Best Car Seat for Autistic Child: Top Picks and Buying Guide
Car seats are an essential piece of equipment for parents with young children. They provide safety and security while on the road, ensuring that children are protected in the event of an accident. However, for parents with autistic children, finding the right car seat can be a challenge.
The best car seat for an autistic child should provide comfort and support, while also accommodating any sensory issues that the child may have. It is important to choose a car seat that is adjustable, comfortable, and easy to use. Additionally, parents should consider the size and weight of the car seat, as well as the level of safety it provides.
When selecting a car seat for an autistic child, it is important to pay attention to the materials used in the construction of the seat. Some children may be sensitive to certain materials, such as synthetic fabrics or foam padding. It is recommended to choose a car seat made of natural materials, such as cotton or wool, to avoid any potential discomfort or irritation.
At the end of the day, the best car seat for an autistic child is one that provides a safe, comfortable, and supportive environment while on the road. We have researched and tested several car seats to identify the ones that meet these criteria and provide the best experience for both the child and the parent.
Best Car Seats for Autistic Children
As parents, we understand the importance of finding the right car seat for our children. When it comes to children on the autism spectrum, finding the perfect fit can be even more challenging. That’s why we’ve done the research and compiled a list of the best car seats for autistic children. Our selection includes seats that offer comfort, safety, and ease of use. We hope this list helps you find the perfect car seat for your child.
Ride Safer Travel Vest
If you’re looking for a safe and portable car seat alternative for your child, the Ride Safer Travel Vest is a great option.
Pros
- Optimizes the adult seat belt fit for children’s bodies
- Certified for use in motor vehicles and meets or exceeds all applicable FMVSS 213 requirements
- Lightweight and easy to install and use, making it perfect for travel, carpool, and multi-child families
Cons
- Can only be used with lap and shoulder belt or with a lap belt and top tether
- Large size is recommended for children 3 years and above and weighing between 50-80 lbs., limiting its use for younger or smaller children
- More expensive than traditional car seats and boosters
We recently used the Ride Safer Travel Vest on a family road trip and were impressed with its convenience and ease of use. The vest is compact and lightweight, making it easy to pack and carry with us. It’s also simple to install and adjust, and our child found it comfortable to wear.
One thing to note is that the vest can only be used with a lap and shoulder belt or with a lap belt and top tether, so it may not be suitable for all vehicles. Additionally, the large size is recommended for children 3 years and above and weighing between 50-80 lbs., so it may not work for younger or smaller children.
Overall, we would recommend the Ride Safer Travel Vest for families looking for a safe and portable car seat alternative for their child.
Safety 1st Grand 2-in-1 Booster Car Seat
If you’re looking for a versatile and safe car seat for your autistic child, the Safety 1st Grand 2-in-1 Booster Car Seat is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The car seat can be used in two modes – forward-facing with a 5-point safety harness for kids weighing 30-65 pounds and belt-positioning booster for kids weighing 40-100 pounds.
- The car seat is designed to fit three across in most vehicles, making it ideal for growing families and car pools.
- The fabric is comfortable and easy to clean, and the car seat comes with an adjustable head pillow for added support.
Cons
- The car seat may be too narrow for some children, especially those who are taller or have broader shoulders.
- The cup holders may not be sturdy enough to hold larger cups or bottles.
- The car seat may be difficult to install properly, especially for first-time users.
We recently used the Safety 1st Grand 2-in-1 Booster Car Seat for a road trip with our autistic child, and we were impressed with its versatility and safety features. The car seat was easy to switch between the two modes, and our child was comfortable and secure throughout the trip.
One of the best things about this car seat is that it can fit three across in most vehicles, which is a huge plus for families with multiple kids in car seats. The fabric is also comfortable and easy to clean, which is essential when you have a child who may make messes.
However, we did find that the car seat may be too narrow for some children, especially those who are taller or have broader shoulders. Additionally, the cup holders may not be sturdy enough to hold larger cups or bottles, which may be a concern for some parents.
Overall, if you’re looking for a safe and versatile car seat for your autistic child, the Safety 1st Grand 2-in-1 Booster Car Seat is definitely worth considering.
Safety Buckle Pro Seatbelt Lock and Seat Belt Clips
If you’re looking for a way to keep your child with special needs safe and secure in their car seat, the Safety Buckle Pro Seatbelt Lock and Seat Belt Clips is a great option.
