While safety is always the number-one priority for parents and caregivers shopping for a car seat, when it comes to convertible car seats, you'll also want to take into account comfort, ease of installation, and weight limits. That's because you'll likely be using this seat for several years to come.Typically, a convertible car seat is used once your child outgrows their infant car seat (although most are also safe to use as infant car seats from birth). It can convert from a rear-facing seat to a forward-facing seat, and eventually, in some cases, to a booster seat.
Because the seat will be with your child for quite some time, it’s vital to ensure that it’s easy to install, in case you need to switch it to a different car or clean it. Check the seat’s positions to determine how long it will be appropriate for your child as they grow. While all car seats in the United States must adhere to federal safety regulations, keep an eye out for any additional features you may want to consider, like an anti-rebound bar.Alisa Baer, MD, pediatrician and co-founder of The Car Seat Lady, LLC, tells Verywell Family the anti-rebound bar "is designed to prevent the rear-facing car seat from moving toward the back of the vehicle in a crash, preventing the child’s head from hitting the back of their own vehicle seat."
We weighed the pros and cons of the best convertible car seats to see which are worth the investment and which are better for certain situations like small cars or travel.
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Pros
Can be used for up to 10 years
Easy-to-use straps
Quick installation
Cons
Tough to fit in small vehicles
Heavy
Infant insert and shoulder pads easily lost
With the aptly named Graco 4Ever, you’ll only need to buy one car seat for your child, which is why it's the best convertible car seat on the market. This 4-in-1 seat does it all, starting as a rear-facing harness and adapting to every stage of your child’s growth.
When used as a rear-facing harness, the Grace 4Ever can accommodate children up to 40 pounds, as long as their head is at least 1 inch below the handle. When you switch it to a forward-facing harness, your child should be between at least 22 and 27 inches tall. Once they outgrow this stage, the car seat transforms into a high-back booster seat, which is appropriate for children up to 100 pounds and 52 inches tall. Finally, it can be used as a backless booster for children up to 120 pounds and 57 inches tall.
Testing Notes: "The Graco 4Ever 4-in-1 is one of the most popular car seats on the market, because it has such a long life. We’ve used the Graco 4Ever 4-in-1 for a little more than two years with our oldest child.We like that he stayed in a familiar seat through that transition and that we didn’t have to keep buying new gear and equipment as he grew."
This versatile car seat also features a 10-position headrest, a five-point harness, a six-position recline, a steel-reinforced frame, and integrated cup holders. It comes with theLATCH systemfor easy installation.
Price at time of publication: $330
Key Specs:
Rear-Facing Limit: 4-40 pounds |Forward-Facing Limit: 22-65 pounds |Booster Seat Limit: 40-100 pounds, up to 57 inches |Backless Booster Seat Limit: 40-120 pounds | Dimensions: 24 x 21.5 x 20 inches | Cup Holder: Double
Best Splurge
Nuna RAVA Flame Retardant Free Convertible Car Seat
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Pros
Modern, sleek design
Easy seat belt installation
Added legroom for comfort
Cons
Recline too upright for some children
Difficult reassembly after washing
Certain colors may fade over time
Parents can’t say enough good things about the Nuna RAVA convertible car seat, and many are adamant that this high-end model is worth every penny. This car seat is recommended for children 5 to 50 pounds and 49 inches or less in rear-facing mode, and little ones 25 to 65 pounds and 49 inches or less when forward-facing. That means you can keep your little one rear-facing for longer than in most other seats, even if your baby hits growth spurts early.
The Nuna RAVA has afive-point harness, a 10-position reclining feature, and a 10-position headrest, as well as a two-position buckle. It’s aircraft-certified in case you need to travel by plane, and there are both head and body inserts that you can remove, depending on how much space your child needs. Customers call this model the “Rolls-Royce of car seats,” writing that while it’s on the heavier side at 27 pounds, it’s incredibly sturdy and secure.
