11 Best Convertible Car Seats – Review, Buying Guide & FAQ

Things to consider in buying the best convertible car seats

• The Brand Name. The brand of the convertible seat you should buy should be a reputable brand. It can be check by reading reviews of this category in car seats.  As reviews are written by customers themselves, you can be assured that what is written is true to their experiences.
• Features and functionality. Different companies have different designs and features of their products.  You need to study what are the features of each product and you can now decide, which of these are more fit for your requirement.
• This is another issue that needs to be considered.  The convertible seats that you will buy, must have passed the standard, set by the regulatory bodies.  Make sure that the product you will buy, is in strict compliance with the world standards in car seats.
• Flexibility is another important thing to consider.  Sometimes people need to transfer from one car to the other.  It is a great possibility for families with many cars to use.  You must make sure that the best convertible car seats you have been able to be fit in another car model or brand.  This is so important for families who use to move from one car to another.

It’s capacity

• Another important factor to check is the capacity of the best convertible car seats.  It must be able to carry the same weight as your baby.  It must also be capable to handle your baby, while they grow older.  As much as possible, you will have to buy one car seat for your baby’s lifetime.
• Traveling with a baby is very tiring. Sometimes there is the need to carry your car seat when you want to go to a specific place or if you want to remove it.  It must be of convenient size and design, to make it easier for you to store it or keep it in a secure place.
• Babies usually cannot stand the stress of traveling, unless they are feeling very comfortable where they are.  They should be comfortable in the whole travel time.

How to correctly strap the baby into the seat?

Even after the correct installation of the car seat, it is good to ensure that the bay is properly strapped into the car seat. The correct strapping is one in which you cannot pinch the straps away from the baby’s shoulders with either your thumb or your index finger.

The other thing that you should note is that the buckle should rest at the armpit level. Moreover, the baby’s back should be flat against the back of the seat. You should as well avoid bulky clothing that can prevent a snug fit.

Price:

You will find out that the two-car seats have different prices. Convertible car seats are a bit more expensive than an infant car seat. The additional and advanced features found in the convertible car seat make it more expensive. However, purchasing the best convertible car seats will eventually save your future budget considering that it lasts longer.

On the other hand, infant car seats are a bit cheaper when compared with convertible car seats. However, the prices for the infant car seat in the market range from cheap to more expensive depending on the quality and the make. The more expensive infant car seats provide more comfort and have unique designs.

Here are the Top 11 best convertible car seats in 2021:

1. The Britax Advocate Click Tight Convertible Car Seats

Absolutely one of the best convertible car seats on the planet. It is also the best convertible seat per consumer reports. It has amazing features and functions that are not found in any other best convertible car seats around such as:

• The Anti-Rebound Bar (ARB). This convertible car seat is one among the only two convertible seats that have an Anti-Rebound Bar

Feature

The feature will reduce the force experienced by a child during an accident while they are facing the rear end of the car.  This feature is very popular in Europe and slowly becoming popular in the US today.  Both Britax and Baby Jogger are the leading company using this technology in the US.

•   It has a capacity of 5-65 lbs.  Another good feature of a good car seat.
• The harness.
• Safety is not compromised with a price. Britax has installed those giant side impact protection which is most popular to passed all crash testing. The company also used steel-reinforced frames in their seats, which makes them stronger.  There is also the energy-absorbing foam and the premium latch system.  It also has the best harness system, that clicks when it reached the appropriate tightness.
• Easy Installation. The car seat is easy to install in the car.  There is no need to be technically savvy to do it.  By just following the instructions, it can be done easily.
• Quality Finish. The finish of the product is great and there are many options available for you to choose from.  You can choose colors and much more functionality.
• Brand Name. This convertible seat is a product of Britax USA has the reputation of building the best convertible car seats.  Their reputation says a lot about what the seat is made of.
• Usually, it is sold at a price of $380+, depending on the dealer and the location.

The Disadvantages:

• More expensive. The convertible is more expensive than the other.  It is because of the materials used in the manufacture of such car seats.
• Considering the materials used in this car seat, it is relatively heavier and bulkier than the other car seats in the market.

