Tested: The Best Convertible Car Seats, as Chosen by Experts

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This article was updated in October 2023 with new products and information.

Given the options, selecting the right child car seat can intimidate caregivers. With heaps of brands, types, styles, and deals available, how does one go about even deciding? Guiding us through the car seat decision-making process is the proper authority in product evaluation for the home and family: our trusted colleagues at Good Housekeeping.

In its 2023 car seat update, the Good Housekeeping Institute (GHI) tested many car seats and meticulously analyzed their findings. In this article, we present their selections for the best convertible car seats, providing valuable insight such as ease of use, cleaning ease, and vehicle compatibility.

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What Is a Convertible Car Seat?

Let’s be clear: The safety and comfort of our children, especially regarding the right car seat, are the top concerns for caregivers on the go. Fortunately, plenty of choices are available for both expectant and experienced parents.

The key advantage of a convertible car seat is that it’s a one-time purchase that seamlessly adjusts to your evolving family life. A convertible seat adapts to your child’s growth and development, starting as a rear-facing infant car seat, spinning around for forward-facing positioning as your child grows into a toddler, then becoming a booster seat as your baby grows into a kid.

All seats featured in this article have been tested, handled, and evaluated by the Good Housekeeping Institute, so you can be sure they have been run through meticulous and exceptional testing standards. GHI and Car and Driver are committed to presenting you with the finest choices tailored to your family's car needs. So, if you’re in the market for a convertible car seat, you’ve come to the right place; we present you with the best convertible car seats for 2023.

Tested: The Best Child Car Seats for 2023, as Chosen by Experts

Graco SlimFit3 LX 3-in-1 Convertible Car Seat

Even narrower than the original Graco SlimFit, this updated design is GHI's favorite convertible car seat this year. Meant to take your child from birth all the way through big-kid status, the SlimFit3 LX 3-in-1 is an easy-to-install option and comes in at a relatively modest price point considering all you get and its life span. Not only can you maximize the back-seat space with this ultra-slim (just 16.7 inches) all-in-one pick, but it sports conveniences like a 10-position headrest, four-position recline, and no-rethread harness.

Unlike other convertible car seats, this all-in-one model grows with your child all the way up to a booster; it has a weight range of five to 100 pounds. GHI experts appreciated how easy it is to install, and parent testers lauded the no-rethread harness system that makes adjustments a cinch.

Maxi-Cosi Pria All-in-1 Convertible Car Seat

The Pria is approved for children up to 100 pounds and 52 inches tall—a more generous height and weight range than most convertible car seats. From newborns to older kids, this car seat does it all, seamlessly switching from a rear-facing seat to a forward-facing one and ultimately to a booster. This might be the only child car seat your kid will ever require.

Good Housekeeping testing experts appreciated the practical features of this seat, including the machine washable seat cover and integrated cupholder. Plus, with a three-position recline, five headrest heights, and a shoulder harness that automatically corrects to the height of your child, it easily adapts to kids' many growth spurts.

Cosco Scenera NEXT Convertible Car Seat

No need to break the bank on a convertible car seat. The NEXT is everything parents need in a convertible—with a far smaller price tag. It doesn't have all the bells and whistles, but it does feature a five-point harness, built-in side-impact protection, and it's airline-certified. During testing, this slim, lightweight pick proved to be easy to install thanks to its LATCH compatibility.

Cleanup is a breeze thanks to removable, machine-washable seat pads and a removable cup holder. At this price, the value is undeniable.

Britax Boulevard ClickTight Convertible Car Seat

The versatile Boulevard makes it easy to maintain the perfect fit as your child grows. Sporting a seven-position recline, 14-position harness, and two-position buckle with a no-rethread design, the padded anti-rebound bar helps stabilize the car seat to make your kid as safe as can be.

Although it’s on the heavier and bulkier side—which can make it a bit more difficult for use in smaller cars or for those who want to switch the car seat between a few vehicles—Good Housekeeping found this pick to be durable and well-made. The GHI lab experts also appreciated that the ClickTight installation system makes it easy to know when the seat is installed correctly.

UPPAbaby Knox Convertible Car Seat

Even though installation might be a bit more complicated than with other convertible seats, the Knox was the best of the bunch when it came to fitting in a range of vehicle sizes. It boasts premium construction and features include a multi-directional tether, a no-re-thread harness, eight-position headrest, and four-position recline.

It’s worth noting, however, that with a minimum weight of 14 pounds this seat is not suited for newborns. It's also the second-heaviest seat in this roundup, and it's bulkier than some of the others here. Still, its versatility is undeniable. The multi-directional tether reduces seat rotation and side impact pods help crash absorption, making it an exceptionally safe car seat.

