Madilyn is my youngest of five children, ages 3-14. Meaning, we've gone through our share of carriers, car seats and booster seats. With my older four children I was never able to find a booster seat that I thought was acceptable. My children could get out of them too easily, the seat belt choked them, the boosters never seemed constructed well enough to feel *safe* for them.
I received the Compass B510-Daisy booster seat directly from the manufacturer. Since I've never found a booster seat I'm happy or comfortable enough to actually use for my children, I was skeptical about using it.
As soon as I opened the box, I was not only impressed, but interested and actually excited for my daughter to try the booster! Unfortunately, I had to wait several weeks for Madi to give the booster a try, since she was in CA spending time with her dad, brothers and sisters. Still, I couldn't wait to put it in my vehicle, so the Compass seat got to ride around in my Acura for several weeks, unused, but looked at repetitively. I know it sounds odd, but it's a very pretty booster seat and I get impressed every time I look at the construction of it.
Madi and I travel to and from California often, either by plane or car. When we fly it's always a hassle to try and transport her big, heavy, bulky car seats with us. One of the most impressive things about the Compass B510 is that it folds and comes with a zipping carry bag! Other boosters we've tried that fold have not been well constructed. They have felt flimsy and cheap. The Compass is solid and sturdy, but not heavy or too bulky in the least! It weighs a mere 10 pounds and also has a built in carry handle in case you don't want to use it's bag!
When we drive, Madi gets herself in her booster seat and occasionally is able to get the seat belt buckled herself. She feels more independent and self sufficient. She refers to her Compass Booster Seat as her 'big girl' seat. She no longer uses a 'car seat'. She can unbuckle herself when we reach our destination. She loves the feeling of independence, and I love allowing her to develop her independence, yet still feel and be safe in the car!
We use the shoulder strap belt in the car and it fits perfectly with this booster seat. Madi sits up just high enough for the seat belt to go through the slot in the back of the seat and across her chest, as the belt is supposed to fit.
The Compass Booster seat has flip up armrests and a retractable cup holder on each side. Madilyn loves using the armrests and the cup holders! No more reaching back while I'm driving trying to give her a drink then taking it back from her to put in my cup holder!
The Compass Booster is perfectly padded, has side 'wings' that Madi's little head can rest against when she falls asleep in her big girl seat. It has a six position back. The Compass B510 is recommended for ages 3-10 years old, from 30-100 pounds, 38-57" tall! I would not recommend this booster for children under 3 years old, or even that are 3 or older until they understand that they are not to unbuckle themselves until you reach your destination. One of the problems I've had in the past with booster seats is my children being able to unbuckle at will...just make sure your child knows not to unbuckle when you stop, but when you get to where you're going!
Here are the manufacturers words about this booster:
"Passes tough international side impact standards; meets or exceeds federal motor vehicle safety standard 213
Have a newer vehicle with an extended headrest? This headrest tilts forward for a better, more secure fit!
Six-position "no gap" backrest extends to 29"H (2" higher than others) and stays fully enclosed for complete support
Very comfortable, with plush fabrics and thick, triple padding
Larger, more secure belt path; no rethreading required
Rubber-coated armrests flip up for easy in and out
Stain-resistant cover removes for machine washing; machine wash gentle and air dry
Seat-saver base allows booster to fit into sculpted bucket seats, even in small cars
Must be used with lap & shoulder belt
Not FAA approved
Do not use with latch system, do not use with seat belts that mount to front door, do not use with passive restraint motorized shoulder belt, do not use in any position equipped with active air bag, unless recommended by vehicle manufacturer. Do not use in rear seat of pick up truck.
18½"W x 21"D x 27-32"H upright; 12"L x 18½"W x 24"H folded down
Seat: 11"W x 13"D; Seat back: 15"W "
If you're looking for a convenient, comfortable, and SAFE booster seat, I would highly recommend the Compass B510 Booster seat! It's amazingly versatile, well built and my daughter loves it almost as much as I do!
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 0.00
Age Range of Child: 3 to 5 Years