Experts agree: the most productive car seat is the one you can use to keep your children safe on the road. Since the diversity of car seats on the market can be overwhelming, we have chosen the eight most productive features to meet your child’s other needs. The Graco Extend2Fit Convertible is our pick for the best infant car seat due to its ability to keep kids rear-facing longer. Our favorite forward-facing infant car seat is the Chicco MyFit Zip, thanks to its easy adjustment and ability to convert it into a high-back booster seat.
A smart first step when looking for the most productive car seat is to familiarize yourself with the other types available on the market. We focused our studies on 3 main types: convertible car seats (which fit children from infancy to toddlers); all-in-one car seats; and forward-facing booster seats with harnesses for children (the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children remain rear-facing until they are at least 2 years old).
It is also vital for your family’s special wishes, such as whether you want to install multiple car seats in your vehicle, whether you prefer a luxurious or minimalist design, or whether you want a car seat that is suitable for travel. Based on those needs and based on numerous contributions from parents and car protection experts, these are the best baby car seats in 2024. (If you’re looking for quick booster seats, check out our research-based advisor on the best booster seats ).
I’m a freelance editor and editorial representative with nearly a decade of delight in testing and writing about gear, primarily in outdoor and parenting spaces. I write for REI Co-op, UltraSignup, The Ness Well and others. When I’m not writing, you can find me running around my Seattle community or chasing my toddler son.
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I’m an Updates Editor at Forbes Vetted, where I make sure our product recommendations for home, kitchen, kids, and gifts are up-to-date, applicable to our readers, and informed by the latest research. Prior to Vetted, I spent 3 years in sales writing roles at brands like Shop TODAY, The Spruce Eats, and Simply Recipes. During this time, I also tested products in various categories, from kitchen gadgets to yoga mats to carry-on luggage. I earned my bachelor’s degree in English. and linguistics from Northeastern University in Boston; I’ve been living in Brooklyn for six years.
Weight: 19 lbs | Child Weight Range: Four to 50 pounds (rear-facing); 22 to 65 pounds (forward facing) | Maximum rear-facing height: Head must be at least 1 inch below | Maximum forward-facing height: 49 inches
The safest car seats for toddlers are those that allow them to remain rear-facing for as long as possible. Children sitting in a rear-facing seat are more protected in the event of a twist of fate because the forces of the impact are distributed throughout the back of their body, explains Benjamin Hoffman, a professor of pediatrics at Oregon Health School of Medicine. and the University of Sciences (contributed to the study). American Academy of Pediatrics Child Passenger Safety Policies). But many convertible or rear-facing seats can feel temporarily cramped as children get older, and they usually only accommodate toddlers up to 40 pounds. The Graco Extend2Fit Convertible, however, allows young children to remain rear-facing up to five pounds; It is supplied with an extension panel that provides up to five inches of additional rear-facing legroom.
The Extend2Fit installs with a satisfying click, and while it’s somewhat bulky, it’s not very unlikely to move it between cars, as it only weighs 19 pounds. A harness that doesn’t rethread means you don’t want to disassemble the seat to protect your developing child. Our only complaint: although the seat canopy can be washed with a device, the fabric may be easier to clean. Additionally, this car seat can only accommodate children up to 65 pounds or up to 49 inches tall when facing forward. (If you want an infant car seat that will serve your family longer, Graco’s 4Ever 4-in-1 or Extend2Fit 3-in-1, either of which converts to booster seats that can accommodate children over a hundred pounds. )
What the reviews say: Parents praise the convenience and ease of installation of the seat, especially thanks to its LATCH (Lower Anchors and Straps for Kids) system. If your car was manufactured after September 1, 2002, it will be delivered to you with this equipment.
I’m a freelance editor and editorial representative with nearly a decade of delight testing and writing about equipment, primarily in outdoor and parenting spaces. I write for REI Co-op, UltraSignup, The Ness Well, and others. When I’m not writing, you can find me running around my Seattle community or chasing my young son.
