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A car seat is non-negotiable. While you might not need to buy that giant stuffed teddy bear you’ve had your eye on or a three-tiered rotating closet organizer, you do need to invest in a high-quality, comfortable model that is easy for you to use. And, this is where convertible car seats come in!
Car seat laws vary by state. But the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that little ones should remain in a rear-facing seat through ages two to four years and in a forward-facing harnessed seat until they are five or older. After your kiddo outgrows the need to sit in a harnessed front-facing seat, they will still need a booster – that is, until the seatbelt fits around them safely.
Between the need to switch your kiddo’s position, age/weight/height guidelines, and all the other rules you will need to follow to safely secure your child in your vehicle, it isn’t always easy to know which car seat to use and when. Add on the different features each model comes with, the bevy of brands available, and your tot’s individual needs, and you may not know where to begin. Before you invest in a rear- facing option that won’t carry your child into the toddler years or you register for three different seats, start your search with the top convertible or all-in-one picks.
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What is a convertible and all-in-one car seat?
As the name implies, a convertible car seat converts from one type of use to another. Also known as an all-in-one seat, this option transforms from a rear-facing safety seat to a forward-facing seat and (depending on the model) to a booster.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), while specific size recommendations vary by manufacturer and model, most rear-facing infant car seats only fit babies up to 22 to 35 pounds and between 26 and 35 inches long/tall. Parents must install this type of seat facing backward. But a convertible seat can go either way. Not only can you turn the seat around, the AAP notes that convertibles/all-in-one’s often have higher rear-facing weight limits compared to rear-facing-only models. This allows you to keep your child in the backward position longer. The longer your child can remain rear-facing (following the manufacturer’s guidelines), the safer it is for them in your vehicle.
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What to look for in a convertible car seat, and do you really need one?
There’s no law or rule stating that parents need to invest in a convertible car seat. While there is a requirement to have a car seat, you could choose to start with a rear-facing-only model and then transition your kiddo into a forward-facing harnessed seat when they’re ready to make the move. The choice to invest in a convertible or an all-in-one car seat is purely a personal preference. But these seats do have some advantages over the other options.
The primary advantage of a convertible car seat is its ability to easily convert. This means you won’t have to make multiple purchases and could save money over time. You also won’t need to register for several different seats or spend extra time and energy researching car seats down the road when your now infant becomes an older toddler.
Like the decision to invest in a convertible car seat, what you look for in an all-in-one depends on your personal preferences. To keep your kiddo rear-facing for as long as possible, start with a seat that has a higher weight maximum. This could include a rear-facing limit of up to 50 pounds instead of 30 or 35 pounds. Other safety features to add to your list of must-have’s include a five-point harness, a LATCH system (lower anchor and tethers for children), a top tether strap, energy-absorbing side impact protection, expanded polystyrene (EPS) safety foam padding, an anti-rebound bar, and an easy-level rear recline mechanism.
While you will need to sacrifice some infant rear-facing seat conveniences such as easy-snap bases and carrier handles, features that you may get in a convertible model include cup holders or storage pockets. Other options that could make your parenting life easier – and your little one more comfortable – include machine washable fabric, removable covers, adjustable harnesses, or adjustable headrests. Here are some of our favorites to get you started.
Best Convertible And All-In-One Car Seats
Britax Boulevard ClickTight Convertible Car Seat
Best Overall
The Britax Boulevard Clicktight Convertible Car Seat is a two-in-one convertible model that includes rear and front-facing modes, ClickTight installation, and two layers of side impact protection. This car seat has a rear-facing weight limit of 40 pounds and forward facing limit of 65 pounds.
- Weight Range
- 5-65
- Number of Configurations
- 2
- Product Weight
- 29.5
- Warranty
- One-year
- Brand
- 5-40 lbs
- Number of Reclining Positions
- 14
- Harness Type
- 5-Point
- Machine washable and dryable
- Made with naturally flame-retardant fabric
- Multiple harness and headrest positions
The Britax Boulevard Clicktight Convertible Car Seat has plenty of features that will make your life easier and your kiddo more comfortable (and safe too!). The convertible seat has seven recline positions and 14 headrest/harness options. It also offers easy seatbelt installation with the brand’s ClickTight technology that, according to this happy parent, “Once installed with the clicktight, the seat doesn’t move AT ALL. It’s SOOO tight.”
