10 Best Convertible Car Seats Reviewed in 2024
Parenting is expensive. However, investing in a high-quality convertible car seat will save you money down the road. Convertible car seats allow your child to transition from a rear-facing car seat to a front-facing car seat as it designed to be both. After diligent research, we created a list of the ten best convertible car seats that will keep your child safe and comfortable no matter how long the car ride. We know that installing a car seat can be intimidating, which is why we included a wide variety of seats that are easy to install. Buckle up and Safe travels!
This is the best product on our list that is currently in stock:
Three in one design that grows with the child
Fits children weighing 5 pounds to 100 pounds
Can be placed rear and forward facing
Easy one hand adjustments for harness and headrest
Simple clean up with removable covers
10 Best Convertible Car Seats Reviewed
1. Graco Extend2Fit - Binx
Installation is quick and easy
Highly durable
Headrest can be adjusted to grow with your child
Getting your child in and out is easy
Some reviewers don’t like that the warning labels are printed into the seat
With the seat having the ability to adjust in several places and the frame being composed of steel your child can continue to use this as they grow.
Read moreAdjustability
Strap your little one in to the Graco Extend2fit Convertible car seat. With the 6 position recline, your child can be extra comfortable whether it is for a day of running errands or a long road trip. The seat is also designed with a 4-position extension panel that provides your child with 5 more inches of legroom when facing the rear. The ten position headrest allows the seat to grow with your child.
Materials
Getting your baby in and out of the seat is stress-free as the harness compartment will hold the buckle out of the way. Composed with a steel frame, this car seat is designed to survive years of use. Your little one can keep their favorite snacks and drinks within reach with the dual cup holders. If accidents happen, the seat pad can be removed and thrown in the wash. The one-second latch attachment and the easy-to-read level indicator makes installing a car seat easier than it ever has been.
Safety
With the simple safe adjust system you can easily adjust the headrest and harness in one motion and properly secure your little one in. It has been designed and crash tested to meet all safety standards thus you can have the peace of mind you need that your child is safe while driving.
2. Diono Radian RXT
Rubber bottom will grip the seat
All cushions are machine wash safe
Installation is quick and easy
Designed with superior crash protection
Seat is heavy
While we hope that you never experience a car crash, accidents do happen. This car seat is designed with a superior level of protection to keep your child safe if an accident does happen.
Read moreAdjustability
The twelve position headrest makes it easy for you to continue to use this seat as your little one grows. All of the cushions and padding can easily be removed and tossed in the washer machine for stress-free cleaning.
Materials
The superlatch system allows you to quickly and easily install the car seat. Designed with a rubber bottom, the car seat will grip the seats and reduce the possibility of it sliding around. The long seat bottom will provide the proper amount of support to your child’s legs.
Safety
The Diono Radian RXT allows parents to travel with the peace of mind they need. Designed with an energy absorbing foam. Steel frame, and an aluminum reinforced sidewalls, this seat will provide your little one with superior protection. The support cushions and memory foam padding will allow your child to be luxuriously comfortable on every ride.
3. Graco SlimFit 3-in-1, Annabelle
Three in one design that grows with the child
Fits children weighing 5 pounds to 100 pounds
Can be placed rear and forward facing
Easy one hand adjustments for harness and headrest
Simple clean up with removable covers
Cushion system is slimmer in appearance and less padding
Adjusting with one strap harness system is tighter than most seats
When space saving is something that you need to plan for this is a convertible seat for your family. Often when you have multiple car seats in one vehicle the extra space on a bench seat or the bucket seats can make a big difference in the way that the seats fit next to each. It is also an ideal design for compact or small sized cars. The seat does grow with your child and transforms with from babies to big kids seat.
Read moreAdjustability
The seat can be adjusted with just one hand. It features a simple harness system that safely adjusts to the height of the child and the headrest even moves to ensure that you get that perfect fit. Not only is the one hand design great for making adjustments easily with the headrest but the harness system makes it easier to get in and out of the car as well.
Materials
The convertible car seat system features washable covers that can be placed in a washing machine. When the kids make a mess in the car you will not have to worry anymore about taking the seat covers to the cleaners. This car seat is easy to clean. The covers are all easy to remove you don’t even have to remove the harness system to take off the covers.
