Convertible car seats are a great option for parents who want the flexibility to use their car seat in more than one way. Not only do convertible car seats provide safety for your child while they are in the car, but they can also be used as a portable crib or playpen once your child is out of the car. There are many different convertible car seats on the market today, so it can be difficult to know which one is right for you and your child. In this guide, we will discuss some of the best convertible car seats available and what you should look for when making your purchase.
If you are looking for a safe convertible car seat that will grow with your baby, Graco 4Ever 4-in-1 is the overall best convertible car seat that you can find in the market today. With 10 years expiration period, this convertible car seat can be used by your infant from when they have 4 pounds to when your toddler attains 120 pounds and has six recline positions.
Aside from our top pick, this post has detailed reviews of the best convertible car seats in the market today. You can rely on the car seats we have reviewed with your growing baby with confidence that your baby will not outgrow it as they get bigger and taller. We are grateful for all the parents who gave insights and for resources such as Consumer Reports that we’ve drawn from as we gathered comparison of our best baby convertible car seats.
What are convertible car seats?
Convertible car seats are a type of car seat that can be used in more than one way. They are typically designed to be used as a rear-facing car seat for infants and toddlers, and then converted to a forward-facing car seat for older children.
Convertible safety seats can be used in two ways: rear-facing for newborns and toddlers, or forward-facing when the child meets certain height or weight requirements. Multiple recline and headrest settings in both modes keep your baby comfortable and secure.
Which convertible car seat should I buy?
Buy a safe, lightweight, and comfortable convertible car seat by focussing on a model that meets these 4 criteria;
1) Choose a seat that has been crash tested and approved by a reputable organization such as The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
2) Consider those with the 5-harness system as they offer better protection in the event of a crash.
3) Choose a seat that is lightweight and easy to carry.
4) Choose a seat that is comfortable for your child with ample padding and adjustability.
The models we have reviewed in this list meet all the above criteria and are some of the best convertible car seats on the market.
Which convertible car seat is the safest?
There is no definitive answer as to which convertible car seat is the safest, but you can narrow down your options by choosing a seat that has been crash tested and approved by a reputable organization such as The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). These organizations test car seats to ensure that they meet certain safety standards. Additionally, you may want to choose a seat with the 5-harness system as it offers better protection in the event of a crash. From the latest testing results, some models with excellent crash test results include the Britax Marathon ClickTight, the Graco Extend2Fit, and the Chicco NextFit. However, ultimately, the safest car seat is one that is properly installed and used according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
This other post has crash test results of some top-rated convertible car seat brands.
Convertible car seat vs all-in-one car seat:
An all-in-one car seat is a type of convertible car seat that can be used in all three positions: rear-facing, forward-facing, and booster. All-in-one car seats are the most expensive type of car seat, but they will last your child the longest.
Are convertible car seats safe? Are they safe for newborns?
Yes, convertible car seats are safe for newborns. In fact, they are one of the safest ways to transport your child. Convertible car seats are designed to protect your child in the event of a crash. They have a five-point harness that helps to keep your child secure in the seat. Additionally, convertible car seats have side impact protection that helps to protect your child’s head and neck in the event of a side-impact collision.
Factors to consider when choosing the best 2, 3 or 4-in-1 convertible car seats:
Weight of the car seat:
The weight of the seat is important because you will need to be able to easily install and remove the seat from the car. Convertible car seats are notorious for being bulky and cumbersome and I highly encourage you to pick lightweight models that weigh less than 16 pounds. The Safety 1st Jive 2-in-1 Convertible Car Seat weighs 14.25 pounds and The Graco Contender Slim Convertible Car Seat weighs only 15.9 pounds. On the other hand, some models such as Britax One4Life ClickTight All-in-One Car Seat weighs 30 pounds! You’ll definitely appreciate carrying a lightweight model compared to the twice-heavy Britax model. You should note, however, that some heavy models have adapters to fit into strollers and may be advantageous to some parents.
Why pick a lightweight model?
If you have to frequently remove the seat from the car, a lightweight model will make your life so much easier. If you are planning on traveling a lot or if you have to take public transportation with your car seat, a lighter weight will be much appreciated.
