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The 10 Best Convertible Car Seats You Can Buy Now, Tested by Parents

Searching for a car seat that grows with baby? We put the top products on the market to the test to find your best options, including this year's Best of The Bump award winner.
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profile picture of Marygrace Taylor
Updated January 10, 2024
mother buckling baby into car seat
Image: Artem Varnitsin | Shutterstock
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In a nutshell: Based on product testing, expert interviews and survey feedback from over 300 members of The Bump community, we chose the Britax One4Life ClickTight All-in-One Car Seat as the overall best thanks to its impeccable safety features and longevity of use.

A convertible car seat is one of the most important baby gear items on your must-buy list. One reason: You’ll use a convertible car seat for a long time—which means it’s a purchase you’ll want to get right. A convertible car seat, can be used both rear- and forward-facing, often from infancy to toddlerhood and beyond (depending on its height and weight capacity), explains Elizabeth Sagan, a certified passenger safety technician with Safe Kids Connecticut. But with tons of options out there, the decision can be anything but straightforward.
Not sure where to begin? You’ve come to the right place. We’ve got everything you need to find the best convertible car seat for your family. Read on to learn why convertible car seats are so important—plus, shop our top picks, including this year’s Best of The Bump award winner.

How We Tested the Convertible Car Seats

To help you find the best convertible car seats on the market today, The Bump editors did extensive research to identify the best-selling, most innovative and all-around top-notch products out there, combing through user reviews, leveraging our familiarity with leading baby brands and relying on our own experiences as parents. From there we narrowed our list down to 17 top-rated options and took the following steps to identify the best convertible car seats on the market:

  • We interviewed a certified passenger safety technician and asked for tips on what to look for and avoid when choosing a convertible car seat.

  • We checked scientific research and recent law changes regarding car seat safety and followed advice from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), National Highway Traffic Safety Administration(NHTSA) and other expert sources.

  • In May 2023 we surveyed 300 members of The Bump community. We asked this sample of new parents to rate the car seats they’ve used with their own kids and to comment on their overall experience. We evaluated this data and used it to inform our product choices.

  • We enlisted parents of babies, toddlers and bigger kids to thoroughly test the leading options on the market. With multiple kids (and plenty of personal experience with car seats), these parents knew what to look for, and after extensive hands-on use, they evaluated the car seats for ease of installation, ease of use, rear-facing capability, features and design, value for money and, of course, safety.

Pairing this rigorous testing protocol with survey results along with our editors’ research insights and area expertise, we bestowed the prestigious Best of The Bump award to the overall best infant car seat and rounded up the best baby car seats for every particular need.

Editorial integrity is at the heart of everything we publish. Read about how The Bump develops and reviews all articles, including product reviews.

Best Convertible Car Seats

Overall best convertible car seat

What We Love
  • Carry handle
  • Easy installation
  • No-thread adjustable harness
Things To Consider
  • Not ideal for small cars
  • Cushioned seats may hold a lot of crumbs
  • Some kids complained that the padding behind the crotch buckle was uncomfortable

Designed for 10 years of use, from infancy into the tween years, the aptly named Britax One4Life ClickTight All-in-One Car Seat is a true one-and-done option. Our product tester has three children, ranging in age from 9 months old to almost 7 years, and she told us, “All three of my kids could sit comfortably in this seat because of how adjustable it was.” The utility, safety and convenience it provides over the course of a full decade are why we chose the One4Life as this year’s Best of The Bump award winner for best convertible car seat. (See all of this year’s Best of The Bump winners).

Awarding the One4Life perfect 5 out of 5 scores for both safety and ease of use, our tester was able to put the seat through its paces across multiple modes. It starts off with the rear-facing seat for infants, and adjusts to toddler rear-facing as your child gets older. You can convert the seat to a forward-facing five-point harness seat once your little one hits the height and weight limits, then move on to the forward-facing high-back booster seat when they’re bigger. The booster mode particularly stands out from the pack with a 63" height limit—significantly higher than all the other models we tested, allowing your child to stay secure for longer.

A high-strength steel frame keeps the seat structure sturdy and stabilized, while the SafeCell technology and patented V-shaped tether helps protect your little one from crash energy. “The V-shaped tether for forward-facing is a neat safety feature I haven't seen before,” our tester told us. She also had praise for the no-rethread harness, which she told us made the height “very easy to change for each of the kids,” and the carrying handle, which she called “a game changer! It made it much easier to carry the seat to the car and move it.”

