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The 7 Best Travel Car Seats of 2024

These top picks combine convenience and peace of mind

Jordi is a freelance contributor to TripSavvy. Her personal passions gravitate toward wellness and adventure, leading her to frequently plan trips that blend zen relaxation with urban and rugged exploration.

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

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Traveling with small children is a great way to make memories. You expose little ones to new experiences and see the world through their eyes. But there are still everyday tasks to worry about on the road, from meal times to naps. Safety is the top priority, of course, and this means ensuring your kids have a good car seat.

If you're flying with small children or frequently switching cars, the thought of lugging around the car seat you have perfectly installed in your vehicle can seem daunting. Luckily, many companies make travel car seats lighter and easier to install on the go. These models also emphasize portability and legroom for your child to grow into.

To find the best choice for you, we looked closely at the installation process, weight ratings, and certification status of some of the most popular options on the market today.

Final Verdict

• What to Look For

Why Trust TripSavvy

Best overall, cosco scenera next convertible car seat.

 Amazon

Easy to carry

Budget friendly

Sizing issues for older childen

The Cosco Scenera Next Convertible Car Seat receives excellent marks for lightness and simplicity. This affordable car seat is a great choice for those who already have a regular car seat but need a second option for traveling. Safety features include side-impact protection built into the headrest and a five-point harness that adjusts to accommodate your growing child. The car seat can be used rear-facing for kiddos 5 to 40 pounds and 19 to 40 inches tall or front-facing for those 22 to 40 pounds or 29 to 43 inches tall. The car seat will last from infancy through toddlerhood.

Use the LATCH connectors or a seat belt to secure the car seat in any rental car or taxi. It's also designed with air travel in mind: It's FAA-approved and lightweight at just 7 pounds. Additionally, its 17.5-inch width makes it a good fit for most airline seats. Other highlights include a removable, machine-washable, and dryer-safe car seat pad and a dishwasher-safe cup holder. Colors range from Moon Mist Grey to Ocean Breeze.

Dimensions: 17.6 x 15.8 x 30.3 inches | Weight Rating: Up to 40 pounds | Installation Type: LATCH

Best Lightweight

Wayb pico travel car seat.

Very compact

Includes a travel bag

Only for toddlers and older

Car seats are a hassle to travel with because they're bulky, heavy, and unwieldy. Luckily, this travel car seat by Wayb won't add much extra weight to your suitcase. Weighing under 8 pounds, the FAA-approved Pico Travel Car Seat is easy to transport everywhere you go. It's front-facing and can hold kids between 22 to 55 pounds or measuring 30 to 45 inches tall. It has an AeroWing aluminum frame that is durable yet lightweight, and the AstroKnit performance mesh lining will keep your kids comfortable throughout their journey. Best of all, this car seat folds into a small enough package to store in overhead bins and comes with a carrying bag that can slip onto your suitcase.

Dimensions: 15 x 11 x 20 inches | Weight Rating: Up to 50 pounds | Installation Type: LATCH or car/airplane seat belt

Most Compact

Safety 1st guide 65 convertible car seat.

Supports a variety of sizes and ages

Sleek design

Machine-washable cover

Complaints about installation

Safety 1st's Guide 65 Convertible Car Seat weighs 14 pounds; it's sturdy enough for everyday use yet light enough for travel. This car seat's frame is so compact that you could place three in the back of your car, making it an excellent option for larger families or smaller European rental cars. Plus, it can accommodate a wide range of weights, making it a budget-friendly pick that can last for years. It's for children who weigh between 5 and 40 pounds to use in a rear-facing position and children 22 to 65 pounds to use in a front-facing position.

Side-impact protection and five harnesses that adjust in the center ensure your child stays secure throughout their ride and help deflect impact away from their head, neck, and spine in the event of an accident. Other safety features include three buckle locations and an adjustable headrest. This car seat also has a LATCH connector system, making it easy to take the seat in and out of the car quickly. Both the cushion and cup holder are removable for easy cleanup. It's available in multiple colors.

Dimensions: 27.3 x 18.5 x 20.3 inches | Weight Rating: Up to 65 pounds | Installation Type: LATCH

Best for Bigger Kids

Graco extend2fit convertible car seat.

Harness storage makes loading and unloading easy

Rigorously crash tested

Several customizable features

Most of the car seats on this list are appropriate for children up to 40 pounds, but the Graco Extend2Fit is rated for up to 65 pounds. It also allows children up to 50 pounds to ride rear-facing and provides an extra 5 inches of legroom. This, plus a headrest that can also be adjusted to 10 different positions, ensures the child is comfortable and secure as they grow.

Two integrated cup holders keep juice bottles within easy reach and help to prevent spills. While there are multiple ways to install this model, it is easy to remember after the first time. Although this seat is designed with car travel in mind , it is FAA-approved. If you're flying economy class, consider calling ahead to check that the restraint is compatible with the airline seat.

Dimensions: 21.5 x 19.5 x 23.5 inches | Weight Rating: Up to 65 pounds | Installation Type: InRight LATCH

Best Booster Combo

Cosco finale dx 2-in-1 booster car seat.

Can fit three across

Easy to clean

Accommodates older children

Durability complaints

If you're shopping for a child aged 12 months or older, the Cosco Finale DX 2-in-1 Booster Car Seat will last from toddlerhood until after they start school. It has a 10-year lifespan and can be used as a forward-facing car seat or as a high-back booster seat. As a car seat, it's appropriate for kids between 30 to 65 pounds and 32 to 49 inches in height. The five-point harness has three different height settings, and the LATCH connectors can be used until your child reaches 50 pounds. In addition, the FAA approves the Cosco Finale for aircraft use in its car seat capacity.

It suits kids between 40 to 100 pounds and 43 to 52 inches in height as a booster seat. Its 17-inch width and 9-pound weight make it ideal for quick transfers between rental cars, taxis, and family cars back home. Other useful features include a removable cup holder and a machine-washable cover in colors that range from gray to pale pink. Lastly, thrifty families will appreciate this seat's affordable price tag.

Dimensions: 18.3 x 19 x 29.8 inches | Weight Rating: Up to 100 pounds | Installation Type: LATCH or seat belt

Most Innovative

Maxi-cosi pria max 3-in-1 convertible car seat.

Easy to buckle

Not the lightest pick

If you don't want to invest in multiple car seats, the Pria Max 3-in-1 Convertible Car Seat is your best bet. It can handle children from birth to 10 years old, making it one of the most versatile options on the market. Plus, the high-end brand makes each stage supremely comfortable for your child and easy for adults to use. It has a spring-assist harness system, so the straps don't get tangled; a one-hand magnetic chest clip; a simple integrated headrest and harness system, so you don't have to rethread as your tot grows; and machine-washable fabric. Keep in mind it comes with a hefty price tag and heavier weight.

Dimensions: 25.3 x 24 x 19.9 inches | Weight Rating: Up to 100 pounds | Installation Type: LATCH or seat belt

Best For Road Trips

Chicco keyfit 35 cleartex infant car seat.

FAA-approved

Eco-friendly textiles

UPF 50+ canopy

Rear-facing only

This car seat is a great option for road trips —or as your primary car seat that occasionally travels—as the stay-in-car base is a breeze to install correctly and the carrier itself clicks into place in one motion. When it's time to stretch your legs and explore simply detach the seat and click it into any Chicco stroller base for a lightning-fast travel combo. The base has an anti-rebound bar for added stability and extra legroom for a rider up to 32 inches tall, and the headrest has five different positions to accommodate an infant's growth.

If your plans include air travel, this is still a solid pick. The best thing about this carrier is that it can be installed in an aircraft or rental vehicle without the base, using the European or American routing method. The base and carrier together weigh 18 pounds but you'll only have to manage 10 pounds if you go baseless. It comes with removable newborn positioners so little ones from 4 pounds are ready to roll.

Dimensions: 28 x 16.5 x 24 inches | Weight Rating: 4 to 35 pounds | Installation Type: LATCH or seat belt

The Cosco Scenera Next Convertible Car Seat is light, FAA-approved, and supports young travelers up to 40 pounds. We love the accessible price point and easy-to-clean cover. If you're shopping for a toddler or older but still want to prioritize portability, go for the Wayb Pico Travel Car Seat .

What to Look For in Travel Car Seats

Installation.

All models on our list use LATCH systems and some can also be installed using the vehicle's seat belt, but you should never use both anchoring methods together. LATCH, also known as Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children, is an alternative way of securing the car seat to the vehicle without using the seat belt. Both the vehicle and the car seat must have LATCH parts to install the seat properly, but most car seats (and vehicles manufactured after 2002) will do so. The car seat has straps that come from the bottom and a tether at the top. These attach to the lower anchors in the car, found in the space between the rear back seat and seat cushion, and to the top anchor, which could be near the rear window or on the car ceiling. When in doubt, check the vehicle manual and seat instructions.

Weight Rating

Like their everyday counterparts, travel car seats include maximum weight ratings that must be adhered to. Additionally, your decision to install the car seat front- or rear-facing is based on the weight and height of your child. Most models can transition from rear- to front-facing as your tot grows, or even from front-facing to a booster seat like the Cosco Finale DX . Consider the kid's age, weight, height, and the manufacturer's notes to choose a travel seat that will give you the longest practical use.

Certification Status

Most importantly, the car seat you buy should meet all safety standards. If you're flying, look for an FAA-approved or similarly aircraft-approved seat.

"All legal car seats must meet the same crash test criteria, or safety standards, and be properly labeled," said Amie Durocher, a CPS Tech at SafeRide4Kids.com. "If you are worried about counterfeit car seats, check the label. Certified seats in the U.S. are required to have very specific language on the labels. Beware if it doesn't mention federal motor vehicle safety standards or FMVSS213 or if it lacks a model name or number or manufacture date."

Yes, you can travel with a car seat on the plane —and it's actually recommended. "We recommend that parents purchase a seat even for children under 2 who could be 'lap babies' and use the FAA-approved child restraint on the airplane," said Durocher. "This makes it safer for the child—and the parent—in case of an incident during takeoff or landing and in case of turbulence during the flight."

The hardest part of traveling with a car seat is figuring out the logistics through the airport. “Infant car seats that click onto a compatible stroller are easy, but travelers might need a car seat cart, luggage strap, or bungee cords to lug a convertible car seat through the airport,” said Michelle Pratt, founder and owner of Safe in the Seat. “Some people prefer to check their stroller with their luggage and use a car seat cart to get their child and seat through the airport easily. Others babywear or let their toddler walk and load up their stroller with all their gear, then gate check the stroller planeside.”

“Rear-facing is the safest way for kids to ride in the car, but it’s not always possible on planes due to the tighter space,” added Pratt. “If the car seat fits rear-facing on the plane, that’s best. But kids who rear-face in the car can forward-face on the plane if they are at least 1 year old and meet their car seat’s forward-facing requirements. Then they seamlessly go back to rear-facing in the car at the destination.”

Author Jordi Lippe-McGraw has researched and written about travel and lifestyle products for nearly a decade. She is also the mom of a 3-year-old. When making this list, she researched dozens of products, looking at key specs like dimensions and weight rating and the number of positive and negative reviews. While researching the best travel car seats, we spoke with Amie Durocher , a CPS Tech at SafeRide4Kids.com, and Michelle Pratt , founder and owner of Safe in the Seat.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. " Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) Restraint System ." Accessed Feb 6th, 2023.

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The 8 Best Travel Car Seats of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

We rounded up the best travel-friendly car seats to keep your kids safe wherever you go.

In This Article

• Our Top Picks
• Others We Liked

Our Testing Process

• Tips for Buying

You May Also Need

• Why Trust T+L

Travel + Leisure / Cassie Aulie

Traveling with children can be a gratifying and enriching experience, but family vacations are also challenging because of the extra items you need to pack (and carry), including a car seat, which adds quite a lot of bulk to your luggage. That's why we set out to find the most compact, travel-friendly, lightweight, and easy-to-install car seats on the market right now.

We combed through results and feedback from three different real-world car seat tests in which we tested a total of 57 car seats, looking specifically for portable, travel-friendly options. During testing, we looked at several factors like design, features, ease of cleaning, value, and — most importantly — safety. Below, we rounded up eight of the best travel car seats to consider for your next family getaway.

Best Overall

Graco contender slim convertible car seat.

It is an excellent fit for compact cars.

The chest buckle is large and bulky.

Lugging around a heavy car seat in addition to your luggage is not pleasant, but this car seat will make your life so much easier. Not only is it the lightest car seat on our list, but it is also the slimmest, making it an excellent choice for both compact and larger vehicles (or for larger families who need to fit more than one car seat in the backseat). Installation took us about 15 minutes, and then it was pretty intuitive to use. It has several inserts that help you customize it for your child, including an infant insert with extra padding, eight headrest heights, and two reclining positions.

It also has a removable cup for snacks and drinks that you can place on either side of the seat. And while we only had to spot-clean it, if you need to wash the entire cover, you can take it off and throw it in the washing machine. The fabric is breathable and has held up exceptionally well after over a month of use.

The Details: Weighs 16 pounds; holds 65 pounds | 24.75 x 18.9 x 21.5 inches | Rear and forward modes | Belt- and latch-compatible

Travel + Leisure

Best Rotating

Evenflo gold revolve360 convertible car seat.

It’s easy to install and rotates 360 degrees.

It would be nice if it had a built-in sunshade.

Four minutes: that's exactly how much time it took us to install this Evenflo car seat after watching the instructional video. It was an incredibly easy-to-follow process, and we found the audible click and level indicator super helpful. But the most impressive feature of this convertible car seat is its ability to rotate 360 degrees, which is a complete game changer for parents (seriously, our team member who tested this car seat said it spoiled them into "never using a car seat that doesn't have this feature"). This means that the seat can transform into rear- or forward-facing in seconds without the need to uninstall the entire seat and base. Just pull one of the two levers on either side and start rotating it. This feature also makes it super convenient to place your child in the seat and buckle them because you no longer have to bend at an awkward angle. 

Comfort is also a standout feature, and the upholstery fabric of this car seat felt soft, breathable, and very high-quality (cleaning it is also a breeze). The overall padding of the car seat and the generous recline positions also contribute to a more comfortable trip. And finally, while this is not the lightest car seat at 40.6 pounds, its design is quite compact, and even if you install it in a smaller vehicle, you will be left with a good amount of legroom and recline space for the seat in front. 

Shoppers should also note that the Office of Vehicle Safety Compliance (OVSC) is currently evaluating this car seat .

