Keeping your child safe when riding in a vehicle is of utmost importance to every parent. All car seats on the market must meet federal safety standards, but depending on your child’s weight and age, there are different rules for how they should ride in the car and what kind of seat they should use.
Current recommendations advise parents to keep infants rear-facing in the car until they reach the maximum height or weight the car seat manufacturer allows. For most children and car seats, that’s as old as four. For others, it can be younger–it really depends on the seat specifications as well as your child’s height and weight. The main goal, however, is to keep your little one rear-facing as long as possible and until at least the age of two, because it’s the safest position for your child in the car should an accident happen.
To make that easier, some parents opt to purchase a convertible car seat right from the get-go. Convertible car seats, unlike infant bucket car seats, are one car seat that you can use throughout the newborn, toddler, and sometimes, preschool and big kid years. As the name implies, convertible car seats “convert” from an infant seat to a toddler seat to a booster seat for older kids. They are convenient because instead of having to multiple kinds of car seats, you can just purchase one seat and use it–in some cases–up to an impressive 10 years!
Convertible car seats are designed with “layers” or inserts that you remove or adjust, depending on your baby’s age to make it appropriate for each stage. They can also usually go from rear-facing to forward-facing when your child is ready.
If you are considering purchasing a convertible car seat, there are many options to choose from and it can be overwhelming to choose the best convertible car seat for your little one. From Diono to Britax, here are some options and how to choose the best convertible car seat for your needs.
Jump to:
- Why choose a convertible car seat?
- Features to look for in a convertible car seat
- Most eco-friendly convertible car seat: Nuna Rava convertible car seat
- Most tech-savvy convertible car seat: Cybex Eternis S SensorSafe car seat
- Best safety profile: Britax One4Life Clicktight All-in-One convertible car seat
- Best for 10 years: Maxi-Cosi Magellan XP All-in-One convertible car seat
- Most affordable convertible car seat: Safety 1st Grow and Go 3-in-1 convertible car seat
- Most budget-friendly slim profile: Graco SlimFit3 LX 3 in 1 car seat
- Best slimfit convertible car seat: Diono Radian 3RXT Car Seat
Convertible Car Seats: From Rear-Facing to Forward-Facing
The beauty of a convertible car seat is that it can easily go from rear-facing to forward-facing when your child is old enough, without having to buy a whole new seat.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends children ride in rear-facing car seats starting with their first ride home from the hospital until they have outgrown the height or weight maximum allowed by the car seat manufacturer. This can vary based on the type of infant car seat, but near all will allow children to ride rear-facing until two years of age or more.
Rear-facing seats provide better support for the head and neck than forward-facing, and in the event of a crash, a rear-facing seat will absorb most of the force. For these reasons, the AAP recommends keeping your child rear-facing as long as possible, preferably until age four. Fortunately, more and more convertible car seats are on the market that are specifically designed for extended rear facing.
Here’s a look at some of their features and Truly Mama’s top convertible car seat picks.
Features to Look for in Convertible Car Seats
There are three main types of convertible car seats to choose from:
- Convertible: can be used for both rear and forward facing
- Combination: transitions from a forward-facing seat to a booster seat
- All-in-one: as the name implies, these car seats do it all — rear-facing, forward-facing, and booster
The type of forward-facing seat that works best for you will come down to how much money you’re willing to spend, whether or not you’ll need to move the seat around or between vehicles, whether you’re looking for a seat that you can use for many years to come, how many other kids you have and the space in your vehicle.
When shopping for a forward-facing car seat, here are safety features to consider:
- A five-point harness. This includes two shoulder straps, two waist straps and a middle buckle that goes between the legs. These types of harnesses are considered safer than three-point harnesses because they distribute force from a crash more evenly across the body.
- Harness adjustability. You’ll need to adjust your child’s car seat straps placement as they grow. Some car seats have a no-rethread harness which allows you to adjust the shoulder straps without needing to manually reroute them. This can save you time, but this design is often a bit bulkier and heavier than car seats with manually adjusted straps.
- Size of the seat. While every car seat on the market has to meet the same federal safety standards, they do vary a bit in size and design. Some are more narrow or wider than others, while some might be taller, heavier or bulkier. You’ll want to measure the space you have in your vehicle and make sure the car seat you’re considering will fit properly.
