Full Review ⭐ Graco Affix R44 Highback Booster car seat: with isoCatch connectors, Suitable from approx. 4 to 12 years (15-36kg), Stargazer fashion

The Graco Affix R44 Highback Booster car seat is designed for children aged 4 to 12 years old, with a weight range of 15 to 36 kg. It features a highback booster design with full back support, providing comfort and proper fit for growing kids.

One of the standout features is the isoCatch connectors, which provide a secure attachment to the car seat for hassle-free installation. Once clicked in, the Affix stays put and does not shift around. This gives parents peace of mind knowing their child's booster seat is firmly secured.

The Affix comes in the stylish Stargazer fashion model, with muted gray and blue fabric paired with a black frame. It looks modern and blends nicely into most car interiors.

For safety, the Affix meets or exceeds all applicable US safety standards, including rigorous crash testing. The seat has EPS foam for effective impact energy absorption. The LATCH system with isoCatch makes proper installation easier to achieve for maximum protection.

With its easy installation, fashionable design, and 4-12 year age range, the Graco Affix R44 Highback Booster is feature-packed to keep kids safe, comfortable, and secure.

Comfort

The Graco Affix Highback Booster seat offers excellent comfort for children ages 4-12 years old. The seat padding uses a soft and breathable fabric that allows for airflow to keep kids cool. It has thick foam padding on the seat bottom and backrest for cushioning during long rides.

One standout comfort feature is the adjustable headrest and armrests that grow with your child. As kids get taller, the headrest can be positioned higher up to ensure proper head support. The armrests can also be adjusted outward for more space as kids get bigger. Having adjustable head and arm support keeps children comfortable at every stage.

Unlike some boosters, the Affix Highback does not have recline settings since it must remain upright for safety. The upright position ensures proper seat belt positioning over the child's body. While less recline flexibility, the Affix does provide lumbar support to promote good posture and avoid slouching during rides.

Overall, padding, adjustable rests, and lumbar support provide excellent comfort to keep kids content from preschool age through pre-teen years. The materials make it comfy for short and long trips.

For even more comfort and safety, parents may want to consider the Graco Turn2Me Group 0+/1 ISOFIX 360° Rotating Car Seat. This rearward-facing seat provides extra cushioning and support for infants and toddlers up to 4 years old. It has side impact protection, an adjustable headrest, and a rotating base. The seat rotates so you can get baby in and out of the car with ease. It attaches securely using the ISOFIX system which reduces installation errors. With extra safety features and a comfortable design, the Turn2Me helps keep little ones cozy on every journey.

No matter which Graco model you choose, you can count on padding and adjustability to accommodate growing kids. From infant and convertible seats to boosters, Graco products excel at keeping children relaxed and content. The plush materials and ergonomic shapes provide the ultimate in-ride comfort. Kids will love staying snug and supported from infancy through the booster seat years. With key features like comfy padding, adjustable rests, and lumbar support, Graco car seats promote proper posture while preventing soreness or fatigue. Your child will arrive happy and comfortable, ready for their next adventure.

Ease of Installation

The Graco Affix Highback Booster seat is designed for easy installation using either the LATCH system or the vehicle's seat belt. It features IsoCatch lower LATCH connectors that provide a simple, secure installation. Just attach the connectors to the lower anchors found in most vehicles, then tighten the straps for a snug fit. The LATCH system helps achieve proper and consistent installation compared to using only the seat belt.

For older vehicles without LATCH anchors, the Affix has clearly marked vehicle belt guides that route the seat belt properly across the booster. Following the color-coded guides ensures the seat belt sits flat across the child's hips and chest. Installation is quick and straightforward. The user manual provides clear instructions and diagrams for both LATCH and seat belt installation. It takes just a few minutes to securely install the Affix in most vehicles using either method.

The booster is engineered to install securely in seconds, without requiring extensive adjustments or frustration. Parents will appreciate how easy it is to properly install the Affix. With clear labeling, easy-to-attach LATCH connectors, and straightforward belt routing, you can get the booster securely installed in your vehicle right away.

For older children, the Graco Nautilus LX Harnessed Booster Car Seat is another excellent option from Graco. This 3-in-1 car seat transitions from a 5-point harness to highback booster to backless booster as your child grows. The Nautilus LX accommodates children from approx. 1 to 12 years old, from 9 to 36 kg. It provides a secure harness for smaller children, then converts to a belt-positioning booster seat. The Nautilus LX features the same easy LATCH installation system as the Affix, ensuring simple and correct installation.

With the Nautilus LX, you get years of use out of one car seat as your child grows. The adjustable headrest and harness grow along with your child, and the seat converts to a booster when they are ready. Parents can feel confident their children are secured properly throughout every stage. And like the Affix, LATCH connectors and seat belt routing make installation seamless. Graco is the #1 brand in child car seats for a reason - their seats combine safety, security, and ease of use better than any other brand.

