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Experts Pick: The Safest & Best Convertible Car Seat of 2024

Choosing and using the right convertible car seat can be a matter of life and death. Literally.

Car accidents are one of the leading causes of preventable child deaths and injuries. And that means you can’t afford to compromise on the safety of the seat, or on its quality.

So in this article, we’ve done the legwork for you.

Our Picks for the Safest & Best Convertible Car Seats of 2024

We’ve analyzed each of the best convertible car seats for safety features, safety standards, and easy installation, to present you with the 8 best convertible car seats of 2024…

including the exact information you need in order to decide which is the safest and the best convertible car seat for your child and for your specific needs.

Our priorities, in order, were:

  • Safety
  • Comfort
  • How it installs in a vehicle
  • Ease of use
  • And the seat’s height and weight limits

Let’s get to it right away.

#1. Britax One4Life Clicktight All-in-One (best overall)

Britax One4Life Clicktight
View on Amazon | $352.13

Britax’s One4Life convertible car seat – like several other of the best convertible car seats – can be used from birth until your child can use a regular seatbelt. But unlike most car others, Britax’s One4Life has a unique advantage: The company’s ClickTight installation system, which is foolproof and practically guarantees correct installation.

The good: The Britax One4Life can be used for babies and children between 5 and 120 pounds, and up to 63” tall. It also has a 15-position headrest and harness, and nine recline positions.

You can also purchase (separately) an anti-rebound bar, to add to this convertible car seat’s safety when using it rear-facing. It has a one-year warranty.

The not-so-good: Though this seat can be used for children up to 63 inches tall, it doesn’t offer a backless booster option – just rear-facing, forward-facing, and high-back booster.

The best: The One4Life offers Britax’s unique ClickTight technology, and has a high-strength steel frame. Plus, its cover is machine washable, can be put in the dryer, and is naturally flame-retardant. Also, you can rear-face to 50 pounds.

Is it for you? If you want an all-in-one car seat with a high rear-facing weight limit and failproof installation, Britax’s One4Life is the convertible car seat for you.


#2. Graco 4Ever DLX All-in-One (best for low-weight babies)

Graco 4Ever 4-in-1
View on Amazon | $299

True to its name, the Graco 4Ever DLX 4-in-1 car seat suits children from tiny preemies weighing just 4 lbs to grade-school kids weighing up to 120 pounds. Its four modes – rear-facing car seat, forward-facing car seat, high-back booster seat, and backless booster – mean that you’ll probably never have to buy a second car seat for your child.

This convertible car seat grows with your child by offering six different recline positions, and ten different headrest positions.

The good: The 4Ever DLX is a newer version of the 4Ever 4-in-1, with the main difference being extra crash protection and an easier-to-remove fabric cover.

Another benefit of this car seat is the one-step LATCH installation, which helps guarantee proper installation in most newer vehicles.

The not-so-good: This car seat’s rear-facing weight limit is 40 pounds – not low, but not great, either. In addition, it only has a year-long warranty.

The best: The Graco 4Ever DLX also features an integrated seatbelt lock-off system and Graco’s SimplySafe harness adjustment system, which helps prevent mistakes common when adjusting a convertible car seat.

Plus, its fabric cover is machine washable.

Is it for you? If you’re looking for an all-in-one car seat, and you’re okay with only rear-facing to 40 pounds (this might not matter for taller kids), Graco’s 4Ever DLX is the all-in-one for you.


#3. Evenflo Symphony DLX All-in-One (best value for the money)

Evenflo Symphony DLX Convertible Car Seat
View on Amazon | $209.12

This three-in-one convertible car seat converts from a car seat capable of keeping a five-pound newborn safe, to a forward-facing car seat and then to a harnessed booster seat.

The good: The Evenflo Symphony offers cup holders and has a sleeve to cover the buckle so it won’t get too hot. Plus, the seat has shoulder strap indicators to aid you in adjusting the straps properly, both to fit your child and the seat’s orientation, and its Infinite Slide harness adjusts easily.

