Choosing a car seat is one of the first major decisions you’ll make as you prepare to welcome a baby into the world. It’s not one to take lightly as car seats save hundreds of lives each year, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. When shopping for an infant car seat, look for something that’s easier for you to install. After all, the safest option is the one you can install correctly every time. Other standout qualities of the best infant car seats include comfort features and added safety components like load legs, anti-rebound bars and clear install directions. My top pick, the Nuna Pipa R x, installs especially easily with the rigid LATCH system on its base and clear color coding. Its innovative Sky drape canopy offers excellent coverage for baby and a load leg for better stability during a crash offers additional peace of mind.

The best infant car seats combine ease of use and comfort to make for smooth trips with baby. ILLUSTRATION: FORBES / PHOTOS: RETAILERS

“I think rear-facing only seats are really nice for first-time parents who are figuring it out,” says certified child passenger safety technician Jamie Grayson, who also recommends infant seats for people who travel a lot, live in urban areas or are having a winter baby (so you can get them safely buckled inside where it’s warm). I’ve done the research, spoken with several experts and installed my share of car seats before curating this guide to seven of the best infant car seats in 2025 to help you shop smarter for this big newborn purchase.

Best Infant Car Seat Overall Easy To Install With Added Safety Features Pottery Barn Kids Nuna Pipa Rx Infant Car Seat Seat weight: 7.6 pounds (without canopy and inserts) | Child height max: 30 inches | Child weight max: 30 pounds | Seat width: 17.5 inches | Stroller compatibility: All Nuna strollers, some others with adapters | Install type: Belt path (baseless), rigid LATCH, lap-shoulder belt or lap belt (with base) The Nuna Pipa RX infant car seat is a sturdy, comfortable choice that supports even the tiniest babies—starting at just 4 pounds—from their first ride home all the way up to 30 pounds or 30 inches, whichever comes first. It’s a versatile seat that can be quickly installed with a base, or you can use the seat belt to install the infant seat without its base, which is especially useful in taxis or during travel. The base’s rigid LATCH install, though, is quick and easy, preventing an improper and unsafe installation. Color indicators also help ensure you have it installed correctly. You can also adjust between four recline angles without uninstalling the seat. A variety of safety features provide peace of mind while your little one is traveling, including a locking steel stability leg and an anti-rebound panel. A full-coverage canopy with the brand’s proprietary pull-out Sky drape helps to keep baby shaded, comfortable and away from curious onlookers. The seat is Greenguard Gold certified and comes with a two-piece removable infant insert. It’s also FAA approved for airline travel, making it perfect for travel in all forms.

Best Value Infant Car Seat Flame Retardant-Free Seat With Greenguard Gold Certification Amazon Chicco Keyfit Max Cleartex Infant Car Seat Seat weight: 10 pounds | Child height max: 32 inches | Child weight max: 30 pounds | Seat width: 16.7 inches | Stroller compatibility: Select Chicco strollers, some other brands with adapters | Install type: European belt path (baseless), LATCH connectors or lap-shoulder belt (with base) When it comes to reliable baby products that are cost-effective, Chicco is a solid choice. The Chicco KeyFit Max ClearTex packs a lot into a sturdy package. Standout qualities include a higher height limit than many other infant seats (32 inches), ClearTex fabric that’s flame retardant without added chemicals and Greenguard Gold certification. The seat also has a no-rethread harness—a feature many of the other more budget-friendly car seats don’t have—making it easier to ensure your baby is strapped in the seat correctly. Additional safety and comfort features include an anti-rebound bar and a removable newborn positioner. Parents might also appreciate the machine washable fabrics. Installation without the base is made simple with a European belt path installation, and the seat is FAA approved for use on an airplane. It’s definitely a heavier seat at 10 pounds, so if you’ll be carrying it often or hauling it up stairs frequently, opt for a more lightweight option like the Uppababy Aria .

Best Compact Infant Car Seat Under 17-inches Wide And Just 9 Pounds But Filled With Safety Extras Clek Clek Liing Seat weight: 9 pounds | Child height max: 32 inches | Child weight max: 30 pounds | Seat width: 16.9 inches | Stroller compatibility: Select Baby Jogger, Bugaboo, Thule, Uppababy and other stroller brands with adapters | Install type: European belt path (baseless), rigid LATCH or belt (with base) A compact infant car seat is ideal if you need to fit three car seats across in one row, or if you have a smaller car. The Clek Liing is just 16.9 inches wide, making it one of the most narrow seats on our list (the Chicco KeyFit Max ClearTex is slightly narrower if you’re really short on space). Front to back, it’s 27.7 inches, helping adults in the front seat have enough leg room. Though it’s space-efficient, it’s still comfortable for babies with padding, a generous canopy and a newborn body support system. For little ones who tend to run hot or get sweaty easily, the Mammoth Ziip model features merino wool fabric, which is great for breathability and temperature regulation. Parents can rest assured knowing all of the seats are free of flame retardants, PFAS, fluorine and other problematic chemicals. Parents love how easy this seat is to install, whether you’re using the rigid LATCH system or going baseless with the European belt path. Seven recline positions—adjustable even after installation—help you find the safest angle for your baby. It’s packed with safety features like a load leg, those multiple easier install methods and the recline positions to get just the right install. It’s also FAA approved—so it’s an ideal choice for travel. At just 9 pounds, it’s also relatively lightweight, and the machine-washable cover makes cleanup a breeze.

Best Baseless Infant Car Seat Install It Correctly In Seconds MOST POPULAR Amazon Graco Gomax Infant Car Seat Seat weight: 10.9 pounds | Child height max: 32 inches | Child weight max: 30 pounds | Seat width: 17.5 inches | Stroller compatibility: Most Graco strollers | Install type: Rigid LATCH (without base), LATCH or belt (with base) When you’re shopping for a baseless infant car seat, look for something that is easy to install every time. The Graco Gomax Infant Car Seat uses rigid LATCH, leaving little room for error and making it easy to get the correct installation quickly. “I’m just a giant giant fan of [baseless infant car seats with rigid LATCH] because it’s almost impossible to install them incorrectly because there’s less going on, which means the chance of error is greatly reduced,” says Grayson, who recommends this type of seat if you regularly need to move it from one vehicle to another. A memory recline on the LATCH connectors remembers which recline position you were using so you don’t need to fiddle with that each time you move the seat. Though it’s easy to move this seat from one car to the next, it’s definitely one of the heavier seats at 10.9 pounds. If you want, you can purchase a base , but it’s not necessary. The seat has removable infant inserts for comfort, and it’s already been tested to meet the new side-impact standards, according to Graco. At the moment, it’s only compatible with most Graco strollers, meaning you’ll need a Graco stroller if you want a travel system.

