In Depth Baby Product Reviews Led by a Pediatrician
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To help you pick the best convertible car seat, GearLab spends tens of thousands of dollars crash testing car seats at the same certified testing lab the US Government uses for its safety certification testing. In this update, we bought and crash-tested the top 19 convertible seats available today to find the best. We conduct side-by-side tests of each convertible car seat over several months to determine the best in metrics like crash test performance, installation, ease of use, quality, and more. We collect the details you need to choose the right car seat for your needs and your wallet. We purchase two of each car seat we review, one for crash testing and one for in-house testing, so you can trust that our results are unbiased and honest.
We've tested more than 200 car seats, including 52 convertible seats. If you are not sure which kind of car seat is right for you, check out our Best Car Seats Review to get the skinny. Ready for something suitable for bigger kids? Look at our best booster seat review for the next stage in safety car seats.
Editor's Note: This convertible car seat review was updated on January 5, 2024, with all new testing of 20 convertible car seats, including independent crash testing results and analysis. On July 10, 2024, we removed a discontinued Britax option.
Nice material and padding, 360 design, one install for RF and FF, two infant inserts
Narrow seat width, folds for travel, easy-to-tighten and loosen harness
Great padding, easy base style installation, 360 design
Cons
Rough fabric, hard-to-remove cover for cleaning
LATCH install removal is challenging with clip-style hooks, lower quality, and no features for comfort
Super expensive, belt threads through cup holders
Cup holders are too easy to remove, no belt lock-off, bubble indicator is only on one side
One-sided indicator, no belt lock-off, only average width
Remedial designs, more energy to install
Doesn't rotate in FF mode, resistance when tightening, tight access for harness release, small latch storage, pricey
Wider width, harder to install
More expensive, towels for RF installation, difficult-to-tighten belt, stiff padding, non-removable cover, no cup holder, no infant insert, can't clean entire seat
Hard to install and remove with clip-style LATCH connectors
Average crash testing, harder to install any method, no cup holder
Install is overwhelming at first, heavy, expensive
Extreme off-gassing odor, harder to install, super unstable feeling
Heavy and bulky, shorter shoulder straps, longer installation times
Pricier, resistance tightening harness, lower crash test analysis
Heavy, expensive, difficult RF installation, uncomfortable seat padding, no cup holder, entire cover not removable
Really expensive, lower crash test results
Very long, harder to install in every method, rethread harness is disappointing for the price
Lower crash test results, relatively wide, heavy
Bottom Line
One of the top crash test scores with no fuss installs are sure to make every parent happy
A minimalist seat with an affordable price and some of the best crash test results make it a winner overall
This impressive seat is the easiest in the group to use, but it comes with a high price tag
An inexpensive seat with better crash test results makes for an impressive seat that can potentially be used rear-facing longer
We love most things about this budget-friendly seat, but it isn't that narrow compared to competitors
The SuperCinch design helps alleviate stressful installation, but you still have to put in work to get the seat tight
Stree-free installation and better crash-testing results make for a good seat, but it will cost you
If this bigger seat were easier to install, it might have gathered more love during testing
This seat was a pain to install and the hard padding is sure to create complaints
Harder installation and removal paired with below average crash test analysis create an inexpensive seat we don't like overall
Below-average seat with few standout qualities or features and there are better seats to be had for cheaper price
Our favorite rotating seat with one-time installation and better padding, but it feels gadgety, weighs more, and is expensive
The strong odor lingered even after washing, making it hard to overlook or recommend
Nice quality and comfort, but the bulk and below-average crash test analysis left us wanting
A helpful lock-off for belt and LATCH installation helped the overall score overcome the lower crash test result
We were excited about the forward-facing rigid LATCH, but this was the only highlight during testing
A luxury addition that has great features, but it has lower crash test results and is one of the most expensive seats
A hard to install seat with below-average crash testing and disappointing results in most metrics makes a seat we don't recommend
Unique installation process makes it simple to use, but the crash test analysis results were lower than we like
The Graco 4Ever DLX is a great all-around seat suitable for most families, regardless of your car seat goals. We love the better crash test sensor results and believe the 4Ever potentially offers an additional margin of protection based on our analysis of the results. This seat is good-looking, easy to use, offers straightforward installation, and comes with a reasonable price.
