There are so many backless boosters, how do you choose the one that will work best for your not-so-Little? Maybe you have an older, bigger child who just isn’t ready to go without a booster. The Cosco Ambassador/Highrise is a booster that works well for bigger children and may be a great fit. Let’s check it out!
CSFTL Quick Stats
- Weight range: 40-100 lbs.
- Height range: 43-57″
- Expiration: 10 years
Usage
For shorter trips, a 6+ age rating is appropriate if the child can remain upright even while sleeping. We generally recommend using a high back booster until the back has been outgrown as it often positions the seat belt better on small children and the back helps draw limits for children who aren’t used to the freedom of a backless booster. The Ambassador does not come with a seat belt adjuster to help the shoulder belt fit. In some cases that means it would be best to hold off on using this seat until the child is big enough that the shoulder belt fits properly without an adjuster. Like all backless boosters, the Ambassador requires head support up to the top of the child’s ears.
Fit to Child
This model is 6.5 years old, 55 lbs., and 48″ tall. She doesn’t use a backless booster full-time, but does well in one as a spare when traveling with other people. This booster provides a proper belt fit on her and is light enough for her to carry to school or a friend’s house if needed, though might be a bit awkward to carry far.
Our next model is almost 9, 54″ tall, and wears a size 12/14. The Ambassador is a wider booster and she fits quite well. The cup holders push in on her legs a bit but she never complained when using it. She’s still just a few inches short of being able to safely pass the five step test. Even though it doesn’t come with a belt adjuster, she’s plenty tall enough to not need one to keep the belt properly positioned across her collar bone.
Important Information: Where to Find
Expiration: With a ten year expiration, this seat can potentially see a lot of use. The date of manufacture is found on a sticker on the right side of the seat and the seat is imprinted on the bottom with DO NOT USE TEN YEARS or something or another.
Manual Storage: The manual is stored in a handy cutout on the bottom of the seat so it’s easy accessible when needed.
FAA approval: As this seat requires both a lap and shoulder belt to be used, it cannot be FAA approved. While not the smallest backless booster, it’s not the biggest either so may be a fine choice for carrying on the plane and stowing overhead or under an airplane seat for use in the car at the child’s final destination.
The most important part of using a booster seat is that the child is mature enough to sit properly for the entire ride, and that the belt fits properly. A good booster fit positions the shoulder belt even across the torso – not sliding off the shoulder or cutting into the face; the lap belt should be lying low on the hips, touching the tops of the thighs.
The Ambassador is a wider seat so may not be appropriate for three across, but great for those bigger Littles who still need boosters. You can’t beat the under $20 price, and it comes in fun prints and offers dual cup holders. You can purchase the Ambassador in some big box stores.
