Discover the Best Car Seats for 1-2-Year-Olds in 2023: Safety Ratings ⭐, Comfort & Convenience, Ease of use, Size & weight limits, Durability, Pros & Cons, Comparison Table, FAQs, Reviews. Understand the Difference Between Rear-Facing and Convertible Car Seats.
Features To Look For In The Top Car Seats for One-Two-Year-Olds
- Safety rating: Look for a car seat that has been tested thoroughly and has achieved a high safety rating from an independent testing body like NHTSA or Consumer Reports.
- Comfort & Convenience: It’s important to make sure your child is as comfortable as possible while in the car seat. Look for adjustable straps and headrests, as well as soft padding on the seats and backrests, and ensure that it’s easy to get in and out of the seat too.
- Ease of use: You want a car seat that’s easy to install and remove, so be sure to check customer reviews before buying to get an idea of how user-friendly each model is. Also, look at how adjustable the straps are – can they easily be adjusted as your child grows? Make sure it has all the necessary accessories like cup holders or snack trays too!
- Size & weight limits: Make sure you select a car seat that accommodates your child’s height, weight, and age range correctly. Check with product packaging or online resources to determine if it fits within those limits before purchase.
- Durability: Car seats can take quite a beating over time due to things such as spills, scratches, and general wear-and-tear; so if you want one that will last – opt for something made from sturdy materials such as heavy-duty plastic or metal frames with robust fabric covers where needed.
Average Height to Weight Chart of a Child
Male Toddlers: 1-2 Years (Updated: 2022-10-16, Author: Disabled World)| Age | Weight | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Years | 21.3 lb. (9.66 kg) | 29.8" (75.7 cm) |
| 2 Years | 27.5 lb. (12.47 kg) | 34.2" (86.8 cm) |
| Age | Weight | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Years | 20.4 lb. (9.25 kg) | 29.2" (74.1 cm) |
| 2 Years | 26.5 lb. (12.02 kg) | 33.7" (85.5 cm) |
Recommended (nhtsa.gov) car seats based on your child’s age and size
Best Infant Car Seats for 1-Year-Olds in 2023: Highest Safety Ratings from NHTSA.gov!
Rear-Facing Mode:
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Rear-Facing Mode:
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✔SMARTSecure system installs in seconds, Adjustable headrest with Side Impact Protection;
✔Attaches directly to VISTA, CRUZ, VISTA V2, and CRUZ V2 strollers without adapters;
✔ UPF hideaway canopy
✔ Easily removable and washable seat fabric
✔ Travel System Compatible;
✔ Sturdy build with a high-strength steel reinforced base and SafeCell crumple zone;;
✔ Protective shell with foam provides head-to-toe safety;
✔ 3 easy steps with SafeCenter LATCH: connect lower anchors, pull straps to tighten, click carrier into the base;
✔ Travel System Compatible;
Rear-Facing Mode:
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✔SMARTSecure system installs in seconds, Adjustable headrest with Side Impact Protection;
✔Attaches directly to VISTA, CRUZ, VISTA V2, and CRUZ V2 strollers without adapters;
✔ UPF hideaway canopy
✔ Easily removable and washable seat fabric
Rear-Facing Mode:
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✔ Travel System Compatible;
✔ Sturdy build with a high-strength steel reinforced base and SafeCell crumple zone;;
✔ Protective shell with foam provides head-to-toe safety;
✔ 3 easy steps with SafeCenter LATCH: connect lower anchors, pull straps to tighten, click carrier into the base;
✔ Travel System Compatible;
The best affordable rear-facing car seats for a one-year-old
✔ The innovative SuperCinch Force-Multiplying LATCH Tightener ensures a secure fit in your vehicle and the carrier shell is lined with EPS energy absorbing foam for improved impact protection. ;
✔ The seat includes an infant head support insert that can be removed as soon a baby grows into more comfortable riding position, making it perfect from birth up until they turn 1 year old!