While the 4Ever is one of the best seats and a tester favorite, it isn't very narrow, and three across in one row might be harder. The Graco FlimFit 3-in-1 is somewhat slimmer and has similar scores in most metrics, including crash test analysis, with the benefit of a cheaper price. If you want something that provides more comfort and quality but is otherwise comparable to the 4Ever, the Graco Extend2Fit 3 in 1 can save you money but offer very similar performance and features. Overall, the 4Ever is an impressive top scorer that offers a lot and will make most families happy. As one tester said, “This is hands down the seat I'd choose for me kid.”
The Graco Extend2Fit 3 in 1 is an impressive convertible seat in this lineup. It features easy-to-use push-style LATCH connectors and is easier to install than most. It performed well in our commissioned crash tests, earning one of the highest analysis scores in our lineup of options. It offers a comfortable riding experience for little ones with ample padding and a nap-worthy headrest, and taller kiddos will appreciate the leg extension that offers more legroom than a standard seat. One kid tester remarked, “I could really nap in this seat.”
The Extend2Fit offers better crash test results than our budget-friendly option, and with sales, you can often find it for a cheaper price than other award winners in this lineup. It isn't as easy to install using the vehicle belt. While not super challenging, if this is going to be your main installation type, the Graco 4Ever DLX might be a better choice. Overall, the Extend2Fit is an excellent option that will work well for most families but is a real contender for those concerned with staying rear-facing and crash test results.
We commissioned 3rd party crash testing for all of the seats in our review from the MGA Research facility that performs the testing for NHTSA. We ran our tests somewhat faster and on a more modern sled to better mimic newer cars. The Extend2Fit (seen here) was a top performer in our hotter testing.
The Graco SlimFit 3-in-1 is a great seat with better crash test analysis results and a reasonable price tag. The SlimFit is easy to install using LATCH, has better push-style connectors, and doesn't require towels in our tests. We think it is easy to use and provides enough features for comfort that you won't get complaints from toddler passengers on longer rides. While belt installation could be easier, there is much to love about this economical seat.
All of the Graco seats performed well and were almost in a class of their own in this review. If you want slightly better crash test scores than the SlimFit or a better overall result, then the Graco 4Ever is one to consider. If you hope for something similar to the SlimFit but want more for comfort or quality, then the Graco Extend2Fit 3 in 1 might be a better fit. More than one tester remarked, “This is super comfy seat.”// No matter which Graco you go for, we think you'll be pleased, but if you want a high scorer with a lower price, we believe the SlimFit is the best fit.
The Evenflo Tribute 5 is one of the least expensive seats in this review. However, that is not enough for any product to win an award. The Tribute fills a niche we think will appeal to many parents for different reasons. It is the cheapest seat in our review but it earned one of the top crash test analysis results! We love safety and think it offers an additional margin of safety over lower-scoring options, so we gave it an award despite its lackluster performance. As our in-house tester said, “The crash tests alone make this car seat one I'd recommend.”// If your budget is tight and safety is key, the Tribute is an excellent seat to consider.
The Tribute is hard to install, so much so that if you can afford something like the Graco SlimFit 3-in-1, we think it is worth the extra money for good crash test results and more straightforward installation performance. While more than twice the price of the Tribute, if you can swing it, we think it is worth it. However, if you have the tightest budget or need a secondary seat that doesn't need to be installed often, we think having a seat like the Tribute on hand is useful.
The Nuna RAVA is a very high-end convertible car seat with deep comfort padding, super soft fabric, and a sleek look with quality construction and impressive attention to detail. The Nuna offers top performance for comfort and quality and is easy to install, no matter which option you prefer. We like that it is the easiest option to use and has some of the best crash test analyses, indicating a potential margin of safety over the average seat in this review.
The Nuna is expensive, making it a possible no-go if your budget is limited. It is also heavy, so it isn't the best choice for traveling or carpooling, as we believe most parents won't want to carry it for very long. ONe tester said, “I wouldn't want to carry this big lug through an airport.” If you want something less expensive or better crash test results, the Graco 4Ever DLX is a great choice. While it lacks some of the quality and comfort of the Nuna, it has one of the best crash test results in the group and will cost significantly less. Overall, the Nuna is a quality seat with impressive scores in most metrics, and for families where budget is less of a concern and ease of use is number one, the Nuna is one for your list of contenders.
