The 8 Best Convertible Car Seats for All Ages, Tested by Parents

Beloved by our enthusiastic tester and a favorite among The Bump community, the Nuna RAVA Convertible Car Seat stood out from the pack for its noteworthy safety ratings and ease of use. But what really put it over the top for a Best of The Bump award for overall best convertible car seat was the performance of its extended rear-facing design. (See all of this year’s Best of The Bump winners.)

It's no secret that rear-facing is the safest position for children to travel in a car. The problem? While many car seats accommodate children up to 50 pounds in the rear-facing position, many don't offer enough legroom for older children. The Nuna RAVA solves that with an adjustable calf support feature to offer bigger kids more legroom (two inches more, in fact). And, more importantly, it actually works: “My daughter, who is 3 years old and under 50 pounds, seemed to be very comfortable and excited to ride rear-facing. I loved that it had more legroom for her,” reported our product tester Nicole. It’s even more impressive given that Nicole’s daughter was used to sitting forward-facing, yet actually enjoyed going back to rear-facing. “This car seat is high quality and my kids fit in it so well," she said, adding that, "I know we will make full use of its lifespan.”

Installing the seat, whether rear- or forward-facing, was straightforward. “It didn't take long at all,” Nicole said. Added reassurance comes from Nuna’s special “true tension” doors, which allow you to make sure installation is taut and secure without requiring a lot of force. And when you need to make adjustments for different kids to ride in the seat, it's a cinch. Nicole loved the no-rethread harness and 10-position headrest that can be adjusted with one hand. “It adapted really well for using with my 1 year old and 3 year old and the head rest was easy to move and gave great support to both my kids,” she told us. “Putting my kids into the car seat was very simple and you could tell they were comfortable.”

Of course when it comes to car seats, safety is always going to be top of mind. We’re pleased to say that the RAVA achieved a very high overall score of 81 by Consumer Reports. And with the extended rear-facing feature performing so well for our tester’s 3-year-old, the Nuna RAVA truly excels in so many areas, earning it a well-deserved Best of The Bump.

Dimensions: 16" (L) x 19" (W) x 25" (H) | Weight: 27.2 lbs. Weight capacity (rear-facing): 5 to 50 lbs. Weight capacity (forward-facing): 25 to 65 lbs. Height limit: 49"

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Designed for 10 years of use, the aptly named Britax One4Life ClickTight All-in-One Car Seat—our Best of The Bump winner for best all-in-one car seat—converts from rear-facing to forward-facing and finally into a car seat booster, meaning it can be used from infancy to into the tween years. Our product tester Holly 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,” adding, “I loved the no rethread harness height adjuster. It was very easy to change for each of the kids.” The booster mode particularly stands out from the pack with a 63 inch height limit and 120 lb weight limit—higher than all the other all-in-one models we tested, allowing bigger children 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,” Holly told us, rating the One4Life 10 out of 10 for safety.

The seat's ClickTight installation earned it another 10 out of 10 score for ease of installation; you can tackle the job 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 10 out of 10 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"

If you're looking for a top-of-the-line option that puts safety first, look no further. The price tag on the babyark Convertible Car Seat is nothing to sneeze at, but as our product tester Melissa puts it, “The babyark is an investment in the safety of your child.” While all of the car seats we tested meet federal safety standards, this one truly goes above and beyond, boasting smart engineering and protection design, including a carbon-fiber and steel core and innovative energy absorption technology pioneered by the military. It also pairs with an app that confirms when your child is safely buckled in each time and even sends a forgotten child alert, which is “a great feature, especially in the hot summertime,” Melissa said. Of course, we would expect nothing less from our Best of The Bump winner for additional safety features.

Our tester raved about the app-guided installation, which provides instructions tailored to baby’s age, and confirms that the seat is connected and placed securely in the car. A green light and 14 sensors on the smart base also track your progress, so you know when you're doing it right. “Car seats are only as safe as they say when installed correctly,” Melissa said, so “the fact that it lets you know it is installed correctly [with] the green light and app message gives me peace of mind that my children are safe.” It’s no wonder, then, that she gave the babyark top marks for ease of use, ease of installation and safety.

The non-digital features did just as well—the babyark also has a stabilizing support leg, side impact protection wings and anti-rebound bar. “The anti rebound bar is very sturdy and doesn’t get in the way of everyday use,” Melissa reported. “I also like knowing it’s another feature for keeping my kids safe in the car.” Plus, this seat boasts 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 due to the materials used and app technology, although you’ll need to book a free check-up after 10 years. “I think it’s worth the price for a seat you can use with multiple children,” she said. “I’ll use the seat now with my older kids, and for many more years to come with my 4-year-old."