The install is a breeze too, thanks to the seat's ClickTight installation that you can tackle in three quick steps (just open, thread and buckle, and click it closed). “I loved how secure and tight of an install the ClickTight technology gave the seat,” our tester said. “I couldn't wiggle the seat around at all, and I didn't have to pull super hard on the straps like I normally do.” The nine-position recline and 15-position headrest and harness make fast work of fitting the seat into your car—and getting the seat to fit your child too.

All in all, the Britax One4Life ClickTight All-in-One Car Seat is a product that will keep delivering, year after year. As our product tester told us, she gave the One4Life a 5 out of 5 score for value for money “because you can technically use this seat for as long as your child needs a car seat, it has a tremendous value for what you’re paying!”

Dimensions: 19.5" (L) x 20.5" (W) x 25" (H) | Weight: 29.5 lbs | Weight capacity (rear-facing): 5 to 50 lbs. | Weight capacity (forward-facing): 22 to 65 lbs. | Weight capacity (booster): 40 to 120 lbs. | Height limit: 63"

Our product tester says:
“It's a wonderful seat that can grow with your child. It has great features (especially the Clicktight technology) and is super safe.”

Buy Now

Best convertible car seat with added safety features

Chicco OneFit ClearTex All-in-One Car Seat
Image: Kohl's
What We Love
  • Easy to install
  • Unique safety features
  • Seat cover is easy to remove and wash
Things To Consider
  • Cushioned seats may hold a lot of crumbs

It’s natural to want the safest convertible car seat on the market. And while Sagan assures that “if you’re buying a car seat in the US from a reputable manufacturer, it'll meet basic safety standards,” some products go above and beyond to give parents additional peace of mind. Our product tester rested easy knowing her kids were secure in the Chicco OneFit ClearTex All-in-One Car Seat, which earned 5 out of 5 scores for safety and ease of use. Little ones get two layers of protection with a steel-reinforced frame and EPS energy-absorbing foam that surround the head and torso. “I feel my child is very safe riding in this car seat,” our tester told us.

Ease of use is just as important when it comes to safety; the safest car seat in the world won’t work properly if it’s not installed right. Fortunately the OneFit ClearTex’s Premium LATCH connectors, SuperCinch force multiplying tightener and LockSure steel-reinforced seat belt lock-off system give you a snug, secure fit without the sweat. Our tester swears by these features, telling us, “the SuperCinch made it extra tight and secure.”

Convenient adjustable features like the nine-position ReclineSure leveling system make it easy to get a custom fit for your kid too. Our tester was able to adjust the infant seat harness “in seconds.” And your little rider will always be comfortable, thanks to extra rear-facing legroom and multiple recline options for all four modes of use. So it’s nice to know they won’t just be safe, they’ll be comfy too.

Dimensions: 19" (L) x 30.5" (W) x 27" (H) | Weight: 25 lbs. | Weight capacity (rear-facing): 4 to 40 lbs. | Weight capacity (forward-facing): 25 to 65 lbs. | Weight capacity (booster): 40 to 100 lbs. | Height limit: 57"

Our product tester says:
"I love this seat and all of the amazing safety features."

Buy Now

Best rotating convertible car seat

Cybex Sirona S Convertible Car Seat
Image: Amazon
What We Love
  • 12-position recline
  • No-rethread adjustable harness
Things To Consider
  • Seat is on the heavier side
  • High price point

When it comes to innovations in car seat technology, the Cybex Sirona S has a lot going for it. You can install this unique car seat just once, and use it both rear- and forward-facing without reinstalling. And while you’d think installing this engineering marvel would be difficult, "It took us about five minutes total to read the instructions and install the car seat for the first time using the LATCH system," our tester told us, awarding the Sirona S a 5 out of 5 score for ease of installation.

You'll appreciate this car seat's tech-savvy safety features too, which earned Cybex another 5 out of 5 for safety from our tester. SensorSafe technology in the chest clip alerts you via your phone of any critical situations happening in the car seat, like dangerous temperatures or a safety belt that wasn't properly closed. “The seat belt app alert was my favorite safety feature,” our tester said. It’s also one of the only convertible car seat models to feature a load leg (a common safety feature in infant car seats), which helps to stabilize the seat during any potential impact, along with linear side impact protection.