The seat supports newborn babies with its great reclined capability.  It has an upper limit of 40 lbs rear-facing.  This seat allows you to go front-facing as early as 20 pounds.  It can support children up to 65 pounds or 49” tall.

This is among the best in the market.  If you don’t want to compromise safety and comfort with the price and is you can afford it, this is arguably the best in the market.

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2. Graco Extend2Fit Convertible Car Seats

Another convertible car seat that stands out among the rest is the Graco Extend2Fit Best Convertible Car Seats.  The following features:

• This car seat can support the rear-facing weight of 50 lbs and an overall weight capacity of 4-65 lbs. It is perfect for a flexible car seat. This means that you can use this convertible for a longer time.
• The convertible also has good safety features such as a sturdy steel-reinforced frame, a no-thread harness, a secure secured side impact protection, EPS energy-absorbing foam, a good rating in crash tests, and an easy installation process.
• This car seat is easy to use and very comfortable.  It is even approved for air travel and this seat is very popular with parents because of its versatility in usage.  This versatility makes parents love this convertible.
• The seat has 10 headrest positions adjustment and 6 Recline positions to choose from.  That makes it more flexible and comfortable to use.
• The price is a put at $250+ a little more expensive.

The disadvantage

• The seat is bulky and heavier compared to most convertible car seats in the market.
• There is confusion among buyers, because of the availability of many models which are almost similar to each other.

One more factor about this car seat is that, during testing, it is found out that the 5” extension allows the car seat to go out farther in the back seat.  This will be an issue if you have a smaller car.  But, for those who own an SUV or a bigger car, this is not an issue. Graco Extend2Fit Best Convertible Car Seats has the capacity, safety, versatility, and comfort.  All these features are essential in making it the best in its category of best convertible car seats.

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3. The Britax Boulevard Click Tight Convertible Car Seats

This car set convertible is priced a bit lower than the car seats mentioned above.  But, it has good safety features like the ones listed above.  It has some of the features of the best car seat in the market.

• Safety, Quality, and Reliability. It has the same double-side impact protection, a steel-reinforced frame, EPP energy-absorbing foam, and an excellent crash test performance.
• Product of the USA.
• This car seat has a weight range of 5-65lbs.
• Brand Name. This car seat is also a product of the US.  It is manufactured by the same company as the advocate.
• It also has a no-thread harness and it is very easy to install, easy to clean and so comfortable for the child. Also, it is also approved for air travel for those very mobile.
• This convertible seat usually sells for around $300.  This is already a good price, considering the benefits it offers to its users.
• Brand Name. It is also a product of one of the reputable makers of convertible car seat covers in the US.

The disadvantages:

• It has no booster mode, just like the advocate.
• Its size and its weight are also a minus point. You cannot uninstall this seat easily and transfer it to another car.
• It has no cup holder.
• Limited rear-facing capacity.
• The latch connectors are old style and
• It has less side impact protection than the advocate.

Britax is a safety-centered car seat.  Consider the 5-point harness that is very easy to adjust, the SafeCell impact protection system.  This includes the reinforced steel and the energy-absorbing foam.  It also has a thick double side impact protection system and a headrest that is well padded.  Convenience is also included in the package and so with utmost comfort.

You can check more of the product on their website.  The product deserves a 5- stars rating and it is undeniably among the top or best convertible car seats in the market.

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4. Graco 4ever 4in1 Convertible Car Seats

This car seat is oozing with versatility and durability.  This is the car seat that your child will be using until he is capable of setting without it. The following features:

• It has the largest capacity among the car seats in the market today.   It has a range of 4 to 120 lbs.
• The car seat will both serve as rear and front-facing harnessed seat, front and back belt-positioning booster.  It is also approved for air travel.
• The safety package includes a no-rethread harness, good side impact protection, a steel-reinforced frame, and the same EPS energy-absorbing foam.
• The seat has 2 cup holders, an easy installation and adjustments mechanism, and has a modern latch connector.
• These best convertible car seats will sell to about $250-$300 in the US.  The price will depend on the color and the finishing.
• The car seat has the capability to change it from infant to toddler seat.  It has a very easy adjustment of shoulder belts and headrest.  It is also capable of adjusting to 6 different reclining positions.  Also, it is equipped with the InRight Latch system, which will allow users easy dismantling for reuse in other vehicles.