Safety

The Graco Affix Highback Booster seat prioritizes safety for children ages 4-12 years old. It meets or exceeds all applicable US safety standards and has been rigorously crash tested to ensure it provides optimal protection in the event of an accident.

The Affix booster has been side impact tested, which simulates a T-bone style collision. It passed with flying colors, thanks to its fully-lined side walls that shield your child from side impacts. The deep headrest and expanded side wings also envelop your child's head and torso in the event of a crash.

For head and body support, this seat features a fully adjustable headrest that grows with your child. The headrest has multiple height positions to ensure proper fit and prevent slouching. It also has padded armrests that provide additional comfort and side-impact protection. The Affix booster optimizes safety by keeping the seat belt properly positioned across your child's chest and hips. With its rigid LATCH system, this seat secures your child in the safest possible position.

Parents can feel confident knowing the Graco Affix underwent rigorous crash testing and ranks high for safety. It provides full-body protection so your child stays safe and secure on every ride.

Appearance

The Graco Affix Highback Booster seat comes in several fashionable colors and patterns to appeal to kids, including Atomic, Nyssa, Pierce, Stargazer, and Tetris. The seat fabrics feature thick padding and seem very durable, soft, and comfortable.

The different colors and patterns give kids some choice in personalizing the look of their seat. The bold, geometric Tetris pattern is particularly fun and eye-catching. The softer solid color options like Atomic (blue) and Nyssa (pink) are also nice for boys and girls. Stargazer features stars on a deep blue background for an out-of-this-world look.

Overall, the different fashion options are aesthetically pleasing and suitable for both boys and girls. The fabric quality appears high-end, with soft, thick cushioning that adds comfort. The different choices allow kids to pick something that reflects their personal styles. The seats look nice enough that parents won't mind them staying installed in the car between uses. One downside is the patterns may show dirt over time, but the seats have a quality appearance that should hold up well.

Weight and Size

The Graco Affix Highback Booster Seat is designed to be lightweight and portable while still providing safety and comfort for growing kids. At just 10 pounds, it's easy for parents to carry and transfer between vehicles.

When it comes to dimensions, the Affix measures 16 x 15 x 28 inches (width x depth x height). So it fits well in most backseats without taking up too much room. The seat is designed for children from 15-36 kg, accommodating kids approximately 4 to 12 years old. With its slim profile and light weight, it can be moved around with ease as needed.

The compact size makes the Affix a great option for parents who frequently switch cars or need to transport the booster seat. It doesn't take up much trunk space and is easy to install and remove. The streamlined design means kids don't feel cramped or crowded either. So the Affix offers an ideal balance of portability and interior space.

Price

The Graco Affix Highback Booster is competitively priced, typically retailing between £100-£150 depending on the retailer. This positions it squarely in the mid-range for high-quality boosters, making it an excellent value for money considering the features and performance it delivers.

While not the absolute cheapest option, the Graco Affix Highback justifies its price through thoughtful design elements like the integrated seat belt guides and LATCH system that make installation incredibly simple. The ease of use combined with advanced side impact testing for safety and comfort features like the fully adjustable headrest and armrests mean parents get great bang for their buck with this booster.

For parents looking for a convenient, safe, and comfortable booster seat for their child that will last them through their booster seat years, the Graco Affix Highback represents a worthwhile investment that delivers noticeable advantages over cheaper alternatives. While budget-focused shoppers may find cheaper options, those seeking the ideal intersection of quality, safety, and ease of use will find this booster provides excellent value.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• The Graco Affix provides good side impact protection and adjusts to fit children from 4 to 12 years old. The high back booster allows for proper seatbelt positioning as children grow.

• The seat is comfortable with ample padding and armrests. The fabric is soft and removable for cleaning.

• Installation is straightforward with LATCH connectors that attach to the car's lower anchors. The seat stays securely in place when unoccupied.

• There are convenient cup holders and storage compartments to hold snacks and toys. This helps keep the car tidy.

• It has an attractive design available in multiple color options. The integrated cup holders don't detract from the appearance.

Cons

• While it provides good safety, it lacks some of the premium features like adjustable headrests found in higher end models.

• The seat may not fit well in smaller cars, with the high back close to the front seats. It takes up more room than a backless booster.

• Some users report the LATCH system being tricky to tighten sufficiently. It may require some force to get a tight fit.

• The seat fabric isn't breathable, which could lead to sweating on hot days. It also collects lint and pet hair.

• The seat is heavy and bulky compared to other options. It may be difficult for some parents to carry.