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

Searching for a car seat that grows with baby? We got a team of parents to put the top products on the market with their kids to the test to find the best options for your family.
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profile picture of Marygrace Taylor
Updated July 30, 2024
mother buckling baby into car seat
Image: Artem Varnitsin | Shutterstock
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In a nutshell:
Based on product testing by real families, expert interviews and survey feedback from over 300 members of The Bump community, we chose the Nuna RAVA convertible car seat as the overall best due to its easy installation, high safety rating and extended rear-facing capability.

A convertible car seat is one of the most important baby gear items on your must-buy list. And it’s a purchase you’ll want to get right—after all, you’ll be using it for a long time. A convertible car seat can be used both rear- and forward-facing, often from infancy through to early or even late childhood, depending on its height and weight capacity, explains Elizabeth Sagan, a certified passenger safety technician with Safe Kids Connecticut.

Because you’ll be using a convertible car seat over many years, you’ll be making heaps of adjustments as your child grows bigger and changes position. Even your car may change. We recruited parent testers with multiple children so they could try out the seat across different ages, focusing on key practical features such as how easy these seats were to install safely and keep your child secure and comfortable in both rear- and forward-facing positions. Read on to learn what to look for when choosing the right convertible car seat—plus, shop our top picks, including this year’s Best of The Bump award winners.

How We Tested and Chose the Best Convertible Car Seats

The Bump editors conducted extensive research to identify 23 of the top-rated convertible car seats on the market, and chose a shortlist of 19 standout products to test. From there:

  • We enlisted the help of 19 families to thoroughly test these leading options on the market. After extensive hands-on use, these parents of babies, toddlers and bigger kids evaluated the car seats for ease of installation, ease of use, rear-facing capability, features and design, value for money and, of course, safety.
  • 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 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, consulted crash-test ratings from Consumer Reports and followed advice from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), National Highway Traffic Safety Administration(NHTSA) and other expert sources.
  • To see how these convertible car seats worked for a variety of families, we scoured forums and message boards and read user reviews to find out what parents value in a convertible car seat.

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 to Buy

Overall best convertible car seat

Nuna RAVA Convertible Car Seat
Image: Nordstrom
What We Love
  • Comfortable extended rear-facing
  • Easy to install safely
  • No-rethread harness
  • Cup holders can flip down for added space
  • Naturally flame-retardant, without added chemicals
Things To Consider
  • Some parents have trouble installing in angled seats
  • Heavy
  • Fabric tends to pill
  • Expensive

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.”

Image: Nicole P.

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"

Our product tester says:
“The quality is great and the features for both rear-facing and forward-facing make it even better for your little ones to grow. I love that younger children can sit rear-facing longer with the weight limit being up to 50 lbs.”

Our community says:

I product-tested the Nuna RAVA with my first child, and I loved it so much that when it was time to buy a convertible car seat for my second daughter, I went with the RAVA again. It's a high-quality seat that's super easy to install and adjust, and keeps my kiddos (including my now-6-year-old!) comfy even on hours-long car rides. – Ashlee Neuman, content director at The Bump and mom of two

The RAVA is a solid seat with a higher weight limit for rear facing, which is really important to me. It's also super easy to install. – optbaby2017, The Bump forum member

Buy Now

Best all-in-one car seat

What We Love
  • High weight and height limits
  • Easy to install safely
  • Carry handle
  • Booster seat included
Things To Consider
  • Cushioned seats may hold a lot of crumbs
  • Padding behind crotch buckle can be uncomfortable for some kids

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.

Image: Holly B.

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"

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 additional safety features

babyark Convertible Car Seat
Image: babyark
Buying Options
babyark|$1,190
What We Love
  • App and smart base confirm safe installation
  • Real-time buckled-in monitoring
  • No expiration date
  • Naturally flame-retardant, without added chemicals
Things To Consider
  • Very expensive
  • Heavy and bulky

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.

Image: Melissa C.

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"

Our product tester says:
“The ease of install and the indicators that the seat is in correctly are my favorite features. The seat will also notify you if you accidentally leave your child in the car. [] This splurge of a car seat is worth it for families that will use it for several years.”

Buy Now

Best budget-friendly convertible car seat

Graco Extend2Fit 3-in-1 Car Seat
Image: Graco
What We Love
  • Great value
  • Adjustable foot panel for extended rear facing
  • Highly rated crash protection
  • Lightweight
Things To Consider
  • Bulky design
  • Getting a tight seat belt install can be challenging

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.”

Image: Madison S.

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"

Our product tester says:
“This has been our go-to seat since my son was born. The price is great for longevity—most other seats with 50-pound rear-facing limits are a lot more money. This seat allows my kids to be as safe as possible while still staying comfortable.”

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, mom of one and The Bump survey respondent

It's comfortable, safe and easy to wash. – Holly, mom of two and The Bump survey respondent

Buy Now

Best slim convertible car seat

Diono Radian 3RXT Safe+ Convertible Car Seat
Image: Amazon
What We Love
  • Ultra-slim profile good for multiple car seats
  • Anti-rebound bar
  • Folds for compact storage
  • Booster seat included
Things To Consider
  • Fiddly to change harness height
  • Some users reported the seat felt wobbly
  • Heavy

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.

Image: Alyssa J.

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"

Our product tester says:
“The car seat's narrower profile (compared to our previous model) is advantageous—especially considering fitting multiple car seats in the back. The seat also adapted exceptionally well to different ages and sizes. ”

Our community says:

My son is average weight but above average height, so the height factor was a big one when we chose [the Diono Radian 3RXT]. It’s also fairly compact and fits comfortably rear facing in a sedan, which we have. – etnyah, The Bump forum member

Buy Now

Best rotating convertible car seat

Baby Jogger city turn Rotating Convertible Car Seat
Image: Baby Jogger
What We Love
  • Easy-to-use 180 degree rotation
  • Highly rated crash protection
  • No-rethread harness
Things To Consider
  • Only rotates in rear-facing position
  • Heavy and bulky
  • Expensive
  • May have limited leg room for bigger kids in rear-facing

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.

