Skip intro? See The Top 10 Best Convertible Car Seats Of 2019
A convertible car seat is a form of baby seat that begins as rear-facing before transitioning into a forward-facing seat. Some convertibles can also be converted into booster seats.(these ones are designed specifically to carry the child from infancy through elementary school). Apart from the convertible and booster baby car seats, there are also infant baby car seats.
However, the best baby seats should be simple and quick to install, easy to use for every trip, and should not be so heavy so that it will be easy to switch from one car to another. Having extra accessories such snack and cup holders will come in handy since the needs of the child change with growth.
Generally, convertible baby seats are often bulkier and heavier than infant safety seats, and it might be necessary to check the weight of each seat as well. The major advantage of heavier seats though, is that they can absorb more bumps from the road thus ensuring that the child enjoys a more comfortable ride.
Finding the best convertible car seat stroller is one of the most intricate but important things you can do for your child as a parent. Because you want to be able to cater for the child conveniently while not failing at your job or other important activities. So, one important factor to consider is if the convertible car seat stroller has features that will make your life simpler particularly when it comes to moving your kid around.
Truth is, many families find themselves spending a lot of time in the car, whether it’s driving to work, vacations, soccer practice or even the grocery store. It, therefore, becomes imperative that since we seem to be constantly moving, then procuring a safe, comfortable and easy-to-use seat is paramount for our children.
Of all the baby seats that are available, the convertible car seat stroller is the favorite and it stands out because of one major factor: convenience.
Contents
- What are the benefits of a Convertible Car Seat?
- The Top 10 Best Convertible Car Seat
- #1 Evenflo Tribute LX Convertible Car Seat
- #2 Safety 1st Guide 65 Convertible Car Seat
- #3 Safety 1st Grow and Go 3-in-1 Convertible Car Seat
- #4 Graco 4Ever 4-in-1 Convertible Car Seat
- #5 Britax Boulevard ClickTight Convertible Car Seat
- #6 Chicco NextFit Convertible Car Seat
- #7 Maxi-Cosi Pria 85 Convertible Car Seat
- #8 Diono Radian RXT All-in-One Convertible Car Seat
- #9 CYBEX Sirona M SensorSafe 2.0
- #10Clek Fllo Convertible Baby and Toddler Car Seat with Anti Rebound Bar
- Choosing The Best Convertible Car Seat
- Conclusion
What are the benefits of a Convertible Car Seat?
It offers convenience like no other baby car seat and some of its other benefits include:
Versatility
The convertible has models that are adaptable such that they are still useable as the child grows from the day of birth to the point where he or she no longer needs a child safety seat.
Money saving
Due to its versatility, the cost of a convertible, in the long run, outweighs its short-term cost since you don’t have to keep buying new ones as the child grows.
Long lifespan
This is probably one of the most important benefits of convertibles as they usually have a long lifespan of about 10 years or more before they cannot be used again. This means convertibles can definitely be used for more than one child either for younger siblings or children that one babysits.
Higher weight limits
More often than not, convertible car seat strollers tend to have a higher rear-facing weight limit than infant seats, which ensures that there is a more efficient rear-facing (ERF), something highly recommended by the AAP.
The type of baby safety seat you choose either an infant or convertible safety seat is, in fact, your decision depending on your lifestyle and that of your family’s. You and only you can ascertain what’s best for your child. This article is here to serve as guidance by providing reviews that will help you judge and decide the best convertible car seat stroller for your child.
As you read through the reviews and write-up, focus on the things that you will like to see in the car seat which matters to you as a parent. It’s important for you to understand that there is no perfect seat. This is why you will need to weigh the merits and demerits of each product as it suits you, your lifestyle, and your child.
In the general sense, for example, some parents won’t be against an infant baby seat that takes time to install because it will be kept in one car most of the time. For some parents who might need to frequently switch the seat between different cars, a lightweight and easy to install/uninstall seat will definitely be their first choice.
For parents with small vehicles, they are likely to look for the most compact models. Invariably, the final decision rests with you as a parent depending on your lifestyle which is why it is important that you first identify what you will like to see in a car baby seat. Then, you can begin to search and shop for what you want.
