Because we are writing this review amid a pandemic, our models are limited to only my children (and the child of another member of our team who also rides in a Monterey 4DXT), but we will try to be as thorough as possible in this section.

This is a fantastic feature and will accommodate children who have wider frames and will also be good for when children wear extra layers in the winter. The IIHS is an independent, scientific, and educational organization dedicated to reducing injuries and property damage from motor vehicle crashes through the education of consumers, policymakers, and safety professionals. To determine an item's service and warranty coverage in your country, please contact the manufacturer. The label on the outer right side of the backless portion of the booster has red text that says “This restraint is NOT certified for use in aircraft. Dual cup holders are included to fit on either side of the seat: they're extra-deep and angled to keep drinks upright- and you can even use one for snacks.

We assume this is the point where the recline is “engaged” (the booster is quite reclined once it reaches that point, though). Designed for ultimate portability, Monterey 5iST FixSafe transforms in seconds from a compact fold to a full-size booster seat, without compromising safety or comfort.

For their comfort, a dial on the back adjusts the width of the back of the seat to fit a child's shoulders up to 50. As your little one grows, the headrest can also be adjusted with one hand for a super easy, snug and safe fit. The newest version, the Monterey 4DXT, includes a remodeled headrest, enhanced fabric covering, contoured seat base and breathable exo-shell panels. The Monterey XT is a well-fitting option for any child who is ready to ride in a booster seat, especially those with larger builds and those who prefer some extra padding. The lower anchor connectors are upside down compared to the lower anchor connectors on most other car seats.

We have widened the Monterey 4DXT into the widest mode, and here we have adjusted the back to the tallest position to show how much room this model has to grow. There are no limitations about the settings in the manual, so we would recommend using the setting that is the most comfortable for the child.

The backless portion of the seat falls off when the back is lifted, which is a bit of a pain (even though the back re-attaches quite easily). The advanced SafePlus side impact protection features 8 layers of interlocking EPS and EPP foam and includes the SafePlus energy absorbing shell, to shield and protect with SafePlus airflow technology built in for optimum child comfort. They are so well made and the one I have I can carry on my back to take on trips, the plane and more which is pretty cool. However, our reviews and educational materials are OUR opinions and are not that of Safe Kids, NHTSA, or anyone other than us. The seat is relatively simple to attach to the chassis of the car with ISOFIX and must be fitted prior to use.The isofix does make it a slightly more complicated but since this is such an important safety feature. Deep, reinforced side wings, lined with energy absorbing EPS foam, provides enhanced safety as your child grows.