Check out our comparison chart that lists the safety ratings of NHTS.gov, easy adjustment system, comfort, ease of installation, and more to find the top pick with the pros and cons of each.
Features To Look For In The Best Convertible Car Seats
- Safety Ratings: Make sure any convertible car seats you consider have been crashing tested by an independent laboratory and come with a certification that proves their safety ratings are up to par with current standards. NHTSA.gov is an excellent resource to check the safety ratings of car seats, as they evaluate them rigorously according to federal standards.
- Easy Adjustment System: Being able to adjust the height and tightness of the straps easily so it fits your growing child’s needs is paramount when it comes to making sure you have a good car seat.
- Five-Point Harness: A five-point harness is essential for keeping your child secure in the car seat and is the most important feature to look for when buying a convertible car seat.
- Comfort: Comfort should be one of the top considerations when choosing a convertible car seat because if your child isn’t comfortable, they won’t want to stay in it. Look for cushioned head and body support, memory foam padding, breathable fabric, and other features that make the seat more comfortable for long trips.
- Ease of Installation: Ease of installation can be an important factor when choosing the best convertible car seat for your family, as some models require extra effort or special tools in order to properly install them in your vehicle.
Top-list Best Convertible Car Seats (Safety Ratings)
9.3⭐Excellent
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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
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Rear-Facing Mode:
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Forward-Facing Mode:
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Booster Mode:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
9.2⭐Excellent
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Rear-Facing Mode:
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Forward-Facing Mode:
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Booster Mode:
⭐⭐⭐
8.8⭐Good
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Rear-Facing Mode:
⭐⭐⭐
Forward-Facing Mode:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Booster Mode:
⭐⭐⭐
Top-rated Graco convertible car seats
9.4⭐Excellent
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9.0⭐Good
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9.0⭐Good
Read the expert review
Rear-Facing Mode:
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Forward-Facing Mode:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Booster Mode:
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rear-Facing Mode:
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Forward-Facing Mode:
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Forward-Facing Mode:
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Booster Mode:
⭐⭐⭐⭐
9.4⭐Excellent
Read the expert review
Rear-Facing Mode:
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Forward-Facing Mode:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Booster Mode:
⭐⭐⭐⭐
9.0⭐Good
Read the expert review
Rear-Facing Mode:
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Forward-Facing Mode:
⭐⭐⭐⭐
9.0⭐Good
Read the expert review
Forward-Facing Mode:
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Booster Mode:
⭐⭐⭐⭐
The best convertible car seat 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
The Best Easy-To-Use Convertible Car Seat on 2023
Advantage
- Easy to install and adjust
- Compact and easy to store
- Lightweight design makes it easy to move between cars
- You don't have to fight with the strap release button
- The straps lay out of the way when not in use
- Includes an anti-rebound bar for additional protection
- Energy-absorbing base and foam liners help reduce impact forces in a crash
Disadvantage
- Can be difficult to adjust straps when transitioning between stages
- Expensive compared to other convertible car seats on the market
Chicco Fit4: NHTSA Ease of Use Ratings
The Best Versatile Convertible Car Seat
Advantage
- Nice, plush cover and padding
- Great recline positions, especially for bucketed seats.
- Seatbelt lockoff installation
- Narrow seat, good for possible 3 across installation
- Price
Disadvantage
- Feels a little plastic-y, and flimsy on the top half of the seat.
- Has no re-thread harness adjustment, but again the head support is very wiggly
Evenflo EveryFit: NHTSA Ease of Use Ratings
The best Graco convertible car seat
Advantage
- The quality of the product is great;
- Easy to install to the car;
- Easy to adjust as the children grow;
- Easy adjustable seat positions and the extra padding;
- 4-in-1 car seat gives 10 years of use.
Disadvantage
- Even if you "recline" it to number 1 position, the baby still sits very vertical, when he sleeps his head falls to the front in a kind of worrisome manner.
Graco 4Ever DLX: NHTSA Ease of Use Ratings
Amazon Best Rating: Graco Extend2Fit
Advantage
- Lightweight. I carried this in one hand while holding my baby in the other.
- Incredible safety ratings
- Didn’t have to move the front seats up to make it fit!
- A breeze to install with a latch system
- Sliding straps, no annoying rethreading
Disadvantage
- I don’t love the “fuss-free” harness clip holders. Not a big deal, I just won’t use them.
- Can be hard to pull the harness tight when rear-facing. Look up the hack on youtube!
