Choosing the right car seat for your baby or toddler is a big decision, especially when purchasing a convertible car seat. Convertible seats last for years, which is great, but that is exactly what makes the decision even higher. Important: This seat will be around for a long time and you want to make sure you make the right choice.
We asked thousands of baby-list parents which convertible car seats they love and why. We’ve also consulted our own team of baby list experts and a Child Safety Technician to make our best selection of convertible car seats so you have everything you need to make an informed decision.
7 Best Convertible Car Seat Reviews
Here is a list of the best convertible car seat as per our rating;
1. Graco 4Ever DLX Convertible Car Seat
- 4 in 1 car seat
- Graco protect Plus engineered
- 6 position recline
- Integrated belt lock-off
With the aptly named Graco 4Ever, all you have to do is buy a car seat for your child, making it the best convertible car seat on the market.
This 4-in-1 seat does it all, starting as a rearward-facing harness and adapts to any stage of your child’s growth, and when used as a rearward-facing harness, the Grace 4Ever can accommodate children up to 40 pounds at any time, at least 1 inch below your head Handle.
Must be at least 22-27 inches tall. After this stage, the car seat transforms into a high-back booster seat suitable for children up to 100 pounds and 52 inches. Backless lift is for children up to 120 pounds and 57 inches tall.
This versatile car seat also has a headrest with ten positions, a five-point belt, a six-way adjustable backrest, a steel-reinforced frame, and integrated cup holders. It comes with the LATCH system for easy installation.
Pros
- Easy to use a strap
- Quick installation
- Easily washable
- Rapid removable covers
Cons
- Trouble when fitted in small vehicles
2. Diono Radian 3RXT Convertible Car Seat
- Lovingly engineered
- Business-class comfort
- Made of Seattle
- Fits 3 across
The best convertible car seat for big kids is the Diono Radian 3RXT, which has advanced rearward-facing features so you can keep your little ones rear-facing for longer, even as they grow like bean sprouts. Like a forward-facing belt.
The Diono Radian 3RXT can also serve as a booster seat if your child weighs 50 pounds. This car seat fits most three-person family vehicles and features a 12-position headrest, memory foam seat and extendable leg rests.
There are five shoulder positions and three buckles, and it even folds flat for easy travel, customers say this convertible car seat is compact and easy to use, but keep in mind that the seat itself is big and as it is designed for large children, it may not fit well in smaller cars.
Pros
- Slimmest seat
- 12 position headrest
- Comfortable
Cons
- A bit tricky to install
- Heavier than a usual seat
3. Chicco NextFit Sport Convertible Car Seat
- Remarkably easy installation
- Lock secure seat belt-tightening system
- Superior DuoGuard protection
- No-rethread harness
You’re going to solve this whole parenting thing, but there will be days when you feel out of the game, so you can appreciate a foolproof convertible car seat like the Chicco NextFit, another 2019 winner.
The Window Lets You Know when you have installed the seat at the optimal angle, either in a forward or backward position. And a LATCH tensioner (the industry language for lower anchors and child harnesses) makes it child’s play to buckle up the baby safely at all times. Other features that have made things easier over the years?
The headrest with six height positions and the belt adjusts automatically. If you are ready to spend a little more money on the Chicco NextFit Zip, which is equipped with a removable seat pad with a zipper: cleaning is also easier.
Pros
- Belt adjusts automatically
- Six height positions
- Easy to clean
- Removable seat pad
Cons
- Bit expensive
4. Britax Boulevard Convertible Car Seat
- ClickTight Installation System
- Anti Rebound Bar
- Crash force minimizer
- Click Safe Snug Harness
The Britax Boulevard ClickTight ARB is a premium convertible seat, the price of which matches its high total score. This seat is the easiest to install and potentially makes it safer than products that are difficult to install, as studies show that installing it properly is key to preventing injury in real-life accidents.
It also has an easy-to-use headrest strap height adjustment and thick padding for a comfortable ride. This seat has one of the highest prices on this rating, so parents on a budget should look elsewhere.
The tabloid did not do as well as the competition in crash tests, which parents have to consider. The insanely simple assembly and the high-quality, comfortable design could, however, be the decisive factors that make this ClickTight your seat of choice.
Also Read: Best Dash Cam
Pros
- Click & out indicator
- Proper tightening system
- V-shaped tether
Cons
- Bad quality issue
5. Knox Convertible Car Seat
- Smart secure system
- 8 position active support
- Side Impact Poses
- Additional crash absorption
Baby KNOX is modern, sleek, and stylish, with several unique and innovative security features. KNOX contains a multidirectional strap that can be worn backward or forwards.
The use of the multidirectional belt is optional if you are looking backward, but UPPA strongly recommends using it whenever possible as it will reduce rotation in the event of a head-on collision with the car and will attach to the tether belt of the vehicle seat.
Each of our 3 models goes very well with the KNOX. Once the trim is removed by 25 lbs, a smaller child can have a significant gap between your body and the unique crotch strap/buckle location.