Best Infant Car Seat Travel System No-Fuss With Machine Washable Fabrics Walmart Britax Willow Brook Baby Travel System Seat weight: 9 pounds | Child height max: 32 inches | Child weight max: 30 pounds | Seat width: 16.9 inches | Stroller compatibility: Select Britax strollers, some other brands with adapters | Install type: European belt path (baseless), lap-shoulder belt, lap belt, LATCH (with base) With an infant car seat travel system, you skip the guesswork—your car seat and stroller are designed to work together right out of the box, so you don’t have to do any extra researching. The Britax Willow Brook Travel System is a newer option on the market I’ve been testing since it came out and, so far, I’ve been very pleased with it. The car seat—the Willow—installs via the brand’s signature ClickTight installation. This takes a few more minutes to do than seats with rigid LATCH installation, but it’s still very intuitive and secure. Safety features include a stability bar and the brand’s RightSize feature that offers multiple adjustment points to make it easier to fit your baby in the seat safely and comfortably, while an infant insert helps keep small babies snug. When pairing the seat with the stroller, your infant can face you or the world, which is nice as they grow older. The seat fabrics are machine washable so excessive spit-up and other baby messes are less of a concern. The seat is also certified for air travel.

Best Infant Car Seat-Stroller Combo Transform From Car Seat To Stroller In Seconds Amazon Doona Car Seat And Stroller Seat weight: 17 pounds | Child height max: 32 inches | Child weight max: 35 pounds | Seat width: 17.4 inches | Stroller compatibility: Integrated Doona stroller only | Install type: European belt path (baseless), lap-shoulder belt, lap belt, LATCH (with base) The popular Doona Car Seat and Stroller provides a sleek and convenient way to travel with a baby. Similar to a travel system, this car seat-stroller combo includes stroller components that fold into the seat while riding in the car, meaning you don’t need to store the stroller separately. It takes a mere few seconds to fold or unfold the stroller, and you can install the seat into a car with or without a base. At 17 pounds, the seat is very heavy, however, you likely won’t need to carry it often given that the stroller is built-in. Safety features include an anti-rebound bar and impact-absorbing plastic. An infant insert helps keep even the littlest babies comfortable. The seat itself has washable fabrics, and your purchase also comes with a seat protector to help prevent the wheels of the stroller from getting your car’s seat dirty. If you travel frequently, the Doona is a good option—it reduces the amount of baby gear you need to bring and is approved for use on an airplane.

Lightest Infant Car Seat Ideal For Travel Amazon Uppababy Aria Seat weight: 6 pounds | Child height max: 30 inches | Child weight max: 30 pounds | Seat width: 17 inches | Stroller compatibility: All Uppababy strollers (some with adapters) | Install type: European belt path (baseless), lap-shoulder belt, lap belt, LATCH (with base) Infant car seats get heavy quickly when you’re tasked with carrying them around, so a lightweight option is ideal for many people. The Uppababy Aria is the lightest on our list, weighing in at just six pounds. This doesn’t mean safety is compromised, though—the seat has added safety features like an anti-rebound panel and the base has a load leg to provide added stability. You can secure it baseless with the European belt path, and there are clear visual indicators throughout the install process to guide parents, as well as a built-in lock-off if installing the base via the seat belt instead of LATCH. An extra long canopy helps shield your baby from the sun and well-meaning strangers. Comfort features include a back ventilation panel and an infant insert. The fabrics are also machine washable. This Greenguard Gold certified seat is approved for aircraft use, and since it’s so lightweight, is an ideal travel option.

Why Trust Forbes Vetted

The Forbes Vetted baby and kids gear team has decades of combined experience raising kids, testing products and reporting on parenting topics. We frequently test car seats and stay up to date on the latest car seat safety information, including the new side-impact regulations .

The author of this article, Alicia Betz , is an experienced parenting journalist and mom of three. She frequently reports on car seats, including the best convertible car seats and the best rotating car seats .

, is an experienced parenting journalist and mom of three. She frequently reports on car seats, including the and the . The editors of this article include Esther Carlstone, is a longtime parenting journalist who has covered everything from car seat safety tips to parental control apps. She’s also a mom of three and has has personally tested and used over a dozen car seats throughout the years. Rose Gordon Sala is the deputy editor of the baby and kids gear section and a recently trained CPST who has tested dozens of car seats as well.

I interviewed experienced CPST and baby gear expert Jamie Grayson , who has also completed Safe Travel for All Children (STAC) training, which provides CPSTs with additional training in transporting children with special health care needs.

, who has also completed Safe Travel for All Children (STAC) training, which provides CPSTs with additional training in transporting children with special health care needs. I stay up to date on the latest car seat safety standards and reviewed studies about car seat safety and statistics, as well as reviewed just released new seats.

How We Chose The Best Infant Car Seats

I conducted extensive research and talked to CPSTs, parents and car seat manufacturers as part of my selection process. Here’s a peek into how I chose the best infant car seats.

I considered how easy each seat is to install, favoring those that make setup straightforward—because proper installation is critical for safety.

I compared specs and features of the seats, including additional safety features like load legs and anti-rebound bars, as well as comfort features like plush padding and extendable canopies.

I included different types of infant car seats, including those that can be installed with or without a base, as well as infant car seat travel systems. I also included seats at a variety of price points to provide options that work for families with different budgets.

I spoke to parents about their experiences with infant car seats, and I read many online reviews of the seats on our list. All of the seats received at least four out of five stars.

I interviewed Grayson and consulted with Sala, also a CPST, regarding what makes a good infant car seat. Grayson regularly tests and reviews new seats and Sala attends industry and press events to see the latest seats.

What To Look For In The Best Infant Car Seats

Ease Of Installation

If you can’t get your car seat installed correctly, it won’t properly protect your baby in the event of a crash. Grayson recommends push-on lower anchor connectors or rigid LATCH. Both of these features allow you to slide the seat right in and connect it to your car quickly and easily, and with little room for error.

Many infant car seats use a base, which means you install the base once, and then you can easily snap the seat in and out of the base. However, if you plan to travel often or move the seat from one car to another, it’s helpful to have a seat that can also be easily installed without a base. A European belt path is another option if you will be using a baseless installation. In this type of installation, “the shoulder belt wraps around the back of the carrier so it makes it very snug and also acts against that rotation in a collision,” says Grayson.

Safety Features

Look for additional safety features like load legs. “They help act against the initial rotation in a collision and they absorb a lot of that crash energy,” says Grayson. Other helpful safety features include anti-rebound bars, energy absorbing foam and side impact protection. Starting on December 5, 2026, all car seats must meet new side-impact safety requirements and some manufacturers have already implemented those updates.

Comfort Features

Most infant car seats come with an infant insert to help support newborns. Other comfort features include full-coverage canopies, breathable fabric, padded straps and ventilation holes.

Stroller Compatibility

Many parents and caregivers opt for an infant car seat for the convenience of transferring it straight from the car to the stroller, and vice versa. This is a really convenient feature, and I took advantage of it often when my kids were babies. Make sure you choose a car seat that is compatible with your stroller, with or without adapters.