Safety
Safety is always the number one priority when it comes to car seats. This convertible car seat features an easily adjustable headrest system and an adjustable harness simple that is simple to use. It is safe for kids to remain rear facing until 40 lbs. Then from 22 pounds to 65 pounds the forward facing car seat is the best fit. Once the kids get older and reach 30 pounds the belt positioning booster seat is safe to be used.
4. Graco 4Ever 4-in-1
Good for kids 4-120 lbs, ten years of use
Simple Safe Adjust harness
Sturdy
Easy to install
Heavy chair, not really portable
The Graco 4Ever 4-in-1 convertible car seat has a cozy design that will easily become one of your child’s favorite hangout spots. This chair will grow with your child and is designed to last up to ten years.
Read moreAdjustability
The Graco car seat is designed to be the only one you will ever have to buy for your child. An infant of 4-40 pounds will sit in the rear-facing position. When your toddler gets to be 20-65 pounds they can sit in the seat facing forward. Then when they are old enough it turns into a booster seat.
Materials
It has six recline positions. The reclining option is especially nice because it reclines the whole seat, not just at the waist. There is a simple Safe Adjust harness and a ten-position headrest. This seat is nice and sturdy, with two cup holders to keep track of your child’s drink and snacks or toys. It is high quality and easy to install with lots of tethering points.
Safety
This is a nice, “meaty” car seat. It is well padded and just looks comfy for your child and safe for your child.
5. Safety 1st Grow and Go 3-in-1
Machine washable
Nice, neutral color
Easy tie back straps
Two cup holders
Relies on seatbelt to secure, hard to tighten down
We like the classic neutral colors of this seat. It’s not pink or blue. This seat is stylish and should fit right in with your vehicle’s upholstery.
Read moreAdjustability
The first impression you get when seeing this car seat is that it lives up to its name. This seat definitely screams safety first or at least says it really loud. It is stocky, sturdy and obviously well made. This car seat is very versatile so it grows with your child and works from 5 pounds to 100 pounds. It is designed to move from a rear facing infant seat to a front seating toddler seat to a booster seat.
Materials
This car seat provides good head support for babies so their head does not tip uncomfortably to the side if they fall asleep. The grow-with-baby pillow set makes the fit perfect, and the padding is easy to remove and clean.
Safety
There is side impact protection and also a harness holder to make it easier for parents to get baby in and out. Not only is this seat very safe, but it is also designed to be wonderfully comfortable. There are a grow-with-baby pillow set and a QuickFit harness with easy adjustment. The padding is machine washable and dryer safe and is easy to remove and clean. The seat also has a three-position recline and integrated cup holders. It takes less room in the back seat and is designed to last at least ten years.
6. Graco My Ride 65 Convertible, Sully
Simple designed convertible car seat with big features
Accommodates rear facing until 40 pounds
Front facing with harness system until 65 pounds
Features dual cup holders on each of the arms
Easy one strap harness system
Car seat is large in size, not for compact or smaller cars
One strap harness system can be tough to adjust
To make sure that your little one is safe and comfortable in the car is one of the parent’s priorities when you ride in the car. Convertible car seats like this one are perfect for making sure that happens plus so much more. This car seat features an innovative design that accommodates the recommended age for children to ride rear facing. Most states state that children under the age of two years old remain rear facing at all times. Babies can ride read facing up to the weight of 40 pounds.
Read moreAdjustability
Adjusting this seat is simple. It features a one strap harness system that can be adjusted each time that the kids get in and out. The quick release makes it is to get the kids out quickly and without a fuss. Then getting them back in can be just as simple. Sometimes it is hard to get them in the car without a fuss and this can help make that possible.
Materials
The car seat is constructed with materials that will keep a child safe in the case of an accident. The energy absorbing foam, the dual cup holders on each side, and the easy installation are many of the great features of this seat. Being able to level the seat quickly makes it a hassle free installation that all parents can enjoy.