For product reviews, giveaways, and the latest deals, sign up for the Forbes Finds newsletter.
I’m an Updates Editor at Forbes Vetted, where I make sure our product recommendations for home, kitchen, kids, and gifts are up-to-date, applicable to our readers, and informed by the latest research. Prior to Vetted, I spent 3 years in sales writing roles at brands like Shop TODAY, The Spruce Eats, and Simply Recipes. During this time, I also tested products in various categories, from kitchen gadgets to yoga mats to carry-on luggage. I earned my bachelor’s degree in English. and linguistics from Northeastern University in Boston; I’ve been living in Brooklyn for six years.
Weight: approximately 23 pounds | Child’s weight range: five to five pounds (rear-facing); 22 to 65 pounds (forward-facing); 40 to 120 lbs (reminder) | Maximum Rear-Facing Height: Five 7. 1 inches | Maximum forward-facing height: five 7. 1 inches
When cost is an issue, or when you want to invest in a second car seat for a backup vehicle or playdates, the Diono Radian 3R 3-in-1 is a comfortable option that works for babies as tiny as 5 pounds, big kids up to 120 pounds and tots more than 4 feet tall. It meets U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration standards (as do all the car seats in this guide), so it’s a safe, cost-effective pick that could last up to 10 years.
What the Diono lacks in terms of luxury, it makes up for in smart features, adding memory foam to keep kids comfortable, despite having plenty of padding; a foldable design that makes the Radian 3R easy to purchase (travel case sold separately); and a narrow design (it’s on par with the Clek Foonf as the narrowest seat on our list) that easily fits 3 in up to vehicles.
What our editors say: “I’ve had two Diono seats for my kids and they last me through the booster phase,” says Rose Gordon Sala, Forbes Vetted’s assistant editor who oversees our infant and child gear policy. “With 3 kids, I also needed a slim design, but I find them too heavy for travel. “
I’m a freelance editor and editorial representative with nearly a decade of delight in testing and writing on computers, primarily in outdoor and parent spaces. I write for REI Co-op, UltraSignup, The Ness Well and others. Without writing, you can find me running around my Seattle community or chasing my toddler.
For product reviews, giveaways, and the latest deals, sign up for the Forbes Finds newsletter.
I’m the updates editor for Forbes Vetted, where I make sure our home, kitchen, kids, and gift product recommendations are up-to-date, applicable to our readers, and subsidized through the latest research. Prior to Vetted, I spent 3 years in business writing roles at brands such as Shop TODAY, The Spruce Eats, and Simply Recipes. During this time, I also tested products in various categories, from kitchen appliances to yoga mats to carry-ons. I earned my bachelor’s degree in English and linguistics from Northeastern University in Boston; I’ve lived in Brooklyn for six years.
Weight: 30 lbs | Child Weight Range: Five to five pounds (rear-facing); 22 to 65 pounds (forward facing); 40 to 120 pounds (recalled) | Maximum rear-facing height: 49 inches | Maximum forward-facing height: 49 inches
If you’re hoping to pick up an exclusive item without the premium value of our upgrade, go for (the Nuna Exec) Britax One4Life car seat, which can accommodate children weighing between five and 120 pounds. It’s one of the easiest to install, thanks to a patented formula called ClickTight that allows you to thread the seat belt behind the seat and then secure it with a satisfying click (a formula that automotive corporation seat technicians constantly brag about). ). One4Life’s nine recline positions, five-position headrest, and adjustable harness (no need to put it back on) mean it also grows with your child throughout childhood and beyond. This style is also spacious.
The One4Life is made from premium fabrics that are breathable, naturally flame retardant, and easy to wash, something you’ll need to do if you’re going to have the seat for more than a few years. Its main problem is that it is heavy: it weighs 30 pounds, it is not a seat that you will need to travel with or move between vehicles. If you’ve been using it since childhood, keep in mind that this convertible seat and other convertible seats probably wouldn’t fit strollers either.
