1
The Best Car Seat Of 2020
- Last Update: December 5, 2020
5/5
Graco 4Ever DLX 4 in 1 Car Seat
- Cup holders
- Easy harness adjustments
- Machine wash cover
5/5
Graco Extend2Fit Convertible Car Seat
- Machine-washable cover
- Ball-level for accurate incline
- Extended rear-facing up to 50 ps
5/5
Maxi-Cosi Pria Max 3-In-1 Convertible Car Seat
- 3 modes work for 4 to 100 pounds
- Cup holders and harness holder
- Plush, comfortable, and safe
These one-and-done convertible car seats grow with baby from day one all the way through the big kid years.
Car seat safety ranks pretty high on the list of the things parents think about throughout their little one’s life. Making sure your baby or toddler is in a safe, comfortable car seat and meets the proper weight and height requirements as they grow is pretty important. That often means purchasing an infant car seat for your baby, a convertible car seat for your toddler and ultimately a booster seat for your bigger kiddo. But is there a better way?
Meet the all-in-one car seat, the one-and-done solution to the multiple car seat conundrum.
10 BEST All-In-One Convertible Car Seats
PROS:
- Cup holders
- Easy harness adjustments
- Machine wash cover
CONS:
- Headrest rattles
Key Features:
- No-rethread 5-point safety harness
- 10 position headrest
- 6 recline positions (3 rear-facing, 3 forward-facing)
- Steel reinforced frame
- 10 year expiration date
Specification:
- Brand: Graco
- Model 2074607
- Weight: 22.8 pounds
2
Graco Extend2Fit Convertible Car Seat
PROS:
- Machine-washable cover
- Ball-level for accurate incline
- Plush, comfortable, and safe
- Easy LATCH install with push-on connectors
- Performed well in real-life crash scenarios
CONS:
- Cover is difficult to remove and replace for cleaning
Key Features:
- 10 year expiration
- Two removable integrated cupholders
- 6-position recline
Specification:
- Brand: Graco
- Model: 1963212
- Weight:23.2 pounds
3
Maxi-Cosi Pria Max 3-In-1 Convertible Car Seat
For the rear facing car seat, it works for babies from 4 to 40 pounds. There are 3 levels of recline on the seat to get it at a safe level for any size of baby.
While this is a wonderful seat for an infant, I did find that it took up a lot of space rear facing. Not only is the seat wide, but when reclined to the 3rd and farthest level, it requires a lot of space. In our crew cab truck, it was just fine. But in our Honda CR-V, we had to scoot the passenger seat all the way forward to get it to fit.
If you have a small or compact car, this seat is probably a no-go.
PROS:
- 3 modes work for 4 to 100 pounds
- Cup holders and harness holder
- Plush, comfortable, and safe
- Infant inserts work for even preemies
CONS:
- Very large
Key Features:
- 3 In 1 seating system
- Side Impact protection with GCell protects your child's head
- Clipquik auto magnetic chest clip gets you on your way quickly
- Flip away buckle won't get in the way while getting in and out of the seat
Specification:
- Brand: Maxi-Cosi
- Model: CC208EMR
- Weight: 22.9 pounds
4
Evenflo EveryStage DLX All-in-One Car Seat
Evenflo is well-known for making infant, convertible, and booster car seats that pack some serious bang for the buck. The construction quality tends to be moderate, as do comfort, features, versatility, and safety features. But Evenflo convertible car seats are also some of the cheapest on the market, with prices as low as about $60 and going upwards of about $240 for their highest-end models.
The Evenflo EveryStage DLX Convertible Car Seat is toward the top of that price range, and for the most part that’s justified, with its relatively strong feature set, excellent weight range, and safety features. But our hands-on reviews also found several shortcomings that are worth considering, enough so that this model doesn’t make it onto our annual convertible car seat reviews.