Dimensions: 30" (L) x 17" (W) x 27.5" (H) |** Weight:** 27 lbs. (seat); 20 lbs. (base) | Weight capacity (rear-facing): 4 to 55 lbs. | Weight capacity (forward-facing): 22 to 65 lbs. | Height limit: 49"

Car seats aren't a baby gear category where you'd ever feel comfortable skimping to save a few bucks. But with the Graco's Extend2Fit 3-in-1 Car Seat, our Best of The Bump winner for best budget-friendly convertible car seat, you can still manage your costs while making sure your child's convertible seat cuts no corners when it comes to safety and functionality. For starters, the Extend2Fit was awarded Consumer Reports’ highest crash test rating. It also delivers a 3-in-1 design—converting not only from rear-facing to forward-facing, but also into a high-back booster—at a price you don’t normally see in such models, making sure you really get your money’s worth. And our product tester Madison, who gave the Extend2Fit a 10 out of 10 score for value for money, plans to take full advantage of that well-priced longevity. “I’ll use this until booster mode, which is phenomenal for the price.”

We’ve already talked about how important it is to keep your child rear-facing as long as you can. Both the AAP and the NHTSA agree, advocating for children to remain rear-facing during car travel for as long as possible—and the Graco Extend2Fit 3-in1 Car Seat’s 50-pound rear-facing weight limit make it an affordable extended rear-facing option. The standout feature for keeping older toddlers rear-facing for longer is the adjustable foot panel. “I love the panel that extends to provide additional leg room to keep my toddlers rear facing longer,” enthused Madison. “This is a huge reason why we prefer this seat. It allowed my 99th percentile son to rear-face until he was almost 4 years old.”

But no matter what mode you’re using, Madison gave this seat a 10 out of 10 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: 20.8" (L) x 19" (W) x 24.5" (H) | Weight: 20.5 lbs. | Weight capacity (rear-facing): 4 to 50 lbs. | Weight capacity (forward-facing): 22 to 65 lbs. | Height limit: 49"

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Fitting multiple car seats in a small car, or fitting three seats in a row, can sometimes feel like working a jigsaw puzzle. But at just 17 inches wide, the Diono Radian 3RXT Safe+, our Best of The Bump winner for best slim convertible car seat, can make the job a little easier. Not only was it the narrowest of any seat we tested, but the difference was noticeable to our tester Alyssa, who told us that the slim profile created a huge advantage over her previous car seat, especially when it came to fitting multiple seats in the back of her car.

With three children between the ages of 6 months and 4 years, Alyssa was delighted by how easy the seat was to install in both positions with LATCH. “The process was quick, taking only a few minutes to securely fasten the seat into place. Using the LATCH system for rear-facing installation was exceptionally straightforward,” she told us. She also loved how easy it was to switch from rear- to forward-facing (often a long, head-scratching experience), enthusing, “Transitioning from rear-facing to front-facing was surprisingly quick and took me only about five minutes.” Another highlight for Alyssa was the ease in which she could get her children securely in place. “Getting my baby in and out, as well as buckling up, was relatively straightforward once the straps were properly adjusted. Similarly, my 2-year-old and even my 4-year-old could manage to climb into the seat and buckle up independently without any issues.”

Despite the Radian’s slim size, Alyssa found the seat comfortable for even her oldest child, stating, “All three of my children fit comfortably in the car seat, with the 4-year-old even expressing gratitude for his new seat.” She also praised the Radian’s quality, durability and thoughtful design. Constructed from automotive-grade, high-strength steel, this car seat doesn't compromise on safety features or usability—its SafePlus technology offers six-layer side impact protection. An anti-rebound bar reduces the amount of rebound movement in the event of a crash, and while Alyssa did appreciate the extra protection, she found that the bar restricted leg room when rear-facing. Overall, Alyssa reported that the seat “exceeds expectations” and “offers exceptional value for families seeking safety, comfort, and durability in a car seat.”

Dimensions: 16" (L) x 17" (W) x 28.5" (H) | Weight: 30.6 lbs. | Weight capacity (rear-facing): 4 to 50 lbs. | Weight capacity (forward-facing): 22 to 65 lbs. | Weight capacity (booster): 40 to 120 lbs. | Height limit: 57"

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Any parent who’s ever placed a child in a rear-facing car seat knows it can be a challenge, especially as babies get larger. It’s the safest position for a child, but maybe not for your back as you contort your body into uncomfortable positions to get your little one into their seat. That’s why our product tester Christine called the Baby Jogger city turn Rotating Convertible Car Seat a “game-changer.” The rotating feature on this Best of The Bump winner made securing baby a breeze—just turn the seat to face you as you secure baby, and turn it back once they’re safely in place. “My baby is 12 months old and nearly 25 pounds,” she told us, “so putting him into a car seat that doesn't rotate is a chore—but not with the Baby Jogger city turn!” Christine gave the city turn a perfect 10 out of 10 score for features and design, telling us the rotating feature was easier to use than the comparable model she had in her other car.

