The Best Convertible Car Seats of 2025
You’ll use a convertible car seat for years. Our research and testing will help you find the best one for your family.
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Choosing the best car seat for your baby or toddler is a big decision. This is especially true when you’re shopping for a convertible seat. Even the best infant car seats only fit babies up to about 18 months at the most; convertible seats, on the other hand, last for years, taking your child from the baby days all the way through elementary school in some cases.
We think Graco’s Extend2Fit 3-in-1 Car Seat is the best convertible car seat for most families. It checks all the boxes: it fits well in almost any type of vehicle (including smaller cars); getting a correct, secure install is quick and easy; and it’s designed to promote extended rear-facing, the safest way for children to ride.
If you need a few more options before you decide what’s best for your family, we’re giving honorable mention to a premium convertible pick, the Nuna Rava, the Chicco Fit360 as the best rotating car seat and the Graco Contender Slim for best affordable. We also chose a few other seats in more specific categories like best for travel and best slim fit.
Why Trust Babylist?
Babylist is the expert in baby; we know baby gear inside and out. We talk with parents face-to-face in our showroom and on our user panels and hear from thousands annually via our Best Baby Products online survey. We know what items millions of expecting parents are adding to their baby registries.
Firsthand professional and personal experience. As a CPST, I'm specially trained in car seat usage and safety. I've installed dozens of car seats, including many convertible car seats, and am constantly staying up-to-date on car seat education through continuing education classes, seminars and CPST education groups. I'm also Babylist's gear editor; I've been writing about baby gear at Babylist since 2019 and have been the gear editor since 2021. I've personally tested and reviewed dozens of convertible car seats during this time. And I'm a mom of two boys, ages three and ten—so I have over a decade of hands-on car seat experience with my two sons.
Expert POV. I spoke to several experts while researching this guide, including Rebekah Kimminau, Child Passenger Safety technician (CPST) and founder of The Baby Gear Consultant, and Samantha Taylor, CPST, and the voice behind Mama Knows Car Seats. I also spoke with Joe Colella, Director of Child Passenger Safety at the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association, a leading industry voice on quality and safety for baby and children’s products, and 2020 Child Passenger Safety Hall of Fame Inductee. I also reviewed the latest safety data and recommendations from professional organizations like the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and leading voices in child car seat safety such as Safe Kids Worldwide, Car Seats for the Littles, and The Car Seat Lady.
Convertible car seat data. I regularly analyze which baby products our users are adding to their baby registries the most (and which ones they aren’t) and what our team of Merchandising experts—our buyers who are responsible for ensuring the Babylist Shop is stocked with the best and newest gear—is excited about. Studying this kind of data helped us choose which convertible car seats to narrow in on and which ones to recommend to new and expecting parents.
Feedback and reviews. I reviewed comments and feedback from Babylist’s annual product survey of thousands of Babylist parents, read customer reviews from hundreds of Babylist users and spoke to parents on our Babylist staff about their real-life product experiences.
How We Judged
Here’s what to know before you start shopping for a convertible car seat:
While you can use a convertible car seat from birth, most parents choose to start with an infant car seat and transition to a convertible once their child outgrows their infant seat. Many convertible car seats don't fit infants well. Convertible car seats are also large, heavy and designed to stay put in a vehicle. This makes them less convenient than an infant car seat that clicks in and out of a base and can attach to a stroller. They're also much more difficult to travel with.
A convertible car seat can take you from day one well through the preschool years. Some all-in-one options can even last through elementary school.
All car seats sold in the US must pass the same federal safety standards. While some car seats have extra safety features or may cost more, that doesn’t always mean those seats are safer. How easy a car seat is to install + how it fits your child also contribute to a car seat’s safety. You can read more on this later in this guide.
Best Convertible Car Seat Overall
Graco Extend2Fit 3-in-1 Car Seat - Cullen
From $195.99Pros
- High rear-facing weight limit (50 lbs), so you can rear-face longer
- Fits smaller cars
- Extra legroom
Cons
- Wide
- Poor fit for some newborns
- Some parents say harness is difficult to tighten
- Kids with long torsos may outgrow it forward-facing sooner than other seats
This seat has so much going for it: safety, longevity, easy installation, a great fit in all types of cars and extended rear-facing capabilities. Any of these features on their own is impressive, but rolled into one and considering the price, you have a pretty amazing seat that takes you from babyhood one through elementary school.
