Best Convertible Car Seat 2018

Best Convertible Car Seats:
10 safe options for growing kids

When it comes to investing in a product that can make our job as parents a little easier, it’s a no-brainer. Unlike traditional infant car seats that can only be situated in a rear-facing position and accommodate children up to (around) 40 pounds, convertible car seats can be positioned in both rear and forward-facing positions and usually have an increased weight limit in the forward position of about 65 pounds to grow as your child grows.

In the below article, you’ll find some of the best convertible car seats produced by the most renowned baby brands, laid out conveniently in the form of the below comparison chart as well as detailed reviews of each.

Comparison Chart

NameWeight LimitDimensions (in)Cup Holder(s)Rating
1. Graco Milestone All-in-1 Convertible Car Seat100 lbs21 x 17.5 x 2119.8/10CHECK PRICE
Editor's Choice
2. Britax Marathon ClickTight Convertible Car Seat65 lbs23 x 18.5 x 23.509.7/10CHECK PRICE
3. Graco 4Ever 4-in-1 Convertible Car Seat120 lbs20 x 21.5 x 2429.7/10CHECK PRICE
4. Graco SlimFit All-in-1 Convertible Car Seat100 lbs26.81 x 19.88 x 22.3629.7/10CHECK PRICE
5. Graco Extend2Fit Convertible Car Seat65 lbs22.1 x 19.2 x 25.229.6/10CHECK PRICE
6. Britax Boulevard ClickTight Convertible Car Seat65 lbs23 x 8.5 x 23.509.6/10CHECK PRICE
7. Diono Radian RXT All-In-One Convertible Car Seat120 lbs16 x 17 x 28.519.5/10CHECK PRICE
8. Safety 1st Grow and Go 3-in-1 Convertible Car Seat100 lbs24.5 x 19.2 x 24.229.4/10CHECK PRICE
9. Chicco NextFit Convertible Car Seat65 lbs20.5 x 19 x 2609.3/10CHECK PRICE

 

1. Graco Milestone All-in-1 Convertible Car Seat – Editor’s Choice 2019

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The Rundown

Graco designs such great convertible car seats that you will find quite of a few of their various models on this list. Our Editor’s Choice for best convertible car seat is Graco’s Milestone All-in-1. This model lacks the backless booster seat of our number one pick, but it still converts from a rear facing infant seat to a forward-facing car seat and booster seat. It has also been held to the highest safety standards, which—like Graco’s other products—guarantees the safety of comfort of you children.

Graco’s Milestone continues the company’s tradition of creating the most innovative and practical children’s appliances. For the last sixty years they have been designing products that keep children safe and comfortable and that give parents peace of mind. You only have to look at Graco’s original automatic baby swing—the first ever—to see their history of innovation. Recent product offerings like their many strollers, car seats, and highchairs focus on providing parents cost effective products that ensure the safety of the most important thing in their life: their children.

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Specifications

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  • Dimensions: 21 in. x 17.5 in. x 21 in.
  • Weight: 20 lbs.
  • Strap type: All in one
  • Maximum Weight Limit: 100 lbs.
  • Rear-Facing Weight Range: 5-40 lbs.
  • Forward-Facing Weight Range: 20-65 lbs.
  • Booster Seat Weight Range: 30-100 lbs.
  • Cup holder: 1
  • Color: Gotham

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Pros

  • The Milestone has four different recline positions, which ensures your child’s comfort no matter their size.
  • The Simply Safe Adjust Harness System allows you to adjust the harness and headrest height in just one easy motion.
  • Like the 4Ever car seat, the Milestone also comes with the InRight LATCH attachment which makes installation a breeze.
  • Graco’s amazing safety standards for their products, which go above and beyond government regulations, will set any parent’s mind at ease about driving in the car with their children.

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Cons

  • This car seat does not adjust into a backless booster. So, there will be a period that you will need to purchase another booster seat, when your child is too large for the Milestone but not yet big enough to sit in the car unassisted.
  • Some reviewers have been annoyed by the way that Graco attaches the cup holder to the seat.