What Parents Are Saying: Pittsburgh mom Meagan Paul, who has a large 14-month-old son (“he’s in the 90th percentile for height,” she says), recently purchased the Britax One4Life and tells us, “This fits the bill for longer. ” Rear-facing position with maximum harness height. Other reviewers also rave about how easy this all-in-one is to install.
Amazon
Weight: 25 lbs | Child Weight Range: 25 to 65 pounds (forward facing); 40 to a hundred (remember) | Maximum forward-facing height: 54 inches | Maximum gusset height: 57 inches |
Convertible car seats are great because they last from infancy to toddlerhood. But they can be bulky, and some families don’t want a convertible seat. If your child can ride forward-facing and you don’t want to buy them, Dear all-in-one car seat, opt for the Chicco MyFit Zip Air booster seat. It is specially designed for young children who can fit into a forward-facing car seat with a five-point harness. Parents especially appreciate it. The model’s four recline positions and nine headrest positions help children stay comfortable as they grow.
Other benefits include easy setup, a no-rethread harness, cup and snack holders, breathable fabrics, and a removable, detachable cover. When it’s time to convert the seat into a high-back booster seat, the harness is easy to hide. While this seat doesn’t have the weight capacity of the Britax One4Life or Nuna Exec, many families say it doesn’t matter much; When your child got out of that seat, he was already big enough for a backless booster seat.
What our editors say: “We bought this seat for my youngest son when he outgrew the rear-facing car seat (it’s high) and it worked well for him in kindergarten,” Sala explains. “”It’s also easy to adjust, which I appreciated as I got older. “
Walmart
Weight: 10 lbs | Child Weight Range: Five to 40 pounds (rear-facing); 22 to 40 pounds (forward facing) | Maximum rear-facing height: 40 inches | Maximum height facing forward: 43 inches
If you’re making plans to travel by plane, even once or twice as a baby, it makes as much sense to invest in a smart baby travel seat as it does in baby luggage. This will make it less difficult for you and your child to get to and from the airport, and you will have the option of using it during the flight if necessary. Families love Cosco Scenera Next for travel because it weighs only 10 pounds, making it easy to transport; It’s also affordable enough to purchase as a secondary seat. This minimalist option doesn’t have any lavish features (for example, it even lacks basic strap covers), but it’s easy to install using LATCH while traveling. It is suitable for children from five years old. up to 40 pounds and is compact enough to have compatibility in 3 vehicles at most. It also has support for maximum advertising airline seats, giving young children a position to have a snack and nap during the plane ride.
The seat cushion can be cleaned with a device and can be tumble dried, but it offers less padding than other models in this guide. Still, its simple design makes traveling to the airport or gym a breeze. Some consumers report that young people felt uncomfortable in the seat before reaching height and weight limits due to their relative lack of adjustability. We agree: it is a seat to go from point A to point B. But in our opinion it is much more than opting for a rental car seat that may or may not materialize once you arrive at your destination.
What our editors say: “It’s so reasonable and so smooth that it’s hard to beat Cosco Scenera in travel,” says Sala. “”Just pay attention to the upper weight limit and the expiration date; My kids grew up pretty fast.
Nuna
Weight: 26. 6 lbs | Child Weight Range: Five to five pounds (rear-facing); 2 five to 6 five pounds (facing forward); 40 to 120 (reminder) | Maximum rear-facing height: 49 inches | Maximum forward-facing height: 49 inches | Maximum gusset height: five and seven inches
The Nuna Exec is crazy, there is no way out. But if you’re looking for a plush car seat that’s suitable for babies, toddlers, and more, this style can get your 5-pound child (especially with the addition of the included soft, washable merino wool inserts) up to ‘120. pounds. a reminder.