But what makes this seat a standout has to be its 360-degree rotation. This feature doesn’t just let you switch from rear to forward-facing with just a single swivel, it also makes for easier access in and out of the seat. And you only need a single hand to do it, which we'd say is pretty darn brilliant.

Dimensions: 19" (L) x 24.5" (W) x 25.5" (H) | Weight: 30.4 lbs. | Weight capacity (rear-facing): 4 to 50 lbs. | Weight capacity (forward-facing): 22 to 65 lbs. | Height limit: 49"

Our product tester says:
“I specifically like that it can tell if the temperature is too hot. That is something I’m always worried about in the summers. I also like that it can tell you how long baby has been in the car seat—very helpful for road trips!”

Buy Now

Best rear-facing convertible car seat

What We Love
  • Lightweight
  • No-rethread harness
  • Cover is easy to clean
Things To Consider
  • Bulky design
  • Cover shape may catch crumbs
  • Some users say getting a tight seat belt install is challenging

Both the AAP and the NHTSA advocate for children to remain rear-facing during car travel for as long as possible—and the Graco Extend2Fit 3-in1 Car Seat’s extendable panel for more legroom and 50-pound rear-facing weight limit make rear-facing an option for longer. “This is a huge reason why we prefer this seat,” our product tester told us, giving the Extend2Fit a 5 out of 5 for safety.

Of course, once your tot does outgrow rear-facing mode, you can convert the seat to a forward-facing harness—and later, a high-back booster. No matter what the mode, our product tester gave this seat a 5 out of 5 for ease of use. “The no-rethread system is a lifesaver!” she told us. “Kids grow so fast, and I can quickly raise the straps up a notch when needed.” Plus, you won't break a sweat buckling your little one in. "This seat is super easy to get babies and toddlers into. It's roomy but still provides adequate padding for comfort," she added. “My toddlers are able to climb in themselves and start the buckling process… this seat allows my kids to be as safe as possible while still staying comfortable.”

Dimensions: 19" W X 24.5" H x 20.75" D | Weight: 20.5 lbs. | Weight capacity (rear-facing): 4 to 50 lbs. | Weight capacity (forward-facing): 22 to 65 lbs. | Height limit: 49"

Our product tester says:
“I love the panel that extends to provide additional leg room to keep my toddlers rear-facing longer.”

Our community says:

“We like how the car seat adjusts with our baby's growth. We like the safety features the best, we feel that our baby is secured in the car seat. ” - Katrina, The Bump survey respondent and mom of one

“Comfortable, safe, easy to wash.” - Holly, The Bump survey respondent and mom of two

Buy Now

Best all-in-one convertible car seat

What We Love
  • Rotating seat
  • Single install for all three modes
  • SensorSafe technology
Things To Consider
  • High price point
  • Some users say the seat is a bit large

Some car seats simply do it all. The Evenflo Gold Revolve360 Rotational All-in-One Car Seat is packed with features, and they impressed our product tester so much she gave it 5 out of 5 scores across a broad range of categories, including—no surprises here!—features and design. “It was well-designed overall—there are no features I dislike!”

The 360-degree rotating feature means you don't have to hunch and twist to get your little one buckled in—the seat turns out towards you. “It made getting my one-year-old in so much quicker and easier,” Anna says, noting that her 8-year-old had no problem climbing into the booster on their own either. “It was a life-saver for my back!”

You've got LATCH and seat belt options for installing the seat, and our product tester reported that both felt stable and secure, giving the Revolve360 5 out of 5 scores for ease of installation, ease of use and safety. A 50-pound weight limit for rear-facing mode means that toddlers can stay in the position for longer, and SensorSafe technology in the chest clip alerts you via your phone of potentially unsafe conditions, like an unbuckled chest clip or dangerous temperatures. “There are so many amazing features for the price point,” she said. “It can really make us parents feel a lot safer knowing the car seat is able to detect these kinds of potentially dangerous situations.”

With all that it does, you might expect that setup would be complicated, but “the installation process was less than 10 minutes.” The Evenflo's steel-reinforced frame car seat boasts a single install for all three of the seat's modes (rear-facing, forward-facing, and booster), so once it's ready, it's all set to deliver for years to come.