The Details: Weighs 40.6 pounds; holds up to 120 pounds | 25.9 x 19.8 x 21 inches | Rear, forward, and booster modes | Belt- and latch-compatible

Best for Compact Cars

Diono radian 3rxt convertible car seat.

 Amazon

The seat folds, making it easy to carry.

The initial installation takes more time than some of the other options on this list.

When renting a large car is not always possible, this Diono car seat is the way to go. First, it's much easier to carry (and store) because of its slim, foldable design. And while the installation took us a while compared to others on this list (about 45 minutes to an hour), we found it to be a perfect match for a smaller vehicle similar to a Fiat 500. 

Second, buckling and unbuckling is super intuitive, and the straps never get tangled up. And even after a year of constant use, the fabric is in excellent condition with few signs of wear and tear other than some light fading. You can also remove the cover and machine wash it, another very convenient feature. 

Third, we love that even though the seat is about 17 inches wide, it features additional padding and side protection without compromising comfort. Lastly, this car seat is also FAA-approved, so feel free to fly with it.

The Details: Weights 30.6 pounds; holds up to 120 pounds | 17 x 28.5 x 16 inches | Rear, forward, and booster modes | Latch

Best With Stroller

Doona car seat and stroller.

The wheels fold up and attach to the seat.

There is no storage space, and you need to purchase the base separately. 

There is a reason the Doona car seat is a best-seller and an all-time parent favorite. It's all in the smart design that combines a car seat and a stroller in one compact product. Unlike other models, the wheels of this car seat collapse under it so you can latch it into its base (sold separately). Basically, you can bid adieu to lugging a stroller and a car seat. This is the ultimate travel-friendly stroller/car seat combo for infants and toddlers up to 35 pounds. We recommend you take your time to read the folding and unfolding instructions before you use it. It took us some time to figure out what each button was for and how to attach it to the base correctly, but it was smooth sailing once we got the hang of it.

The Doona is upholstered in a cooling bamboo fabric for added comfort, and it has a canopy for shade. The car seat also performed exceptionally well in our maneuverability category during testing — it was a breeze pushing it even with one hand. The brake was easy to engage and disengage, so this is the perfect option for a city vacation or a road trip that requires you to quickly transport your baby in and out of the car.

The Details: Weights 16.5 pounds; holds up to 35 pounds | 26 x 17.4 x 22.4 inches (folded) | Rear-facing | Latch and belt

Most Durable

Graco extend2fit 3-in-1 car seat.

This option proved to be most durable after we used it for more than two years.

The shoulder straps are difficult to adjust.

We tested this car seat for over two years, and it has held up exceptionally well against wear and tear, spills, and everything a toddler can (literally) throw at it. Graco makes some of the sturdiest, most durable car seats by focusing on quality and safety, and this is exactly why we included the Extend2Fit model in this list.

The car seat is easy to install (it took us about 20 minutes), and even if you're setting it up in a smaller vehicle, it leaves plenty of legroom and recline space. We appreciated the two deep cup holders that are perfect for holding sippy cups and snacks (and bonus points for how easy they are to clean). This car seat has a unique feature that accommodates growing kids — a retractable panel provides five extra inches of legroom, making it safer for taller infants and toddlers to ride in a rear-facing position.

The Details: Weighs 19 pounds; holds up to 65 pounds | 24.5 x 20.75 x 19 inches | Rear and forward modes | Latch

Most Comfortable

Safety 1st grow and go lx convertible car seat.

You can use the footrest in both rear- and forward-facing positions, making it comfortable no matter which way kids sit.

 It is a bit tricky to install.

Looking for a car seat to keep your little one comfortable during long road trips? This one performed well in almost all categories thanks to its easy use, design, durability, and overall value. Its size is generous (so it may not be a great fit for compact vehicles) and provides ample space for kids to grow into without compromising on padding and safety.

Safety 1st updated this model with a footrest that really impressed us because you can use it in rear-facing, forward-facing, and booster positions so your child's feet will not dangle for hours. We also love that the removable cups are dishwasher-safe and come with convenient lids to prevent messes (but in any case, the cover is removable and machine-washable). The car seat we tested still looks new, and the fabric seems spill-resistant.

The Details: Weighs 20 pounds; holds up to 100 pounds | 23.5 x 19 x 25 inches | Rear, forward, and booster modes | Latch and belt

Best for Multiple Age Groups

Graco 3-in-1 rotating car seat.

It is super easy to install and accommodates various age groups.

This rotating car seat works better in larger cars and may be a tight squeeze in smaller vehicles.

Your child should be all set for years to come with Graco's convertible car seat, which accommodates children up to 100 pounds. It rotates in a rear-facing position so you can get your baby in and out of it more easily. As for securing your child, the buckles are extremely easy to use, and the straps stay in sync — meaning that if you loosen one, the other will loosen automatically, too. And with four reclining positions, your child will be comfortable whether they are taking a nap, eating a snack, or playing.

We tested this car seat in a mid-size SUV, and it left plenty of reclining space for the seat in front. However, if you install it in a smaller vehicle, it might be a much tighter situation. And speaking of the installation, it only took us 17 minutes to read the instructions, watch the YouTube video, and install it. Finally, this seat grows with your child as it can accommodate kids weighing from four to 100 pounds. 

The Details: Weighs 30 pounds; holds up to 100 pounds | 19.1 x 24.4 x 20.8 inches | Rear, forward, and booster modes | Latch

Easiest Installation

Britax emblem 3-stage convertible car seat.

This no-fuss car seat is quick to install, and it only weighs 19 pounds.

There are no extra features such as cup holders or sensors.

If you're in the market for a no-fuss, easy-to-use car seat, this is it. Installation is standard (although you will still have to read the instructions to do it), and once you've practiced a couple of times, you will be able to install it pretty fast in any vehicle. We tested it in a sedan and an SUV, and it fits well in both (although the SUV was a slightly better fit). Thanks to the excellent design, using it is a breeze. Buckling your child, adjusting the harness, and reclining is intuitive and stress-free, which is exactly what you need when you're on the road. And while it may not have many bells and whistles, it provides excellent padding, and the fabric is soft and pillowy without feeling scratchy. 

The Details: Weighs 19.5 pounds; holds up to 65 pounds | 21 x 18.3 x 26 inches | Rear and forward modes | Latch

Other Car Seats We Liked

We tested so many car seats that we think there are a few more worth mentioning, although we didn't love them quite as much as the others on our main list.

Baby Jogger City Sights Travel System: This stroller and car seat combo is a good option for parents looking for a two-in-one. The stroller is easy to maneuver and collapses into a pretty compact and travel-friendly size. The car seat has a weight capacity of 35 pounds, so it can only be used in a rear-facing position.

Nuna Rava Convertible Car Seat : This rear-facing car seat can accommodate children up to 50 pounds, which is impressive (however, keep in mind that the seat itself is almost 28 pounds). The straps and the buckles are very easy to use and don't get in the way when you place your child in and out of the seat.

We used results from three real-world tests in which we reviewed convertible car seats, rotating convertible car seats, and car seat stroller combos to find our favorite travel-friendly options. We sorted through feedback from 57 car seats we tested, looking at weight, size, and performance in multiple categories, including ease of installation, ease of use, design, features, safety, value, and more.

We also consulted Ben Hoffman, MD, a pediatrician and nationally recognized expert in child injury prevention and education, to ensure the safety of the products we chose for real-life tests. In addition, every car seat meets the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) standards.

Tips for Buying a Travel Car Seat

Look for portability.

Portability is one of the major factors differentiating a standard car seat from one you'll mostly use while traveling. Consider its weight and size: opt for lighter and more compact car seats that you can carry without compromising safety features. Some car seats fold or feature collapsible stroller wheels — all features that come in handy when you're on the road or in transit. 

Consider ease of installation

When you're just getting off a long-haul flight and need to get in the car and drive for hours, the last thing you want is to waste time installing a car seat. That's why your travel car seat should be simple to install and use. Check if the vehicle you are setting it up in accommodates a latch or belt car seat, and make sure that yours can comfortably fit in the back seat of whatever size car you may be renting. Then, read through the installation instructions or watch the video, and make sure you don't need another adult to help you safely install it. 

Pay attention to your child's weight and height

Every car seat has strict weight and height limits to ensure your child's safety. Some might also have age restrictions, but they are not as important as children are different and grow at their own pace.Make sure you weigh and measure your child before purchasing a travel car seat. The good thing about convertible car seats is that you can use them in both rear- and forward-facing positions as your child grows so you don't have to invest in a new car seat every few years.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, but you must first ensure the car seat is FAA-approved (it will say so on the car seat). In fact, while using a car seat on a plane is not required, the FAA recommends it to ensure your little one's safety in case of turbulence, for example. If traveling on an international airline outside the U.S., check with that airline's policies, size limitations, and guidelines before your trip, as some international airlines do not allow car seats on board. Usually, using a booster seat during a flight is not an issue with airlines, and it doesn't count toward your carry-on luggage allowance.

The short answer is yes. Airlines will usually check in a car seat, stroller, or a child restraint system for free (one per child). However, the tricky part is that if you're not traveling with a child, you might have to pay to check in the car seat, so in this case, it's always best to contact the airline before your trip.

If your car seat is oversized, you will be asked to check it in at the airport, so it's essential to place it in a protective bag that will offer some sort of protection while in the cargo hold of the plane. Even if you plan on using your car seat during the flight, a travel bag can help make carrying it through the airport easier. Some car seats come with travel bags that have handles. If your car seat doesn't come with one, you can likely purchase it from the maker's website or find one that accommodates the size of your car seat on Amazon. Certain bags even feature wheels so you can roll the car seat through the airport.

Most car rental companies offer car seats as an add-on for a fee, so if you don't want to invest in one or carry it with you, you can always rent one. U.S. car rental companies must offer car seats that comply with state and federal laws. However, if you're traveling internationally, the risk is that you don't know if the car seat has been stored and cleaned properly or if it’s ever been in an accident. It also means you have to install it yourself, which can be challenging and time-consuming if you're unfamiliar with that particular brand or car seat model. 

If you're traveling with children, here are some other useful products that can help make your trip run smoothly.

Maxi-cosi Swift Lightweight Portable Play Yard : This was our absolute favorite travel crib out of 19 that we tested , with a detachable mattress and bassinet feature that you can use to adjust the crib as your newborn grows. The crib is easy set up and take down for maximum portability, and it proved to be sturdy and durable in the long run.

Cybex Coya Compact Lightweight Travel Stroller : After testing strollers in our lab , this was our favorite travel stroller for flying. We found that it folds up quickly and fits easily into airplane overhead bins. It also has removable seat padding for cleaning and a canopy that comes down for sun and rain protection.

JetKids by Stokke BedBox Kid's Ride-on Suitcase : We are expert luggage testers here at Travel + Leisure , and this ride-on suitcase was one of our favorites for kids . The ride-on design means that a kid can sit on top of the suitcase as their parents pull them using the adjustable strap. Parents can also use the strap to carry the lightweight suitcase like a shoulder bag.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

For this article, Dobrina Zhekova worked with T+L editors to round up the safest and most comfortable travel car seats for kids of all ages from real-world tests. As a mother, she has also tested several car seats in the past five years and has extensive knowledge of airline policies and regulations about traveling with car seats. She also referenced customer reviews and expert recommendations in this article.

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Ever try to lug a 20-pound car seat through an airport while thinking to yourself, “There has to be a better way?”

Traveling with babies and young children can be a great adventure, but it can also be a bit of a logistical nightmare. Where will they sleep? (A travel crib or a travel bed usually do the trick.) Can you fly with breastmilk ? (Yes.) How do you keep a toddler entertained on a long flight? (Thoughts and prayers.)

Car seats can be especially confusing when you’re away from home. Most present a bit of a conundrum: you want your to keep your little one safe and secure, but you don’t want to throw out your back lugging a big, bulky car seat around with you wherever you go. The good news is there are plenty of travel-friendly car seat options on the market—you just need to know what features to look for.

Babylist’s Top Picks for the Best Travel Car Seats

Best infant car seats.

• Lightest Infant Car Seat: UPPAbaby Aria Car Seat
• Best Affordable Infant Car Seat: Evenflo Litemax 35 Infant Car Seat
• Best Luxury Infant Car Seat: Nuna Pipa Rx Infant Car Seat with Relx Base
• Best Infant Car Seat + Stroller: Doona Infant Car Seat & Stroller

Best convertible car seats

• Best Convertible: Cosco Scenera NEXT Convertible Car Seat
• Longer Lasting Convertible: Evenflo Sonus 65 Convertible Car Seat
• Most Compact Convertible: WAYB Pico Travel Car Seat

Best booster seats

• Best High-back: Graco TurboBooster 2.0 Highback Booster Car Seat
• Best Backless: Cosco Rise Backless Booster Car Seat

In This Article

• How We Chose the Best Travel Car Seats
• Our Top Picks

What Is a Travel Car Seat?

Do you need a travel car seat, features to look for in a travel car seat, babylist’s picks for the best car seats for travel, infant car seats, lightest infant car seat for travel.

UPPAbaby Aria Infant Car Seat - Jake

The UPPAbaby Aria, one of our top car seats for infants , hit the market in early 2024 and we couldn’t be more excited about it. The brand’s OG car seat, the Mesa , is a popular choice for expecting parents but is a few pounds heavier than many comparable seats. The Aria comes in much lighter, weighing just under six pounds without the canopy and inserts, making it the lightest infant seat currently on the market. This is great if you’re using the seat daily, but even better if you’re using it for travel.

The Aria is GREENGUARD Gold Certified and can be installed with or without its base, another travel plus. (It features something called a European belt path , a routing system that makes installing the seat without its base safer and more secure.) A no-rethread harness makes fit adjustments easy and there’s a load leg and an anti-rebound bar for safety and stability. We also love the XL canopy for shade and darkness and that you won’t need adapters if you’re connecting the seat directly to a Vista or Cruz stroller.

Additional Specs

Best affordable infant car seat for travel.

Evenflo Litemax 35 Infant Car Seat - Knowville Gray

You don’t have to spend hundreds and hundreds of dollars on a travel-friendly infant car seat. Evenflo’s LiteMax (another of our top baby car seats ) costs a bit over $100 and weighs only eight pounds, making it affordable and travel-ready. You can install it without its base—it even has a European belt path. There’s a full-coverage canopy and an ergonomically designed handle for easier carrying.

If you don’t mind spending a bit more and are looking for some extra safety features, check out the LiteMax DLX , which features a load leg. (Just remember that the load led extends from the base, so if you’re using just the seat you won’t have that benefit.) And for another affordable infant car seat for travel, check out Graco’s SnugRide 35 Lite LX Infant Car Seat . It weighs just over seven pounds and can be installed without the base when you don’t feel like bringing it along.

