We were taught that the red light means stop. Either it wont fit, or the front row will suffer. My niece asked her mom: What was that big bag?. Thought Britax makes up lost ground by having 10 headrest positions while the Graco has 9. The other thing we liked is how low the sides are on the bottom, making it surprisingly easy get your baby in and out of the seat. Which convertible car seat is easiest to install? Overall, this is a great car seat with some minor drawbacks. The race was neck and neck but the Britax car seat won in the end. As you know, the rollover crash is the most dangerous of them all. Given this, we find it more likely that your baby will phase out of rear-facing with this car seat long before they hit the 45-pound limit, which is unfortunate. So what do you get with all that weight and bulk? The installation is one of the issues. We update all of our review as we gain experience with long-term testing. The Nanotex fabric is even better if you're willing to cough up the extra cash! It's really on-point with its style and comfort, and that alone might be worth the somewhat hefty price tag. Foam padding is an absolute must they not only for comfort. I cant get over the feeling that this car seat is cheap. The rear-facing weight limit is also a bit low for a recently-released product, when some of the other premium car seats are increasing that limit to 45 or 50 pounds. Another example would be Britax Boulevard where the seat weight is 29.4 pounds and the Graco Extend2Fit seat weight is just 23.2 pounds. As the child grows you need to up the safety as well. You can check out the Maxi Cosi Magellan Max Convertible Car Seat here. As always, read the, Finally, we thought the side impact padding was substantial and the headrest was easy to adjust up and down, and we loved how high and low the headrest went, adjusting between 9 different positions. Same with the recline adjustment, which uses a big red handle at the bottom rear of the seat: it's cumbersome and clunky to use. If you add up the other two or three car seats, it easily passes the price of an all-in-one solution. There are four primary differences between the regular and Max Magellan seats. The, You have probably realized by now that convertible car seats vary widely in quality, style, and price. Also as the safety system I have to mention the 5 point harness which is the safest in the industry. What is the best convertible car seat 2022? It's also less plush and comfortable than its higher-priced siblings, has a non-machine-washable cover, and uses the old-fashioned hook LATCH connectors. Yes, a convertible car seat can be positioned rear-facing, just make sure your newborn is at or above the minimum height and weight for the convertible car seat. The airbags exploded, instantly saving the lives of the parents. Yes, theres a price gap between the two. Impressed? The cons would be that these car seats are big and heavy. If they're taller, they'll likely reach the height limit before that time, but most toddlers will be able to stay comfortably rear-facing for at least 2 years in this seat. It might be easier if you would have a second person helping you. The carrier option is the best one for parents who want to multitask while their baby is sleeping. Its an ideal car seat for traveling. Who else loves the Chicco NextFit? The seat cover was easy enough to remove and is machine washable, and we liked how it folded up for travel (to throw in the trunk, or to bring on a plane). The Pria Max is not cheap, coming in at about $300, and for that price we expect a lot. What is a convertible car seat? This won't be an issue with a full-size car or SUV, but it's worth pointing out if you wouldn't be comfortable sliding your seat forward a bit more than usual. Also, after using the car seat for a few months, some of the adjustments got a little stiff and harder to use. Then you have to decide where you will install it. As you know, rear-facing is the safest position your child can sit. While others recommend buying the body pillows as a separate purchase. This real crash test proved that the car seat is safe. They are a bit finicky to remove. An anti-rebound bar is included in the B-Safe, while the Snugride doesnt have one. But it also makes squeezing car seats into little cars a bigger issue for some families. Maxi Cosi Pria Max 3-in-1 Baby Car Seat, 10. The downside would be that its heavy. The Pria Max versions use the new ClipQuik chest clip device, which uses a sliding magnetic clip that is supposed to make buckling and unbuckling the chest clip much easier. He was scared and cried. It looks, feels, and acts like a truly premium car seat. In our testing, we found all of the adjustments very easy to use, and sufficient in range for most babies. Some brands only allow spot cleaning. Theres no other difference. Installation wasn't as easy as with something like the ClickTight system, but routing the vehicle's belt through the rear was easy enough, and using the LATCH system was pretty simple (though it does use the traditional style hook system). Also, it can be used as a distraction if you have a fussy child. Then it transitions to a front-facing toddler car seat, supporting toddlers and big kids from 22-65 pounds (and less than 49" tall). The steel-reinforced frame and EPS energy-absorbing foam give us confidence in the event of a crash, though for this price we hope Chicco will add an anti-rebound bar in the near future. So you kids might wake up with minor neck discomfort. She was unharmed. They can be mounted either in rear-facing or front-facing mode. The SUV got wrapped around the tree. Note that rear-facing does support up to 40 pounds, but if you're looking to go up to 50 pounds then you might want to check out the Graco 4Ever Extend2Fit, which adds the 5" extension