Dimensions: 19.8" (L) x 21" (W) x 25.9" (H) | Weight: 31 lbs. | Weight capacity (rear-facing): 4 to 40 lbs | Weight capacity (forward-facing): 22 to 65 lbs. | Weight capacity (booster): 40 to 120 lbs. | Height limit: 57"

Our product tester says:
"I would definitely recommend the Evenflo Gold Revolve360 Rotational All-in-One Convertible Car Seat to other parents! The sensorsafe and the 360 degree rotation features are my absolute favorite, and I know other parents will agree. An amazing price for a product that will last years while my child continues to grow!"

Buy Now

Best slim convertible car seat

What We Love
  • Great for small cars
  • Narrow design
  • Seat cover is easy clean
Things To Consider
  • Need additional insert for babies under 14 lbs.
  • Installation instructions can be confusing

Convertible car seats are not known for being lean, which can be problematic in smaller cars or even mid-sized cars with multiple car seats. Enter the Clek Foonf, which combines both a narrow footprint and top-of-the-line features. At a trim 16.9" across, the Foonf provides a comfortable seat for growing toddlers and is an ideal contender for fitting three car seats across. "I love how it didn't take up too much space," said our product tester. “The car seat fit perfectly into the car chair, it was not too big nor too small.”

And its size doesn’t skimp on safety. An anti-rebound bar, steel magnesium frame and rigid LATCH system (the only one of its kind for a forward-facing seat in the US) all work together to keep your child safe in the event of a crash. "The safety anti-rebound bar was a really great additional feature; it made me feel like my baby is super safe in the car seat," says Guilliani.

Of course, the real test of a slim car seat is whether it can deliver that narrow footprint while still providing enough space for baby. And our product tester, who gave the Clek Foonf 5 out 5 scores for both rear-facing capabilities and features and design, assured us that it does. “The car seat itself is very roomy and elevated,” she told us, “which makes baby feel very comfortable. She didn’t even cry, because she was able to see everyone.”

Dimensions: 16.9" (L) x 33" (W) x 32.5" (H) | Weight (rear-facing): 38 lbs. | Weight (forward-facing): 33 lbs. | Weight capacity (rear-facing): 14 to 50 lbs | Weight capacity (forward-facing): 22 to 65 lbs. | Height limit: 49"

Our product tester says:
"I love how it didn't take up too much space."

Buy Now

Best convertible car seat for travel

Evenflo Tribute Convertible Car Seat
Image: Amazon
What We Love
  • Lightweight and compact
  • FAA-approved
  • Side impact protection
Things To Consider
  • Lower height and weight limit
  • No anti-rebound bar
  • No booster option

Weight and size matters when you're on the go. Clocking in at just 9 pounds and 18.5 inches across, this FAA-approved convertible seat is suitable for installation on airplanes, and the portable size won't make getting it to the gate a chore. It's great for small cars and tight spaces too.

Our product tester gave the Evenflo Tribute perfect 5 out of 5 scores for ease of installation and ease of use, which is a relief for traveling parents who don't want to fiddle with their seat while a line forms behind them. “Putting my kids into the car seat was very simple, and you could tell they were comfortable,” she told us.

You won’t find a lot of extra frills, features or padding here, and the seat has a lower weight and height limit than the others we tested, so it's best for preschoolers and younger. But in terms of balancing size and security, the Evenflo Tribute can’t be beaten. “The safety features are really good,” our product tester reported, giving the Tribute a resounding 5 out of 5 for safety. “I love that I can use this seat rear- and forward-facing and it feels very stable and secure either way.”

So how did our product tester’s kids like it? “I would say my children are very comfortable with this seat,” she told us, “since they all fall asleep after about 10 minutes of being put in!” So if you’re eager for a smooth trip (and what parent isn’t?), this might be the seat for you.

Dimensions: 18.5" (L) x 19" (W) x 25" (H) | Weight: 9.3 lbs. | Weight capacity (rear-facing): 5 to 40 lbs. | Weight capacity (forward-facing): 22 to 40 lbs. | Height limit: 40"

Our product tester says:
“The car seat fit all my children perfectly. I love the design, and it’s really simple and easy to use overall!”

Buy Now

Best lightweight convertible car seat

What We Love
  • Lightweight and compact
  • Rollover tested
  • Side impact protection
Things To Consider
  • Limited recline options

“Most car seats can be very difficult,” our product tester said, and she’s not wrong! Even user-friendly models can be heavy and unwieldy, making installation and reinstallation a pain in the neck (and back!). But the Graco SlimFit 3-in-1 Car Seat weighs in at just under 20 lbs. and only a little over 20 inches across, which makes this featherweight hero a breeze to set up.