The not-so-good: This seat doesn’t have seatbelt lock-offs, and it only has a 90-day warranty.

The best: The seat is relatively easy to install and includes an automatically retracting “Sure LATCH” system which tightens the seatbelt around the car seat – so you don’t have to. And third, the harness is easily adjustable, saving you the hassle of rethreading it every time you need to adjust for a growth spurt.

Is it for you? If you’re looking for an all-in-one car seat but can’t afford to spend a lot, and you don’t mind a super-short warranty, Evenflo’s Symphony is the one for you.


#4. Cosco Scenera Next (best for budget)

Cosco Scenera Next

Get the Cosco Scenera Next at Walmart

Cosco’s Scenera Next is a slim, lightweight convertible car seat boasting the ability to fit three-in-a-row in most vehicles. And, for the patriots, Cosco stresses the Scenera Next is produced in Indiana, USA.

The good: The seat’s fabric is both washer- and dryer-safe, and the seats comes with detachable cup holders. Like most of the other best convertible car seats listed here, the Scenera Next has a one-year warranty. Last – the price tag is low.

The not-so-good: With a forward-facing weight limit of just 40 pounds, and no booster option, this car seat probably won’t fit your child past preschool.

The best: The Cosco Scenera Next is certified for use on aircraft, and at just over 10 lbs, it’s one of the lighter convertible car seats on the market.

Is it for you? If you’re looking for a convertible car seat on a budget, and don’t mind a low forward-facing weight limit, Cosco’s Scenera Next is the car seat for you.


#5. Graco Extend2Fit (best extended rear-facing)

Graco’s Extend2Fit is a convertible car seat that allows babies and toddlers to ride rear-facing or forward-facing. It does not, however, convert from car seat to booster.

This seat isn’t listed on Consumer Reports’ site, but its rear-facing weight limit is 50 pounds – higher than that of several other of the best convertible car seats, and allowing children to remain rear-facing for longer. It doesn’t give a rear-facing height limit, though, other than that the top of the baby’s head needs to be at least 1″ “below the red handle.”

Forward-facing, the seat is suitable for infants and toddlers weighing between 22 and 65 pounds (9.98-29.48 kg) and who are up to 49 inches (124.5 cm) tall.

Its seat cushion is machine-washable, but the harness needs to be spot-cleaned with a damp cloth.

It’s worth taking into consideration that while this seat does have an easy LATCH installation system, seatbelt installation may still be difficult.

The Pros:

    • Easy LATCH installation
    • High rear-facing weight limit
    • Fits babies weighing 4 lbs and up

The Cons:

    • Seatbelt installation can be difficult
    • Does not convert to a booster seat

What We Like Best:

    • The seat cushion is machine-washable.


#6. Diono Radian 3RXT All-in-One (best for travel)

 

Diono Radian 3RXT Convertible Car Seat

Get the Diono Radian 3RXT at Diono.com

A slim seat like the Clek Fllo, Diono’s Radian 3RXT All-in-One allows parents to fit three convertible car seats in the back row.  Unlike the Clek, this seat can be used as a rear-facing car seat, a forward-facing car seat, and a high-back (no harness) booster.

The good: The Radian can rear-face up to 45 lbs, and its cover is machine washable. It has a one-year warranty. Unlike the Clek, this seat is suited for infants as well.

The not-so-good: Many parents have complained that the seat is hard to install, and the angle may not be good for smaller babies. Also, some kids may outgrow the seat early – and the seat itself is relatively heavy, at over 27 lbs.

The best: The Radian 3RXT has color-coded belt paths designed to ease installation, as well as an easy-adjust harness system. It’s FAA-rated for use on airplanes, and folds flat for travel. It also has high safety ratings.