panel to add more leg room and rear-facing support. Like the Boulevard and Advocate, it has a decent overall weight range (5-65 pounds), a no-rethread harness, side impact protection, a sturdy steel-reinforced frame, SafeCell technology, EPP energy-absorbing foam, and superior crash test performance. It's also a top pick by our friends at Babylist and WhatToExpect. When youre looking at infant car seats both of them are strong contenders. ), the cover is easy enough to remove but more importantly it's machine washable *and* can be thrown in the dryer, which is a minor miracle when dealing with a messy eater! As always, if you have any questions or need personalized advice, visit our facebook page and send us a message! Britax vs Graco car seats what are the weight limits? Overall, this is an excellent Graco model that basically has all of the bells and whistles as the 4Ever, but with some minor differences, at an excellent price point usually under $200. It then transitions to a front-facing toddler seat to support from 22-65 pounds, and finally to a high back belt-positioning booster to support from 40-120 pounds (up to 57" tall). You can check out the Britax One4Life all-in-one convertible car seat here! Can I use a convertible car seat for a newborn? Graco Vs Britax who has the best booster seats? According to our hands-on tests, the Graco Extend2Fit and Britax Boulevard ClickTight are the absolute best all-around convertible car seats for 2022. The seat itself weighs only 21 pounds and is under 19" wide. The irony of fate was that they were so close to home when the accidents happened. You can check out the Britax Advocate ClickTight Anti-Rebound Bar Convertible Car Seat here. Then it happened. They were coming home after school. He was speeding excessively. Interested? Outside of that little nuisance, in our testing we found that this car seat has really high quality fit and finish everywhere, easy adjustments, an easy to remove and machine washable cover, a great detachable cup-holder, and an easy-fold capability for transport (it's also approved for air travel). Once installed, we need to mention that the extension panel makes the Extend2Fit stick out quite a bit from the back seat. In our testing, we could fit kids up to nearly 3 years old rear-facing. Our Review of the Cybex Sirona M SensorSafe Convertible Car SeatOur Review of the Evenflo Everystage DLX All-in-one Convertible Car SeatOur Review of the Baby Jogger City View Convertible Car Seat. Routing the vehicle's seat belt through the back was a bit of a chore, so we definitely suggest using the LATCH for as long as possible (up to 35 pounds for this seat). On this list, you will learn about some excellent car seats that also have a relatively small footprint, like the Clek Foonf, Clek Fllo, and several others! 
Is that always the case? They will eventually spill something or make a mess. The Marathon supports children from 5-40 pounds rear-facing (height up to 1" below the top of the headrest), and 20-65 pounds front-facing (up to 49" tall). And with only a select few, you will be able to do three across. The good part is that it offers a lot of security. Other than that, they are neck and neck. Metal screeched and dented. An important note about the LATCH system with this car seat: do not use LATCH when your child exceeds 35 pounds rear-facing, or 40 pounds front-facing (switch to the vehicle's belts at that point). From Camp Britax, we have the One4Life, and from the Chicco camp, we have the 4Ever. So what didn't we like? Of course, they are well-loved car seats and this does happen after several years with any car seat. We used the Britax Marathon for 4 years with our first child, and it was superb in safety, quality, and craftsmanship. When you take a look at the installation, finally, Graco has upgraded from Level 1 latches to the modern ones, although the installation didnt get easier. A driver going 50 mph rear-ended them. The Chicco NextFit Zip supports newborn babies as small as 5 pounds using the infant insert (use the insert from 5-11 pounds), and up to 40 pounds in rear-facing mode. Plus they have the most safety features in any other car seat. Other than that, this car seat truly has it all, with premium fabrics, premium safety and convenience features, but also a premium price tag. Once you figure it out, it's great and we see the allure, but until then you might be a little frustrated by it. Can I take a convertible car seat on an airplane? Who else loves the Radian 3RXT? Our initial impressions of the Foonf were that it was indeed built like a tank, heavy, stylish, very high quality, and inspires confidence with its safety and durability. Plus, you can install it baby carrier without the base. I have to hand to Britax. Maxi Cosi Magellan Max All-in-One Convertible Car Seat, check out the Maxi Cosi Magellan Max Convertible Car Seat here, 16. Of course, if you're using the LATCH, it includes that as well and installation will be a breeze. Finally, it stopped in the ditch. It's also much cheaper than the Advocate and Boulevard, so you lose a few things: first, the overall shell is about 2" shorter making it easier to install in smaller vehicles, but not great for taller kids. These are usually the last car seats that you will ever buy because they are lifers. During our hands-on testing, we spill milk and juice on them, test their stability during erratic driving, measure head-flop during naps, research crash test ratings, test all of the features and adjustments, and solicit honest opinions from parents who have owned and used the convertible car seats for at least 6 months. Heres something you wanted to hear all along. The Graco 4Ever Extend2Fit combines the best convertible car seat with the most versatile model into one truly fantastic all-in-one car