It’s imperative to point out that more often than not, a convertible car seat is one of the best options that parents go for because it means that they don’t have to shop for a new seat every time their child outgrows their current seat. The convenience and ease of use give the convertible car seat edge over other types considering how quickly babies grow nowadays.
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The Top 10 Best Convertible Car Seat
#1 Evenflo Tribute LX Convertible Car Seat
Its durability, material quality, and versatility are top-notch. The product is 100% made of Polyester and it is side-impact tested, while at the same time meeting or exceeding all applicable federal safety standards. It is designed in such a way that it can protect the child in case of a car crash. Its structural integrity was tested for at energy levels approximately two times the Federal crash test standard.
It contains four shoulder strap positions which allow it to accommodate growing children for a longer period of time. There is also an energy-absorbing foam which provides added safety and comfort for the child. However, it is not suitable for children that are less than two years of age which might not make it an option for parents with recently born babies.
Consumer reviews include comments such as:
- “The seat is quite cheap compared to others which means you’re bound to have relatively low expectations in terms of its functions. But it did exceed expectations as it did well through airport handling and didn’t pose any sort of problem”
- “Has a solid cushion and layered protection though it is slim on the side with a shorter length. The major problem is that it lacks neck and shoulder cushion pads and also, my daughter will soon outgrow this seat because she is already close to 40 inches. But overall, it’s not a bad car seat to have especially if you can’t afford a more expensive one”
Specifications:
- “Item Dimensions : 18.5 x 22 x 25.5 in”
- “Item weight: 9.29 lbs”
- “Maximum Weight: 40 lbs”
- “Minimum Weight: 5 lbs”
#2 Safety 1st Guide 65 Convertible Car Seat
This is suitable for parents with smaller cars or if you happen to have a larger car but need that extra space in your vehicle. It is LATCH-equipped and designed in such a way that it can accommodate children from 5 to 40 pounds in rear-facing mode and from 22 to 65 pounds in forward-facing mode. So, in terms of weight, it has a limit of 65 pounds overall which could serve as a mitigating factor for the number of years that a child can use it for.
It has side-impact protection built into it that keeps the child secure with an option to adjust the five-point harness from the front of the seat. Removable body pillows provide optimum comfortability while the presence of a removable cup holder ensures that there’s a drink close by for the child.
Also, three of these seats can fit side-by-side in the back seat of most cars, which makes it absolutely perfect for growing families and carpools. This product meets and exceeds federal, ASTM, and JPMA safety standards while also having a one-year limited warranty in place.
Consumer reviews include comments such as:
- “This car seat saved my kid from a serious car accident that I was in. It was a car crash that occurred at a speed of 45mph or thereabout but nothing happened to my kid thanks to this car seat. Couldn’t have wished for a better one, really feeling thankful”
Specifications:
- “Item Dimensions : 30 x 18 x 14 in”
- “Item weight: 15 lbs”
- “Maximum Weight: 65 lbs”
- “Minimum Weight: 5 lbs”
#3 Safety 1st Grow and Go 3-in-1 Convertible Car Seat
This is a 3-in-1 car seat that is designed for extended use which means it is adaptable to the child’s growth. Now, rear facing, it can accommodate the child at a weight of 5-40 pounds while facing the rear, 22-65 pounds while facing forward and 40-100 pounds if used as a belt-positioning booster. There’s also a side impact protection that ensures the safety of the child along with a harness that can be kept in open position for easy movement of the child in and out of the seat which makes for better user experience.
It also has comfort pillows to increase the comfortability of the child while the parent is driving and there are also cup holders that can hold any drink the child might need during the drive. It also takes up less space in the car especially when positioned rear-facing thus providing more leg room in the front seat for the parents.