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The Bottom Line

Because Graco’s Milestone car seat lacks the one extra step of the 4Ever, it is significantly cheaper than our number one pick. However, it still offers the amazing safety features and design elements that have made Graco one of the biggest name in the baby products industry. If you want a solid, practical, and cost-effective car seat, then this is the one for you.

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2. Britax Marathon ClickTight Convertible Car Seat

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The Rundown

The first non-Graco company on our list, Britax is a relative newcomer to the American market. In fact, they only launched their U.S. division in 1996. However, they have been in business in Britain, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand for over seventy years. Britax was founded in 1939 from its parent company British Accessories. Initially the company was formed to create child seat belts. Today, they have expanded to include a wide variety of car seats and strollers.

Britax’s Marathon ClickTight is one of their eight convertible car seat options. It can be converted from a rear-facing to a forward-facing seat and fits children from 4-65 pounds. It has undergone extreme safety tests, so you can rest easily knowing that your child is safe. With their convertible car seat, Britax has taken all of the features that have made them a hit in Europe for almost the last hundred years and combined them with American ingenuity and quality workmanship.

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Specifications

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  • Dimensions: 23in. x 18.5 in. x 23.5 in.
  • Weight: 28.4 lbs.
  • Strap type: All in one
  • Maximum Weight Limit: 65 lbs.
  • Rear-Facing Weight Limit: 4-40 lbs.
  • Forward-Facing Weight Limit: 20-65 lbs.
  • Cup holder: No
  • Color: Verve

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Pros

  • Britax includes seven different recline positions, so that your child will be comfortable no matter their unique body shape and size.
  • This car seat includes complete side impact protection in addition to the steel frame, energy-absorbing base, and impact-absorbing tether. These features ensure your child’s safety in the case of a collision from any angle.
  • Britax’s ClickTight Installation System makes installing the car seat easy for anyone to accomplish quickly and accurately.
  • The harness has fourteen positions, which also works to keep your child comfortable while also keeping them safe.
  • This is an entirely American designed, tested, and made car seat.

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Cons

  • The car seat only fits children up to 65 pounds, which will make it necessary for you to buy a booster seat when your child gets too large for this car seat.
  • The straps can be too short for some children and can become uneven if not pulled tightly.
  • The cost of the seat can be prohibitive to some parents.

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The Bottom Line

If you don’t mind spending the extra money, then Britax’s Marathon ClickTight convertible car seat will be a good choice for you. However, since it is only designed for children up to 65 pounds, you will need to purchase another product once your child outgrows the seat. But, for the money, you will receive a comfortable seat and Britax’s safety standards mean that you can rest easy every time you drive with your child. On a side note, Britax offers some great car seat cleaning advice, regardless of whether you purchase one of their convertible car seats or one from another brand.

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3. Graco 4Ever 4-in-1 Convertible Car Seat

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The Rundown

Graco specializes in baby products. Thus, it is not hard to see why they have the most convertible car seats on this list. Graco has been making baby products since 1953, when an engineer of the then Graco Metal Products designed the first automatic baby swing. Today they produce car seat, strollers, play yards, bassinets, highchairs, and swings. Graco products are known for their innovation and practical design.

The 4Ever 4-in-1 convertible car seat by Graco lives up to their reputation. It can be converted four different ways, by far the most on this convertible car seat reviews article. You can use this car seat for every stage of your child’s life, from infant in the rear facing seat to toddler in the car seat to young child in the backed booster and finally to big kid in the backless booster. Their InRight LATCH system also makes it easy to take you child in and out of the seat, and the integrated cup holders will keep the little one entertained. Graco claims that their 4-in-1 car seat will give you ten years of use, an economical choice that all parents will love.

