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 Stack-it! is a bigger booster that 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 would be 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 does often position the seat belt better on small children and the back helps draw limits for children who aren’t used to the freedom a backless booster brings. The Stack-It! 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 a bit bigger and the shoulder belt fits properly without an adjuster. Like all backless boosters, the Stack-It! requires head support up to the top of the child’s ears.
Cosco Stack-it! cup holder
The Stack-it! has dual built-in cup holders. It really doesn’t add to the width as the back of the booster is already wider for bigger kids, but it’s a nice feature for those older kiddos for drinks and knick-knacks they like to bring in the vehicle with them.
Fit to Child
Cosco Stack-it!- Olivia, 6.5 years, 55 pounds, 48 inches
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. The booster is light, but it’s a bit bulky, so probably not the best choice if a child needs to carry one to school or to a friend’s house. It’s also not a great choice for three across, so if you’re unsure of the seating situation, I would look into something more narrow.
Cosco Stack-it! – 8.75 years, 54 inches, 12/14 clothes
This model is almost 9, 54″ tall, and wears a size 12/14. She fits great in the Stack-It! as it’s a good choice for bigger booster users. It’s more narrow in the back and widens towards the front but because of the rounded seating area, it fits bigger kids well. 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
FAA Information: The Stack-it! is not FAA approved as it requires a lap/shoulder belt to use and airplanes only have lap belts. It could be carried on the plane to use at your destination, but since it is so bulky, I would recommend a more narrow seat for ease of transportation.
Cosco Stack-it! manufacture date and model number
Expiration: The Stack-it! has a ten-year expiration. The date of manufacture is on the right side of the seat and the expiration date is stamped onto the bottom. With a 2014 manufacture date, this Stack-it! expires in 2024.
Manual: The manual for the Stack-it! is stored under the cover. This way it’s easy to find and always with the seat in case there are questions on how to use the seat.
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.