Don’t stress about cleaning up after your not-so-neat kiddo. This sweet seat is made with machine washable fabric that can go into the dryer. Not only can you quickly and conveniently wash and dry the material, the fabric is naturally flame-retardant. But that’s not the only safety feature you’ll find here. This Britax model also scores high marks for its V-shaped tether, SafeCell crumple zone, and double layer of side impact protection.
Graco Slimfit 3 in 1 Car Seat
Best Safety Features
$187 $220 Save $33
The Graco Slimfit 3-in-1 Car Seat is a rear-facing car seat for infants and toddlers five to 40 pounds, a front-facing seat for children 22 to 65 pounds, and a booster for kids 40 to 100 pounds. Other features include a four-position recline, adjustable headrest/harness, and push-button InRight LATCH.
- Weight Range
- 5-100 pounds
- Number of Configurations
- 3
- Product Weight
- 19.47 pounds
- Number of Cup Holders
- 2
- Warranty
- One-year
- Brand
- Graco
- Number of Reclining Positions
- 4
- Harness Type
- 5-Point
- No-rethread adjuster for the harness/headrest
- Booster seat option
- One-second attachment LATCH system
- While the removable padding is machine washable, you must drip dry it
Do you need to save space in your car? The Graco Slimfit 3-in-1 Car Seat is the convertible, all-in-one car seat for you! The slimmer fit design makes it possible to securely place the seat in smaller or snugger spaces. This gives you more car seat options to choose from and peace of mind in knowing that you don’t have to sacrifice safety for size. And, just how slim is this seat? Take it from this review, “The price is right and it’s compact enough to comfortably fit in my Toyota Corolla with room for three people in the back seat.”
Not only is this Graco seat slim, it has plenty of safety features. The ProtectPlus engineering is rigorously crash-tested to protect your kiddo during rollovers and other types of crashes. With a steel-reinforced frame, this top pick isn’t just safe and strong – it’s also extremely durable. You’ll get years of use from this three-in-one car seat. Along with the overall engineering, this model also comes with a push-button LATCH mechanism that has an audible “click” to help you know that you’ve installed the seat correctly. Add in four different recline positions and 10 harness/headrest adjustment options and you can customize the convertible for your child’s size.
Evenflo Gold Revolve 360 Extend All-in-One
Best High-Tech Seat
$350 $430 Save $80
The Evenflo Gold Revolve 360 Extend All-in-One is a rotating car seat that fits children up to 50 pounds rear-facing, 22 to 65 pounds front-facing, and 40 to 120 pounds as a booster. The seat’s SensorSafe feature provides valuable information about the chest clip, your child’s seating time, and more via a connected smartphone.
- Weight Range
- 4-120 pounds
- Number of Configurations
- 3
- Product Weight
- 29.6 pounds
- Number of Cup Holders
- 2
- Warranty
- Lifetime-limited
- Brand
- Evenflo
- Number of Reclining Positions
- 14
- Harness Type
- 5-Point
- Smartphone connectivity
- Rotating seat
- Has a higher weight limit than many other convertible seats
The Evenflo Gold Revolve 360 Extend All-in-One has it all. As if its rotating feature wasn’t enough, this all-in-one installs quickly with the brand’s Sure360 Safety Installation system, keeps your kiddo snug and safe with the Tether360, and gives you real-time alerts from the back seat via SensorSafe. The smartphone-connected SensorSafe option can let you know if the chest clip suddenly unbuckles, your child is unattended, the temperature is too hot or cold, or if your child is seated for too long of a stretch.
If a long-lasting seat is a priority to you, this Evenflo model won’t disappoint. Not only is this a high-quality, durable convertible rotating car seat, it also has a higher weight limit max than many of its competitors. Your tot can stay rear-facing until they reach 50 pounds and can remain in the booster mode until they hit 120! And don’t worry about your kiddo’s comfort in this car seat. The Gold Revolve 360 has an ergonomic leg rest with plenty of padding. If you have any doubts that a car seat could provide all the comfort your little one needs, take it from this review, “My daughter looks so comfortable in it that I get jealous having to sit in the driver’s seat ha!”
Maxi-Cosi Peoa All-in-1 Convertible Car Seat
Best Features for Convenience
The Maxi-Cosi Pria All-in-1 Convertible Car Seat is a rear-facing seat for infants and toddlers four through 40 pounds, a forward-facing harnessed seat for children up to 65 pounds, and a booster for kids up to 100 pounds. It also features one-click LATCH installation and a QuickFit shoulder harness.