Chicco NextFit Max Zip Air Convertible Car Seat

Easy installation and a nine-position recline, as well as a nine-position headrest adjustment, define this versatile option from Chicco. The 3-D AirMesh backrest adds ventilation, and the SuperCinch system means less muscle is required to secure the seat in your car.

GHI experts particularly loved the washable zip-off seat padding. Combined with the dishwasher-safe cupholders, this car seat is ideal for picking up after your little one without having to spend hours spot-treating or hand-washing.

Clek Foonf Convertible Car Seat

Clek boasts that this model is “built like a tank.” While its steel-and-magnesium construction makes it rather heavy, the Foonf is definitely one of the safest convertible car seats on the market. Easy to install with LATCH connectors and with an array of safety features, including an anti-rebound bar and advanced side-impact protection, it's easily the best-built of the bunch. Rear-facing seating for up to 50 pounds means your baby can remain rear-facing well through toddlerhood. It also offers three smooth recline options and is narrow enough to fit three in a row for big families.

On the downside, at nearly $600 this car seat is pricey, but it should last for years. Further, use from infancy requires purchasing a separate infant insert.

Clek Foonf Convertible Car Seat

Clek boasts that this model is “built like a tank.” While its steel-and-magnesium construction makes it rather heavy, the Foonf is definitely one of the safest convertible car seats on the market. Easy to install with LATCH connectors and with an array of safety features, including an anti-rebound bar and advanced side-impact protection, it's easily the best-built of the bunch. Rear-facing seating for up to 50 pounds means your baby can remain rear-facing well through toddlerhood. It also offers three smooth recline options and is narrow enough to fit three in a row for big families.

On the downside, at nearly $600 this car seat is pricey, but it should last for years. Further, use from infancy requires purchasing a separate infant insert.

Cybex Sirona S with Convertible Car Seat

We've got smart cars and smartphones, so why not a smart car seat? The Sirona S is equipped with SensorSafe built into the chest clip. This smart device sends notifications to your smartphone if your child unclips their seatbelt, is left in the car alone, or a number of other unsafe situations arise. 360-degree rotation makes it easy to get your child in and out of this car seat.

This seat has a 12-position recline and an anti-rebound design, and also features a "load leg" for added stability. While it's a bit large and is more expensive than some of the other options, the added safety benefits and ease of rotation make this convertible a standout pick.

Cybex Sirona S with Convertible Car Seat

We've got smart cars and smartphones, so why not a smart car seat? The Sirona S is equipped with SensorSafe built into the chest clip. This smart device sends notifications to your smartphone if your child unclips their seatbelt, is left in the car alone, or a number of other unsafe situations arise. 360-degree rotation makes it easy to get your child in and out of this car seat.

This seat has a 12-position recline and an anti-rebound design, and also features a "load leg" for added stability. While it's a bit large and is more expensive than some of the other options, the added safety benefits and ease of rotation make this convertible a standout pick.

Cybex Sirona S with Convertible Car Seat

We've got smart cars and smartphones, so why not a smart car seat? The Sirona S is equipped with SensorSafe built into the chest clip. This smart device sends notifications to your smartphone if your child unclips their seatbelt, is left in the car alone, or a number of other unsafe situations arise. 360-degree rotation makes it easy to get your child in and out of this car seat.

This seat has a 12-position recline and an anti-rebound design, and also features a "load leg" for added stability. While it's a bit large and is more expensive than some of the other options, the added safety benefits and ease of rotation make this convertible a standout pick.

Nuna RAVA Flame-Retardant-Free Convertible Car Seat

This sleek but slightly pricy pick has a lot going for it. Its generous rear-facing weight limit (kids up to 50 pounds) makes it a standout on this list. It's got an adjustable footrest for added leg support, and the 10-position recline and headrest let you dial in the size as your kid grows.

GHI lab experts found this car seat super-easy to install. For a classy finishing touch, it comes with retractable cupholders.

Baby Jogger City Turn Rotating Convertible Car Seat

Swiveling this seat 180 degrees proved to GHI testers how much easier loading and unloading a baby from a car seat should be. When rotated out, it brings your little one 10 inches closer to make it easier to do those buckles. With a 10-position headrest, five-position recline, and soft padding, your baby will have one of the comfiest rides of their life in this seat.

Due to its swivel base, this seat is rather large. If you have a smaller car, pay attention to your seat's dimensions to make sure it will fit in the back seat.