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Specifications

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  • Dimensions: 20 in. x 21.5 in. x 24 in.
  • Weight: 23 lbs.
  • Strap type: All in one
  • Maximum Weight Limit: 120 lbs.
  • Rear-Facing Weight Range: 4-40 lbs.
  • Forward-Facing Weight Range: 20-65 lbs.
  • Booster Seat Weight Range: 30-120 lbs.
  • Cup holder: 2 integrated
  • Color: Matrix

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Pros

  • Graco’s InRight LATCH system allows for easy latching which takes just one second.
  • You never have to rethread the car seat’s straps. Instead, you can adjust the positioning of the buckles in just one easy movement.
  • The two integrated cup holders remain in every iteration of the car seat, which will hold your child’s drinks, snacks, and toys no matter their age.
  • Every Graco car seat is held to the highest safety standards. The 4Ever adjustable car seat is side impact tested, can hold up to extreme interior temperatures, is rated for two times the car seat standard, among other safety features.

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Cons

  • Some reviewers have noted that the harness occasionally loosens during a drive.
  • After the infant insert is removed, the padding is less plush.
  • If your car does not have the LATCH system, the seat can be hard to install properly.

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The Bottom Line

If you want to buy a convertible car seat that will last you for years then Graco’s 4Ever 4-in-1 convertible car seat is the one for you. It has an extremely durable construction and all the important features that will keep your child comfortable and safe until they’re ready to ride unassisted.

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4. Graco SlimFit All-in-1 Convertible Car Seat

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The Rundown

Yet another Graco product, the SlimFit All-in-1 convertible car seat is perfect for vehicles that don’t have much space. No longer do you need a SUV to safely drive with your child in the car. In fact, you can fit two of this car seat along with a third child in a three-person rear seat. The car seat even features rotatable cup holders so that you can make more room.

As with Graco’s other car seats on this list, this product features their high-level safety standards and functional design. It is no wonder that Graco has been changing the game since their emergence into the world of baby products in 1953. With their combination of innovation and functional and safe designs, Graco has distinguished their car seats from the competition. The SlimFit All-in-1 convertible car seat is a great addition to this tradition of excellence.

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Specifications

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  • Dimensions: 26.81 in. x 19.88 in. x 22.36 in.
  • Weight: 19.69 lbs.
  • Strap type: N/A
  • Maximum Weight Limit: 100 lbs.
  • Rear-Facing Weight Range: 5-40 lbs.
  • Forward-Facing Weight Range: 22-65 lbs.
  • Booster Seat Weight Range: 30-100 lbs.
  • Cup holder: 2 rotating
  • Color: Anabele

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Pros

  • This car seat is 10% slimmer than other models, which will give you more back seat space.
  • A slimmer design does not mean that Graco sacrifices their trademark features. This product includes the InRight LATCH system, Simply Safe Adjust Harness System, and is rigorously safety tested.
  • The SlimFit features a rear-facing, front-facing, and front-facing booster positions. Thus, the product grows with your child.
  • Because it is thinner, the car seat is also lighter than the traditional model, so this helps in moving it around or transferring it to another vehicle.

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Cons

  • The seat is only slimmer in its width, so if your vehicle does not have a lot of depth room, it may still not fit.
  • Some of the components have been reported to be quite small, which can cause a problem for larger people—especially men—who are trying to install the car seat.

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The Bottom Line

Because this car seat fits your child from 5-100 pounds and can be installed in almost any vehicle, it is a perfect choice for most people. It doesn’t have the convertible capabilities of the Milestone and 4Ever car seats, which make it our third choice. However, it lives up to Graco’s high standards, and will provide a safe and comfortable driving experience for you and your children.

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5. Graco Extend2Fit Convertible Car Seat

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The Rundown

Not surprisingly Graco has reappeared on our list. Their excellence in the baby product market for the past sixty years speaks for itself. From their beginnings as the makers of the world’s first automatic baby swing to their current production of car seats, strollers, play yards, bassinets, highchairs, and swings, Graco has raised the bar in terms of innovation and safety in baby products.

Graco’s Extend2Fit convertible car seat lives up to their high standards. It is one of the smaller Graco models—it only fits children up to 65 pounds—but its six reclining and ten headrest positions ensures your infants and toddler’s comfort while traveling. Unique to this car seat is the four-position extension panel that allows up to five additional inches of legroom, which means your child can ride in the safer rear-facing position for a longer amount of time. In fact, with the Extend3Fit your child can sit rear-facing for up to 50 pounds.

