How to Convert Graco Car Seat to Booster? - Car Seat Lover (2023)

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One of the major benefits of having a true convertible car seat is that you can convert it from rear-facing to forward-facing and even into a booster, as your child grows up.

The Graco 4ever convertible car seat is such a great example of that. If your child has reached the maximum height or weight permitted for the seat harness or his/hers shoulders are touching the top slots, then it is time to convert your Graco car seat from a forward-facing to a booster.

But if you are unaware of how to convert Graco car seat to booster, this discussion will help you convert it.

How You Can Convert Your Graco Car Seat to Booster

Actually, converting your Graco 4ever convertible car seat from a forward-facing mode to a booster is quite simple. The converting process starts by removing the harness from the child’s chair’s back, but the next step depends on whether you want to convert your seat into a high-back or backless booster.

Well, booster seats typically come in two different styles: high-back & backless booster. And both kinds of boosters are intended to elevate your child’s seat so that seat belts fit correctly and to lower your kid’s risk of damage in the event of an accident.

But there are some differences between backless and high-back booster seats. So, before we move on, now let’s know a bit about high-back and backless boosters with their usage cases and main differences.

The Main Distinction between Backless and High-Back Boosters:

As you can see in the picture, the main distinction between a backless and a high-back booster seat is the way they allow your child to recline.

If your child needs a booster but the default car seat height is higher than your kid’s height or if the car seat is lower than your child’s height, then a high-back booster is required.

On the other hand, if your child’s height is similar to your car seat’s height, then you will need a backless type booster.

That means it is your child’s and the car seat’s height which determines which type of booster you will need.

So, you should use a high-back booster if your child’s height is not in line with the car seat’s headrest, or If your child is comfortable with the car seat’s headrest, then a backless type booster will work perfectly.

Well, now you know the main differences and use cases of the high-back and backless boosters, let’s talk about how you can convert your Graco car seat to a booster.

First, we will cover the backless booster, and then we will talk about the high-back mode:

How You Can Convert Your Graco Car Seat to a Backless Type Booster:

Follow these simple steps to convert your Graco car seat to a backless type booster:

Step 1: Remove the Harness

First, detach the car seat from the car and take it to the ground. Then take a look at its backside. You will see the harness is attached to the splitter plate. Now detach the harness from the splitter.

Step 2: Unlock the Back Panel

After removing the harness coming from the spitter, now turn back the seat around and separate the car cover up where you will find two red tabs. You have to carefully uplift them up and make them move toward the center, which will let you pull off the back.

Step 3: Pull the Back off

Once you unlock the back panel, now you pull off the back from the seat and close the red tabs (lock) as it was.

Step 4: Secure the Splitter Plate and Snap the Seat Cover

After pulling the back off from the seat, now you will have to position the splitter plate in its place again and tighten it up by draging the adjuster tab as needed. Once you are done with this, now snap the seat cover as it was and your backless booster is ready to safeguard your school-aged child.

Well, you can also watch this video if you want. Now let’s talk about the converting process for the high-back booster.

How to Convert Your Graco Car Seat to a High-Back Booster:

Follow the steps below to convert your 4ever car seat from the forward-facing harness mode to the high-back booster mode.

Step 1: Loosen the Harness

First, get ready for the conversion process. You need to unbuckle the chest clip and the buckle. Now pull the harness straps all the way forward by living up on the tab under the seat pad and loosen the harness completely.

Step 2: Rise the Headrest

At this point, you will need to raise the headrest to the highest position. After that, undo the snaps around the harness and move the harness straps behind the backrest by unsnapping the lower snaps on the sides of the car seat.

Step 3: Reveal the inside of the Car Seat Shell

Now it’s time to reveal the inside part of your car seat. To reveal the inside of the car seat shell, snap the cover of your backrest and pull back the bottom of the seat pad.

Step 4: Store the Harness and Other Components in the Dedicated Store

Now that the inside of the harness has been revealed, open the harness storage compartment and place the pieces of the chest clip and buckle tongues within. Close the harness storage compartment door.

Step 5: Put all the Covers As it Was

As part of this step, you will need to pull the buckle through the opening in the seat pad and store it in the seat base, then reattach the sides of the seat pad and replace the backrest flap.

Step 6: Check Everything and Re-Adjust the Headrest Hight

Lastly, adjust the headrest so that it is the right height for your child, and now your car seat is converted into a high-back booster.

Well, that is how you can convert your Graco car seat into a high-back booster. You can also watch the following video as well.

What Should You Know Before You Convert Your Graco Car Seat to a Booster?

Whether you want to convert your Graco car seat into a backless or a high-back booster, knowing the following things before starting, will always get you the best result:

• According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, before you use a booster, you must ensure that your child has outgrown the forward-facing mode and actually needs a booster.
• After that, you should examine which type of booster will be perfect for your child.
• To convert your car seat safely, you should read the car seat’s manual and ensure the ideal usage of the seat belt and lap belt.
• If you feel unclear about anything, it would be best to call a car seat specialist and check everything before you go for a drive.

Get to Know: The Importance Of The GA Booster Seat Laws

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any other queries in your mind about how to convert the Graco car seat to a booster? Read the FAQ section below and get some of the frequently asked answers.

When Should I Change My Child’s Car Seat to a Booster?

When a kid is taller than four feet nine inches, aged between 8 and 12, or when they are heavier than the forward-facing weight or height restriction for their child safety seat, they should adopt a booster seat till the car seat belt fits them comfortably.

Do I Need to Use a Harness in a Booster Seat?

In most cases, you will not need to use the safety harness while you convert it into a booster. Because in a backless type booster, the back panel will be removed with the harness, and in a high-back booster, the harness will be placed into the compartment inside. So, seat belts will be enough in most cases.

Which Types of Booster Seat is More Secure?

In terms of providing safety in an accident, both backless and high-back boosters are equally secure. Actually, it depends on your child’s height and weight, to choose between the two types of boosters. But whichever mode gets fitted to your child’s body, it will safeguard your child as much as possible, if you install the seat appropriately.

When Should I Use a Backless Type Booster?

You will require a backless type booster especially if your child is tall enough and heavy enough to use a forward-facing car seat, and if their height is roughly equal to that of your car seat. That means if your child can reach the car’s default seat’s headrest, you can use a backless type booster.

How Long Should I Use Booster a Seat?

When your kid reaches 4’9″ in height and his or her age is between 8 and 12, you can switch them to a conventional car seat. But, you also must verify your state’s rules to ensure that your youngster may ride in a standard seat. Many states mandate youngsters to use booster seats until they are 10 or twelve years old.

Conclusion

A convertible car seat is great for its multiple uses, and converting it into a high-back or backless booster will definitely save you money while providing protection in a mishap.

Yes, in this discussion I tried to tell you how to convert Graco car seats to booster for both high-back and backless types so that you don’t face any hassle while converting.

And I hope you will remember what is important before you start, follow all the instructions appropriately, and be able to convert your car seat to a booster easily.