seat. In this manner, we try to go beyond simply stating the specifications of the seats, to providing you with feedback from real-world use. Full disclosure: Some of these car seats, including the Safety 1st, Maxi Cosi, and Graco models, were sent to us as free test samples by the manufacturer. So overall, the Diono Rainier is a great option for people with bigger vehicles and bigger budgets, offering superior comfort and safety features, the Diono reputation for quality, and some serious versatility to support growing children from birth up to about 8-10 years of age. What convertible car seat is best for small cars? In our hands-on testing, we consider how all of the individual components work, and how they work together. Convertible car seats vary widely in weight and height ranges. Britax Marathon ClickTight Baby Car Seat, check out the Britax Marathon ClickTight here, 13. But according to the AAP, only switch the car seat to front-facing once your baby grows out of the car seat's rear-facing height or weight limit. And as a front-facing belt-positioning booster it starts to see a little narrow in the seat and torso for bigger kids. We also noticed that it's not nearly as heavy as most all-in-one car seats, likely owing to the fact that it has no steel-reinforced frame. The Chicco Fit4 is one of the newest all-in-one convertible car seats on the market, expanding upon Chicco's success with the NextFit. You can check out the Maxi Cosi Pria Max here! But you will find 4 in 1 and even 5 in 1 option as well. Made right here in the USA, the Britax Boulevard supports babies as small as 5 pounds using the included infant insert, and toddlers up to 65 pounds. Its actually the best Britax car seat overall. A lock-off feature would likely remedy this, but it's not included with the seat. Like most of the car seats on this list, it's very heavy and large, and also pretty wide (about 19"). It only takes a few minutes to grab a measuring tape and figure out what your space constraints are, and compare these with the car seat's specifications. Is the Max worth the extra cost? The only thing that the 3RXT is missing in the installation and adjustment department is a no-rethread harness: the harness will need to be manually rethreaded as your child grows, to move it between the five height positions. That's because they all have to meet the strict federal NHTSA safety standards and requirements, which includes passing stringent crash tests and build requirements. The incident happened with some acquaintances of ours. Width is important when you're trying to squeeze multiple car seats into the back seat of your car, and height is important when the convertible car seat is rear-facing (since it will likely come in contact with the back of the driver's or passenger's seat). In the rear-facing configuration the seat protrudes very far from the back seat (up to about 35"), making it more suitable for the passenger side or for larger vehicles. If you can pinch the material, it means that theres too much slack, and your child isnt secure enough. In our reviews, we consider these trade-offs when ranking the contenders. All of the fabrics were super soft and comfortable, Maxi Cosi is definitely good at providing maximum coziness for your baby! Overall, we found this Graco Extend2Fit to be the best overall car seat on the market, with super versatility, comfort, reliability, ruggedness, ease of use, superior crash testing performance, and safety. This is one of the most important factors to consider when purchasing a convertible car seat. It doesnt have a steel frame, so its light. The Britax B-Safe infant carrier has a steel frame. Other adjustments, such as the harness tightness, were very smooth and easy to use. The only cons are that it's very big and heavy just like most of the front-runners this year, rear-facing is limited to 40 pounds, and the bucket seat is super cozy but can be more difficult to get babies into and out of (especially in smaller cars and with chunky monkeys!). For a booster seat, this is perfect, but for the harness mode, I have my doubts. Finally, we have a garage full of used car seats and have discovered that many of the Marathons have torn or ripped fabric covers, especially along the seams. Given the increased safety offered by extended rear-facing, we think this is worth the inconvenience. For versatility, it includes a 9-position recline and leveling system, 10-position headrest with a no-rethread harness, two crotch buckle positions, two collapsible and removable cup-holders, and it's FAA approved for air travel (up to stage 3: front-facing with harness). Second, the shoulder harness height is only adjustable by rethreading from the rear of the seat, which is a pain. Let's talk about that fabric: the Foonf uses Greenguard GOLD certified fabrics (C-Zero Plus Performance Collection) that are free of nasty flame retardants, super soft and durable, and very high quality. Overall, we love this new addition to the growing field of all-in-one convertible car seats, and think it's very worthy of inclusion in our reviews; in fact, after having used the car seat with our own children for over a year now, it has slowly crept up over 5 positions in this list! There are also a ton of indicators and easy to follow diagrams on the side of this seat to make sure you're installing correctly. As you know there are many cup holders. Finally, the car stopped rolling in the ditch. Our test toddlers found the seat to be super comfortable, and we liked how they could peek out over the side impact wings without too much effort, making the seat feel less claustrophobic than some options (like the Chicco). It does not include an anti-rebound bar for rear-facing mode. After a certain age, kids want what big kids have. That's a problem, and our reviews