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Specifications

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  • Dimensions: 22.1 in. x 19.2 in. x 25.2 in.
  • Strap type: All in one
  • Maximum Weight Limit: 65 lbs.
  • Rear-Facing Weight Limit: 4-50 lbs.
  • Forward-Facing Weight Limit: 22-65 lbs.
  • Cup holder: 2 integrated
  • Color: Gotham

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Pros

  • The built-in extension panel allows for five extra inches of leg room when your child is sitting in the rear-facing position.
  • This car seat comes with the Simply Safer Adjust Harness System. This system allows you to adjust the harness and headrest in just one motion. You no longer have to rethread the straps of the car seat, which makes it easier to adjust properly.
  • The Extend2Fit car seat also has a Fuss Free harness storage, which keeps the buckle out of your way as you bring your child in and out of the seat.

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Cons

  • The Extend to Fit feature will not work properly in smaller vehicles.
  • The cup holders have been reported as being flimsy and square—instead of the usual round shape—which makes it harder for cups and drinks to fit properly.
  • Reviewers have reported that the straps can be extremely hard to tighten.

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The Bottom Line

In all, this is a very solid car seat. If you have a tall toddler and a large vehicle, you will love the extension panels that allow for more rear-facing time. However, the high price and some of the reported problems have been deal breakers for some.

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6. Britax Boulevard ClickTight Convertible Car Seat

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The Rundown

Britax has been a force in the world of baby products since the 1930s. However, they have only recently opened their operation and products to the American market. Yet, since 1996 they have been producing their high-quality car seats and strollers for the U.S. You can also find their products around the world, for they have offices in Africa, the Middle East, Asia Pacific, Europe, and the Americas—both North and South.

Britax’s Boulevard ClickTight convertible car seat proves why the company has grown into such a powerhouse in the industry. It is an easy seat to adjust properly and is surrounded by safety. You will find two layers of side impact cushions a steel frame and an impact absorbing base on the car seat, which will protect your precious child from all sides. The seat harness also includes an audible click when it’s locked, which takes away any questions about its security. In all, this car seat makes sure to keep your child safe and comfortable no matter their age or size.

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Specifications

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  • Dimensions: 23 in. x 8.5 in. x 23.5 in.
  • Weight: 24 lbs.
  • Strap type: All in one
  • Maximum Weight Limit: 65 lbs.
  • Rear-Facing Weight Limit: 5-40 lbs.
  • Forward-Facing Weight Limit: 20-65 lbs.
  • Cup holder: No
  • Color: Circa

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Pros

  • The 14-point harness can be quickly adjusted and gives an audible click when locked.
  • Britax has extremely high safety standards for their car seats that helps provide peace of mind to any parent.
  • The harness indicator helps to tell you when the belt is tightened properly. The fourteen-point harness also grows with your child, so they will always be comfortable in the seat.
  • Britax builds this seat in the United States, which ensures its quality.

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Cons

  • The seat may not fit all small infants correctly, so you need to make sure that your infant is secured in the seat properly.
  • There have been some defects reported in the shipping of the seat.
  • Taller children may have a problem fitting into the harness, even if they are within the weight limit for the seat.

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The Bottom Line

Britax is known for their safety standards, and their Boulevard ClickTight convertible car seat is no different. However, it is quite a bit more expensive than other models and may have some sizing problems for certain children. So, you should definitely do your research and makes sure that this seat will work for you before you make the investment.

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7. Diono Radian RXT All-In-One Convertible Car Seat

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The Rundown

In comparison to the other two companies previously mentioned on this list, Diono is a relative newcomer. It was founded in 1999 in Seattle, WA—at the time it was called Sunshine Kids Juvenile Products—and initially gained success as the maker of the Mighty-Tite. This device tightened seat belts on car seats and won many awards. Despite its newness, Diono has continued to transform the baby products industry. In addition to the Mighty-Tite, they also introduced the first steel-reinforced car seat (the Radian Convertible Car Seat) as well as the first height and width-adjustable child booster seat. Many of the innovations we have discussed in relation to other car seats by Graco and Britax were first invented by Diono.