Consumer reviews include comments such as:
“This car seat reclines well when positioned on a flat surface with little adjusting needed to fit it in. my child feels so comfy in this chair with enough padding for him because he’s just about nine months old. Really good value for money spent”
Specifications:
- “Item Dimensions : 24.5 x 19.25 x 24.25 in”
- “Item weight: 18.66 lbs”
- “Maximum Weight: 100 lbs”
- “Minimum Weight: 5 lbs”
#4 Graco 4Ever 4-in-1 Convertible Car Seat
This impressive convertible car seat has a long lifespan as it provides parents with 10 years of use with weight limit as high as 120 pounds (which is conveniently the highest in the list) depending on the positioning. If the convertible car seat is placed rear-facing, it can accommodate weight from 4 to 40 pounds, if it is positioned forward-facing the weight limit increases as it can now take between 22 to 65 pounds. If turned into a booster seat in high back belt-positioning mode then, it can accommodate from 30 to 100 pounds and it becomes 40 to 120 pounds if modified into a backless belt-positioning mode.
For a more suitable fit and comfortability, there is an in-built Simply Safe Adjust Harness System and a 10-position headrest that allows for the adjustment of the harness and headrest simultaneously without the problem of rethreading. There is also the 6-position recline which ensures the child is comfortable, while installation is quite easy and straightforward due to the presence of the InRight LATCH system with one-second attachment.
Consumer reviews include comments such as:
“You’re definitely getting a multipurpose convertible car seat with this one providing durability, safety and security. My car flipped recently after another driver just came out of nowhere and pulled in front of me. Immediately I was able to get out, I pulled my kid from the backseat in his Graco car seat and he’s absolutely fine. Didn’t even appear like anything happened, however, I will be going to buy the same model to replace this one as you can never use a car seat again after a car wreck. Will definitely recommend it for other parents”
Specifications:
- “Item Dimensions : 21.5 x 20 x 24 in”
- “Item weight: 22.8 lbs”
- “Maximum Weight: 100 lbs”
- “Minimum Weight: 5 lbs”
#5 Britax Boulevard ClickTight Convertible Car Seat
Simple and straightforward installation made possible by a patented ClickTight installation system without possibility of rethreading. This convertible car seat features the patented Britax SafeCell Impact Protection system that is made up of a steel frame, an energy-absorbing base, a V-shaped tether to reduce seat rotation to the minimum and finally, staged-release stitches that restrict forward movement in the event of a crash thus offering maximum protection. Without a doubt, this model of convertible car seat is ensconced in safety because, in addition to the above features, it also has two layers of side impact protection. It’s obvious the manufacturers had safety first and foremost in their mind. However, the weight limit might be a mitigating factor as it is not that flexible.
It can only be placed in two positions: rear-facing in which the weight is between 5-40 pounds while forward facing accommodates about 20-65 pounds. What is lost in weight limit and position flexibility is made up for in comfortability with a plush foam padding and fabric, along with 7 recline positions which ensure the child enjoys premium comfort.
Consumer reviews include comments such as:
“Has a solid lifespan of 10 years just like any other solid seat but this is the one with the easiest installation among the ones I have ever used. Installation fits well and tight ensuring the baby is both comfortable and safe. So, invariably, this seat brings quality, safety, and comfort”
Specifications:
- “Item Dimensions : 23 x 18.5 x 23.5 in”
- “Item weight: 24 lbs”
- “Maximum Weight: 65 lbs”
- “Minimum Weight: 5 lbs”
#6 Chicco NextFit Convertible Car Seat
With an extensive and efficient design, this convertible car seat provides the highest recline options that can be found in any convertible car seat made possible through a Recline Sure 9-position leveling system thus making it possible to have an immaculate fit in a wider range of vehicles. Also, with minimum effort, the seat can be tightly secured and well fitted through an Exclusive Super Cinch LATCH Tightener that uses force-multiplying technology.
The Chicco NextFit Convertible Car Seat is designed with innovative functionality that allows it to fit into your vehicle easily while also providing safety, security, and comfort for your child. There’s also a removable cup holder on either side of the seat as well as a steel-reinforced frame that contains EPS energy-absorbing foam which provides top-notch side-impact protection.
When the convertible car seat is positioned rear-facing, the recommended weight that it can accommodate is 5-40 pounds while for forward-facing, recommended weight is 22-65 pounds. Its design is such that it contains a removable infant insert and a six-position headrest which means it can comfortably accommodate the growth of a child. The smaller range of weight limit means once the child outgrows that range, the seat will no longer be useable by the child.