Price at time of publication: $500
Key Specs:
Rear-Facing Limit: 5-50 pounds, up to 49 inches | Forward-Facing Limit: 25-65 pounds, up to 49 inches | Dimensions: 25 x 19 x 16 inches | Cup Holder: No
Most Comfortable
Britax Marathon ClickTight Convertible Car Seat
4.8
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Pros
Easy to install
No rethread required
Plush foam padding
Cons
No booster seat option
Difficulty cleaning in cracks and crevices of seat
Heavy
Britax Marathon ClickTight Convertible Car Seat Review
You can keep your kids comfy on long rides (and short ones) with a car seat like the Britax Marathon. This popular convertible car seat works as both a rear- and forward-facing model, and it has a variety of features that ensure your kids are comfortable at every turn.
Testing Notes: "Our favorite design components are the 14 different harness settings and seven recline positions. If you’ll be using this car seat with multiple children, this can save a lot of time and frustration. Cheaper car seats don’t come with a steel frame, side-impact protection, or many of the other design features that set this car seat apart."
The Britax Marathon ClickTight excels in its adjustable features—it has a 14-position easy-adjust harness, seven recline positions, and two buckle positions to ensure a comfortable fit as your child grows. It’s lined with plush foam padding, as well.
Price at time of publication: $340
Key Specs:
Rear-Facing Limit: 5-40 pounds, up to 49 inches | Forward-Facing Limit: 20-6 pounds | Dimensions: 23.5 x 18.5 x 23 inches | Cup Holder: No
Best 3-in-1
Safety 1st Grow and Go All-in-One Convertible Car Seat
4.5
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Pros
Budget-friendly
Lightweight
Machine-washable pads
Cons
Installation can be tricky
Buckle difficult to unbuckle for some
Not much cushioning
(Video) Top 5 Best Convertible Car Seat 2023 [These 5 Are Awesome For Your Kids]
You won’t have to worry about upgrading your car seat when you get the highly rated Safety 1st Grow and Go Car Seat. This 3-in-1 convertible car seat works as a rear- and forward-facing harness, as well as a belt-adjusting booster seat, so it will serve your family well for years.
You can use this car seat as arear-facing harnessup to 40 pounds and 40 inches tall; then, you can transition it to forward-facing when they’re at least 22 pounds and 29 inches tall. Once your child outgrows these stages, the Grow and Go can be used as a belt-positioning booster seat for kids 40 to 100 pounds.
This 3-in-1 car seat has three reclining positions to help ensure a proper fit in your car, and it comes with a QuickFit harness that lets you adjust the harness and headrest in one easy step. The seat pad is easy to remove and is machine-washable, and it includes two convenient cup holders for snacks and sippy cups.
Price at time of publication: $180
Key Specs:
Rear-Facing Limit: 5-40 pounds, up to 40 inches |Forward-Facing Limit: 22-65 pounds, up to 49 inches |Booster Seat Limit: 40-100 pounds, up to 52 inches | Dimensions: 24 x 23.75 x 19 inches | Cup Holder: Double
Best All-in-One
Evenflo Symphony DLX All-in-One Convertible Car Seat
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Pros
Easy to use
Simple installation
Has recline options
Cons
Large in size
Some sippy cups won't fit in cup holder
Harness straps may move easily
As the name suggests, all-in-one car seats do it all, keeping your little one safe, from the day they come home until they outgrow their final booster seat. One of the best all-in-one car seats available today is the Evenflo Symphony Elite, which comes with a host of helpful features to accommodate your growing kids, making this a great addition to your baby registry.
It has a five-point harness for a more accurate fit, as well as a multi-position recline to keep your little one comfortable when they're growing quickly. There are removable head and body pillows, a machine-washable pad, and an integrated cup holder, too.
