Best Convertible Car Seats of 2023
Reality check: You’re probably going to end up with a few baby products you never use. At the end of early childhood, there is, inevitably, piles of like-new baby gear and clothing your little one outgrew in the blink of an eye. The convertible car seat, however, is never one of those products.
Picking the right convertible car seat for your baby is a big (and expensive) decision, and even more so with the convertible options: You’ll use your convertible car seat for years to come. If you decide to skip purchasing an infant car seat and begin with a convertible from day one, you’ll get up to a decade of use from a single piece of baby gear.
Are There Really 400,000 Different Convertible Car Seats Available in The USA?
It feels like that, doesn’t it?! Given the amount of products and information available and the added pressure of genuine safety concerns, it’s easy for any parent to feel stumped. That’s why we’ve put together our list for best convertible car seats of 2023: to empower you to make the right choice for your family without overwhelming you with unnecessary info.
Albee Baby Convertible Car Seat Picks
Our convertible car seat picks are the perfect balance of tried-and-true parent favorites and innovative standouts we love.
Our Most Loved Convertible Car Seats
Nuna RAVA Convertible Car Seat
The Albee’s rundown:
- Bonus safety features
- Extended rear-facing usage
- Easy to install
The RAVA’s modern design is easy on the eyes, and it’s packed with little extras like laid back legroom, fuss-free adjustments, and retractable cup holders. Its breathable knit fabrics and ventilation panels keep long road trips comfortable for your little one, and you’ll appreciate the convenience of its no-rethread harness as your kiddo grows.
Installation is quick and intuitive, and bonus safety features like energy absorbing foam, an all steel frame, and Aeroflex side impact protection provide added peace of mind. And while it’s hard to pick a favorite RAVA feature, ours would be its high rear-facing weight limit—50 lbs. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends rear-facing for at least 2 years, and ideally, until your child maxes out either the height or weight limit. With a RAVA, your child can easily rear-face beyond their third birthday.
Noteworthy specs:
- Weighs 27.2 lbs.
- Rear-facing 5-50 lbs. or 49”
- Forward-facing 25-65 lbs. or 49”
- 10 year expiration
- 2 year warranty
Britax Boulevard ClickTight Convertible Car Seat
The Albee’s rundown:
- Foolproof ClickTight installation
- Bonus safety features
- Easy to clean
The Britax Boulevard ClickTight is a longtime parent fave, and it’s easy to see why. The ClickTight installation technology guarantees a stress-free installation each and every time: the belt paths are open and easy to thread, and the steel tensioner tightens the car seat to your vehicle, eliminating the need for superhuman strength.
The Boulevard has tons of extra safety features, like an optional anti-rebound bar, a double layer of side impact protection, a steel frame and crumple zone protection to help absorb crash energy, and a v-shaped tether with a patented staged release that slows and reduces forward movement in a collision.
This car seat will look like new for years to come—the cover is easy to remove, and can be machine washed and dried (kiss hours of air drying goodbye). And bonus: Britax is one of the only car seat brands manufactured in the US.
Noteworthy specs:
- Weighs 29.4 lbs.
- Rear-facing 5-40 lbs. or 49”
- Forward-facing 20-65 lbs. or 49”
- 10 year expiration
- 1 year warranty
Our Best Affordable Convertible Car Seat
Chicco NextFit Zip Convertible Car Seat
The Albee’s rundown:
- Zip-off cover
- Insanely adjustable
- Easy LATCH installation
Let’s get down to brass tacks: kids are mess magnets, and car seats get grimy fast. Spit-up, cracker crumbs, dirt from muddy shoes—cleaning a car seat can be a labor intensive and time-consuming task (not to mention that you’ll use your convertible car seat for years). The NextFit Zip has a machine washable seat pad that quickly zips off, and just as easily zips back on. So say goodbye to the car seat cover wrestling match and save that energy for chasing your kiddo.
We’re big fans of Chicco’s Super Cinch force-multiplying strap that makes a tight LATCH installation a breeze. Think of it like a pulley system; instead of putting some real muscle into tightening LATCH connectors, you’ll simply pull upwards on the strap. The NextFit Zip has nine recline positions, so it will fit in a wide variety of vehicles, and bubble indicators will let you know you’ve installed the base at the proper angle.
The NextFit Zip is on the wider side, so if you have a compact car or need to fit three seats across, you may want to check out seats from Clek and Diono.