are here to help! It also only has 1 detachable cup holder rather than 2, and in our testing it was a bit narrow in the lower seating area for hefty kids. Safety 1st Grow and Go Hybrid 3-in-1 Convertible Car Seat, check out the Safety 1st Grow and Go Convertible Car Seat here, 14. The Diono Radian 3RXT comes in at just under 17" wide, making it perfect for small cars and even fitting three car seats in a row. Modern convertible car seats are getting larger and larger, with bigger side-impact protection, thicker cushioning, taller backs, and accessories like cup holders that often stick out a couple inches on the side and/or front of the car seat. It supposed to be a routine trip. The fabric has a premium and soft-touch feel, and is easy to clean, completely removable for machine washing. The Grow and Go is Safety 1st's flagship convertible car seat and offers some serious bang for the buck. When he noticed it, it was too late. The Rainier is also extremely heavy (31 pounds) and truly enormous (18" wide, 16" deep, and over 28" tall), making it only reasonable for parents with large vehicles (especially when rear-facing), and those who do not need to regularly swap the seat around between vehicles. We have plenty of old car seats in our garage that we've tested and within a few years they have splitting fabric seams, sticky buckles, broken harness buckles, restricted or stuck adjustments, and more. The crash was loud. The seat itself tips the scales at a hefty 30 pounds, and is about 20" wide. Use of this site is subject to our, Rest assured that as doctoral-level scientists, parents, and the owners of this small business, we have over 20 years of combined experience testing and reviewing over 2400 different baby and toddler products. A drunk driver hit them head-on. Who else loves the Britax Boulevard clickTight? Since the car seat is heavy, you wont be hauling it between the house and the car. Love the idea of the Advocate, but can't stomach the price or weight and bulk? The Graco 4Ever offers amazing 4in1 versatility, supporting children from 4 to 120 pounds. Note that most of the Nuna Rava seats are flame retardant free, meaning that they do not include any of the harsh chemical sprays that many seats use, which is great for parents looking for a more natural alternative. Graco Vs Britax child car seats which one has easy installation? The Britax Grow with You car seat offers more comfort with the two recline positions. Britax Grow with You came out the winner. Now it has become a lot easier than with other models. Second, check out our, During our hands-on testing, we spill milk and juice on them, test their stability during erratic driving, measure head-flop during naps, research crash test ratings, test all of the features and adjustments, and solicit honest opinions from parents who have owned and used the convertible car seats for at least 6 months. I personally love the Britaxs clicktight installation system it they have redefined easy installation. Always check this because an unsecured car seat is dangerous. Three times a year we pull together parents and kids to test the best new models we can find, installing them in different vehicles, putting in infants, toddlers, and big kids, and testing out all of the key features. When should I switch to a convertible car seat? Well, this was the best that Graco had to offer. Some cons worth mentioning. This has multiple benefits. Britax never compromises with safety features, and the Advocate is the cream of the crop. The quick-adjust harness and headrest height moves between 14 positions, it has 7 recline positions and a bubble level, and everything is super easy to adjust. It has the most (triple!) Those aspects do make it a little lighter-weight, which is a definitely plus. This includes both the width and height of the seat. The next things to consider are the letters: you can ignore the R and A, and focus on the X and T. The X indicates that it includes an infant positioner, and the T indicates that it includes an adjustable headrest. Most of their car seats have earned top ratings. We try them out as a rear-facing infant and toddler car seat, a forward-facing car seat and if possible for the model, as a booster seat. Britax has made a name for them in the car seat market. The car spun into the oncoming traffic. When it comes to child safety needs both brands did a great job. Overall, we think you really can't go wrong with this safe, sturdy, well-made, and ridiculously versatile Graco 4Ever, and it is very deserving of this spot on our list. Enjoy! For a smaller car or taller front seat occupants, this can make things challenging, causing it to press up against the back of a front seat. All of the fabrics and fasteners are premium quality, and all adjustments were very easy to use (recline, headrest height, harness tightness). The car was still in motion. One of the most important features is the side impact protection. The upper limit for extended rear-facing is 50 lbs. Overall, we think this new convertible car seat makes an awesome addition to our reviews. Second, the Max uses spring-loaded "easy in, easy out" harness system that stands up and open on its own (we loved this). Extended rear-facing is the best with Extend2Fit. Plus, its the best of the best in terms of safety and comfort without breaking the bank. The crash was so hard that the car started rolling over. The Graco Extend2Fit car seat comes with a leg extender. You can check out the Britax Marathon ClickTight here. All the size measurements are listed on the website. Some convertible car seats sell for about $100 (see our, If you don't drive a large car or SUV, and you have more than one child, you definitely need to consider the size of the convertible car seat. As a rear-facing infant car seat, it's excessively