The Diono Solana 2 is a backless booster that’s safe, lightweight, and affordable, and can provide your child with up to eight years of use until a booster is no longer needed. At less than seven pounds, it’s easy for most parents, grandparents, and children to transfer among cars, as needed.
Getting the Diono Solana installed is just as quick and painless, thanks to integrated LATCH connectors and front adjusters. It’s also thoughtfully designed for comfort, with a contoured shape to help prevent slipping and a generous length for ample leg support.
Dual cup holders incorporate compartments for both drinks and snacks, and they can be retracted when not in use to save space.
Parents will appreciate that the Diono Solana is designed to meet or exceed government standards for safety.
Overview of Diono Solana 2 Backless Booster
This booster is made for children weighing between 40 and 120 pounds and ranging from 38 to 63 inches tall. (One of the things that make this model stand out from the rest is its wide height range; most others have a height limit of only 57 inches or less.) In addition to being lightweight and portable, the Solana 2 can be installed in very little time, making it convenient for families who own multiple vehicles or who carpool frequently. The lap belt guides are bright red and easy to find, and you can set it up with either the LATCH connectors or by using your car’s seat belt.
Kids will ride in comfort on this ergonomic, contoured seat, which provides a little more padding than many others. It’s equipped with two multi-compartment cup holders that can be retracted when they’re not needed. When the cover needs to be cleaned, just remove it and toss it into the washing machine, and it’s also easy to spot-clean with a rag or a sponge.
Safety
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration rates various car seats for ease of use when it comes to four basic categories. Here is how this federal agency rated the Diono Solana 2 backless booster:
Expiration
Video Overview of Diono Solana 2 Backless Booster
Diono Solana 2 Booster Car Seat Specs
FEATURE | DESCRIPTION |
---|---|
Child weight range | 40 - 120 pounds |
Child weight range | 38 - 63 inches |
Dimensions | 15.75” long x 17.87” wide x 8.78” tall |
Diono Solana 2 Booster Car Seat Features
FEATURE | DESCRIPTION |
---|---|
Safety features | |
Longevity | |
Ease of Use | |
Comfort and Convenience | This well-padded, ergonomic seat keeps kids comfortable on rides both short and long, and the seat’s generous length helps ensure proper leg support. Kids will enjoy being able to have a snack and a drink close at hand, thanks to dual cup holders, each of which has two compartments. To save space, these can be retracted into the base of the seat when they’re not being used. In addition, kids (and adults) won’t likely have trouble if they need to carry the seat from car to car, as it’s lightweight at just 6.6 pounds. When it comes to size, families with three young children should note that you won’t likely be able to fit three of these in a row in most back seats. Some users reported having success with two Solana 2 models and any third model and brand of car seat with a slimmer build. When it needs a thorough cleaning or just a freshening up, you can place the Diono Solana 2 into the washing machine. Note that it does need to lie flat to dry, rather than being placed in the dryer. The fabric is also a cinch to spot clean, as needed. You can choose a neutral black-colored model or ones that are bright blue or pink. |
Ease of Installation |
Who is the Diono Solana 2 suitable for?
The Solana 2 is good for kids who weigh between 40 to 120 pounds, and who stand between 38 and 63 inches tall. This generally encompasses anyone between four and 12 years of age. It’s a convenient, portable option for households who transfer booster seats between vehicles with any frequency.
Pros and Cons of Diono Solana 2
Pros
Cons
Diono Solana 2 Installation
A tutorial installation video is available
Diono Solana 2 Owner’s Manual
The Diono Solana 2 manufacturers manual is available online at the following link:
Diono Solana 2 Booster vs. Chicco GoFit Backless Booster
The Diono Solana 2 and the Chicco GoFit are backless boosters that come well rated and feature comfortable padding. Both are highly portable, with the GoFit offering the added convenience of a built-in carrying handle. If you find yourself deciding between these similarly priced models, however, one thing to consider is whether you wish to go with a LATCH installation. The Solana 2 is equipped with LATCH connectors, whereas the GoFit is not. (A somewhat more expensive GoFit Plus model is LATCH-equipped.)
Both the Solana 2 and the Chicco GoFit are relatively easy to care for, with machine-washable fabrics. (These need to line dry or lie flat to dry, however.) While both feature a pair of fold-away cup holders, one difference to note is those of the GoFit are removable and safe for the dishwasher. In all, both are easy to install and when the height and weight guidelines are followed, can likely be used by your child until they’re around 12 years old.
Dennis George's Diono Solana 2 Backless Booster Review
Conclusion
The transition to backless booster seats is not always seamless. Parents worry about their children without the extra child restraints. The Diono Solana is an inexpensive way to teach your child independence and ensure their safety at the same time.
Many parents prefer a highback booster over a backless booster car seat because of the wings and the overall comfort level differences. However, Solana does have a fair bit of padding and features two swivel cupholders. For a booster, it scores well on its crash tests.
The installation and use of the Solana are both pretty high. It works with your vehicle seat belt system. However, it lacks the lateral protection that many highback booster seats provide. The lower anchors keep the Solona firmly in place whether your little is in it or not. The user manual does a poor job warning parents that you cannot use just the lap belt.
If your kid has legs that go on for days, the Diona Solana might be the right fit. It is a fair priced backless booster car seat with a height limit of 63 inches tall. It helps that it is lightweight, too.
With two kids of my own, I’m passionate about child safety! I’m a research nerd who’s on a mission to make the world a safer place for kids – starting with car seats!
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