Graco Extend2Fit: NHTSA Ease of Use Ratings
Best affordable convertible car seat for newborn
Advantage
- Super comfortable, extra neck and lower body padding is a plus;
- Installation – watched a YouTube video and repeated steps with no problem;
- Easy tie back for straps;
- Lots of room for his legs;
- Easily Machine Washable;
- Under $200.
Disadvantage
- It has standard anchor clips, but they’re not too hard to use
- It’s not at all easy to tighten the strap for the anchors.
Top-rated Graco convertible booster seat
Advantage
- Comfortable and lightweight
- Easy to install
- Safe for your child
- One-handed strap/headrest adjustment
- Make your life easier by installing it quickly and easily.
- Easily transport the car seat between cars.
Disadvantage
- The seat is thin and uncomfortable.
- Belt twists, making it impossible to tension
Graco Tranzitions: NHTSA Ease of Use Ratings
Convertible Car Seats FAQ
What are convertible car seats and what are they used for?
Convertible car seats are exactly what they sound like – car seats that can be converted from one type to another. They can typically be used as rear-facing seats for infants and toddlers, and then can be turned around to face forward when the child is older. convertible car seats are a great option for families who want one seat that will last through several different stages of their child’s development.
What types of transforming car seats are there?
Infant convertible car seats and toddler convertible car seats. Infant convertible car seats are smaller and lighter than toddler convertible car seats, making them a good choice for parents with small cars.
They typically accommodate children weighing between five and forty pounds, which is why they’re also sometimes called “five-point harness seats.” Toddler convertible car seats are larger and heavier than infant convertible car seats, but they can accommodate children up to sixty-five pounds. They’re a good choice for parents with larger cars or for families who plan to have more than one child.
Convertible car seats are not only used in cars – but they can also be used as booster seats. Booster seats raise the child up so that the vehicle’s seat belt fits properly across their chest and hips, providing them with added safety in the event of a crash. Some convertible car seats can also be used as standalone high chairs, making them a great option for traveling families or for parents who want one seat that will do it all.
How to use a convertible car seat safely?
The convertible car seat should be used as directed by the manufacturer. The child should always be buckled into the convertible car seat using the harness system – never use the seat belt to secure a child in a convertible car seat.
The convertible car seat should only be used in the backseat of a vehicle, and it should never be placed in the front seat. And finally, make sure to read the product reviews before purchasing a convertible car seat – this will help you ensure you’re getting a quality product that’s safe for your child.
Installation tips for convertible car seats
How We Tested
It’s no secret that car seats are essential for keeping your children safe while driving. But with so many different types of car seats on the market, it can be difficult to know which one is right for your family. That’s why it’s important to understand the safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
- The NHTSA tests convertible car seats and assigns them a rating based on how well they protect children in a crash.
- The ratings range from 1-5 stars, with 5 stars being the highest score.
A 5-star rating means that the seat has passed all of NHTSA’s tests and provides superior protection in a crash. - When shopping for a convertible car seat, you should always look for one with at least 3 stars. This will ensure that your child is as safe as possible in case of an accident.
- You should also make sure to read the instructions carefully before installing the seat and follow all safety precautions when using it.
By understanding the NHTSA safety ratings, you can make sure that you’re getting a quality car seat for your child that will keep them safe in case of an accident.
Safety rating from NHTS.gov (overall ratings)
When it comes to choosing the best car seat for your child, safety is always the top priority. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTS.gov) provides overall ratings of car seats on its website, which can help you compare and contrast different models.
- The Britax One4Life ClickTight All-In-One Car Seat has rated 4,4 stars out of 5 for overall safety by NHTS.gov.
This convertible car seat grows with your child from 5 to 120 pounds and up to 63 inches tall, and features 10 years of use, allowing you to install confidently with its ClickTight Installation System. - The Chicco Fit4 4-In-1 Convertible Car Seat is also rated 3.8 stars out of 5 for overall safety by NHTS.gov. This car seat is designed to grow with your child from birth through booster mode, with a one-hand adjustable headrest and no-rethread harness that enables a proper fit as they grow without uninstalling the car seat.
- The Evenflo EveryFit 4-in-1 convertible car seat is rated 4 stars out of 5 for overall safety by NHTS.gov. This car seat offers four modes: rear-facing infant mode, forward-facing toddler mode, high-back booster mode, and backless booster mode, making it suitable for children from 5 to 110 pounds in weight and 19 – 57 inches in height.
- The Graco 4Ever DLX 4 in-1 Car Seat is rated 4 stars out of 5 for overall safety by NHTS.gov. This all-in-one convertible car seat grows with your child from infancy through youth, featuring a 10-position headrest that adjusts easily for your growing child’s needs and 6 recline positions that provide comfort during long rides in the car or stroller rides around town.
