seat, Britax.com will have some great ideas to guide you.
Thank you to Britax for sending a sample.
[…] and recently went into a high back booster, Britax Parkway SGL ($93) – one he hit 40 pounds (click here to read my review of the Britax Parkway SG (the version before the SGL). We gave the Graco Car Seat […]