large and cumbersome, and isn't likely to fit into smaller vehicles. All of that weight and bulk translates to increased safety features and comfort: the Rainier uses a full steel frame, energy-absorbing EPS foam, aluminum-reinforced side walls, and memory foam seat. Fourth, the Super Cinch LATCH system made life much easier when attaching the seat; of course, it also can be attached using the vehicle seat belts, but the super cinch system takes the guess-work and struggle out of getting a good LATCH connection. It does come with the premium quality (push-button) LATCH lower anchor connectors, but NUNA is very adamant (with tons of bright stickers to tell you so) that they want to you use the vehicle's lap and shoulder belt for installation. Thats why Ive created this comparison article. Convertible car seats are getting increasingly versatile and make claims of lasting for up to 10 years with some models, like the Maxi Cosi Magellan 5-in-1 or the Graco 4Ever. The car has skidded off the road. If you have seen on cup holder then you have seen them all or did you? The safety features must include energy absorption they must be side impact tested. Overall, if you can afford the price and deal with the weight and bulk, the Britax Advocate is truly excellent and confidence inspiring, and as a bonus it's made in the USA. Finally, the One4Life transitions to a high back belt-positioning booster mode, supporting kids from 40-120 pounds. I mean, were talking about kids. This car seat is the most expensive, but you have to buy it once. Yes, it's expensive, but you get a lot for the price. First, it does not have cup holders, and second, toddlers typically out-grow the Primo Viaggio in height while rear-facing before they out-grow it in weight. In the comfort department, the Graco 4Ever is losing ground to the One4Life. This would be the conclusion of my buyers guide. In the security section, they look the same. Only a small difference makes the Extend2Fit better. The parents go the short end of the stick. Who else loves the Clek Foonf? To achieve a perfect installation, the seat has 7 recline positions with clearly visible level indicators, 14-position quick-adjust harness and headrest height (no rethreading needed), and two crotch buckle positions. The downside is that it is more expensive than any other car seat. The father couldnt see that theres a big puddle of water after the turn. The parents got some cuts and bruises but their daughter. Then she saw her wide-eyed and without visible injuries. There are built in cup holders and click on cup holders. Alert: This car seat was recently recalled (see the recall announcement here); it cannot support children over 65 pounds or 49 inches tall when not using the top tether. Maxi Cosi fulfills all expectations for style and comfort. Because achieving a proper installation is the most critical aspect of car seat safety, the Boulevard makes installation a breeze with color-coded belt guides, clear instructions, an easy to use LATCH system, and the amazing ClickTight lock-off system. Over 8 million convertible seats were sold last year alone, but according to our research only about half of new parents are happy with their purchase decision! Installation was very confidence-inspiring; we won't say it's easy the first time, but once you read the manual and watch a demo video, you'll realize just how awesome it really is. Despite the weight, you won't notice much bulk: the Clek Foonf is sleek, narrow, and stylish. In addition to these safety and installation features, it also has the convenience features you've come to expect in a $250 car seat: two cup holders, removable infant insert, a rapid remove washable cover, and harness storage to keep the harness out of the way while getting your baby in and out. This tech absorbs any impact energy, and it wont travel up into your little ones body. She lost control over the car. First, it has a high weight minimum for rear-facing (14 pounds) unless you purchase the infant-thingy. Most of the fanfare surrounding the One4Life is well justified given the features, comfort, installation ease, versatility, and safety. It also offers a nice wide adjustment range, and some great safety features including side-impact protection, a steel-reinforced frame, and EPS energy-absorbing foam.
Is that always the case? They will eventually spill something or make a mess. The Marathon supports children from 5-40 pounds rear-facing (height up to 1" below the top of the headrest), and 20-65 pounds front-facing (up to 49" tall). And with only a select few, you will be able to do three across. The good part is that it offers a lot of security. Other than that, they are neck and neck. Metal screeched and dented. An important note about the LATCH system with this car seat: do not use LATCH when your child exceeds 35 pounds rear-facing, or 40 pounds front-facing (switch to the vehicle's belts at that point). From Camp Britax, we have the One4Life, and from the Chicco camp, we have the 4Ever. So what didn't we like? Of course, they are well-loved car seats and this does happen after several years with any car seat. We used the Britax Marathon for 4 years with our first child, and it was superb in safety, quality, and craftsmanship. When you take a look at the installation, finally, Graco has upgraded from Level 1 latches to the modern ones, although the installation didnt get easier. A driver going 50 mph rear-ended them. The Chicco NextFit Zip supports newborn babies as small as 5 pounds using the infant insert (use the insert from 5-11 pounds), and up to 40 pounds in rear-facing mode. Plus they have the most safety features in any other car seat. Other than that, this car seat truly has it all, with premium fabrics, premium safety and convenience features, but also a premium price