Customers rave about the sumptuous feel of Nuna car seats, and the Exec ships with Greenguard Gold-rated fabrics that make it easy to see why. Additional premium features include a threadless harness system, magnetic harness mounts for easy loading, and dual flip-down cup holders that slide out of sight when you want extra space. Despite its luxuries, the Exec is still compact enough to fit three other people in many vehicles, making it a good choice for large families.
What our experts say: The transition from rear-facing to forward-facing or from a harness to a lift goes against the way we occasionally think about progression as parents, Hoffman explains. “Overall, we’re pretty excited about taking the next step and can’t wait,” he says. But when it comes to car seats, it’s best to keep young children in what they’re wearing for as long as possible until they meet weight and height limits. Nuna Exec makes this easier by upgrading to a belt positioning booster that accommodates children up to 120 pounds once they exceed the limit for riding in a harness.
Amazon
Weight: 29. 6 lbs | Child’s weight range: four to 50 pounds (rear-facing); 22 lbs (forward-facing); four0 to 120 (remember) | Maximum Rear-Facing Height: Four 8 inches | Maximum Forward-Facing Height: Four 9 Inches | Maximum Reinforcement Height: 57 inches
If you struggle to carry your little one in the car, you will possibly appreciate the comfort of the Evenflo Revolve360 Extend. Satisfied consumers credit this seat for saving their backs, thanks to cutting-edge rotation technology that will allow you to load your little one into the car from the front instead of the side. It’s also a great seat for families with minivans or three-row SUVs, in which several more people want to ride in the car at the same time.
The Evenflo Revolve360 Extend offers similar height and weight diversity to some of the most practical car seats on our list, and fits toddlers up to four pounds and children up to 120. It also allows young children to remain rear-facing up to 50 pounds. . But perhaps the best thing about this seat is that it only requires one installation: the swivel design means that you simply rotate the seat once your child is in a position to move from the rear-facing position to the forward-facing position. Keep in mind, though, that this isn’t a seat meant for families to save space: the Revolve360 Extend is bulkier and its swivel shape means it takes up more space in the car (which can make it harder for the driver or passenger). front passenger to recline).
Nordstrom
Weight: 38 lbs | Child’s weight range: 14 to 50 pounds (rear-facing); 22 lbs (forward facing) | Maximum Rear-Facing Height: 43 inches | Maximum Forward-Facing Height: 49 inches
Customers love the comfort and protection of Clek Foonf’s convertible car seat: some call it a “tank”, while others compare it to the cockpit of a Formula 1 car. This is because the Foonf also has an incredibly sturdy metal and magnesium construction. such as a bounce bar that helps protect children in the event of collisions. The very large base of the seat means that it allows children to climb higher than many car seats.
However, the main selling point of Foonf is its narrowness despite its weight. At only 17 inches wide, it’s our most sensible option to accommodate 3 kids in vehicles at most. A few notes: the seat comes as convertible. no will work for newborns without the purchase of a Clek Infant Things; It also does not become a belt positioning reinforcement. Finally, at 38 pounds, it’s the heaviest infant car seat in our lineup.
What parents say: Katie Tucciarone, a mother founded in Brooklyn Heights, New York, is inspired by Clek Foonf. “The fabric is durable but comfortable, and the accessories are easy to use and don’t tear all the time,” she says, also noting how easy it is to clean.
Our Forbes Vetted editors take ample delight in reviewing and writing reports on the most productive baby and toddler products, adding evidence-based stories about the most productive jogging strollers, strollers, and carriers.
We also consulted with the following child protection experts to shed light on this story:
We consulted three child passenger protection experts to tell us our pick of the best car seats for toddlers and answer the questions they asked.
When looking for the best child car seat for your family, consider your child’s age and the dimensions of your car, as well as the style, length, and weight and length limits of each model. You may also need to consider researching more features, such as easy-to-clean materials, harnesses that don’t rethread, cup holders, and much more.