Pros
- Prevents children from escaping their car seat while driving
- Easy to install but impossible for toddlers to unbuckle
- Works on all vehicles with standard seatbelts
Cons
- Would be hard to release your child in an emergency event as you have to insert a key or something sharp to release the buckle
- The long clip is useless
- May not work for all types of car seats
We recently tried out the Safety Buckle Pro Seatbelt Lock and Seat Belt Clips for our child with autism who tends to unbuckle his car seat while we’re driving. We were impressed with how easy it was to install and how secure it made our child’s car seat. The seatbelt lock is made from strong and durable ABS plastic material, and it works on all vehicles with standard seatbelts.
One of the best features of the Safety Buckle Pro is the locking clip that comes with it. This clip keeps the car seat tighter and more stable, which is especially important for children with special needs who may need extra support. We also appreciated that the seatbelt lock has a small slit and finger stopper, making it easy to install but impossible for toddlers to unbuckle.
While we found the Safety Buckle Pro to be a great option for our child, there are a few potential drawbacks to keep in mind. For example, it can be difficult to release your child in an emergency event as you have to insert a key or something sharp to release the buckle. Additionally, the long clip that comes with the seatbelt lock may not be useful for all types of car seats.
Overall, we would recommend the Safety Buckle Pro Seatbelt Lock and Seat Belt Clips to any parent looking for a way to keep their child with special needs safe and secure in their car seat. It’s an affordable and effective solution that can give you peace of mind while driving.
KidsEmbrace 2-in-1 Forward-Facing Harness Booster Seat, DC Comics Batman Caped Crusader Batman (Black)
If you’re looking for a comfortable and safe car seat for your autistic child, the KidsEmbrace 2-in-1 Forward-Facing Harness Booster Seat, DC Comics Batman Caped Crusader Batman (Black) is a great option.
Pros
- The combination five-point harness high-back booster car seat is easy to install with or without LATCH and the top tether.
- The crotch belt can be used in two different positions to accommodate your growing child, and the headrest can be adjusted to three different heights.
- Two cup holders provide a handy place for drinks, snacks, or toys, and Batman’s cape can be removed for use as a blanket.
Cons
- The shoulder straps should be at or just above your child’s shoulders when you are using this forward-facing travel booster seat.
- It was side-impact tested only when used with a 5-point harness.
- The cliff down at the bottom and my son slides out of it constantly.
We recently tried out the KidsEmbrace 2-in-1 Forward-Facing Harness Booster Seat, DC Comics Batman Caped Crusader Batman (Black) and were impressed with its ease of use and safety features. The combination five-point harness high-back booster car seat is easy to install with or without LATCH and the top tether, making it a great option for parents on the go. The crotch belt can be used in two different positions to accommodate your growing child, and the headrest can be adjusted to three different heights, ensuring that your child is comfortable and safe throughout the ride.
The contoured seat is comfortable for long rides, and the cushioned seat cover is machine-washable for easy cleaning. Two cup holders provide a handy place for drinks, snacks, or toys, and Batman’s cape can be removed for use as a blanket, making it a fun and functional addition to any car ride.
While the shoulder straps should be at or just above your child’s shoulders when you are using this forward-facing travel booster seat, the KidsEmbrace 2-in-1 Forward-Facing Harness Booster Seat, DC Comics Batman Caped Crusader Batman (Black) was side-impact tested only when used with a 5-point harness, which may be a concern for some parents. Additionally, the clip down at the bottom can be too easy for the child to unhook, causing them to slide out of it constantly.
Overall, we would recommend the KidsEmbrace 2-in-1 Forward-Facing Harness Booster Seat, DC Comics Batman Caped Crusader Batman (Black) for parents looking for a safe and comfortable car seat for their autistic child.
Evenflo GoTime LX Booster Car Seat
We highly recommend the Evenflo GoTime LX Booster Car Seat for parents of autistic children who need extra support while traveling in a vehicle.
Pros
- The deep design with overlapping head and body sides provides added support where it’s needed most, meeting or exceeding all applicable federal safety standards.
- The seat allows for easy height adjustment to 7 positions with one hand for better fit for your child as they grow.
- The booster seat offers two modes of use, easily transitioning from high back to no back for kids at least 4 years of age, weighing 40 to 120 lb.
Cons
- The seat seems pretty flimsy as it is lightweight.
- It’s not very sturdy as it doesn’t secure to the car with anything other than the seat belt, which may cause it to move in the event of an impact.
- The lining takes a while to put on.