Price at time of publication: $250
Key Specs:
Rear-Facing Limit: 5-40 pounds, up to 40 inches | Forward-Facing Limit: 22-65 pounds, up to 50 inches |Booster Seat Limit: 40-110 pounds, up to 57 inches | Dimensions: 19.5 x 21.5 x 28 inches | Cup Holder: Double
The Best Infant Car Seats for Your Precious Cargo
Best for Small Cars
Graco SlimFit 3-in-1 Car Seat
4.9
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Pros
Good for small cars
No rethreading required
Easy installation
Cons
Straps are hard to tighten
Straps cannot be removed to clean
Not all cups will fit inside cup holder
If you have a compact car, big, bulky car seats might not fit properly. In that case, you’ll want a model like the Graco SlimFit, which serves as a 3-in-1 car seat. This model features rotating cup holders that can be tucked away to take up less space in your back seat. It has four recline positions, as well as integrated harness storage, the InRight LATCH system, and rotating cup holders. This is a great solution for small cars or if you need to fit three car seats in the back seat
Price at time of publication: $176
Key Specs:
Rear-Facing Limit: 5-40 pounds | Forward-Facing Limit: 22-65 pounds | Booster Seat Limit: 40-100 pounds | Dimensions: 25.5 x 19.9 x 21.5 inches | Cup Holder: Double
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Pros
Easy to travel with
Three buckle locations
Available in variety of colors/patterns
Cons
Not very comfortable
Lacking features
Rear- and forward-facing have same weight limit
When you travel with your children, you’ll need to bring a car seat along with you, and one of the best aircraft-certified seats on the market is the Cosco Scenera, which can be used as both a rear- and forward-facing car seat. The rear-facing mode is for little ones 5 to 40 pounds and 19 to 40 inches tall, while the forward-facing alignment is for children 22 to 40 pounds and 29 to 43 inches tall. It comes in a variety of colors and patterns, and it has a compact design that’s ideal for plane travel.
Testing Notes: "A car seat is a must for my family when flying because it keeps your child contained and safe. This option is so light and affordable that I recommend it to every family. It is also comfortable and easy to install in an unfamiliar rental car."
The Cosco Scenera Next has a five-point harness with an easy front adjustment, and there are three buckle locations and five harness heights. The convertible car seat is LATCH equipped and certified for use on airplanes and lightweight enough for travel.
Price at time of publication: $50
Key Specs:
Rear: 5-40 pounds, up to 40 inches | Forward: 22-40 pounds, up to 43 inches | Dimensions: 30.25 x 15.75 x 17.63 inches | Cup Holder: Single
The 7 Best Travel Car Seats
Best for Tall Kids
Diono Radian 3RXT Convertible Car Seat With SafePlus
4.8
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Pros
Slim and narrow
12-position headrest
Memory foam seat
Cons
Hard to install
Heavy
Seat may not fit well in smaller cars
(Video) Best Convertible Car Seats Under $250 -Safe and Comfortable Car Seats for Your Child
The best convertible car seat for tall kids is the Diono Radian 3RXT, which has extended rear-facing abilities that let you keep your little ones rear-facing for longer, even if they’re growing like a bean sprout. It can be used as a rear-facing harness and as a forward-facing harness. The Diono Radian 3RXT can also serve as a booster seat when your child reaches 40 pounds.
This car seat fits three across in most family-sized vehicles, and it has a 12-position headrest, a memory foam seat, and extendable leg rests. There are five shoulder and three buckle positions, and it even folds up flat for easy travel.
Price at time of publication: $280
Key Specs:
Rear: 5-50 pounds | Forward: 22-65 pounds, up to 57 inches | Booster: 40-120 pounds, up to 57 inches | Dimensions: 28.5 x 16 x 15 inches |Cup Holder: Single
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What to Look for in a Convertible Car Seat
Additional Safety Features
While all car seats sold in the United States are required to meet federal standards, there are additional safety features that can be helpful when buying a seat.
Strap Design
While every car seat includes a five-point harness,Alisa Baer, MD, pediatrician and co-founder of The Car Seat Lady, LLC, notes that parents should be mindful of strap design. She advises parents “look for straps that don’t twist and pull smoothly,” because properly buckling your child into their seat for every ride is just as important as installing the seat correctly.
If you plan to install the seat using a seatbelt, she recommends looking for one that has a built-in locking device because “[it] will typically make it easier to get the car seat tight and will typically prevent the tilting that can happen when using the seatbelt’s own locking mechanism."
“It’s important to remember that all car seats [sold in the U.S.] meet the same federal standards and are safe when used correctly,” according to theUniversity of North Carolina Highway Safety Research Center. Choosing the right one for your family, whether it’s because of a different design in order to fit your child or vehicle properly or one with additional safety features, is also very important.
