When it comes to car seats, you have two major options: infant car seat and convertible car seat. The former carries children up to 40 pounds and is rear-facing only while the latter securely holds children between 40 and 80 pounds. If you’re in the market for the best convertible car seats, better check out this list first. Regarded as the leading brands in convertible car seats, the following products are guaranteed to provide security and comfort while your child explores the world outside home.
Top 10 Convertible Car Seats of 2018 Reviewed
Why did we choose these car seats as the best? Well, see yourself. We are confident you’ll find just what you need here.
1. Evenflo Tribute Sport Convertible Car Seat
The Evenflo Convertible Car Seat features a 5-point harness system, up-front harness adjustment, and side impact protection. It has a sleek, compact design for a secure fit. It has been designed and tested for superior structural integrity, which is twice the federal crash test standard.
2. Evenflo Sonus Convertible Car Seat
In addition to the standard federal safety tests, the Evenflo Sonus Convertible Car Seat has passed the company’s comprehensive tests for side impact and rollover. It also features a unique air flow ventilation system that prevents overheating, giving your child a fun and comfortable ride.
3. Safety 1st Grow and Go Convertible Car Seat
Featuring side impact protection and quick-fit adjustable harness, the Safety 1st Grow and Go Convertible Car Seat grows with your child. The removable seat pad is machine-washable and dryer-friendly.
4. Graco Extend2Fit Convertible Car Seat
The Graco Extend2Fit Convertible Car Seat features one-second LATCH attachment, adjustable harness, 6-position recline, 4-position extension panel, and dual cup holders. The comfortable seat pad is machine-washable for easy cleaning and maintenance.
5. Graco Milestone All-in-1 Convertible Car Seat
The Graco Milestone All-in-1 Convertible Car Seat features 4-position recline and an InRight LATCH attachment with an audio click for an easy, safer installation. It also lets you adjust the headrest and harness in one single motion.
6. Evenflo Symphony Convertible Car Seat
The Evenflo Symphony Convertible Car Seat has a 5-point harness that easily slides to accurately fit your child’s body. In 60 seconds, you can get it installed with its exclusive, auto-retracting Sure LATCH connectors. No need to call for help!
7. Graco Nautilus 3-in-1 Car Seat
Featuring a fully adjustable headrest, EPS energy absorbing foam for impact protection, and 5-point harness the Graco Nautilus 3-in-1 Car Seat is designed to help keep your growing child safe.
8. Diono Radian RXT Convertible Car Seat
Composed of a full steel frame, adjustable head support, and a unique folding design for easy storing or traveling, the Diono Radian RXT Convertible Car Seat is slim enough that three units can fit in most mid-sized vehicles.
9. Britax USA Boulevard ClickTight Car Seat
The Britax Boulevard ClickTight Car Seat employs ClickTight Installation – a safe and simple technology which involves buckling the seat belt across and clicking it shut. It also features a steel frame energy-absorbing base and a V-shaped tether that significantly reduces impact during a crash.
10. Diono Rainier All-In-One Convertible Car Seat
Made of steel alloy frame and aluminum reinforced sides, Diono Rainier All-In-One Convertible Car Seat features 5-point harness and height adjustability. It employs a bungee-like energy absorption technology which reduces the impact on the child.
How To Choose A Convertible Car Seat
The security of your child during a car ride is highly important. You, of course, want to choose the car seat that will guarantee that will guarantee safety for your baby. What do you need to consider buying a car seat? Check these important features.
Ease of use
One of the major considerations of many parents when buying a convertible car seat is how easy it is to install. The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration provides a rating system for ease of use. The more stars the product has, the easier it is to set up. This is very important as you want to secure the seat properly. The item should come with a user-friendly manual that is easy to understand and includes illustrations.
5-Point Harness
Choose the car seat with 5-point harness. These straps are crucial for your baby’s safety. There should be one for each shoulder, one for each hip, and one that goes between your child’s legs. Newer versions of car seats come with a 5-point harness.
Side-Impact protection
The best convertible car seats have energy-absorbing foam and some other features designed to protect the baby’s head and chest. This is an essential feature that can save your baby’s life and protect him from danger caused by a side impact accident.
Easy Adjustments
As your child grows, you will have to adjust the harness. Choose the car seat which allows you to conveniently do it. Some models even feature a one-hand adjustment and quick-release buckles. When shopping for convertible car seats, look for those that have a tall shell and the highest harness strap available. The harness height should be higher than your child’s shoulders when riding forward-facing.
LATCH System
Newer versions of convertible car seats no longer rely on seat belts to attach securely inside the car. Rather, they should be compatible with a latch system. Do check the LATCH weight limit affixed to the seat, at which point you will have to install the seat on the seat belt.
Comfort
Of course, you want to give your child the best ride possible. Apart from high safety features, the best convertible car seats are well-padded and give the child plenty of head support and comfort. This is essential as there will be times that you’d have to take your kid for a long ride. Some models come along with cup holders and other cool stuff.
Easy cleaning and Maintenance
You can’t prevent mess when you have a child. To make your life easier, you might choose the convertible car seat that has detachable, machine-washable pads and cover. The rest of the seat parts should also be easily wiped down clean.
Buying a car seat is one of the most important things you will have to do as a parent in order to keep your child secure on the road. And because his safety relies so much on the quality of car seat you will buy, choosing one can be extremely overwhelming. There are a lot of choices, for sure. But as long as you know the important factors to consider and features to look for, you will be fine.
