The Best Convertible Car Seats
A car seat is one of the baby gear elements that is necessary to keep your child safe.
However, there are so many models on the market within the wide price range.
Convertible car seats are versatile and useful because they can adapt as your baby grows.
You can use some of them from the new-born stage, thought toddlers year and beyond.
Therefore, it is worth spending extra cash and getting a high-quality, durable, reliable, and comfortable car seat.
You can check our list of top ten convertible car seats and find the model that meets your standards.
Highest Rated Convertible Car Seats (by Customer Reviews)
- 1Britax USA Boulevard ClickTight Convertible Car Seat
- 2Britax USA Marathon ClickTight Convertible Car Seat
- 3Safety 1st Grow and Go 3-in-1 Convertible Car Seat
- 4Disney APT Convertible Car Seat
- 5Graco Contender 65 Convertible Car Seat
- 6Evenflo SureRide DLX Convertible Car Seat
- 7Evenflo Symphony Elite All-In-One Convertible Car Seat
- 8Graco Extend2Fit Convertible Car Seat
- 9Evenflo Tribute LX Convertible Car Seat
- 10Graco 4ever All-in-One Convertible Car Seat
1
Britax USA Boulevard ClickTight Convertible Car Seat
The Britax seat features a unique ClickTight option, which allows you to quickly install the car seat in a few seconds.
The seat has a quick-adjust system of 14 position harness and makes a click sound which indicates when the harness is tight.
This Britax seat is safe and has two layers of protection, a steel frame, and an impact-absorbing base.
The seat is available in seven colors and patterns.
Check the current price on Amazon >>
Pros
- High-strength steel frame
- 14 available position for a custom fit
- 7 recline positions
Cons
- Not easiest to clean
Jake's TakeIf you want to save yourself from complex seat systems, this Britax seat is a solution.
On top of everything, the seat is very comfortable and your baby will love it.
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
2
Britax USA Marathon ClickTight Convertible Car Seat
This Britax seat model Marathon fits rear-facing from five to 40 pounds and forward-facing from 20 to 65 pounds.
The seat has seven recline positions available to provide ultimate comfort for your baby.
The Britax Marathon seat has two buckle positions available to allow you to improve the tightness as your baby grows.
The installation is easy, as the seat has famous Britax ClickTight technology for easier installment.
Check the current price on Amazon >>
Pros
- Impact-absorbing base
- Lightweight
- Steel frame
Cons
- Once installed it can be tricky to change the recline position
Jake's TakeThe Britax Marathon seat is a reliable choice with a simple installation.
Safe-cell technology improves safety.
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
3
Safety 1st Grow and Go 3-in-1 Convertible Car Seat
This car seat from Safety 1st can support infants from five pounds to toddlers from 40 pounds in a rear-facing seat.
If you plan to use it as a forward-facing seat, the weight capacity is from 22 to 65 pounds.
The seat has three reclining positions and is available in many color options and patterns, including blue, pink, grey, mint, etc.
The adjustment of the headrest is simple and easy, and you can quickly remove the seat pad for cleaning.
Check the current price on Amazon >>
Pros
- Supports children to 100 pounds
- Easy adjustment of the headrest
- Has a harness holders
Cons
- Somewhat complex to install
Jake's TakeTwo people can install this seat in minutes, so you can ask someone to help you.
Otherwise, the seat is a safe and excellent option for many years of ride.
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
4
Disney APT Convertible Car Seat
This cute seat from Disney features a five-point harness for a custom fit.
The seat has a beautiful design with mouse ears and bow, and two cup holders on both sides.
The Disney seat is suitable for infants from five to 40 pounds in rear-facing mode, and toddlers from 22 to 40 pounds in forward-facing mode.
It has side-impact protection and comes within an affordable price range.
Check the current price on Amazon >>
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- Cute design
- Side-impact protection
Cons
- Some people may find it hard to install
Jake's TakeThe Disney seat features bright colors, interesting details such as Minnie ears and very comfortable.
The only drawback is the installment, but if you follow the instructions, you should struggle with it.
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
5
Graco Contender 65 Convertible Car Seat
The convertible car seat from Graco has an easy-to-adjust harness system, as well as an adjustable headrest.
The headrest can be adjusted in eight positions, to match your child’s needs.
If you wish to install in in the rear-facing position, you can do it easily using a LATCH, and easy-to-read level indicator.