2) Size and height limits:
Size and height limits are key considerations when choosing the best convertible car seat. Most seats will have limits ranging from 40 to 50 pounds but some models accommodate up to 65 pounds such as The Graco Extend2Fit Convertible Car Seat. The weight limit is especially important if you have a larger baby or toddler. On the other hand, some infants may outgrow the height limit of certain seats before they reach the weight limit. The height limit is usually around 49 inches, with some models going up to 57 inches. Once your child reaches the height or weight limit of the seat, it’s time to move on to the next type of car seat.
3) Ease of installation:
Installation can be one of the most challenging and frustrating parts of using a convertible car seat. Many seats require the use of Latch anchors and can be difficult to install correctly. I recommend choosing a seat that is easy to install such as The Graco 4Ever 4-in-1 Car Seat or The Britax Marathon ClickTight Convertible Car Seat. These seats have been designed with ease-of-installation in mind and can be installed quickly and easily.
4) Ease of use:
Convertible car seats can be complex and confusing to use. I recommend choosing a seat that is easy to use such as The Graco 4Ever 4-in-1 Car Seat or The Britax Marathon ClickTight Convertible Car Seat. These seats have been designed with ease-of-use in mind and can be installed quickly and easily.
5) Comfort:
Comfort is an important consideration when choosing a convertible car seat. Your child will be spending a lot of time in the seat and you want to make sure that they are comfortable. I recommend choosing a seat that has ample padding and is adjustable to ensure a comfortable ride for your child.
6) Safety:
Safety is the most important consideration when choosing a convertible car seat. I recommend choosing a seat that has been crash tested and approved by a reputable organization such as The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). These organizations test car seats to ensure that they meet stringent safety standards. Crash testing ratings of convertible car seats can be found on the NHTSA website.
Also, consider those with the 5-harness system as they offer better protection in the event of a crash.
- Check your vehicle to see if you’ll be using a seat belt or a LATCH(Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) to install and secure your baby. Measure the back seat to see if it has enough legroom and find where LATCH attachments are.
- Height and weight limit
- Ease of installation
- Safety standard
Using the four factors above, we narrowed down our list from 33 to just 10 convertible car seats that are perfect for relatively taller kids.
List of 10 Top Brands of Rear-to-front-facing (convertible) Car Seats in 2022
- Graco 4ever All-in-One
- Evenflo® Tribute LX at Amazon
- Clek Fllo Convertible at Amazon
- Britax USA Marathon ClickTight at Amazon
- Cosco Scenera NEXT at Amazon
- Evenflo SureRide DLX at Amazon
- Graco Tranzitions 3Booster at Amazon
- Disney APT Mouseketeer Mickey at Target
- Evenflo EveryStage DLX at Amazon
- Graco Extend2Fit Platinum at Amazon
Reviews of the top-rated convertible car seat brands
1. Graco 4ever All-in-One: Overall Best Convertible
This convertible car seat gives you 10 years of use and up to 120 pounds of baby use. 4–40 pounds as an infant car seat and 2–65 pounds as a convertible car seat. The convertible car seat is a forward-facing 5-point harness seat. As your baby grows to 30–100 pounds, you can choose to use back belt-positioning, or, as your baby gets to 40–120 pounds, you can get a backless belt-positioning booster.
Below is a video review of Graco 4ever All-in-One review:
It comes with a LATCH system with a one-second guarantee attachment, six-position recline, 10-position headrest, providing a comfortable and safe fit as your child grows
2. Safety 1st Grow and Go 3-in-1 Convertible Car Seat, Harvest Moon
Safety 1st Grow and Go 3-in-1 transitions easily from a rear-facing seat (5-40 pounds) to a forward-facing seat (22-65 pounds), and a high-back belt-positioning booster seat (40-100 pounds).
Safety 1st Grow and Go 3-in-1 comes in several color choices. It comes in several color choices.