The Cybex Sirona S is our favorite 360-rotating seat. With the increase in the popularity of rotating seats, this convertible seat stands out for many reasons and is one to consider if your goal is rotation. The Sirona is easy to install using both methods and is one of the easiest in the group to use. Also, if comfort or quality is important to you, it is tough to beat the Sirona in our tests. For these reasons, we think most parents looking for rotation will be happy with this option. One of our tester parents said, “This is a great seat for little ones who want to climb in by themselves but need a little help.”
The Sirona crash test results are slightly below average, and while considered safe and performed better than some, if your goal is rotation and better crash test results, the Sirona might not be the one for you. The Baby Jogger City Turn is a rotating seat in the rear-facing installation with significantly better crash test analysis results. While this option doesn't rotate in forward-facing, we think most parents won't mind, given the potential for an additional margin of safety. However, if your goal is full rotation and you enjoy comfort, quality, and ease of use, we believe the Sirona is the seat for you.
The Sirona offers better crash test analysis than the average seat in our review.
Credit: GearLab & MGA Research
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Credit: Natalie Kafader
How We Test Convertible Car Seats
We take convertible car seat testing very seriously because the stakes are so high. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) states that “car crashes are a leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 13.”
We tested each and every convertible car seat in this review by commissioning crash testing from MGA Research so we can compare the results apples-to-apples. The Nuna Revv is shown here and did not perform as well as many competitors.
Credit: GearLab & MGA Research
Our testing process begins with buying two units of each car seat. We send one to the same certified crash testing lab used by NHTSA for crash testing, and we share the crash testing results with you to help you make an informed decision. Our tests are somewhat faster than the federal guidelines to help differentiate between safe but average seats and those that might offer an additional margin of safety. We also use a more modern sled to better align with late model vehicle seat designs. Then, we buy a second unit of each car seat to put through our rigorous hands-on testing process at GearLab. Combining unbiased crash testing and hands-on testing allows us to evaluate car seat performance from a safety and daily use perspective.
We tested each seat in multiple cars and some were harder than others to install.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Our convertible car seat testing is divided across six rating metrics:
Crash Tests (35% of overall score weighting)
Ease Of Installation - LATCH (20% weighting)
Ease Of Installation - Vehicle Belt (15% weighting)
Ease Of Use tests (15% weighting)
Comfort/Quality tests (10% weighting)
Weight/Size tests (5% weighting)
Over the last several years, we've purchased more than 40 convertible car seats (two of each). We conduct a multi-point performance analysis to score and rank crash test results and other functional metrics like ease of use and installation (LATCH and belt). We've probably installed more car seats than anyone on the planet. Our testing includes multiple testers installing the best car seats in multiple vehicle types across all safety seat categories: convertible, boosters, and infant seats. We install them facing forward and facing back using the LATCH and vehicle belt.
Not all of the car seats passed the wiggle test for stable installation in our tests.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
The convertible car seats are subjected to more than 45 individual tests to evaluate their performance. The most important rating is the crash test analysis score based on the crash test results from MGA, corresponding to 35% of the overall score. We use the head and chest sensor data recorded by the crash test dummies in each seat to reach our conclusions for this metric. Our reviews also rely on intense product research and observations from multiple testers to compare each product side-by-side.
Infant car seats are designed with little bodies in mind and are our preferred safety seats for younger babies.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
We suggest you keep your baby in their infant car seat until they are 9-12 months old or as their height starts to push the infant seat's maximum length (always rely on the manufacturer's limitations of your infant seat to guide you). You should check weight capacity, too, but more often than not, the height limit will force the switch to a convertible seat.
If you are looking for a convertible car seat, then your baby is at the age range where many parents are also thinking about choosing the best baby backpack carrier to make it easier to walk long distances. If you live in a bike-friendly town, a bike trailer can also be a fabulous addition.
This chart shows a comparison of the HIC (head) sensor results from one of the lowest-scoring options in the group (black line) to the sensor results of one of the best-performing options in the group (green line). Lower sensor results are better and indicate fewer G-forces on the crash test dummy.
Credit: BabyGearLab Staff, MGA Research
Why Trust GearLab
Our in-house convertible car seat test protocol development was led by Certified Passenger Safety Technician, Bob Wofford. Bob helped create our original in-house testing protocol. We also consulted with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) experts about their protocol and crash test results. Last but not least, we consulted and contracted with MGA Research, the same national testing facility that has the compliance contract for FMVSS 213 assessing the safety of car seat in the US. Jessica Riconscente also contributed with hands-on testing. As a Senior Review Analyst, she led the charge for all car seat updates, testing, and installation for more than 60 seats across categories. Our panel of experts also includes Dr. Juliet Spurrier is a board-certified pediatrician , mother, and founder of BabyGearLab with a background in urgent pediatric care.