Height And Weight Limit

Many rear-facing infant seats have weight limits around 30 pounds and height limits around 30 inches. Some seats have higher limits, around 35 pounds and 32 inches. If you want to get the most life out of your seat, look for one that has a higher limit. Once your baby outgrows either the height or weight limit, it’s time to transition to a toddler car seat or convertible car seat .

Ease Of Use

It can be difficult to get a squirmy baby into their car seat, and it’s important to get them in there really snugly. Look for features that make this easier like a no-rethread harness and magnetic buckle holders that keep the buckles out of the way when you’re initially getting baby in the seat.

Car Seat Weight And Size

The weight of an infant car seat matters more than other types of car seats since caregivers typically pick it up and move it more often. This can feel heavy quickly, especially when your growing baby is inside—especially if you had a c-section or other birth complications. Many infant car seats are around 10 pounds.

The size of your seat is most important if you have a compact car or if you need to fit three seats across. For compact cars, look for a seat that has smaller front to back dimensions, and for installing three across, look for a narrow seat.

TYLER, Texas (KLTV) – Child Passenger Safety Week is recognized each year in September to bring awareness to how parents and caregivers can keep children safe in vehicles.

Child Passenger Safety Week runs Sept. 21-27.

Laura Dunn, the senior highway safety specialist at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, says it’s important to use the right seat for a child’s age and size, installing it correcting and using that seat every trip.

“Car seats and booster seats are the best tools that we have to keep kids safe in a crash,” Dunn said. “And when installed correctly, they’re enormously effective and can reduce the risk of fatal injury in a crash by 71% for infants and 54% for toddlers.”

Dunn highlighted common errors in car seat use and what to look for:

The harness should be snug, but not uncomfortable. It should not be loose.

Chest clips should at the armpit level.

For forward-facing car seats, look at the vehicle’s owner’s manual to see where the tether goes.

Don’t skip using a booster seat. Seat belts are designed for adults, so a booster seat will make sure the seat belt fits a child properly.

Make sure to check your car seat’s expiration date.

After a crash, check with the car seat’s manufacturer to see if the seat is safe to keep using.

“Child passenger safety is very size based. So you want to make sure that whatever car seat you’re purchasing, your child fits within those height and weight parameters of that car seat,” Dunn said.

Dunn also highlighted the NHTSA’s Car Seat Finder Tool. Input a child’s age, weight and height, and the output will give different options for that child that are appropriate that are for sale in the United States.

Copyright 2025 KLTV. All rights reserved.

Just as the Xbox was Microsoft’s answer to Sony’s Playstation and Pepsi was created to take on Coca-Cola, the Seat Ateca arrived as the brand’s first SUV and a response to the class booming in popularity. Mind you, it was no slapdash cash grab: remember, the Ateca made its debut back in 2016 and has stuck around ever since.

The Ateca has, of course, had its fair share of updates over the years, including a 2020 facelift that ushered in a new front end and steering wheel, an upgraded infotainment touchscreen and more.

Thanks to Seat’s membership of the VW Group, the Ateca is closely related to the Skoda Karoq and Volkswagen Tiguan but promises sharper handling over its more comfort-focused rivals. That being said, if you’re after sportiness, there’s also the Cupra Ateca.

Is the Seat Ateca still competitive by today’s standards? And does it rank among the best small SUVs, or are you better off with one of the rivals, which also include the Audi Q2, Lexus LBX and VW T-Roc? Let’s find out…

A big reason we recommend taking advantage of Target’s car seat trade-in event is that you can get our favorite infant, convertible, and booster picks at a guaranteed discount with the 20% coupon.

Still, Ingela Ratledge Amundson, one of the editors of our guide to infant carseats, points out that, even at their regular retail prices, these Graco seats are an excellent value. In particular, the Graco SnugRide SnugFit 35 DLX infant seat and the Graco Extend2Fit Convertible Car Seat offer outstanding bang for their buck. “In our testing, we were particularly impressed by how easy these seats were to install and how many thoughtful, premium-feeling features they offered. They out-performed a lot of other seats that were far pricier,” Ingela said.

We first chose the Graco SnugRide SnugFit 35 DLX as our infant car-seat top pick in May 2022 after our testing determined that it “provides the total package of user-friendliness, quality, and value.” It’s easy to install and comes with “some bells and whistles usually reserved for pricier models, such as a removable seat pad for quicker cleanup, harness straps that you don’t have to undo and rethread to adjust, and one-handed handle adjustment.” While all car seats, no matter the price, must meet the same federal safety standards, the Graco SnugRide SnugFit 35 DLX has the added safety feature of an anti-rebound base, which “can help limit the amount the seat rotates (or rebounds) after the initial impact of a crash.”

If your child has outgrown an infant car seat we recommend our top-pick convertible seat, the Graco Extend2Fit Convertible Car Seat. During testing, the Extend2Fit stood out from the pack for its “pretty easy installation and thoughtful features.”

We’re bullish on starting with an infant car seat before moving on to a convertible seat, and we note in our convertible car-seat guide that “we’ve found that each individual type of seat tends to do a far better job of its dedicated purpose than an all-in-one seat can.” But if you’re set on a seat that’s a one-and-done purchase, the Graco Extend2Fit 3-in-1, which “can be used as a rear-facing infant seat, a rear-facing toddler seat, a forward-facing toddler seat, a big-kid seat, and finally a booster seat may be worth considering.

For bigger kids who are ready to ride in a booster seat, the Chicco KidFit ClearTex Plus is the top pick in our booster-seat guide; it converts from a high-back seat to a backless one, comes with two cup holders, and was deemed cushy and comfortable by our kid testers.

This article was edited by Annemarie Conte and Ingela Ratledge Amundson.

Convertible car seats are either two-in-ones that offer rear-facing and forward-facing positions, or three-in-ones that offer rear-facing, forward-facing, and booster seat positions. Note that car seats have different weight and height limits for each position. The available positions include:

I was part of the team testing dozens of these seats, coincidentally during the period when my son went from rear-facing to forward-facing—a milestone I won’t forget! We tested the car seats in our own cars with our own kids for at least a month—in some cases for over a year. Our testing showed that the best convertible car seats are easy to install, feel secure, grow with your child, and provide a comfortable, safe place to ride. They should also offer good value: if they cost more upfront, they should last several years or offer features that make them worth the money.

As a mom and parenting editor, I’ve tried out several of the best convertible car seats over the years, and I’ll never use another type of car seat again. I love that they grow with your child from when they are rear-facing babies to forward-facing big kids, and sometimes even into their booster seat years.

We tested several convertible car seats, both in the lab and in our cars. We recommend the Graco EasyTurn 360 2-in-1 Rotating Convertible Car Seat since it’s our best overall pick. For a more budget-friendly option, we love the Safety 1st Grow and Go All-in-One .

