Best Car Seats That Grow With Your Child

Best Convertible Car Seats, According to Our Community of Millions of Moms

Medically Reviewed by Joyce Slaton, C.P.S.T.

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Updated: December 3, 2021

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If the idea of shopping for a new car seat after just a year sounds expensive (or exhausting), you might want to skip the infant car seat and look into buying a convertible car seat right away. Read on to see if this decision makes sense for your family.

When should I buy a convertible car seat?

A convertible car seat can change to adapt to your growing baby's needs. You can install it as a rear-facing car seat for your newborn through age 2 (or longer, if they haven't reached the height and weight limit), then turn it around when your toddler is big enough to face forward. Brilliant, right?

There is a catch. To pack in all that flexibility, a convertible car seat will be heavier and larger than an infant car seat. Many parents love the bucket-style infant seats that they can pop in and out of the base in the car with the baby still strapped in (especially when they're running late!). With a convertible seat, you'll need to remove your baby each time. Still, that lack of portability may be worth it to you for the value and convenience you get in return.

Why you might want a convertible car seat vs. an infant car seat

Not sure if you should invest in an infant car seat or choose a convertible car seat that can be used for both newborns and bigger toddlers? A convertible car seat might be right for your family if:

• You own a car and park at your home, and in general don't mind having a car seat that can't be easily popped in and out of the vehicle.
• Your baby tends to ride only in your car, versus, say, that of a grandparent or babysitter who drives him around regularly.
• The long-term stroller you've chosen is suitable from birth.
• You love the idea of not needing to upgrade your car seat during the haze that is the first year of parenting.

Convertible car seat safety tips

Micah Resnick, M.D., F.A.A.P., a board-certified pediatrician at Cincinnati Children's Hospital in Cincinnati, Ohio, and a member of the What to Expect Medical Review board, offers the following guidelines for keeping your child safe in the car:

• Whatever model you choose, practice car seat installation ahead of time, ideally when your third trimester starts, or about the time you receive your TDaP booster shot. "This is even more important than packing a hospital bag," Resnick says, adding, "Although they have become easier to install, the car seat can stump even the most brilliant minds. Stay calm, practice and breathe. Don't take shortcuts or settle for just okay."
• Keep your child rear-facing until at least 2 years old, and ideally until they exceed the rear-facing height or weight limits of their seat.
• You can keep your child in the convertible seat front-facing until your child outgrows the height or weight limits. Then it's time to move to a booster seat.
• The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recommends replacing car seats after moderate to severe crashes. If you notice any damage to your seat or have questions after a crash about whether you can still use your car seat, contact your car seat's manufacturer.
• Seats that have not been in a crash can be reused, but they do expire. Some have a printed expiration date — usually on the manufacturer's label or molded into the seat. Others will expire in a certain number of years. "In that case, it's up to you to check the child seat manual and do the math," Resnick says.

Types of convertible car seats

Along with the basic style, which can be used either rear- or forward-facing from infancy through the toddler or preschool years, you might also see these types of seats listed:

• Three-in-one: These seats also include the option to transform into a belt-positioning booster seat when your child is ready.
• Four-in-one: This is essentially the same as the three-in-one, but you can also use it as a backless booster for an older child. Sometimes, these are called "all-in-one car seats."

How to choose a convertible car seat

Any car seat sold in the U.S. must meet government safety standards, but there are a few features that might make certain models more convenient or comfortable for your little one than others. Here are some questions to ask yourself before buying a convertible car seat:

• How easy is it to install? This handy chart from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) rates the ease of use for various car seats.
• Are there features that make it easier to safely install the car seat? Many car seats use a bubble or dial to show that the seat is in the correct position, while others have ingenious features that make installation with LATCH or seat belts more straightforward.
• How easy is it to clean? It's ideal if the fabric can be removed completely from the seat and popped into the washing machine. It's worth noting that some, but not all, machine washable car seat fabrics can go in the dryer.
• How big is it? A narrower car seat can be helpful if you have a small car or will eventually need to get three children into your backseat. If you're planning to travel with your convertible car seat, you may want to choose one that weighs a bit less.
• What are the weight limits? Confirm the numbers for both rear- and forward-facing positions. Parents who like the idea of keeping their child rear-facing or simply in a car seat (versus a booster seat) for a longer period of time will appreciate higher limits. Also note that some convertible car seats may have higher minimum weight limits, such as 12 or 14 pounds, meaning you won't be able to use them right after your baby is born.
• Any extra features? Many car seats come with perks like headrest wings (helpful if your child falls asleep in the car), magnetic chest clip buckles, cup holders and even extendable leg rests.