The disadvantages:

• It can only accommodate rear-facing up to 40 lbs.
• It is bulky for most compact cars in the market today.
• Many features, but there is nothing extraordinary among them.

The capability to convert from an infant seat to a toddler car seat is a bonus feature.  The seat is rated for 10 years of usage.  Other bonus features are:

• Easily adjustable shoulder belts and headrest.
• Easily positioned reclined handle that allows 6 positions adjustments. This function allows getting the correct recline when used in rear-facing infant mode.
• An awesome InRight LATCH system, which makes it possible for an easy pulling out, to move from one vehicle to the other. Overall, if versatility is what you need in a convertible seat, why not try to take this Graco 4orever 4in1 best convertible car seat.

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5. Chicco NextFit Zip Convertible Car Seats

This car seat is one of the favorites among convertible car users.  It is because of its features, that is un-match by the others in the market.

• The machine-washable zip-off cover makes cleaning a very easy task.  It has a very easy-to-use Latch system, which makes every installation easy.  Adjustments have many options to choose from.  It also has easy-to-read and understand recline indicators and instructions.  The harness will also automatically pull out, making it easier for you to slide your baby inside out.  The headrest can also be easily adjusted to 9 different levels.
• The same side impact protection and steel-reinforced the frame.
• The capacity of this car seat is about 5-65 lbs.  This can also support newborns of up to 11 lbs. using its infant insert function.
• The finish is excellent for its category.  The fabric is soft, breathable, and comfortable for the baby.
• $350+

The disadvantages:

• It is bulky and heavier, just like those at the top of the list.
• No booster mode.
• Capacity is limited to 40 lbs. rear-facing.
• A little bit expensive. The design and placement of the cup holder are poor.
• Its bucket style set is so deep, that makes pulling your baby very hard. The design of the set is not good for shorter babies.

There are several good reasons to love this car seat.

• The reclined indicators make it easy to find the best recline positions for rear and front-facing modes. This makes adjusting the reclined position of the seat easier.
• The easy washing capability of the cover, with its zip-off washable cover.
• The placement of the harness, which will automatically burst out when unbuckled. It gives away for an easier movement of the seat.
• The placement of the headrest and the side impact padding is a plus factor.

Overall, this model of the convertible is still a good option for people who have more financially.

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6. Britax Marathon Click Tight Convertible Seat

This convertible car seat is one of the most reasonably priced among the best convertible car seat in the market.  Its features are the following:

• The car seat is popular for its quality, reliability, and durability, minus the price of $350+.
• It has an overall capacity of 5-65 pounds, which means, it can accommodate different sizes of children or toddlers.  It is also cost-efficient because you will not buy another set when your child grew older.
• Also, it has a no-rethread harness, side-impact protection, and a steel-reinforced frame.  To add to that is the EPP energy absorbing foam and its excellent crash test performance.
• This factor is not left behind in the design, as the car seat is very convenient to handle and easier to install, with its click-tight technology.
• The car seat is cheaper in price, compared to the one on top of the list.  Price is usually pegged at $225-$350.
• Made in the US, by a reputable company.

The disadvantages:

• This best convertible car seat is not advisable for taller kids. It cannot provide comfort and protection for taller kids on board.
• Less in comfort, compared to the more expensive car seats. You cannot find the same comfort that you will find in the leading brands.
• Its cover is non-machine washable. It’s a little hassle to remove and clean up its cover.
• It still uses the old type of latch connectors. These kinds of connectors are not the easy type to remove or unlock.
• Its rear-facing capacity is limited to 40 pounds. Another blow to the product is its limited capacity.
• It has no cup holders, like the more rated ones.

This car seat keeps parents away from the hassles of the first time of installing a car seat.  It comes with great features in its seat mechanism, paralleled with its reputation of safety and quality.

This Britax convertible is good for people, who wanted a taste of the Britax brand.  This is for the people who are willing to compromise some of the comforts, that a more expensive convertible seat can offer.