“It was very easy to install,” our product tester told us, for both rear-facing and forward-facing. “I feel like [it] removes all of the stress from setting up car seats.” It probably won’t surprise you that she gave the SlimFit 5 out of 5 for ease of installation! This was particularly important to our tester, who has three children, each of whom needs a well-installed seat. “The car seat fit flawlessly in my back seat along with two others," she said. A blessing for bigger families!

The push-button LATCH installation makes a satisfying click to let you know when the seat is firmly in place. Four recline positions and a no-rethread harness system make for easy adjustments as your child grows too. And there's no sacrificing safety for convenience, thanks to a steel-reinforced frame and EPS energy-absorbing foam to reduce crash impact. “I truly appreciate the safety features,” our tester said, giving the SlimFit another 5 out of 5 score for safety. “The seat felt extremely secure when installed correctly.”

Dimensions: 19.9" (L) x 21.5" (W) x 25.5" (H) | Weight: 19.5 lbs. | Weight capacity (rear-facing): 5 to 40 lbs. | Weight capacity (forward-facing): 22 to 65 lbs. | Weight capacity (booster): 40 to 100 lbs. | Height limit: 57"

Our product tester says:
“I 100 percent believe that this car seat is worth the price. Not only is it extremely comfortable, but it has amazing capabilities of growing with my child. I strongly believe that I will use this for a very long time. This is our best car seat yet.

Buy Now

Easiest convertible car seat to install

Britax Boulevard ClickTight Convertible Car Seat
Image: Amazon
What We Love
  • Simple installation
  • Anti-rebound bar
  • Cover is free of flame-retardant chemicals
Things To Consider
  • On the heavier side
  • Doesn't transition to a booster
  • No cup holders

This convertible car seat is perfect for parents looking for foolproof installation. Securing this option in your vehicle is as easy as buckling a seatbelt, thanks to the ClickTight system (just lift the seat, thread the seatbelt and click it shut). “I love the ClickTight feature,” our product tester said. “The hooks make the car seat extremely secure on the seat of my minivan.”

What’s more, this all-in-one car seat features an anti-rebound bar, a V-shaped tether, a high-strength steel frame and SafeCell technology, making this one of the safest convertible car seats on the market. "Visibly, my child just LOOKS secure as well, which means a lot because some seats don't have that universal fit for all children and body types," our tester said, who rated the seat a 5 out 5 for safety.

To top it all off, getting kids in and out of the Boulevard isn't a major hassle. The roomy seat makes it easy to get a baby or toddler situated, but still snug enough to feel secure. The padded straps were comfortable and easy to adjust too. "Pulling to make the fit absolutely perfect was simple," our tester said.

Dimensions: 18.5" (L) x 23" (W) x 23.7" (H) | Weight: 29.4 lbs. | Weight capacity (rear-facing): 5 to 40 lbs. | Weight capacity (forward-facing): 22 to 65 lbs. | Height limit: 49"

Our product tester says:
“The instructions were very clear and easy to understand. It was also very easy to install the rear-facing setting. That’s something that I really enjoyed, because most car seats can be very difficult. It was also very easy to install in the forward-facing position. I feel that this car seat removes all of the stress from setting up car seats.”

Buy Now

Best premium convertible car seat

babyark Convertible Car Seat
Image: Babyark
Buying Options
Babyark|$1,190
What We Love
  • App-based installation
  • Anti-rebound bar
  • No expiration date
Things To Consider
  • Expensive
  • Doesn't transition to a booster

If you're looking for a top-of-the-line option—the kind of luxury car seat that lets your little one ride in style—look no further. The babyark convertible car seat boasts smart engineering and protection design, including a carbon-fiber and steel core and innovative energy absorption technology pioneered by the military (wow!). The price tag is nothing to sneeze at, but as our product tester puts it, “The babyark is an investment in the safety of your child.”

One high-end feature our tester raved about was the app-guided installation, which provides instructions tailored to baby’s age, and even confirms that the seat is connected and placed securely in the car. A green light on the base also tracks your progress, so you know when you're doing it right. “It gives me peace of mind,” she told us, giving the babyark 5 out of 5 scores for ease of use, ease of installation and safety. And the rear-facing capabilities did just as well—the babyark also has an anti-rebound bar and a 55-pound weight limit for rear-facing mode, so you can keep your toddler in the safest position for longer.