You might worry that a car seat with a special turning mechanism would be difficult to install, but Christine found it “extremely easy.” Rear-facing installation, whether with LATCH or belt, was done within minutes, and while front-facing took slightly longer, she attributed this to the time needed to manipulate the seat of her family’s pickup truck. When it came time to switch from one child to another, “Adjusting the height from one child to the next was so simple and fast," she said. This seat wins major marks for safety too—Consumer Reports gave it a crash test rating of ‘Best’, its highest possible rating.

Despite the slightly higher price tag, it's all-around worth it, according to Christine, who gave it top marks for value for money. "Even though it's a little pricier than other seats,” she said, “the features are exceptional and the length of usage definitely matches the higher price point.”

Dimensions: 30" (L) x 19" (W) x 32.5" (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"

Convertible car seats are built for safety and long-term, flexible use, so it’s no surprise that most are heavy and unwieldy. This can make even user-friendly models a pain in the neck (and back!) to install and reinstall when you need to move the seat from one car to another, or have to switch from rear-facing to forward-facing. The Graco SlimFit 3-in-1 car seat weighs in at just under 20 pounds, which makes this lighter-weight hero easier to transport and change position. . “This car seat is the perfect size,” said our product tester Kristina, adding, “I believe the car seat was wonderfully designed.”

Right from the get-go, the SlimFit worked well for Kristina. “It was very easy to install,” she told us, for both rear-facing and forward-facing. “I feel like [it] removes all of the stress from setting up car seats.” Kristina also praised the ease of getting her children in and out, commenting, “It was very easy for both my baby and my toddlers to get in and out of this car seat. The harness height is easily adjustable and the harness was nice and sturdy, which is something that I love.”

With three children aged between 10 months and 4 years, it was extremely important to Kristina to be able to safely install slim convertible car seats that fit three across. Although it’s not the narrowest car seat on our list, the SlimFit does offer the opportunity to fold in the cup holders on each side, reducing the width by a couple of inches, and worked perfectly for Kristina’s family. “The car seat fit flawlessly in my back seat along with two others," she said.

Most importantly, there's no sacrificing safety for convenience, thanks to a steel-reinforced frame and EPS energy-absorbing foam to reduce crash impact. Despite the seat’s lighter weight, Kristina specifically praised the SlimFit’s robustness. “I truly appreciate the safety features,” she added, giving the SlimFit top marks for safety. “The seat felt extremely secure when installed correctly.”

Dimensions: 21.5" (L) x 19.9" (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"

There are a few must-have boxes to check when it comes to a travel car seat. An easy carry is obviously important, since you're already juggling luggage and a baby. A simple installation is vital for hopping in and out of cars in a new city. And of course, most importantly, it needs to keep safety top of mind. At less than eight pounds, the FAA-approved Cosco Scenera NEXT Harness convertible car seat hits all these points and more, earning it a Best of The Bump award for best convertible car seat for travel, and perfect 10 out of 10 scores across multiple categories from our product tester Amparo.

The first question that might be on your mind: If a car seat is this light (and cheap), can it possibly be safe? Rest assured, the Scenera NEXT performed well on crash tests conducted by Consumer Reports, exceeding the basic standards required by law. Amparo told us it felt “safe and secure,” and that she had no worries about her child’s safety. She also told us that it was quick and easy to install with the LATCH system, even with a pregnant belly in the way. "It took maybe five minutes," she said. “I just used the written instructions since they were super clear and easy to understand, so I didn’t feel the need to watch a video.”

Even better, the Scenera NEXT is so affordable, you can buy it as a dedicated travel seat to supplement the standard car seat that you usually use at home. While you can certainly use it as your main seat, it’s important to note that the seat is only suitable for kids weighing up to 40 pounds, or around 4 years old. So while it's pretty great for traveling with a baby or a toddler, you'll need to upgrade once your child hits the weight limit.

Dimensions: 30" (L) x 18.1" (W) x 31.8" (H) | Weight: 7.8 lbs. | Weight capacity (rear-facing): 4 to 40 lbs. | Weight capacity (forward-facing): 22 to 40 lbs. | Height limit: 46"

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