It is important to note that in hindsight, UPPAbaby does not require the usual “on or under” belt-positioning. His manual states that with active support, the headrest should be positioned so that it leaves some space between the lower wings of the head and the child’s shoulders.
Pros
- SmartSecure System
- 49 inches height range
- 18.8 inches width
Cons
- Not a suitable option for newborn babies
6. Pria 85 Convertible Car Seat
- Extended weight range
- ClipQuik auto magnetic chest clip
- Handy harness holders
- Flip Away Buckle
The Maxi Cosi Pria 85 Max is a convertible car seat with 2 modes that will hold from newborn to booster age. In the rear position, it holds infants 5 to 40 pounds forward and 22 to 85 pounds in the oriented harness mode.
There is no boost mode The Pria 85 Max is one of the few different versions of the Pria line that Maxi-Cosi has offered over the years. It’s easy to confuse this with the “nonMax” version, the Maxi-Cosi Pria 85, but this seat has a minimum weight of 14 pounds and is therefore NOT suitable for newborns.
The Max has a higher quality, more breathable material and a magnetic ClipQuick buckle on the chest. You from the moment you bring your baby home until you are ready for a booster seat. Parents have found the cover to be one of the best things about this seat.
In contrast to many other car seat covers, the cover of the Pria 85 Max is suitable for tumble drying and can be easily removed and replaced without having to remove the car seat.
Pros
- Flip-away crotch buckle
- Harness holders
- Proven crash protection
Cons
- Too wide for 3-across car seats
- Confusing recline
- Child size rules
7. NextFit Max Zip Air Convertible Car Seat
- The breathable 3D Air Mesh backrest
- Soft zip-off seat pad
- Comfort Flex waist belt
- Space-saving cup folders
All NextFit models tend to fit infants, toddlers, and older children quite well. The kickback of this seat accommodates children under 40 pounds. And it’s big enough that it doesn’t exceed its height.
If your child weighs less than 40 pounds, it is almost guaranteed that there is still room for them in the forward direction of this seat. Because of this, the NextFit is a very popular choice for the extended, rear-facing position. Forward driving is not recommended for children under 2 years of age.
They reach the age and size at which they can safely upgrade to a booster seat. The maximum height limit for the NextFit is 49 ″ in height or the seat can be exceeded by the height of the child’s shoulders are above the belt slots at the maximum height setting.
Children with an average length of torso grow out of their seats faster and faster due to their proportions.NextFit must be installed in a seating position that does not have a dedicated upper tether anchorage, so installing without a tether is not considered abuse.
Pros
- 2 Crotch Positions
- 25% more legroom in rear-facing mode
- extended calf support
Cons
- Little bit expensive
Buying Guide Best Convertible Car Seat
Before buying any convertible car seat you should read the buying guide.
Limits
Each convertible car seat has the size and weight restrictions on rear-facing, forward-facing, and, if applicable, booster seats. Always make sure that your car seat is configured according to your child’s current size
Installation
If your vehicle is not LATCH compliant, you will likely install your car seat using your vehicle’s seat belt. Consult a professional if you need help adjusting according to your car seat manual.
Seat adjustments
Because a convertible car seat can watch your child from newborn to toddler, look for one that can grow with multiple headrest positions and tilt options. With an unthreaded belt, you can easily adjust the seat settings without having to reconfigure your seat belt.
Expiration
Over time, the materials in a car seat can compress or wear out, which is why all convertible car seats have a stamped expiration date. If you plan to use the same seat for many years or for several children, consider the recommended use.
Conclusion
If you have decided on a convertible child seat, you should test immediately upon receipt how well it fits on the back seat of your vehicle. That way you can change it and install a new one if it doesn’t work before your baby comes.
FAQ’s
What are the Best Convertible Car Seat?
Here is a list of the best convertible car seat as per our rating;
- Graco 4Ever DLX Convertible Car Seat
- Diono Radian 3RXT Convertible Car Seat
- Chicco NextFit Sport Convertible Car Seat
- Britax Boulevard Convertible Car Seat
- Knox Convertible Car Seat
- Pria 85 Convertible Car Seat
- NextFit Max Zip Air Convertible Car Seat
Which convertible car seat is the most comfortable?
I think that the Graco 4Ever DLX 4-in-1 Convertible Car Seat is the best seat as transforms into a high-back booster seat suitable for children up to 100 pounds and 52 inches. Backless lift is for children up to 120 pounds and 57 inches tall.
Is a convertible car seat more comfortable?
Some babies seem more comfortable in a rear-facing multimode or convertible car seat that sits higher in the vehicle seat than their rear-facing car seats, which are more comfortable for many children.
Is an infant car seat safer than a convertible?
Convertible car seats usually last longer than baby carriers because of their higher height and weight limit. To install it, you need to purchase an insert in order for this type of car seat to fit. Most newborns can fit in, however, a convertible car seat and be completely safe.
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