3. Evenflo Tribute LX Convertible Car Seat: Cheapest Convertible Car Seats
While Evenflo is the most budget-friendly convertible car seat in our list, it is very easy to install and can support your baby until they are 40 pounds in weight. Make sure you choose the right harness position.
| Name | Evenflo Tribute LX Convertible Car Seat |
|---|---|
| Ranking | Ranked number 5 on convertible car seats (out of 100 on Amazon) |
| Rating | Rated 4.3/5 by about 4,003 customers on Amazon |
| Country of origin | USA |
| Made of | Polyester |
| Safety | Designed and tested for structural integrity at energy levels approximately 2X the Federal crash test standard |
| Min and max recommended weight | 5 to 40 lbs |
| Age recommendation | Under 18 months |
4. Best Convertible for Small Cars: Clek Fllo Convertible Baby and Toddler Car Seat
Clek Fllo is our best convertible car seat for your small car in 2022. This car seat is 17 inches wide and it has been designed for kids from 14 to 50 pounds which are higher than most rear-facing car seats on our list. For extra safety, Clek Fllo has an anti-rebound bar for extra security making your small car, just more secure.
| Name | Clek Fllo Convertible Baby Car Seat for Small Cars |
|---|---|
| Ranking on Amazon | #66 on Amazon category of top 100 convertible-best selling car seats |
| Rating | 3.9/5 as of August 2019 |
| Made of | Foam fabric |
| Min and Max weight recommendation | 14 lbs to 65 lbs |
| Rear-facing weight recommendations | 14 to 50 lbs |
| Forward-facing weight recommendations | 22 to 65 lbs |
| Car seat weight | 14 lbs |
| Warranty and expiration | Has one year warranty and has 9-year expiration period |
This Canadian-made car seat is best suitable for small cars because of its small size. It is also FAA approved and NCAP tested. It is manufactured by Clek, an award-winning Canadian brand of baby car seats. Here is a user guide of Clek Fllo and full specs.
5. Best for Travel: Cosco Scenera NEXT Convertible Car Seat
Cosco Scenera Nest convertible car seat is our fifth best convertible car seat in 2021. This lightweight convertible car brand is manufactured by Cosco and weighs just 7.6 pounds. With a width just over 17 inches, this car seat is still great for airplane seat and has actually been certified by Air Travel.
For kids that weigh between 5 to 40 pounds, this car seat can be used rear-facing as an infant car seat. For kids weighing between 22-40 pounds, this car seat can be used forward-facing as a convertible car seat.
6. Best for Tall Kids: Evenflo SureRide DLX Convertible Car Seat
Evenflo SureRide DLX convertible is our best car seat for tall kids with tall feet. Evenflo has the highest height limits of up to 54 inches in the front-facing position. Despite that, the brand is really cheap compared to other convertible seats similar to it.
So what makes this convertible car seat great for tall babies? It has 6 shoulder positions, a removable body pillow, and a cup holder. It is also regarded as the safest for taller kids as it has two times the federal standard for side-impact protection. It also has innovative energy-absorbing padding to absorb the rebound impact.
Best convertible car seat consumer reports
In 2019, Consumer Reports ranked and rated 29 convertible car seats. While the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has removed the age guidelines of how long baby shoes be on the infant car seat, convertible car seats are recommended as a successor to babies that have outgrown infant car seats:
Best convertible car seat for travel
While convertible car seats are preferred for babies that have outgrown the infant car seats, convertible car seats are not the easiest to travel with as they cannot act like a baby carrier.
Best Convertible Car Seats For Tall Babies
Taller babies have tall legs and perhaps bigger body size and therefore require well-built convertible car seats. See the video below for a pre
FAQs
Are convertible car seats more comfortable?
Convertible car seats are often more comfortable than infant car seats since they’re designed to be used longer and toddlers are generally pickier about their car seats than they were as babies. Trying to cater for an infant’s comfort in a car seat can be difficult since they’re so small, but convertible seats usually have more padding and better adjustability to make sure your toddler is comfortable on longer journeys.
What is the best way to clean a convertible car seat?
It’s important to keep your child’s car seat clean, especially if they are prone to sickness or allergies. The best way to clean a convertible car seat is to remove the cover and wash it in the washing machine on a delicate cycle. You can also spot clean the seat with a mild soap and water solution. Be sure to let the seat dry completely before putting the cover back on.