PROS:
- Exceeds federal safety standards
- Extended rear-facing from 4-50 pounds, longer than most other convertible car seats
- Seat pad can be machine washed and tumble dried
- No rethread harness, simple one-handed adjustment
CONS:
- There may be issues with the harness adjusting and fitting properly
Key Features:
- Adjusts to Multiple Positions
- Custom Cradled Fit
- 5-Point Harness With 65 pounds Limit
- Machine-Washable Seat Pad
Specification:
- Brand: Evenflo
- Model:39212241
- Weight: 22pounds
5
Diono Radian 3 RXT All-In-One Convertible Car Seat
Diono car seats are known for their slim design and ability to fit three across a back seat, and this 3-in-1 model is no exception. This seat features a slim profile yet still accommodates rear-facing babies as tiny as five pounds all the way through bigger kids up to 120 pounds in booster mode. Some of our favorite features of this seat include its steel core construction, extended rear-facing capabilities, easy LATCH installation and a custom “nesting” insert that helps newborns feel secure and cozy. And did we mention there are eight fun, bright custom colors to choose from?
PROS:
- Proven manufacturer safety record
- Back cover available in a wide selection of colors
- Steel frame
- Harness tightening with just one pull
- Safe Stop harness system
CONS:
- Adjustments are obscured by the seat back cover
- To change the height, parents must rethread the harness straps
Key Features:
- 5 harness slot heights
- 12-position headrest
- 3 crotch/buckle strap positions
- Safe Stop Load Limiter
- Full steel reinforced frame and aluminum reinforced sides
Specification:
- Brand: Diono
- Model: 50020
- Weight: 30.6 pounds
6
Safety 1st Grow and Go 3-in-1 Car Seat, Blue Coral
The Safety 1st Grow and Go seat is proof that you don’t need to spend a ton of money to get a safe, comfortable all-in-one car seat. The 3-in-1 adaptability goes from rear-facing for babies and growing toddlers to forward-facing for toddlers and kids and then ultimately to a belt-positioning highback booster for big kids. Despite its lower price point, the seat is packed with features and conveniences like a machine washable and dryer safe seat pad (which comes off without having to remove the seat’s harness, which we love), two cup holders, a three-position recline, and a no-rethread harness. The seat also features side impact protection and a grow-with-baby “pillow” for a more comfortable ride.
PROS:
- 3 different modes for years of use
- Safe and easy with good latch system
- Easy to adjust harness
- Stylish and cute
CONS:
- Bulky in back seat, especially when reclined
Key Features:
- Harness holders keep the harness open, making it easier to get into and out of the seat
- Adjust the height of the headrest and harness in 1 easy step with the quickfit harness
- Two integrated cup holders keep snacks and drinks close
- 1 year limited warranty
Specification:
- Brand: Safety 1st
- Model: CC138DWL
- Weight: 18.7 pounds
7
Britax Marathon ClickTight Convertible Car Seat
If you want to attach the strap to your car’s seat belt system, however, installation is easier. Using the same ClickTight feature, you lift up the seat, thread the strap through the appropriate channel in the seat, and buckle it into the vehicle’s seat belt. While we personally prefer to attach the car seat to the vehicle’s LATCH system, it’s nice to have this additional option. It is also much easier to teach this ClickTight seat belt method to someone who may not use a car seat frequently, such as a temporary babysitter or visiting relatives. The Britax Marathon ClickTight is considered one of the easiest car seats to install for this reason. In fact, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded Britax with a five-star Ease of Use rating.
PROS:
- Super easy to install without having to thread the safety belt through the back of the car seat
- Very safe for your child from birth through preschool whether you choose to use it forward or rear facing
- Comfortable car seat that you can feel good about putting your child in
CONS:
- The crotch strap can be difficult to adjust
Key Features:
- It Is Easy to Install
- 14 position harness, 2 position buckle for a comfortable Fit as your child grows
- 7 recline positions ensure comfort and the best vehicle installation angle
- A layer of side impact protection, steel frame and impact absorbing base
Specification:
- Brand: BRITAX
- Model: CB-60P1
- Weight:10.6 pounds
8
Chicco Fit2 Infant & Toddler Car Seat
Choosing the perfect car seat can be a daunting task. How can any parent know which one is the best to buy?
