Best Convertible Car Seats 2023

The best convertible car seats grow with your child, taking them from rear-facing infants or toddlers to forward-facing preschoolers—and sometimes right into their booster seat years. Although car seat purchasing isn't always the most straightforward task, these versatile seats can actually simplify parent life by reducing the number of times you need to purchase car seat. Some work from the newborn months and later convert into booster seats for older children. Our top pick, the Graco Extend2Fit 3-in-1 Car Seat, accommodates babies of 4 pounds up to big kids who weigh 100 pounds.

The best convertible car seats work with your child as they outgrow their baby ride.

Because your child will ride in it for such a long time, you want to choose wisely. Selecting the best convertible car seat is a very personal decision with lots of variables. "The ‘best’ car seat depends on your child, your vehicle, your budget and the features important to you," says Michelle Pratt, a certified child passenger safety technician, car seat expert and founder of Safe in the Seat. "Most kids will spend more time in their convertible car seat than in any other car seat stage, so it's important to choose the right one."

After speaking with Pratt and other car seat experts, researching bestsellers, interviewing parents and considering our own experience chauffeuring kids around, we’ve compiled a list of the best convertible car seats to shop right now. As you continue to seek out the best seats, take a look at our favorite infant car seats, car seat stroller combos and booster seats.

Graco

Weight of car seat: 21.94 pounds | Child's height maximum: 49 inches (rear facing); 57 inches (forward facing) | Child's weight minimum: 4 pounds | Child's weight maximum: 50 pounds (rear facing); 65 pounds (forward facing); 100 pounds (high-back booster) | Car seat width: 19 inches

If you’re looking for an affordable car seat that will grow with your child from birth through 100 pounds (aka the end of the car seat line), we think you’ll want to check out this Graco model. The Extend2Fit 3-in-1 with Anti-Rebound Bar tops our convertible picks because of the many ways you can adjust and fine-tune its position, the reasonable price point, the easy cleaning (a removable, machine washable cover), and its ability to convert to every stage of car seat, from infant to rear-facing convertible to forward-facing convertible to high-back booster.

"It has high rear-facing limits and can be very compact when rear facing," says Pratt. The seat allows for 5 inches of extra legroom when facing the rear of the car, so taller toddlers will still fit comfortably; it's rear-facing weight limit is 50 pounds. The U-shaped anti-rebound bar adds a layer of safety by limiting how much the seat and your child would rotate in an accident. There are 10 headrest and six recline positions. It isn't the slimmest seat; you might consider the Graco Slimfit if you really need a narrow seat width.

What the reviews say: "My grandson seems more comfortable in this model of Graco car seat, and I feel more confident that he would be safer in the event of an accident since he can be seated rear-facing for a longer period of time. I did pay more for this model than the one I previously owned, but it's a better value because of the aforementioned safety feature, it's a bit more plush, and the seat itself is adjustable."

Nuna Rava

Weight of car seat: 27.9 pounds | Child's height maximum: 49 inches (rear and forward facing) | Child's weight minimum: 5 pounds | Child's weight maximum: 50 pounds (rear facing); 65 pounds (forward facing) | Car seat width: 19 inches

The Nuna Rava Convertible Car Seat may be more expensive than many other car seats, but it's an excellent compact and safe option with an all-steel frame that's easy to install. "It takes up minimal space rear-facing when it's installed as upright as it's allowed to be," adds Pratt.

Lisa M., a mom in Boston with four Nuna Ravas, points out another spacing perk. The car seat is actually narrow from front to back, which allows tall drivers and front passengers to enjoy significant "legroom even while the baby is still rear-facing."

It's Greenguard Gold certified and made without flame retardants, delivering clean comfort. The Nuna Rava offers 10 recline positions for the best positioning and a no-rethread five-point harness, making it a cinch to fasten in baby. It does not convert to a booster, but you can have your baby in this seat from the newborn stage all the way up to forward-facing at 65 pounds.

What the reviews say: "I have had this seat for my 5-year-old since he was 12 months. My 4-year-old has been in it since 6 months. My oldest was rear facing until he was 4 years old. Yes, it's big. Yes, it takes up space. BUT...it's sturdy, it will last years, you won't regret it."