Anti-Rebound Bar
Another feature to look for is an anti-rebound bar, which Dr. Baer explains “is designed to prevent the rear-facing car seat from moving toward the back of the vehicle in a crash, preventing the child’s head from hitting the back of their own vehicle seat."
Australian-Style Rear-Facing Tether or Load Leg
Finally, similarly to the True Rigid LATCH system, a few select car seats in the U.S. have the capability to add an Australian-style rear-facing tether or a load leg to rear-facing seats to limit motion in a crash. These additional safety features “prevent the car seat from moving toward the front of the car or reclining any more during a crash,” she explains. “By preventing this motion, the car seat is able to absorb more of the crash forces into its shell and reduce the forces on the child’s head and neck by about half.”
Ease of Installation
“When it comes to all car seats, the most important safety consideration is to make sure the seat is installed and used correctly,” the UNC Highway Research Center explains. “Every car seat is different, so it is important to read the owner’s manual to make sure you are aware of any requirements specific to your seat.” While every car seat model will have its own unique installation process, the vast majority of U.S. car seats connect to the car using either the seatbelt or LATCH system, and many offer both options.
Seatbelt Installation
Car seats with the seatbelt installation option will have a belt path that the seatbelt will route through to secure the seat to the vehicle. In order to do that properly, the car’s seatbelt needs to be in the locked position (which typically activates when you’re in an accident) at all times to ensure the car seat does not move more than one inch from its position. Most seatbelts have a manual lock option specifically for car seat installation, but some car seats also feature built-in locking devices for extra security.
LATCH System
Both the car seat and your vehicle have to have their respective components in order to use the LATCH system. Any vehicle made in the year 2000 or later will have tether anchors. One set can be found in the backseat tucked between where the seat and backrest meet. (Some are easy to find, others take a bit of digging.) You will always find two anchors on both the passenger and driver-side seats, and vehicles with only one row of seats in the back also have anchors for middle-seat installation.
Additionally, there will be at least one more anchor, which can usually be found on the back of the vehicle seat in SUVs and minivans or on the shelf below the back windshield of a sedan. Some vehicles are also equipped with anchors on the ceiling or the car floor behind the backseat. You can find out exactly where the anchors in your vehicle are located by looking in the owner's manual.
Both forward-facing and rear-facing car seats will come equipped with two lower anchor connectors that are attached to a belt (made of material similar to a seatbelt) and clip on to the lower seat anchors. Once you clip them in securely, you will tighten the belt as much as you can to ensure the car seat does not move around. Whether your car seat is convertible or not, once it is forward-facing, there is a third tether hook on a strap that fastens to the anchor found behind or above the seat. (Look at your car’s owner manual to locate it.) After you’ve placed the hook, you’ll tighten the strap so that the backrest of the car seat does not move.
Rigid LATCH
There is also a lesser-known installation category, according to Dr. Baer, and it is called the Rigid LATCH. It is the strongest and most secure installation, but unfortunately, it’s only found in four different car seat models in the U.S.
Remember, the only way a car seat will keep your child safe is when it’s properly installed. “If anything is unclear, don’t hesitate to reach out to a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician in your community or call the manufacturer’s customer service line,” the UNC Highway Safety Research Center tells Verywell Family. “Many manufacturers have certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians in their customer service department specifically to help parents with questions."
Seating Positions
Rear-Facing
If you purchase a convertible seat that is rear-facing only, you can expect it to last until your child is at least 2 years old (the earliest the American Academy of Pediatrics suggests turning children around) or later, depending on their size. The University of North Carolina (UNC) Highway Research Center tells Verywell Family, “Kids should ride rear-facing as long as possible [because rear-facing car seats] protect the head, neck, and spine. It is recommended that kids stay rear-facing until they reach the maximum height or weight limit allowed by their seat.”
According to Dr. Baer, kids can reach three or four years old before they reach one of the limits for their car seat. Additionally, she notes, “A child’s feet touching the back of the vehicle seat is not an indication that they are too big for rear-facing.”
Forward-Facing
Once you turn your child around, they will transition to a forward-facing seat with a five-point harness (which many convertible seats include). A representative from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration tells Verywell Family, “Parents should keep their kids in a forward-facing car seat with a harness and tether until [the child] reaches the top height or weight limit by the car seat’s manufacturer.”