How we made our picks for the best convertible car Seats

After doing research and reading reviews from our What to Expect community members, we compiled a list of the best convertible car seats using the following criteria:

• Weight: Each car seat weighs less than 33 pounds; most are 25 pounds or lighter.
• Simple to use: They all have an overall ease of use rating of three stars or higher from the NHTSA (and most have four stars).
• Washable: These car seats have removable fabrics—and all but one can be laundered in the washing machine.

Luckily, there are many great models to choose from. Here, our top picks for the best convertible car seats of 2021.

Best Convertible Car Seat Overall

Graco 4Ever 4-in-1 Convertible Car Seat

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Buying Options:

Pros: Easy to install, plush fabric feels cozy

Cons: Harness can be difficult to tighten, straps can be tricky to loosen when you're in a rush to get out of the car

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Why We Love It

If you're looking for a convertible car seat that will last you many years, this car seat from Graco — a 2021 What to Expect Award winner — may be your best bet. As the name implies, this car seat is designed to give you years of use — maybe even up to your child's 10th birthday!

That's thanks to the car seat's four-in-one design. The seat can transform from a rear-facing car seat (from 4 to 40 pounds) to a forward-facing car seat (from 22 to 65 pounds), high-back booster seat (from 40 to 100 pounds) and backless booster seat (from 40 to 120 pounds). And while parents love the Graco 4Ever for its versatility, younger users will adore this convertible car seat for its cup holders (one on each side for snacks and sippies).

Weight limit: 4 to 40 pounds (rear-facing), 22 to 65 pounds (forward-facing), 40 to 100 pounds (high-back belt-positioning booster), 40 to 120 pounds (backless belt-positioning booster) Height limit: 57 inches

Weight: 23 pounds (without base)

Dimensions: 21.5 x 24 x 20 inches

Easiest Convertible Car Seat to Install

Britax Boulevard ClickTight Anti-Rebound Bar Convertible Car Seat

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Pros: Clicking sound gives you peace of mind that you've installed it correctly

Cons: Heavy, straps may get twisted in forward-facing belt path

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Why We Love It

Whether you're taking a quick trip to the playground or embarking on an epic cross-country drive, the last thing you want is to be worried about your baby while you're behind the wheel. Parents love the Britax Boulevard convertible car seat in part because its ClickTight system makes installation with your car's seat belts super easy, with an audible "click" when the compartment's shut correctly — makes installation super easy. It also has 14 headrest positions, so you won't have to struggle with the dreaded rethreading when your child gets to the next level.

Weight limit: 5 to 40 pounds (rear-facing), 20 to 65 pounds (forward-facing)

Height limit: 49 inches

Weight: 29.4 pounds

Dimensions: 18.5 x 24 x 23.5 inches

Most Foolproof Convertible Car Seat

Chicco NextFit Zip Convertible Car Seat

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Pros: Bubble indicator takes guesswork out of installation

Cons: High minimum weight limit (12 pounds) means you can't use it from birth

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Why We Love It

You're going to nail this whole parenting thing. But there will certainly be days when you're feeling off your game (hello, sleep deprivation!). So you may appreciate having a foolproof convertible car seat like the Chicco NextFit Zip. It's similar to the Chicco NextFit Sport, only for $50 more, the Zip boasts a lower rear-facing weight limit (5 pounds versus 12) and comes with performance fabric (meaning the covers are zip off and machine washable for easy cleaning). A bubble window tells you when you've installed the seat at the optimal angle, whether it's in a front- or rear-facing position. And a LATCH (that's industry-speak for Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) tightener makes it a cinch to buckle in baby securely every time.

Other features that will make everything easier over the years? The headrest, which has nine height positions, and the nine recline position possibilities, which makes the seat fit better even in cars with limited leg room.

Weight limit: 5 to 40 pounds (rear-facing), 22 to 65 pounds (forward-facing)

Height limit: 49 inches

Weight: 25 pounds

Dimensions: 19 x 26 x 21 inches

Best Lower-Priced Convertible Car Seat

Cosco Scenera NEXT Convertible Car Seat

Pros: More affordable than other convertible car seats, extremely lightweight

Cons: Low weight limit of 40 pounds in the forward-facing position, thin padding

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Why We Love It

There's a reason the Cosco Scenera NEXT is more affordable than others — there are few bells and whistles on this convertible car seat. While some parents complain that it's a little tough to get a tight fit, others rave about the advantages the streamlined design provides. This convertible car seat is also a good choice if you're constantly moving the baby's car seat between cars or in and out of taxis, as it's so lightweight. With its lower price point, the Cosco Scenera NEXT is also an ideal back-up car seat for grandparents' or nanny's car.