Is it for you? If you need a slim seat that can be folded for travel and used on an airplane, Diono’s Radian 3RXT is the all-in-one car seat for you.


#7. Chicco NextFit All-in-One (best belt tightener and zip-off fabric)

Chicco NextFit Convertible Car Seat
View on Amazon

Rated Consumer Report’s top pick, the Chicco NextFit is a convertible car seat given a crash protection of “best,” and its SuperCinch easy-installation feature makes LATCH installations easier.

Though this is a popular and well-loved car seat, it does not convert to a booster seat – something reflected in its forward-facing weight limit.

The good: When it comes to comfort, there’s no question this seat is a good pick: The seat pad is comfortable, kids like the seat, and it’s easily adjustable. The NextFit seat also offers nine reclining positions and a zipper feature allowing you to easily remove the fabric for washing – and it can be washed in the machine.

It also has many safety features such as a Superior DuoGuard protection with a deep rigid shell and EPS energy-absorbing foam, plus a steel frame (or rather steel-reinforced frame).

One of the other benefits of the NextFit is that it can rear-face a child up to 49 inches – by which time he will probably have outgrown the weight limit as well.

The not-so-good: It was slightly difficult to find solid information on the safety of Chicco NextFit car seats – despite their popularity and high ratings. And, it’s not clear what the warranty is.

The best: The NextFit’s SuperCinch system helps tighten the straps so the seat doesn’t move – whether you use the car’s seat belt or the LATCH tether system. And considering how hard it is to properly tighten car seats’ belt so the seats can’t move – the SuperCinch is pretty revolutionary.

Is it for you? If you’re looking for a convertible car seat with a system to help you tighten the car’s seat belt and easy-to-remove fabric, this is the car seat for you.


#8. Britax Marathon ClickTight (best without booster)

Britax Marathon Clicktight Convertible Car Seat
View on Amazon

As a car seat that can rear-face or forward-face (but doesn’t convert to a booster), Britax’s Marathon ClickTight has everything going for it: easy installation for both forward- and rear-facing positions, an anti-rebound bar which can be bought together with the seat, side-impact protection, a steel frame, a no-rethread harness, and a crash protection rating of “better.”

The good: The Marathon is comfortably padded and shaped, so kids are comfortable sitting in it for long rides. It also uses the least amount of flame retardant chemicals, offers easy cleanup, and is just 1.5 inches wider than the Clek seat, making it one of the easier convertible car seats to fit in a back row with three-car seats.

The not-so-good: This car seat can’t be used as a booster, and it rear-faces only to 40 pounds, not 50. Also, its fabric isn’t machine washable.

The best: The main advantage of the Britax Marathon Clicktight over competitors’ products its its super-easy installation, no matter what position, no matter what car. This is because the ClickTight series has a unique seat belt threading system and a very clear indicator showing when the car seat is properly installed and when it is not. It’s not just fail-safe – it’s practically impossible to mess up the installation.

You can also purchase an anti-rebound bar, for use when the Marathon is rear-facing. In addition, Britax’s Marathon offers a “no-rethread” harness, so you won’t have to rethread the entire belt every time your child grows and you need to adjust the straps. This is a huge advantage, because many parents rethread the harness wrong, twist it, or simply leave it too loose.

Is it for you? If you’re looking for a convertible car seat with foolproof installation, but you don’t need it to convert to a booster, the Marathon ClickTight is the car seat for you.


#9. Clek Fllo (best fit for narrow spaces)

Clek Fllo Convertible Car Seat
View on Amazon | $335.99

The Clek Fllo convertible car seat offers several important safety features: An anti-rebound bar for the rear-facing position, seat belt lock-offs, easy installation, and a Consumer Report crash protection rating of “better.”

When it comes to convenience, this Clek is also a star: Even though the seat is relatively heavy, it’s narrow and can fit easily into a back row with another booster or car seat. Plus, the Clek Fllo is easy to clean, soft, and very comfortable to the touch.