Finding the best convertible car seat requires some thoughtful consideration of installation method, ease of use, and crash test performance.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
How to Pick the Best Convertible Car Seat
When making your selection of which convertible car seat is best for your child, we believe it should be viewed through a safety lens. Safety includes how easy it is to install, how easy it is to use features like the harness, and how well it performed during crash testing.
Installation Method
Each seat has two different installation methods, and at some point, you will likely use both as the LATCH method will become obsolete when your child reaches a certain weight (which varies per seat). However, they are all different in how easy they are to use with each method. The ability to install a car seat correctly can impact its overall ability to perform during an accident, so you want to pick one you feel confident you can install correctly for maximum safety.
Ease of Use
Being able to use the seat's features correctly can impact the passenger's safety. Studies show that injuries in an accident can be related to incorrectly adjusted harnesses or inappropriate use of other features. You want to find a seat that is easy to use and adjust whenever you put your child inside.
Crash Test Analysis
Once you have a few easy-to-install and use seats on your shortlist, we think the last step is crash test analysis. While crash test performance is important, studies indicate that a lot of injuries happen during real-world accidents due to incorrect installation or a poorly fitted harness. However, this doesn't mean you should ignore crash testing; the analysis results can provide valuable information to help you settle on the perfect seat.
We work with MGA Research for all our crash testing needs. This facility is the same certified testing lab the US Government (NHTSA) relies on.
Credit: MGA Research
Analysis and Test Results
We include the details parents require to make an informed decision about which convertible car seat is best for their child, goals, and budget.
We installed each seat in every configuration following manufacturer guidelines.
Most seats have some kind of indicator to help with proper installation angles.
Rear-Facing Until at Least Age 2
Experts agree that children should remain rear-facing until at least two years old. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and NHTSA recommendkeeping your baby rear-facing as long as your chosen car seat allows, and at least until age 2. The Graco Extend2Fit is a top-scoring option that can remain rear-facing until the passenger weighs 50 lbs, but there are many others (see our specs table for details). So, no matter how tempted you are to turn your little one around, we encourage you not to so you can retain the potential safety bump facing backward offers.
What's the Best Value?
This group has budget-friendly options with winners and lower-priced seats to meet your needs and safety goals. It was refreshing to see so many reasonably priced options perform so well with standout crash test analysis results. Our Editor's Choice winner is a great value, even if it is somewhat more expensive than some, as it is still about three hundred dollars less than the most expensive selections.
The Graco 4Ever is a great all-around seat at a reasonable price.
The Graco SlimFit is a similar option to the Graco 4Ever, but it has a more budget-friendly price.
The Graco 4Ever (above left) is an impressive all-around seat we think parents will appreciate. However, if this is a little out of budget, the Graco SlimFit 3-in-1 (above right) is a budget-savvy choice with a similar test result profile and a lower list price. Last, if your budget is uber-tight and you need the best crash test results for the lowest price, the Evenflo Tribute is tough to beat with a price almost anyone can afford and a crash test result that few seats bested.
The Evenflo Gold Revolve did not perform as well as most competitors, with some of the lowest crash test results in the test group based on sensor data collected by MGA Research.
Credit: GearLab & MGA Research
Crash Test Performance
BabyGearLab contracts with the same crash test facility that the NHTSA uses to perform our convertible seat crash tests. We purchase two of each seat and send one to MGA, where we pay for them to complete crash tests. MGA tests the seats using a faster speed and a slightly firmer sled than the FMVSS 213 safety standard. We chose this on purpose to mimic late-model vehicles better and to see if faster speeds helped differentiate the seats from one another. All seats in this review are assumed to have passed the federal guidelines and should be considered safe. Based on test results, those we identify as better than average are options that potentially offer an additional margin of safety over the average seat.
After receiving the crash test data we commission, we analyze the sensor data from each car seat's crash dummy to determine how it compares to the competition.