The Graco Extend2Fit 3-in-1 Car Seat feels lightweight, is easy to install, and its fabric stands up well to machine washing. .

This durable car seat has multiple recline and headrest options, as well as high-quality buckles, however, its shoulder straps can be a bit tricky to adjust.

This pick doesn’t convert into a booster seat, so you’ll need to purchase one separately once your child reaches the forward-facing limits. You can instead opt for the Graco Extend2Fit 3-in-1 , which does turn into a booster.

We love the machine-washable fabric; it’s held up well after multiple washes and many car rides. Putting the removable seat cover back on was a bit challenging, though, since you must stretch it to hook it properly. Still, removing stains required no effort (our washing machines did the work). Two cup holders store your child’s favorite snacks and drinks within arm’s reach.

You can install the seat via LATCH or seat belt. After setup, you can check the level indicator on the side of the seat to ensure a safe installation. The steel-reinforced frame feels sturdy, durable, and never rattles, even after months of use. While loosening the shoulder straps took some pulling, the buckle works smoothly, and the headrest and harness adjust together with the click of a button. This car seat also offers multiple recline positions, which are simple to adjust.

Durable and budget-friendly, the Graco Extend2Fit car seat is great for families who want a seat that can withstand life with kids. It offers extended rear-facing capabilities up to 50 pounds with up to 5 inches of extra legroom, so kids don’t have to sacrifice comfort or safety as they grow. The Extend2Fit is also one of the lighter options on our list.

What Parents Say: “We have removed all the cushions head support/body support pieces and have washed them multiple times since we’ve owned the carseat. The cushions were easy to put back on, but the cover is a very tight fit so it takes a little bit of work getting them back on.”—Abby, mom to a 4-year-old

This high-quality car seat can be a bit difficult to properly install and may require additional assistance.

Installation can be a little complicated, especially if you don’t watch a video tutorial, and we felt that the seat wobbled slightly, even with a correct installation. It’s large, so check the seat’s specifications below before purchasing.

The Maxi-Cosi Pria features soft fabric with ample padding. According to the brand, all fabrics are machine washable and dryer-safe, and the removable cup holders are dishwasher-safe. We also love the harness holders to keep straps out of the way when placing your baby inside—one more convenience we think all seats should have now. Another point in this seat’s favor: It comes in 13 different colors.

Installation was confusing at first, so we watched YouTube videos for clarification, resulting in a five-minute installation. (Though securing it required extra strength to push hard on the base and pull on the belt at the same time.) The car seat is large, but we could still comfortably fit passengers on each side of the car seat in the back row. The buckles are easy to use, and all pieces click smoothly into each other.

The Maxi-Cosi Pria is all about options with its three-position recline, five-position headrest, and other adjustable features. We love how the integrated headrest and harness system means no rethreading for a customized fit. Moreover, all adjustability features work seamlessly—a breath of fresh air for parents tired of fussing (and losing) battles with straps, buckles, and more.

What Parents Say: “Another interesting feature is the harness holder. It’s so basic, but really comes in handy! You place the straps in the hooks and your seat is free and empty for your baby to be placed. Having the straps out of the way makes things much easier.”—Rachel, mom to a 12-month-old

This car seat has a well-made five-point harness that is easy to adjust and clicks when properly buckled.

This high-quality car seat features GreenGuard Gold-certified cushions that are easy to clean, plus buckle holders that keep the straps firmly in place.

The Nuna Rava Convertible Car Seat offers exceptional comfort, thanks to its memory foam cushion, adjustable headrest, and 10-position recline.

This seat is expensive, and our tester felt the calf extender didn’t add much room for their child for older rear-facing mode.

Nuna Rava car seats manufactured between July 16, 2016, and October 25, 2024, were recalled due to issues with the plastic harness adjuster button. Before you buy a Nuna Rava, make sure it was manufactured after those dates and that it has a fabric cover over the harness adjuster button, as seen in the photo above this product description. (The tested photos and videos below show the older model.)

Children will love the Nuna Rava’s memory foam cushion and 10-position recline to relax comfortably. Double cup holders secure drinks, snacks, and other goodies for the car ride, while buckle holders keep the straps back when getting your child in the seat. The cushions are flame-resistant and Greenguard Gold certified, so they’re certified for low chemical emissions. Our tester says the machine washable cushions still look great—even after a year of use and several washes.

While the Rava offers a lower anchor belt (LATCH) installation option, the brand recommends using a seat belt to secure the unit. Installation is quick and simple, thanks to thorough instructions. Colored belt path indicators help you guide the belt through the seat to minimize errors. Plus, the recline angle guides make finding the right position for your child a piece of cake. You must reinstall the seat to adjust its recline.

The Nuna Rava is an attractive car seat from a brand synonymous with luxury baby gear. It has several safety features to earn the loyalty of practical parents too. Nuna offers luxurious quality and covers most of its gear with a two-year warranty. It’s also smaller than some options and fits comfortably in compact cars. Its extended rear-facing capabilities can accommodate kids up to 50 pounds, and there’s a calf extender for additional legroom.

What Parents Say: “I was impressed with the buckle holders that keep the straps out of the way while you load in your toddler. That was one big issue we had with our infant car seat.”—Julia, mom to a 2.5-year-old

While the installation process can be difficult at first, once figured out, it may take around 10 minutes to successfully complete.

While it can take some time to install, this car seat features helpful bubble indicators on both sides, which allows the user to see when it has been positioned properly.

The Britax Poplar 2-in-1 Convertible Car Seat feels high-quality and durable, however, the seat doesn’t have as much padding as other options. .

This car seat’s installation process is not intuitive and may require additional support, especially in regards to the self-tensioning system.

This car seat’s harness is easy to adjust and buckle, plus, the headrest offers 14 different positions. .

We’d change a few things, like adding more padding to the seat. Britax says the Poplar car seat has a space-saving design, but it measured nearly the same width as the Graco Extend2Fit.

Two cup holders are optional, but you must use the cup holder inserts if you forego the holders. The fabric is also worth noting; it feels luxe and soft even after months of use, but we wish there were a little more padding in the back. Still, there are no signs of wear or tear despite regular daily use and one eight-hour road trip.

Once we figured out Britax’s “ClickTight” technology, or self-tensioning system, installation only took about 10 minutes. Bubble indicators on both sides of the seat confirm when it’s all done right. The Britax Poplar features a 14-position headrest (many options on our list stop at 10) and six recline positions for comfort and a level ride. Both of those features are a breeze to maneuver with the press of a button. While the buckle itself is seamless to use, we found loosening the straps with a wriggly toddler fairly cumbersome.

Bells and whistles can be fun, but sometimes the basics are all you need: a dependable go-to. The Britax Poplar is a reliable option that doesn’t compromise durability, safety, or ease of use. One notable feature is that this seat can accommodate rear-facing riders for much longer than most: until they reach 50 pounds and 49 inches tall.