The good: Clek’s anti-rebound bar is a unique feature which adds stability during a crash, lessening the impact of the rebound and reducing the seat’s rotation and movement during and immediately following the impact. It also has a steel-reinforced substructure, inner and outer energy absorbing foam layers, and an adjustable deep headrest.

And, its fabric is naturally stain-repellant.

The not-so-good: This seat is relatively heavy, doesn’t have a no-fail installation system, and it needs a special insert – which is sold separately – before it can be used for a newborn. Its fabric is also not machine washable.

The best: When used forward-facing, the Fllo offers an easy installation system which holds the seat tightly and requires minimum effort to install properly. Plus, the seat includes seatbelt lock-offs, which not all convertible car seats have. (A lock-off is a little clip which prevents the seatbelt from moving or adjusting due to pressure.)

The seat also offers longer extended rear-facing, since it has a child weight limit of 50 pounds instead of the standard 40 pounds – so even slightly heavy children will be able to rear-face until about age five. Another bonus: Clek doesn’t use toxic flame retardants on its car seats.

Is it for you? If you’re looking to fit three convertible car seats in the back, or you want a car seat for your older infant, Clek’s Fllo is the one for you.


Want to see how the technical details compare?

It’s true that we’ve gone over the comfort and safety features of each seat – but there’s more to choosing the best convertible car seat than just words.

In the table below, you’ll see the “specs” of each seat, including child height and weight range, seatbelt lock-of info, and a summary of what we wrote about installation.

Car Seat Rear-facing weight range: Forward-facing weight range: Height limit: Installation method: No-fail installation? Seat weight: Seatbelt lock-off? Good from birth?
Clek Fllo 14 – 50 lbs
(from 5 lbs with infant thingy)
22 – 65 pounds 25 – 43 in
Rear facing 30 – 49 in
Forward facing (infant thingy supports rear-facing from 19”)
Rear facing position using base
Both seatbelt and LATCH capable
LATCH and seatbelt installation are not mutually exclusive
No, but if you watch the video, you’re not likely to mess it up. 25 lbs, 28 lbs with anti- rebound bar Yes. Yes, but needs their “infant-thingy” insert.
Britax Marathon ClickTight 5 – 40 lbs 20 – 65 pounds 49” or less Seatbelt installation and LATCH (using lower anchors only)
Both Australian and Swedish tethers are supported
Yes, proprietary ClickTight installation. 28.5 lbs Yes – the ClickTight button. Yes.
Chicco NextFit 5 – 40 lbs 22 – 65 pounds Up to 49 “ rear facing position Complete support for both LATCH and seatbelt Claims to be easiest and simplest, but users have reported failures. 25.5 lbs Yes. Yes.
Diono Radian R100 5-40 lbs 20 – 65 pounds

Converts to booster for up to 100 pounds

Rear facing < 44”
Forward facing < 57”
Seatbelt and Latch Unique super latch system “that makes installation easy.” ~26 lbs No. Yes.
Evenflo Symphony DLX 5 – 40 lbs 22 – 65 pounds

As booster 40 – 110 pounds

19 – 40 in
rear facing 28 – 50 in
Forward facing as booster 44 – 57 in
Both Seatbelt and latch No, but has an automatic retract system. ~21 lbs No. Yes.

What is a convertible car seat?

Convertible car seats convert from a rear-facing position infant car seat to a forward-facing seat for toddlers. Rarely, the same seat will convert to a high-back booster seat. These convertible car seats will have detailed guidelines on how tall and heavy your child must be in order to use the seat in a forward-facing position, and will have instructions for both rear- and forward-facing installation.

It’s important not to confuse convertible car seats with combination seats:

While convertible car seats can safely restrain newborns (check your seat’s minimum weight), combination seats are forward-facing only. These seats convert from forward-facing car seats to high-backed (and sometimes backless) booster seats.

What else do you need to know?