“Not every car seat can be safely installed in each and every seating position, in each and every car,” says Kayla Hart, injury prevention liaison officer at Children’s Hospital New Orleans. There will be some related calculations in terms of the specific weight restrictions of your vehicle’s car seat (especially if you plan to install the seat with LATCH), the dimensions of the infant car seat, the area available in the back seat of your car, and the area you want in the driver’s or passenger’s seat. seat when the car seat is located behind. You’ll also want to know how well the LATCH hardware in a car seat aligns with the anchors in the back seat.
Abbey Pettiford, chief of injury prevention at Dayton Children’s Hospital, notes that rear-facing car seats should not touch the seat in front; For those traveling in a small vehicle, he says it might make more sense to place the car seat for the passenger instead of the driver.
Consider the height and weight limits of a car seat; If convertible, the other rear- and forward-facing limitations (as well as booster seat limitations, if available). “If [your baby is] small enough, you may still be able to have compatibility with that “Facing Back. If they’ve managed to reach the maximum weight and height required for the rear-facing position, then they’ll move into the forward-facing position,” Hart says. The child deserves to stay forward-looking until he succeeds. at the maximum weight or height required by the car seat, he adds. Keep in mind that protective regulations related to when a child can transition from a rear-facing car seat to a forward-facing car seat (and from a forward-facing car seat to a booster seat) differ from state to state.
While the safest position to place the car seat will vary depending on the family, the child, the car seat, and the vehicle, Hart sometimes recommends the middle seat: “Protect the child as much as possible from major effects on the engine spaces. “vehicle collisions. That said, Hart notes that it’s vital to make sure that “any of the outer seats are crash-tested through cars and car seat markings for protection reasons. “He adds, “Caregivers should consult at all times with their car seat and car manuals for the most productive practices. “
You’ll also need to check your state’s car protection laws, but as a general rule, toddlers under a certain age and height should ride in a car seat with a five-point harness. In a forward-facing position, consult state regulations as well as your car seat manual. (For example, in Louisiana, where Hart resides, the law states that, as long as weight and height limits are met, a child will have to be at least 2 years old to begin riding forward-facing and at least four years to move from one position to another (from a forward-facing car seat to a booster seat).
There are other added features that can make life less difficult for caregivers: from handy built-in cup holders to a convenient garage wallet and threadless harnesses that make securing your child a little less difficult. You may also want to take a look at features that make cleaning and maintenance easier, such as a removable, machine-washable cover or one made of a functional fabric.
In short, the safest car seat for your little one is one that your family can use consistently. Specifically, Hart advises considering your child’s age, weight, and height, as well as how to install the child’s seat and seat. Also, “not all car seats are compatible with all cars, so be sure to follow the car manual and car seat manual to make sure they fit properly,” Pettiford says.
To find out when you should switch from an infant car seat to an infant seat, check the type of car seat you own, as well as its specific height and weight limits. You should also check your state’s child passenger protection laws. If you’re currently using an infant car seat, Pettiford says you “can upgrade your child to a convertible car seat at any time before they reach their car’s height and weight limits. “Seats can be used up to the booster seat level, but you should still make sure your child has reached the weight and height limits of a rear-facing car seat before transferring them to the forward-facing car seat.
The safest position for your child’s car seat depends on your vehicle, your car seat, and your family; The most important thing is that the car seat can be safely installed in this position each and every time. “If the car seat can be installed well, we recommend the intermediate position of the seat, as it protects the child. of the majors have an effect on motor vehicle collision spaces,” Hart says, adding the caveat that not all car seats can be safely installed in each and every seating position in each and every car.
Pettiford adds that rear-facing car seats should mostly not touch the seat in front. “If you’re driving a compact car, it rarely makes more sense to place the seat behind the passenger so that the driver has enough space. “She explains. When in doubt, consult your vehicle and car seat manuals for the most productive practices.