This can happen when the child is anywhere from four to seven years old, depending on the car seat model, but you may want to look for a seat with limits on the higher end because meeting a height or weight requirement doesn’t necessarily mean your child is ready to use a highback booster.
The absolute earliest Dr. Baer recommends transitioning a child out of a forward-facing seat is five years old, assuming they also weigh at least 40 pounds and are mature enough to use a seatbelt. The maturity milestone is typically what pushes this transition back. According to the UNC Highway Research Center, “Many kids can’t handle this responsibility until they are six years old or older.” They further explain, “Booster seats . . . [require] the child to be mature enough to stay in the correct position at all times so that the seat belt can do its job. If they can’t sit properly at all times (even when sleeping), then they are not ready to use a booster seat.”
Booster Seat
Once a child is in a highback booster seat, that may be the last configuration they need before transitioning out of a car seat. However, there are some instances where a child has maxed out their height and/or weight limit for the highback booster, but they still aren’t quite ready to go without a boost, and that is when a backless booster seat comes into play.
According to Dr. Baer, kids should pass every part of the 5-Step Test before going booster-free, so if they’ve maxed out the height and/or weight limit of their highback booster but haven’t passed this test yet, then a backless booster is appropriate. At that point, you can expect your child to remain in the booster until they are between 10 and 12 years old.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I switch from an infant car seat to a convertible car seat?
Once your baby has exceeded the height or weight limitations of an infant car seat, it is time to transition to a convertible car seat. Since convertible car seats can typically accommodate newborns, you can choose to skip the infant car seat and opt for a convertible option from the start.
When should a convertible car seat be forward-facing?
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that you keep your child in a rear-facing position for as long as possible. For most children, that is until the age of four.
A general rule of thumb is once your child has reached the height or weight limitations set by the manufacturer in rear-facing, you can safely move them to the forward-facing option.
When should my child move from a convertible car seat to a booster?
Once they have outgrown the forward-facing height or weight restrictions (ideally at five years old) and fit the measurements for the booster seat, you can transition them safely. It is best to keep the child in the car seat for as long as possible, as there is a maturity aspect to the booster seat where they need to be able to sit properly with no slouching or leaning over.
How much does a convertible car seat cost?
Convertible car seats have a fairly wide price range, with some available for under $50 and others costing several hundred dollars. You can expect to pay about $150 to $300 for a convertible car seat; while expensive, they do tend to have extended service periods.
(Video) Best Convertible Car SeatOur least expensive pick is the Cosco Scenera at $50, which was our favorite for travel. Our splurge pick, the Nuna RAVA, was our most expensive at $500.
Why Trust Verywell Family
Deanna McCormack is a content director and freelance writer who specializes in parenthood and lifestyle products and reviews. She is a mom to two kids under the age of three and owns three convertible car seats. She loves the Nuna RAVA and travels with her Cosco Scenera Next.
FAQs
What is the safest convertible car seat on the market? ›
- Best overall: Graco Extend2Fit Convertible Car Seat.
- Best life span: Britax One4Life ClickTight All-in-One Car Seat.
- Best budget-friendly: Safety 1st Guide 65 Convertible Car Seat.
Best Overall
With the aptly named Graco 4Ever, you'll only need to buy one car seat for your child, which is why it's the best convertible car seat on the market. This 4-in-1 seat does it all, starting as a rear-facing harness and adapting to every stage of your child's growth.
The main difference is that high-back booster uses a vehicle seatbelt to secure a child, while a convertible car seat uses a 5-point harness. If we're comparing a backless booster to a convertible car seat, I would have to argue that convertible car seats are safer.
How do I know what convertible car seat to buy? ›- Installation features. Having a car seat with enhanced installation features can make installing your car seat quicker and easier. ...
- Ease of use. ...
- Side impact protection. ...
- Comfort features. ...
- Dimensions. ...
- Height/weight requirements. ...
- Britax. ...
- Graco.
University of Buffalo Researchers report that the back seat is 59 to 86 percent safer than the front seat. Backed up by National Highway Traffic Safety Administration – NHTSA -research, crash statistics show the middle seat in the back is most survivable.