More Money Doesn't Equal Safer
While you might think a more expensive seat will be safer, according to our test results, this isn't necessarily true. The Evenflo Gold Revolve360 and the Nuna Revv are examples. Both options have prices well over the average but did not perform as well in crash tests as other contenders. Alternatively, the cheapest seat in the group, the Evenflo Tribute 5 had one of the best crash test analysis scores, proving that price isn't indicative of potential safety. Another example is any of the Graco options in this review. All performed at or near the top for crash testing but have prices below the average.
So, what is the most critical information from crash impact tests when analyzing results?
The risk of head injury related to the HIC sensor result
The risk of chest injury related to the chest clip (g clip) sensor result
Where do we get our crash test data?
We pay MGA to perform crash tests on each seat in our review. We purchase and send the seats directly to MGA, and they supply us with the sensor data after testing is complete. We do not use data from other companies, such as Consumer Reports, as they perform different tests, and any information they provide does not allow for a side-by-side comparison of test results.
An analysis of auto crash injuries for children shows that head and chest injuries are the two most significant risks of fatal or severe injuries.
All of the Products We Tested Provide a Basic, Safe Level of Protection
All of the convertible car seats we test are assumed to have passed the federal minimum safety standards. Therefore, every seat has at least the basic level of crash safety protection required by US Federal law. Our primary focus for crash test scores is identifying seats whose crash test performance exceeds the federal requirements by performing well in our hotter tests. These car seats can be considered as providing a potential additional level of protection based on the data from its crash test sensors.
The Cybex Eternis features a side-impact feature that is supposed to aid in some way during a side-impact collision. While we love safety, given the lack of test data or industry-standard side-impact testing, it is hard to say what, if anything, this innovation brings to the safety table.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Additional Safety Features
Some seats have additional features that manufacturers claim will improve the seat's safety. Our crash test score analysis did not consider these features or claims. Because manufacturers do not publish comparison test data to analyze, it is impossible to determine their efficacy. We understand parents are curious about side impact protection (SIP) or an anti-rebound bar (ARB), and these features could factor into your decision-making process. Still, we encourage you to proceed cautiously when deciding based solely on these features. There is no way to tell what each manufacturer means when they use terminology that lacks an agreed-upon meaning (like SIP). This lack of information makes it impossible to compare seats with similar-sounding claims, especially without a universally agreed-upon language to describe what the claims genuinely mean.
We can confirm that our crash test results indicate that anti-rebound bars often, but not always, improve the crash test dummy sensors results compared to not using the anti-rebound bar. We like them as a safety feature, but we feel actual crash testing data is more critical than stated features or claims.
Safety Reminder
How well a seat performs in a crash test environment means little if you don't install the seat according to the manufacturer's instructions. Poor installation or a poorly fitted harness can potentially result in injury or death in an accident.
The Baby Jogger City Turn earned impressive results for crash testing and is a top-ranked revolving seat.
Credit: GearLab & MGA Research
Best Seats Based on Crash Test Analysis
We rated each seat compared to the competition using crash test report analysis. The scoring helps quantify the convertible car seats that offer an additional margin of protection, in our opinion, over and above the basic level of protection found in all seats.
The Graco 4Ever DLX earned our best crash test rating thanks to excellent Chest Clip (g) and HIC scores. The Evenflo Tribute 5, Graco Extend2Fit 3 in 1, Nuna RAVA, and Graco SlimFit 3-in-1 have similar analysis results slightly lower than the 4Ever. The Chicco NextFit Zip and the Baby Jogger City Turn are just below these results and still rank highly.
The Revolve is one of the easiest options to install using LATCH, but its lower crash test analysis results hurt its overall score.
The Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) installation method should make it easier to install car seats correctly with fewer opportunities to make mistakes. For this reason, we recommend using the LATCH method whenever possible to increase the chances of installing a seat correctly. Nearly all convertible car seats have the LATCH connectors, and most vehicles manufactured after September 1, 2002, offer the anchors on the left and right sides of the back seat. So, the good news is you should be able to utilize the LATCH method until your child outgrows the LATCH connectors' weight limit (please see your safety seat user manual).
Installing any seat using the LATCH system should be straightforward and easier than the belt, while our tests reveal this is not always the case, the Extend2Fit is one of the easier options to install using LATCH.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Our tests determined that some seats are easier to install using LATCH instead of the vehicle belt. However, surprisingly, many options are easier to install using the vehicle belt not the LATCH. The main problem? Some testers struggle to tighten the LATCH straps to properly secure the convertible car seat to the vehicle.