Best Luxury Infant Car Seat for Travel

Nuna Pipa Rx Infant Car Seat with Relx Base - Granite

The Pipa Rx is a stellar combination of safety + convenience and works just as well as an everyday car seat as it does for travel. It’s pricey, but it’s also a sleek, modern seat with two key features that make it ideal for travel: weight and ease of installation. The Pipa weighs just over seven pounds, making it one of the lightest infant car seats on the market—a huge plus when you’re carrying it through the airport or taking it in and out of your car. And like other seats on our list, you can install it without the base using your vehicle’s seat belt and the European belt path.

It’s also packed with high-end features that you’d expect in a higher-priced seat. It’s GREENGUARD Gold Certified and doesn’t contain any added fire-retardant chemicals, and there’s an oversized canopy for shade. Safety-wise, it excels, featuring both a load leg and an anti-rebound panel (both extra safety features that help absorb impact and rebound in the event of a crash).

For another high-end, travel-friendly seat, check out the Clek Liingo . It’s a bit heavier, but it features LATCH anchors built right into the car seat itself, meaning you can skip the base and the seat belt and install it securely in seconds.

Best Infant Car Seat Stroller Hybrid for Travel

Doona Infant Car Seat & Stroller - Nitro Black

There’s nothing quite like the Doona. This one-of-a-kind hybrid stroller + car seat is a favorite of on-the-go parents and is a great item of baby gear to own if you’ll be traveling frequently with your little one during their first year or so.

The Doona transforms from an infant car seat into a stroller with the click of a button. When it’s time to get in the car, the stroller legs and wheels pull up and fold under the car seat. It’s a dream if you’re looking to cut down on the amount of gear you’re lugging around when you’re away from home and if you’re looking for a seat that’s easy to get in and out of ride shares or rental cars. (It’s a great seat for city dwellers too.)

Convertible Car Seats

Best convertible car seat for travel.

Cosco Scenera NEXT Convertible Car Seat

Most convertible seats aren’t designed for travel. Weighing in at an average of about 20 pounds, convertibles don’t snap into strollers and are heavy, bulky and meant to be installed in your car and stay there. For parents who travel frequently or don’t own a car, getting around with a convertible seat poses quite the challenge.

The Next, which is ranked as one of our best convertible car seats , solves for this dilemma. It weighs about 10 pounds—light for any car seat but especially so for a convertible. It’s easy to sling over your shoulder while you’re walking through the airport or install in an airplane seat or a ride share. (It’s FAA-approved for plane travel.) It’s totally no-frills and can be a bit tricky to get a secure install, but it’s slim, safe and affordable and can be used both rear- and forward-facing.

A Longer Lasting Travel-Friendly Convertible Pick

Evenflo Sonus 65 Convertible Car Seat - Rocco Red

The Sonus 65 is a travel-friendly convertible car seat and a good choice if you’re looking for a seat with a higher height and weight maximum than the Cosco Scenera Next. It weighs a bit more, but only by about a pound, and you’ll be able to use it until your little one reaches 65 pounds or 50 inches as opposed to the Next which maxes out at 40 pounds and 43 inches.

In addition to its extended use capabilities, the Sonos is an affordable seat with a few noteworthy features. It’s a fairly narrow seat, so it won’t take up much room across your back seat and can be used three across. There’s also a built-in ventilation system, a reinforced frame, five shoulder strap positions and two integrated cup holders for drinks and snacks.

Most Compact Convertible Car Seat for Travel

WAYB Pico Travel Car Seat

The WAYB Pico is like no other convertible car seat on the market. Designed specifically for families who travel or are frequently on the go, it’s one of the pricer options on our list but is a worthwhile investment if you’re looking for an innovative, safe and incredibly compact convertible car seat option.

The creators of the Pico were inspired to create a completely unique convertible-style seat after watching parents struggle trying to lug car seats through airports and in and out of taxis and ride shares. There’s no feature here that hasn’t been completely (and ingeniously) thought through. The Pico’s frame is made from lightweight, aerospace-grade aluminum; there’s a five-point harness and seat fabric made from a cool, breathable mesh; and the seat installs either via a seat belt or LATCH system. The Pico weighs just eight pounds and folds up for easy transport either by hand or in the brand’s carry bag .

One thing to keep in mind: the seat is forward-facing only, so if you’re looking for a rear-facing convertible for travel, this isn’t a good fit for you.

Booster Seats

Best booster seat for travel.

Graco TurboBooster 2.0 Highback Booster Car Seat

Booster seats use a vehicle’s seat belt as a restraint and were developed to help elevate children in a car’s seat, making adult seat belts fit better on smaller bodies. You’ll have to wait quite a while until you transition your little one from a convertible car seat into a booster; most experts recommend waiting to make the leap until your child maxes out their forward-facing car seat, meets the height and weight requirements of the booster and is mature enough to sit properly upright (no leaning, twisting, moving around etc.).

There are two types of boosters: high-back and backless. Graco’s TurboBooster falls into the first category, with a high back and a seat belt guide to thread your vehicle’s shoulder belt for a proper fit. Due to their height, no high-backs are particularly great for travel, but this one is one of the best you’ll find in terms of price (affordable) and weight (just over eight pounds). It’s also easy to install and fits a wide variety of children well, and transitions to a backless booster for years of use.

Best Backless Booster Seat for Travel

Cosco Rise Backless Booster Car Seat

Most experts recommend using a high-back booster for as long as possible , but once you’re ready to make the switch to a backless model, your life is going to get a whole lot easier (and a lot lighter!). Cosco’s Rise is a no-frills seat that’s affordable, lightweight and compact, making it ideal to toss into a bag or even a tote for travel. The wide base and high armrests make it easy for your child to buckle in themselves and there’s a shoulder belt positioning clip to ensure you’ll get the proper fit.

How We Chose Our Best Car Seats for Travel

• We analyzed results from Babylist’s Best Baby Products survey , which polled 6,000 Babylist users and asked them to share the baby products they love the most and why.
• We utilized insight from the Babylist editorial team, including Gear Editor Jen LaBracio, an expert in the baby space for over six years and a mom of two who has written hundreds of baby gear guides and personally researched and tested hundreds of baby products, including many travel car seats.
• We reviewed customer reviews from hundreds of real Babylist parents.

There’s no specific category or true definition for a “travel” car seat; instead, what defines a travel-friendly car seat is more about its features. Things like a light weight, compact design and ease of portability are all factors to consider when you’re shopping for this type of seat.

Determining if it’s worthwhile to invest in a car seat just for travel depends on your family’s lifestyle. If you’re a family who tends to stay close to home or use your own car when you’re traveling, you can likely skip a travel-friendly seat. But if you’re planning on hitting the road (or the skies) frequently with your little one in tow, then purchasing a car seat specifically for travel can make your life on the go a whole lot easier.

Also keep in mind that you don’t have to use a travel-friendly car seat just for travel. A compact, lightweight car seat is a great choice if you’re an urban family that doesn’t own a car, for example, if you need a seat for a grandparent or other caregiver or if plan to switch your seat frequently between cars.

There are some specific features to keep in mind when you’re shopping for a car seat that’s well-suited for travel.

• Weight. This is a biggie. Lugging around a heavy car seat isn’t a fun way to spend any part of your vacation. Choose the lightest seat you can within your budget—your lower back can thank us later.
• Design. A slim, compact seat is easier to transport than a big, bulky one. Keep this in mind when choosing what type of seat you’ll purchase for traveling.
• Ease of installation. Does spending 40 minutes trying to install a car seat in your rental car sound like fun? Make sure the car seat you choose for travel can be installed quickly and easily in the widest range of car makes and models.
• FAA-approved. This one’s important if you plan on doing a lot of travel via plane. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that kids ride in child safety seats on airplanes —but you’ll need to make sure your seat is approved for airplane use . Look for a label on the seat that reads “certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft” to be sure. This includes infant seats, convertibles, forward-facing seats and some harnessed boosters.

Jen LaBracio

Senior gear editor.

Jen LaBracio is Babylist’s Senior Gear Editor, a role that perfectly combines her love of all things baby gear with her love of (obsessive) research. When she’s not testing out a new high chair or pushing the latest stroller model around her neighborhood, she likes to run, spin, listen to podcasts, read and spend time at the beach. In her past life, she worked for over a decade in children’s publishing. She lives outside of Chicago with her husband and their two boys, Will and Ben.

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Travel Insurance and Rental Cars: What’s Covered?

Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money .

If you’re planning on renting a car while traveling, you’ll want to make sure that you’re covered with insurance. Most rental car companies offer some coverage at an extra cost, but these options tend to be expensive. But affordable rental car insurance is out there — it just takes some effort to coordinate.

Many general travel insurance policies offer rental car coverage either as part of their standard plans or as an add-on. Plus, you may have a credit card with rental car insurance already included .

Here's a look at how car rental travel insurance works, what it covers and other options for making sure you’re insured while on the road in a rented car.

Does travel insurance cover car rentals?

Yes, many travel insurance policies include some form of rental car coverage. If it’s not already included in your plan, there may be an option to customize coverage by adding rental car insurance.

Costs vary depending on the overall plan, the coverage limit of the rental car insurance and whether the insurance is primary or secondary.

Primary rental car coverage is the first entity to pay out; "secondary" means the insurance will only cover costs not already paid for by other policies. This is also known as car rental excess insurance, meaning that rental car excess insurance kicks in only after other coverage is exhausted.

If you own a car and have an insurance policy, check if you already have rental car coverage. In the U.S., personal car insurance tends to cover rentals.

» Learn more: Rental car insurance explained

Travel insurance on a rental car

When considering a specific travel insurance policy, comb through its plan documents to see what type of car rental coverage is included.

In general, rental car insurance provided by a travel insurance policy is limited. Unlike a personal car insurance policy or rental car insurance from a credit card, the plan likely won’t cover liability or medical expenses incurred in an accident.

» Learn more: How your credit card has you covered with rental car insurance

Travel insurance policies often offer a collision damage waiver (CDW), which means that the damage your vehicle sustains in an accident will be reimbursed. CDWs may also include coverage for theft.

Some policies exclude specialty vehicles from coverage, while others won’t insure you for cars rented in certain countries.

Of course, it’s also possible to opt for the insurance offered by the rental car company, which can be a hassle-free way to ensure that you don’t end up on the hook in case of an accident.

» Learn more: How to find the best travel insurance

Finding travel insurance with rental car coverage

To find a policy with rental car insurance, head to a travel insurance provider comparison sites like TravelInsurance.com or Squaremouth.

Here's a search on Squaremouth as an example.

First, input your travel information, including when you’re departing, where you’re going, age and state of residence.

Then, the search engine will create a list of all available policies, which can be filtered to those that include rental car insurance.

Note that the terms of each policy can differ, especially how much coverage you’ll receive for a rental car.

» Learn more: Declining rental car insurance abroad? Know the risks

Credit cards that offer travel insurance with rental car coverage

To get rental car insurance while traveling, you may first want to check your credit cards. Many credit cards offer complimentary rental car insurance for bookings charged to that card.

You’ll find this benefit on a variety of cards, including travel credit cards and cash back credit cards. Here are some options:

on Chase's website

on Bilt's website

Primary rental car coverage with reimbursement up to $75,000.

Primary auto damage collision damage waiver. New York residents are eligible only for secondary coverage.

Primary rental car coverage up to the cash value of most rental vehicles.

Primary coverage when renting for business purposes with reimbursement up to the actual cash value of most rental vehicles.

Travel insurance and rental cars recapped

It makes sense to look for a travel insurance policy that also covers a rental car, especially if you’re driving somewhere unfamiliar.

While it’s possible to purchase the insurance plans offered by the rental car company, these tend to be overpriced and overkill for many drivers. Instead, you could consider a travel insurance plan with included rental car coverage, which means you won't have to without needing to make an additional purchase.

Also, check out any personal auto insurance policy you already have to see if it has provisions for rental cars. And before you settle on buying a travel insurance policy, double-check if a credit card you already have offers complimentary rental car insurance.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are some of the best travel credit cards of 2024 :

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

1x-10x Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases.

75,000 Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $1,125 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

75,000 Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's over $900 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1x-2x Earn 2X points on Southwest® purchases. Earn 2X points on local transit and commuting, including rideshare. Earn 2X points on internet, cable, and phone services, and select streaming. Earn 1X points on all other purchases.

50,000 Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

Vehicle Safety

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Car Seats and Booster Seats

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Car seats and booster seats provide protection for infants and children in a crash, yet car crashes are a leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 13. It's important to choose the right seat and use it correctly every time your child is in the car.  Follow these important steps to choose the right car seat or booster seat, install it correctly and know when it’s safe for your kid to transition to a seat belt.

Find the Right Car Seat for Your Child

The process, car seat types, car seat recommendations, find & compare seats.

• Parts & Tips

Car Seat Installation Instructions

• Registration

Follow these steps to help you through the process of finding the right car seat, installing it correctly, and keeping your child safe.

Find the right car seat

• Learn about the four car seat types
• Follow NHTSA’s car seat recommendations based on your child’s age and size
• Find and compare car seats and ease-of-use-ratings using NHTSA’s Car Seat Finder

Install your car seat correctly

• Understand the parts and tips used for installation
• Follow our detailed car seat installation instructions and videos
• Get your car seat inspected at a station nearest you

Keep your child safe in a car seat

• Register your car seat and sign up for recall notices to receive safety updates

Learn about the four types of car seats, while keeping in mind the following tips:

• As children grow, how they sit in your car will change. Make sure you use a car seat that fits your child’s current size and age .
• Not all car seats fit in all vehicles. Make sure the car seat is the right fit for your vehicle (PDF, 1.77 MB). Test the car seat you plan to buy to make sure it fits well in your vehicle.
• Buy a car seat that can be installed and used correctly every time.

Rear-Facing Car Seat

The best seat for your young child to use. It has a harness and, in a crash, cradles and moves with your child to reduce the stress to the child's fragile neck and spinal cord.

• Infant Car Seat (Rear-Facing only) : Designed for newborns and small babies, the infant-only car seat is a small, portable seat that can only be used rear-facing. Most babies outgrow their infant seats before their first birthday. When that happens, we recommend that parents purchase a convertible or all-in-one car seat and use it rear-facing.
• Convertible Seat : As a child grows, this seat can change from a rear-facing seat to a forward-facing seat with a harness and tether. Because it can be used with children of various sizes, it allows for children to stay in the rear-facing position longer.
• All-in-One Seat : This seat can change from a rear-facing seat to a forward-facing seat (with a harness and tether) and to a booster seat as a child grows. Because it can be used with children of various sizes, it allows for children to stay in the rear-facing position longer.