Consumer reviews include comments such as:
“This car seat is really nice and effective. I mean for starters, it’s quite sturdy compared to other car seats while the design makes it easy to install the seat properly while accommodating both smaller and bigger kids. It’s user-friendly and quite straightforward to operate while also being very comfortable. Also, it provides my wife and me with enough leg room in the front seat”
Specifications:
- “Item Dimensions : 20.5 x 19 x 26 in”
- “Item weight: 25.1 lbs”
- “Maximum Weight: 65 lbs”
- “Minimum Weight: 5 lbs”
#7 Maxi-Cosi Pria 85 Convertible Car Seat
This is a convertible car seat that offers a different level of comfortability, with a LATCH-equipped system with a weight variation of 14 to 40 pounds in the rear-facing position while in the forward-facing position, the accommodated weight varies between 22 and 85 pounds. Other features that this convertible car seat contains are, an ingenious FlexTech system that ensures excellent management of multi-directional energy as well as the protection offered by the Air Protect advanced side-impact protection system. There’s also a five-point harness that adjusts easily from the front of the seat as well as a One-Hand Harness height and headrest adjustment for an accurate fit.
In terms of cleaning, it’s quite easy and simple as the seat pad unsnaps and slips off the frame easily and can be washed in a washing machine after which it can be dried with a dryer. The design and structure of this convertible car seat both meet and extend beyond federal, JPMA, and ASTM safety standards with the inclusion of a 1-year limited warranty. However, for all its excellent qualities, it doesn’t have much versatility or an extensive lifespan as children can easily outgrow it.
Consumer reviews include comments such as:
“This car seat is very comfortable as I have even taken it with me on my air travels and it fits well in planes. My kid is comfortable in it and sleeps well particularly when the drive or flight is long. I will definitely recommend this seat to any parent”
Specifications:
- “Item Dimensions : 29.7 x 20.8 x 19 in”
- “Item weight: 23.1 lbs”
- “Maximum Weight: 85 lbs”
- “Minimum Weight: 14 lbs”
#8 Diono Radian RXT All-in-One Convertible Car Seat
This convertible car seat is made up of ingenious safety features combined into an exquisite design that provides more than enough interior space while also allowing you to fit 3-across (for most mid-size vehicles). The structural design ensures that it can withstand extreme crash forces, with sidewalls reinforced with aluminum, head support that provides an extra layer of protection for side impact and an energy-absorbing EPS foam, you can be sure that your child is safe and secure in this car seat.
Another feature of this convertible car seat which is that it provides an extended rear-facing capacity of 3 to 45 pounds which ensures that your child travels in the safest possible position. To buttress that, the rear-facing tether attribute (quite unique to this model) minimizes seat rotation during an impact– a unique feature which further adds to your kid’s safety. Also, with a 12-position adjustable headrest, memory foam and infant body support cushions, the child is kept comfy irrespective of the length of the journey. If positioned forward-facing, then it can accommodate weight from 22 to 65 pounds while it can also be converted to a booster seat and accommodate weight range of 50 to 120 pounds. So, without a question, versatility and durability are top-notch as well as the innovativeness of the design.
Consumer reviews include comments such as:
“ I have had the same model of this car seat for 3 years and counting because it’s just so safe, easy to operate and clean. I mean my kid learnt how to strap himself in by the time he was slightly over 3 years. Quite comfortable and protects a child in case of an accident”
Specifications:
- “Item Dimensions : 16 x 17 x 28.5 in”
- “Item weight: 27.68 lbs”
- “Maximum Weight: 120 lbs”
- “Minimum Weight: 5 lbs”
#9 CYBEX Sirona M SensorSafe 2.0
This convertible car seat won an award for safety in 2018 Best of Baby Tech Award and it will be remiss to not include it on this list. Not only does it ensure safety for the child, but the parents are given rest of mind that the chilled and is snug, well-tucked in and secure. In its design, Cybex exclusive SensorSafe 2.0 Technology has been integrated into the 5-point safety harness chest clip, which syncs with vehicle receiver and caregiver cellphone to alert the parent or guardian as to the child’s wellbeing if for example the child was left alone in the car mistakenly.
