Best convertible car seats
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- Best convertible car seat overall:Graco Extend2Fit Convertible Car Seat
- Easiest convertible car seat to install:Chicco NextFit Zip Convertible Car Seat
- Best easy to clean convertible car seat:Britax One4Life ClickTight All-in-One Car Seat
- Best lightweight convertible car seat:Graco 4Ever DLX 4-in-1 Car Seat
- Best cheap convertible car seat:Safety 1st Guide 65 Convertible Car Seat
- Best luxury convertible car seat:Nuna Rava Convertible Car Seat
- Best stylish convertible car seat:Maxi-Cosi Pria All-in-One Convertible Car Seat
- What to know about convertible car seat safety
- What to look for in a convertible car seat
- Convertible car seat safety notes
Parents only want what’s best for their children, and that's particularly true when they're selecting their child's car seat. After all, that seat, properly installed and with your child correctly harnessed, is what ensures your child’s safety in the event of an accident.
At birth, you have two options for car seats: an infant car seat or a convertible car seat. While an infant seat is a rear-facing car seat built for infants in their earliest stage of life, a convertible car seat is one that can go from birth until the child is ready for a booster seat, explains Dr. Suzanne Chan, a board-certified pediatric nurse practitioner and child passenger safety technician (CPST). Convertible car seats are a bit more flexible, since they can fit both rear-facing and forward-facing with a five-point harness, attaching to the seat via lower anchors or a car’s seat belt (not both!).
Should you get an infant seat or a convertible seat?
For some parents, starting with an infant car seat is more convenient, since they include a base system that can be left in the car — all you have to do is unhook the seat part and go. But for others, using a convertible car seat from birth is ideal.
The pros of starting with a convertible car seat:
- If you’re on a budget, you can spend less overall or more on one luxe seat, rather than two cheaper ones
- You won’t have to learn how to install and use two different seats
- You’ll minimize your environmental footprint
The cons of starting with a convertible car seat:
- You have to wake your baby to take them out of the seat
- It doesn't move from car to car easily
- it won't work as part of a travel system
When should you switch from an infant seat to a convertible?
If you do decide to start with an infant seat though, you must switch your child to a rear-facing convertible seat once they’ve exceeded either the height or weight limit (whichever comes first).
It’s easy to spot this information: According to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 213, infant car seats—and all car seats, for that matter—must have specific height and weight limits clearly labeled on the actual seat, plus outlined in the manual, says Chan. Check these guidelines against your child’s own growth frequently, but as a general rule of thumb, children tend to hit this milestone somewhere between 9 months to 2 years old.
But remember: Even once you’ve switched your child to a convertible seat, they must remain rear-facing for as long as possible, but certainly until at least 2 years of age or when they reach the top height or weight limit allowed by your car seat’s manufacturer, says Chan.
If their legs are hitting the seat back in the rear-facing position, they can cross their legs to make the ride more comfortable for the child, says Chan. The more important safety concern is protecting the head, neck and spine, she explains. “Broken bones will heal but head, neck, and spine injuries can have much more devastating outcomes.”
What happens when your child outgrows their convertible car seat?
Like all car seats, convertible car seats have height and weight limits. Check your child’s growth against these guidelines frequently — once they’ve exceeded either height or weight (whichever comes first), it’s time to move to the next phase.
From rear-facing in a convertible seat, your child will switch to forward-facing. Limits on convertible car seats generally range from 4 to 50 pounds rear-facing, at which point they’ll switch to forward-facing in their convertible seat. (Height limits are more variable: some seats don't have a height limit for rear-facing, but in general your child’s head should be more than an inch from the top of the seat.)
Once your child outgrows their convertible car seat in either weight or height in the forward-facing position, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and National Highway Transportation Safety Association (NHTSA) say they should move to a belt-positioning booster until the vehicle seat belt fits properly, typically when your child is at least 4 feet 9 inches in height and 8 to 12 years of age.
What's the safest convertible car seat?
"All car seats are put through the same safety standards and testing to ensure their safety in use," says Chan. Essentially, that means any car seat sold in the U.S. is a safe seat.
So if not safety, what do you get when you pay for a luxury seat? It varies from seat to seat, says Chan, but generally boils down to:
- A higher weight or height limit
- A slimmer design
- Easier-to-use buckles and latch systems
- Performance fabrics (like moisture-wicking or memory foam)
- Changeable/washable fabrics for simplified cleaning
Convertible car seat vs. 3-in-1 vs. 4-in-1
Inherently, these seats are all convertible car seats, but differ in how many transitions they can help the child make:
- Convertible car seat: This is the most basic convertible car seat. It can fit a child from infant to birth both rear- and forward-facing, with your child held in place by the seat's five-point harness. Once your child outgrows weight or height restrictions when forward-facing, you’ll need to buy a new seat — a booster, which uses your car's seat belt to secure your child in the seat and the seat itself.