What age should you switch to convertible car seat? ›Parents using an infant seat generally switch their kids to a larger, convertible seat anywhere between 9 months and 2 years, depending on their child's size (bigger kids will likely move on faster). But they can opt to do so sooner as long as the convertible seat is rated safe for their child's height and weight.
What's the highest rated car seat? ›...
The List: Best Car Seats, Recommended by Safety Experts
- Chicco KeyFit 35. ...
- Britax Boulevard ClickTight. ...
- Chicco KeyFit 30. ...
- UPPAbaby Mesa/Mesa V2. ...
- Nuna RAVA.
It's the safer option. Make the switch now. To take advantage of a convertible seat's added potential for head protection, we advise that if your child has not already outgrown her infant seat (many will), transition your child to a rear-facing convertible seat no later than age 1.
What is the safest car seat installation? ›Where is the safest place to put a car seat? A study published in Pediatrics, showed for children newborn to 3 years old and all installs being equal, sitting in the center rear seat is 43% safer than sitting on the side in the back. The rear center position will be the furthest from any impact in any type of crash.
How long can a child stay in a convertible car seat? ›Children should stay in a booster seat until adult seat belts fit correctly, typically when children reach about 4 feet 9 inches in height and are 8 to 12 years of age. Most children will not fit in a seat belt alone until 10 to 12 years of age.
What is seat most popular model? ›
Arona is the top seller in SEAT's SUV range, surpassing 1 million units in 6 years. The 1 millionth SUV was none other than a SEAT Arona, always at the forefront. Since its launch in 2017, SEAT's first urban SUV has become the brand's most popular car, with 481,585 units sold globally.
Should a convertible car seat face rear or forward? ›Convertible and All-in-One car seats typically have higher height and weight limits for the rear-facing position, allowing you to keep your child rear-facing for a longer period of time. Keep your child rear-facing as long as possible. It's the best way to keep him or her safe.
What is the difference between a 3 in 1 and 4 in 1 convertible car seat? ›To keep it simple, a 3-in-1 car seat goes from infant seat to booster seat: rear-facing, forward-facing, and high-back booster. And a 4-in-1 car seat goes also goes from infant seat to booster, but includes one more step: rear-facing, forward-facing, high-back, and backless booster.
Which seat is most vulnerable in a car crash? ›In addition, automakers have added airbags and advanced seat belts in the front seats but not often in the rear. As a result, in vehicles from model year 2007 onward, the risk of a fatal injury is 46 percent higher for belted occupants in the rear seat than in the front.
Which seat is safest for car seat in SUV? ›The safest place for your child's car seat is in the back seat, away from active air bags. If the car seat is placed in the front seat and the air bag inflates, it could hit the back of a rear-facing car seat — right where the child's head is — and cause a serious or fatal injury.
What is the second safest seat in a car? ›The left-side and the right-side of the back seat are both appropriate positions for the second car seat. Many people have opinions on which is the safest position, but highway safety reports show that there is no statistical difference in terms of safety.
What age does the 2 hour car seat rule end? ›Parents know what's best for their children – so there is no specific age to grow out of the 2-hour car seat rule. Once your baby gains better control of their neck/head and can safely sit upright without support, you can relax the rule a bit – but stay alert as long as they are in a rear-facing car seat.
How old is a 30 lb baby? ›| Age | Weight | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 15 Months | 16.1 - 28.4 lb | 28.0 - 33.0 in |
| 18 Months | 17.2 - 30.4 lb | 29.1 - 34.4 in |
| 21 Months | 18.1 - 32.2 lb | 30.1 - 35.7 in |
| 24 Months | 19.2 - 34.2 lb | 31.1 - 37.0 in |
Convertible car seats are generally heavier and bulkier than rear-facing only car seats. They are harder to switch from car to car and take up more space than infant car seats. They must recline to a safe angle for smaller babies, which can be a problem in smaller vehicles.
What is the safest baby seat in 2023? ›The Chicco KeyFit 30 is overall the best infant car seat of 2023 because of its excellent safety score, easiness to install and value for money. But the UPPAbaby MESA V2 is a better choice if you have the budget because of its natural fabric that's light and breathable without using nasty chemicals as flame retardants.