- Ease of installation. Most car seats you’ll see on the market can be installed one of two ways: 1) a system known as LATCH, which uses built-in anchors and tethers to secure the car seat in place or 2) a system using the vehicle’s regular seat belt to secure the car seat. Both options are safe and while many parents claim the LATCH system is easier, it may not be an option in all vehicles.
- Fabric. This of course isn’t exactly a safety feature, but it’s still an important consideration. We all know kids are messy and for some reason, they take this to the next level in the car, so you might want to look for a car seat with durable fabric that is easy to remove and clean.
The Best Convertible Car Seats
Most Eco-Friendly Convertible Car Seat
Nuna Rava Convertible Car Seat
The Nuna Rava is a stylish and chic convertible car seat with functional features, like an extendable calf rest, retractable cup holders, a no rethread harness, and breathable fabric. This seat also allows for extended rear-facing up to 50 pounds and you can easily install it with your vehicle’s seat belt. Not only is the Nuna Rava stylish and modern, but it also includes additional safety features, like an all-steel frame and energy-absorbing foam for side-impact protection.
This seat comes in five stylish colors, including pink, and boasts several environmentally-friendly features such as non-toxic dye, low VOC, and is UL Greenguard Gold certified. Another nice feature about the Nuna is that it’s aircraft certified so you could bring it on a plane with you.
You can use this car seat in the following modes:
- Rear-facing: For children between 5-50 lbs. and up to 49” tall
- Forward-facing: for children between 25-65 lbs. and up to 49” tall
Must-know details:
- Car seat weight: 27.2 lbs.
- Dimensions: 25” x 16” x 19”
- All-steel frame
- Provides two extra inches of legroom while rear-facing
Customer review:
“My son got to the point he was miserable in his infant car seat and cried every time we got in the car. Since we switched to the Nuna RAVA we have no tears! He loves it! I love the safety rating, the easy to install, and ease to move from different inclines. It is heavy, but I prefer that and feel safer + we don’t plan to move it often from car to car.” — The Tot review
Keep in mind:
At nearly $450, this is one of the most expensive convertible car-seats you’ll find on the market so it may not be the best choice for everyone.
Most Tech-Savvy Convertible Car Seat
Cybex Eternis S SensorSafe Car Seat
This all in-one-seat is designed for a wide range of heights and weights from babies through toddlerhood. If you’ve ever tried to adjust your child’s head after they’ve fallen asleep in the car only to have them wake up, you may like the headrest on this seat. It offers a unique three position reclining headrest, which helps prevent your child’s head from falling forward when they fall asleep. This seat also includes magnetic buckle holders (SO cool), so you can easily get your child in and out without getting tangled in the seat’s straps. But the premier feature of this seat is definitely the SensorSafe buckle, which alerts your phone through an accompanying app if you leave your child in the car, if they unbuckle the seat while you’re driving, or if the temperature gets too warm or cold. Save $50 for Black Friday!
The Cybex Externis is a convertible car seat that offers advanced safety features, like linear side-impact protection, which helps absorb impact forces if your car gets hit from the side. The height-adjustable headrest also has 12 different positions and the integrated no rethread harness makes adjusting the straps a breeze.
Must-know details:
- Steel-reinforced frame
- LATCH installation system
- In-seat recline
- Removable newborn insert
- Rear-facing mode: for children between 4-50 lbs.
- Forward-facing mode: for children between 22-65 lbs.
- Booster mode: children 40-120 lbs.
- Dimensions: 25.5” x 20” x 25.3”
Customer review:
“This is a great carseat. It is easy to install in the car. Takes minutes. Also it’s easy to adjust as my son grows. I don’t have to take everything apart. And while it’s on the heavy side, it’s really easy to unlatch and put in a different car. It has easy release straps. I like the side protection that it comes with. Also, the Sensor Safe technology is really nice. It gives me another level of comfort. The app was a little finicky at first but I got it working. I like that there is a pad around the buckle. Less chance of pinching sensitive skin. The adjustable headrest is fantastic for when they fall asleep in the car. And it reclines easily. The padding washes nicely and is easy to remove. The only thing I can see is the position of the bottom buckle can’t be moved, and while that isn’t an issue now, I have to wonder how comfortable it will be as he gets bigger. All in all I recommend this carseat.” — Amazon review
Keep in mind:
This car seat can be difficult to switch from forward-facing to booster, so make sure to read the manual carefully and seek out instructional videos. Also, it features hand wash only materials.