- 3-in-1: This type of convertible car seat converts into a high-backed booster seat once your child reaches upper weight or height restrictions for the seat's harness.
- 4-in-1: Also known as an “all-in-one,” this type of car seat turns into a high-backed booster, but can even go one step further, transforming into a backless booster at the end of its usable life.
How we chose the best convertible car seats
There are so many car seats on the market, but when a product is so rooted in safety, how do you choose the best? It can undoubtedly be an overwhelming prospect, especially when you already have little ones at home.
That’s why we’ve pulled together this list of the best convertible car seats. To make our picks, we analyzed bestseller lists and threads in the BabyCenter Community to discover parents’ most-recommended convertible car seats. Then, we vetted each to make sure it met the standards outlined by CPSTs, as well as groups like the AAP and NHTSA. Finally, we looked at the design, quality, value, and ease of use to ensure all of the options on this list truly are the best ones on the market today. K
Keep reading to find our favorite convertible car seat for ease of installation, the cheapest car seat we recommend, and the most luxurious seat. And if you're looking for other safety equipment, our top-rated infant car seats and booster seats can help.
Why trust us?
BabyCenter's reviews are created based on parents' real-life experiences using products - experiences of editors and writers who are parents themselves, and also of the millions of parents and pregnant women who make up the BabyCenter Community. Our editorial team uses these insights, as well as feedback from the doctors and other experts on our Medical Advisory Board, to give you accurate and fact-based information, including the pros and cons of different products. That way, you can decide what's best for you and your family. Learn moreBest convertible car seat overall
Graco Extend2Fit Convertible Car Seat
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It’s clear that children are safest in a rear-facing position for as long as possible, and this car seat makes it easier for you to do just that, since the rear-facing weight limit extends up to 50 pounds. And they can do so comfortably, too, thanks to a four-position extension panel that provides a little extra leg room for taller children who might otherwise find their legs cramped.
Additional safety and comfort features make this seat, which clocks in at a relatively affordable price, the cream of the crop: a 10-position headrest, a six-position recline, a reinforced steel frame, and a seamless installation system, complete with an easy-to-read level indicator.
Heads up
Some parents find that the straps are hard to tighten.
Parents say
“We tested the Extend2Fit in my 2006 Escape a month ago, rear- and forward-facing in the middle seat. I LOVE it. My main concern was that my older DS (14yo & 6' tall) will still have leg room in the front seat. It was great!”
Specs
- Weight/height limits for rear-facing: 4-50 pounds, head must be at least 1 inch below handle
- Weight/height limits for forward-facing: 22-65 pounds, up to 49 inches
- Dimensions: 23.5 x 19.5 x 21.5 inches
Easiest convertible car seat to install
Chicco NextFit Zip Convertible Car Seat
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ChiccoOpens a new window |
One of the major downsides about convertible car seats is that they can be heavy and hard to install — especially if you want to use them in multiple cars or travel often. While this seat is a whopping 25 pounds, it’s relatively slim and features an easy-to-use latch installation system complete with a force multiplying tightener, so you won’t have to put all of your body weight into it to get the right fit.
And if you decide to use the seat belt for installation? That’s easy-breezy, too, thanks to clear routing and integrated lock-offs, so you can see exactly what you’re doing and leave everything nice and secure. Of course, there are also other nice-to-haves, like a zip off washable cover and dishwasher-safe cup holders.
Heads up
The area to release the straps is tucked far into the seat, making it hard for some parents to seamlessly adjust the harness.
Parents say
“NextFit is AMAZING!! We have them for our 3-year-old and this little one.”
Specs
- Weight/height limits for rear-facing: 5-40 pounds; 43 inches
- Weight/height limits for forward-facing: 22-65 lbs; 49 inches
- Dimensions: 26 x 19 x 29 inches
Best easy to clean convertible car seat
Britax One4Life ClickTight All-in-One Car Seat
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Any parent knows just how, frankly, icky car seats can get — and that’s even if you don’t have a child prone to car sickness. Beyond all of the must-have ease-of-use and safety features included in this seat (high height and weight requirements, easy installation, easy-to-read level indicators), you’ll love just how easy it is to clean. The super soft and breathable fabric cover is safe to both machine-wash and -dry, and comes on and off the seat struggle-free. What’s more, the cup holders can take a spin in the dishwasher without issue.
Heads up
Like many convertible car seats, the button to adjust the straps is hard for many parents to reach when the seat is rear-facing.