The push-style LATCH connector on the 4Ever is much easier to use than the hook-style connectors found on some competitors.
Hook-style LATCH connectors, like the one shown here on the Britax One4Life, are harder to use than push-style connectors, especially when trying to remove them from the car anchor points.
There are three main types of LATCH connectors: push-style (above left), hook-style (above right), and rigid LATCH (video below). We typically see the hook style connectors on less expensive seats like the Evenflo Tribute 5, and were surprised to find them on some of the more expensive options like the Britax lineup.
The Clek Foonf offers a rigid LATCH connection in the forward-facing configuration only.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
One of the most straightforward LATCH connection types is the rigid LATCH, like those seen on the forward-facing Clek Foonf. This design is virtually foolproof, with not much to do other than make the connection and slide the seat back.
Best Seats For LATCH Installation
Top-performing seats for LATCH installation include those with push-style connectors, easy-to-pull straps, and often lock-off mechanisms. These options include the Nuna Revv, Evenflo Gold Revolve360, and the Cybex Sirona S. Following close behind are the Baby Jogger City Turn, Nuna RAVA, Graco 4Ever DLX, Graco SlimFit 3-in-1 and the Graco Extend2Fit 3 in 1. The hardest to install using LATCH are the Safety 1st Grow and Go All-in-One, Diono Radian 3RXT Safe+, Clek Fllo, and the Maxi-Cosi Pria All-in-One.
Center Seat Issues
The safest spot to install your car seat is in the center of the vehicle's rear seat — studies of injury data show a 43% lower risk of injury if the car seat is in the center of the back seat. Combine this information with the knowledge that LATCH connectors should be the easiest and safest way to install a car seat. What's the problem? Most vehicles do not offer LATCH anchors in the center location. Even if the inner LATCH anchors from the side positions are close enough, most vehicle and seat manuals do not allow the use of these LATCH anchors for the center position installation.
What is the best alternative if your vehicle doesn't allow the LATCH method in the center? Should you use the center seat with a vehicle belt or the LATCH system on a side seat? One of the most critical aspects of seat installation is ensuring the car seat is securely and tightly anchored to the vehicle.
The questions on center seat installation include:
Should you install the seat with the vehicle belt?
Is the seat as secure when anchored to the center seat with a vehicle belt as it is in the side position using LATCH?
Using the vehicle belt to install a car seat is a perfectly safe and acceptable installation method (and potentially the only possibility for center seats), assuming you can ensure that the installation is secure and tight. Use the center seat if you can get a tight fit (and we did with many seats in our tests). However, if obtaining a secure fit in the center seat is challenging, you should move your safety seat to the side seat location. It is far more critical that the car seat installation is correct than the installed seat's actual location. If you have two children, you may not have a choice as many cars don't have enough room for a side and center installation simultaneously, and/or little ones often fight if they can reach each other. Suppose your vehicle doesn't offer LATCH anchors for the center seat, but you prefer center seat installation. In that case, our tests on ease of installation with a vehicle belt can help you identify the easier options to install using the vehicle belt. Also, you can locate an installation professional for assistance using the vehicle belt if you feel unsure.
The Baby Jogger City Turn belt installation includes a belt lock-off that requires rethreading and keeping the belt flat on both passes.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Ease of Install — Vehicle Belt
No matter how or where you hope to install your new car seat, you must install it using the vehicle belt at some point, as LATCH connectors have weight restrictions that most children will outgrow before they outgrow their convertible car seat. Also, many center seats don't have LATCH anchors, even though it is the safest location for seat installation. Most LATCH connections use weight limits of about 40 - 50 lbs of child weight before the seat requires installation using the vehicle belt only. Given that many of the products have a weight limit of 50-80 lbs, it is clear that most children will utilize the vehicle belt at some point.
Don't despair! We will tell you which seats are the easiest to install using the vehicle belt and provide information on the correct installation and where to get help if you are unsure about anything or if something doesn't seem right.
The Cybex Sirona S has a more convoluted belt lock-off than some, but it is easy enough to use once you figure it out, and it works effectively.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
The Benefit of the Seat Belt Lock-Off
Some seats are easier to install using a seat belt than competitors, and most of these seats have a trick by way of a belt lock-off located on the seat. This feature is so helpful; it is a game-changer for installing seats with a vehicle belt, and we believe you'll feel significantly more comfortable installing a seat using the belt if it has one of these nifty lock-offs.