Amazon

Weight of car seat: 23 pounds | Child's height maximum: 40 inches (rear facing); 49 inches (forward facing); 52 inches (high-back booster) | Child's weight minimum: 4 pounds | Child's weight maximum: 40 pounds (rear facing); 65 pounds (forward facing); 100 pounds (high-back booster); 120 pounds (backless booster) | Car seat width: 21.5 inches

This Graco model has a plush, substantial infant insert and a lowest slot for its no-rethread harness that's 6 inches from the bottom of the car seat, so you can adjust it to fit snugly over a newborn's shoulders. It can accommodate infants as small as 4 pounds, though it's certainly not the only one. The recline options let you get the 45 degree angle you need to keep baby in safe position for breathing, too. As for conveniences, we like the machine washable cover, which is designed to slip off in less than a minute (while the car seat is installed, no less)—great for small babies still prone to spit-ups. At 23 pounds, it's relatively lightweight in the convertible car seat department, and it will allow you to truly be one and done with your car seats as it does it all, even converting to a backless or high-back booster seat when they’re ready.

What the reviews say: "After two kids and buying seats for two vehicles and the grandparents’ vehicles, this is the best one. Easy to install. Easy to clean. It has had its share of gross messes. The entire cover comes off and goes through the wash. Wish I could say the same for my car's fabric seats. I’ve used others, and this is better. Easy in and out. Very easy to adjust even with a wiggling child in the seat if needed. Great purchase."

Clek

Weight of car seat: 38 pounds | Child's height maximum: 43 inches (rear facing); 49 inches (forward facing) | Child's weight minimum: 14 pounds (5 pounds if you buy the | Child's weight maximum: 50 pounds (rear facing); 65 pounds (forward facing) | Car seat width: 17 inches

The funny-sounding car seat that doesn't scream car seat is practically a cult favorite among those who use it from infancy (if you purchase the infant insert for an additional $60). Pratt likes it for parents who hit the road frequently, because Clek seats are comfortable and yet one of the most narrow seats you can purchase, allowing three car seats across for larger families. It's among the most narrow on our list, about equal with the Diono. The Foonf isn't cheap, it's heavier than some of our other picks, and it doesn't convert to a booster seat, but it makes for a quality, long-lasting ride say its fans.

"The low-profile sides and squishy, unobtrusive padding promote airflow and help even the sweatiest toddlers stay cooler in their car seat," Pratt says. "And they sit up nice and high, so your little one can see out the window." When used rear-facing, toddlers have a ton of leg room in part due to its anti-rebound bar. It's also Greenguard Gold certified, free of any flame retardants and FAA approved for aircraft as a safety seat.

"We've been very impressed with the quality of the Foonf," says Katie Tucciarone, a mom in Brooklyn Heights, New York. "The fabric is durable yet comfy, and the accessories are easy to use and aren't breaking all the time. It's also very easy to clean, which is important because it's been subjected to a lot: car sickness episodes, Goldfish galore and other toddler-preferred snacks."

What the reviews say: "We need to fit three car seats across the back or our SUV, and this car seat lets us do that without sacrificing safety or kid comfort. Our daughter loves the seat and naps in there happily during long drives."

Walmart

Weight of car seat: 30 pounds | Child's height maximum: 49 inches (rear and forward facing); 63 inches (booster seat) | Child's weight minimum: 4 pounds | Child's weight maximum: 50 pounds (rear facing); 65 pounds (forward facing); 120 pounds (booster seat) | Car seat width: 19.5 inches

This sturdy all-in-one convertible car seat from Britax is a popular pick for parents of tall kids as well as those hoping to make it the last car seat they ever need to buy. It's a roomy, comfortable seat that will change from a rear-facing to forward-facing five-point harness to a harness-less booster. The headrest can be set to 15 positions. "The Britax One4Life has one of the tallest harnesses available," says Pratt. "Even though it has the same harness mode limits on paper as most other convertible seats, the extra-tall harness height means that this seat will usually last longer than the competition when it comes to taller or long-torso kids." This could equate to an extra year of use.

Meagan Paul, a mom in Pittsburgh, recently purchased this car seat for her tall 14-month old. "He's in the 90th percentile for height," she says. "Researched and this one fits the bill for longest rear-facing with a maximum harness height."