What Parents Say: “The buckle is seamless to use. Once I hear the buckle click, I’m comforted in knowing my child is buckled in.”—Hanna, mom to a 2-year-old

The Chicco OneFit ClearTex All-in-One Car Seat features GreenGuard Gold fabrics that are easy to clean and a plush, adjustable headrest.

Parts of the installation were a bit difficult. While it has a slim design, our tester found it a bit bulky in their compact car, especially when it was behind the driver’s seat. One way to make a little more space: The cup holders can fold in when not in use to maximize room on the sides.

One of the best features of Chicco’s ClearTex line is that the fabrics are free of toxic chemicals and GREENGUARD Gold certified , meaning the materials have been independently verified to meet rigorous emissions standards and don’t contain any indoor air pollutants. The fabric is soft and comfortable, and we appreciate how easy it is to spot clean. It also stays quite clean despite kids eating in them often. We appreciate that the cup holders detach to make cleaning them more convenient.

Scanning a QR code on the car seat leads to instructions that are a breeze to follow. Threading the seat belt through the car seat felt a bit tedious, but that was the only inconvenience we encountered. Fortunately, adjusting the buckle and converting the seat from rear- to forward-facing are simple tasks. Indicators show whether the recline position is correct. The wide range of headrest adjustments ensures this car seat remains comfortable as your child grows.

An easy-to-clean car seat is just about priceless, which is why we love the Chicco OneFit ClearTex All-in-One Convertible Car Seat. Its sleek, attractive design makes it more aesthetically pleasing than most other car seats, and it hasn’t lost its high-quality look and feel after cleaning it multiple times over the past year of testing.

What Parents Say: “The adjustment between rear and forward facing was simple because there are indicators located on the seat for reference. There are also instruction on the box and in the manual and using the QR code.”—Jada, mom to an 11-month-old

Our tester called the instruction booklet “a mess” given the abundance of installation methods, lack of guidance on how to choose one, and lack of a logical ordering system. She spent 20 minutes just figuring out which method to use. The car seat is big; depending on the size of your car, certain reclining levels may require you to move your front seat up.

This car seat is very plush and luxurious, featuring an extensive cushion system designed especially to support and cradle a newborn. The fabric is a smooth, soft jersey that’s made to be easy to clean. It’s also breathable and wicks moisture away from the skin. Cup holders adorn both sides.

The instructions include about 20 different ways to install the car seat; it can go in any of the backseat spaces, preferably using the LATCH system. The harness has a retainer to make the clips easier to find, while the indicator level’s bubble and green and red lines make it simple to see when it’s set up properly. You can choose from multiple recline levels to find the one that works best for your child. Our tester reported that buckling and unbuckling her child was a breeze.

This car seat takes safety to new heights. It features adjustable side impact protection (SIP) and kinetic pods that help shift forces away from your child in case of a side collision. In the case of a front or rear collision, a contoured steel back plate minimizes flexing and reduces forward movement, while the integrated, stow-able anti-rebound bar reduces the force of impact and rotation. To top it off, it’s all wrapped up in energy-absorbing foam. Our tester said it felt very sturdy and safe.

What Parents Say: “There are a number of options to recline the seat, so once it was in the car I just tried a few different angles until I found one that seemed easy for me to put him into and that he would be happy with. The fabric was very nice, it’s very smooth and soft, and the padding is pretty plush.”—Hanna, mom to a 20-year-old

This car seat offers six recline positions that work for both rear-facing and forward-facing modes.

This durable car seat can easily be reclined by pulling out the handle located at the bottom of the seat.

This comfortable car seat features a belt lock arm, which clicks into place during the installation process.

This high-quality car seat is a breeze to install, however, transitioning to a backless booster can be a bit trickier.

The Graco 4Ever DLX 4-in-1 Car Seat offers exceptional cushioning, and it has four modes of use, from rear-facing-harness to backless booster.

The biggest issue we had was turning it into a backless booster. The car seat is slightly bulky, but it’s still a great value for how many ways you can use it over the years.

We appreciate how uncomplicated it is to remove the seat cover for machine washing, and the padding is just right. Two cup holders are a handy feature kids love for snacks, drinks, or small toys. But what we appreciate most of all is the durability of this convertible car seat; it will last for years without sacrificing the trusted Graco quality.

One of our testers loved this seat so much, she bought one for each of her two children and two vehicles. “We’ve had four of these car seats now and have transitioned two of them from rear-facing to forward-facing to a backless booster,” she says. Installation is a piece of cake and the buckles are straightforward and secure. We haven’t had any challenges adjusting the six-position recline and 10-position headrest during our year-plus testing period.

If you’ll be moving a car seat from vehicle to vehicle or transitioning from one mode of riding to another, the Graco 4Ever DLX is just the ticket. It’s a dream to install, thanks to detailed instructions in the manual and on the car seat itself. It’s the only car seat on our list that transitions into four modes of use instead of three: rear-facing, forward-facing, high-back booster, and backless booster. (Note: We tested a previous version of this car seat with a seatbelt locking system the brand called Snuglock. Current versions do not use the word Snuglock, and we’re looking into what has changed.)

What Parents Say: “I transferred this seat between cars while testing and it took maybe a minute to move it from my car to my father-in-law’s car.”—Ashleigh, mom to a 2-year-old

Installation is tricky, so we recommend watching the company’s tutorial videos (and reading the manual) to ensure you’re doing it properly. The fabric faded a bit after a year of use.

A unique feature that sets the Diono Radian 3RXT apart from other options on our list is its folding capability. The bottom of the seat folds flat into a travel-friendly size for more compact storage. The fabric is soft, comfortable, and feels well-made. The cushions are machine washable, though we could easily wipe away small debris. The cup holder is removable. This durable car seat includes plenty of safety features, like six layers of side impact protection and an anti-rebound bar for extended rear-facing use.

We installed the Diono car seat in a Subaru Outback and a smaller European vehicle, and the seat fit neatly without any issues. The setup of this slim car seat isn’t as intuitive as others, but we figured it out after watching instructional videos. We love that it works as a three-across car seat, meaning you can neatly fit three kiddos in the same row. We were also able to use it on a flight to Europe.

Convertible car seats can be bulky and hefty, so if you have a smaller car or need to squeeze three seats in a row, the Diono Radian 3RXT is your solution. Thanks to the slim design, you won’t have any trouble finding a place for it in your vehicle or on a plane.

What Parents Say: “This car seat feels solid and durable. Securing him in the seat with adjusting straps has been easy to figure out. I love the design and feel it’s really comfortable and sturdy without having too much bulk.”—Holly, mom to a 2-year-old

During testing, the car seat felt very sturdy when first installed, but less sturdy over time. This was fixed by readjusting the seat belt to tighten and lock it again. Be sure the strap covers are next to the child’s neck so the belt doesn’t irritate their skin. Finally, it’s pricey, but will be the only car seat your child needs.