Forward-Facing Car Seat

Has a harness and tether that limits your child's forward movement during a crash.

• Convertible Seat : As a child grows, this seat can change from a rear-facing seat to a forward-facing seat with a harness and tether.
• Combination Seat : As a child grows, this seat transitions from a forward-facing seat with a harness and tether into a booster.
• All-in-One Seat : This seat can change from a rear-facing seat to a forward-facing seat (with a harness and tether) and to a booster seat as a child grows.

Booster Seat

Raises and positions a child so the vehicle’s lap-and-shoulder belt fits properly over the stronger points of a child’s body, the hips and across the chest.

• Booster Seat With High Back : This type of booster seat is designed to boost the child’s height so the seat belt fits properly. It also provides neck and head support and is ideal for vehicles that don’t have head rests or high seat backs.
• Backless Booster Seat : A backless booster seat is designed to boost the child’s height so the seat belt fits properly. It does not provide head and neck support. It is ideal for vehicles that have head rests.
• Combination Seat : As a child grows, this seat transitions from a forward-facing seat with a harness into a booster.

Should lie across the upper thighs and be snug across the shoulder and chest to restrain your child safely in a crash. It should not rest on the stomach area or across the neck or face.

There are many car seat choices on the market. Use the information below to help you choose the type of car seat that best meets your child’s needs or print out NHTSA’s car seat recommendations for children (PDF, 370 KB).

• Select a car seat based on your child’s age and size , then choose a seat that fits in your vehicle, and use it every time.
• Always refer to your specific car seat manufacturer’s instructions (check height and weight limits) and read the vehicle owner’s manual on how to install the car seat using the seat belt or lower anchors and a tether, if available.
• To maximize safety, keep your child in the car seat for as long as possible, as long as the child fits within the manufacturer’s height and weight requirements.
• Keep your child in the back seat at least through age 12.

Recommended car seats based on your child's age and size

Attach top tether from the car seat to the tether anchor in the vehicle.

Fasten lower anchor attachments on the car seat to the lower anchors in the vehicle., lower anchor attachments.

Used to install the car seat in a vehicle with lower anchors

Used to secure a forward-facing car seat and limit forward head movement in a crash

The tether is located on the top rear of convertible, combination, and all-in-one car seats. It’s adjustable and has a hook and strap that connects to one of your vehicle’s tether anchors. Most rear-facing car seats in the United States do not use a tether for installation. However, installations vary from model to model, so you must review your particular car seat’s instructions and your vehicle’s owner manual carefully.

Follow your car seat manufacturer’s instructions regarding when and how to use the tether for your particular seat. NHTSA recommends always using a tether with a forward-facing car seat—installed with your vehicle’s seat belt OR the lower anchors—as long as it is permitted by both the car seat and vehicle manufacturers. IMPORTANT: Both installation methods are designed to work with the tether to achieve the highest level of safety for child passengers restrained in forward-facing car seats.

Lower Anchor Weight Limits

Lower anchors have weight limits set by the vehicle and car seat manufacturers. You can determine the lower anchor weight limit by checking the warning label or installation diagrams located on the side of the car seat. If your car seat does not have a label, you can determine the maximum allowable child weight for lower anchor use by subtracting the weight of the car seat (usually available in the car seat’s instruction manual) from 65 pounds.

Lower anchor weight limit = 65 lbs – weight of car seat

Know the Facts

Once your child outgrows the vehicle or car seat manufacturer’s established limits for the lower anchors, stop using the lower anchor attachments and reinstall the car seat using the vehicle’s seat belt.

Once you've become familiar with vehicle and car seat parts used for installation and NHTSA's tips to install your car seat, you're ready to follow these detailed car seat installation instructions and videos by type. 

How to Install Rear-Facing Car Seats

• Rear-Facing-Only Infant Car Seat
• Convertible Car Seat
• All-in-One Car Seat

How to Install Forward-Facing Car Seats

• Combination Car Seat

How to Install Booster Seats

• High-Back Booster Seat
• Backless Booster Seat
• Combination Car Seat as a Booster Seat
• All-in-One Car Seat Used as a Booster

Car Seat Inspection

Get your car seat inspected.

Whether you’ve just installed a car seat or need help installing or using one, get help at a car seat inspection station near you. Certified technicians will inspect your car seat free of charge, in most cases, and show you how to correctly install and use it. Some locations now offer virtual inspections.

Can’t find an inspection station near you? You may be able to find a tech through Safe Kids Worldwide .

Register Your Car Seat

Congratulations — you chose the right car seat and installed it correctly. Now it’s time to register your car seat with the manufacturer to receive recalls and safety notices so your child can remain safe. Also, you can sign up with NHTSA to receive e-mail alerts about car seat and booster seat recalls.

Register your car seat to receive important safety updates

Registering your car seat makes sense.

The car seat manufacturer can contact you directly about recalls and safety notices. 

Registering your car seat is easy

Send in the card that came with your car seat or complete a quick registration on the manufacturer’s website. Your child’s safety could depend on it. 

If you are unable to register your child’s seat with the manufacturer, contact NHTSA at [email protected] .

Also, get recall notices from NHTSA

In addition to registering your car seat to receive recalls and safety notices from your car seat manufacturer, you can sign up to receive e-mail alerts from NHTSA about car seat and booster seat recalls.

• Car Seat Glossary of Terms Learn about vehicle and car seat parts and more.
• Training Contacts by State for Child Passenger Safety Find your state's Child Passenger Safety Training Contacts.
• Car Seat Use After a Crash Make sure you know the difference between a minor crash and a moderate to major one before deciding to use a car seat after a crash.
• NHTSA’s Car Seat Recommendations for Children Use these recommendations to help you choose the type of car seat that best meets your child’s needs.
• Keeping Kids Safe - A parent’s guide to protecting children in and around cars (PDF) This booklet will help you better understand today’s vehicle safety features, car seats and how to keep kids safe in and around vehicles.
• Used Car Seat Safety Checklist Thinking about using a second-hand car seat? If you can check off each one of these statements, then it may be okay to use one.
• FAA's Flying With Children Keep children safe no matter how you are traveling – find more information on flying safely with children from the Federal Aviation Administration.

Search for more resources

Looking for more, explore other topics in vehicle safety.

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Car Seat Insurance: Quick Guide for Parents

June 7, 2021 by Peter Leave a Comment

Getting a safe car seat for your child is a vital part of caring for them. Proper car seats are required by law in every state in the US. However, you might not be aware that you may qualify for a free car seat through your insurance — either after a collision or in general. Here are answers to the most common questions you may hear about car seats and insurance.

Car Seats & Insurance

Does Insurance Cover Car Seat Replacement? 

Many insurance companies do cover car seat replacement after a crash. However, this usually falls to auto insurance companies, not health insurance. There may be exceptions in the case of certain health insurers who view child car seats as a matter of health and safety.

Private Insurance 

Private insurance through employment varies widely in coverage. Your employer will choose the insurance plan and what it does and does not cover. At the end of the day, the only way to know if your particular insurance plan covers the cost of a replacement car seat after a collision is to do some research.

In many cases, the cost of replacing car seats falls under auto insurance, not health insurance.

A surprising caveat in the world of health insurance is that Medicaid often covers the cost of car seats. There are a few things you will need to do or show to claim eligibility, however.

First, you must be a citizen or permanent resident of the United States. You must also fit income requirements and agree to take a car seat safety training course. Other requirements might vary state by state.

How Can I Get a Free Car Seat from My Insurance Company?

As stated above, if you have insurance through Medicaid, you may be able to get a free car seat. This depends on your income, among other qualifying factors.

In general, private insurance does not cover the cost of a car seat except in the case of replacements after a collision.

Does Car Insurance Cover a Seat Breaking in My Car?

Car seats are made to stand the test of time, so they don’t often break. However, if your car seat breaks — for whatever reason — you might wonder if your car insurance will cover the cost of replacing it.

The answer might vary depending on your car insurance policy, especially if you have comprehensive coverage. In general, however, insurance companies will only reimburse you for the cost of a car seat after a vehicle collision.

Is Insurance Higher for a Car with Fewer Seats?

In general, the number of seats in your car should not affect your car insurance premiums. This may vary based on your insurance company. But this applies as a basic rule of thumb.

In terms of car seats, the number of seats will not change your insurance provided that all the car seats are installed correctly and in the proper place in your vehicle.

Does Changing Car Seats Affect Insurance?

As you probably know, you will occasionally need to change out your car seat. This might happen because of damage, but more likely, it is simply a matter of getting a new model as your child ages out of the old one.

There is no reason why changing your car seat should affect your car insurance. Depending on your coverage, you may need to update your information with your insurance company to let them know the current model you have in your car. However, these requirements vary. Check your insurance company’s requirements when you replace your car seat.

In a Minor Accident Does the Car Insurance Have to Pay For The Car Seat?

If you get in a car accident, even a minor one, you will need to replace any car seats in your vehicle. This applies even if there is no visible damage to a car seat. Although the seat may appear to be in good condition, the internal components may be damaged and unable to perform correctly.

In many cases, your car insurance will cover the cost of replacing any car seats. In 12 states, your insurance company is required to replace car seats under a no-fault car insurance system. Otherwise, you will need to file a claim and prove that you were not at fault for the collision.

Why Do Car Insurance Companies Ask If There Is a Car Seat in a Car After An Accident?

Car insurance companies are likely to inquire about the presence of car seats after an accident. This is because in many states they are legally required to cover the cost of a replacement, usually through reimbursement after the fact.

Will Car Insurance Cover a Torn Seat?

Car seats can become damaged through regular wear and tear. Superficial damage such as tears in the seat cover are not usually a reason to replace the seat entirely. This, of course, will vary based on the extent of the damage.

Unfortunately, car insurance coverage does not usually extend to damage from regular wear and tear. Insurance companies are only obligated to replace a car seat if the damage was from a vehicle collision.

Discounts for Infant Car Seats with Insurance?

Car seats can be an expensive investment, so it is natural to wonder if you can get a discount through your insurance.

If you have insurance through Medicaid, you may be able to qualify for a discount or even a free car seat through the program. This depends on the coverage in your state. To start, call your local Medicaid office to learn about sponsored programs for free or discounted car seats in your area.

Private insurance does not usually provide discounts for infant car seats. However, this will vary based on your insurance company and your coverage. You may want to do some research before your baby is born to find out if you qualify.

Car Seat Insurance Claim — Best Practices in Making a Claim (And Mistakes to Avoid)

After you get in a collision, you will need to file a claim with your insurance to cover the cost of getting a replacement. In some states, you will need to prove that you were not at fault for the accident. Of course, in some instances, this won’t be possible. In that case, you may need to cover the cost yourself.

However, if the accident was not your fault — or if you live in a state with no-fault collision insurance — you will need to file a claim with your insurance company. This involves proving no fault, as we stated above, and submitting a receipt for the cost of your replacement car seat.

So what should you know about filing an insurance claim and what mistakes should you avoid?

Document Everything

The car seat you had needs to go out on the curb to be discarded or recycled. But before you do that, make sure you take pictures of it, even if there is no visible damage. Similarly, take pictures of your car after the accident.

This has other uses for your insurance company, but it could also be helpful in filing a claim for a new car seat.

Make sure, among other things, that you get pictures of the car seat’s serial number and expiration date. Some insurance companies also recommend that you cut the straps (to ensure the seat cannot be reused)

Make sure you also keep your receipt from the purchase of your new car seat. This does not have to be the same model as your previous car seat. If your child has grown out of his or her old seat, feel free to make an upgrade. Regardless, keep that piece of paper to submit to your insurance company, as they might not be able to reimburse you without it.

Show the Insurance Company Your Car Seat’s Instruction Manual

Unfortunately, some insurance companies will try to get out of paying for your car seat replacement. You may have to present proof of their obligation in the form of your car seat instruction manual.

Here, it will stipulate that the car seat must be replaced in the event of a collision. If you don’t have the original manual that came with your child’s car seat, you can access one either on the company’s website or on request. You should be able to get a copy by emailing the car seat company’s customer service email.

Ask for Proof in Writing

If your insurance company refuses to pay for the replacement, ask them to submit proof of this in writing. To document that they refuse to provide a service to which they are legally obligated will create a paper trail. This will often prompt your insurance company to reconsider covering the cost of a car seat replacement.

Navigating your insurance company’s requirements for covering car seats can feel overwhelming. But maintaining your child’s car seat, especially after a collision, is vital for their safety. For this reason, car insurance companies are legally required to help you do so. With the right tools and resources, you can ensure that you get the coverage you deserve.

• 1 Will my car insurance cover a broken baby seat?
• 2 Apply for a car seat or booster seat reimbursement or allowance
• 3 Practical Post-Collision Advice: How to Seek Reimbursement for a Car Seat after a Crash
• 4 Insurance Companies Cover New Child Car Seats After Accidents
• 5 Are car seats covered by my auto insurance?
• 6 The Car Seat LadyAfter a Crash
• 7 How to Get A Free Car Seat Through MedicAid For Your Little Ones

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Growing up I was a carefree male going about life like there was no tomorrow. Naturally, I ‘grew’ up, settled down and started a family.

Going from an independent carefree male to a family man was somewhat of a U-turn and required a lot of learning. Luckily for me, my wife works in education and has always been the shining light always ahead of me on all factors kids related.

Initially, my wife didn’t have a driving license (luckily this has now changed and it does make life easier), and all things car related were my task. Child locks were the obvious starting point which lead me down a rabbit hole.

So far we have personally tested dozens of convertible car seats and have owned five despite neither of our kids having reached the age of 5! Simply put, a car seat can be great on paper, work great on trying out but can fail on you in real life.

This is why I have put together this website – to help inform and educate you!

Of course, as I mentioned above, at the end of the day your experience will be the best test so I’d love to hear your experiences and feedback in the comments.

To contact me personally, please do so through my  contact page .

I look forward to hearing from you!

P.S. If you click a link on my site and end up buying a car seat on Amazon, I’ll get paid a small commission (or as the Amazon lawyers put it: “As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases”)

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7 Best Portable Car Seats for Babies, Toddlers and Big Kids

We prioritized lightweight car seats for travel by plane, rental car and rideshare.

We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.

Our top picks:

Best Overall Portable Infant Car Seat

Doona car seat stroller.

Best Value Portable Booster Seat

Graco turbobooster 2.0.

Best Portable Convertible Car Seat

Cosco scenera next.

Best Portable Foldable Booster Seat

Peg perego viaggio flex 120.