The company's signature Clicktight install also makes it easy to get it in your car correctly. It's a bit bulkier and slightly wider than some other convertibles, but that's because it comes with all the extra perks, such as a no-rethread harness, a machine washable seat cover, two cup holders, comfy padding and steel frame. It's a great everyday seat to truly take your kid from babyhood to nearly middle school.

What the reviews say: "This car seat is amazing. My husband and 1 year old were in an accident yesterday and this car seat saved my little one. They were traveling around 30 mph and t-boned (other car ran a red) another car. Our large SUV was totaled in the accident, and this car seat absorbed all the impact. When he got our kiddo out of the seat he was completely unharmed and was smiling and laughing. We immediately went and purchased another one of these seats. I would recommend to any new parent."

Amazon

Weight of car seat: 11.5 pounds | Child's height maximum: 40 inches (rear facing); 50 inches (forward facing) | Child's weight minimum: 5 pounds | Child's weight maximum: 40 pounds (rear facing); 65 pounds (forward facing) | Car seat width: 19.13 inches

The Evenflo Sonus is the lightest convertible car seat on our list and thus the most portable and easiest to fly with. One of our editors recently took it on a cross-country flight with her 4-year-old and was impressed with it. It easily installed into the rental car and wasn't a chore to carry it to the gate check. It was a bit squeaky and the harness straps weren't the easiest to adjust.

"The safest way for small kids to fly is to sit in their car seat on the plane," says Pratt. But no parent wants to lug a heavy car seat through an airport. That's where a travel stroller and car seat combo comes in—or a lightweight convertible car seat like the Evenflo Sonus 65. Frequent fliers love the 11-pound Sonus 65 for plane rides because it isn't a burden to carry. (We know one editor who pops her travel car seat onto a set of wheels like this car seat caddy. It eliminates the need for a stroller in the airport and makes carrying the car seat much easier.) Another favorite pick for air travel is the Cosco Scenera Next. The two seats are similar in many ways, but the Cosco Scenera has a lower weight (40 pounds maximum) and height limit (43 inches), meaning many kids will outgrow it before the Sonus. "The Sonus lasts most kids until 5 or 6," explains Pratt.

What the reviews say: "Purchased this same car seat a couple years ago. Was easy to install with both the seat belt or the seat clips. The other one has held up well and still looks like new. I was using a couple older car seats that were reaching the expiration date, so I bought 3 of these to replace them. Definitely would purchase these again if the need was there."

Diono Radian

Weight of car seat: 28.5 pounds | Child's height maximum: 57.1 inches | Child's weight minimum: 5 pounds | Child's weight maximum: 50 pounds (rear facing with seat belt installation); 65 pounds (forward facing with seat belt installation); 120 pounds (booster seat) | Car seat width: 17 inches

The steel-core Diono Radian 3RXT convertible car seat is beloved for a few reasons. It's super sturdy, so parents feel better trusting its safety credentials; it's slim enough to fit three kids in car seats across a single back seat; and it's one of those rare one-and-done car seats that carries babies from 5 pounds to 120 pounds. More perks: It folds flat for travel or storage, and the cover is machine washable.

"I’ve owned two of these seats, including during times when I had three kids across in the back," says Rose Gordon Sala, baby and kids gear editor at Forbes Vetted. "My favorite feature, aside from the safety factor, is how seamlessly it transitioned my oldest kids to high-back boosters with the shoulder safety belt. A number of convertible car seats convert to booster seats, but it's often a less comfortable fit since the seat is designed for younger, smaller kids. The Diono Radian 3RXT sits a bit lower without the high sides of other convertibles we’ve tried so kids can get into these on their own." It also lets you keep them in a five-point harness while forward facing for longer than some other booster seats (up to 65 pounds), and it has a 10-year expiration date. It is less cozy for newborns, but the option is there with newborn liner and positioning wedge. The cup holders are a bit flimsy.

What the reviews say: "This car seat is amazing!! It's mom/dad friendly, easy to install, unique colors, no bulky oversized extra car seat taking up precious backseat space, etc. I could probably name 15 more things I love about this seat. Honestly. My only wish was that I had done my research and dug a little deeper to find this gem before I purchased multiple other brands only to find them bigger, bulkier, and not nearly user friendly as this one!! Coming from a mom of 2u2 this seat is a must have!!!"