Best Safety Profile Convertible Car Seat
Britax One4Life Clicktight All-in-One Convertible Car Seat
Britax is well-known for its top safety ratings and has made a name for itself as a trusted brand among parents. This all-in-one car seat can help keep your child riding safely for many years. The Britax One4Life offers many features for comfort and safety, including integrated cup holders, a high strength steel frame and a 15-position headrest. The entire seat is designed for both ease of use with clear indicators and installation guides and premier safety features. Plus, it’s possible to get an entire 10 years of use out of this car seat. Not bad at all.
The Britax One4Life’s steel frame, crumple zone, and V-shaped tether help keep your child safe in a crash by absorbing force and the side impact protection also provides additional layers to support your child’s head, neck and torso. This convertible car seat also includes Clicktight buckling, which means you’ll hear a click once the straps are in place and secure, so you’ll know you have them properly positioned.
Must-know details:
- Rear-facing mode: for children between 5-50 lbs.
- Forward-facing mode: for children between 22-65 lbs.
- Booster mode: for children between 40-120 lbs.
- Dimensions: 20.5” x 19.5” x 25”
Customer review:
“I love this car seat. So easy to install. My child is much more comfortable.” — Albee Baby review
Keep in mind:
Because this car seat includes a no-rethread harness, it is heavier than some other models so it’s not easy to move this seat around among different vehicles.
Best for 10 Years
Maxi Cosi Magellan XP All-in-One Convertible Car Seat
The Maxi Cosi Magellan XP is an all-in-one convertible car seat that is designed to be used all the way from the newborn stage until your child is 120 pounds. It converts into five different modes for each stage of childhood: infant, toddler rear, then forward-facing, child seat, and high back booster. You'll get a 14-position adjustment and parent-friendly features like removable cupholders and a zip-off seat pad that you can throw right in the washer and dryer to get clean. Plus, Maxi Cosi is known for superior safety standards and European design, which includes touches like Air Protect side impact cushions for comfort and protection.
Read Review
The Maxi Cosi is designed to be the only car seat you will ever need for your child, so while it may be an investment compared to other car seats, your child can use it until they are big enough for a standard seat belt. It’s a convertible car seat that really takes it up a notch, lasting all the way to 120 lbs. The fabric on this seat is soft and breathable so your child can rest comfortably and you can easily remove it for washing and spot cleaning. The cup holders are also removable and can be washed in the dishwasher.
Must-know details:
- Rear-facing mode: can be used for children between 5-40 lbs.
- Forward-facing mode: can be used for children between 22-65 lbs.
- Booster mode: can be used for children between 40-120 lbs.
- Dimensions: 23” x 22” x 29”
Customer review:
“Love this car seat. The seat and cushion are so soft and gel-like. It’s clear that my daughter is super comfortable. Definitely an upgrade from her old seat. I love how easy it is to get her in and out of the seat. Further the adjustability of the seat is fabulous. From rear facing, to forward facing and eventually a booster she is going to have this for a very long time. And I also feel that the design of the seat makes it extremely safe for car travel from infant on up. It’s clear that a lot of thought went into the design of this. With things like removable cup holders that make it easy to dump all the goldfish out of! I will definitely be recommending this to friends with new babies or looking for a new car seat.” — Wal-Mart review
Keep in mind:
Keep in mind, this seat is a bit bigger than other models, so make sure to measure the space in your car to get the right fit.
Most Affordable
Safety 1st Grow and Go 3-in-1 Convertible Car Seat
This all-in-one car seat offers convenient features, like two cup holders, a removable and machine-washable seat pad, and an easy-to-adjust harness all at an affordable price. Because the straps are easy to adjust and this seat is fairly light and easy to move around vehicles, it’s a great option for a caregiver who may periodically drive your child around, like a grandparent, nanny, or babysitter. It exceeds federal safety standards and comes with plenty of comfy features, like grow-with-your baby pillows and side impact protection.
You can’t beat the price of the Safety 1st Grow and Go—it’s one of the most affordable options you’ll find for an all-in-one convertible car seat. This seat also fits a wide range of babies and kids from five pounds to 100 so your child can use it for many years. Plus it’s not as heavy as other options out there so you can easily move it around to different vehicles if need be.