- Weight Range
- 4-100 pounds
- Number of Configurations
- 3
- Product Weight
- 21.7 pounds
- Number of Cup Holders
- 2
- Warranty
- One-year
- Brand
- Maxi Cosi
- Number of Reclining Positions
- 3
- Harness Type
- 5-Point
- Superior side impact technology
- Easy In and Out harness holders
- QuickFit harness/headrest adjuster
- Won?t fit in compact spaces easily
So you say convenience is crucial in a convertible car seat? Then the Maxi-Cosi Pria All-in-1 Convertible Car Seat is an option you will seriously want to explore. Between the QuickFit adjustable integrated harness/headset system, the easy LATCH install, and the In and Out harness holders, almost everything with this seat is a breeze. And, if you’re worried about your little one making a mess of their all-in-one safety seat, don’t stress. The fabric components are easy to remove, machine washable, and dryer-safe!
While safety and convenience are must-haves, some parents also want a car seat with stand-out aesthetics. This model features a wide variety of color options, such as Moonstone Violet, Midnight Slate, Coral Quartz, Alpine Jade, and more. It looks like the stylish colors don’t just score points with mom and dad, kids also enjoy the fun hues too, “My daughter loves the color and that it has two drink holders.”
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Graco Extend2Fit Convertible Car Seat
Best Rear-Facing Features
The Graco Extend2Fit Convertible Car Seat fits infants and toddlers four through 50 pounds rear-facing and children 22 to 65 pounds front-facing. The four-position adjustable extension panel adds five inches of extra legroom for rear-facing riders.
- Weight Range
- 4lbs – 65lbs
- Number of Configurations
- 2
- Product Weight
- 19lbs
- Brand
- 4-65 lbs
- Extend2 Fit legroom extension panel
- No-rethread harness/headrest
- High 50-pound rear-facing maximum weight
Keep your kiddo rear-facing longer with the Graco Extend2Fit Convertible Car Seat and its adjustable extension panel. The Extend2Fit panel gives toddlers an extra five inches of legroom, making it possible to stay in the rear-facing position for even longer (until they reach the 50-pound weight limit).
Along with the rear-facing panel extender, this convertible car seat’s features include a removable plush head and body insert for smaller infants, integrated cup holders, harness storage, an adjustable headrest, and an adjustable harness. Not only is the harness adjustable, but this model makes the straps super-easy to tighten, “As a rear-facing car seat, this thing is awesome because you can reach back and pull on the straps to tighten the harness. Other car seats do not have the harness strap exposed in the back and sometimes tightening it can be a workout if it binds. With Extend2Fit, the harness is exposed in the back making it super easy to tighten the harness.”
Like other Graco car seats, this convertible is ProtectPlus engineered. This means the seat has already gone through a rigorous crash test for rollovers and side, frontal, and rear impacts.
Safety 1st Crosstown DLX All-in-One Convertible Car Seat
Best Value
The Safety 1st Crosstown DLX All-in-One Convertible Car Seat fits infants five through 40 pounds rear-facing, children 22 through 65 pounds front-facing, and has a booster seat mode for kids 40 to 100 pounds. This convertible model has a three position recline, two removable cupholders, and armrests.
- Weight Range
- 5-100 pounds
- Number of Configurations
- 3
- Product Weight
- 19.16 pounds
- Number of Cup Holders
- 2
- Warranty
- One-year
- Brand
- Safety 1st
- Number of Reclining Positions
- 3
- Harness Type
- 5-Point
- One-hand adjust headrest
- Removable, dishwasher-safe cupholders
- Price
Your child can ride in comfort with the Safety 1st Crosstown DLX All-in-One Convertible Car Seat. This cushioned seat has amenities galore for your little one. With armrests and dual cupholders, your kiddo is ready to ride in style!
Not only is this convertible all-in-one seat comfortable for kids, it is easy for parents to use. The harness holders make it easy to get your child in and out – and when they’re big enough for the booster mode, this seat has an easy-to-navigate belt path that makes buckling a squirming preschooler a breeze. And this isn’t even the only added convenience-related feature. The seat’s pad snaps in and out, making it easy to remove. If your kiddo spills their sippy cup or gets the padding dirty, simply toss it into the washer and dryer to clean.
With all the features, you might expect this Safety 1st car seat to come in at the upper end of the baby gear price spectrum. But this top pick is a true value, “Super soft and durable for price. Love how I don’t have to buy another one and it can adjust as my child grows!”