Noteworthy specs:
- Weighs 25.1 lbs.
- Rear-facing 5-40 lbs. or 43”
- Forward-facing 22-65 lbs. or 49”
- 10 year expiration
- 1 year warranty
Best Convertible Car Seat for Compact Cars & 3 Across
Clek Foonf Convertible Car Seat
The Albee’s rundown:
- Designed for extended rear-facing
- Tons of bonus safety features
- Super slim profile
The Clek Foonf is a gorgeous tank—we mean that as a compliment—and a child safety technology superstar. It’s engineered with an encyclopedia’s worth of bonus safety features, like: A heavy duty steel and magnesium frame, durable energy absorbing EPP foam, integrated crumple zones that redirect crash forces away from your child, deep side wings for added side impact protection, an anti-rebound bar, and rigid LATCH connectors that reduce the opportunity for improper installation. The Foonf is designed for extended rear-facing with a weight limit of 50 lbs., so it’s likely your kiddo can ride in the safest position available through their 4th birthday.
While it’s jam-packed with safety features, it’s still one of the slimmest profiles of any car seat on the market and an awesome option if you need to fit three seats across.
Keep in mind that you’ll need to purchase Clek’s Infant Thingy if you’d like to use your Foonf from day one (making the Foonf, which is already pricey, even more expensive). If you love Clek’s aesthetic and dedication to safety but want a lighter or less expensive option, it’s worth checking out their other convertible car seat option, the Fllo.
Noteworthy specs:
- Weighs 33 lbs.
- Rear-facing 14-50 lbs. or 43”
- Forward-facing 22-65 lbs. or 49”
- 9 year expiration
- 1 year warranty
Best Rotating Convertible Car Seats
A handful of new convertible car seats have added a new innovative twist: a seat that can rotate. After one installation, you can swivel the seat towards your open car door (or from rear-facing to forward-facing with seats featuring a 360° rotation). They’re a great option for anyone with back or mobility issues, and majorly grandparent friendly.
Nuna REVV Rotating Convertible Car Seat
The Albee’s rundown:
- 360° rotation
- Bonus safety features
- Easy to install
The REVV adds a convenient and much-loved feature to Nuna’s car seat lineup: 360° rotation. And even better, you can swivel the seat with one hand.
The REVV features an anti-rebound panel that minimizes rotation in the event of a collision, and has magnetic holders to keep buckles out of the way when you’re getting your child into the car seat. It’s also a narrow seat and a great option if you have a compact car or need to fit multiple car seats across.
One note on the REVV’s rear-facing lifespan: the rotating function necessitates the REVV maxing out at 40 lbs. and 43” in both rear- and forward-facing modes. What that means practically is that a typically developing child will outgrow the REVV by about 4 years old.
Noteworthy specs:
- Weighs 32 lbs.
- Rear-facing 5-40 lbs. or 43”
- Forward-facing 20-65 lbs. or 43”
- 10 year expiration
- 1 year warranty
Maxi-Cosi Emme 360 All-in-One Rotational Convertible Car Seat
The Albee’s rundown:
- 360° rotation
- 10 years of use
- Easy to install
The Maxi-Cosi Emme 360 is the newest all-in-one rotating car seat on the block, and we’re impressed. It has a 360° rotating seat and evolves with your growing child from birth to ten years: first as a rear-facing car seat, then forward-facing, and eventually, a belt-positioning booster. And it’s budget-friendly compared to most other rotating car seats, especially considering its lifespan.
Seat belt installation is a breeze, too. The tension plate makes achieving a snug installation without brute force easy, and the TensionFix indicator turns from red to green when the belt is tight enough. The 10-position headrest and harness adjustment and 5-position recline ensure comfort and safety in every stage.
The ClipQuik magnetic chest clip means struggle-free in-and-out buckling, and innovative dual cup holders rotate to accommodate all kinds of sippy cups, even those with handles. The PureCosi naturally fire-resistant fabrics are machine washable (and dryer safe!) for quick and convenient cleaning.
Noteworthy specs:
- Weighs 38 lbs.
