Why Shelly recommends it:

The Safeguard Go weighs just shy of 9 lbs. and folds to fit in its own carrying bag--which itself fits in the overhead bin on aircraft. The 5-point harness may be used for children from 22 lbs. up to 60 lbs., making it one of the lightest weight seats that can be used so long with a harness (but check your vehicle manual for possible weight limits for the LATCH anchors...at some point you will need to install it with the seat belt instead). The problem with the Safeguard Go is that, since it must be used with either a vehicle tether as a car seat or with a shoulder belt as a booster, it cannot be used in aircraft. However, if your child is already old enough to travel without a car seat on aircraft (40 lbs. and up) or you prefer to use a CARES harness in flight (see car seat alternatives), this may be the perfect traveling car seat for you. When the time comes, it may also be used as a backless booster with a shoulder seat belt. Use forward-facing with 5-point harness from 22 lbs to 60 lbs. and 31" to 52", and as a booster from 40 lbs. to 100 lbs. and 43" to 57" tall.

Tip: If you like the idea of a folding car seat, but prefer one you can use rear- and forward-facing that is also FAA-approved for use in aircraft, see the Radian RXT on the convertible car seat page.

Graco Turbo Booster

Find it online at:  Amazon.com  

Why Shelly recommends it:

Options and extras. You may start using the Turbo as a high-back booster for a child 38" tall and 30 lbs., then convert it to a backless booster when appropriate and desired (like during travel). If you have a lot of long drives in your future, your child may especially appreciate the GracoPedic memory foam included in the Milan, Fairfax, and Firecracker styles of this seat (not in Ionic or other styles unless specified). Other options included with these deluxe styles: kid's travel pillow and deluxe washable seat pad (Fairfax also has extra-padded arm rests). The retractable cup holders on each side and adjustable arm rests are also nice features. And the one-hand adjustable head rest offers side impact protection (and snooze support) with EPS foam. Not for use in aircraft. Use it for your child with the back rest from 30 lbs. to 100 lbs., or without the back from 40 lbs. to 100 lbs. Children must be 38" to 57" tall. Weighs 9 lbs.

Why Shelly recommends it:

The Britax Parkway booster features innovative safety features like a quick-clip "crotch strap" that attaches to your child's 3-point safety belt, ensuring she won't slip out the bottom in the event of a major accident, plus ISOFLEX LATCH connectors not only help keep the seat in place but prevent it from becoming a projectile during trips without your small passenger. The energy-absorbing adjustable headrest also boasts True Side Impact Protection. Two cup holders and high-density foam help keep kids happy on long road trips, and the Parkway's high-back to backless conversion simplifies travel afar as well as carpool at home. Not for use in aircraft. For children 40 to 120 lbs. and 38" to 63" tall. Seat base is 17"W; weighs 9.7 lbs.

Bubble Bum backless inflatable safety  booster

Find it online at:  Amazon.com  

Why Shelly recommends it:

When your child is ready for a backless booster, this lightweight option flattens to fit in the side pocket of your suitcase or carry-on. Or roll it up to fit in its own carry sack (or your child's backpack on carpool day). When we flew with our youngest child's Safeguard Go Hybrid folding car seat (above), we were able to also put two deflated Bubble Bum's for our older children in the same car seat carrying case to check through for our flight - a great convenience considering how much safety gear we were bringing for 3 kids in only one small bag! At only 13" wide, it is easy to fit three across the back seat, or in a combination of car seats and boosters, which makes it ideal for large families or those doing "kiddie carpools." Do note that the seatbelt must be rethreaded through the red clip on the buckle side of the safety belt each time it is used, and depending on your car seat configuration or child's ability, you may need to help with this. An optional shoulder positioning strap with clip may be added if needed to ensure a safe positioning of the shoulder safety belt. One other nice feature: The Bubble Bum is one of the few booster seats on the market that has been subjected to and passed both European AND U.S. safety standards (most only bother with one or the other, depending on their market). For children at least 4 years old and weighing 40 lbs. to 80 lbs.  Inflated measures 13" L x 13" W x 4.5" H, deflates and rolls to 12" L x 6" D.