“The original Graco Extend2Fit is one of the most-loved budget-friendly seats,” says Rebekah Kimminau, CPST and founder of The Baby Gear Consultant. “The 3-in-1 version takes all the beloved features of the original and adds even more to love.”
Babylist parents agree. They consistently praise the Extend2Fit for being “very secure” and like that it grows with your child. They also love the extended rear-facing capability. "It’s so easy to install and the footrest extension gives so much peace of mind as she will be able to comfortably sit rear-facing for longer," one Babylist parent told us.
This 3-in-1 version offers three modes of use: rear-facing, forward-facing harness and high-back booster. My biggest selling point for this seat is its 50-pound weight limit, which lets parents rear-face longer than many other convertible car seats. The extendable leg rest provides an extra five inches of legroom and makes extended rear-facing more comfortable. (And when a kid is more comfortable, they'll complain less about riding rear-facing.) Since the seat can sit almost upright when rear-facing, it allows taller parents like me to still be comfy in the front seat if the car seat is installed behind them.
Parents with compact cars, like sedans or crossover SUVs, particularly like the smaller front-to-back profile of this seat. Just note that since Graco requires the cup holders to be attached when the seat is in use, it is on the wider side—something to keep in mind if you need to fit multiple car seats across your back seat. It will also take up more room front to back when the extension panel is in use. The newborn fit for most babies isn't great, so most CPSTs recommend starting with an infant car seat first. And while it's great for extended rear-facing, it has a lower top harness height than many other convertible car seats, which means that kids with longer torsos may outgrow it forward-facing sooner than other seats. And some parents complain that the straps can be tough to tighten, especially over time.
Additional Specs
Child Guidelines: Rear-facing: 4-50 lbs, top of head must be 1" below headrest adjustment lever; forward-facing: 26.5-65 lbs, up to 49"; highback booster: 40-100 lbs, 43-57", at least 4 yrs old
Honorable Mention
Pros
- High rear-facing weight limit (50 lbs) + an extendable calf rest for added comfort
- Quick, easy install
- Compact seat front-to-back
Cons
- Expensive
- Wide
- Kids with long torsos may outgrow it forward-facing sooner than other seats
The first thing parents often notice about the Nuna Rava is its good looks. The modern design gives the seat a distinctive look that sets it apart from other convertible car seats on the market. I’m happy to say that the seat’s function lives up to its style. While pricey, it’s packed with thoughtful features for optimum safety and ease of use.
Like the Extend2Fit, the Rava has one of the highest rear-facing height and weight maximums on our best-of list, with a 50-pound weight limit and a 49-inch height max. If you’re a parent of taller kids, like me, or if you’re looking to maximize the time your child can ride rear-facing, this seat is a great choice. Also like the Extend2Fit, an extendable calf rest provides rear-facing comfort and can also be used for forward-facing riders who don’t love their legs dangling unsupported. (Speaking of comfort, the seat is ultra plush; many parents rave that the seat's cushioning is soft and supportive. The fabric is also free of synthetic flame retardants.)
The other feature I value in the Rava is the seamless installation. “Installing the Rava is very easy with either the seat belt or LATCH system,” Kimminau points out. Nuna recommends a seat belt install—and it couldn’t be simpler. Just lift the True Tension door, route your seat belt through the path, tighten and lock the belt then close the door back up. It's quick, easy and almost always results in a tight installation.
Thoughtful features are often what set a car seat apart from its competitors, and the Nuna shines here, too. "The best part is the buckle holders making it extremely easy to get the baby in," one parent told us. Others mentioned the retractable cup holders, no-rethread harness and breathable knit fabric with ventilation panels. The fit for this seat is also worth a call-out. There are five recline options each for both rear- and forward-facing, making it good for comfort and achieving a proper install in all different types of vehicles.
While the Rava is compact front-to-back (great for taller front seat riders or if you have less space in your back seat), note that it's on the wider side. And like the Extend2Fit, it also has a lower top harness height, meaning kids with longer torsos may outgrow it forward-facing sooner than they might in a different seat. It's also expensive.