Parents say
“Super easy to install and it seems sturdy (I installed it and I usually have DH install things like that) and he seems comfortable in it. I like all the offered recline levels also, I think there’s like 9?”
Specs
- Weight/height limits for rear-facing: 5-50 pounds; 49 inches
- Weight/height limits for forward-facing: 22-65 pounds; 49 inches
- Weight/height limits for booster mode: 40-120 pounds; 44-63 inches
- Dimensions: 20.5 x 19.5 x 25 inches
Best lightweight convertible car seat
Graco 4Ever DLX 4-in-1 Car Seat
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The Graco 4Ever DLX 4-in-1 may be the only car seat you'll ever need. It has a lifespan of an impressive 10 years, and your child can use the DLX from birth all the way to the big-kid stage. It transforms from a rear-facing and front-facing car seat with a harness to a high-back booster and finally a backless booster for big kids.
The seat also includes important safety and parent-friendly features, including an easy-to-adjust harness system, 10-position headrest, six-position recline, and a removable, machine-washable cover for easy cleaning. Its slim profile is also a nice-to-have if you are trying to fit multiple car seats into the same row.
Heads up
Some parents find that setup is more complicated than it should be, leading to confusion and difficulty with the level indicator.
Parents say
“Graco 4Ever is great. I had a bad car accident back in January this year and my son was with me. The impact made my car spin 180 degrees. My car was totaled. They had to cut the doors open in order to get us out of the car. I had a broken arm and thumb. Thankfully, my son was okay with no injuries.”
Specs
- Weight/height limits for rear-facing: 4-40 pounds, head must be at least 1 inch below handle
- Weight/height limits for forward-facing harness mode: 22-65 pounds, up to 49 inches
- Weight/height limits for booster mode, high backed: 40-100 pounds
- Weight/height limits for booster mode, backless: 40-120 pounds
- Dimensions: 20 x 21.5 x 24 inches
Best cheap convertible car seat
Safety 1st Guide 65 Convertible Car Seat
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Remember: cheap does not mean unsafe. All car seats meet rigorous safety standards, so your child will be perfectly snug and secure in this affordable iteration of the convertible car seat from Safety 1st. Though it rings in at less than $100, it’s easy to install, has premium fabrics for comfort, and is slim enough to fit three seats across the second row — key if you have multiple children.
Heads up
Weight limits are on the lower side for rear-facing children.
Parents say
“We have the Guide 65 because it was what we could afford. It's life. We aren't unhappy with it. It does the job, I feel my LO is completely safe in it.”
Specs
- Weight/height limits for rear-facing: 5-40 pounds, 19-40 inches
- Weight/height limits for forward-facing: 22-65 pounds; 29-49 inches
- Dimensions: 27.25 x 22.75 x 19 inches
Best luxury convertible car seat
Nuna Rava Convertible Car Seat
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NunaOpens a new window |
It’s hard to call a bulky car seat beautiful, but that’s really what the Nuna Rava is. It's a luxury option for sure, but one that some parents can justify because of all it has to offer, specifically in convenience. Parents say the seat is a true breeze to install, snapping into place effortlessly. And just about everything from harness to headrest can be adjusted with one hand. The materials are ultra-luxe, too, so you know your baby is riding in more than a safe seat — they’re in one of the most comfortable options on the market today.
Heads up
This is an extremely expensive car seat, especially for one that isn’t an all-in-one.
Parents say
“We have a Nuna Rava for my 4-year-old, and he loves it. Super easy to install, compact and very comfortable.”
Specs
- Weight/height limits for rear-facing: 5-50 pounds with seat belt; 5-35 pounds with lower anchor belt; 49 inches
- Weight/height limits for forward-facing: 25-65 pounds with seat belt; 25-40 pounds with lower anchor belt; 49 inches
- Dimensions: 16 x 19 x 25.2-31 inches
Best stylish convertible car seat
Maxi-Cosi Pria All-in-One Convertible Car Seat
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Maxi-CosiOpens a new window |
While safety and convenience are undoubtedly the most important aspects of convertible car seats, sometimes the icing on the cake is a car seat that’s pretty to look at. And that’s exactly what the Maxi-Cosi Pria All-in-One Convertible Car Seat is.
The sleek seat is covered in a performance fabric that not only keeps baby comfortable, but is also super stylish — it comes in 11 color combinations that range from the standard black or gray to a more vibrant peach or violet. There are all kinds of luxe features that make this a parent favorite, too, including a one-hand magnetic chest clip that makes buckling in and out as simple as can be.
Heads up
Though a supremely comfortable seat for children, it’s very bulky and won’t leave you much room between seats.