Graco TriRide 3-in-1 Car Seat
Nest High-Back Booster
The Graco TriRide 3-in-1 Car Seat fits infants five to 40 pounds rear-facing, has a front-facing weight limit of 22 to 65 pounds, and has a booster mode limit of 40 to 100 pounds. The highback design provides support and then six-position recline helps with easy, and safe, installation.
- Weight Range
- 5-100 pounds
- Number of Configurations
- 3
- Product Weight
- 18.45 pounds
- Number of Cup Holders
- 2
- Warranty
- One-year
- Brand
- Gracp
- Number of Reclining Positions
- 6
- Harness Type
- 5-Point
- 10 headrest positions
- Machine washable pad
- Highback booster seat design
While you might focus on the immediate future as you research car seats, you can also think about how you’ll use your investment down the road. The Graco TriRide 3-in-1 Car Seat has a high-back booster mode that will keep your older kiddo comfy as they ride in style years from now.
If you’re more focused on the infant and toddler-friendly features, this 3-in1 scores high marks for convenience, ease of use, and safety. The no-rethread adjustable harness system moves both the harness and headrest (with 10 headrest positions), the six-position recline makes installation easy, and the Graco ProtectPlus engineering helps to keep your child safe in the event of an accident. Just take it from this parent, “Purchasing the GRACO TriRide 3 in 1 Car Seat has been a decision I won’t soon regret! From the first installation, it was clear that this seat was designed with not just safety in mind, but also parental convenience and child comfort.”
Baby Trend Cover Me 4-in-1 Convertible Car Seat
Best Configuration Options
$135 $160 Save $25
The Baby Trend Cover Me 4-in-1 Convertible Car Seat is a 4-in-1 model that fits infants in two different modes – four to 18 pounds or 18 to 40 pounds. It also seats children 22 to 65 pounds front-facing, and works as a booster for kids 60 to 100 pounds.
- Weight Range
- 4-100 pounds
- Number of Configurations
- 4
- Product Weight
- 19.84 pounds
- Number of Cup Holders
- 2
- Warranty
- One-year
- Brand
- Baby Trend
- Number of Reclining Positions
- 3
- Harness Type
- 3-Point
- Four seating modes
- UV protective canopy
- Flip-out side visors
The Baby Trend Cover Me 4-in-1 Convertible Car Seat goes beyond the standard 3-in-1 and adds two different rear-facing weight options. This makes the seat a custom fit for your kiddo!
Along with a no-rethread harness and three recline positions for extra legroom, this top pick has plenty of comfort features for your child. The UV protective canopy keeps the sun away from baby and the flip-out side visors stop additional glare. This Baby Trend convertible also features extra padding to keep your little one snug and happy for their whole ride.
Installation is easy with this top option. It fits three across in most vehicles, has a bubble level angle indicator, and a rear-facing recline flip foot. It also features a no-twist harness indicator! If fumbling with complicated adjusters is something you want to avoid (and what parent doesn’t?), then this car seat is for you, “All I have to do is squeeze the belt adjuster and slide the belts up or down. Seriously this is a game changer!”
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Important car safety reminders
The correct installation is crucial. You could choose the best-rated seat with the highest safety or impact test results – but if you don’t install it correctly, your all-in-one could fail. Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for installation. These should include both the manufacturer of the car seat and the manufacturer of your vehicle.
Along with installation, you need to position your child in the seat correctly. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), your child should sit with their back flat against the convertible car seat. The harness should always lie completely flat, and the straps should never twist. Avoid bulky clothing or blankets when your child is in their seat. These items can make it hard to get a snug fit, creating a serious safety risk.
Even though many convertible and all-in-one seats have higher rear-facing limits, some don’t. Read the manufacturer’s manual carefully and always follow the brand’s weight and height guidelines for seating your child in a rear or forward-facing position.
Britax Boulevard ClickTight Convertible Car Seat
Pick One Up Today
The Baby Trend Cover Me 4-in-1 Convertible Car Seat is a 4-in-1 model that fits infants in two different modes – four to 18 pounds or 18 to 40 pounds. It also seats children 22 to 65 pounds front-facing, and works as a booster for kids 60 to 100 pounds.
- Weight Range
- 5-65
- Number of Configurations
- 2
- Product Weight
- 29.5
- Warranty
- One-year
- Brand
- 5-40 lbs
- Number of Reclining Positions
- 14
- Harness Type
- 5-Point
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