Additional Specs
Child Guidelines: Rear-facing: 5-50 lbs, up to 49”; forward-facing: 30-65 lbs, up to 49”
The Nuna Rava Convertible Car Seat rear-facing. (Photo: Melissa Gayle Gustafson)
Best Affordable Convertible Car Seat
Pros
- Under $200
- No-rethread harness, a nice perk at this price point
- Straightforward installation
Cons
- Limited recline positions
- Some parents say harness is difficult to tighten
- Lower anchor connectors can be tough to unhook
Convertible car seats can easily cost $500 or more. It can be tough to find a seat that’s both affordable and easy to install and use—but the Graco Contender delivers, all for under $200.
While not the slimmest convertible on the market (that honor goes to Graco’s SlimFit3 LX 3-in-1, which we review below), it’s still a fairly compact seat and a good option for small cars or fitting more than one car seat across your back seat. It’s light enough to move between vehicles if you need to and features a no-rethread harness and one cup holder. Installation is intuitive with either LATCH or seat belt, and built-in level indicators help you get the recline just right.
The Contender Slim only offers two recline options: one rear-facing and one forward-facing. It has standard lower anchors, which can be tough to unhook from a vehicle. And some parents find the harness straps difficult to adjust.
Additional Specs
Child Guidelines: Rear-facing: 5-40 lbs, head must be at least 1” below headrest adjustment handle; forward-facing: 22-65 lbs, up to 49”
Best Rotating Convertible Car Seat
Chicco Fit360 ClearTex Rotating Convertible Car Seat - Drift
From $439.99Pros
- Rotates 360 degrees for easy in and out
- No need to uninstall to switch from rear- to forward-facing
- Easy installation
- Thoughtful, parent-forward features
Cons
- Bulky, especially front-to-back when rear-facing
- More expensive than many non-rotating convertibles
Just a few years ago, most parents hadn’t even heard of rotating car seats. Fast forward to today, and they’re one of the most added types of convertible seats on Babylist registries—with parents calling the rotation feature everything from “life-changing” to a total “game changer.”
Rotating car seats swivel at the base, either 180 or 360 degrees, making it significantly easier to get your child in and out of the car, especially when they’re rear-facing. They also encourage extended rear-facing (the safest way for young kids to ride) by making it more manageable day to day. (Because when something is easier to do, you’re more likely to stick with it.)
Chicco was later to introduce a rotating car seat to the market as compared to other big car seat brands, but it was worth the wait—the Fit360 has quickly become a favorite among parents and CPSTs alike. Packed with safety features and thoughtful, parent-focused features, it’s a well-designed seat that’s easy to install and even easier to use.
The seat offers a full 360-degree rotation, so you can swivel it from rear- to forward-facing and back again without uninstalling or adjusting the base. Installation is straightforward thanks to Chicco’s LeverLock self-tensioning system, which secures the seat base with minimal effort. And for added peace of mind, a dedicated seat removal tool ensures the seat won’t disconnect from the base unless you want it to.
The parent-friendly details are just as good. The magnetic chest clip and flex-forward buckle make daily ins and outs a lot easier, and built-in buckle pockets keep straps from getting buried. The ventilated back panel is a nice addition, especially for families in warmer climates. The ClearTex fabric is GREENGUARD Gold Certified and flame retardant-free. And there’s an option to purchase additional bases—a rare convenience for a convertible car seat.
Like many revolving seats, the Fit360 is bulky and long front-to-back. The rear-facing height and weight limits aren’t as high as some other revolving seats on the market, but they’re high enough that a child of average height should be able to rear-face until at least four years old, if not longer. (There’s no one-inch rule for this seat, unlike many other seats where one inch of room is required between the child's head and the top of the car seat, which helps.) We also recommend you purchase the LeverLock Door Cover Accessory to prevent curious little toes from exploring the seat’s locking panel.
Additional Specs
Child Guidelines: Rear-facing: 4-40 lbs, up to 43”; forward-facing: 26.5-65 lbs., up to 49”
Other Car Seats We Love
Looking for a convertible car seat to fill a specific need, like a good option for travel or a slim fit for three across? Here are more convertible car seats that rank high on our list.