One of the most amazing things about the babyark? Unlike most car seats, it has no expiration date. This particularly impressed our product tester, who told us, “I think it’s worth the price for a seat you can use with multiple children. I’ll use the seat now with my older kids, and for many more years to come with my 4-year-old.”

Dimensions: 17.3" (L) x 25.5" (W) x 27" (H) | Weight: 25 lbs. (seat); 20 lbs. (base) | Weight capacity (rear-facing): 4 to 55 lbs. | Weight capacity (forward-facing): 22 to 65 lbs. | Height limit: 49"

Our product tester says:
“This splurge of a car seat is worth it for families that will use it for several years.”

Buy Now

Convertible Car Seats Comparison Chart

Overall best convertible car seatBest convertible car seat with added safety featuresBest rotating convertible car seatBest rear-facing convertible car seatBest all-in-one convertible car seatBest slim convertible car seatBest convertible car seat for travelBest lightweight convertible car seatEasiest convertible car seat to installBest premium convertible car seat
Overall Best
Britax One4Life ClickTight All-in-One Car Seat
Chicco OneFit ClearTex All-in-One Car Seat
Cybex Sirona S Convertible Car Seat
Graco Extend2Fit 3-in1 Car Seat
Evenflo Gold Revolve360 Extend Rotational All-in-One Car Seat
Clek Foonf Convertible Car Seat
Evenflo Tribute Convertible Car Seat
Graco SlimFit 3-in-1 Car Seat
Britax Boulevard ClickTight Convertible Car Seat
babyark Convertible Car Seat
Price$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
Dimensions19.5" (L) x 20.5" (W) x 25" (H)19" (L) x 30.5" (W) x 27" (H)19" (L) x 24.5" (W) x 25.5" (H)19" (L) X 20.8" (W) x 24.5" (H)19.8" (L) x 21" (W) x 25.9" (H)16.9" (L) x 33" (W) x 32.5" (H)18.5" (L) x 19" (W) x 25" (H)19.9" (L) x 21.5" (W) x 25.5" (H)18.5" (L) x 23" (W) x 23.7" (H)17.3" (L) x 25.5" (W) x 27" (H)
Weight29.5 lbs.25 lbs.30.4 lbs.20.5 lbs.31 lbs.38 lbs.9.3 lbs.19.5 lbs.29.4 lbs.25 lbs. (seat); 20 lbs. (base)
Rear-facing weight capacity5 to 50 lbs.4 to 40 lbs.4 to 50 lbs.4 to 50 lbs.4 to 40 lbs.14 to 50 lbs.4 to 40 lbs.5 to 40 lbs.5 to 40 lbs.4 to 55 lbs.
Forward-facing weight capacity22 to 65 lbs.25 to 65 lbs.22 to 65 lbs.22 to 65 lbs.22 to 65 lbs.22 to 65 lbs.22 to 40 lbs. 22 to 65 lbs.22 to 65 lbs.22 to 65 lbs.
Booster seat
Side-impact features
Buy NowRead Full ReviewBuy NowRead Full ReviewBuy NowRead Full ReviewBuy NowRead Full ReviewBuy NowRead Full ReviewBuy NowRead Full ReviewBuy NowRead Full ReviewBuy NowRead Full ReviewBuy NowRead Full ReviewBuy NowRead Full Review

Infant Car Seat vs. Convertible Car Seat: What’s the Difference?

Confused about what’s what in the world of car seats? We don’t blame you. Here’s the breakdown.

An infant car seat can only be used rear-facing and has a more limited height and weight range (often maxing out at 40 pounds). Whereas a convertible car seat can be used both rear- and forward-facing and often has a higher height and weight limit, meaning you can use it from infancy through toddlerhood.

Another key difference between the two types of car seats? Depending on baby’s height and weight, infant options typically can’t be used for much longer once a child turns one, while convertible designs might last until a child is 4 years and above. Infant car seats do offer parents more portability, since they’re lighter, can be clicked in and out of their base and often connect to stroller systems. In contrast, convertible car seats are bulky and heavy and remain in the car. They can be a one-and-done purchase though, as they’ll grow with your child from their newborn days on.

In short, many parents find that an infant car seat wins on convenience in the early days. But if you’re aiming to buy a single car seat that’ll see you through babyhood to the big kid years, a convertible car seat is the way to go, Sagan says.