1) Remove the cover from the seat.
2) Wash the cover in the washing machine on a delicate cycle.
3) Spot clean the seat with a mild soap and water solution.
4) Let the seat dry completely before putting the cover back on.
How do I know if a convertible car seat has been safety tested?
Most reputable manufacturers will have their car seats safety tested by organizations such as The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). These organizations test car seats to ensure that they meet certain safety standards. You can usually find this information on the manufacturer’s website or on the car seat itself.
which graco convertible car seat is best?
The Graco Extend2Fit and the Graco 4Ever are two of the best Graco convertible car seats on the market. They both have excellent crash test results, are comfortable for your child, and are easy to install. The Extend2Fit is a good choice if you’re looking for a seat that will grow with your child, as it has 3 positions that you can extend the seat to accommodate a child up to 50 pounds. The 4Ever, on the other hand, is a good choice if you’re looking for an all-in-one car seat that will take your child from infancy all the way through adolescence, as it can be used as a rear-facing, forward-facing, or booster seat.
What are the benefits of a convertible car seat?
Convertible car seats have a number of benefits over traditional car seats. They can be used for both rear-facing and forward-facing positions, so you don’t have to buy two separate seats as your child grows. Additionally, they tend to be more comfortable for your child, with more padding and adjustability than traditional seats. They also tend to be easier to install, as you can often do it with just the seat belt rather than having to use the LATCH system.
What is the difference between a convertible car seat and an all-in-one car seat?
An all-in-one car seat is a type of convertible car seat that can be used in all 3 positions: rear-facing, forward-facing, and booster. This means that it will take your child from infancy all the way through adolescence. Convertible car seats, on the other hand, can only be used in either the rear-facing or forward-facing position.
What is the difference between a 5-point harness and a 3-point harness?
A 5-point harness has 5 straps that come down from the seat: one for each shoulder, one for each hip, and one that goes between the legs. A 3-point harness, on the other hand, only has 3 straps: one for each shoulder and one that goes between the legs. The 5-point harness is considered to be safer in the event of a crash as it helps to distribute the force of the impact more evenly across the body.
what does convertible car seat mean?
A convertible car seat is a type of seat that can be used in both the rear-facing and forward-facing position. This makes them a good choice for families who want to use one seat for both their infant and their toddler.
Are there any downsides to using a convertible car seat?
The main downside to using a convertible car seat is that they can be more expensive than traditional car seats. Additionally, they are often larger and heavier than traditional seats, so they can be more difficult to install and to transport.
What are some tips for using a convertible car seat?
Some tips for using a convertible car seat include making sure that the seat is installed correctly, reading the instruction manual thoroughly, and following the weight and height limits for the seat. Additionally, it is important to make sure that your child is properly secured in the seat with the harness straps, and to never leave them unattended in the car.
What are some common mistakes people make when using a convertible car seat?
Some common mistakes people make when using a convertible car seat include not reading the instruction manual, not following the weight and height limits, and not properly securing the child in the seat. Additionally, people often forget to adjust the harness straps as the child grows, and to always use the tether strap when installing the seat in a forward-facing position.
Q: Can I use a convertible car seat in the front seat of my car?
A: In most States here in the US, there is an advisory that you should never place an infant in the front seat of a car that has a passenger-side airbag. Convertible child safety seats are typically for infants or toddlers who weigh about 40 pounds or less. If you have an infant, make sure to face this type of seat towards the rear of your vehicle.
Q: Can I use a convertible car seat on an airplane?
A: Yes, you can use a convertible car seat on an airplane if the model you get is FAA-approved. FAA-approved car seats are marked with a label or sticker that says “This restraint is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft.”
which convertible car seat is the most comfortable?
Nuna Rava convertible car seat is the most comfortable as it has a no-rethread harness, 10 positions of adjustability, and easy installation. Extra padding and soft recline make it comfy for napping, and parents love how easy it is to install.
What is the best convertible car seat for a small car?
The best convertible car seat for a small car is the Graco 4ever All-in-One Convertible Car Seat. It easily fits into smaller cars and has a weight limit of 40 pounds. The seat can be used in both rear- and forward-facing positions, and has a harness system that can be easily adjusted as your child grows.