Also, there is a Linear Side-impact Protection (LSP) System and energy absorbing shell which combines to help reduce the forces of crash felt by the child should there be a collision. If positioned rear-facing, recommended weight range is from 5 to 40 pounds while if placed in a forward-facing position, the weight range it can accommodate is from 22 to 65 pounds which reduces its versatility and ERF.
Consumer reviews include comments such as:
“This is actually an amazing seat even though first-time installation might pose a problem, once you get the hang of it, it gets easier. It’s quite comfortable for kids particularly those less than 2 years. However, you need to regularly check the tightness at the base to be ensure it is secure and well fastened. Other than that, you’re good to go”
Specifications:
- “Item Dimensions : 29 x 20 x 18.5 in”
- “Item weight: 24.7 lbs”
- “Maximum Weight: 65 lbs”
- “Minimum Weight: 5 lbs”
#10Clek Fllo Convertible Baby and Toddler Car Seat with Anti Rebound Bar
The Clek Fllo is a convertible car seat with a compact design that contains the necessary industry-leading safety features such as a steel anti-rebound bar, extended rear-facing use of up to 50 pounds and last but not least, Clek’s patented Energy-Absorbing Crumple Technology.
This convertible car seat provides the child with Advanced Side Impact protection with the aid of energy-absorbing foam layers, deep side wings, and structural headrest that is easily adjustable. With a dimension that is completely less than 17 inches wide, this car seat fits 3-across easily in most vehicles thus helping to maximize the available space.
Also, it is covered in GREENGUARD Select Certified Crypton Super Fabrics, which help to prevent and ensure permanent protection against moisture, odor-causing bacteria and stains. The car seat itself can be recycled once the child outgrows it by making use of Clek’s car seat recycling program. Its propensity for being outgrown easily might be a drawback for most parents.
Consumer reviews include comments such as:
“A safe and secure seat but one whose cons probably outweigh the pros. It is not easy to clean and sometimes when you clean, you’re not able to reach certain parts of the seat to ensure thorough cleaning. This convertible car seat cannot be washed with the machine and it takes almost forever to get the parts dried in order to use again after washing. Installation is quite simple but getting the seat secure is a whole other matter with the seat having a tendency to wobble. Unless you enjoy an extra challenge while taking care of your kids, I won’t really encourage purchasing it”
Specifications:
- “Item Dimensions : 22 x 16.9 x 26 in”
- “Item weight: 25 lbs”
- “Maximum Weight: 65 lbs”
- “Minimum Weight: 14 lbs”
Choosing The Best Convertible Car Seat
With the reviews provided above, you’re bound to start considering which one will sit you as a parent depending on your lifestyle, type of vehicle, number of kids and the likes but when you’re considering the convertible car seat that will suit your needs, then these are the major factors you should put into consideration:
1. Ease of use – it’s important that you consider the simplicity involved in using a particular convertible car seat including its installation, adaptability to other modes, and moving your child in and out of the seat.
2. Lifespan – 10 years and above is ideal with a 1-year limited warranty.
3. Car compatibility – take a measurement of the dimensions of your backseat and compare it to that of the convertible car seat.
4. Height and weight limits – it’s important that your ideal choice of convertible should allow for ERF well past 2 years old.
5. Level indicators – These are important in order to make adjusting the recline a lot easier
6. LATCH weight limits – in this case, the higher the better so as to allow for ERF
7. Lifestyle – if your family is an urban one or one that travels frequently, then a light, easy-to-install seat for cabs and planes will be more appropriate for you.
Conclusion
Having examined the top ten best convertible car seats with their functions and features while also providing information on certain important factors to consider.
Then I think it’s safe to say that parents are in a good position to make a well-informed decision on the most appropriate convertible car seats that will serve them well.
However, in my opinion, the Graco 4Ever 4-in-1 Convertible Car Seat does it for me because of its adaptability and durability not to mention the higher LATCH weight limits. All these ensure the seat will serve me well as a parent for a long time.
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Last updated : 03/2020
Last update on 2020-03-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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