In this review, several seats have a belt lock-off located on the seat. Interestingly, most of these seats ranked higher overall and have higher installation scores using a vehicle belt. The Evenflo Gold Revolve360, Nuna RAVA, and the Britax One4Life ClickTight scored the highest for belt installation and each has a useful belt lock-off.
If the Peg Perego had a true lock-off and not just a belt containment clasp, it wouldn't have been able to slide on the belt as much as it did in our tests.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Coincidence? We think not.
Some lock-offs work a little better than others, but even those that are challenging, still provide a more secure feeling installation in our tests than seats without a lock-off. We found that options with a lock-off were as secure when installed with a belt as with the LATCH (some even more so). This fact can be a relief when you need to install the seat with a belt, which is highly likely given the weight limitations of LATCH systems.
The design of the Fllo lock-offs hurt its overall score for installation using the vehicle belt.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
The seats lacking a lock-off typically didn't perform as well and included the Diono Radian 3RXT Safe+, Peg Perego Primo Viaggio Convertible, Safety 1st Grow and Go All-in-One, and the Maxi-Cosi Pria All-in-One. Interestingly, the Clek Foonf and the Clek Fllo both have lock-offs but were challenging to install despite this and didn't score well for this installation method.
Have trouble finding the center seat belt?
Some SUVs, trucks, and wagons have a center seat belt in the car's ceiling.
The Nuna Rava is one of the easiest seats to use thanks in part to the smooth moving height adjustment system.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Ease of Use
Convertible car seats have similar designs with few obvious differences outside of cosmetics. However, in reality, the options diverge in ease of use, with some being significantly easier to use than others, thanks to extra features or better functionality of features like buckles. It is clear that some manufacturers spend more time on thoughtful and useful design choices to make everyday life easier.
The Ease of Use metric includes the functionality of standard features, including harness adjustment and chest clips, ease of tightening or loosening the harness, fabric cover removal for cleaning, and more. If your chosen option is challenging, you may inadvertently avoid using it as the manufacturer advised, or you could become chronically frustrated.
The Cybex Sirona S has smart technology in the chest clip that works with a smart device app to send vital alerts.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Buckles and Chest Clips
The buckles and chest clips in this group are largely average. While some have prongs that pop out somewhat independently, and others have chest clips that slide apart smoother, none were that challenging or impossible to use. The Cybex Sirona S does have a smart chest clip that provides alerts and information about car temperature and if a child has been left behind. The Sirona and the Nuna RAVA are two of the best in the group.
The Graco 4Ever has an easy-to-use harness including tightening, loosening, height adjustment, and more.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Harness Tightening and Loosening
Each seat has a harness-tightening strap and a harness-release button to loosen the straps and help your child remove the harness. Some of these were harder to pull, and the buttons varied in style and ease of use. The Graco 4Ever DLX has one of the group's best tightening and release mechanisms. The Safety 1st Grow and Go All-in-One rated poor.
The harness height adjustment on the Graco SlimFit is a non-rethread style with a headrest assembly that moves smoothly up and down.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Adjusting the Harness
There are primarily two methods for adjusting the harness height on convertible car seats. The simplest method is a non-rethread style that involves moving the headrest/harness shoulder strap assembly up and down (video above). The more intricate design includes removing the shoulder straps from a splitter plate on the back and physically moving the straps from one slot height on the seatback to thread them through different slots. While this method isn't particularly hard or frustrating, it takes more time and requires you to remove your child from the seat for access, and if the car seat is forward-facing, you may need to remove the convertible seat from the car to reach the seat splitter plate. There is more room for possible error or avoidance of change with this method. Alternatively, the non-rethread method adjusts quickly with your little one in the seat as soon as you notice a need.
We prefer the non-rethread style because it is simple, and we think busy parents will be more likely to keep the harness adequately fitted if they can accomplish this quickly without removing their child from the seat. We worry parents will put off adjusting the harness with the rethread style when needed because it requires an empty seat and more effort. Since injuries can occur when a harness isn't correctly adjusted to fit, we prefer non-rethread assemblies. The Baby Jogger City Turn and the Graco SlimFit 3-in-1 are the easiest options to adjust in the group. The Clek Fllo, Clek Foonf, Diono Radian 3RXT Safe+, and the Evenflo Tribute 5 all require rethreading of the straps. This design, in our minds, is acceptable for an inexpensive option like the Tribute 5 but is less palatable on seats like the Cleks that have a higher premium price.