Target

Weight of car seat: 29.6 pounds | Child's height maximum: 40 inches (rear facing); 49 inches (forward facing) | Child's weight minimum: 4 pounds | Child's weight maximum: 40 pounds (rear facing); 65 pounds (forward facing); 120 pounds (booster) | Car seat width: 19.8 inches

The Evenflo Revolve360 rotates the seat with the click of a button, allowing a parent to more easily lift their baby or toddler from the car seat by rotating the seat toward them. This is a game changer for those of us who have been breaking our backs lifting heavy babes up and over bulky convertible car seat sides for years. Switch between rear-facing, forward-facing and a harness-less high-back booster as your child grows. The seat pad is washable and comfortable, and reviewers love the easy recline and headrest adjustments you can execute even when baby is already in the seat. It is a large and bulky seat, so measure carefully before purchasing. It is not FAA approved.

What reviewers say: "Worth the price! There are other brands that are more expensive that do the exact same 360 rotation BUT for this price point, I found this car seat to be perfect for my little."

Maxi-Cosi

Weight of car seat: 22.2 pounds | Child's height maximum: 40 inches (rear facing); 49 inches (forward facing); 52 inches (high-back booster) | Child's weight minimum: 4 pounds | Child's weight maximum: 40 pounds (rear facing); 100 pounds (forward facing and high-back booster) | Car seat width: 19.25 inches

The plush Maxi-Cosi Pria isn't the smallest seat on our list, but it is one of the plushest with comfortable padding throughout, including in the headrest.

"As my firstborn outgrew her infant car seat, she suddenly got very uncomfortable in the car," explains Sala. "She screamed out her discomfort over a number of road trips, so I went shopping for the most comfortable convertible car seat that I could find, landing on the Maxi-Cosi Pria." This well-padded, soft seat with two cup holders and an extra plush headrest (thanks to the foam side-impact reinforcement) is dreamy for little riders seeking a bit more comfort. This latest version of the evolving Pria includes a magnetic chest clip and a harness and headrest that adjust as one. Cons? It's super bulky. As she grew out of the fussy toddler stage, Sala says she moved on to a convertible with a lower profile. However, this Maxi-Cosi Pria Max does convert to a booster when ready.

What the reviews say: "I’ve had this car seat since my son was about eight months and he is now four and a half. It has been through so many stains, accidents, and even my 55 pound bulldog sitting on it. The seat still looks brand new, and there are no rips! I will be passing this seat down to my second child when he is big enough."

We interviewed car seat experts, researched top-rated seats and examined recall notices and feature lists, as well as read through dozens of reviews to decide on the best convertible car seats. As parents, we’ve also used a number of these car seats in our own cars with our own children.

Forbes has written extensively on baby gear, reviewing and testing products, including the best baby monitors, travel strollers, diaper bags and bassinets. You might also be interested in reading about these items for your growing toddler or kid:

The best convertible car seat is like a versatile actor: It brings its own distinct style and characteristics from one stage to the next. As a parent, you should consider the car seat's price, its weight, its height and weight limits (as well as those of your car), and other convenient features you might value, like a machine washable cover or a no-rethread harness. Looking for a little extra guidance? Pratt's Car Seat Buying Kits can help you narrow down your choices to the best one for your family.

Again, price mostly hinges on convenience and style, not safety. All car seats sold in the U.S. must meet the same strict safety standards. You can pay as little as $50 or over $600 and feel confident that your child is well protected. Conveniences like no-rethread harnesses and comfort features like higher-end fabric (merino wool, performance fabric) tend to cost more. If you’re going to be using your car seat daily, it may be worth the investment to you to purchase a more comfortable and easier to use seat. If you’re a city dweller who uses it only on infrequent trips to visit family, it might not.

How portable does your seat need to be? The convertible car seats range from 11 pounds to 38 pounds with most of them over 25 pounds. These seats are heavier and are designed to carry heavier kids, so you won't be toting it around atop your stroller or on your arm as you did with your infant car seat. If you have a newborn on the way, you might want to be able to lift your child out of the car in it, which is why so many opt to start their car seat journey with a more portable, lighter infant option before moving on to bulkier convertible seats.