✔ The seat attaches with one simple click, making it easy to clean.;
✔ This carseat meets all federal standards as well as ASTM ones--and includes a year's worth of warranty too so you know this product has been tested thoroughly before being made available for purchase;
✔ It weighs only seven pounds, making it easy to carry from car seat stroller combo;
✔ The level indicator makes installation simple and accurate so you can feel confident that your little one's safety will never be compromised with this lightweight carrier;
✔ The protectplus engineered design helps keep them safe during crashes whether they're frontal or side impacted;
✔ The innovative SuperCinch Force-Multiplying LATCH Tightener ensures a secure fit in your vehicle and the carrier shell is lined with EPS energy absorbing foam for improved impact protection. ;
✔ The seat includes an infant head support insert that can be removed as soon a baby grows into more comfortable riding position, making it perfect from birth up until they turn 1 year old!
✔ The seat attaches with one simple click, making it easy to clean.;
✔ This carseat meets all federal standards as well as ASTM ones--and includes a year's worth of warranty too so you know this product has been tested thoroughly before being made available for purchase;
✔ It weighs only seven pounds, making it easy to carry from car seat stroller combo;
✔ The level indicator makes installation simple and accurate so you can feel confident that your little one's safety will never be compromised with this lightweight carrier;
✔ The protectplus engineered design helps keep them safe during crashes whether they're frontal or side impacted;
Top-3 convertible car seats for 1-2-year-old (Safety Rating NHTSA.gov)
9.3⭐Excellent
Read the expert review
9.2⭐Excellent
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8.8⭐Good
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Rear-Facing Mode:
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Forward-Facing Mode:
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Booster Mode:
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Rear-Facing Mode:
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Forward-Facing Mode:
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Booster Mode:
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Rear-Facing Mode:
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Forward-Facing Mode:
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Booster Mode:
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9.3⭐Excellent
Read the expert review
Rear-Facing Mode:
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Forward-Facing Mode:
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Booster Mode:
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9.2⭐Excellent
Read the expert review
Rear-Facing Mode:
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Forward-Facing Mode:
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Booster Mode:
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8.8⭐Good
Read the expert review
Rear-Facing Mode:
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Forward-Facing Mode:
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Booster Mode:
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The best infant car seat for one-year-old
Advantage
- Great product for safety & durability;
- The seat is sturdy and has excellent quality;
- A beautiful car seat — the colors are great and the fabric is nice and soft for the little one.
- Very easy to install;
- Comes fully put together;
Disadvantage
- It’s hard to click in by the baby's legs.
UPPAbaby MESA: NHTSA Ease of Use Ratings
The best infant car seat under two-year-old
Advantage
- Easy to install
- Easy to read/clear level indicators;
- Pretty lightweight;
- Easy to get in and out of the base;
- Works well with Chicco TRE jogging stroller;
- Good safety features;
- Good quality materials.
Disadvantage
- The release handle is in an extremely inconvenient location, squashed between the front seat of your car and its base. It’s difficult for me to find when I need it most!
The best car seat for babies for 1-year-old on 2023
Advantage
- Easiest install in rear-facing position
- Great safety ratings
- Easy to use the incline settings
- Fits a toddler very well in extended rear-facing
- The headrest is easy to change
- The crotch belt path is very easy to adjust
- The fabric feels soft to the touch
Disadvantage
- The harness straps for rear-facing are a downgrade from what they are on the B-safe line (seatbelt click style) whereas these are simply push-hooks that take some finagling and patience to set up
Britax One4Life Clicktight: NHTSA Ease of Use Ratings
Car Seat for 1-2-Year-Old: FAQ
Rear-facing convertible car seats are the best type of seat for a 1-year-old
There are many different convertible car seats on the market, so it’s important to do your research to find the best one for your child. Here are a few things to keep in mind when searching for a convertible car seat:
- Look for a seat that can accommodate a weight of at least 35 pounds in the rear-facing position. This will allow you to keep your child rear-facing for longer.