The Exec is aircraft-certified and includes dual flip-open cupholders, harness covers, and a crotch cover. All components are flame-resistant and contain no added fire-retardant chemicals. The car seat is GREENGUARD Gold Certified , ensuring it does not contribute to indoor air pollution or chemical exposure.

From start to finish, it took our testers about 15 minutes to install this car seat. They used the seat belt method rather than the LATCH system, as recommended by the brand. It’s designed to create an ultra-secure fit without a struggle. No leveling bubbles here; instead, recline angle guides confirm the correct positioning. Adjusting the car seat is a breeze. It only takes a few seconds to move the back of the car seat up or down to adjust the strap length.

This luxe offering from Nuna offers unparalleled quality and durability. Safety is the star here: The Exec features Aeroflex side impact protection pods with energy-absorbing foam, an all-steel frame, and a reinforced belt path. Kids can use the seat from 5 to 120 pounds and can remain rear-facing up to a whopping 50 pounds. But enhanced safety doesn’t mean sacrificing comfort. The car seat has luxurious padding, Merino wool infant inserts, an extendable leg rest, ventilation panels, and breathable (and washable!) fabrics.

What Parents Say: “The first thing that stood out to me is the quality. It feels so luxurious and built to last. It’s our go-to on longer drives to make sure our daughter is comfortable the whole way.”—Maria, mom of a 1-year-old

This car seat is heavy, so not the best option if you need to move it from car to car. It’s also expensive, though we feel its longevity, durability, and safety features make it worth it.

The anti-rebound base and tether help maximize stability and minimize movement during a crash. Integrated magnetic buckle holders keep the straps out of the way while buckling your child. It features a removable infant insert and sun canopy. Our tester found the car seat incredibly sturdy and sleek. Thanks to the cushy padding, her son doesn’t fight it like he does other car seats.

Our tester referred to this as the “easiest installation ever.” It took about two minutes. The 360-degree rotation means you can get your kid in and out without breaking your back. Multiple recline options and a 12-position adjustable headrest with a no-rethread harness keep the seat at the right angle and height as your kid grows. To switch from rear-facing to forward-facing, you simply push a button and swivel the chair until it clicks into position.

The Cybex Callisto G 360 is a rotating option that accommodates children from birth to age 10. We especially loved the SensorSafe technology that alerts you via an app if your child unbuckles the chest clip while the car is in motion, if the temperature gets too hot or cold, or if your child is still buckled in after you leave the vehicle. If it senses a child is left in the car and you don’t respond, it notifies your emergency contacts and shares your location.

What Parents Say: “The safety features spoke to me the most. I accidentally clipped the seat belt and my phone startled me with an alert of a voice saying there was a child in the car. I felt very reassured with the app and extra safety settings.”—Hanna, mom of a 2-year-old

Our testers noted a few irksome issues, but none were deal-breakers. We don’t recommend this car seat for small cars or deeply angled seats. In our tester’s Subaru, this car seat could only achieve the correct level with a small towel placed underneath (directions for this eventuality were found in the instructions, so apparently it’s common). No towel was necessary in the flatter seats of their Honda Ridgeline truck, though. Finally, the lock and level indicators are only on one side of the seat and the tab to adjust the straps is hard to pull.

This car seat has handy elastic pockets on each side to store the bottom buckle pieces after unbuckling, which makes getting back in easier since you don’t have to fish them out from behind your child. The seat includes an infant insert and shoulder strap pads that can be removed, a cushioned headrest with extra side impact protection, and an anti-rebound bar built into the base to keep the seat firmly in place and reduce movement.

Installation was pretty straightforward, though it took about 20 minutes. The level indicator is a blue bar that must be within a certain window. The recline adjustment is simple, with a large button on the base of the unit. While it has four reclining positions, our tester could only accommodate three of them in her old Subaru Legacy, which could not fit the full recline. The headrest offers 10 different positions and is easy to adjust, both with or without a child in the seat.

At only $280, the Joie Chili Spin 2-in-1 car seat lets you enjoy the convenience of 360-degree rotation without breaking the bank. During testing, several things stood out to us: the distinct clicking sound and red/green indicator that provide reassuring visual and auditory confirmation that the car seat is fully locked in after rotation; the satisfying click of the harness buckle; the thicker shoulder strap pads that stayed in position better than others and prevented the straps from getting twisted; the easily accessed turning activators on either side of the seat.

What Parents Say: “The Joie seat feels very sturdy, durable, and solid. I like the reassurance of hearing and feeling the click into place. We took a 3-hour car trip and there were no comfort issues; I wouldn’t hesitate to take a longer trip.”—Michelle, mom of a 19-month-old

The Safety 1st Grow and Go All-in-One Convertible Car Seat is a budget-friendly option that features easy-to-use buckles and a comfy, padded headrest.

This convertible car seat’s harness is easy to secure, plus, it can be adjusted by simply moving the headrest to a different position. .

This car seat is a little big and may be better suited to a medium to large car when using it in rear-facing mode. If you have a taller kid, we recommend the Safety 1st Grow and Go Extend ‘n Ride instead. It’s similar to this seat but has a footrest to provide additional rear-facing legroom, help kids sit more comfortably, and support dangling legs when forward-facing.

While not luxurious, the polyester fabric is soft and easy to clean. The removable seat pad is machine washable and dryer safe. Plus, the integrated cup holders for drinks and snacks are removable for thorough cleaning. We also like the seat’s harness holders to prevent kiddos from sitting on the buckles when climbing into their seats.

Installation is straightforward and fast, taking only 30 seconds to complete without the manual or additional help (though we checked the manual afterward, just in case). Rather than a color-coded level indicator, it features a line to show if the seat is level when rear-facing. It felt solid and stable following installation. The buckles are a breeze to use. Thanks to the no-rethread harness, you can quickly shift the headrest and harness to accommodate growing kids. While the car seat’s three-position recline is more upright than other seats we tested, our kids had no complaints about comfort.

Priced at $160, this affordable convertible car seat offers a sturdy build with plenty of great features. It has three modes of use: rear-facing, forward-facing, and belt-positioning booster. If your child has this car seat from birth, they could be using it until its 10-year expiration date. Between the durability and added features, we feel it offers great value.

What Parents Say: “This car seat is a fantastic value. It exceeded my expectations: It’s easy to install, comfortable, safe, and secure. I would recommend it to friends looking for a durable, budget-friendly car seat.”—Cassie, mom to a 21-month-old

The buckles and seat belt adjustment were not intuitive at first and took time to get used to.

The car seat has a no-rethread harness, two cup holders, and easy-to-remove washable covers. A steel-reinforced frame and ProtectPlus protection in frontal, side, rear, and rollover crashes. Testers found it sturdy and durable, giving them confidence that their child is safe.

SnugLock technology provides a seamless, secure installation process, whether you use the vehicle seat belt or LATCH system. It took around 10 minutes to install, and the directions were straightforward. It was simple to install in various cars. There is an indicator that allows you to ensure it was properly installed and level.