What to Look for When Shopping for the Best Convertible Car Seats

Need help finding a top-rated convertible car seat for your little one? Below, find a list of questions that will help you spot key features and determine the best convertible car seat for your family:

  • How big is it? Convertible car seats aren’t known for being particularly slim and trim. So a size that will fit in your car is the first thing you should look for, according to Sagan. Be sure to take into consideration the car seat’s width (especially if you have a smaller car or plan on having more than one car seat in the row) and also its length (particularly if the seat will be on the driver’s side). “You need to get 80 percent or more of the car seat base on your vehicle seat,” Sagan says. “If you have overhang that exceeds what the manufacturer requires, it doesn’t fit.” Take weight into consideration if you plan on switching the car seat from vehicle to vehicle or traveling with it.

  • What are its size limits? Many convertible car seats can hold infants as small as 4 pounds up to kids as heavy as 120 pounds. If you plan on using the seat from infancy on, make sure the weight limit starts low enough; on the flip side, if you want the seat to last beyond toddlerhood, look for a high weight and height capacity.

  • How does it install? According to the AAP, convertible car seats can be installed using either a car’s seat belt or a LATCH system (lower anchors and tethers for children). While nearly all vehicles made after 2002 are equipped to use LATCH, it’s important to confirm before selecting a car seat. Also, correct installation is critical to a car seat’s safety—so look for a seat that makes the process simple.

  • What are its safety features? The good news: Except for any recalls (we’ll get into that in a bit), all convertible car seats available for purchase in the US will be safe to use, as they all must adhere to strict standards. However, there are some extra features that can increase a seat’s safety in the event of a crash or collision. Sagan recommends keeping an eye out for some form of side impact protection, side wings or energy-absorbing foam, and anti-rebound bars (ARB), which reduce the movement of the car seat towards the back of the car.

  • How comfortable will it be? Lots of features can make for an extra comfy ride for your little one. If planning to use the convertible car seat from infancy on, look for a seat that comes with an added infant insert for extra head and neck support. Multiple recline and headrest positions will tailor the ride for baby, cup holders will become critical as your child grows and an adjustable no-rethread harness will make things easier for both parents and little ones alike. However, Sagan warns against buying inserts or other car seat accessories unless they’ve been deemed safe to use by your manufacturer for your car seat model. If the product isn’t approved, it hasn’t been tested by the manufacturer for safety with your car seat.

  • When does it expire? Just like milk or eggs, car seats have a shelf life. If you’re planning on using your convertible car seat for many years to come, make sure the expiration date fits your intended timeframe. “Even if it’s on the shelf today doesn’t mean it wasnt manufactured a year or two ago,” cautions Sagan.

Above all else, parents want to buy the safest convertible car seat possible. One way to determine that is through the NHTSA evaluations. The NHTSA evaluates convertible car seats for their ease of use, looking at four different categories and subsequently ranking them from one to five stars. And while the ranking doesn’t explicitly address safety, a car seat is only safe when used and installed correctly (which is where ease-of-use comes in). Additionally, the NHTSA keeps track of any car seat recalls.

When to Switch From an Infant Car Seat to a Convertible Car Seat

If you decide to use an infant car seat first, you’ll eventually have to switch over to a convertible car seat once baby gets too big. Exactly when that happens depends on the size of your little one. As soon as they reach the maximum height and weight for your specific infant model, it’s time to make the move to a rear-facing convertible design, Sagan says.

But even if your child stays within the infant car seat’s size limits by their first birthday, you should consider making the move over to a convertible option for baby’s safety. Consumer Reports finds that a convertible car seat is safer in a crash than an infant car seat for children one and older.

About the writer:

Marygrace Taylor is a freelance health and parenting writer based in Philadelphia, who’s written dozens of product roundups, health features and personal essays for The Bump. She’s also a highly experienced car seat and travel crib user, thanks to her 5-year-old.

Interested in becoming a product tester for The Bump? Head here to apply.

Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.

Sources

Elizabeth Sagan, CPST-I, is a program specialist at Safe Kids Connecticut, a program of Connecticut Children's Medical Center’s Injury Prevention Center in Hartford, Connecticut.

Healthy Children (AAP), Car Seat Installation Information: Seat Belts & LATCH, February 2021

American Academy of Pediatrics, Car Seats: Information for Families, May 2023

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Car Seats and Booster Seats

Consumer Reports, When It's Time To Upgrade Your Child's Car Seat, April 2023.

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