Best Convertible Car Seat for Travel
Pros
- Ultra lightweight (7.8 lbs)
- Very budget-friendly
- FAA-approved for plane travel
Cons
- Low weight limit (40 lbs)
- Kids with long torsos may outgrow it forward-facing sooner than other seats
- Thin cushioning may not be comfy for longer rides
- Takes practice to install correctly
If you travel frequently, you may want to consider a car seat that prioritizes weight. (A lighter car seat is easier to lug around when you’re on the go.) The Cosco Scenera Next is one of the lightest convertible car seats on the market, weighing in at under eight pounds. It’s been my go-to travel car seat for over a decade and I’ve taken it on more flights than I can count. It’s also extremely affordable. Keep in mind that it's not very cushy, and it has a low top harness height, so many kids will outgrow it quickly forward-facing. (My tall toddler outgrew it forward-facing by height before two and a half years old.) And installation can take some practice.
If you can spend a bit, the Maxi-Cosi Romi is another solid travel seat option. It also weighs under eight pounds but has more padding and is generally easier to install.
Additional Specs
Child Guidelines: Rear-facing: 5-40 lbs, 19-40”; forward-facing: 22-40 lbs, 29-43”
The Cosco Scenera Next is an ideal travel seat thanks to its light weight and compact design. (Photo: Jen LaBracio, Babylist Senior Gear Editor)
Best Convertible Car Seat with Extra Safety Features
Clek Foonf Convertible Car Seat - Railroad Ziip (Flame Retardant Free)
From $447.99Pros
- Anti-rebound bar, rigid LATCH + other extra safety features
- Built for extended rear-facing
- Slim enough to fit 3-across
- Fits newborns well from birth
Cons
- High; can block your rear/side view if you’re a shorter driver
- Does not have a no-rethread harness
- Heavy
“Built like a tank” is the most common phrase you’ll hear describing the Clek Foonf—and it’s what people like most about it. This iconic seat is packed with advanced safety features, and while it does come at a price, those features are what drew me to it and why I used it as my primary convertible car seat with my first son. CPSTs agree; Kimminau calls the Foonf a “super solid car seat that provides great extra safety features.”
The Foonf is one of only two convertible car seats in the US with rigid LATCH (the other Babyark), which can be used when you're installing the seat forward-facing. It means your seat will move as little as possible in the event of a collision. There's also an anti-rebound bar to absorb crash energy. Despite its heft, it's one of the slimmest convertible car seats on the market, making it ideal for parents with smaller vehicles or those who need to go three-across in their back seat. It's also one of the few convertible car seats with an excellent newborn fit, fitting most babies very well from birth with the addition of the Infant-Thingy insert.
The Foonf is built for extended rear-facing with a 50-pound rear-facing weight limit; however, the rear-facing height limit is on the lower side (43 inches), and the top harness slot is also fairly low, so most kids will outgrow it by height first. I also very much prefer the Railroad Zip version of the Foonf that features an easy-on, easy-off zippered cover that can be tossed right in the washing machine—a huge improvement over older models that were much more difficult to clean.
Additional Specs
Child Guidelines: Rear-facing: 14-50 lbs, 25-43”; forward-facing: 22-65 lbs, 30-49”, age 2+ yrs recommended
The Clek Foonf is a large, tall and heavy seat, as pictured here next to a Diono Radian 3R. (Photo: Jaclyn Bergmann, Babylist Associate Art Director)
Best Slim Fit Convertible Car Seat
Graco SlimFit3 LX 3-in-1 Car Seat - Kunningham
From $209.99Pros
- Fits three across in almost any configuration
- Two cup holders
Cons
- Doesn’t recline as much as some other convertible car seats
- Removable seat covers can be confusing to put back on after washing
- Installation can be tricky
“This is currently the narrowest convertible car seat on the US market, coming in at 16.9 inches wide,” says Kimminau. Like the Clek Foonf, it’s a good choice for families who need to fit multiple car seats across their back seat—at a much more affordable price. “It features a belt lock-off for forward-facing installation, making installation in that mode a breeze. It also converts to a high-back booster seat,” she says.