Before you make a final decision, check your car's car seat weight limits too, advises Geoff Gohacki, a nationally certified Child Passenger Safety Technician Instructor who is a co-owner and instructor at Common Sense CPR. "Car makers have a limit for how heavy a seat can be used with LATCH installation," which might be the easiest way to install that seat, he explains. "Usually it's 45 to 50 pounds. If you have a 30-pound seat, you might max out the limit faster than you think." Or you might be forced to do some jiu-jitsu with your seat belt every time you take out the car seat and put it back in.

The height and weight restrictions for convertible car seats differ depending on how it's installed, whether as a rear-facing car seat, forward-facing car seat or (when available) a booster seat. Some convertible car seats can truly be the only car seat you ever buy for a child, taking them from infancy until they hit nearly 5 feet tall or 100 pounds.

Check these minimums and maximums before purchasing to ensure the seat fits your child now and hopefully for at least a couple of years more, possibly as their forever seat.

Car seats are not made to fit in every car. You can check the dimensions of your preferred car seat against those of your car's back seat and door, but ultimately it's a process of trial-and-error, Gohacki says. His advice? "Save the box and make sure your car seat is returnable."

It's not about what you spend on your car or car seat—there's just not a standard for seat belt or the LATCH system. As Gohacki put it, "You could have the most expensive car seat and the most expensive car, it doesn't mean they’ll work together." For example, the LATCH clips on the car seat might not line up with the anchors in your car's middle seat. Or your car's middle seat might be too narrow for the car seat base to sit level on it.

The other consideration is the angle of the car seat's recline and the back of the driver or passenger's seat. For small cars or tall people, there might not be enough space for some car seats. Car seats with features like anti-rebound bars also tend to butt up against the front seats, adds Gohacki. Sometimes they are removable; sometimes they’re not.

Convertible car seats take up more space than infant seats do. They range in width from 17 inches to nearly 20. That three inches might not sound like much—until you try to squeeze two more car seats or an extra passenger into the back seat with it. Do you have other kids, or would you like to have more? Do you often have back-seat passengers (even pets) or cargo? If so, you’ll want to select one a narrower seats, like the Clek or Diono Radian.

On the other hand, if you drive a large SUV and have the luxury of space, you might want the cushiest seat possible. You might consider our Britax or rotating Evenflo picks.

Car seats, like pretty much everything designed for babies, can come with lots of special features that are designed to make your life easier. A no-rethread harness is one we think is worth spending on, since it makes it easier to buckle your child in safely. You might be surprised by how much little things like sturdy cup holders or the little pockets that keep the buckles out of the way can improve your experience.

The fabric of the cover emerged in our research as a factor you might want to consider. How easy is it to wash—and can it go in the washing machine? Beyond that, some brands use super soft materials like merino wool or specify that their fabric isn't treated with brominated fire retardants, which some parents may prefer to avoid.

Because all seats sold in the U.S. must pass certain safety regulations, you are more often picking a car seat based on certain preferences and styles. "All car seats are equally safe, whether you spend $50 or $600," says Gohacki.

You can, however, always look for certain features that might make a car seat even safer, such as anti-rebound bars, extra testing, no historical recalls and higher height and weight limits that allow you to keep your child in a safer position for longer, meaning rear-facing.

It's also important to follow the manufacturer's instructions on height and weight limits to avoid sizing your child's seat up too early or too late. Outgrowing an infant car seat means that a baby no longer has enough car seat shell over their head to keep them protected, adds Pratt. "Most babies outgrow the height or head clearance limits long before they reach the weight limit," she says.

Gohacki recommends sticking with the infant seat for as long as they’re within the limits. "Do not try to make your baby bigger than they are already," he advises. He gets emails all the time from people saying their baby is ready for a convertible. "I’ll say, ‘I don't think your baby is ready for a convertible yet. How big is the baby? Let me get the height, weight, show me some pictures.’

When your child outgrows their infant car seat, they’ll still have many years (possibly eight or more) of car seat time left. You’ll need to size them up no matter what, and a convertible car seat if often the next option. What type of convertible car seat you choose, depends on your needs and child. For example, if they’ve already outgrown rear-facing, you may not need a convertible car seat that can also be positioned in this way. Instead, you may want to prioritize a seat that will convert to a booster at some point down the road.