Diono Solana Booster Seat Review (2025) – Is This the Last Booster Seat You’ll Ever Need?
- Family Traveling USA
- 5 minutes ago
- 4 min read
Traveling with kids means spills, messes, and countless car swaps. Finding a booster seat that can keep up with family life isn’t easy—but after putting the Diono Solana backless booster seat through over 35,000 miles of real-world travel, we think it may be the last booster seat you’ll ever need.
In this review, we’ll cover:
✅ Our hands-on tests (spills, car swaps, comfort checks)
✅ Key features & specs
✅ Pros & cons
✅ How it compares to other booster seats
✅ Who the Solana is best for
👉 Want to see it in action?
Diono Solana Booster Seat Overview
Type: Backless booster seat
Weight range: 40–120 lbs
Height range: 38.2–63 Inches
Dimensions: 13.2" D x 16.9" W x 7.7" H
Weight: Just under 3 lbs (on our scale)
Cup holders: Two foldable, built-in fabric holders
Cover: Machine-washable, removable in under 30 seconds
Price: Around $52 for a 2-pack on Amazon or $29.99 for a single booster seat (budget-friendly)
The Solana is one of Diono’s most affordable and lightweight booster seats, making it especially popular for traveling families and those who need to swap seats between cars often.
Hands-On Testing: How the Diono Solana Performed
1. The Spill Test
If your kid has ever detonated a snack bomb in the back seat, you’ll appreciate this one. We poured an entire cup of applesauce onto the booster. The cover peeled off in less than 30 seconds—no tools, no fuss—and went straight into the washer.
Result: Survived the ultimate mess test.
2. The Car-Swap Marathon
At under 3 lbs (on our scale), the Solana is lighter than most kids’ backpacks. Whether you’re switching cars, traveling through airports, or carrying it to grandma’s house, this seat won’t weigh you down.
Result: One of the easiest boosters to carry and install.
3. Room to Grow
This seat covers children from 40 to 120 lbs. That’s a wide age and size range, meaning you’ll likely replace your car before you replace this booster.
Result: Long-lasting and cost-efficient.
4. Cup Holders That Don’t Disappear
Unlike many pop-off designs, the Solana’s cup holders are sewn into the fabric. They stretch to hold bottles and fold flat when not in use.
Result: No more losing cup holders under the seats.
5. Comfort Reality Check
Some online reviews claim this seat feels “hard as concrete.” After multiple cross-country trips and more than 35,000 miles of testing with two of our kids, comfort was never an issue. The firm base actually provided steady support for long rides.
Result: Kid-approved for long road trips.
6. Price Point
At the time we filmed our video review, the Diono Solana booster seat was available at around $52 for a 2-pack (or $29.99 for a single booster seat) the Solana is both affordable and durable. That makes it a no-brainer for families needing multiple boosters or a lightweight travel option.
Pros & Cons of the Diono Solana Booster Seat
Pros:
Extremely lightweight (under 3 lbs on our scale)
Budget-friendly (great value in a 2-pack or single booster)
Machine-washable cover
Cup holders are built-in (no losing parts)
Wide weight range (40–120 lbs)
Kid-approved comfort for long trips
Cons:
Backless design (not ideal for younger kids who still need head support)
Some families may prefer more padding
Limited color options
Who Is the Diono Solana Best For?
This booster seat is a great choice for:
Families who travel often and need a light, portable seat
Parents who frequently swap seats between cars
Families looking for a budget-friendly backup booster
Kids who have outgrown high-back boosters but still need safe seating
How It Compares to Other Booster Seats
Diono Solana vs Graco TurboBooster Backless
The Solana is lighter and has a 2-pack value deal.
The Graco has slightly more padding but costs a bit more per seat.
Diono Solana vs Evenflo GoTime
The Evenflo offers extra cushioning, but it’s heavier.
Similar price per seat.
FAQs About the Diono Solana Booster Seat
Is the Diono Solana booster seat safe?
From all of the information we have gathered, yes!
"This seat has been awarded Best Bet Booster by IIHS"
Source: https://store.diono.com/solana/
Does it have LATCH connectors?
No, the Solana is a seat-belt–positioning booster without LATCH. Its lightweight design makes installation quick and simple.
Is this seat good for long road trips?
Yes. Despite being firm, our kids found it comfortable on road trips totaling over 35,000 miles of travel.
Can you use the Diono Solana on airplanes?
No, booster seats (backless or high-back) are not FAA-approved for in-flight use. However, it’s lightweight enough to carry through the airport and use in rental cars.
Final Verdict: The Last Booster Seat You’ll Ever Need?
The Diono Solana booster seat checks nearly every box: lightweight, easy to clean, budget-friendly, and durable enough for years of use.
For traveling families or anyone who wants a reliable booster (or an affordable backup booster), this seat is hard to beat—especially at this price point.
🎥 Want to see our spill test, cup holder demo, and 35,000-mile comfort check?
👇 Watch our full Diono Solana Booster Seat Review video below!
Comments