Diono ingenuity has been extended to their Radian RXT All-in-One convertible car seat. If you have at least a mid-sized vehicle, then you should be able to fit three of these car seats across on a single seat. In addition to the sleek design, there is extra side impact protection, reinforced head support, and EPS energy absorbing foam. This means that your child will be extremely secure while sitting comfortably in the seat.

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Specifications

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  • Dimensions: 16 in. x 17 in. x 28.5 in.
  • Weight: 27.68 lbs.
  • Strap type: N/A
  • Maximum Weight Limit: 120 lbs.
  • Rear-Facing Weight Limit: 5-45 lbs.
  • Forward-Facing Weight Limit: 20-65 lbs.
  • Booster Seat Weight Limit: 50-120 lbs.
  • Cup holder: 1
  • Color: Shadow

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Pros

  • The portable design folds flat for easy storage.
  • Diono includes a unique SuperLATCH system, which means that you can install the car seat quickly and securely.
  • The car seat also has a low profile. This makes getting your child into and out of the seat much easier than in similar models.
  • This model of car seat will support children up to 120 pounds, so you never have to purchase another product as your child grows.
  • The side protection on the seat is also adjustable, so your child is never in danger from a crash.

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Cons

  • This seat is really designed for mid to larger vehicles, it will not fit well in small cars. The size problem also extends to the car seat’s height, which is too tall for some small vehicles.
  • Reviewers have noted that this seat can be hard to install, especially when it is going into certain types of vehicles.

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The Bottom Line

Another expensive car seat, the Diono is a high-quality product. However, it reportedly does not fit well in smaller vehicles. It can also be a problem to install. Yet, if you have a tall infant and toddler, or need a slimmer car seat, then this is the product for you.

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8. Safety 1st Grow and Go 3-in-1 Convertible Car Seat

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The Rundown

Safety 1st is the company that first produce the yellow “Baby on Board” signs that you still see in vehicle windows. The company began in 1984 with their “Baby on Board” signs. They then expanded to producing safe sockets in 1987. The company transitioned to other baby products in 1995 when they created the Day’n Night TV Monitor. In 2001 their first infant car seat was produced. Today Safety 1st creates bath products, bed rails, car seats, feeding booster seat, gates, high chairs, home safety products, infant health products, monitors, play yards, potty training devices, thermometer, safe travel products, and walkers. Essentially, anything you need for your baby, you can find at Safety 1st.

The Grow and Go 3-in-1 convertible car seat illustrates the best Safety 1st has to offer. It can fit children up to 100 pounds and has side impact protection to keep your child extra safe. The car seat also includes harness holders, which make taking your child in and out of the product a breeze. Finally, as any parent knows, children’s products get messy. This is why it is such a plus that Safety 1st has created an easily removable cover to the car seat that can be machine washed and dried.

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Specifications

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  • Dimensions: 24.5 in. x 19.2 in. x 24.2 in.
  • Weight: 18.66 lbs.
  • Strap type: All in one
  • Maximum Weight Limit: 100 lbs.
  • Rear-Facing Weight Limit: 5-40 lbs.
  • Forward-Facing Weight Limit: 40-65 lbs.
  • Booster Seat Weight Limit: 65-100 lbs.
  • Cup holder: 2 integrated
  • Color: Harvest Moon

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Pros

  • Contains an easy-to-remove car seat cover than can be washed and dried in your machine.
  • The seat is designed so that passengers in the front seat have up to seven inches more leg room. This ensures your own comfort when driving with your children.
  • The Built to Grow can be converted from a rear-facing seat to a forward-facing one and a belt-positioning booster.
  • The harness holsters make it quick and easy to take your child in and out of the car.

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Cons

  • Reviewers have noted that the product can be very difficult to install.
  • Some people have noticed that the car seat makes a clicking noise if your child is not in it. This can be extremely annoying to some.
  • There are no additional recline settings on the seat, which can make it difficult to position your child correctly in the seat.

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The Bottom Line

If you want a dependable and durable convertible car seat, then this is the one for you. It cleans up easily and provides all the features you need to keep your child comfortable and safe. There are some features, like the lack of recline setting, that have annoyed reviewers. But, none of them are deal-breakers if they do not bother you.