What is the best convertible car seat for travel?
The best convertible car seat for travel is the Cosco Scenera NEXT Convertible Car Seat. It is lightweight and easy to install, making it a great choice for travel. The seat can be used in both rear- and forward-facing positions, and has a 5-point harness system that can be easily adjusted as your child grows. Additionally, the seat comes with a cup holder and tray table for snacks and drinks.
What is the best convertible car seat for a 3 year old?
The best convertible car seat for a 3 year old is the Graco Extend2Fit Convertible Car Seat. It has a weight limit of 50 pounds and can be used in both rear- and forward-facing positions. The seat comes with an adjustable leg extension that provides extra leg room for growing children, and the 5-point harness system can be easily adjusted as your child grows. Additionally, the seat comes with a cup holder and tray table for snacks and drinks.
How to install convertible car seat – Steps to install:
Step 1: Read the Manual
The first step in installing your convertible car seat is to read the manual. This may seem like a no-brainer, but it’s important to make sure that you understand all of the instructions before you begin.
Step 2: Choose the Right Seat
There are two main types of convertible car seat modes: forward-facing and rear-facing. You will need to decide which type of seat you need based on your child’s age and weight.
If you have a newborn or infant, you will need a rear-facing seat. Rear-facing seats are the safest option for young children. They should be used until your child reaches the maximum weight limit or height limit for the seat.
Once your child outgrows the rear-facing seat, you can switch to a forward-facing seat. Forward-facing seats are still safe for children, but they don’t offer as much protection as rear-facing seats. They should be used until your child reaches the maximum weight or height limit for the seat.
Step 3: Place the Seat in the Car
Once you have chosen the right seat, you will need to place it in the car. Make sure that the seat is in the correct position before you begin.
If you are using a rear-facing seat, make sure that the seat is in the rear-facing position. You will also need to make sure that the seat is at the correct angle. The angle of the seat should be between 30 and 45 degrees.
If you are using a forward-facing seat, make sure that the seat is in the forward-facing position. You will also need to make sure that the seat is at the correct angle. The angle of the seat should be between 45 and 60 degrees.
Step 4: Install the Seat
Once you have placed the seat in the car, you will need to install it. There are two main ways to install a convertible car seat: with or without LATCH.
If your car has LATCH, you can use the LATCH system to install the seat. This is the easiest and safest way to install the seat.
If your car does not have LATCH, you will need to use the seat belt to install the seat. Make sure that the seat belt is threaded through the correct path before you begin.
Step 5: Secure the Seat
Once you have installed the seat, you will need to secure it. Make sure that the seat is tight against the back of the seat and that there is no movement.
If you are using a rear-facing seat, make sure that the harness is snug against your child’s chest. There should be no more than two fingers width between the harness and your child’s chest.
If you are using a forward-facing seat, make sure that the harness is snug against your child’s shoulders. There should be no more than one finger width between the harness and your child’s shoulders.
Step 6: Adjust the Straps
Once you have secured the seat, you will need to adjust the straps. The straps should be snug against your child’s body but not too tight. You should be able to fit two fingers between the strap and your child’s body.
If you are using a rear-facing seat, make sure that the straps are at or below your child’s shoulders.
If you are using a forward-facing seat, make sure that the straps are at or above your child’s shoulders.
Step 7: Check for Proper Installation
After you have installed and adjusted the seat, you will need to check for proper installation. Make sure that the seat is tight against the back of the seat and that there is no movement.
If you are using a rear-facing seat, make sure that the harness is snug against your child’s chest. There should be no more than two fingers width between the harness and your child’s chest.
If you are using a forward-facing seat, make sure that the harness is snug against your child’s shoulders. There should be no more than one finger width between the harness and your child’s shoulders.
Step 8: Install the Seat Cover
Once you have installed the seat, you will need to install the seat cover. Make sure that the seat cover is snug against the seat and that there is no movement.
Step 9: Attach the Chest Clip
Once you have installed the seat cover, you will need to attach the chest clip. The chest clip should be positioned at your child’s armpit level.