Best Portable All-in-One Car Seat

Graco 4ever dlx.

Best Lightweight Portable Car Seat

Wayb pico travel car seat.

Best Portable Travel System for Babies

Nuna pipa urbn + trvl stroller.

Aside from requiring a lot more gear, traveling with kids can be quite stressful, and in between packing your luggage and investing in a travel stroller , there's little mental energy for anything else. Fortunately our experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute Parenting Lab have been testing car seats for decades, including the best convertible car seats and the best booster seats . We test based on safety features, functionality, ease of use and value. Our picks are based on tests done in-Lab by our experts, evaluations from our consumer testers and extensive research.

Head to the end of this guide to find more information on how we test, whether or not you should use a car seat on a plane, what to look for when shopping for the best portable car seats and more. Looking for more to make traveling with kids as easy as possible? Check out our favorite outdoor-ready stroller wagons , good diaper bags and the winners of our Family Travel Awards .

The Doona car seat is our pick for the best overall car seat and stroller combo and it's one of our past Parenting Award winners. A dedicated fan following backs it up; see its more than 12,000 five-star reviews on Amazon. The Doona makes it easy to switch between car seat and stroller mode in seconds even with your baby strapped inside. In short, you don't need a separate infant car seat and a stroller, because this is both.

"It's the easiest stroller to maneuver through airport security and around an airport terminal," says one tester who's a mom of two young kids. It goes into a rideshare vehicle using the seat belt (no stroller to put in the trunk!). It's also FAA-approved for use in an airplane cabin and fits on most economy airplane seats, which are often about 17 inches wide.

Rachel Rothman , the Good Housekeeping Institute's former Chief Technologist and a mom of three, is a fan of this for travel. But it's important to note that, as well as being pricey, the Doona is only for rear-facing use and for toddlers up to 35 pounds. Toddlers outgrow it typically at age 2. But if you'll travel a lot in those first two years — even if it's just catching Ubers around town — you'll be grateful for the Doona.

Big kids need a bit of help ensuring that the seatbelt is hitting their body just right, so this backless booster gives them that extra height. It's also exceptionally small, lightweight and easy to travel with; you might even keep several in your car's trunk for when you're carpooling other kids.

Because it's backless, it doesn't offer as much support as a highback booster (for that, see the Peg Perego on this list). It is okayed for ages 4 and up as long as they weigh at least 40 pounds and could be great for a quick trip when you don't want to lug something large. This fits into a tote bag!

With its two hideaway cupholders, machine-washable seat cushions and padded armrests, this tucks a lot of features into a (really!) affordable seat. It's no surprise that it has more than 59,000 five-star reviews on Amazon. While it isn't airline approved — all booster seats require a shoulder belt, which you won't find on an airplane — its compact size makes it incredibly simple to slide into your overhead bin to later use in taxis, Ubers or other vehicles once you get to your destination.

For a little more money there's a TurboBooster LX version that works with LATCH; nice if you'll be keeping this in one car for a length of time.

Got enough to carry already? At 10 pounds, this is the best lightweight convertible car seat for traveling and it won't break the bank. Five harness heights and three buckle locations help customize the seat to your baby or toddler's size, though it's the kind of harness you have to rethread each time you need to change it.

The Scenera can be installed rear-facing for babies and toddlers and forward-facing for preschoolers up to 40 pounds but lacks the cushioning and other comforts, like a recline mechanism, we've come to enjoy in an everyday toddler car seat . Still, with its deep bucket seat, this will keep your tiny passenger comfy enough and car seat compliant when you're traveling and in and out of other people's vehicles. It's especially great as a rear-facing travel option for 2- and 3-year-olds who have outgrown an infant car seat.

You can remove both the cupholder and seat pad for washing. The seat pad can even go in the dryer. The brand claims that three of these seats fit across a back seat and our tests were able to validate that in certain vehicles. It can be installed with the LATCH system or a seatbelt. It's approved for airplane seats and like our best overall pick it fits on most economy seats.

Kids who are at least age 4 and who weigh 40 pounds or more will appreciate the comfort of this belt-positioning booster seat just as much as parents will appreciate its ability to fold down to a fraction of its size.

The Flex 120 has an exceptionally large weight range, functioning for kids up to — you guessed it — 120 pounds. While it's a bit pricier than some other booster options, its ability to compact down makes it perfect for folding up and storing in a bag that you can then gate-check, or even fit into the overhead bin while in-flight. Note that no belt-positioning booster is certified for use in an airplane cabin because they're meant to be used with a car's shoulder belt, not an airplane lap belt. The big kids who fit this are good to use the airplane belt anyway! This is perfect for use in a rideshare, taxi or a far-off relative's vehicle when you land.

Customize this booster to your child by adjusting the headrest, upper backrest, side wings and seat. In addition to being an easy portable car seat, this is another great choice for grandparents or other caregivers who only occasionally drive big kids around because it so easily fits into a car's trunk when not in use.

This is larger and heavier than any of our other choices. However, this is the most portable all-in-one car seat that grows with your little one from a rear-facing infant car seat to a backless booster, from 4 to 120 pounds .

Its versatility means that it may be the only car seat you ever have to buy, and if you travel infrequently, you could manage to tote this on a few trips and avoid buying something separate just for travel. It is certified to work on an airplane seat with the harness (so, up to 65 pounds), but it's about 3 inches wider than many economy airplane seats so the fit isn't great; one Reddit user said they put it in the window seat and then just accepted squeezing themselves into the middle-seat position.

While testing, we appreciated how easy this car seat was to install and use, making it pretty difficult to mess up due to user error. We also love how highly adjustable it is, with a six-position recline and a no-rethread harness with 10 possible heights. The easy-to-remove washable seat pads make it simple to clean up after your little one. If you're taking it with you into a rideshare and can't use the LATCH installation system, there's an integrated belt lock off on the back of the seat that helps make seat belt installation as simple as possible.

This is a pricey option that has a fan following with frequent travelers who travel with a preschooler. It folds down into its own carrying case, which can be worn as a backpack, so you can easily get it through the airport and store it in a hotel. It's got a five-point harness and is meant for kids up to 50 pounds. The brand says it's for kids as young as 2 but because rear-facing is safest and this only faces forward, we would not recommend using it for a child until they are at least age 3, preferably 4.

The Pico does not have side-impact protection and other safety features we want on an everyday car seat, but for travel we agree that this has portability appeal. It also gets knocked in reviews for not being comfortable for long car rides if your child likes to nap, but again, we're putting it on this list for on-the-go families who are in "something is better than nothing" mode, even for short train, bus or van rides.

Our experts appreciate how lightweight this seat is (8 pounds), and that it easily fits even on the smallest economy airplane seat (it's FAA-approved). The seat can either be installed using the LATCH system or the seatbelt in a car or airplane.

If you're a city family that doesn't even own a car, there's a big reason to love the PIPA portable infant car seat: It's built to be installed without a base and is exceptionally easy to move between vehicles, including rideshares like Uber.

It's got a built-in rigid LATCH system or alternatively you can use the back seat seatbelt. Plus, the PIPA urbn only weighs 7 pounds, making it one of the lightest infant car seats we know of and an easy one to carry from place to place. The stroller, too, is lightweight at just under 14 pounds and can be folded down using just one hand. The car seat is built to ride on top of the stroller, for instance to get them both through an airport, and we named it our favorite lightweight travel system .

The infant car seat does not have a high weight limit, however. Your baby will outgrow it when they hit 22 pounds or are 29 inches tall, whichever comes first. For some that can mean by their first birthday. But the stroller will stay useful through the preschool years since it has a weight limit of 50 pounds. The car seat is airline-approved and will fit on most economy cabin seats.

How we test the best portable car seats

The Good Housekeeping Institute's engineering and parenting pros have reviewed dozens of car seats over the past five years, including portable car seats . Our Lab experts work with parents to test these car seats on a variety of vehicles of different brands and sizes to ensure that you can find the right car seat for your family.

Each car seat we consider has passed Federal Safety Standards. We perform tests both in the Lab and at home to evaluate each product's safety, ease of installation, stability, ease of adjustments, stroller compatibility and portability. To accomplish this, we set up each car seat in a variety of vehicles and strollers. We evaluate how easy it is to secure the harness as well as how difficult it is to install the car seats. For portable car seats we pay special attention to whether they can be installed without a LATCH system and to whether they are approved for use in an airplane cabin.

What to look for when shopping for a portable car seat

Whether you're going on a trip or often take your child places in a rideshare vehicle, if you need a portable car seat you should consider these things:

✔️ Height and weight limits : All car seats come with minimum and maximum height and weight specifications. To ensure proper seatbelt placement and optimal security, make sure your child fits within those ranges. Once they meet the maximum in either height or weight, it's time to switch. If you have an adjustable car seat that transitions to a booster look at the labels on the car seat, check the user manual or contact the manufacturer so you know when it's time to switch modes.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) can help you determine the right kind of car seat for your child based on their age, weight and height. That will help you figure out if you can use an infant car seat or if you need a convertible car seat and if you're ready to move on to a booster car seat for travel.

✔️ Weight : The lightest car seats are often the most portable. We get especially excited when we find any that are less than 15 pounds, though a few on our list are heavier than that.

✔️ Easy cleaning : Regardless of age, spills happen. Luckily, like many other car seats, most portable seats offer removable machine-washable seat covers and padding.

✔️ Design : Traditional car seats have a ton of padding, robust side-impact protection and extra features that are important for everyday but might be overkill for short trips. The best design for a portable car seat is a slim, streamlined one.

✔️ Ease of installation : Since you will be re-installing the car seat each time you put it in a new car or aircraft, it's important to find a car seat that is so easy to install it won't take more than a few minutes. The easiest car seats for traveling can be installed without a car seat base.

✔️ State laws : Before you bring your car seat across state lines, check state laws to be sure you'll be compliant. Often children through age 7 must be in a child-restraint seat. But if you're heading to Florida for Disney World, the laws there only apply to children through age 5.

Should you bring a car seat on the plane?

While it is not mandatory to strap your little one into a car seat on an airplane, many parents opt to do so since it can be both a safer and more comfortable for everyone . It's recommended to do so for children under age 2 by the FAA and AAP. Note: For your child to ride in a car seat, you'll need to buy them their own plane ticket so they're guaranteed to have the space. If your baby under age 2 is flying as a free "lap baby" you are not guaranteed space for your car seat.

Before you bring a car seat onboard, check that it has an FAA-approved sticker. It's also a good idea to bring along your car seat manual to help ensure that you're properly installing the seat on the aircraft. There are helpful videos on YouTube, too, that show how to buckle a car seat in with a lap belt. (This one from the FAA shows how to install a forward-facing car seat on a plane .) Watch some before your trip!

The average airline seat is about 17 inches wide and measures 30 inches from the back of the seat to the seat in front of you — but size can vary depending on which airline you are flying. Because of this, it's best to pick a narrow, compact car seat. Infant car seats fit better than most convertible car seats, though we find that the Cosco choice on our list generally fits well.

For those who are traveling with a car seat who don't plan to use it while on the plane, many airlines will check the car seat or booster seat for free at the check-in desk or at the gate. It might be a good idea to purchase a travel bag to fit it in, to help avoid damage.

Why trust Good Housekeeping?

Lab pros and journalists at the Good Housekeeping Institute provide expert reviews and advice on everything a parent needs, including portable car seats.

This article was overseen by Rachel Rothman , former Chief Technologist & Director of Engineering at the Institute, who was trained in mechanical engineering and applied mathematics. As a mom to three kids, she personally used many of the products we recommend.

In her former role as Parenting & Pets Reviews Analyst, Jamie Spain brought years of experience to the Institute and wrote the first iteration of this story. It has since been updated by contributing writer Jessica Hartshorn who has followed the car-seat market for 25 years, previously for Parents magazine and American Baby magazine. She's also a mom of two.

Jamie (she/her) is a parenting and pets reviews analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute , where she spends her time testing, researching and writing about pet and family products. Prior to starting at GH in 2021, she worked at BuzzFeed and People , covering a combination of product reviews and lifestyle content. She's a graduate of Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism, with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and psychology and a master’s degree in journalism.

Jessica (she/her) is a freelance writer with several decades of experience writing lifestyle content and evaluating home and parenting products. A mom of two teens and two cats, her previous work can be seen in American Baby and Parents .

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Safe and Sound: The 7 Best FAA-Approved Car Seats for Air Travel

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Table of Contents

Faa-approved car seats and harnesses, car seats at the airport, top 7 faa-approved car seats and harnesses, car seat travel accessories, final thoughts.

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Earlier in 2023, the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA called on the FAA to ban lap infants for safety reasons. ¹ The union’s call-to-action shocked many, especially parents of infants and children young enough to fly as a lap child. But with more and more reports of sudden turbulence on planes, flight attendants have first-hand experience with the dangers lap children could face.

Though not a requirement, the Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) ² and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) ³ strongly recommend that children fly in an FAA-approved car seat or harness. There are many car seats options for air travel, but finding an FAA-approved car seat isn’t as simple as it seems. Beyond FAA approval, there are other factors to consider, such as price, width, and convenience for your family. There are a few rules when it comes to infant car seat bases and booster seats.

Here’s a complete guide to help you find an FAA-approved car seat for air travel.

Child restraint systems (CRS) are strongly recommended for children traveling by plane. You can elect to fly with an FAA-approved car seat or what’s called a Child Aviation Restraint System (CARES) device. Both devices are approved for use during taxi, takeoff, landing, and turbulence .

You must purchase your child a seat, no matter their age, if you plan to have them sit in a car seat or CARES device during your flight. An airline will not hold a complimentary seat for your child to sit in their car seat.

The U.S. government makes it easy to determine if a car seat is FAA-approved for air travel. To find out if the car seat you already have is approved, simply look for the label on the back, bottom, or side of your seat that reads, “ This restraint is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft .”

The rules are the same on an airplane and in a car for whether or not your car seat should be rear- or forward-facing depending on your child’s weight.

A CARES device is the only FAA-approved car seat alternative and can be used for children up to 40 inches tall and between 22 and 44 pounds. Children this size can still travel in an FAA-approved car seat. Children that can sit upright and be forward facing can use a CARES device that utilizes the aircraft’s existing seatbelt.

Note that while there are FAA-approved booster seats, they, along with backless child restraint systems, are not allowed during taxi, takeoff, and landing .

If you’re still unsure of if you want to purchase a seat and bring a car seat for your infant when traveling, some airlines may provide an extension for your seat belt. This allows you to secure your lap infant to your body through an extension of your own seatbelt. This is more common on international airlines.

