The 12 Best Convertible Car Seats You Can Buy Now

Both the AAP and the NHTSA advocate for children to remain rear-facing during car travel for as long as possible—and the extended height and weight limits on this all-in-one car seat make that an option for longer. This design from Graco has one of the highest height and weight limits, topping out when a child reaches 49 inches and 50 pounds—both of which are over the 90th percentile for a typical 5-year-old boy. Plus, the adjustable extension panel gives your growing little one up to 5” of extra room, eliminating fears of scrunched-up legs. A 10-position headrest and six-position recline also provide a comfortable seated position, no matter your child’s size. And at just under $250, it’s one of the most affordable options available, making it the best convertible car seat out there in our eyes.

Searching for an investment that will grow with your child and last for years? Do you also need to fit multiple car seats across in your midsize vehicle? Allow us to point you in the direction of this standout 3-in-1 car seat from Diono; it packs a ton of features into an attractive, strong alloy and aluminum frame. Count on it to seamlessly transition from a newborn car seat to a convertible car seat to a booster seat—plus, it’s also great for moving from car to car, thanks to the straps that let you carry it like a backpack.

This convertible car seat is a quadruple threat; it can be used as a rear-facing or a forward-facing seat to a high-back or a backless booster. Basically, your kiddo will be able to use it from the day they’re born until the day they’re ready to sit in your car without any type of additional support. Plus, Graco’s InRight latch system ensures a straightforward one-second attachment for quick and easy installation; and the Simply Safe Adjust system automatically adjusts both the harness and headrest height without you needing to rethread. For a little under $250, you’re basically getting four car seats in one. Win-win-win-win!

When it comes to innovations in car-seat technology, this rotating convertible car seat has a lot going for it. It’s one of the only models to feature a load leg (a common safety feature in infant car seats), which helps to stabilize the seat during any potential impact. And that’s not all—install it just once and use both rear- and forward-facing. SensorSafe technology in the chest clip alerts parents of any critical situations happening in the car seat, like dangerous temperatures or a child left unattended. But what makes this three-time Best of Baby award-winner a standout has to be its 360-degree rotation. This feature makes for easier access in and out of the seat—and allows the car seat to convert from rear to forward-facing with just a single swivel.

Looking for an option with a narrow footprint that won’t take up too much space in your back row? Check out this slim convertible car seat from Graco. Just because it’s small doesn’t mean you’ll miss out on top-notch features. After a straightforward installation process, expect it to keep your child safe and secure, thanks to its eight-position adjustable headrest, two-position recline and no-rethread harness. Plus, its lightweight design and certification for aircraft use make this convertible car seat a piece of cake to travel with.

Baby is sure to feel like a VIP (very important passenger!) every time they ride in this all-in-one car seat. The high-end design is inspired by Dutch minimalism and seamlessly converts from a rear- to a forward-facing seat that has eight recline settings and 12 head support positions. Then, when your little one becomes a big kid, they can use it as a sleek, secure booster seat. Thanks to the steel frame and reinforced belt, you can confidently count on this convertible car seat for many years to come. What’s more, it’s suitable for children between 5 and 120 pounds.

This infant convertible car seat’s tri-stage cushion provides extra support for a newborn’s neck and bottom, and can be removed as your baby grows older to maintain proper positioning. Plus, the combination of kinetic pods (which direct force away from your child in a side-collision), an anti-rebound bar and height-adjustable side-impact protection work to keep your little one safe at every stage.

This convertible car seat is a consistent bestseller and family favorite for a reason. Top-rated by Consumer Reports, it comes with advanced safety and convenience features, is simple to install and is stylish to boot. Installation is as simple as opening a color-coded pathway, threading the seatbelt and shutting the pathway door. Children can stay rear-facing until they weigh more than 50 pounds (one of the highest capacities available), and the 10-position headrest adjusts with just one hand. Parents and toddlers alike appreciate the double cup holders, magnetic harness holders and washable fabric (because toddler messes are inevitable). A bonus for the environment? The RAVA is Greenguard Gold-certified.

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. Even at a trim 16.9” wide, the Foonf provides a comfortably roomy seat for growing toddlers—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.

This convertible car seat can remain rear-facing until your little one reaches the 40-pound mark, so you can keep your child in the safe position for longer. The design has a nine-position recline system, an easy-to-adjust headrest and a five-point harness to meet baby’s ever-changing needs as they grow. Inside the seat is a steel-reinforced frame and EPS energy-absorbing foam for baby’s safety and your peace of mind. Bonus features include click-on LATCH connectors for smooth transitions between vehicles, a dishwasher-safe cup holder and removable, washable covers.

Top-rated by Consumer Reports in terms of safety and ease of use, 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). 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.

Looking to save on cost without sacrificing safety? This convertible car seat is a fantastic option for those on a budget. It’s great for small cars, tight spaces and travel, thanks to its low weight (just 9 lbs) and narrow width (17”). You won’t find a lot of extra frills, features or padding, but in terms of balancing budget and security, the Evenflo Tribute LX can’t be beaten. Bonus: Get 15 percent off sitewide with code bump15.