tag. Once you figure it out, it's great and we see the allure, but until then you might be a little frustrated by it. Can I take a convertible car seat on an airplane? Who else loves the Radian 3RXT? Our initial impressions of the Foonf were that it was indeed built like a tank, heavy, stylish, very high quality, and inspires confidence with its safety and durability. Plus, you can install it baby carrier without the base. I have to hand to Britax. Maxi Cosi Magellan Max All-in-One Convertible Car Seat, check out the Maxi Cosi Magellan Max Convertible Car Seat here, 16. Of course, if you're using the LATCH, it includes that as well and installation will be a breeze. Finally, it stopped in the ditch. It's also much cheaper than the Advocate and Boulevard, so you lose a few things: first, the overall shell is about 2" shorter making it easier to install in smaller vehicles, but not great for taller kids. These are usually the last car seats that you will ever buy because they are lifers. During our hands-on testing, we spill milk and juice on them, test their stability during erratic driving, measure head-flop during naps, research crash test ratings, test all of the features and adjustments, and solicit honest opinions from parents who have owned and used the convertible car seats for at least 6 months. Heres something you wanted to hear all along. The Graco 4Ever Extend2Fit combines the best convertible car seat with the most versatile model into one truly fantastic all-in-one car seat. In this manner, we try to go beyond simply stating the specifications of the seats, to providing you with feedback from real-world use. Full disclosure: Some of these car seats, including the Safety 1st, Maxi Cosi, and Graco models, were sent to us as free test samples by the manufacturer. So overall, the Diono Rainier is a great option for people with bigger vehicles and bigger budgets, offering superior comfort and safety features, the Diono reputation for quality, and some serious versatility to support growing children from birth up to about 8-10 years of age. What convertible car seat is best for small cars? In our hands-on testing, we consider how all of the individual components work, and how they work together. Convertible car seats vary widely in weight and height ranges. Britax Marathon ClickTight Baby Car Seat, check out the Britax Marathon ClickTight here, 13. But according to the AAP, only switch the car seat to front-facing once your baby grows out of the car seat's rear-facing height or weight limit. And as a front-facing belt-positioning booster it starts to see a little narrow in the seat and torso for bigger kids. We also noticed that it's not nearly as heavy as most all-in-one car seats, likely owing to the fact that it has no steel-reinforced frame. The Chicco Fit4 is one of the newest all-in-one convertible car seats on the market, expanding upon Chicco's success with the NextFit. You can check out the Maxi Cosi Pria Max here! But you will find 4 in 1 and even 5 in 1 option as well. Made right here in the USA, the Britax Boulevard supports babies as small as 5 pounds using the included infant insert, and toddlers up to 65 pounds. Its actually the best Britax car seat overall. A lock-off feature would likely remedy this, but it's not included with the seat. Like most of the car seats on this list, it's very heavy and large, and also pretty wide (about 19"). It only takes a few minutes to grab a measuring tape and figure out what your space constraints are, and compare these with the car seat's specifications. Is the Max worth the extra cost? The only thing that the 3RXT is missing in the installation and adjustment department is a no-rethread harness: the harness will need to be manually rethreaded as your child grows, to move it between the five height positions. That's because they all have to meet the strict federal NHTSA safety standards and requirements, which includes passing stringent crash tests and build requirements. The incident happened with some acquaintances of ours. Width is important when you're trying to squeeze multiple car seats into the back seat of your car, and height is important when the convertible car seat is rear-facing (since it will likely come in contact with the back of the driver's or passenger's seat). In the rear-facing configuration the seat protrudes very far from the back seat (up to about 35"), making it more suitable for the passenger side or for larger vehicles. If you can pinch the material, it means that theres too much slack, and your child isnt secure enough. In our reviews, we consider these trade-offs when ranking the contenders. All of the fabrics were super soft and comfortable, Maxi Cosi is definitely good at providing maximum coziness for your baby! Overall, we found this Graco Extend2Fit to be the best overall car seat on the market, with super versatility, comfort, reliability, ruggedness, ease of use, superior crash testing performance, and safety. This is one of the most important factors to consider when purchasing a convertible car seat. It doesnt have a steel frame, so its light. The Britax B-Safe infant carrier has a steel frame. Other adjustments, such as the harness tightness, were very smooth and easy to use. The only cons are that it's very big and heavy just like most of the front-runners this year, rear-facing is limited to 40 pounds, and the bucket seat is super cozy but can be more difficult to get babies into and out of (especially in smaller cars and with chunky monkeys!). For a booster seat, this is perfect, but for the harness mode, I have my doubts. Finally, we have a garage full of used car seats and have discovered that many of the Marathons have torn or ripped fabric covers, especially along the seams. Given the increased safety offered by extended rear-facing, we