- Rear-facing 5-40 lbs. and 19-40”
- Forward-facing 22-65 lbs. and 29-49”
- Belt-positioning booster 40-100 lbs. and 43-52”
- 10 year expiration
- 1 year warranty
Cybex Sirona S 360 Swivel Convertible Car Seat with SensorSafe
The Albee’s rundown:
- 360° rotation
- Load leg
- SensorSafe technology
The Cybex Sirona S rotates 360°, allowing you to rotate the seat from rear-facing to forward-facing, or towards your open door. While we love the convenience of a rotating car seat, what we really love about the Sirona S is its innovative safety technology.
The Sirona S is the only convertible car seat on the market with a load leg (a metal support bar that unfolds from the base of a car seat, and rests on the floor of your vehicle). Like a top tether, they reduce forward momentum in a crash, and provide stability by absorbing energy during the collision. The car seat base has vehicle lock-offs to guide seat belt installation, taking the guesswork out of a proper installation.
Cybex’s SensorSafe technology is integrated into the chest clip, which sends an alert to your car or phone if your child is in a potentially dangerous situation, like being left in the car or an unbuckled chest clip.
One note on the Sirona S: once your kiddo is forward-facing, you’ll need to detach and reattach the tether strap each time you swivel the car seat towards the door.
Noteworthy specs:
- Weighs 30.4 lbs.
- Rear-facing 5-50 lbs. or 49”
- Forward-facing 22-65 lbs. or 49”
- 8 year expiration
- 2 year warranty
The Albee’s rundown:
- 180° rotation
- Ideal for hot climates
- Easy to install
The Baby Jogger City Turn has a one-handed 180° rotation that swivels the seat towards your open door, bringing your child 10” closer so you can get them into and out of your car without bending over (your back deserves a break!).
The fabric on the City Turn is soft, lightweight, and moisture-wicking thanks to the COOL-MAX material, making it a great choice if you live in a warmer climate. The base has built-in RAPIDLOCK belt-tensioning technology and integrated push-button LATCH for quick and foolproof installation.
This car seat has higher weight limits for a swivel car seat, so you’ll get more use out of it, and it includes removable inserts so you can achieve the proper fit for a newborn (something that can be challenging with convertible car seats).
Noteworthy specs:
- Weighs 28 lbs.
- Rear-facing 4-50 lbs. and 49”
- Forward-facing 22-65 lbs. and 28-49”
- 10 year expiration
- 1 year warranty
Evenflo GOLD SensorSafe Revolve 360 Slim Rotational 2-in-1 Convertible Car Seat
The Albee’s rundown:
- 360° rotation
- 10 years of use
- Incredible value
The Evenflo Revolve360 is an incredible value—a rotating car seat that can be used from birth through the big kid years for less than $400. But if that price has you thinking, “There must be a catch”, we can assure you, the Revolve360 doesn’t sacrifice style, safety, or convenience.
This car seat grows with your child and can be used in three modes: rear-facing, forward-facing, and booster. The Sure360 Installation System includes color-coded belt baths, tensioning arms, and a seat lock indicator that make proper installation a breeze, and if you opt for a seat belt install, it’s the only installation you’ll need to do.
Other highlights include four recline positions, a14 position headrest, an anti-rebound bar, and premium fabrics that can be machine washed.
It’s worth noting that the seat won’t fully rotate in the rear-facing position unless it’s fully reclined (it will still swivel to the door, so we wouldn’t call this a deal-breaker). The Revolve360 is also long front-to-back, so it may not be the best fit for families with compact cars.
Noteworthy specs:
- Weighs 29.6 lbs.
- Rear-facing 17-40 lbs. and 17-40”
- Forward-facing 22-65 lbs. and 28-49”
- Belt positioning booster 40-120 lbs. and 44-57”
- 10 year expiration
- Lifetime warranty
Best Forward-Facing Car Seat for Travel
WAYB Pico Forward-Facing Travel Car Seat
The Albee’s rundown:
- Ultra lightweight
- Folds for easy transport
- Forward-facing only
The WAYB Pico is the jet setting parent’s dream and unlike any other convertible car seat on the market. Designed specifically for caregivers who travel frequently, the Pico weighs less than many infant car seats and can be folded for easy transport (it’s also wonderful for families who use taxis or rideshares regularly).
The frame is made from lightweight aerospace-grade aluminum (the future is now!) and the breathable astroknit mesh fabric stretches to relieve pressure points on little tushes. The Pico can be installed with LATCH or the seatbelt.