Parents say
“We have had the Maxi for about 9 months now. LO is in the 90th percentile for height. We love it. So easy to install and adjust as she grows.”
Specs
- Weight/height limits for rear-facing: 4-40 pounds; 19-40 inches
- Weight/height limits for forward-facing: 22-65 pounds and 29-49 inches
- Dimensions: 34.5 x 20 x 30.5 inches
What to know about convertible car seat safety
When used properly, a car seat will keep your child safe and can even save their life in the event of an accident. Proper installation and fit is key to proper usage, so consider enlisting the help of a CPST to ensure your seat fits your vehicle and compare your child’s height or weight to the seat’s limits often.
Additionally, you should always keep children rear-facing for as long as possible, but definitely until at least 2 years of age or when they reach the top height or weight limit outlined by your car seat’s manufacturer.
The following safety tips are also crucial:
- Always read and follow the manufacturer's instructions for your convertible car seat.
- Fill out and mail in the registration card that comes with the car seat to get notified of any recalls.
- Use the LATCH system or the seat belt for installation, not both.
- Ensure that the five-point harness fits snugly, with the clip at the center of the chest—you shouldn’t be able to pinch any slack between your fingers when testing the harness straps over the child's shoulders.
- Never leave your child alone in or around the car.
- Follow manufacturer directions for cleaning car seats. Improper cleaning can compromise the integrity of the seat.
What to look for in a convertible car seat
Ease of use: Check the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration's (NHTSA) 5-star rating systemOpens a new window for all types of car seats. You can search convertible car seats, 3-in-1 models, boosters, and infant car seats. These ratings take into account how easy it is to install the seat in your car and secure your child in it, as well as the content and clarity of the instruction manual. The more stars a car seat has, the simpler it is to use.
Weight and height limits: The higher these are, the longer your child will be able to safely use the car seat. Also, choose a car seat with generous rear-facing height and weight limits because it's safest to keep your child rear-facing as long as possible.
Car seat weight: Convertible car seats are heavy and aren't designed to go in and out of the car easily (unlike infant car seats). If you'll need to switch your car seat between cars or take it on a plane, look for one that's on the lighter side.
Car seat size: If you have a small car or need to fit three car seats across a row, you'll need a smaller or more narrow car seat. (Here's a list of great compact car seats.)
A five-point harness: These straps – one for each shoulder, one for each hip, and one that goes between your baby's legs – are crucial for safety, and they're found on all new car seats.
Side-impact protection: Some car seats have special energy-absorbing foam and other features designed to better protect your baby's head and chest in a side-impact accident.
Easy adjustments: You'll need to adjust the harness as your child grows. Better car seats allow you to adjust the straps and harness height from the front so you can take care of this while your child is in the seat (rather than removing your child, taking the car seat out of the car, and rethreading the harness). A few models make it so easy to make adjustments, you can do it with one hand.
LATCH (lower anchors and tethers for children): The LATCH system allows you to attach the car seat directly to your vehicle's frame with anchors and tethers, which is safer and more foolproof than using a seat belt to secure it. All convertible car seats are equipped with a top tether strap and lower anchor connectors, but the manufacturer may recommend not using the top tether strap in the rear-facing position, so check the manual. Also, there's a LATCH weight limit, and when your child hits it, you'll need to install the seat with the seat belt.
Comfort: A well-padded seat with plenty of head support gives your child a better ride.
Easy cleaning: Kids and mess go hand in hand, but some car seats come with covers you can't remove easily. An easily detachable, machine-washable cover makes cleanup much easier.
Convertible car seat safety notes
Installing the seat
Car seats should be installed in the back seat. For children under age 4, the car seat usually faces the rear of the car. Experts say it's safest to keep your child rear-facing as long as possible, until your child reaches the maximum rear-facing height and weight limit for your car seat. Most new convertible car seats can handle kids up to about 40 pounds in a rear-facing position.
Have your car seat and its installation checked by a professional – putting it correctly in place isn't always easy, and many car seats are improperly installed. Find an expert in your area using the NHTSA's guide to car seat inspection stationsOpens a new window.
For advice on avoiding the most common car-seat-installation mistakes, see our guide to installing a car seat. You can also talk to parents in our Car Seat Questions group.
Thinking of using a secondhand seat?
Experts don't recommend buying used car seats. Secondhand seats could be missing important parts, have been involved in an accident (even unseen damage can affect the way a seat functions), fall short of current safety standards, or have been recalled due to faulty design. Plus, plastic gets brittle as it gets older, so a seat that's too old might not hold up in a crash.
If you do use a secondhand seat, make sure it has never been in an accident, is less than five years old, and comes with all parts and instructions.
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