think this is worth the inconvenience. For versatility, it includes a 9-position recline and leveling system, 10-position headrest with a no-rethread harness, two crotch buckle positions, two collapsible and removable cup-holders, and it's FAA approved for air travel (up to stage 3: front-facing with harness). Second, the shoulder harness height is only adjustable by rethreading from the rear of the seat, which is a pain. Let's talk about that fabric: the Foonf uses Greenguard GOLD certified fabrics (C-Zero Plus Performance Collection) that are free of nasty flame retardants, super soft and durable, and very high quality. Overall, we love this new addition to the growing field of all-in-one convertible car seats, and think it's very worthy of inclusion in our reviews; in fact, after having used the car seat with our own children for over a year now, it has slowly crept up over 5 positions in this list! There are also a ton of indicators and easy to follow diagrams on the side of this seat to make sure you're installing correctly. As you know there are many cup holders. Finally, the car stopped rolling in the ditch. Our test toddlers found the seat to be super comfortable, and we liked how they could peek out over the side impact wings without too much effort, making the seat feel less claustrophobic than some options (like the Chicco). It does not include an anti-rebound bar for rear-facing mode. After a certain age, kids want what big kids have. That's a problem, and our reviews are here to help! It also only has 1 detachable cup holder rather than 2, and in our testing it was a bit narrow in the lower seating area for hefty kids. Safety 1st Grow and Go Hybrid 3-in-1 Convertible Car Seat, check out the Safety 1st Grow and Go Convertible Car Seat here, 14. The Diono Radian 3RXT comes in at just under 17" wide, making it perfect for small cars and even fitting three car seats in a row. Modern convertible car seats are getting larger and larger, with bigger side-impact protection, thicker cushioning, taller backs, and accessories like cup holders that often stick out a couple inches on the side and/or front of the car seat. It supposed to be a routine trip. The fabric has a premium and soft-touch feel, and is easy to clean, completely removable for machine washing. The Grow and Go is Safety 1st's flagship convertible car seat and offers some serious bang for the buck. When he noticed it, it was too late. The Rainier is also extremely heavy (31 pounds) and truly enormous (18" wide, 16" deep, and over 28" tall), making it only reasonable for parents with large vehicles (especially when rear-facing), and those who do not need to regularly swap the seat around between vehicles. We have plenty of old car seats in our garage that we've tested and within a few years they have splitting fabric seams, sticky buckles, broken harness buckles, restricted or stuck adjustments, and more. The crash was loud. The seat itself tips the scales at a hefty 30 pounds, and is about 20" wide. Use of this site is subject to our, Rest assured that as doctoral-level scientists, parents, and the owners of this small business, we have over 20 years of combined experience testing and reviewing over 2400 different baby and toddler products. A drunk driver hit them head-on. Who else loves the Britax Boulevard clickTight? Since the car seat is heavy, you wont be hauling it between the house and the car. Love the idea of the Advocate, but can't stomach the price or weight and bulk? The Graco 4Ever offers amazing 4in1 versatility, supporting children from 4 to 120 pounds. Note that most of the Nuna Rava seats are flame retardant free, meaning that they do not include any of the harsh chemical sprays that many seats use, which is great for parents looking for a more natural alternative. Graco Vs Britax child car seats which one has easy installation? The Britax Grow with You car seat offers more comfort with the two recline positions. Britax Grow with You came out the winner. Now it has become a lot easier than with other models. Second, check out our, During our hands-on testing, we spill milk and juice on them, test their stability during erratic driving, measure head-flop during naps, research crash test ratings, test all of the features and adjustments, and solicit honest opinions from parents who have owned and used the convertible car seats for at least 6 months. I personally love the Britaxs clicktight installation system it they have redefined easy installation. Always check this because an unsecured car seat is dangerous. Three times a year we pull together parents and kids to test the best new models we can find, installing them in different vehicles, putting in infants, toddlers, and big kids, and testing out all of the key features. When should I switch to a convertible car seat? Well, this was the best that Graco had to offer. Some cons worth mentioning. This has multiple benefits. Britax never compromises with safety features, and the Advocate is the cream of the crop. The quick-adjust harness and headrest height moves between 14 positions, it has 7 recline positions and a bubble level, and everything is super easy to adjust. It has the most (triple!) Those aspects do make it a little lighter-weight, which is a definitely plus. This includes both the width and height of the seat. The next things to consider are the letters: you can ignore the R and A, and focus on the X and T. The X indicates that it includes an infant positioner, and the T indicates that it includes an adjustable headrest. Most of their car seats have earned top ratings. We try them out as a rear-facing infant and toddler car seat, a forward-facing car seat and if possible for the model, as a booster seat. Britax has made a name for them in the car seat market. The car spun into the