The unit has a standard weight capacity and is available in two colors.
Check the current price on Amazon >>
Pros
- Easy to adjust
- Hassle-free installation
- Machine-washable seat pad
Cons
- No recline option
Jake's TakeThis Graco seat passed some of the most safety tests.
It is a safe and reliable choice and a seat that will last for many years of your child’s life.
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
6
Evenflo SureRide DLX Convertible Car Seat
This Evenflo car seat is available in six color options.
The seat features six shoulder straps positions to ensure a custom fit and comfortable position.
The removable body pillow makes the ride more comfortable.
The seat is lightweight and compact.
Check the current price on Amazon >>
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- Up-front harness adjustment
- Removable cup holder
Cons
- Tricky installation
Jake's TakeThis budget-friendly seat is comfortable due to soft, plush head and body pillows.
The seat is also easy to accommodate as the child grows.
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
7
Evenflo Symphony Elite All-In-One Convertible Car Seat
The Symphony Elite seat from Evenflo can support children from five to 110 pounds.
Therefore, the seat can serve you for long years.
The seat is wiggle-free and features tight fit due to LATCH technology.
The seat pad is removable and safe for washing in the washing machine, on a delicate cycle.
Check the current price on Amazon >>
Pros
- Tight fit
- Comfortable and easy to clean
- Durable seat
Cons
- A bit bulkier
Jake's TakeThis Evenflo seat is very safe and prevents unwanted wiggles during bumpy rides.
The ratchet system ensures simple installation.
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
8
Graco Extend2Fit Convertible Car Seat
The Graco seat model Extended2Fit allows you to have more leg space in the rear-facing position.
In that position, the seat can support children from four to 50 pounds, and toddlers from 22 to 65 pounds.
The seat is available in nine colors and tested for crash impact.
There are six reclining positions and ten headrest positions.
Check the current price on Amazon >>
Pros
- Harness compartment
- Sturdy and durable frame
- Has cup holders
Cons
- Can be tricky to tighten
Jake's TakeThis Graco is comfortable and improves leg space.
The adjustable features are always a plus.
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
9
Evenflo Tribute LX Convertible Car Seat
This Evenflo car seat model Tribute LX is compact and lightweight, so it is a perfect choice for smaller cars.
It has four harness positions and passed all federal safety tests.
The seat is 100% polyester made, so it is easy to clean.
The adjustment is convenient due to the upfront harness adjustment and buckle release.
Check the current price on Amazon >>
Pros
- Easy to clean
- Budget-friendly
- Compact
Cons
- Straps can twist easily
Jake's TakeIf you have a smaller car and want to avoid bulky seats, but still get a comfortable unit, this one is for you.
The installment is simple, as well as the maintenance.
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
10
Graco 4ever All-in-One Convertible Car Seat
The Graco seat model 4Ever is a 4in1 convertible car seat.
You can use it for 10 years, or until your child doesn’t reach 120 pounds.
The seat has two cup holders for convenience, that stays even when you convert the seat to a backless booster.
The installation is easy and safe due to the Graco exclusive Inright LATCH attachment.
Check the current price on Amazon >>
Pros
- Suitable for prolonged use
- 6 recline positions
- 4in1 durable seat with simple maintenance
Cons
- Padding get thinner as the child grows
Jake's TakeIf you want to get one convertible seat and forget about the hassle, this Graco model is for you.
It will serve you for a long time and never fail your expectations.
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
Convertible Car Seats Buying Guide
The car seat is one of the most important things you will buy for your baby.
A good design, safe, sturdy and properly installed car seat can save your baby’s life in the crash.
That is why it is so important to choose the right model and to install it according to the manual.
Car seats come in a few models, and your baby will use it until it is old enough to seat in an adult seat and fasten regular seat belts.
It is about ten years of life.
So, it means for a decade you will have to use a car seat whenever you wish to transport your child from one place to another.
A convertible car seat is a useful choice because they can adapt and convert to follow the age of your child.
Our buying guide will help you to pick the best possible convertible car seat for your child.
Car Seat Types
There are basic categories of car seats – infant car seats, convertible car seats, 3in1 car seats, and boosters.
Infant car seats are suitable for newborns up to 30 pounds of weight.
Convertible car seats feature rear-facing position for babies and forward-facing position for older children.