Step 10: Check the Manual
Before you use the seat, you will need to check the manual. The manual will have specific instructions on how to use the seat. Make sure that you read and understand the instructions before you use the seat.
do convertible car seats expire?
Convertible car seats generally have a service life of around 7 years. While they may not expire or get outgrown as quickly as infant seats or boosters, they will eventually need to be replaced. Check the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific seat to find out when it needs to be replaced.
Can convertible car seats be used in strollers?
Convertible car seats aren’t designed to be relocated between vehicles since they’re too big and heavy to connect to a stroller and aren’t meant to be switched frequently. They are not intended for removal from the automobile during errands as infant car seat versions are.
Can you use a convertible car seat without the base?
Convertible car seats are designed to be installed in the vehicle using the LATCH system or with the safety belt. The base is not required for installation, but it can make it easier.
If you are not using the base, you will need to thread the safety belt through the proper slots in the seat. Make sure that the lap portion of the belt is snug against the hips and that the shoulder portion of the belt is snug against the chest.
where to install convertible car seat:
Car seat: the middle of the back seat.
When installing a car seat, you will need to make sure that the seat is at the proper angle. The best way to do this is to use a level indicator. Most car seats have a level indicator on the side or back of the seat.
If your car seat does not have a level indicator, you can use a bubble level. Place the bubble level on the seat near where the child’s head will be. The bubble should be in the center of the level. If it is not, adjust the seat until it is level.
Once the seat is level, you will need to make sure that it is tight. You should not be able to move the seat more than an inch in any direction.
If you are using the LATCH system, you will need to attach the tether strap to the anchor point in your vehicle. The tether strap prevents the seat from moving forward in a crash.
If you are using the safety belt, you will need to thread the belt through the proper slots in the seat. Make sure that the lap portion of the belt is snug against the hips and that the shoulder portion of the belt is snug against the chest.
You will also need to make sure that the harness is snug against your child. The straps should not be twisted and should lay flat against your child’s body.
The chest clip should be level with your child’s armpits.
Once the seat is installed, you will need to give it a tug to make sure that it is secure.
what age convertible car seat?
Convertible car seats can be used from when a baby is born and the time to stop using any particular model varies depending on the weight and height of the child.
Most convertible car seats have a weight limit of 40 pounds or more. This means that they can be used with most infants and toddlers.
If you have a larger child, you may need to purchase an extended-rear-facing car seat. These seats have a weight limit of 50 pounds or more and can accommodate most preschoolers
when to buy a convertible car seat?
Parents usually switch their kids from an infant car seat to a convertible one between 9 months and 2 years old, depending on the child’s size. If the convertible seat is safe for their kid’s height and weight, though, they may do so sooner. Some top models have a higher weight limit in the rear-facing position, which can give parents more options.
what after convertible car seat?
After a convertible car seat, parents will likely switch to a booster seat. Booster seats are designed for kids who have outgrown their car seat but are not yet big enough to use a seat belt alone. These seats typically have a weight limit of 100 pounds or more and can be used in both the front- and backseat of a vehicle.
What is the best convertible car seat for a small car?
Some of the best convertible car seats for small cars include the Graco SlimFit, the Chicco NextFit Zip, and the Britax Boulevard. These seats are all designed to fit in smaller spaces and have a variety of features that make them easy to install and comfortable for both infants and toddlers.
convertible car seat and stroller?
Some convertible car seats come with a stroller attachment, while others are compatible with certain models of strollers. This can be a convenient feature for parents who want to use their car seat as a travel system. However, not all convertible car seats are compatible with all types of strollers, so it is important to check compatibility before making a purchase.
- About the Author
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Hi there! I am Kate, a mother of two and a child mobility expert here at Motherhoodhq.com. I am very passionate about creating awareness and educating parents about strollers and car seat safety. I write a lot about car seats and pay close attention to the safety ratings of different brands from NHTSA and CR. I also write about the changing car seat safety laws in different states and occasionally work as a consultant to parents looking to get some help when deciding on the best car seat, travel system, and stroller to pick. I also blog on different blogs and have been recognized as a baby mobility expert. If you have any questions, you can reach me using; kate.n@motherhoodhq.com.