Additional Specs
Child Guidelines: Rear-facing: 5-40 lbs, 49"; forward-facing: 26.5-65 lbs, up to 49"; high-back booster: 40-120 lbs, 43-57", min 4 yrs
Graco's SlimFit 3 LX is the slimmest convertible car seat on the market, making it easier to get multiple car seats across your back seat. It's pictured here installed in the center seating position of a 2021 Toyota RAV4 next to a Nuna Pipa Infant Car Seat. (Photo: Stormie Fraser, Babylist Senior Visual Designer)
Additional Resources
While you’re in research mode, here are what other popular parenting websites recommend as their best convertible car seat picks:
Wirecutter: Graco Extend2Fit Convertible Car Seat
The Strategist: Britax Poplar S Convertible Car Seat
Baby Gear Lab: Nuna Rava Convertible Car Seat
How to Choose a Safe Convertible Car Seat
“All car seats sold in the US must meet stringent safety regulations following the requirements set by the NHTSA,” explains Colella. So while certain designs, materials and features can contribute to a seat’s safety, durability, convenience or comfort, “a higher price tag does not necessarily equate to more safety.”
But how does that translate to real-life car seat shopping? How do you know which, if any, safety features to prioritize and which ones to skip?
According to Colella, the best car seat for your child meets these criteria:
Fits your child. The seat you choose should meet your child’s height, weight, age and developmental needs.
Fits your vehicle. The car seat must be correctly installed in the vehicle to perform its functions. “Following car seat installation instructions and vehicle owner’s manual guidance is crucial.”
Used consistently and correctly. You—and anyone else who consistently drives with your child—need to know the ins and outs of your seat and be comfortable using it correctly, says Colella.
These three things—how a car seat fits your child, how easy it is to install it in your car and how easy it is to use day in and day out—are inextricably linked to a car seat’s safety. You can buy a seat with every extra safety feature imaginable, but if it’s impossible to install or doesn’t fit well in your car, the extra bells and whistles don’t matter a bit.
Car seat fit
One of the most common questions we get from parents when they’re researching convertible car seats is around fit, especially since it’s nearly impossible to try out multiple car seats in your vehicle before you decide. Here’s what we recommend:
Measure. Measuring your space isn’t a perfect science, but it’s a smart first step. Before choosing a car seat, check the seat’s dimensions then grab a tape measure and head out to your car. Look beyond just the back seat's width (the hip room measurement)—other elements like pronounced side bolsters or a narrow center seat can also affect how well a car seat fits and installs.
Consider car size and driver/front seat passenger height. Convertible car seats take up significantly more space than infant car seats, especially front to back. Some seats may not leave enough legroom for taller drivers or front seat passengers. Before buying, check the seat's front-to-back dimensions and think about who'll be sitting in front of it. If they’re tall or need to recline their seat, you’ll want a more compact convertible car seat to ensure everyone fits comfortably.
Pay attention to recline. Recline does more than just allow your child to ride comfortably in their seat; it also affects how a seat fits in the back seat once it’s installed. In general, a car seat with more recline options will fit a wider range of vehicles. But like all things with car seats, this isn’t always the case—so don’t use this as your only fit predictor.
Try before you buy. If at all possible, head to a store where you can actually try a seat in your car before registering for it or purchasing it. If that's not possible, consider joining a Facebook group staffed with CPSTs like Car Seats for the Littles where you can get answers on how a particular seat might work in your specific vehicle.
Convertible car seat safety features
The experts we spoke to recommend considering these safety features when choosing a convertible car seat:
Alert systems: Some car seats have built-in sensors designed to warn the driver of an unsafe situation, such as if a child is accidentally left behind in the car.
Anti-rebound bar: A car seat will move toward the point of impact during a crash. An anti-rebound bar reduces the movement of the seat during a collision, halting the seat’s rebound and causing it to come to a stop sooner than it would have without the bar.
Higher rear-facing height and weight limits: A growing body of research proves riding rear-facing is safer for babies and children than riding in a forward-facing car seat. If possible, always choose a convertible seat that has high rear-facing height and weight limits so you can extend the opportunity to rear-face as long as possible.
Safety indicators: Some car seats come with built-in leveling systems and indicators to signal they’ve been correctly installed.
Side impact protection: “Enhanced side impact protection features can improve child safety in crashes from more directions,” explains Colella. All car seats manufactured after June 30, 2025, will be required to meet side impact performance regulations, but some models already have features built in that have been crash-tested for improved outcomes.
Vehicle fit: Car seats range in size and shape, and so do vehicles and back seats. Be sure the convertible car seat you choose fits properly in your vehicle.