Which car brands have the best seats? ›
The Kia Soul has the most comfortable front seats among small cars. Subaru Legacy wins the Midsize sedan category, Mercedes-Benz C-Class is the best Luxury Compact Sedan, Audi A8 is the Luxury Midsized/Large Sedan winner, and Mazda CX-50 is the best small SUV.
Is Nuna worth the money? ›There are many factors that affect pricing - level of detail in design, quality of materials, and range of features and technology! As a premium baby gear brand, Nuna is among the higher-priced options but well worth the investment, designed to last and make your daily life with little ones as easy as possible.
How long do Graco convertible car seats last? ›Depending on the model, Graco car seats typically last from seven to ten years. A majority of the Graco infant car seats expire seven years after the date of manufacturing. Most of the convertible car seats expire ten years after the date of manufacturing.
How often should car seats be replaced? ›The life span is usually six years. Expiration dates ensure that key components of the seat haven't become too worn and that the seat meets contemporary safety standards, which are always being raised. If your child's seat has been in a crash: Most seats can be reused after a minor fender bender.
What is the average life of a car seat? ›Car seats can be used safely only for a defined period of time, typically 7 to 10 years. Think about it: Your car seat goes through a lot during its useful life.
Which convertibles have the most trunk space? ›- 2014 Mercedes-Benz SLK. From a roominess perspective, the SLK is a bit snug, even by convertible standards. ...
- 2015 Chevrolet Camaro. ...
- 2012 Mercedes-Benz E-Class. ...
- 2015 Infiniti Q60 Convertible. ...
- 2012 Jaguar XK.
As for newborns, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) states that all infants should ride in a rear-facing car seat or rear-facing convertible car seat only from the moment they leave the hospital until they're at least 2 years old.
Is Graco a good brand? ›Graco is a well-established trusted brand, so you'll be able to use the car seat with most of the big stroller brands. You can use it with more than 50 different stroller models (see the full list below).
Should car seat go behind driver or passenger? ›Install in the Backseat
The car seat should always be installed in the back seat. That is the safest spot for your baby. If you can, put the car seat in the center seat. If not, it is fine behind either the driver or passenger side.
Improper Seat Installation
Common mistakes include routing the seat belt through the wrong belt path, failing to use a top tether for a forward-facing car seat, installing a rear-facing infant seat in the front passenger seat, and using both the seat belt and the lower anchors at the same time.
Which car seat is easiest to buckle? ›
The Britax Boulevard ClickTight convertible car seat earned a top overall score thanks in part to its ease of installation scores. Rear facing seat belt installation of the Boulevard is easy to achieve with the ClickTight system.
Do you need both infant and convertible car seat? ›Your child will outgrow an infant car seat faster than a convertible one. Different brands and models have different size limits. Typically, infant car seats can fit babies up to around 35 pounds or 35 inches long. Once your baby is too big, you'll need a convertible car seat to keep her safe while driving.
How old is a 35 pound baby? ›Toddlers And Preschoolers
Once the child passes 35 lbs, which is usually around two years of age, you should start thinking about a front-facing safety seat, or a harness, that will keep your child safe and comfortable.
Current California Law:
Children under the age of 8 must be secured in a car seat or booster seat in the back seat. Children who are 8 years of age OR have reached 4'9” in height may be secured by a booster seat, but at a minimum must be secured by a safety belt. (California Vehicle Code Section 27363.)
Usually, it's best to pick a seat toward the front of the plane for several reasons: It's usually quieter, and you can get on and off faster. There's a balance between choosing front/back and window/aisle. Is it worth it, if you want a window seat, to sit in the back of the plane if that's the only option?
What is the best car seat driving position? ›Lean Back (A Little) The angle of your seat back should be a little greater than a perpendicular 90 degrees. At 100 to 110 degrees, the seat will put the least pressure on your back. Leaning too far back forces you to push your head and neck forward, which can cause neck and shoulder pain and tingling in the fingers.
What is the best seat positioning? ›Firstly, push the seat all the way back, then lower it as far as possible. Next, recline the back of the seat to about 30-40 degrees and move the steering wheel (if it adjusts) all the way up and in towards the dashboard. Adjust the seat height up until your hips are at least as high as your knees.