Weight limit: 5 to 40 pounds (rear-facing); 22 to 40 pounds (forward-facing)

Height limit: 19 to 40 inches (rear-facing); 29 to 43 inches (forward-facing)

Weight: 10.4 pounds

Dimensions: 15.75 x 30.25 x 17.63 inches

Most Splurgeworthy Convertible Car Seat

Nuna RAVA Convertible Car Seat

Pros: Stylish, comfortable fabric helps kids stay cool, made without flame-retardant chemicals

Cons: Heavy, more expensive than other convertible car seats

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Why We Love It

You certainly don't have to spend a lot on great baby gear, but if you're looking to splurge, the Nuna RAVA is a great choice. Parents appreciate the clever design: a grand total of 10 recline angle choices makes it easier to fit even in smaller back seats. Plus, the True tension system makes installing the RAVA with your car's seat belts practically effortless. As your little one grows, she'll benefit from adjustable leg room, 10 head support positions and a harness that doesn't need to be rethreaded. This is another seat that has a 50-pound limit for rear-facing kids.

Another perk little fans adore? The built-in cup holder, which can be flipped up for sippy cup storage or folded down for more space on the side of the car seat.

Weight limit: 5 to 50 pounds (rear-facing); 25 to 65 pounds (forward-facing)

Height limit: 49 inches or less (rear- and forward-facing)

Weight: 27.2 pounds

Dimensions: 19 x 25 x 16 inches

Longest-Lasting Convertible Car Seat

Maxi-Cosi Magellan

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Pros: Serious longevity, sleek and sophisticated look

Cons: Installation not the simplest, more expensive than other car seats

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Why We Love It

The Maxi-Cosi Magellan is an all-in-one convertible car seat that fits newborns as tiny as 5 pounds and bigger kids up to 120 pounds. It transitions from infant rear-facing to child front-facing and finally transforms into a booster seat for children up to 120 pounds. Translation? You won't just be using it on your trip home from the hospital, you could be using this convertible car seat until your child's aged out of car seats altogether.

The Magellan is designed to be as comfortable as possible for your child every step of the way. The headrest has 14 positions, so it's always in the correct spot for your child's height. It also features not one but two cup holders, so your little one can have a snack or toy within arm's reach (meaning a smoother ride for everyone else in the car). Also good: Like all Maxi-Cosi car seats and strollers, the Magellan has a modern, minimalist design that you won't mind looking at for years to come.

Weight limit: 5 to 40 pounds (rear-facing); 22 to 65 pounds (forward-facing); 40 to 120 pounds (booster seat)

Height limit: 40 inches or less (rear-facing); 29 to 49 inches (forward-facing); 43 to 57 inches (booster seat)

Weight: 25 pounds

Dimensions: 23 x 29 x 22 inches

Best Convertible Car Seat for Rear-Facing Toddlers

Graco Extend2Fit Convertible Car Seat

Registry List:

Buying Options:

Pros: High weight limits for both height and weight in rear-facing position

Cons: No seatbelt lockoff devices, so you'll need to read your car's manual to figure out the seat belt installation process, harness can be tricky to tighten

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Why We Love It

These days, safety experts recommend keeping children facing backwards for longer, and the Graco Extend2Fit has a 50-pound weight limit for the rear-facing position (many comparable car seats go up to 40 pounds). Once you flip the seat to the forward-facing position, it's safe to use all the way up to 65 pounds. There's also a pull-out leg rest (called an extension panel) for kids who are rear-facing to help keep them comfortable—this is especially helpful if your child is tall for her age.

This convertible car seat has a no-rethread harness, which means that the straps can be adjusted simply by raising or lowering the headrest (handy if you have a bigger or smaller child occasionally borrowing the seat) and two built-in cup holders, perfect for drinks, snacks and toys.

Weight limit: 5 to 50 pounds (rear-facing); 22 to 65 pounds (forward-facing)

Height limit: Head must be one inch below handle (rear-facing); 49 inches or less (forward-facing)

Weight: 19 pounds

Dimensions: 22.1 x 19.2 x 25.2 inches

• Micah Resnick, M.D., F.A.A.P., Pediatrician, Cincinnati Children's Hospital, Cincinnati, OH, and Member of the What to Expect Medical Review Board.
• National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Child Safety Seat Ease of Use Ratings.

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Best Car Seats That Grow With Your Child

Source: https://www.whattoexpect.com/baby-products/car-seats/best-convertible-car-seats/

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