I’m a CPST, and These Are My Favorite Convertible Car Seats
As a car seat pro, I’ve tested more car seats than I can count. These are the convertibles I recommend again and again.
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As Babylist’s gear editor and a CPST (Child Passenger Safety Technician, someone who’s specially trained in car seat safety and use), I field a lot of questions from new parents about car seats. And it makes sense; they’re one of the most important, and often most confusing, pieces of baby gear you’ll buy.
Convertible car seats—which start rear-facing, then switch to forward-facing, and often last until the booster years—can feel especially tricky. Some families add one to their registry and use it right from the start, while others wait to make the switch once their baby outgrows their infant seat. For many, though, they realize at about six months that their little one is outgrowing their infant seat fast and it’s time to dive into research mode to choose a convertible.
This list can help you take some of the guesswork out of this big purchase. You should still take a look at our Best Convertible Car Seats guide; it offers a wide variety of seats and options that work the best for most families. This list, however, is filled with my personal favorites—convertible seats I’ve seen work again and again for parents with different needs, budgets and vehicles. I hope it helps you feel more confident choosing a seat that’s right for your family.
🥇 My Favorite Convertible Car Seats
Graco Extend2Fit 3-in-1 Car Seat - Cullen
From $195.99The Extend2Fit has been one of my go-to convertible car seat recommendations for years and is our top pick for the best convertible car seat for most families. With a rear-facing limit of up to 50 pounds and an extension panel that adds five inches of extra legroom, it helps families keep kids rear-facing longer, something I’m always looking for as a CPST. (Riding rear-facing is safer for babies and young children because the car seat shell absorbs the energy during a crash, not the baby’s head or neck—the weakest, most vulnerable parts of their body.)
I also like that it installs fairly easily and sits more upright when rear-facing, so it can fit behind taller drivers or in smaller cars that are short on space front-to-back. It’s a bit wide (the cup holders are required) and not the best fit for every newborn, and the harness can sometimes be tricky to tighten. And while it transitions to a booster when your child is ready, many kids will outgrow booster mode before they’re ready to sit booster-free, so it’s not the last car seat you’ll need. But overall, it’s a safe, long-lasting and budget-friendly seat that works well for most families.
Additional Specs
Child Guidelines: Rear-facing: 4-50 lbs, max 49”, and 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
For families with higher budgets, the Rava is one of my favorite convertibles on the market. Many parents are first drawn to this seat because of its looks, myself included—but there are so many more reasons I love it.
As a CPST, what stands out most is the easy installation. It’s really straightforward thanks to the True Tension door, a mechanism that helps tighten the seatbelt when you’re installing a car seat and eliminates the need to push, pull, huff and puff. Car seat installation is complicated, and it’s easy to make a mistake—it’s estimated that almost 70% of seats are installed incorrectly 😬—so anything that makes the process easier is always a big plus for me.
Like the Extend2Fit, the Rava has a 50-pound rear-facing weight limit and adds a two-inch calf extension for extra comfort, which means many kids can ride rear-facing until age three or beyond. I love the plush fabrics and that the cupholders tuck away when not in use. It’s also a fairly compact seat front-to-back, so it works in many compact cars. Just keep in mind that it’s on the wider side, so not the best for three-across.
Additional Specs
Child Guidelines: Rear-facing: 5-50 lbs, up to 49”; forward-facing: 30-65 lbs, up to 49”
One of the biggest issues with convertible car seats is price: they’re expensive. (And even more so lately due to increasing tariffs on baby gear.) The Scenera costs under $60, making it incredibly budget-friendly. It’s about as no-frills as it gets, and that’s exactly why I love it.
I recommend this seat most for travel. At under nine pounds, it’s one of the lightest convertible car seats on the market—much lighter than your average convertible, which usually clocks in around 20 to 25 pounds. It’s also a good seat for some grandparents and caregivers who need something easy to move from car to car and for folks with vehicles that don’t have a ton of room front-to-back.
There are trade-offs: the cushioning is thin, and it has a low-ish top harness height, so kids often outgrow it forward-facing sooner than in other seats. But for a backup seat, a travel seat or a truly affordable option that still gets the job done, the Scenera is hard to beat.
Additional Specs
Child Guidelines: Rear-facing: 5-40 lbs, 19-40"; forward-facing: 30-50 lbs, 34.4-43" and at least 1 yr old
Chicco Fit360 ClearTex Rotating Convertible Car Seat - Drift
From $439.99Rotating car seats are hands-down my favorite innovation of the past few years for how much easier they make my everyday life. After using one with my own toddler, I honestly can’t imagine going back to a traditional seat. They’re also a big win for anyone with mobility issues or physical limitations.
The Chicco Fit360 is a standout in this category, with a smooth 360-degree rotation that makes buckling in and getting kids out so much simpler. It’s also full of thoughtful details: installation is straightforward and secure, and you don’t have to reinstall the seat when switching from rear- to forward-facing—a big perk if grandparents or caregivers are using it for kids of different ages. And the magnetic chest clip, buckle pockets, and plush fabrics are 💯.
Just note that, like most rotating seats, the Fit360 is bulkier and takes up more front-to-back space than a non-rotating convertible.
Additional Specs
Child Guidelines: Rear-facing: 4-40 lbs, up to 43"; forward-facing: 26.5-65 lbs, up to 49"
Graco SlimFit3 LX 3-in-1 Car Seat - Kunningham
From $209.99As a CPST, one of the biggest challenges I hear from parents is how to fit multiple car seats across the back seat. My answer almost always involves at least one SlimFit3 LX. At just under 17 inches wide, it’s currently the narrowest convertible seat on the market, and it can fit three-across in almost any configuration. It’s fairly straightforward to install (it has a seatbelt lockoff in forward-facing mode) and the cover is easy to get off to wash, though getting it back on does take a little patience. The seat eventually converts to a booster, although I prefer using it either rear- or forward-facing due to fit.
Additional Specs
Child Guidelines: Rear-facing: 5-40 lbs, up to 49"; forward-facing: 26.5-65 lbs, up to 49"; high-back booster: 40-120 lbs, 43-57", min 4 yrs
🏆 Honorable Mention
For a more affordable alternative to the Chicco Fit360, Joie’s Chili Spin SI is an excellent choice. It scores high points for style, ease of installation and rotation, fit and the magnetic chest clip. I also love Joie’s traditional convertible, the all-in-one Saffron SI 4-in-1 Convertible Car Seat.
The Contender works as an everyday seat or a travel option for some families. It’s heavier and more expensive than the Cosco Scenera, but it’s cushier, slimmer, has easier LATCH connectors and features a no-rethread harness so you can slide the straps up and down with a tab rather than having to manually reroute them through the back of the seat as your child grows.
Clek Foonf Convertible Car Seat - Railroad Ziip (Flame Retardant Free)
From $447.99This heavy car seat with the funny name will always hold a special place in my CPST heart. It’s not for everyone; it can be tricky to install and has a few quirks. But it’s built like a tank and packed with safety features, and it’s also one of the few convertibles with excellent newborn fit. (You’ll just need to add the brand’s Infant-Thingy insert.) And, despite its heft, it’s excellent for going three-across, even in smaller back seats.
Cybex Callisto G 360° Rotating All-in-One Convertible Car Seat - Almond Beige
From $749.95The Callisto is my favorite convertible car seat splurge. It’s expensive, but it’s so good. It’s easy to install, has excellent safety features, the rotation is smooth and accessible and there are so many parent-centric details (magnetic buckles! harness holders! a spring-back crotch buckle so you don’t have to go digging around! A CANOPY!!). All the 🥰.