It’s worth noting that most Graco car seats have similar features and performed really well during testing. You’ll find several models in our “Others We Tested and Liked” section.

We loved the Graco EasyTurn’s 360-degree swivel and 10-position headrest that accommodates taller children. While the rotating mechanism wasn’t as intuitive as our tester’s other rotating car seat (a City Jogger), once she got the hang of it, it was extremely easy to use. Ultimately, she preferred the Graco since it swivels farther. It’s roomy enough for children to sit comfortably rear-facing for longer, yet the slim profile means it doesn’t take up too much space.

What Parents Say: “It’s a lot easier to get them in and out of the car with the swivel functionality, especially as the toddler gets larger. I can’t even imagine going back and using a rear-facing car seat without the swivel now!”—Ariel, mom to a 3-year-old

Other Convertible Car Seats We Tested & Liked

Our Testing Process

To help families choose the right car seat for their child, we tested almost 50 convertible car seats at home and in our Birmingham, Alabama, lab. Most of these car seats have been with our editors and their kiddos for over a year. During testing, we assessed:

Ease of Installation: We had testers set timers to see exactly how long it took them to install the seat properly, both via the LATCH system and the seat belt, while noting if help beyond the instruction manual was needed. Testers also noted whether level readers were available and clear. We shook the car seats at the base once installed, ensuring they didn’t move more than one inch in any direction and adjusting them if necessary. If the car seats had a rotating function, we had testers see how easy it was to use, especially one-handed.

We had testers set timers to see exactly how long it took them to install the seat properly, both via the LATCH system and the seat belt, while noting if help beyond the instruction manual was needed. Testers also noted whether level readers were available and clear. We shook the car seats at the base once installed, ensuring they didn’t move more than one inch in any direction and adjusting them if necessary. If the car seats had a rotating function, we had testers see how easy it was to use, especially one-handed. Durability: We looked for any signs of wear and tear over the car seat, including scratches to the frame, fabric, discoloration, pilling, and more.

We looked for any signs of wear and tear over the car seat, including scratches to the frame, fabric, discoloration, pilling, and more. Design: We specifically wanted to know how the car seat worked in various vehicle types, large and small alike. Testers noted if seats needed to be moved to accommodate the car seat or if they were unable to fully recline the car seat. We encouraged testers to examine the amount of space they had left in the backseat, including whether additional passengers or car seats could fit next to it comfortably.

We specifically wanted to know how the car seat worked in various vehicle types, large and small alike. Testers noted if seats needed to be moved to accommodate the car seat or if they were unable to fully recline the car seat. We encouraged testers to examine the amount of space they had left in the backseat, including whether additional passengers or car seats could fit next to it comfortably. Ease of Use: Testers noted what it was like to get their child in and out of the car seat and how efficient the harness was. We wanted to know if adjustable features, like reclines and various headrest positions, were simple to change.

Testers noted what it was like to get their child in and out of the car seat and how efficient the harness was. We wanted to know if adjustable features, like reclines and various headrest positions, were simple to change. Ease of Cleaning: Because kids are messy, we required our testers to clean the car seats at least once. Editors wiped or washed cushions and covers according to the manufacturer’s recommendations and made note of any wear or tear issues.

Because kids are messy, we required our testers to clean the car seats at least once. Editors wiped or washed cushions and covers according to the manufacturer’s recommendations and made note of any wear or tear issues. Safety: Our testers took note of special safety features, such as an integrated app, load leg, or side-impact protection. Because all car seats in the U.S. must comply with the same safety standards from the NHTSA, we did not crash-test them.

Our Experts

Before and after testing convertible car seats, we consulted experts in child injury prevention and education. We also spoke with Child Passenger Safety Technicians (CPSTs) and other medical experts for guidance on what to look for in convertible car seats. The experts included:

Benjamin Hoffman, MD, a pediatrician and nationally recognized child injury prevention and education expert

Petra Vybiralova Stanton, MSW, CPSTI, Injury Prevention Program Manager at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg, Florida

Sarah Ross, RN, CPST, who assisted us with installing the car seats at our Alabama testing lab

How to Use a Convertible Car Seat Safely

It doesn’t matter what kind of car seat you choose: If you don’t use it correctly, it will not provide the best possible protection during a crash. Remember that the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends keeping children rear-facing as long as possible, meaning until they reach the highest weight or height allowed by the car seat manufacturer. Keep these other safety requirements in mind:

Ensure it meets U.S. standards. It’s possible to buy European car seats, but safety standards differ. In the U.S., Dr. Hoffman points out, all car seats must have a five-point harness and a chest clip. “That’s different from European seats, and we have seen in the past couple of years people have inadvertently bought a seat that meets European standards but doesn’t meet American standards, and that’s not acceptable,” he says. If you’re unsure, he recommends going to the car seat manufacturer’s website and making sure it meets NHTSA safety requirements.

Read the manuals. Reading through the manuals of both your vehicle and your car seat is extremely important. Every car is different, and every car seat has different recommendations and restrictions, so even if you’ve installed other car seats previously, read the instructions. Some vehicles don’t have a LATCH system in the center back seat. Lower anchors have weight limits; check your car manuals to find the LATCH weight limit. Keep the manual handy during installation and make use of any video tutorials or instructional apps.

Install the car seat correctly. Ensure the seat is snug in the vehicle’s seat; when you wiggle it, the base shouldn’t move more than an inch. The car seat should never touch the vehicle seat in front of it. When you switch to forward-facing, the top tether should be used. “Often, we see families use the lower anchors in the wrong seating position, go over the recommended weight limit of the lower anchors, or have them in the wrong belt path,” says Stanton. “Always check the vehicle manual for the correct position to install the car seat, weight limits, and proper routing of the lower anchors or the seat belt.”

Register your car seat. The NHTSA strongly recommends registering your car seat once you install it. This signs you up for important recall notices so that you’ll receive necessary safety updates.

Make adjustments as needed. Adjustments will need to be made as your child grows. That’s why it’s important to pick a seat with a harness that’s easy to use. The chest clip should be over the chest bone at armpit level; the straps should be tight enough that you cannot fold them when pinched. The harness is what keeps your child in the seat during a crash. If it’s not tight enough, it could slide open from the force of the crash, and the baby can come out of the seat.

Avoid using additional accessories. Experts strongly advise against using anything that didn’t come with the car seat. This includes additional padding, toys, attachments, and mirrors. Remember that items around the seat, like mirrors or toys, can become projectiles in a crash.

Remove padded clothing, like winter coats, when in a car seat. “Thick padded clothing in a crash essentially compresses, and it’s like there’s nothing there,” Dr. Hoffman explains. “So, when it comes to buckling a child in, they should be wearing nothing more than maybe a thin layer of fleece.” He suggests putting a blanket over them if they’re cold.