7. Maxi Cosi Magellan 5in1 Convertible Seat

Maxi Cosi Magellan 5in1 has the quality and durability that you can expect from a Maxi Cosi product,  the following Features:

• It is capable of carrying a weight range of 5 to 120 pounds. It is capable of rear-facing, front-facing with harness and front facing, as a positioning booster.  At 19 inches wide, it carries all those versatilities of a good car seat.
• The convertible is equipped with an adjustable side to impact protection capability, EPS, and energy-absorbing foam.
• Installing this seat is not at its best, but it is easy enough as it is not so heavy. Its cover is machine washable and very easy to remove.
• The brand. Maxi Cosi is one of the reputable car seat makers in the US.  It has a reputation in the industry.  Their products are proven in durability and quality.
• The seat supports newly born as small as 5 pounds.
• It is capable of changing from 22-65 pounds with a 5-point harness to a forward-facing toddler car seat and then towards a belt-positioning booster seat from 40-120 pounds.
• This product boasts a 14 positions headrest and 7 reclining positions, which will provide comfort to the child.

The Disadvantages:

• It has no steel-reinforced frame. And It is not totally safe for the baby in case of an accident.
• It collects fur after a few days of use.
• Capacity is limited to 40 pounds rear-facing.
• Its features cannot justify its $300 price.
• It has multiple color options.

The car seat is heavy that it tips the scale at 25 pounds.  But it is not possible for constant switching from car to car.  To add to its weight is the size.  It is bulky enough for a small car.

Coziness is out of the question here.  It brings so much comfort and it is convenient enough to adjust.  Its mechanism from safety to comfortability is easy to use.

The car seat is heavy at 25 pounds.  It is not designed to being move from one car to another.

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8. Peg Perego Primo Viaggio Convertible Seats

This car seat is consistently on the list of the best car seat for several years now.  It is often in the top 10 in the list and often between 5 to 10 in rankings.

• The seat has an overall weight range of 5-65 pounds that is at par with the best there is in the market.  It also has a rear-facing limit of 45 pounds.
• For safety purposes, it is equipped with the EPS energy-absorbing foam, the side impact protection capability, the tested and efficient Peg Perego SAFE crumple zone system.  It has an excellent safety record.
• This seat has a premium in its finishing.
• The Brand Name.
• It is easy to install.  The cover is easy to clean and remove from the seat.  It has a no-rethread harness system.  It is also equipped with a premium latch connector and is approved for air travel.

The disadvantages:

• At a price of $350, there are missing features that usually come with seats of this category.
• It is bulky, with no booster mode and cup holders. It lacks the convenience that a good car seat can offer.
• The seats stand high in the car, not a good feature for a smaller car.
• There is no frame reinforcement, instead, they used a plate in the back of the frame. This is not enough protection for the child in case of accidents.

The seat can be easily installed on the car seat and the buckles are efficient enough to get the child in and out of the car seat.  However, there are a few problems with this seat.  It doesn’t have a cup holder.  The problem is so minimal, but it also has a very limited adjustment for the headrest.  At a price of $350, it is considered expensive compared to other seats with the same features.

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9. The Diono Radian RXT2 All-in-One Convertible Seats

The best feature that makes this car seat popular is its narrow feature, It’s just 17 inches wide, which will allow you to fit 3 seats in a row.

• The car seat can support babies 5 – 120 pounds.
• It can support rear-facing of up to 45 pounds. It has side impact protection, and EPS energy-absorbing foam, a frame that is steel reinforce and is equipped with the safe-stop harness technology. And It has a full steel frame in it.
• The car seat has a high-quality finish, a simple adjustment system, and a cover that is machine washable.  It is approved for air travel and has a folding capability.  The fabric is also soft and breathable for the baby.
• It has a wide range of adjustments in the headrest, that enables you to adjust to 12 different settings.  It can be carried like a backpack.
• This car seat is a little bit expensive, simple, and sophisticated.  It is priced at $300.

The disadvantages:

• Not suitable for babies with bigger bums, because of its narrow feature. Forcing your baby in the car seat will result in injuries or pain in the skin.
• There are crash test results concerns in the past.
• The car seat comes bulky and heavy. It is not good for those people who travel frequently and those who change car frequently.

This car seat is excellent in versatility and construction.  The crush set brings a little concern.  Although it passes the government standards, it fell short compared to the other popular best convertible car seats in terms of protection for the child.

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