While each best convertible car seat listed here is rated on Consumer Reports, it’s not clear if those scores should be a deciding factor.

The reason is this: Consumer Reports writes “crash protection” and rates each car seat with a score of “best,” “better,” or “basic” – but doesn’t tell us what those scores mean. The Car Seat Lady said it perfectly when she pointed out that the crash testing was done in a rear-facing positing, forward-facing position, with a seatbelt, with LATCH, etc., but Consumer Reports don’t provide us with all the information.

Consumer Reports also doesn’t tell us if the dummies that faced forward were simulating children under or above age two.

Why does this information matter, anyways?

Even though infants can technically be placed in a forward-facing seat from about the age of nine months, the American Academy of Pediatrics strongly recommends leaving your child rear-facing *at least* until age two, or until they outgrow their safety seat.

Convertible car seats have an inherent advantage over an infant car seat when it comes to rear-facing children. This is because they’re made to accommodate taller children and are usually able to accommodate heavier children rear-facing longer than a regular infant car seat.

However, Consumer Reports doesn’t give us any of the specific info which could help us decide on an appropriate safety seat.

Their general “better,” “basic,” or “best” rating does not tell us if a specific car seat works well in a rear-facing position but is not worth using forward-facing, or if it flunked the test rear-facing but is great as a forward-facing seat or as a booster seat.

The other issue is that even “basic” crash protection will properly protect your child. However, even the “best” crash protection will ONLY protect your child if the seat is installed correctly.

Statistics show that 73% of car seats and 95% of parents make at least one mistake when using their infant car seat or convertible car seat. So it’s safe to say that the most important aspect of buying a seat is not what Consumer Reports rated its crash protection as – but how easy it is to correctly install and use it.

That’s why easy installation is so important – for both infant car seats and convertible car seats.

Which are the best convertible car seats for newborns? Which is best for toddlers?

That depends on what you need. If you’re okay with using an infant insert, you can choose pretty much any of the best convertible car seats listed here for your newborn. However, if you prefer to avoid inserts and prefer a seat which can be used as an infant car seat without any additions, you’ll want to choose Britax’s One4Life, Chicco’s NextFit, or Britax’s Marathon ClickTight.

If your baby was born slightly early (or if you’re at risk for delivering a preemie), you’ll want a seat with a minimum weight limit of 4 lbs, not 5. For that, choose the Graco 4Ever.

Toddlers will enjoy the extra legroom offered by Safety 1st’s Grow and Go.

Which are the best convertible car seats for tall kids?

Parents of tall children will want to go with Chicco’s NextFit, which can rear-face children up to 49″ tall.

Next in line for tall toddlers is the Diono Radian R100, since it has a forward-facing height limit of 57″. For tall babies, the Diono has a rear-facing height limit of 44″, and the Clek Fllo’s limit is 43″.

Which is the safest convertible car seat?

If you’re looking for the safest convertible car seat out there, the prize would have to go to either Britax’s One4Life  (or the Marathon Clicktight or their Advocate or Boulevard ClickTight convertible car seats), to Clek’s Fllo, or to Chicco’s NextFit.

It’s worth mentioning, though, that Chicco’s seat is slightly harder to install than the Britax and Clek convertible car seats.

Which is the best 4-in-1 car seat?

My favorite is the Britax One4Life because of it’s high rear-facing weight limit and failproof installation. The Graco 4Ever DLX is a very close second.

Which is the best Graco convertible car seat?

I’d have to say the Graco 4Ever DLX!

Which is the most comfortable convertible car seat?

Most of the seats on this list are incredibly comfortable. However, if comfort is the most important feature you are looking for, I’d go with the Britax Marathon Clicktight because of it’s plush padding and a 14-position adjustable harness.

Which are the best convertible car seats for airline travel?

The easiest car seat for airline travel would be the Diono Radian 3RXT, since it folds flat. However, another good option – which is somewhat safer in general – is the Clek Fllo.