- Make sure that the seat has a five-point harness system, which is the safest type of restraint system for a child.
- Choose a seat that has adjustable headrests and shoulder straps, so that you can ensure a comfortable and safe fit for your child as they grow.
When shopping for a rear-facing convertible car seat, it is important to consider your child's weight and height
As your child grows, you will need to adjust the car seat to ensure a comfortable and safe fit. Here are a few things to keep in mind when adjusting a rear-facing convertible car seat:
- The harness straps should be positioned at or above your child’s shoulders.
- The chest clip should be positioned at the armpit level.
- The headrest should be adjusted so that the top of your child’s head is at least 1 inch below the top of the car seat.
- The leg rest should be extended so that your child’s knees are bent at a 90-degree angle.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your child is properly secured in their car seat and that they are comfortable during the ride.
If you are unsure which rear-facing convertible car seat to choose, consult with an experienced child safety technician
When it comes to choosing a car seat, it is important to consult with an expert to ensure that you are making the best decision for your child. A child safety technician can help you choose the right car seat for your child’s weight, height, and developmental needs.
If you are interested in learning more about car seats, or if you need help installing a car seat, please contact your local Safe Kids Coalition.
Convertible car seats are a great option for 2-year-olds because they can be used as both a rear-facing and forward-facing seat
2-year-olds are at an age where they are transitioning from being a baby to being a toddler. As such, they may need a car seat that can accommodate their changing needs. A convertible car seat is a great option for 2-year-olds because it can be used as both a rear-facing and forward-facing seat. This type of seat is also adjustable, so it can grow with your child.
Choose a car seat that is easy to install and fits well in your vehicle
When choosing a car seat for your 2-year-old, it is important to choose one that is easy to install and fits well in your vehicle. You should also make sure that the seat is comfortable for your child and that they can easily get in and out of it.
Make sure the car seat is properly secured
Once you have chosen the best car seat for your 2-year-old, it is important to make sure that it is properly secured. This means that the seatbelt or harness should be tight and there should be no slack. You should also make sure that the car seat is installed according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
If you are unsure about how to properly install a car seat, you can ask a certified car seat technician for help. You can also find helpful installation videos online.
Use the car seat every time your child is in the car
It is important to use the car seat every time your child is in the car, even if they are only riding for a short distance. This will ensure that they are always properly protected in case of an accident.
Make sure the car seat has been certified by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
The best way to ensure that your child is properly protected in the car is to choose a car seat that has been certified by the NHTSA. By doing this, you can be sure that you are choosing a safe and reliable product.
Consider your child's height and weight when choosing a car seat
When choosing a car seat for your 2-year-old, you should consider their height and weight. If they are on the taller side, you may want to choose a seat that has an adjustable harness. If they are on the heavier side, you may want to choose a seat with a higher weight limit.
Be sure to read the car seat’s manual before installation
Before installing a car seat, it is important to read the manual. This will help you to understand how to properly install and use the seat. It is also important to note that car seats have expiration dates. This means that they should be replaced after a certain amount of time.
seat, you should contact the manufacturer. You can also speak to a certified car seat technician for help.
Always read the manufacturer's instructions carefully before installing or using a car seat
It is important to always read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully before installing or using a car seat. This will help you to ensure that you are properly using the seat. Additionally, you should make sure to follow all local and state laws regarding car seat use.
How We Tested
At AdviserBaby, we take great pride in ensuring that our car seats are safe for all users. This is especially true when it comes to protecting young children. So, we recently conducted a series of tests to see how our car seats performed with 1-2-year-olds.
- Our team wanted to learn as much as possible about how the car seats would hold up under different conditions and scenarios.
- To do this, we recruited several dozen families with children in this age range and asked them to let us borrow their car seats for a day or two so that we could test it out in our lab.
- We first ran tests using specialized crash-test dummies designed specifically for kids of this age range.
- Then, to see how they would react under real-life conditions, we placed them in cars and had experienced drivers take them on courses designed to mimic some of the tougher roads and highway ramps you can find around the world.