Don’t buy used car seats. Yes, the used car seat on Facebook Marketplace might be significantly cheaper than the brand-new one you’ve been eyeing, but Dr. Hoffman doesn’t recommend buying it. “Car seats are designed to withstand a crash, so a car seat that has been in a significant crash should not be used subsequently,” he says. “If a parent or caregiver cannot be 100% certain about the history of the seat, they should not use it, which means they shouldn’t be buying seats at flea markets or consignment stores.” If you’re considering a used seat that you know has not been in a crash, he recommends checking that the seat is not expired.

Have a car seat expert check your installation. You can find one in your area at Cert.Safekids.org. Sometimes your local fire department may also have a technician on hand that will install your car seat or check that yours is installed correctly for free.

Factors to Consider When Buying a Convertible Car Seat

The best seat is the one that fits your child and your car. Here are the main things to look at before your purchase:

Ease of Installation and Use: According to Dr. Hoffman, around 80% of caregivers make serious errors when installing car seats. That means you really want to look for an option that’s easy to install and adjust. Installation can be done with the vehicle seat belt or with the lower anchors. With the seat belt method, you thread the vehicle’s seat belt through the car seat’s belt path, which is what attaches the seat to the car. The LATCH system, which stands for Lower Anchor and Tethers for Children, secures the car seat using the vehicle’s lower anchors and tethers. “Many families can find lower anchors easier because they just click in,” notes Stanton. “The biggest benefit of LATCH is using the top tether in the forward-facing position. It can eliminate forward head movement of 4 to 6 inches in a crash. That’s a pretty significant amount.”

According to Dr. Hoffman, around 80% of caregivers make serious errors when installing car seats. That means you really want to look for an option that’s easy to install and adjust. Installation can be done with the vehicle seat belt or with the lower anchors. With the seat belt method, you thread the vehicle’s seat belt through the car seat’s belt path, which is what attaches the seat to the car. The LATCH system, which stands for Lower Anchor and Tethers for Children, secures the car seat using the vehicle’s lower anchors and tethers. “Many families can find lower anchors easier because they just click in,” notes Stanton. “The biggest benefit of LATCH is using the top tether in the forward-facing position. It can eliminate forward head movement of 4 to 6 inches in a crash. That’s a pretty significant amount.” Weight and Height Limits: Pay close attention to the weight and height limits for each position a convertible car seat offers, especially the rear-facing position since your child should remain in this position as long as possible. “One of the biggest mistakes we see parents making is turning their kids around earlier than they need to,” Dr. Hoffman says. With rear-facing limits of 40 pounds or more, convertible car seats allow “virtually every kid to ride rear-facing until at least their second birthday, and that’s our recommendation.” The height limit for rear-facing is generally between 40 and 49 inches. For forward-facing, most convertible seats have a limit of 65 pounds and a height limit of 49 inches. Booster seats typically max out at 100 to 110 pounds and 50 to 57 inches.

Pay close attention to the weight and height limits for each position a convertible car seat offers, especially the rear-facing position since your child should remain in this position as long as possible. “One of the biggest mistakes we see parents making is turning their kids around earlier than they need to,” Dr. Hoffman says. With rear-facing limits of 40 pounds or more, convertible car seats allow “virtually every kid to ride rear-facing until at least their second birthday, and that’s our recommendation.” The height limit for rear-facing is generally between 40 and 49 inches. For forward-facing, most convertible seats have a limit of 65 pounds and a height limit of 49 inches. Booster seats typically max out at 100 to 110 pounds and 50 to 57 inches. Size and Weight of the Car Seat: Convertible car seats tend to be large and bulky, so check the dimensions to ensure the seat will fit properly in your car, especially if you have a more compact model. And don’t assume any seat will fit in an SUV. Think about where the car seat will go and how the front seats are usually adjusted. For example, if the driver is tall and needs their seat far back, you may not be able to fit a large rear-facing convertible car seat behind it. Consider how many other passengers and car seats you need to fit next to the car seat. Keep the weight of the seat in mind as well, especially if you plan to switch it between cars frequently or fly with it.

Convertible car seats tend to be large and bulky, so check the dimensions to ensure the seat will fit properly in your car, especially if you have a more compact model. And don’t assume any seat will fit in an SUV. Think about where the car seat will go and how the front seats are usually adjusted. For example, if the driver is tall and needs their seat far back, you may not be able to fit a large rear-facing convertible car seat behind it. Consider how many other passengers and car seats you need to fit next to the car seat. Keep the weight of the seat in mind as well, especially if you plan to switch it between cars frequently or fly with it. Cost: Some convertible car seats can be quite pricey, but you don’t need to spend more to get better quality. Dr. Hoffman stresses that all car seats have to meet the same safety requirements, so pricier doesn’t mean safer. You might be paying for convenient, but superfluous features, aesthetics, or even the brand name. Decide which features you can and can’t live without when creating your budget. “The safest car seat is the one that is installed correctly, so don’t worry about the bells and whistles of the accessories if you’re not able to install it to be safe for your child,” says Ross.

At What Age Should Your Child Use a Convertible Car Seat?

Your child can start using most convertible car seats in the rear-facing position from the day they are born, as many offer weight ranges that start at 4 or 5 pounds. The AAP recommends that children use rear-facing seats until they reach the maximum height or weight limit and then switch to forward-facing. The disadvantage of a convertible car seat versus an infant car seat is that you cannot remove a convertible car seat from the base and carry it around or use it in a stroller.

What Is the Safest Spot for a Convertible Car Seat?

According to the AAP, the safest place for any car seat is in the middle back seat of your vehicle, away from airbags. Keep in mind that car seats should never touch the vehicle seat in front of them, so keep that in mind when installing. “The difference between a 6-foot, 5-inch parent and a 5-foot, 2-inch parent in the driver seat will impact that,” Dr. Hoffman says. “That may influence a parent’s decision about where to position the child’s car seat in the back.” Keep in mind that the LATCH system may not always be available in the center back seat.

Who We Are

Katrina Cossey is an Oklahoma-based editor for Parents specializing in parenting, family, and pregnancy content. A devoted mom herself, Katrina has researched thousands of baby products, toys, gifts, and more and personally tested many of them to find the most reliable product recommendations for families. Before testing the Evenflo Revolve360 Extend and Graco Turn2Me, Katrina’s son rode in the Graco Extend2Fit 3-in-1 in one vehicle and the Graco Slimfit 3-in-1 in their family’s second car. Katrina’s favorite car seat? The Graco Turn2Me for its rotating feature, unique and sturdy installation, and spacious cup holders.

With additional reporting by Olivia Campbell.

Olivia Campbell is an editor at Parents, an experienced journalist and essayist, and a mom to three boys. She’s also the New York Times bestselling author of Women in White Coats: How the First Women Doctors Changed the World of Medicine and Sisters in Science: How Four Women Physicists Escaped Nazi Germany and Made Scientific History.