oncoming traffic. When it comes to child safety needs both brands did a great job. Overall, we think you really can't go wrong with this safe, sturdy, well-made, and ridiculously versatile Graco 4Ever, and it is very deserving of this spot on our list. Enjoy! For a smaller car or taller front seat occupants, this can make things challenging, causing it to press up against the back of a front seat. All of the fabrics and fasteners are premium quality, and all adjustments were very easy to use (recline, headrest height, harness tightness). The car was still in motion. One of the most important features is the side impact protection. The upper limit for extended rear-facing is 50 lbs. Overall, we think this new convertible car seat makes an awesome addition to our reviews. Second, the Max uses spring-loaded "easy in, easy out" harness system that stands up and open on its own (we loved this). Extended rear-facing is the best with Extend2Fit. Plus, its the best of the best in terms of safety and comfort without breaking the bank. The crash was so hard that the car started rolling over. The Graco Extend2Fit car seat comes with a leg extender. You can check out the Britax Marathon ClickTight here. All the size measurements are listed on the website. Some convertible car seats sell for about $100 (see our, If you don't drive a large car or SUV, and you have more than one child, you definitely need to consider the size of the convertible car seat. As a rear-facing infant car seat, it's excessively large and cumbersome, and isn't likely to fit into smaller vehicles. All of that weight and bulk translates to increased safety features and comfort: the Rainier uses a full steel frame, energy-absorbing EPS foam, aluminum-reinforced side walls, and memory foam seat. Fourth, the Super Cinch LATCH system made life much easier when attaching the seat; of course, it also can be attached using the vehicle seat belts, but the super cinch system takes the guess-work and struggle out of getting a good LATCH connection. It does come with the premium quality (push-button) LATCH lower anchor connectors, but NUNA is very adamant (with tons of bright stickers to tell you so) that they want to you use the vehicle's lap and shoulder belt for installation. Thats why Ive created this comparison article. Convertible car seats are getting increasingly versatile and make claims of lasting for up to 10 years with some models, like the Maxi Cosi Magellan 5-in-1 or the Graco 4Ever. The car has skidded off the road. If you have seen on cup holder then you have seen them all or did you? The safety features must include energy absorption they must be side impact tested. Overall, if you can afford the price and deal with the weight and bulk, the Britax Advocate is truly excellent and confidence inspiring, and as a bonus it's made in the USA. Finally, the One4Life transitions to a high back belt-positioning booster mode, supporting kids from 40-120 pounds. I mean, were talking about kids. This car seat is the most expensive, but you have to buy it once. Yes, it's expensive, but you get a lot for the price. First, it does not have cup holders, and second, toddlers typically out-grow the Primo Viaggio in height while rear-facing before they out-grow it in weight. In the comfort department, the Graco 4Ever is losing ground to the One4Life. This would be the conclusion of my buyers guide. In the security section, they look the same. Only a small difference makes the Extend2Fit better. The parents go the short end of the stick. Who else loves the Clek Foonf? To achieve a perfect installation, the seat has 7 recline positions with clearly visible level indicators, 14-position quick-adjust harness and headrest height (no rethreading needed), and two crotch buckle positions. The downside is that it is more expensive than any other car seat. The father couldnt see that theres a big puddle of water after the turn. The parents got some cuts and bruises but their daughter. Then she saw her wide-eyed and without visible injuries. There are built in cup holders and click on cup holders. Alert: This car seat was recently recalled (see the recall announcement here); it cannot support children over 65 pounds or 49 inches tall when not using the top tether. Maxi Cosi fulfills all expectations for style and comfort. Because achieving a proper installation is the most critical aspect of car seat safety, the Boulevard makes installation a breeze with color-coded belt guides, clear instructions, an easy to use LATCH system, and the amazing ClickTight lock-off system. Over 8 million convertible seats were sold last year alone, but according to our research only about half of new parents are happy with their purchase decision! Installation was very confidence-inspiring; we won't say it's easy the first time, but once you read the manual and watch a demo video, you'll realize just how awesome it really is. Despite the weight, you won't notice much bulk: the Clek Foonf is sleek, narrow, and stylish. In addition to these safety and installation features, it also has the convenience features you've come to expect in a $250 car seat: two cup holders, removable infant insert, a rapid remove washable cover, and harness storage to keep the harness out of the way while getting your baby in and out. This tech absorbs any impact energy, and it wont travel up into your little ones body. She lost control over the car. First, it has a high weight minimum for rear-facing (14 pounds) unless you purchase the infant-thingy. Most of the fanfare surrounding the One4Life is well justified given the features, comfort, installation ease, versatility, and safety. It also offers a nice wide adjustment range, and some great safety features including side-impact protection, a steel-reinforced frame, and EPS energy-absorbing foam.