- The Graco Extend2Fit 3-in-1 Car Seat is rated 4 stars out of 5 for overall safety by NHTS.gov. This convertible car seat grows with your child from rear-facing infant mode (5 – 50 lbs.), forward-facing toddler mode (22 – 65 lbs.) and finally into belt-positioning booster mode (40 – 100 lbs.). It also features an extendable panel that provides up to five additional inches of legroom so your growing child can ride comfortably for even longer!
- Finally, the Graco Tranzitions 3-in-1 Harness Booster Seat is rated 4 stars out of 5 for overall safety by NHTS.gov.This harness booster seat grows with your child from 22–100 lbs., transitioning seamlessly between three modes: harnessed booster (22–65 lbs.), highback belt-positioning booster (30–100 lbs.), and backless belt-positioning booster (40–100 lbs.). It also features an integrated cup holder that keeps drinks close at hand while on the go!
Comparing the Adjustment System
When it comes to car seat safety, one of the most important features is the adjustment system. It’s important to make sure that your child is properly secured in their seat, and having an adjustable headrest and harness can help you do just that.
- The Britax One4Life ClickTight All-In-One has a 15-position headrest and harness that can be adjusted in seconds for a perfect fit as your baby grows.
- The Chicco Fit4 4-In-1 Convertible Car Seat also has an adjustable headrest and harness with 9 different positions for a secure fit.
- The Evenflo EveryFit 4-in-1 convertible car seat has an adjustable headrest with 6 different positions to ensure a comfortable ride for your child.
- The Graco 4Ever DLX 4 in 1 Car Seat has an adjustable 10-position headrest with no rethreading required.
- The Graco Extend2Fit 3-in-1 Car Seat also has an adjustable 10-position headrest but also includes an extendable panel for extra leg room as your child grows.
- The Safety 1st Grow and Go All-in-One Convertible Car Seat features an adjustable 8-position headrest with no rethreading required.
- Finally, the Graco Tranzitions 3–in–1 Harness Booster Seat has an adjustable 6-position headrest that can be easily adjusted without rethreading the straps.
No matter which car seat you choose, it’s important to make sure that it fits your child properly so they are safe while riding in the car.
Final Thoughts
The Britax One4Life ClickTight is the perfect companion to keep your child safe throughout their growth. With the patented v-shaped tether, high-strength steel frame, and crumple zone that absorbs crash energy, your child will be thoroughly protected in case of an accident.
Its 10-year lifespan keeps it with your little one through their developmental years, and easy 3-step installation using ClickTight ensures use with peace of mind every single ride. On top of its unbeatable safety features and a long runway of impactful life use, this premium car seat makes parent lives easier with its machine washable cover and built-in arms rest for an extra comfortable ride.
CHECK PRICE today and give yourself and your family the ultimate peace of mind package on the road from now on!
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
- https://www.nhtsa.gov/equipment/car-seats-and-booster-seats
- https://crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov/Api/Public/Publication/813033
- https://www.trafficsafetymarketing.gov/get-materials/child-safety/child-passenger-safety-week
The car seat is perfect for our toddler! We’ve been able to transition him from a rear-facing baby carrier and he has loved every minute of it. There’s so many features that make this such an awesome experience, like the recline option or headrest which can be adjusted according what you need on any particular day (and they’re removable too). The padding makes sitting in general pretty comfortable while also keeping kids safe with their own individualuckle cushioning around each neck area as well as soft walls against bare skin if necessary due out whatever typepose poses might happen during navigation through traffic
Graco 4Ever DLX 4 in 1 Car Seat
Can you recline this seat Chicco NextFit Zip while the toddler is asleep for instance? Or does the recline work only when installing the seat?
Chicco NextFit Zip car seat is a great option for parents who have children that sleep soundly in their seats. The adjustable headrest makes sure your little one stays comfortable during those long road trips, while also ensuring total neck alignment so they can rest easy!
Chicco NextFit Zip car seat completely free from brominated and chlorinated flame retardants (fabric and seat)?
ClearTex® products use fabrics (plus foam and labels!) that comply with federal car safety flammability standards (FMVSS 302) without any added chemical treatments. In addition, ClearTex products are GREENGUARD Gold Certified.
Evenflo EveryFit: Do the Sure Safe latches work in the rear-facing position as well?
Yes, the latch can be used rear or forward facing.
Is the Britax One4Life comfortable for long drives?
Britax One4Life
Yes, my son sat in it for 6 hours, slept most of the way.
Chicco Fit4 Incluye la base?
The Chicco Fit4, like other convertible seats, are designed to stay in the car at all times and do not have a removable base.