The Evenflo GoTime LX Booster Car Seat is designed to accommodate children from 40 to 120 lb, 44 in to 57 in., and a minimum of 4 years of age. The seat is perfect for older kids who require an extra boost for safer seating in the vehicle. The booster seat offers two modes of use, easily transitioning from high back to no back, allowing parents to keep their growing child in the booster longer. The seat allows for easy height adjustment to 7 positions with one hand for better fit for your child as they grow.
The deep design with overlapping head and body sides keeps your child supported and meets or exceeds all applicable federal safety standards. The included belt clip helps properly position the vehicle’s belt on the child’s shoulder. Dual-integrated cup holders keep snacks and drinks close by, allowing you to stay focused on the road while driving. The padded seat adds comfort on long road trips, and is removable and machine-washable for easy cleaning.
The Evenflo GoTime LX Booster Car Seat comes in a choice of fun colors and patterns to let your child’s individuality shine. If you need help installing your car seat, Evenflo’s ParentLink® customer service experts offer help online in real time. Get live video support with a certified car seat safety technician to assist with proper vehicle installation, so you can drive with confidence.
In conclusion, the Evenflo GoTime LX Booster Car Seat is an excellent choice for parents of autistic children who need an extra boost for safer seating in the vehicle. The booster seat is designed with safety, comfort, and style in mind, and has several features that make it stand out from other car seats in the market.
Buying Guide
When looking for the best car seat for an autistic child, there are a few important factors to consider. Here are some key features to look for:
Comfort
Comfort is a top priority when it comes to car seats for autistic children. Look for a seat with extra padding and support, as well as adjustable headrests and armrests. A comfortable seat will help your child feel more at ease during car rides and reduce the likelihood of meltdowns.
Safety
Safety is always a top concern for parents, and it’s no different when it comes to car seats for autistic children. Look for seats that meet or exceed safety standards and have features such as side-impact protection, a five-point harness, and easy installation.
Ease of Use
Choosing a car seat that is easy to use can make a big difference in your daily routine. Look for seats that are easy to install, adjust, and clean. Consider features such as a removable cover or machine-washable fabric.
Size and Weight Limits
Make sure to choose a car seat that is appropriate for your child’s age, height, and weight. Look for seats that have a wide range of size and weight limits, so you can use the seat for as long as possible.
Additional Features
Some car seats come with additional features that can be beneficial for autistic children. Look for seats with adjustable recline positions, built-in cup holders, or even built-in entertainment such as a tablet holder.
By considering these key features, you can find the best car seat for your autistic child that will provide comfort, safety, and ease of use for both you and your child.
Frequently Asked Questions
What features should I look for in a car seat for a child with autism?
When choosing a car seat for a child with autism, it is important to look for certain features that can help make car rides more comfortable and safe. Look for a car seat with adjustable headrests and harnesses, as well as a seat that can recline to accommodate the child’s sensory needs. Additionally, consider a car seat with a removable cover for easy cleaning, and one that is easy to install and adjust.
How can I ensure a car seat accommodates the sensory needs of an autistic child?
To ensure a car seat accommodates the sensory needs of an autistic child, look for a seat with soft, breathable fabrics that won’t irritate the child’s skin. Additionally, consider a car seat with adjustable straps and harnesses that can be tightened or loosened to provide the child with a comfortable fit. Finally, look for a car seat with a reclining feature, as this can help the child feel more secure and comfortable.
Are there car seats designed specifically for older children with special needs?
Yes, there are car seats designed specifically for older children with special needs. Look for car seats with higher weight and height limits, as well as adjustable headrests and harnesses. Additionally, consider a car seat with a removable cover for easy cleaning, and one that is easy to install and adjust.
Can insurance cover the cost of a car seat for a child with special needs?
In some cases, insurance may cover the cost of a car seat for a child with special needs. However, this varies depending on the insurance provider and policy. It is best to check with your insurance provider to see if they offer coverage for car seats.
What are the best practices for securing an autistic child who resists staying in a car seat?
When securing an autistic child who resists staying in a car seat, it is important to remain calm and patient. Try to distract the child with toys or snacks, and use positive reinforcement to encourage them to stay in the seat. Additionally, consider using a car seat with a 5-point harness, as this can provide a more secure and comfortable fit for the child.
How does a 5-point harness car seat benefit a child with autism compared to a regular seatbelt?
A 5-point harness car seat can benefit a child with autism compared to a regular seatbelt by providing a more secure and comfortable fit. The harness can be adjusted to fit the child’s specific needs, and the straps can be tightened or loosened as needed. Additionally, the harness can help prevent the child from slouching or moving around in the seat, which can be distracting and uncomfortable.