Image: Christine C.

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"

Our product tester says:
"Getting our baby into this car seat with the rotating seat was so easy! I would (and already have) recommended this car seat. It is an exceptional product in terms of design, comfort and safety."

Buy Now

Best lightweight convertible car seat

What We Love
  • Lightweight and compact
  • Cup holders can fold in to reduce width
  • No-rethread harness
  • Booster seat included
Things To Consider
  • Limited recline options
  • Low rear-facing weight limit

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.”

Image: Kristina M.

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"

Our product tester says:
“The car seat is a very good weight. It was not too heavy or too light. [] I 100 percent believe that this car seat is worth the price. Not only is it extremely comfortable, but it [grows] 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

Best convertible car seat for travel

Cosco Scenera NEXT Harness Convertible Car Seat
Image: Walmart
Buying Options
Walmart|$59
What We Love
  • Ultra lightweight
  • Affordable
  • Easy to install
Things To Consider
  • Low weight limit
  • Fiddly to change harness height
  • Not as padded as some

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.

Image: Amparo C.

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"

Our product tester says:
"The car seat is super lightweight. My mom is 64 and she was able to pick it up just fine. [] The car seat, for the price range it was at, was designed very well,"

Our community says:

We specifically bought it for airplane travel because it's [so light]. But we liked it so much, we decided to use it for our second car. – myantonia, The Bump forum member

Buy Now

Convertible Car Seats Comparison Chart

Overall best convertible car seatBest all-in-one car seatBest convertible car seat with additional safety featuresBest budget-friendly convertible car seatBest slim convertible car seatBest rotating convertible car seatBest lightweight convertible car seatBest convertible car seat for travel
Overall Best
Nuna RAVA Convertible Car Seat
Britax One4Life Click Tight Convertible Car Seat
babyark Convertible Car Seat
Graco Extend2Fit 3-in-1 Car Seat
Diono Radian 3RXT Safe+ Convertible Car Seat
Baby Jogger city turn Rotating Convertible Car Seat
Graco SlimFit 3-in-1 Car Seat
Cosco Scenera NEXT Harness Convertible Car Seat
Price$550 $279.99$1,190$249.99$259.99$549.99$199.99$59
Dimensions16" (L) x 19" (W) x 25" (H)19.5" (L) x 20.5" (W) x 25" (H)30" (L) x 17" (W) x 27.5" (H)20.8" (L) x 19" (W) x 24.5" (H)16" (L) x 17" (W) x 28.5" (H)30" (L) x 19" (W) x 32.5" (H)21.5" (L) x 19.9" (W) x 25.5" (H)30" (L) x 18.1" (W) x 31.8" (H)
Weight 27.2 lbs.29.5 lbs.27 lbs. (seat); 20 lbs. (base)20.5 lbs.30.6 lbs.25 lbs. (seat); 20 lbs. (base)19.5 lbs.7.8 lbs.
Rear-facing weight capacity5 to 50 lbs.5 to 50 lbs.4 to 55 lbs.4 to 50 lbs.4 to 50 lbs.4 to 55 lbs.5 to 40 lbs.4 to 40 lbs.
Forward-facing weight capacity25 to 65 lbs.22 to 65 lbs.25 to 65 lbs.22 to 65 lbs.22 to 65 lbs.25 to 65 lbs. 22 to 65 lbs.22 to 40 lbs.
Booster seat
No-rethread harness
Buy 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.

Infant car seats are suitable from birth and can only be used rear-facing. They have a more limited height and weight range (often maxing out at 40 pounds), so depending on baby’s height and weight, infant options typically can’t be used for much longer once a child turns one. But because they’re lighter, can be clicked in and out of their car seat base and often connect to stroller systems, they offer new parents more portability.

Convertible car seats, on the other hand, are bulky and heavy as they offer longer usage, and therefore tend to remain in the car. The true benefit of a convertible option is that it can be a one-and-done purchase, as it’ll grow with your child from their newborn days on. Convertible car seats can be used rear-facing and, in later stages, forward-facing as they have a higher height and weight limit. Most will last until a child is around six or seven, while some will last until they’re no longer required to sit in a car seat.

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 consider 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 100 pounds (some even up to 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 the early years, look for a high weight and height capacity.
  • How does it install? Convertible car seats can be installed using either a car’s seat belt or a LATCH system, advises the AAP. LATCH is an attachment system that uses lower anchors located in a car’s back seat and many parents find it easier to use for installation. While nearly all vehicles made after 2002 are equipped to use LATCH, it’s important to confirm before selecting a car seat. In forward-facing position, the car seat also needs to be secured to a tether anchor, whether using LATCH or seat-belt. As correct installation is critical to a car seat’s safety, we’d recommend looking for a seat that makes the process simple.
  • What are its safety features? The good news: Except for any recalls, all convertible car seats in the US must adhere to strict safety standards in order to be available for purchase. However, there are some extra features that can offer even more protection in the event of a crash or collision. Sagan recommends looking for additional side impact protection, side wings or energy-absorbing foam as well as anti-rebound bars, 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 more important 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 wasn’t 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.

HealthyChildren.org (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.

The Bump May 2023 Survey. Editors conducted a survey of 300 new and expectant parents from among The Bump community, and asked for insight on the convertible car seat they used and what they liked and disliked.

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