Baby Jogger City Turn Rotating Convertible Car Seat

Swiveling this seat 180 degrees proved to GHI testers how much easier loading and unloading a baby from a car seat should be. When rotated out, it brings your little one 10 inches closer to make it easier to do those buckles. With a 10-position headrest, five-position recline, and soft padding, your baby will have one of the comfiest rides of their life in this seat.

Due to its swivel base, this seat is rather large. If you have a smaller car, pay attention to your seat's dimensions to make sure it will fit in the back seat.

What to Look For in a Convertible Car Seat

Height and weight limits

Height and weight limits are perhaps the most critical parameters to adhere to. The seas are tested and designed for bodies within the recommended limits, so transfer the settings correctly when you have a convertible car seat. Good housekeeping recommends you maintain the correct configuration until your child reaches the upper limit of the seat height or weight limit.

Installation efforts

Installing a car seat correctly is crucial for safety purposes, but it can take a lot of strength to properly secure a seat. Many seats are compatible with LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children), an easy-to-use system of attachment points in your vehicle that the car seat attaches to. If your vehicle is not compatible with LATCH, then you'll likely install your car seat using your vehicle's seatbelt. The Institute suggests hiring a professional if you need help.

Vehicle size

The folks at Good Housekeeping have seen a lot of returned car seats, simply because they won't fit in some back seats. They recommend you measure the available space in your vehicle's back seat before deciding which car seat to buy. Also, note the retailer's return policy before purchase, just in case the size doesn't work out.

Ease of cleaning

Convertible car seats are meant to last for many years, so finding one that's easy to clean can save a lot of hassle. The GHI recommends looking for models with removable, machine-washable seat padding and covers.

Seat adjustments

Since a convertible car seat can see your child from newborn to big kid, look for one that can "grow" with them with multi-position headrest and recline options, Good Housekeeping says. A no-rethread harness will allow you to easily make seat adjustments without requiring you to reconfigure the seatbelt.

Expiration date

Over time, the materials in a car seat can compress or get worn down, so all convertible car seats are stamped with an expiration date. Plus, newer test standards are introduced over time to help ensure better safety. If you are planning on using the same seat for many years or for multiple children, take note of the recommended usage. The lab is clear on this point: Never use an expired car seat or one that's been in an accident. If you're ever unsure about any car seat or its operation, construction, or safety, Good Housekeeping says you should assume the worst and replace it.

FAQs

Q: What is a convertible car seat?

A: No, it's not a car seat for convertibles. Rather, convertible car seats are intended to "grow" with your child, from infancy through big-kid status. With the right convertible, parents could theoretically use one car seat for as long as their child needs one.

Q: What age is good for a convertible car seat?

A: Parents using an infant seat generally switch their kids to a convertible car seat anywhere between nine months and two years old, depending on their child's size. But they can opt to do so sooner, even from infancy, as long as the convertible seat is rated safe for their child's height and weight.

Q: What are the advantages of a convertible car seat?

A: Financial, convenience, and ease of use. Not only can one seat last for about the entire duration of childhood, saving parents the expense of trading up every couple of years, a convertible car seat can be easily moved from car to car, allowing flexibility. Or parents can set it up in one vehicle and forget it—sometimes for years, depending on the size/growth of their child.

Q: What are the laws about child car seats?

A: Use of child car seats is a federal law; each state or territory, however, has its own set of laws and guidelines. You can check out a state-by-state breakdown here.

Why Trust Us

The Hearst Autos Gear Team relies on decades of expertise and knowledge in the automotive and gear space to help readers make informed purchasing choices. We won't tell you to buy something if we wouldn't buy it ourselves, and we'll never claim to have used or tested something if we haven't gotten our own hands on it. We've evaluated dozens of products, from catalytic converter protectors and electric car chargers to foam cannons. Our picks and recommendations of products and gear are based on testing and knowledge, not hype.

For this article, we reached out to the experts at Good Housekeeping. The Good Housekeeping Institute provides expert reviews and advice on everything a parent needs, including car seats. For more than 15 years, Rachel Rothman, the chief technologist and director of engineering at the institute, has put her training in mechanical engineering and applied mathematics to work by researching, testing, and writing about parenting products. She leads GH efforts in both the auto space and most products for juveniles, including car seats, and was instrumental in testing and evaluating more than 100 car seats for GH's 2022 Best Car Seats update.

As a father of two, Hearst Autos senior commerce editor Jon Langston knows a thing or three about child car seats. He's been writing about and reviewing cars, motorcycles, and their respective gear and products since 2004.

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