Safety
This convertible car seat features an energy absorbing foam that is an effective option for being able to keep the little one safe if an accident would occur. The system is called EPS, it specializes in absorbing the energy from any impact that would occur. The seat has been tested and meets plus exceeds all the standards of the US. It has been crash tested and engineered tested to ensure that meets all the standards.
7. Britax Boulevard
Provides two layers of protection
Mesh fabric will keep your child cool and comfortable
Click & Safe indicator lets parents know when their child is secured in their seat
Installation is easy
Some reviewers feel the seat is too large and bulky
Installing the car seat is as easy as buckling a seat belt, thus you and your little one can be riding in no time. Thanks to the Click & Safe Snug indicator, you will know when the harness is securely on your child when you hear the sound of a click. The seat pad can easily be removed and cleaned when need be.
Read moreAdjustability
With the Britax Boulevard convertible car seat your child can ride facing the rear or facing forward. The steel frame, foam lined headrest, and energy absorbing shell provides two layers of protection to your child should you be involved in a crash.
Materials
The seat pad is designed using a ventilated mesh fabric that will keep your child cool and comfortable. It is designed with the ability to recline, thus allowing your little one to get even more comfortable. The harness will keep your child secured in their seat without digging into their body.
Safety
The mesh fabric will keep your child feeling cool on the warmest days. With the click and safe indicator, there is no more guessing on if your child is strapped in properly.
8. Disney APT Mouseketeer Minnie
Has a nice design
Suitable for outdoor activities
Very safe
Double cup holders
The head pillow moves around
This adorable car seat can be used in a front or rear facing position. It’s a great design and suitable for outdoor use. The lightweight construction makes traveling with an infant much easier.
Read moreAdjustability
The Disney convertible car seat has lots of adjustments to be sure your child has a comfortable, safe fit. The design is fun and includes five different harness heights to be sure the harness is put on at a safe angle. There are also three buckle locations to help adjust straps and upfront adjustments.
Materials
Even though this is a minnie mouse car seat, there are pattern options which would work just as well for a little boy. So if your child loves Disney, this is an adorable choice.
Safety
Kids will love the mouse ear headrest to keep baby’s head steady. The design has five harness heights and three buckle locations to help you keep baby comfy and adjust as they grow. This is a quaint little seat which can add a whole new look to your vehicle. It has upfront adjustments and two cup holders, a cozy seat for your young one to enjoy the ride.
9. Evenflo Tribute LX Saturn
Built sturdy
Easy to wash
Nice, simple design
Easy to install
Cushioning is pretty thin
Evenflo was founded in 1920 and continues to be well known for their quality baby products. This convertible car seat is no exception. The lightweight design is a huge benefit compared to some of the other models.
Read moreAdjustability
The best benefit of this car seat is the lightweight design. At around nine pounds, it is easy and convenient for moving between cars or just carrying around. It is handy to take shopping or to the park. The seat has a removable head pillow for extra support and comfort. It is colorful, plush and perfect for long trips.
Materials
It is also machine washable. The design includes a front harness adjustment and buckle release. It comes in six different stylish colors so you are bound to find one to perfectly blend with your car’s interior.
Safety
It is FAA approved and side impact tested, as well as designed and tested for structural integrity. This seat is made with 100 percent polyester soft goods which are naturally resistant to moisture and stains.
10. Britax Marathon ClickTight Verve
Two belt buckle positions for sizing
Seven reclining positions
Easy ClickTight installation
No re-threading necessary
Convertible front- and rear-facing features
The cover isn’t machine washable and doesn’t come off easily
Difficult to uninstall
Britax provides a lot of room for adjustment and customization, meaning that the Marathon car seat will provide the best fit and maximum comfort for your baby.
Read moreAdjustability
The Britax Marathon will keep baby securely locked in place, no matter the angle of impact. It’s easy to install and has all sorts of customizable settings, so this seat truly can be shaped to fit your family’s specific needs.
Materials
Easy to install with a patented ClickTight system, the Britax Marathon is a hassle-free convertible car seat. No rethreading is ever necessary, and a 14-position harness allows you to customize the seat’s settings to exactly what your child needs.