Bassinets on Planes

Airlines do not provide car seats for use on their aircraft, but some airlines do provide bassinets for their youngest passengers. Requirements vary, but children must generally be 6 months or younger and weigh less than 22 pounds to travel in a bassinet. Bassinets are free of charge by the airlines that provide them, though you’ll need to be seated in the bulkhead to request a bassinet.

Bassinets are not allowed during taxi, takeoff, landing, and turbulence and are not as safe as when your child is in their own seat in a car seat or CARES system.

Car Seats on International Flights

Car seats are allowed on international flights, but your car seat may not meet the standards for a car seat at your destination (which could be a problem if you plan to rent a car). In places such as the EU, a parent must be able to remove the harness in a single movement . For this reason, there is no chest clip on EU- or UN-approved car seats. Chest clips aren’t required in the U.S., but they’re still prevalent.

Most airlines do not require you to pay an additional fee for checking a car seat or for bringing a car seat to use in the seat you’ve purchased for your child. Car seats and strollers do not count toward your luggage or carry-on allotment .

If you choose to travel with your car seat but decide to check it at the airport, you may want to consider a car seat bag to protect it from dirt and damage. There are also car seat backpacks that hold the car seat and then allow you to — you guessed it — wear your car seat on your back. This frees up your hands to carry other luggage or push a stroller. We’ll dive in to accessories more later in this article.

There are dozens of car seat options out there, so for the sake of brevity, the FAA-approved car seats on this list are considered best based on a few criteria. Note that backless booster seats are not allowed for use on airplanes during taxi, takeoff, and landing and are therefore not included on this list.

Weight, size, price, overall reviews , and popularity are what make these car seats the best for air travel. When you’re juggling carry-on luggage, a child (or several children), passports, tickets, and more, the last thing you want to worry about is a heavy piece of equipment.

The width of your car seat of choice is also important. It might seem like air travel is getting more and more cramped, but thankfully and factually, the width of airline seats is not shrinking.

Even still, you’ll want to keep in mind that you won’t have as much room in an airplane seat as you do in your car , so size matters. To give you an idea of what to expect, here are the average seat widths for U.S.-based airlines on domestic routes less than 6 hours:

Before purchasing your ticket, check online for the seat pitch of the airline and aircraft that is scheduled to fly your itinerary ( SeatGuru is a great resource). You’ll be able to get an idea of whether or not your car seat will fit properly in the seat before you buy.

And lastly, you should consider the price and overall reviews when making your decision. Each of the car seats on this list is FAA-approved. More expensive won’t necessarily mean safer . And reviews of happy parents and kids should also help make the decision easier.

1. Safety 1st Jive 2-in-1 Convertible Car Seat

The Safety 1st June 2-in-1 Convertible Car Seat is our top choice for an FAA-approved car seat . This seat measures just over 18 inches wide and 14.25 pounds in weight. And with an affordable price on Amazon, it’s not a huge investment if you decided to exclusively use this car seat for air travel while having another that stays in your car.

This car seat is convertible, meaning it can grow with your baby . Babies can safely sit in this seat when rear-facing from 5 to 40 pounds, then turn it forward-facing starting at 22 pounds and up to 65 pounds.

2. Graco SnugRide 35 Lite LX Infant Car Seat

Next on the list is an infant car seat that can only be used rear-facing and for babies from 4 to 35 pounds. Just like in your car, an infant car seat must be rear-facing when installed on a plane. The Graco SnugRide is around 15.5 inches wide when installed without the base (which is not FAA-approved) and weighs 7.2 pounds.

Infant car seats come with a base to use in your car, but the base will not fit on an airline seat (nor is it FAA-approved for use). Bases do, however, fit just fine in the overhead compartment, so you won’t have to check this important part of your child’s car seat for use at your destination.

3. Cosco MightyFit 65 DX Convertible Car Seat

The Cosco MightFit is a convertible car seat that can safely accommodate children from 5 to 40 pounds in rear-facing mode. At 21.5 inches wide, it’s great for airplane seats and can even fit 3 across a row in most cars — music to the ears of parents with 3 or more small children.

This convertible car seat will work for your child until they are 65 pounds, weighs just over 10 pounds, and generally costs less than $100.

4. Nuna PIPA lite rx Infant Car Seat

For stylish parents ready to shell out a few hundred dollars on an infant car seat , the Nuna PIPA lite rx might be just what you’re looking for. This FAA-approved car seat come in a variety of colors and patterns and has grown in popularity over the last few years.

This infant car seat weighs just under 7 pounds and is for babies weighing between 4 and 32 pounds in a rear-facing position. The seat is 17.5 inches wide.

Infant car seats are great for traveling with an baby because they can go from your car to the plane without much effort or having to switch equipment. Just be sure that whichever infant car seat you choose is FAA-approved.

5. Doona Infant Car Seat

The Doona Infant Car Seat is the most expensive on this list, but it’s easily the most convenient and offers some of the greatest value . That’s because you can go from car to stroller in 1 move thanks to the car seat’s built-in wheels and handlebar, making it a fantastic option for families on the go. The thousands of 5-star Amazon reviews from happy parents confirm it’s a great buy.

The car seat weighs 17 pounds and is just over 17 inches wide . Keep in mind that an infant car seat must be rear-facing and can only hold children up to 35 pounds before needing a larger option. The Doona Infant Car Seat comes with a base for use in the car that should fit in the airplane’s overhead compartment.

Doona also makes accessories designed to fit its car seat and stroller, such as a rain cover and detachable storage bag.

6. WAYB Pico Travel Car Seat

Though another pricey option at ~$500, including a carrying bag, the WAYB Pico Travel Car Seat is a great investment for families who do a lot of travel and are in the market for convenience.

The WAYB Pico is a forward-facing car seat for kids that weigh 22 to 50 pounds and are between 30 and 45 inches tall. The seat itself folds up neatly and the option above even comes with a carrying bag for the 8-pound car seat to travel in when not in use. And at only 14.5 inches wide , it’s easily the most airline seat-friendly option on this list.

This is a really great option whether you rent cars or use rideshare apps on vacation. While it’s true that some countries don’t require car seats at all, or your taxi driver won’t require a car seat to transport your family, you can have peace of mind knowing that your child can comfortably ride in this compact car seat anywhere you go.

7. CARES Harness

The Child Aviation Restraint System (CARES) Harness is for children who are at least 1 year old and weigh between 22 and 44 pounds . The harness works together with the aircraft’s seatbelt to provide added security to young children.

The harness is extremely lightweight and at just 1 pound, it can even fit into your pocket. In addition to being FAA-approved, the CARES Harness is also approved by air authorities in Canada, the U.K., France, and more . Contact your preferred airline to confirm that this car seat alternative is approved for travel outside of the U.S.

Note that CARES Harnesses are not approved for use in motor vehicles .

When traveling with a sometimes bulky item like a car seat, you might want to consider a few items to make it easier to carry everything.

If you’re checking your car seat, great — you can get a car seat cover that will protect your seat from the elements. The JL Childress Ultimate Backpack comes with straps to allow you to wear your car seat on your back. And if you’re taking your seat with you on the plane, you could tie your car seat to your carry-on suitcase with a car seat travel belt .

When considering a car seat for air travel, you’ll want to look for car seats that fit the width of seats on the aircraft you’ll be flying as well as the type of seat you need. Infant car seats must be rear-facing and are generally only for babies no heavier than about 35 pounds. Convertible car seats grow with your child and can be used rear-facing or forward-facing. However, these seats can be heavier to carry and too large for some airline seats. This guide will come in handy when choosing your child’s car seat for air travel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are all car seats faa-approved.

Most car seats are FAA-approved, but to be sure, look for a sticker that specifically states that your car seat is approved for motor vehicles and aircraft. Backless booster seats, for example, are not FAA-approved to use on airplanes.

How do I know if car seat is FAA-approved?

FAA-approved car seats are clearly labeled on the car seat. To find out if your car seat is FAA-approved, look for a sticker either on the back, bottom, or side of your seat that reads, “This restraint is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft.”

Are Doona car seats FAA-approved?

Yes, the Doona car seat is FAA-approved. The base that the car seat fits into in a car cannot be used on an airplane but can be stowed in the overhead compartment for later use in a car.

Does a 2-year-old need a car seat on a plane?

No, a 2-year-old does not need a car seat on a plane. While it is recommended that all children have their own seats and sit in a car seat while on a plane, this is not a requirement.

What age does a child need a car seat on a plane?

Children are not required to be in a car seat on a plane. However, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) both highly recommend that babies and young children fly in their own seat in a car seat or other child safety harness.

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About Ashley Onadele

Ashley discovered a love for travel in college that’s continued as her family has grown. She loves showing parents how they can take their families on trips using points and has contributed to numerous publications and podcasts.

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Free Infant Car Seats in All 50 States

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on obtaining Free Car Seats for your little ones. We will first delve into the general types of organizations that offer Free Car Seats or assistance programs. These include state or local health departments, non-profit organizations, WIC programs, Medicaid, insurance companies, state car seat inspection stations, local churches, hospitals, health care systems, and pregnancy life centers. Some of these operate at a national level, ensuring wide reach and accessibility.

Following this overview, we will provide a state-by-state guide with specific information and links to resources in your area. This comprehensive approach ensures that no matter where you’re located, you’ll be able to find the assistance you need. Use the Table of Contents to quickly access information.

• Connecticut
• Massachusetts
• Mississippi
• New Hampshire
• North Carolina
• North Dakota
• Pennsylvania
• Rhode Island
• South Carolina
• South Dakota
• Washington DC
• West Virginia

Where to Find Free Car Seats

State or local health departments.

State or local health departments are government-run organizations that oversee public health issues at a state or local level. Examples include the Texas Department of State Health Services, the California Department of Public Health, the New York State Department of Health, among others.

You can find these departments by searching for your specific state or local health department’s official website or contacting them through their official phone number.

They often serve low-income families or those who demonstrate a specific need, but some programs may serve all residents.

It’s important to note that the availability of programs and eligibility criteria can vary by state or even by county. Contacting the department directly provides the most accurate information.

Many of these departments’ programs require you to take a short safety course before receiving a car seat.

Non-Profit Organizations

Non-profit organizations operate independently from the government and are dedicated to addressing a particular social issue or advocating for a specific cause. Examples include Safe Kids Worldwide, United Way, Baby2Baby, and Buckle Up for Life.

The latter has donated tens of thousands of car seats to low-income families and often requires participation in safety classes.

You can find them through an online search. Websites like Charity Navigator can help determine their legitimacy.

They may serve a wide range of individuals, but usually those who demonstrate a specific need or fall within a certain income bracket.

Non-profit organizations often rely on funding and donations, so the availability of Free Car Seats can be contingent on these factors.

WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) Programs

WIC is a federal assistance program providing nutrition education, healthy food, breastfeeding support, and other services for low-income women and children.

You can search for your local WIC agency online or through local government resources.

WIC generally serves low-income women who are pregnant, breastfeeding, postpartum, or have children under the age of five. If you’re already enrolled in WIC, you may have access to a car seat program.

Similar to other programs, WIC often requires you to take a safety course before receiving a car seat.

Medicaid is a state and federal program that provides health coverage to people with low income, including some low-income adults, children, pregnant women, elderly adults, and people with disabilities.

You can apply for Medicaid through the Health Insurance Marketplace website or your state’s Medicaid website.

Medicaid generally serves low-income individuals and families. Those eligible for Medicaid might also be eligible to receive a free car seat.

Similar to other programs, Medicaid often requires you to take a short safety course before receiving a car seat.

Insurance Companies

Insurance companies are organizations that provide insurance policies to individuals or entities, covering a range of risks. Examples include State Farm, Allstate, Geico, etc.

If you’re looking for your current insurance provider, you can visit their official website or contact their customer service. If you’re searching for new insurance providers, online comparison tools can be useful.

Insurance companies generally serve their policyholders, but it can depend on the specifics of the policy and the provider. Many insurance companies provide car seats free of charge to insured new mothers or pregnant women.

The availability of Free Car Seats can be a part of specific insurance benefits. It’s crucial to read your policy carefully or speak directly to an agent for accurate information.

State Car Seat Inspection Stations

State Car Seat Inspection Stations, including firehouses and sheriff departments, are locations where certified technicians can inspect car seat installations for safety. Examples could include your local fire station, police department, or sheriff’s department.

You can locate these stations using the NHTSA’s Child Car Seat Inspection Station Locator or through an online search of your local city or county’s resources.

They serve the general public, providing safety services and occasionally Free Car Seats to families in need.

Not all inspection stations offer Free Car Seats, so it’s advisable to call and ask in advance. They often have programs for the free installation of car seats and can help you find new car seats for free as they are familiar with various charities.

Local Churches

Local churches are religious institutions that often have community outreach programs.

You can search for local churches online or through a directory.

They typically serve community members. Churches may be able to connect you with charities or institutes that provide resources to low-income families.

Availability of resources may vary widely, so it’s best to reach out directly.

Pregnancy Life Centers

Pregnancy Life Centers are often non-profit organizations that offer various resources, support, and education for women during pregnancy and early parenthood. They can provide important aid such as maternity items, baby supplies, and even Free Car Seats.

To locate a Pregnancy Life Center, you can do an online search specifying your local area. Some well-known national networks of pregnancy centers include Care Net and Heartbeat International, but there are also many independent centers that may be local to your area.

Pregnancy Life Centers primarily serve women who are pregnant or recently became mothers. They aim to support these women through their pregnancy journey and beyond, often extending their services to the early years of child-rearing.

Most Pregnancy Life Centers offer their resources and aid as part of a wider program, often involving parenting or childbirth classes. Expectant mothers who enroll in these classes may be eligible to receive items like car seats free of charge. The specifics of what’s provided and the requirements for receiving these items can vary by center, so it’s best to contact them directly for detailed information.

Do remember that these centers are often funded through donations and community support, so the availability of specific items may fluctuate. They strive to provide as much assistance as they can to support mothers and their children.

Hospitals and Health Care Systems

Hospitals and Health Care Systems are medical institutions that provide patient treatment with specialized staff and equipment. Examples include Kaiser Permanente, Mayo Clinic, Johns Hopkins Hospital, etc.

You can locate these through a local directory or online search.

They typically serve pregnant women, new parents, or families with young children who are patients within their system. Hospitals may provide car seats without any cost or direct you toward some great local resources.

Not all hospitals or healthcare systems offer this service. It’s best to directly contact the hospital or health care system for information on any available programs.

Free Car Seats by State

Alabama free car seats.