Convertible car seat convenience features
There are also convenience features to think through when shopping for a convertible car seat. Here are the ones you should pay the most attention to:
Convenience extras: Most parents use their convertible car seat for years—which means a lot of getting your kiddo into and out of whichever seat you choose. Think through ease-of-use features like cup holders, buckle holders, a no-rethread harness and cushioning when you’re comparing car seats. Also pay attention to how easy it is (or isn’t) to adjust the harness and clip and unclip the buckles.
Ease of installation: Convertible car seats aren’t designed to be moved around frequently, so most parents buy one for each vehicle and only uninstall their seats if absolutely necessary. Regardless, a seat that’s easier to install will save you time and will increase the chance that the seat is installed correctly. Many car seats can be installed using either LATCH (available in cars made after 2002) or a vehicle’s seat belt. Just be sure you’re still within the weight limits of your car seat’s LATCH restrictions and remember to switch over to a seat belt install once you exceed them.
Fabric: Besides looking for fabric that matches your style, consider its durability. (Remember: toddlers are messy! And your convertible car seat is going to be around much longer than your infant seat.) Also consider if you prefer a car seat with removable, washable seat covers or if you’re okay with fabric that’s spot-clean only. If you’re conscious of chemical emissions, you may want to prioritize seats that are GREENGUARD Gold Certified or flame retardant-free.
Longevity: Most convertible car seats will last until your child is at least four or five years old, but some, called all-in-one car seats, are designed to last almost a decade by converting from a rear-facing seat to a forward-facing seat and ultimately to a booster. There are pros and cons to these types of seats and no “right” choice—it’s all about figuring out what works best for your family.
What You Need To Know About Convertible Car Seats
What is a convertible car seat?
A convertible car seat can be used with children of various sizes and can change from a rear-facing to a forward-facing seat. (The term “convertible” references this rear-to-forward switch.) A convertible seat starts in a rear-facing position for babies and toddlers and is then turned forward-facing as your child gets older. These seats can take you from day one through the preschool years and beyond. Some convertibles even turn into booster seats for school-age kids.
When do you need a convertible car seat?
You’ll need a convertible car seat at some point—but it’s a personal preference as to when.
Some parents use a convertible car seat from day one. Others choose to use an infant car seat initially and then make the switch to a convertible car seat when their little one has reached the seat’s height or weight maximum, usually around their first birthday.
This is because convertible car seats aren’t nearly as portable as infant seats. Unlike infant car seats that are installed into a base and designed to click in and out of your car, convertible seats install directly into your vehicle using either the car’s LATCH system or seat belt and stay there.
There’s also fit to consider. “For most parents, an infant car seat is the right choice for a first car seat,” explains Taylor. “Not all convertible car seats offer the most snug fit or best recline for tiny newborns. There are a few that do, but far and away the newborn fit of an infant seat is more consistent,” she explains.
If you opt for a convertible car seat from day one and your little one frequently rides in more than one vehicle, we recommend purchasing a convertible seat for each car.
When to switch from an infant car seat to a convertible
You’ll need a convertible car seat at some point—but it’s a personal preference as to when.
Some parents use a convertible car seat from day one. Others choose to use an infant car seat initially and then make the switch to a convertible car seat when their little one has reached the seat’s height or weight maximum, usually around their first birthday.
This is because convertible car seats aren’t nearly as portable as infant seats. Unlike infant car seats that are installed into a base and designed to click in and out of your car, convertible seats install directly into your vehicle using either the car’s LATCH system or seat belt and stay there.
There’s also fit to consider. “For most parents, an infant car seat is the right choice for a first car seat,” explains Taylor. “Not all convertible car seats offer the most snug fit or best recline for tiny newborns. There are a few that do, but far and away the newborn fit of an infant seat is more consistent,” she explains.
If you opt for a convertible car seat from day one and your little one frequently rides in more than one vehicle, we recommend purchasing a convertible seat for each car.
What to know about extended rear-facing
Many car seats call out “extended rear-facing” as a benefit of their particular seat. It’s a term you should understand as you shop for a convertible car seat.
“According to the AAP and NHTSA, it's safest for infants and toddlers to ride rear-facing in a car seat for as long as possible,” explains Colella. “This recommendation is based on data showing that rear-facing seats offer better protection in crashes for children from birth through 23 months of age, along with child development and biomechanics considerations.”