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9. Chicco NextFit Convertible Car Seat

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The Rundown

Our last company on today’s top ten is Chicco. Since 1958 Chicco has been a leader in the world of baby products. The company was founded in Italy by Pietro Catelli. At first, it was a maker of pharmaceutical devices, but after Catelli’s son was born, he shifted the company’s focus to baby products. Today Chicco produces car seats, strollers, bassinets, playards, travel systems, highchairs and boosters, and nursing and feeding products. Chicco is now a division of the global company Artsana, S.p.a. along with other brands like Boppy, Prénatal, and Pic Solutions. While the company is proud of its Italian heritage, it continues to provide quality American focused products.

Chicco’s NextFit convertible car seat fits their storied history to a tee. It offers the most recline positions of any car seat. It also includes two ride right bubble levels that let you know when the correct seat angle has been accomplished. Finally, Chicco includes a Super Cinch LATCH tightener, which takes out the guesswork when you tighten the harness. Therefore, you will always know when your child is positioned correctly and tightly secured in the seat.

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Specifications

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  • Dimensions: 20.5 in. x 19 in. x 26 in.
  • Weight: 25.1 lbs.
  • Strap type: All in one
  • Maximum Weight Limit: 65 lbs.
  • Rear-Facing Weight Limit: 5-40 lbs.
  • Forward-Facing Weight Limit: 22-65 lbs.
  • Cup holder: Yes
  • Color: Matrix

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Pros

  • ReclineSure includes nine different positions. This allows the car seat to fit in a wider range of vehicles than its competition.
  • The five-point harness has a one-pull tightener and a two-position chest clip to make tailoring the harness to your growing child simple and easy. The harness also includes a SuperCinch LATCH tightener, a device exclusive to Chicco.
  • The cup holder is thermally insulated which means that your child’s drink will stay cold or hot longer.
  • The car seat has built-in lock-offs for installing with your vehicle’s belt instead of the LATCH system.

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Cons

  • Chicco’s customer service has been complained about by some reviewers.
  • The seat fabric in particular snags easily and get dirty quickly.
  • Some of the components, like the straps and headrests, have been faulty for some reviewers. This makes the product hard to work with and adjust.

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The Bottom Line

Chicco has made a good car seat. However, it does not have the weight range, safety testing, or durable components like other of the products listed in our top ten. It will be fairly easy to use and will fit most vehicles, but its high price and lack of washable cover may make it less appealing to some people.

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Best Convertible Car Seat Reviews Buyer’s Guide

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You know that buying the correct car seat is important for your child, but you may be confused and overwhelmed by all of the options out there. There are seemingly so many options, it can be hard to decide on a single car seat. If you need some help, here are some of the things you should take into consideration as you’re deciding on a specific convertible car seat.

Safety Features

Probably the most important category in this buyer’s guide is the safety features. When looking for a convertible car seat, you should pick the one that has the highest safety rating. There are government regulations regarding car seats, so all products will have a base level of safety. Essentially, you can not go wrong with any product you choose.

However, some car seat manufacturers go above and beyond government regulations. They know how important a child’s safety is to a parent. So, these companies develop their own safety regulations. Graco, for example, creates car seats that test two or three times safer than the government requires. You will also find companies like Britax that include more side impact cushioning.

Do your research on the safety features of each car seat. The safer the product, the safer your child will be when you are driving.

Car Size

When you buy a car seat, you need to make sure that it will fit your car. If you drive a small vehicle, then your car seat options will be more limited than if you drive a large SUV or van. The last thing you want to do is to buy a car seat that doesn’t fit your car well. This can create an uncomfortable situation for both yourself and your child.

The way to reduce the likelihood that the car seat will not fit your car is to pay close attention to the measurements. We recommend measuring the area in your vehicle where you plan on placing the car seat. This includes knowing how much space you have between the seat belts. Know the exact amount of space that you have will direct you to a specific model of car seat. For example, if you have a small back seat, you may want to consider the Graco SlimFit model, since it will give you more room than their larger car seats.