Seats must live up to rigorous safety standard. With safety being the primary consideration, parents should also be seeking a seat they can easily install that also offers a comfortable ride for the baby on board.
Today, we’re going to take a look at the Chicco Fit2 in-depth and find out if it fits the bill.
PROS:
- Regardless of what position it is in, the seat can be easily removed and brought inside if your kid falls asleep
- Brilliance. Huge, lightweight sun shade
- Fast and easy installation
CONS:
- I personally find the straps a little harder to adjust, compared to Key Fit 30
Key Features:
- Push button lower anchor connectors
- Two stage recline to accommodate tiny infants up to older babies
- Adjustable recline foot
- Anti rebound bar on base
- 2 position crotch strap — use slot 2 if strap is underneath child
- No rethread harness
- One hand handle adjustment
Specification:
- Brand Chicco
- Model: 07079771750070
- Weight: 20.5 pounds
9
Symphony Elite All-in-One Car Seat
The Evenflo Symphony is a well construchted, all-in-one convertible car seat with several details that make it a winner for many parents, no matter their lifestyle. Key features include strong side-impact protection, buckle pockets, a 5-position adjustable headrest, and 3 recline positions.
With an easy 60-second installation, it’s great for a busy, on-the-go family. The weight limits are: 5-40 pounds for rear facing, 22-65 pounds for forward-facing, and 40-110 pounds in high-back booster mode. Eight color combinations are available.
PROS:
- Buckle pockets included in 4 of 6 color options
- Proven record of safety in real-life crashes
- Easy-to-see belt paths for seat belt installation
CONS:
- Front passenger may lose leg room when using rear-facing
Key Features:
- Infinite Slide harness system easily adjusts to the perfect height for your child
- 5-position adjustable headrest
- Dual integrated cup holders
- FAA approved for use in aircraft (with harness)
Specification:
- Brand: Evenflo
- Model: 34611709
- Weight: 24 pounds
10
Maxi Cosi Pria 85 Max Convertible Car Seat
The Maxi Cosi Pria 85 Max is a fantastic seat that fits a wide range of children. In the rear-facing mode, it fits 5-40 pounds and 40 inches or less. In the forward-facing mode it fits 22-85 pounds and 29-52 inches. There is no booster mode.
It’s designed to be safe while providing a super quick in-and-out process for on-the-go families. The seat comes with a 3-position crotch strap, 3 recline settings, a no-rethread harness, an easy to remove cover, and 2 infant positioning inserts. It comes in six fun colors/patterns.
PROS:
- Easy on/off cover
- Machine washable and dryable cover
- Tnfant wedge + body pillow fits newborns well
CONS:
- Fairly expensive
Key Features:
- ClipQuik auto-magnetic chest
- Flip-away buckle and holders to keep straps out of the way
- 1-year manufacturer warranty
Specification:
- Brand: Maxi-Cosi
- Model: Pria 85
- Weight: 23.75 lbs
What to Know Before You Buy
• Know your child:
Get used to keeping track of your child’s height and weight, which (along with age) can determine seat size and when its time to move up to the next level. Note: Any behavioral or health issues will also affect your choice.
• Know your stores:
Some retailers will let you test-install a seat in your car, which is great because we’ve found that cushion angle or seat belt placement can make a car and child seat incompatible. Also a must: a store that accepts returns. Large department stores such as Target and Walmart offer a limited range of products in stores and a wider selection available online. Online retailers such as Albee Baby, Amazon, Buy Buy Baby, and Diapers.com offer an even larger selection of seat brands and models. Many retailers offer free shipping on car seats. Make online purchases only after you’ve seen the models in real life. You can find higher-end models at specialty stores or boutiques.
• Know your car:
Check the child-safety sections of your vehicle owner’s manual, and study up on relevant features such as belts, LATCH, and seats.
Related Posts
Like what you've read? Share it with your friends
Share on facebook
Facebook
Share on twitter
Twitter