Must-know details:
- Rear-facing mode: for children between 5-40 lbs. and 19-40” tall
- Forward-facing mode: for children between 22-65 lbs. and 29-52” tall
- Booster mode: for children between 40-100 lbs and up to 52” tall
- Grow with baby pillows
- Side impact protection
Customer review:
“We were in a serious accident with our children. Our truck went into the ditch, hit a culver pipe, endowed and hit a telephone pole. The truck was totaled, but the car seat was not damaged at all and my 1-year-old only had a mark on the side of his head.” — Buy Buy Baby review
Keep in mind:
Some parents claim this seat is not very easy to install so you may need to watch some how-to videos.
Best Budget-Friendly Slimfit Convertible Car Seat
Graco SlimFit3 LX 3 in 1 Car Seat
The Graco SlimFit3 LX 3-in-1 car seat is specfically designed to be a convertible car seat that you can use even when you're short on space. Many convertible car seats are large and bulky, but the SlimFit is only 16.7 inches wide, so it will fit 3 across in most car backseats. It can be used with infants from only 5 lbs. all the way up to big kids in a high back booster who weigh 100 pounds, so this could be the only car seat you ever need to buy. Installation is simple and if you do need to move this seat, it's lightweight at only 19.2 pounds, so transferring to a partner's or grandparent's car doesn't have to be a dread-worthy occasion.
Read Review
This convertible car seat is packed with features to love, from machine-washable pads to the fact that it’s specifically designed to fit three car seats across if your family is expanding. Plus, it’s incredibly lightweight so it’s relatively simple to move from different vehicles if you need to. It’s a seat that combines strength and simplicity, which is all you really need in a car seat, am I right?
Must-know details:
- 3-in-1 car seat
- Rear-facing harness mode: can be used with children from 5-40 lbs.
- Forward-facing mode: for children between 22-65 lbs.
- Highback booster mode: can be used for children between 40-100 lbs.
- Only 16.7 inches wide
- Graco ProtectPlus Engineered
- 10-position No-Rethread Simply Safe Adjust Harness System
- Dimensions: 20.7 x 16.7 x 24.5 inches
Customer review:
“My 3 children and I were in a car accident at 60mph. 2 year old was in this carseat and walked away from the accident with just biting his tongue. So thankful for the protection this seat provided him!”-Amazon review
Keep in mind:
This seat comes with plenty of 5-star reviews, so it’s almost tough to find a complaint, but those that did rate it with 3 stars noted that despite it being advertised as three across, it doesn’t fit all back seats. So you may want to measure your back seat specifically to ensure it will fit.
Best Slim Fit Convertible Car Seat
Diono Radian 3RXT Car Seat
The beloved Diono Radian 3RXT car seat has gotten a fresh update. While maintaining its parent-favorite size to fit in most vehicles 3-across, the car seat can now be rear-facing up to 50 pounds for extended use. And, it has a brand-new head support infant insert. This steel-cored all-in-one convertible car seat is definitely an investment, but when you assess the specs, you’ll soon realize why it’s a parent favorite. Thanks to its easy install, steel frame, and longevity the Radian is absolutely a car seat worthy of praise.
Read Review
Like the Graco, the Diono is made to fit 3 across in the backseat, but it’s an even slimmer profile at only 17 inches width and 16 inches depth. You can also get up to 36 months warranty when you register your product.
Must-know details
- Rear-facing mode: from 5 to 50 lbs.
- Forward-facing mode: from 22-65 lbs.
- Booster mode: from 40-120 lbs.
- Maximum user height: 57.1 inches
- Newborn travel high wedge
- Steel-reinforced frame
- Automotive grade high strength steel
Customer review:
“It’s Diono’s commitment to protection is what makes these car seats top notch. And I should know: I was in a car crash with my brand-new baby and toddler while they were in their Diono car seats.”—Truly Mama writer Gretchen Bossio
Keep in mind:
That steel core and frame that makes the Diono so strong and sturdy also makes it a tad cumbersome to move, so consider if you’ll need to switch vehicles frequently. Also, kids who use Diono car seats often tend to outgrow the height capacity (57.1 inches) before they reach the weight capacity.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I switch to a forward facing car seat?
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends keeping your child rear-facing until they have outgrown the maximum height and weight limits set by the car seat manufacturer. Most car seats limits will allow for a child to ride rear facing until at least two years old.
What seat should a forward facing car seat be in?
The safest place for all children under the age of 13 is in the middle of the backseat, according to the AAP. However, this may not be possible if you have multiple children and some car seats may be difficult to install securely in the middle seat. The safest option is wherever you can properly install the seat, which may not be the middle in some vehicles.
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