Is it better to get a convertible car seat or all-in-one? ›Because of this, most all-in-one car seats will be equipped with more enhanced safety and comfort features to better protect your child from infancy until they no longer need a car seat. For this reason, I guess you could say that all-in-one car seats are safer than convertible car seats.
What's the difference between a convertible car seat and an all-in-one? ›Convertible car seats are a great cost-effective solution as they mean you only need to purchase one car seat for your child to travel from infant to toddler. All-in-one car seats however are exactly what they say they are: a combination of all car seat modes in one!
What is the point of a convertible car seat? ›Convertible car seats are cleverly designed to accommodate newborn passengers and feature protection and safety for the smallest of infants.
What kind of convertible car seat is best? ›
- Graco Extended2Fit Convertible Car Seat - $199.99.
- Safety 1st Grow and Go All-in-One Convertible Car Seat - $129.99.
- Evenflo Revolve Extend Revere Convertible Car Seat - $329.99.
- Diono Radian 3R, 3-in-1 Convertible Car Seat - $199.98.
For its comprehensive offerings of infant seat, harness seat and booster seat all in one, the best Graco car seat is the Graco 4Ever DLX 4-in-1 Car Seat.
Are all in one car seats worth it? ›The biggest pros of an all-in-one seat are cost and convenience. Depending on which car seat models you choose, it's often much more economical (and more eco-friendly) to purchase one more expensive all-in-one seat than it is to buy three or four separate seats over the course of 10 years.
Is the Graco convertible car seat FAA approved? ›Most harnessed Graco® car seats are certified for use in aircraft, when used according to manufacturer's instructions.
What is the safety rating of the Graco 360 car seat? ›How safe is Turn2Me? Graco has tested Turn2Me to meet the highest safety standards. In addition to our testing, the seat is approved by ADAC with an overall 'Satisfactory' score of 2.8 and a 4-star safety rating.
What are the safest seats in a SUV? ›It makes sense when you think about it: Curtain airbags notwithstanding, the middle seat puts you farther away from side impacts. The center position is the safest spot in the vehicle, especially for children. If you're a passenger in a three-row SUV, the middle seat of the middle row is the safest bet, Rader said.
Which Graco car seats are recalled? ›- 2017 My Ride 65 Car Seat Recall - important update.
- 2016 TurboBooster Manual Recall.
- 2016 Milestone Car Seat Recall.
- 2016 Extend2Fit Convertible Car Seat.
- 2016 ComfortSport/Ready Ride/Classic Ride Recall.
- Harness Buckle Recall - 2014 Announcement.
- 2008 Frazier™ - ComfortSport™ - Safety Notification.
The 4Ever DLX is FAA approved for use on board aircraft when the harness is in use. Like all booster seats, the 4Ever DLX is not approved for use on board aircraft when used as a belt positioning booster due to the plane's lap-only belt.
Is Graco SnugRide 35 FAA approved? ›Question: Can the Graco be installed on an airplane seat? Answer: Yes, the Graco SnugRide Click Connect 35 is FAA approved.
Why get a 360 car seat? ›A 360° car seat can swivel or rotate, and offers more flexibility when putting the car seat in and out of the car, alleviating some of the daily struggle of bending over while trying to put a growing, wriggly tot into their seat.
What is the point of the 360 on a car seat? ›
A 360-spin car seat can rotate all around 360 degrees, allowing parents to easily switch their baby from a rear-facing to a forward-facing, or vice versa, without manually removing the entire car seat from their vehicle.
What age is a 360 car seat for? ›Suitable rearward-facing from birth to 4 years & forward-facing from 18 months to 4 years.
What is the safest car in America? ›According to the IIHS, which is funded by the insurance industry, Toyota and Lexus rack up the most awards, followed by Honda and Acura. Mazda comes in next. Both small SUVs and midsized luxury SUVs take home the most wins, although the list includes vehicles of all types. A Rivian R1T after a front offset crash test.
Where is the safest seats? ›Nevertheless, a survey by the American magazine Time which examined 35 years of data on plane crashes found that the middle rear seats of an airplane had the lowest fatality rate: 28 per cent, compared to 44 per cent for the seats from the central aisle. It is also logical.