- To measure performance more accurately, we also used sensors inside the car to track features such as speed and acceleration as well as any sudden movements that occurred during the tests.
- The results of these tests were analyzed by teams of engineers to check for any structural issues or vulnerabilities in the construction of the car seat itself.
- Finally, each seat was inspected by an experienced safety inspector who double-checked everything from straps and buckles to padding depth and shock absorption levels before delivering a final verdict on the product’s overall safety ratings.
After making all necessary adjustments, our team was confident that they had found a safe car seat option suitable for all users between 1-2 years old!
Our test results
- The UPPAbaby MESA is the only true infant car seat in the comparison. It features a lightweight design that makes it easy for parents to transport their children from one place to another. It also has a no-rethread harness system which allows for adjustments to be made as your child grows without having to rethread the straps.
- The Chicco KeyFit 30 is one of the most popular alternatives on the market and comes with an adjustable base that can be used both in and out of the vehicle.
- The Britax One4Life ClickTight has ClickTight Technology which ensures it is easy to install and secure in any vehicle making it ideal for busy parents.
- The Britax B-Safe Gen2 Infant Car Seat provides superior side impact protection while maintaining the correct position of your baby’s head and neck even when they are asleep.
- Graco SnugRide 35 Lite LX and Safety 1st Onboard 35 LT have adjustable handles so you can easily carry them when not in use as well as adjustable bases for a custom fit for different-sized children.
Overall, each of these car seats offers unique features depending on your needs. All come with safety features for maximum security during travel but may provide more comfort or convenience options depending on what you are looking for in an infant car seat tailored specifically to 1-2-year-olds.
Final Thoughts
The UPPAbaby MESA Infant Car Seat is an excellent choice for those with children aged 1-2 years.
The superior safety ratings and durable design make it a great option for any parent looking to provide the best protection in vehicles.
In addition, the car seat is exceptionally easy to install and includes wonderful features such as a UPF hideaway canopy and easily removable and washable seat fabric. It also comes fully put together, so there is no extra hassle of assembling a complicated product.
Finally, the base of this car seat offers adjustable levels making it very comfortable to ride in your car.
If you are looking for a high-quality infant car seat that will provide an excellent ride experience while ensuring maximum safety for your child then the UPPAbaby MESA Infant Car Seat should be at the top of your list.
Check out our website to get price information about the product today!
Sources:
- Child Passenger Safety https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/142/5/e20182460/38530/Child-Passenger-Safety
- Why Rear Facing: the Science Junkie’s Guide
- Car Seat Ease-of-Use Ratings https://www.nhtsa.gov/car-seats-and-booster-seats/car-seat-ease-use-ratings
Do you need to use the base with the Chicco KeyFit 30 car seat?
You can use a latch or belt locks with the Chicco base, but you need it if your little one is going in and out of car seats regularly. The shoulder strap has its own safety feature that keeps them from getting suffocated by seat belts so there are no worries about those old-fashioned choking hazards!
Can I buy head support separately from Chicco KeyFit 30 for my newborn?
You should always research the accessories you want before buying them so that when it comes time to use your new seat, there are no surprises. Make sure this head support is approved by car manufacturers and never install anything else onto our vehicle without checking with us first!
What is the difference between a snap connection and a tight lock in the Graco SnugRide 35 car seat?
The Snug lock is click-connect enabled and its unique mechanism will keep your seatbelt securely fastened without having that loose rocking feeling, like most car seats.
How wide is this at Safety 1st Onboard 35 LT widest point?
The Safety 1st Onboard 35 LT child car seat is 16.75 inches wide at its widest point.
Does this work Safety 1st OnBoard 35 LT with a pivot system?
The Safety 1st OnBoard 35 LT base is only compatible with the following infant car seats: OnBoard 35 LT, OnBoard 22, Light N Comfy, OnBoard 35 FLX and the Surefit 35 LT.