Alabama Department of Public Health (Statewide): May offer car seat assistance to expectant mothers or parents who are receiving federal benefits like WIC, AllKids, Food Stamps, or Medicaid. The Injury Prevention Branch in Montgomery hosts monthly car seat clinics, which are occasionally booked two months in advance and are by appointment only. The car seat program is active in Birmingham, Tuscaloosa, and Huntsville. More details can be found on their website .

Alabama Farmers Federation (Statewide): Members can avail of low-cost car seats for children and can acquire certain car seats and booster seats by picking up an order form at their nearby Alfa office. Available seats prices, which include shipping and handling, are: $40 for Cosco Scenera NEXT Convertible Seat, $40 for Cosco Finale 2-in-1 Booster, $30 for Cosco Pronto Belt-Positioning Booster. Check out their website for more information.

Children’s of Alabama, (Birmingham): Children’s of Alabama provides a free car seat program for patients who don’t have a car seat at the time of their discharge. Before receiving the seat, families must watch a short educational video about its correct usage.  Learn more about the Children’s of Alabama car seat safety program

Baby’s Bounty (Montgomery):  Baby’s Bounty serves the Montgomery area, providing essential items for newborns, including car seats, for families in need.  Find out more about Baby’s Bounty

ALASKA Free Car Seats

Safe Alaskans (Anchorage): Provides car seats for families in need, with a suggested $10 donation for booster seats and $35 for car seats. Check out their website for more information.

Community Pregnancy Center (Anchorage): Offers Life Lessons classes, where participants can earn Baby Bucks to spend in the Mini Depot on car seats or other essential items. More details are available on their website .

Mat-Su Services for Children and Adults (Wasilla): Offers car seats for all families at a reduced cost based on a sliding scale. You can find more information on their website .

Alaska Injury Prevention Center (Anchorage): Has a limited number of car seats and booster seats available for a small donation. Visit their website for more details.

Alaska Child Passenger Safety Coalition (Statewide): Lists several events on their calendar where Free Car Seats and booster seats are available. Check their event calendar for more information.

Fairbanks Safe Rider Program (Fairbanks): May have car seats or booster seats available for families, contact them to find out more on their website .

Juneau Police (Juneau): Offers inspections by appointment and will provide a replacement seat for a minimum fee if necessary. Find out more on their website .

Alaska DOT (Statewide): Maintains a page with potential resources you can contact for free car seat information. Check out their website for more details.

ARIZONA Free Car Seats

Children Are Priceless Passengers (Statewide): Operates in nine locations across the state. A $35 fee is required for a safety class. Those lacking a safe and effective car seat can receive a new one for free. For more information, visit their website .

Phoenix Children’s Hospital (Phoenix): Offers car seat distribution. Detailed information can be found on their road safety programs page .

Yavapai Regional Medical Center (Prescott): Provides free or discounted car seats in conjunction with a safety class. For more information, call (928) 771-5651 or visit their website .

Deer Valley Unified School District Child Car Seat Safety Program (Phoenix): Offers limited Free Car Seats alongside an education class. Visit their website for more details.

Tuscon Medical Center Car Seat Loaner Program (Tucson): Allows you to pay $40 and get a car seat for one month. They also have car seat giveaway events sponsored by Safe Kids Pima County. Register on their website or call for more information.

HealthLinks Car Seat Program (Phoenix): Offers a free car seat to those who meet the qualifications and take a two-hour class. Further details can be found here .

ARKANSAS Free Car Seats

Farm Bureau Federation (Statewide): Membership entitles you to advantages like the Infant Car Seat Program when you have auto, home, life, farm, or other insurance with Farm Bureau Insurance of Arkansas. A car safety seat costs as little as $15 when you participate in this program. The price of this order includes shipping and handling. Visit their website for more details.

Rogers Police Department Car Seat Loan Program (Rogers):  The Rogers Police Department runs a car seat loan program for families experiencing financial hardship. They can loan one car seat per family. Car seats are distributed every Wednesday from 9 am to 3 pm. The department also offers a car seat installation service.  Find out more about Rogers Police Department’s car seat program

CALIFORNIA Free Car Seats

Related Reading : Free Car Seats in California  (by county, bigger list)

California Office of Traffic Safety (Statewide): This organization has a county-based directory that provides resource information for car seat education and distribution. You can visit their website for more information.

Police Departments & California Highway Patrol Offices (Statewide): Most locations offer a free exchange for an expired car seat. More information can be found here .

OC Health (Orange County): This resource provides a list of area organizations that offer car seat education and free/low-cost car seats. Detailed information can be found here .

First 5 LA (Los Angeles County): The New Economics for Women’s Child Passenger Safety Program offers a free car seat if you complete their safety class and qualify. Visit their website for more information.

Clinic in the Park’s Boosters in a Bag (Orange County): After completing an online course, you can receive a booster seat for free. More details can be found here .

Pacific Safety Center (San Diego County): This organization offers Free Car Seats to low/median income families, as well as Native American and military families. More information is available on their website .

Solano County Public Health (Solano County): Vibe Solano offers car seat safety classes and low-income families can receive vouchers toward the purchase of a low-cost car seat. Visit their website for more details.

Safe Kids Sacramento (Sacramento County): Low-income families may qualify for a low or no-cost car seat upon completion of an online class. More information is available on their website .

River to Coast Children’s Centers (Sonoma County): This organization offers a low-cost car seat program and safety education for low-income families. Visit their website for more information.

City of Santa Cruz (Santa Cruz County): The city provides Free Car Seats for low-income families, but an appointment is needed. More details can be found here .

CHOC Child Safety Seat Distribution Program (Orange County): For CHOC patients, a seat is available for $30 after completion of a safety class. More information is available on their website .

Camarena Health (Madera County): This organization offers classes on car seat safety, and if you can prove and show what you learned, you get a free car seat. More information can be found here .

Family Health Centers of San Diego (San Diego County): Patients enrolled in the Prenatal program may be eligible for a free car seat. Visit their website for more details.

Venice Family Clinic (Los Angeles County): The clinic offers monthly car seat safety classes including Free Car Seats for low-income families in several locations. Visit their website for more information.

St. Mary’s Medical Center (Los Angeles County): The Welcome Baby program has referrals to free or low-cost baby essentials, including car seats. Visit their website for more information.

Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (Los Angeles County): This hospital offers car seat safety classes twice monthly and a free car seat for families receiving public assistance. More information can be found here .

St Francis Medical Center (Los Angeles County): The center offers a free car seat to eligible families upon completion of a class. More information can be found here .

East Valley Community Health Center (Los Angeles County): This organization offers a free virtual car seat safety class with a free car seat for families that qualify and complete the class. More details can be found here .

Whittier Hospital (Los Angeles County): The hospital provides a complimentary rear-facing car seat and diaper bag for moms delivering at the hospital. More details can be found here .

Butte County Public Health (Butte County): The county provides a free car seat class with low-cost car seats for qualifying low-income families. Visit their website for more information.

San Diego County Public Health (San Diego County): The Keep Em Safe program provides Free Car Seats for low-income, active military, or refugee women who are at least 8 months pregnant and families with children up to the age of 9. More information can be found here .

Shasta County Health and Human Services (Shasta County): This organization offers a free car seat for pregnant moms that attend 3 classes and meet other qualifications. More information can be found here .

Plumas County Public Health Agency (Plumas County): The agency offers a free car seat to eligible families upon education and installation by a certified car seat technician. More information can be found here .

Colusa County Family Action Centers (Colusa County): The center has classes for $20 and families may qualify for a free car seat. More information can be found here .

Merced County Public Health (Merced County): The county charges $25 for a car seat class,

COLORADO Free Car Seats

Safe Kids Larimer County (Larimer County): Safe Kids Larimer County provides a car seat resource program. Though not explicitly free, they do request a $30 donation for each car seat distributed. More information can be found on their website . Further details about the county can be found here .

Morgan County Public Health (Morgan County): Morgan County offers car seat vouchers worth $50 for low-income families. These can be redeemed at the local Walmart. If the car seat costs more than $50, the family will need to pay the balance. Further information about Morgan County can be found here . Contact them directly for more details on the car seat voucher program.

Custer County Program (Custer County): For Custer County, you can contact Terra Raye who may provide car seat resources. You can reach her at 719-783-9451 or via cell at 719-371-3046. Alternatively, you can email her at [email protected] . The selection criteria are not well-defined, but it’s suspected that she prioritizes county residents who qualify. More information about Custer County is available here .

Montezuma County Car Seat Program : Located in Montezuma County, this program is committed to child safety in vehicles. Certified car seat technicians are on-hand to ensure that children are correctly fitted to age- and weight-appropriate car seats. Parents are also taught how to use and install the car seats properly. Last year, this program supplied over 200 car seats to families at a reduced cost.  Learn more about Montezuma County’s Car Seat Program

CONNECTICUT Free Car Seats

St. Gianna Pregnancy Resource Center: This center provides a range of maternity and baby items to those in need. For more information, please visit their website .

Hope Pregnancy Center: Hope Pregnancy Center offers the “Earn While You Learn” program, providing educational and material assistance to expecting parents. This continues after the baby is born, offering vital support for growing families. More information can be found on their website .

Southington Police Department: For those in need of a child passenger seat, Southington Police Department offers consideration for this essential item. Please contact their community relations division by sending an email to [email protected] with a brief narrative explaining your child passenger seat request. You can visit the Southington Police Department’s Facebook page using this link .

Carolyn’s Place Pregnancy Care Center: This center offers “Earn While You Learn Classes” for first-time parents. These consist of childbirth and parenting classes, and upon completion of the course, clients may be eligible to receive items needed for baby’s care, which may include a crib, car seat, clothing, diapers, etc. Visit their website for more details.

DELAWARE Free Car Seats

Delaware Opportunities Inc. (Statewide): Income-qualified families living in Delaware are eligible for a free car seat and instruction on appropriate installation through Delaware Opportunities Inc.’s car seat safety program. More information can be found on their website .

Delaware Division of Public Health (Statewide): The Delaware Division of Public Health collaborates with local organizations to set up car seat inspection stations around the state. Certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians perform the inspections and provide Free Car Seats. Dates for these events are posted on the calendar .

FLORIDA Free Car Seats

Florida Department of Transportation Safety Office (Statewide): This office sponsors the purchase and distribution of car seats to trained/qualified Child Passenger Safety (CPS) instructors and technicians. More information can be found here .

Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital (St. Petersburg): This hospital offers low-cost car seats for families in need. More information can be found here .

Florida Farm Bureau (Statewide, Members Only): Florida Farm Bureau provides up to three (3) car seats for $25 and booster seats for $15 via forms on their website under Member Benefits. More details can be found here .

Tampa Police Department (Tampa): The Tampa Police Department employs Child Passenger Safety Technicians (CPSTs) who can provide and/or install child safety seats for residents in need. Check their website for more information.

Safety Council of Palm Beach County, Inc. (Palm Beach County): Their Childsaver Car Seat Program provides child safety seats at a reduced cost to those in need in Palm Beach County. More details can be found here .

Florida Health Pinellas (Pinellas County): Offers workshops on proper safety seat usage. Additionally, those who meet certain financial requirements can obtain low-cost safety seats. Check their website for more details.

Mothers Helping Mothers (Sarasota, Manatee, and surrounding counties): This non-profit organization provides basic necessities such as clothing and baby items (including cribs, car seats, strollers, formula, breast pumps, and more) to families in need. More information can be found on their website .

St. Johns County Tax Collector – Project Buckle Up : This Florida-based program provides Free Car Seats to families in need. It also offers education on the correct installation and usage of car seats.  Project Buckle Up

Wolfson Children’s Hospital Car Safety Program : This Jacksonville, Florida-based program offers a low-cost car seat workshop. Participants can receive a car seat at a reduced cost while also gaining knowledge on car seat safety and correct installation.  Low-cost Car Seat Workshop

GEORGIA Free Car Seats

Child Occupant Safety Project (Statewide): Offers child safety seats and information on correct installation and use through the Mini Grant Program. This program collaborates with local community partners to deliver best practice education and services. More information can be found here .

South Health District Car Seat Program (Valdosta, Lowndes County): Provides a child safety seat to low-income families in need. More details can be found on their website .

District 4 Public Health (Troup County and eight other counties): Offers complimentary booster seats and safety training to financially eligible families through a Child Passenger Safety Mini-Grant. More details can be found here .

Safe Kids Cherokee County (Cherokee County): Provides up to ten car seats and education to financially qualified Cherokee County families through the mini-grant. More information can be found here .

Safe Kids North Fulton (North Fulton County): Offers qualifying families a child seat education as well as a free child seat through the Safe Kids North Fulton Child Passenger Safety Mini Grant. More details can be found here .

Northeast Georgia Health System (Northeast Georgia): Offers Car Seat Safety Class with Car Seat Distribution. In exchange for attending the lesson, you will receive a discounted car seat. Check their website for more information.

Women’s Enrichment Center of Dalton (Calhoun, Gordon County): Will be giving a Car Seat Education Class. Each child will receive a free car seat. More details can be found [here](https://www.wecnorthga.org/gordoncounty-carseats).

Bartow County Fire & Emergency Services (Bartow County): Provides car seat checks and installations and assists low-income Bartow County families in obtaining car seats. More information can be found here .

Safe Kids Program at Children’s Hospital of Georgia : Safe Kids, hosted by the Children’s Hospital of Georgia, provides a range of services to promote child safety, including a program for car seat safety. Contact the hospital for more information on potential assistance with car seats.  Safe Kids Program

Safe Kids Cobb County : This coalition hosted by Cobb & Douglas Public Health, works on injury prevention among children, including car seat safety. Please contact them directly for more information about potential car seat assistance.  Safe Kids Cobb County

HAWAII Free Car Seats

Statewide: Hawaii State offers a tax credit of $25 per year for the purchase of a booster or child safety seat. More information about this can be found here .

Kapi’olani Medical Center for Women & Children (Oahu): In previous years, Farmers Insurance Hawaii has partnered with the Child Passenger Safety Program at Kapi’olani Medical Center for Women & Children to offer Free Car Seats and education to families in financial need. The continuation of this program into 2023 is not explicitly stated on their website, but you can contact the Car Seat Check office to schedule a free car seat check and inquire about the availability of Free Car Seats. More information can be found on their website and here .

Oahu Pregnancy Center (Oahu): This center provides baby supply assistance and may be able to provide families with a free car seat. You can find more details on their website .

Aloha Pregnancy Center (Oahu): The center’s Baby & Me Boutique is stocked with big-ticket baby items, including car seats and high chairs, and is open to families in need. You can find more details on their website .