Safety
There are seven comfortable recline positions, a two-position buckle, and a layer of side-impact protection over a sturdy steel frame, ensuring that as much force as possible is absorbed and kept from hurting your little one. The Britax Marathon safely supports from 5 to 40 pounds in rear-facing weight, and 20 to 65 pounds when front-facing.
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Adjustability
Newborn infants will need to ride rear-facing for at least the first year or two. Rear-facing positioning is the safest option to keep them in for as long as possible. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends you keep them rear-facing for at least the first two years of life or even a little longer. After the first year or two, you can switch it to front facing. When they get older they will be ready for a booster seat. The most attractive feature of a convertible car seat is that it may be the only child car seat you will ever need to buy. They are designed to last up to 10 years and grow with your child’s needs.
Materials
When you are purchasing any children’s car seat, be sure to check the expiration date. Make sure they are up to date with all the government standards and guidelines for safety. Be sure to return the registration forms when you purchase a new seat so that the manufacturer can contact you with any updated information about safety notices or recalls. Also make sure the store will either let you try the seat in your car before you purchase it, or they have a good refund policy in case it does not fit. Not all seats are compatible with all vehicles.
Safety
You will want to find a seat that has a five-point harness system, one that attaches at the shoulders, the waist and between the legs. The lowest harness position should be below the baby’s shoulders. You will also want one with straps that are easy to adjust as your baby grows.
Check for seats that offer side-impact protection–air pads or extra foam padding on either side of the baby’s head for protection. There are also many models that have multiple types of accident-impact protection. When you are transporting your loved one, this protection could not be more valuable. You will also need a seat that is compatible with LATCH systems which is the ability to secure the seat into your vehicle without using seat belts. Keeping all these tips in mind, you should be ready to venture into the adventurous world of infant car seat shopping. Best of luck in finding your baby’s “sweet ride.”
There are many things to consider when looking for a good car seat to protect your little bundle of joy. First, remember that the price does not necessarily indicate the best quality or safety. Find a seat that fits your needs and lifestyle and is fairly easy to use.
Make sure you know what sort of features you're looking for in a car seat by asking the right questions. Is your child older than newborn? Do you need a car seat you can easily move between cars? Do you travel a lot? These are all good things to consider when looking for the perfect car seat.
Other Factors to Consider
Ease of Use
Most convertible car seats usually stay in the car, which may be inconvenient if you are a family that will need to move it from car to car often. You will want to keep an eye out for a more lightweight option if that is the case. It will also occupy more space in your back seat and may be hard to adjust straps in that confined space, but the benefits clearly outweigh the disadvantages.
Frequently Asked Questions
q: What does LATCH stand for?
It stands for Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children. It is required on most car seats and vehicles made after September 2002.
q: How long does my child need to use a rear-facing infant car seat?
You should use a rear-facing seat until your baby is at least 40 to 45 pounds. When the top of your baby’s head is within one inch of the back of the seat, you can turn it to face forward. Most models can accommodate up to 65 pounds.
q: Is the Evenflo model FAA-approved?
It does have a tiny sticker saying it is approved for flight, but you may want to double check with the specific airline just to be absolutely sure.
q: Does the Disney car seat come with a base?
No, but it does come with anchors to secure it safely in the vehicle.
q: Does the Graco car seat have a handle so you can carry it out if your baby is sleeping?
This seat is fairly stationary and would be cumbersome to take in and out of your car. There are other models that might be better suited to your needs.
q: Does the Evenflo Symphony DLX fabric retain heat? Will it hold up against high temperatures?
The Outlast Fabric is available on the platinum model and seems to hold up well against heat waves. It’s soft and will cool down much quicker than the faux-leather of regular car seats. Most customers living in hot or humid parts of the world have commented on the Symphony being a good choice to keep the kiddos cool.
Sources
- Infant Car Seats Versus Convertible Car Seats, Online Article ,
- Baby’s First Car Seat, Online Article ,
- 7 Tips for Buying a Car Seat, Informative Article ,
- The General History of Car Seats, Blog Post ,
- Car Seat Safety, Informative Article ,
- Car Seat History, Good Housekeping Online Article ,