Number of Children and Cars

Along with the size of your car, you should also consider the number of children you will be driving around, especially if those children all also need to be in car seats. Some of the car seat models described above, specifically the SlimFit and the Diono Radian RXT, provide enough room to fit multiple car seat side by side. Thus, even if you have a small car, you can still drive your children safely.

If you don’t plan on driving with multiple children in the car then this will not be a problem for you. However, you will also want to keep in mind how many cars you plan to use. If you are a multiple car household, and don’t want to purchase an extra car seat, then you should gravitate towards a seat that is easily moveable. No one wants to constantly fight with their car seat every time they decide to drive a different car.

Child Size

Everyone’s child has their own unique size and shape. This can make finding the right car seat extremely difficult for people whose children fall outside of standard measurements. For example, if your toddler is tall and slim, many car seat straps may be too short for them. If this is the case, you should pick a car seat like the Diono model. However, if you have a child that is smaller than average, a larger seat like the Diono may not work for you.

The best way to find a car seat that will work for your child is to try out many different options. This does not mean you have to buy a lot of car seats. But, you may want to take your child to the store to pick out the best car seat for them.

If you are looking for a car seat before your infant has made its entrance, then you can use your own growth rate as a gauge. If you or your partner were tall as a child or if you both grew quickly, it is likely that your child will as well. This information will help determine the make and model of seat you choose.

Age of Child

Obviously, if you are pregnant, then you will begin using the car seat when your child is an infant. But, how long do you plan on using the car seat for? Do you want the car seat to last until your child can sit in the car normally, or do you plan on purchasing a booster seat once they are large enough? Knowing the answer to these questions will be essential in your choice of convertible car seat.

All of the car seats on our list at least cover your child from infancy to toddler-hood. Keep in mind that the national highway traffic safety administration (NHTSA) recommends using a rear-facing car seat from birth -3 (or as long as possible, depending on how fast they grow). You will then move them to a forward-facing seat until they are 6-7 years old and then transition to a booster seat until 12 or whenever they can fit in the seat belt properly.

Because you need to use the car seats and boosters so long, it may make sense for you to purchase one product that can convert along with your child’s growth. But, this may also seem unnecessary for your life. Knowing the ages and stages of your child’s life that you plan on using the car seat will help you choose the correct one for you.

Adjustability

As you probably noticed when reading through the pros and cons of the ten products above, the level of adjustability in car seats varies a lot. Some products allow you to adjust the height of the harness and headrest and the recline angle of the seat. Some, like Graco’s Extend2Fit even allow you to add on extra leg room for your toddler.

The greater the level of adjustability of the car seat, the easier it will be to make sure your child is positioned correctly and comfortably. This is especially important for infants, who need to be positioned safely in the rear-facing position. If there is no recline option on the car seat, laying your infant down correctly can be a problem.

But, keep in mind that with adjustability comes a greater probability of parts breaking and difficulty in altering the seat. Your decision will ultimately come down to how much you want to mess with the car seat.

 Cost

Cost will always be a factor in any major purchase, for most people have to find a balance between their wants and needs. However, we’ve put cost lower on this list because so many other factors also come into play when you choose a car seat.

Manufacturers in the baby products industry realize how important your child’s safety and comfort are, this is why many of the most important components of the car seat come standard. Plus, governmental regulations help to set a base standard of safety guidelines that companies must follow. This means that most of your needs—extremely safe car seat, secure fastening, etc.—comes standard in all models no matter their price.

Therefore, you should always consider the amount of money you have to spend—especially since you are likely making a lot of other expensive purchases during this time—but also keep in mind the other considerations in this buyer’s guide. Balancing both cost and comfort does not have to be that hard when buying a convertible car seat.

Conclusion

When you are planning for a new arrival, one of the most important things you need to consider is the car seat you plan on purchasing. These seats can help keep your child alive and safe during a crash. You need to make the best decision for yourself and your family.

The more work you put into deciding on your various requirements for a car seat, the easier it will be to choose the right one. You can also use our top ten list of the best convertible car seats as a jumping off point. All have strengths and weaknesses, but all ten will be durable, dependable, and safe for your child.

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