Bear in mind that you don’t need to buy special car seats for airline travel – all you need to do is ensure that the seat you buy (or the one you already have) is approved for air travel.

If your child is big enough for a booster seat, there are inflatable backless boosters which are safe, lightweight, and convenient.

Which is best convertible car seat for parents on a budget?

Parents on a budget are in a tight spot: On the one hand, you don’t want to skimp on safety. On the other, you really do need to choose the best convertible car seat for the least amount of money.

If you’re tight on cash, choose either the Evenflo Symphony or the Cosco Scenera Next.

Which is convertible car seat is the most compact? Which is best for small cars?

For parents who need to fit three safety seats in the back row, each additional inch of width is crucial. If you’re looking for a compact convertible car seat, Clek’s Fllo wins hands down, at less than 17″, followed by the Britax Marathon ClickTight at 18.5″ .

If your vehicle is small in general, go for the Clek Fllo.

Which is the most lightweight convertible car seat?

If you’re looking for a lightweight, portable car seat, you’ll want to choose Cosco Scenera Next. At just over 10 lbs, it’s about 11 lbs lighter than its runner-up – the Evenflo Symphony DLX.

How do you choose the best convertible car seat for you?

Choosing a car seat, especially a convertible car seat, is complicated. Here are some points to take into consideration before making a purchase:

1. Easy installation: As we mentioned earlier, the vast majority of children use car seats which aren’t properly installed. The best way to prevent improper installation is by buying a car seat with a fail-safe installation system.

2. Safety: Be sure your convertible car seat meets or exceeds safety guidelines. Register your seat with the company, so that you’ll be aware of any recalls or “fix it” kits the company provides. Make sure you follow the height and weight limits.

3. Easy adjustment: Harness adjustment can be tricky! Try to find a convertible car seat with easy harness adjustment, make sure you use the chest clip, and be sure you can’t pinch the harness straps between two fingers when your child is strapped into the seat.

4. Side impact protection: Be sure the convertible car seat you choose has proper side impact protection. It doesn’t have to be cushy, but it needs to be there.

5. LATCH: Most cars today are equipped with LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children). LATCH makes it significantly easier to install safety seats properly. Whether or not your current vehicle is LATCH-equipped, be sure the car seat you choose offers that option.

6. Expiration: Many of the best convertible car seats expire after 10 years, but some expire after only 7 or 8. Never use a car seat which has passed its expiration date, even if it looks perfectly fine. And, check how long you have before the seat expires: If you plan to have only one or two kids, you should be able to buy each of them a single convertible car seat, to last from when they’re born until they’re ready for a backless booster seat or a seatbelt.


The bottom line?

If you’re looking to buy a car seat, make a list of your priorities first. What do you *need* to have, and what can you do without?

If you need to fit three safety seats in your back row, you’ll want to choose the Clek Fllo, Cosco Scenera Next, or Diono Radian 3RXT. And if you need a seat to travel with, choose the Radian 3RXT or Cosco Scenera Next.

If you’re for no-fail installation, choose a Britax car seat – either the One4Life or Marathon – or the Graco 4Ever DLX. For extra-long rear-facing capacity, you’ll want the Diono Radian 3RXT or Clek’s Fllo.

Need something with a machine washable cover? Choose the One4Life, the 4Ever DLX, Chicco’s NextFit, or the Radian 3RXT. Looking for an all-in-one, but on a tight budget? Go with Evenflo’s Symphony DLX.

If all you want is the best of the best, we recommend the Britax One4Life

Click Here to Check Today’s Price From Amazon on the Britax One4Life

6 thoughts on “Experts Pick: The Safest & Best Convertible Car Seat of 2024”

  1. You mentioned that rear facing is safest, but why isn’t the Graco Extend2Fit included in your “best” list? It’s the best car seat for extended rear facing currently available and comes at a pretty reasonable price.

    Reply

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