The seats all have some kind of LATCH connector containments system ranging from a simple hook on the seat side to hidden compartments like this one on the UPPAbaby Knox.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
LATCH Storage
LATCH storage is arguably less important for convertible seats than infant carriers since they do not impact installation or inhibit connection between the seat and base. However, it is still helpful if the straps aren't readily accessible to your child and can't contribute to potential injuries floating loose. Some options have designated pockets for LATCH clips, while the most common storage method includes attaching the clips to designated points on the shell. None of the options in this group have hard-to-use or access LATCH storage designs, and none stood out as significantly better than the competition.
The Chicco NextFit Zip has a cover that unzips for quick and easy removal for cleaning.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Cover Removal and Cleaning
Kids' car seats undergo significant messes and require regular cleaning (whether you like it or not). For this reason, we test how challenging it is to remove the fabric covers for washing. We prefer machine-washable covers that are easy to remove and replace. We like handwashing methods over spot cleaning only, but because there is a high potential for throwup, spit-up, and poopy blowouts, it is ideal to have a machine-washable cover you can remove quickly.
Most of the seats are some variation or combination of snaps, elastic loops, and tucking in of fabric. None are overly challenging, but certainly, some are better than others. The easiest to remove include the Evenflo Tribute 5, Peg Perego Primo Viaggio Convertible, and the Safety 1st Grow and Go All-in-One. The Clek seats don't have removable covers and are spot clean only. We suspect you'll likely require a steam cleaner for bigger messes. Probably the most straightforward and unique cover is on the Chicco NextFit Zip, which has a cover that zips all the way around for easy removal for machine washing. If your little one is prone to messes or you like things extraordinarily clean, then a zip-off cover might be a top priority.
The Cybex Sirona is a high-quality option with better features for comfort than much of the competition.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Comfort/Quality
For comfort and quality, we review the materials and overall construction. We analyze the padding, fabric, and foam and how well they come together compared to the competition. We consider how each seat's design contributes to a baby's potential comfort, parent use, and durability.
All convertible car seats have similarities, like a plastic shell, impact foam, comfort padding, and a fabric cover. However, some provide thicker padding, softer or more durable fabric, or foam that doesn't off-gas. Because this is somewhat subjective, we compare the seats side-by-side and rank them.
The best seats for comfort and quality are the Cybex Sirona S, Evenflo Gold Revolve360, and Nuna Revv. These seats are followed closely by the Graco Extend2Fit 3 in 1, Nuna RAVA, and the UPPAbaby Knox. The Graco SlimFit 3-in-1 also performed well here. The lowest for this metric is the Evenflo Tribute 5. Both Clek* seats also ranked low in this metric, but their results were related more to an uncomfortably hard seat and unforgiving dense foam as opposed to the quality or materials.
Each seat in our convertible car seat review (the Maxi-Cosi is shown here) were weighed for an apples-to-apples comparison.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Weight/Size
We measure the weight and width of each car seat we test, including the forward-facing and rear-facing configuration weight and the width at the widest point (which can vary). While the convertible seat weight is likely not as important as the carrier weight of an infant seat, it can be a consideration if you travel frequently or use public transportation and need to carry it.
If your seat will remain in your car most of the time, then how much it weighs might be less of a concern. The Evenflo Tribute 5 at 9.4 lbs is the highest option, while the heaviest is the Clek Foonf at over 33 lbs. The average is about 24 lbs.
We measured every seat in this review (Clek Foonf shown here) at its widest point so parents with space limitations can compare the options.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
How wide a seat is could be important to you if you need to fit multiple people or car seats across a back row in your vehicle. We also measured the widest point on each seat for comparison. The Clek options are the narrowest at 16.9 inches, and the widest are the Cybex Eternis S and the Evenflo Gold Revolve360, both at 19.6 inches.
We tested lots of popular seats for our convertible car seat update.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Conclusion
Selecting the best convertible car seat option for your growing baby doesn't have to be confusing or frustrating. Our testing details and review provide the information and crash test analysis you need to find the best seat for your needs and wallet. Whether your goal is finding the seat with the best crash test results or the option with the easiest installation and impressive crash test analysis results, we provide the details to narrow the field and find the best seat for your child.