When used to describe a feature of a convertible car seat, extended rear-facing refers to a seat that allows a child to maximize the amount of time they can ride rear-facing by offering higher weight and height limits. Car seat experts, the AAP and the NHSTA all agree on the many benefits of extended rear-facing. Whenever possible, it’s recommended to keep your child rear-facing in their convertible car seat until they reach the top height or weight limit allowed by your seat’s manufacturer. But know that your child is safe as long as you use your seat according to the instructions, says Colella.
“Convertible and all-in-one car seats feature weight and height ranges that allow for either rear-facing or forward-facing use. These ranges are determined through extensive manufacturer testing and meet strict safety standards,” explains Colella. “A car seat might allow rear-facing from five to 40 pounds and forward-facing from 30 to 65 pounds, for example. This overlapping range accommodates variations in children's sizes, body proportions and developmental needs, and either mode is safe for that model when used according to manufacturer instructions.”
What to know about LATCH
LATCH is a safety system designed to secure child car seats in vehicles. (LATCH stands for Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children.) The system consists of two lower anchors and a top tether (a strap) that connect the child seat to the vehicle. The lower anchors are attached to the vehicle’s anchor points, usually located in the back seat, while the top tether is attached to a designated anchor point on the back of the vehicle’s seat.
LATCH provides an easier way to install a car seat compared to using a seat belt, and can sometimes help you get a more secure installation. But it’s not always the safer way. (The Car Seat Lady’s LATCH system explainer does a great deep dive into this if you want to learn why.) Using LATCH to install a car seat is also predicated on meeting certain weight limits. Once you exceed those limits, you’ll need to switch over to using your car’s seat belt for installation. Always be sure to consult your car seat manual and follow the manufacturer’s instructions when installing and using your convertible car seat.
Convertible Car Seat Frequently Asked Questions
Are used car seats safe?
We don’t recommend using a secondhand car seat. That’s because you can never be sure of a car seat’s past. A used convertible car seat may have sustained damage in a crash or from being dropped or may not meet current safety regulations.
If you do select a used car seat, get it from someone you trust. Be sure to look up the seat’s expiration date and research if that particular model has ever been recalled. If the seat is dirty, strictly follow the manufacturer’s rules on how to clean the car seat to maintain its integrity.
Do convertible car seats work with strollers?
This is one of the most popular questions new parents have about convertible car seats and, unfortunately, the answer is generally no. (If you want to see what infant seats work with which strollers, check out Babylist’s Infant Car Seat and Stroller Compatibility guide.)
The only convertible car seat currently on the market that’s compatible with a stroller is the Orbit Baby G5 Toddler Car Seat. There are lightweight travel car seats, but the inconvenient reality is that once your little one outgrows their infant seat, you’ll lose the ability to easily transfer their seat from the car directly onto your stroller.
How many years are convertible car seats good for?
Convertible car seats typically last six to ten years, depending on the specific model and manufacturer’s guidelines. However, it is important to regularly check the seat for signs of wear and tear and replace it if necessary. Additionally, it is recommended to follow the height and weight limits for each stage of the seat to ensure maximum safety for your child.
Do all convertible car seats fit in all cars?
Not all convertible car seats fit in all cars. Before purchasing or registering for a convertible car seat, check the seat’s specifications and compare them to the dimensions and features of your vehicle’s back seat. Some car seats are designed to fit better in certain types of vehicles, such as smaller cars or larger SUVs.
What is the safest spot for a convertible car seat?
According to car seat safety experts, the safest spot for a convertible car seat is in the center of the back seat of a vehicle. This position offers the most protection from side impact crashes and reduces the risk of injury in the event of a collision. But it’s not always possible to install a car seat in the middle seat. If the center position isn’t an option, choose the spot where you can install it tightly using either LATCH or your vehicle’s seat belt, according to the AAP’s car seat safety information guidelines. And always check your specific vehicle’s owner’s manual before installation. The Safe Kids’ Ultimate Car Seat Guide Installation Tips is a great resource for car seat installation.
At what age should a child transition to a booster seat?
According to the AAP, children should transition to a booster seat when they reach the maximum height or weight of their forward-facing car seat. Car seat experts emphasize that children must be mature enough to sit properly in a booster seat before making the switch. (Sitting upright, no leaning, twisting or reaching, etc.) Many children aren’t mature enough to make the switch until at least five years old; most hit this milestone sometime between five and seven.