3in1 car seats convert to the booster, as your baby grows.
Booster seats are for children older than four years, and you use them with regular car seat bealt.
Today, we are talking about convertible car seats, but some of the features and things to look for can be applied to all car seat types.
Things to Consider When Getting a Car Seat
All car seats on the market must pass safety tests.
There is more to a car seat than just high marks on the national crash tests.
We will try to cover all the relevant aspects of a car seat.
Infant Car Seat or Convertible Car Seat?
You might we wondering how long to keep your baby in a rear-facing position.
While some may advise you to shorten it, others will suggest you keep it as long as your baby meets the weight capacity.
The answer is somewhere in between.
It is safe to keep the baby in the rear-facing position until two years.
After that, you can move to a forward-facing position.
However, some parents may change it sooner, but the experts don’t recommend to do it.
Therefore, if you choose a convertible car seat, you won’t have to worry about it for many years.
Space and Seat Size
Some cars have more space than others.
Therefore, if you have a smaller car, make sure to get a compact, but the sturdy seat that will feat into your car interior.
On the other hand, if you drive something which is considerably larger and has more space on the back seat, you can pick an oversized, comfortable car seat for your baby.
Always make sure to check the measurements and to see whether it will feat into your car.
Make sure to check the measurements for both the rear and forward-facing positions.
Portability/Single Car Seat
If you and your partner drive separate cars, you will have to detach and reattach the seat any time you wish to use it.
In that case, you can get two seats and keep them in the cars.
Or you can switch seats to a car when needed.
If you go for a second option, it would be time-saving to get a seat that you can install easily and quickly.
Sometimes, those seats might not be the best quality, as those with a more complex installation.
Anyway, make sure to check reviews of other parents and then decide.
Weight
If you plan to use one seat in more than one car than weight is a significant factor.
Some car seats weight up to 30 pounds without the baby, because of the heavy-duty construction.
There are others, that weigh around ten pounds.
Therefore, compare the weight and don’t think that heavier models are always better.
There are some excellent lightweight convertible car seats on the market as well.
Features
Let’s talk about the most important features of a car seat.
LATCH Connectors
All card products after 2002 come with heavy-duty, sturdy LATCH (Lower Anchor and Tethers for Children) connectors.
They have a weight limit, which is always specified in the product description.
After the total weight of the baby and seat exceed the limit, you can install it with a regular seat belt.
Before 2002, car seat had hook style or push-on connectors.
Top Tether Strap
Top Tether Strap is located on the back of the seat and has a safety function when you put your child in a forward-facing position.
It serves to anchor the seat to a vehicle and prevent head injuries.
The Top tether strap is highly recommended in all forward-facing use.
Harness System
All seats come with some sort of a harness system.
It should be adjustable to match the needs of your child as it grows.
You need to adjust the straps to always be in the correct position.
In the rear-facing position, the straps should be bellow baby’s shoulders, and in forward-facing above or at shoulders.
The harness system should be easy to adjust, but tight enough to provide appropriate support.
Recline Indicator
The seats with a recline indicator show you whether you installed it at the correct angle when placed in a rear-facing position.
Some seats feature a recline range that is appropriate for children of different ages.
For example, younger children should be in a more recline position to ease their breathing, while older children can sit almost upwards.
Cleaning
The ease of cleaning is highly valuable because your baby will spill things while being in the seat.
Pick the seat with a removable cover that is suitable for machine washing.
Otherwise, you will end up with a stained seat.
Accessories
Some seats come with removable cushions and pads for a more comfortable ride.
If you know you will take your baby on longer rides, consider investing in the seat with comfortable pads.
Otherwise, for shorter drives, you can skip on that.
Conclusion
Convertible car seats are helpful because you can use them in a rear-facing position for infants and forward-facing positions when they get older.
All car seats on the market passed safety tests, but you should consider additional features.
For example, think about the size and weight of the seat.
If you have a smaller car, go for a compact seat.
Also, decide whether you will have to move the seat from the car.
In that case, make sure to get a lightweight seat with a manageable installment.
Additionally, don’t forget to check if it is easy to clean the seat.
You cannot go wrong with the car seat with a removable cover for cleaning.
For a more comfortable ride, pick a seat with removable cushions and pads.
What's your take on Convertible Car Seats? You think they're just a luxury or a must-have item? Don't hesitate to share your comment below with your opinion!