Remember that the Pico can only be used forward-facing, so if your little one is still rear-facing, this isn’t the car seat for you. And while it’s an exceptional travel car seat, it’s not intended to be used as your primary convertible car seat.
Noteworthy specs:
- Weighs 8 lbs.
- Age 2+ years
- Forward-facing 22-50 lbs. or 49”
- 3 year warranty
Best All-in-One Car Seats
As a parent, you’re probably expecting to purchase three different car seats over your little one’s lifetime: The infant car seat for your newborn’s first trip home; the convertible car seat for when they’re big enough to forward-face; and eventually, the booster, which allows your child to use the vehicle seat belt. But if you opt for an All-in-One, it’s the only car seat you’ll ever need.
Britax One4Life ClickTight All-in-One Convertible Car Seat
The Albee’s rundown:
- Easy to install
- Bonus safety features
- Tons of adjustment points
The Britax One4Life offers up to a decade of use, taking your little one from birth to big kid in a car seat with serious safety cred and a super easy install. The ClickTight installation technology guarantees a quick and straightforward installation: twist a button to open the car seat front, thread and buckle your seatbelt, and close for a snug fit.
Like all Britax car seats, the One4Life has no shortage of safety features, like a high strength steel frame, SafeCell crumple zones that redirect crash forces away from the seat, and a v-shaped tether that stabilizes the seat and prevents rotation in a collision.
The SafeWash fabric is naturally flame retardant free, and can be machine washed and dried (a pretty major time saver). Dual cup holders are easy to remove and are dishwasher safe.
Noteworthy specs:
- Weighs 30 lbs.
- Rear-facing 5-50 lbs. or 49”
- Forward-facing 22-65 lbs. or 49”
- Booster seat 40-120 lbs. or 63”
- 10 year expiration
- 1 year warranty
Nuna EXEC All-in-One Convertible Car Seat
The Albee’s rundown:
- Easy to install and know that it’s installed correctly
- Innovative safety technology
- Limited lifetime warranty
The EXEC is Nuna’s all-in-one seat that will take you from the newborn stage to big kid (it has a 120 lbs. weight limit in booster mode). We love its 50 lbs. rear-facing weight limit, and the extendable leg rest that doubles as an anti-rebound bar.
Seat Belt installation is easy and intuitive: you’ll simply thread the belt through the seat’s true tension doors—there’s a color coded guide to follow—buckle, and close the door panel. It’s a quick and virtually foolproof secure install.
It has all the thoughtful details you’d expect from Nuna, including naturally flame retardant free fabrics, magnetic holders that keep harness buckles out of the way, merino wool infant inserts., and a machine washable slip cover for the leg rest (you’ll be using this seat for a long time, after all). It’s on the slimmer side, so it will work in a three seats across situation in most midsize cars.
Noteworthy specs:
- Weighs 30 lbs.
- Rear-facing 5-50 lbs. or 49”
- Forward-facing 25-65 lbs. or 49”
- Belt-positioning booster 40-120 lbs., 38-57”
- 10 year expiration
- 2 year warranty
Graco 4Ever DLX 4-in-One All-in-One Convertible Car Seat
The Albee’s rundown:
- 4 modes of use
- Integrated belt lock-off
- Easy to clean
The bestselling Graco 4Ever DLX offers a decade of use, and can be used in 4 modes: Rear-facing, forward-facing, high back booster, and backless booster. The InRight LATCH installs in just one second, and an integrated belt lock-off makes seat belt installation quick and uncomplicated.
The steel reinforced frame provides strength and durability, and the harness system and ten position headrest can be adjusted simultaneously without rethreading the harness. The DLX was upgraded with a machine-washable rapid remove car seat cover and fuss-free harness storage for easier accessibility.
Noteworthy specs:
- Weighs 23 lbs.
- Rear-facing 5-40 lbs.
- Forward-facing 22-65 lbs. and 27-52”
- High back booster 40-100 lbs. and 38-57”
- Backless booster 40-120 lbs. and 40-57”
- 10 year expiration
- 1 year warranty
Finding What’s Right for You
Albee Baby is the oldest family-owned specialty baby shop in the US, and we pride ourselves on providing our customers with the best assortment of baby products anywhere, at fair prices, always. We’re committed to being an inclusive resource for parents, and hope you’re feeling empowered to find the right car seat for your family. Still have questions? Feel free to contact our baby gear experts at 877.692.5233 or by email at [email protected].