Keiki Closet (Oahu): This organization partners with LIV, a pregnancy and women’s center, to help provide baby essentials to moms in need. You can call them and request a car seat specifically and they can either provide one or direct you to other resources. More information can be found on their website .

Malama Pregnancy Center of Maui (Maui): This center provides material assistance to clients. While it’s not explicitly stated that they have Free Car Seats, this could be a great resource for finding a free car seat on the island of Maui. You can find more details on their website .

IDAHO Free Car Seats

St. Luke’s Children’s and Kohl’s – Right Seat 4 Kids 4 Care (Statewide): Offers Free Car Seats to families in need. Contact St. Luke’s Children’s Car Seat Program at (208) 381-3033. More information can be found here .

Kootenai Health (Kootenai County): Provides car seat education, installation, and limited free seats available for those who qualify on a donation basis. More details can be found here .

Safe Kids USA (Statewide): You can contact the following districts for free or discounted car seats:

• DISTRICT 1: Kootenai Health, (208) 666-2030
• DISTRICT 2: Moscow Police Department, (208) 883-7054 (ask for Kirstin); Success by 6 of the Palouse, (208) 882-7387; St Joseph Regional Medical Center-Family Beginnings, (208) 799-5430 (ask for Linda Rosetti)
• DISTRICT 3: Canyon County Paramedics, (208) 466-8800 (Car seats available based on income guidelines)
• DISTRICT 4: Safe Kids Treasure Valley, (208) 381-3033; Meridian Fire Department, (208) 884-0597
• DISTRICT 5: Safe Kids of Magic Valley, (208) 814-7640 (Also has low-cost car seats and booster seats)
• DISTRICT 6: Southeast District Health, (208) 478-6315
• DISTRICT 7: Madison Memorial Hospital, (208) 359-6710

Medical Home Portal – Idaho Car Seat Safety : The portal provides a directory of Idaho resources for car seat safety, including various organizations that offer car seat inspection, assistance, and education. Check the link below for detailed contact information for each organization.  Medical Home Portal – Idaho Car Seat Safety

ILLINOIS Free Car Seats

DuPage County Health Department’s Child Car Seat Program (DuPage County): In collaboration with the Carelink Foundation, provides Free Car Seats to low-income families. Parents must complete safety training provided in both English and Spanish. More details can be found here .

Buckle Up Child Passenger Safety (CPS) Program (Chicago, Cook County): Provides car seat information, installation assistance, and reduced-cost car seats to at-risk families through monthly car seat seminars, car seat inspection stations, and a network of over 15 community partners. More information can be found here .

CountyCare (Cook County): Provides Free Car Seats to expectant parents. More details can be found here .

Fair Hope (Vermilion County): Supplies car seats to families that DO NOT OWN A VEHICLE. The car seats are designed for children weighing 5 to 40 pounds. More details can be found here .

Safe Kids Coalition (Statewide): Hosts safe car seat events to provide instruction on safe use and inspect car seat installation. Many also provide free or low-cost car seats and other safety products. More information can be found here .

OSF Children’s Hospital (Peoria, Peoria County): Offers a low-cost car seat program that provides families in need with low-cost car seats. More information can be found here .

Auxiliary Stroger Hospital : Through their community outreach programs, the Auxiliary Stroger Hospital offers assistance to families in need. Their efforts include providing necessary items like car seats to those in need. You can find more information about their services on their website.  Auxiliary Stroger Hospital Community Programs

Grant A Wish Inc. Chicago : This organization runs a Baby Program which aims to provide a range of essentials to parents who are unable to afford them. Car seats are among the items provided. Visit their website for more information and eligibility criteria.  Grant A Wish Inc. Baby Program

INDIANA Free Car Seats

Community Health Network (Marion County): This Indianapolis-based organization provides Free Car Seats to parents who need them. More details can be found here .

Gear-Up for Safety Program (Statewide): Families receive the essential safety equipment they need to make their homes child-safe, including car seats. More details can be found here .

Project L.O.V.E. (Statewide): A program for law enforcement that educates families on the correct use and installation of child safety seats. Only parents or caregivers who are Indiana citizens and meet low income financial qualifying requirements are eligible to receive free child safety seats. More information can be found here .

Franciscan Health Car Seat Safety Clinics (Tippecanoe County): Installed more than 100 Free Car Seats for families in need. Reservations are necessary and eligibility restrictions must be met in order to receive a free car seat. More details can be found here .

Indiana University School of Medicine (Marion County): In partnership with a San Francisco-based auto insurance firm, Go Insurance, they have a project that provides Free Car Seats as a part of its recently introduced nationwide kid passenger safety initiative. More details can be found here .

Spencer County Car Seat Program : This Indiana-based program offers car seat inspections and provides car seats for families who meet the income eligibility criteria. Visit their website for more information and how to participate.  Spencer County Car Seat Program

IOWA Free Car Seats

Unitypoint Health – Des Moines, Statewide : Offers Child Passenger Safety Technicians that may assist in instructing caregivers on how to properly utilize car seats. Families in need may be able to receive Free Car Seats through this program, but it does not give out baby carriers. Convertible, combination, and booster seats are provided under this program. A newborn weighing as little as 5 pounds can fit in the convertible seat. More information can be found on their website .

Johnson County Empowerment/ECIA, Johnson County : Periodic Car Seat Events are held to check that car seats are securely fastened and to give away free seats to kids in need who don’t have them or whose seats are damaged or have expired. The generous donations from HOPE for Johnson County and the Johnson County Empowerment/ECIA board monies enable the provision of free seats. More information can be found on their website .

Jones County Public Health, Jones County : Car seats and booster seats are available for families who might require one to transport their children safely. A single family may use this program. More information can be found on their website .

Stork’s Nest in Polk County, Iowa : An incentive-based program providing necessary baby items like diapers, strollers, cribs, and car seats to new and expecting mothers with low income. Participants earn points through healthy behaviors and can also avail parenting and prenatal classes. For more details, call (515) 558-9950 or visit here .

University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital Safety Store : Provides car seats and other safety products to families at a discount. The store is designed to teach caregivers about injury prevention, and each purchase includes education on the proper use of the product. Visit their website for more information.

Variety – the Children’s Charity of Iowa : Provides Free Car Seats to families in need as a part of their “Kids on the Go!” program. More details can be found in their document .

KANSAS Free Car Seats

Kansas Traffic Safety Resource Office, Statewide : Will distribute program seats to eligible families that can show visual proof any of the following (we do not need copies):

• KanCare Health Plans
• Vision Card
• Kansas Farm Worker Health Program This program will provide a car seat to pregnant women 30 days before their due date, anything sooner is at the technician’s discretion. It will also provide another car seat to the same child if the child has outgrown the initial car seat issued, and the family can provide proof they are still eligible, or if the family has been in a car crash and can provide a police report. More information can be found on their website .

Mid-America Regional Council (MARC) and North Kansas City Fire Department, North Kansas City : MARC has received a federal grant to provide car seats to low income families and has partnered with the North Kansas City Fire Department. This program has income restrictions and to find out if you qualify for a car seat through the MARC and the Head Start program. More information can be found on their website .

Swope Health (Kansas City) : Celebrates moms and healthy babies with their event that includes a free car seat giveaway. More information can be found on their website .

Baby Talk ICT (Wichita) : Offers various classes, including car seat safety. Families in need may qualify for a free car seat. Find more information on their website .

Injury Free Coalition for Kids (Kansas City) : This organization provides a program for car seat safety, potentially offering car seats for families in need. For more details, visit their website .

KENTUCKY Free Car Seats

Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, Statewide : They provide child safety seat and booster seat inspections, and sometimes even Free Car Seats, to families in need. They aim to ensure all children have access to safe, reliable child safety seats. You can learn more about their program and how to participate by visiting their official website .

Hardin County Health Department, Hardin County : This health department has a car seat program where they provide a car seat to families in need. They require you to watch an educational video and have the seat installed by a certified technician at their facility. Explore their website for more details .

Louisville Metro Public Health and Wellness, Louisville : Offers child safety seat checkups where Certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians teach parents and caregivers how to install their car seats correctly. They also provide Free Car Seats to individuals who are in need and meet certain criteria. Discover more on their website .

Jessamine County Health Department, Jessamine County : The Health Department’s HANDS program provides education, resources, and even Free Car Seats to parents in need. Parents must participate in the HANDS program and complete a car seat safety class. You can gather more details by visiting the Jessamine County Health Department’s website .

Lexington-Fayette County Health Department, Lexington-Fayette County : They provide car seats to eligible families and also conduct car seat inspections. They want to ensure that every child travels safely. If you want to learn more about their initiative, you can do so on their website .

LOUISIANA Free Car Seats

Councilman Free Car Seat Program, Baton Rouge : A local councilman provides Free Car Seats to qualifying parents who receive WIC and/or SNAP assistance. Interested parents must preregister for the giveaway. Check out more details at the official news page .

University Medical Center New Orleans, Statewide : Families in need throughout Louisiana can sign up for Free Car Seats at this hospital’s injury prevention program. You can sign up for a free car seat on their website .

MAINE Free Car Seats

Maine Bureau of Highway Safety, Statewide : This bureau offers Free Car Seats to qualifying families in Maine. Parents or guardians should contact them directly to see if their child qualifies. More details available here .

KVCAP Child & Family Services Department, Statewide : This department operates two distribution stations for the Maine Bureau of Highway Safety’s car seat program, which provides car seats to low-income families. Find out more about their service from the official website .

Maine Families Washington County, Washington County : They provide free convertible and booster car seats for income-eligible families through a program sponsored by the Maine Bureau of Highway Safety. Certain conditions apply. More about their services can be found here .

Southern Kennebec Child Development Corporation, Kennebec County : This corporation collaborates with the Bureau of Highway Safety to provide car seat education and distribution. Eligible families can schedule an appointment with their certified car seat technician to receive a car seat. You can access more information from their official website .

MARYLAND Free Car Seats

Safe Kids Frederick County, Frederick County : Safe Kids Frederick County, a program of the Frederick County Health Department, offers Free Car Seats to residents. They aim to prevent unintentional injuries to children under the age of 19 in Frederick County. Additional details can be found on their official webpage .

Maryland Department of Health’s Kids In Safety Seats, Statewide : This program offers car and booster seats at a low cost to families who cannot afford to buy them. They also have short-term special needs loaner programs for children with certain medical issues. Seat availability varies by location. Learn more about their initiative on this webpage .

Holy Cross Health (Silver Spring, MD) : Offers a Car Seat Rental Program for newborns and children. To learn more, visit their website .

MASSACHUSETTS Free Car Seats

Massachusetts Car Seat Distribution Program, Statewide : This initiative provides car seats to qualifying entities for distribution to needy families. They aim to prevent child passenger injuries and fatalities. More information about their program is available on their official website .

Boston Children’s Primary Care, Boston : This health care provider offers car seats and booster seats to low-income families that come for care. You can find out more on their website .

Injury Free Coalition for Kids, Worcester : They host child passenger safety car seat check-up events twice a month. Families are taught how to properly install and utilize booster seats and car seats. Families in need are given access to car seats and booster seats. Get more details from their official webpage .

UMass Amherst Police Department, Amherst : The Police Department was awarded a grant to help parents who need car seats. CPS trained installers can check to see if it has any recalls and is installed correctly. If you or someone you know requires a seat, contact Officer Brian Kellogg. You can find out more here .

Boston Public Health Commission’s Childhood Injury Prevention Program, Boston : This program provides a valuable resource for Boston’s low-income families who require a child safety seat. Recipients should meet MassHealth eligibility requirements or be below the poverty line in Massachusetts. More about their program can be found on this webpage .

Boston Medical Center (Boston) : They offer a car seat program for patients. For more details, refer to their program PDF .

MICHIGAN Free Car Seats

Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning, Statewide : This office supports neighborhood car seat distribution initiatives by providing car seats at regional seat check events and fitting stations for low-income families. Explore more details here .

Family Futures, Kent County : Parents residing in Kent County who are enrolled in Medicaid are eligible. However, people with a specific level of income may still be eligible. More information can be found on their website .

Kids Always Ride Safe (KARS), Houghton and Keweenaw Counties : KARS is a program for car seat education and a cheap car seat alternative made to last your kids through the years in the car seat/booster seat. This program is available to families living in Houghton and Keweenaw Counties, including WIC families. Find out more on their website .

Maternal Infant Health Program, Statewide : Families who receive Medicaid are eligible to receive Free Car Seats from this program, while discounted car seats are provided for families with economic hardships. Read more about their service here .

Trinity Health Michigan (Michigan) : They provide a child injury prevention program which includes car seat safety. Learn more about their program and how to avail of these services from their website .

MINNESOTA Free Car Seats

Child Passenger Safety Program, Statewide : This program in Minnesota offers Free Car Seats to families in need. The program is funded by a number of sources. Learn more about their initiative here .

The Baby Blanket (Michigan) : They offer a Crib & Car Seat Program to support families in need. They provide car seats among other necessities for your baby. Learn more and apply for assistance on their website .

Sherburne County Public Health, Sherburne County : Car seats are available to Sherburne County residents who meet income requirements. Sherburne County children on WIC, Medical aid, or the Medica PMAP program are automatically qualified. Find out more about their initiative here .

Every Day Miracles, Statewide: This organization donates car seats to families with Medical Assistance health coverage. Visit their website to reserve a spot here .

Scott County Sheriff’s Office, Scott County : The Sheriff’s Office provides car seats to uninsured and low-income families when they are available. More information can be found here .

Renville County Public Health, Renville County : They offer a free car seat class to all residents of Renville County. Members of PrimeWest, Blue Plus, and other groups that may be eligible can access car seats. Read more about their service on their webpage .

Norman-Mahnomen Public Health Department, Norman-Mahnomen Counties : This department offers Free Car Seats to MinnesotaCare and Medical Assistance participants who qualify. They also provide guidance on selecting the best kid safety restraint and details on how to use it properly. Explore more details on their webpage .

Vadnais Heights City (Statewide) : Their Car Seat Program offers car seat safety checks and provides car seats to families in need. Visit the city’s website for more information.

Mille Lacs County Community Health (Minnesota) : This community health center offers car seat safety checks and assistance in obtaining car seats. For more information, visit their website or contact them at:

Public Health: 635 2nd St SE Milaca, MN 56353 Phone: 320-983-8208 Toll-Free: 888-270-8208 Fax: 320-983-8352

Carver County Public Health (Minnesota) : Carver County provides a Child Passenger Safety Program that offers services to help ensure your child’s car seat is installed correctly. It also offers low-cost car seats to eligible families who are unable to afford one. Learn more about their program on their website .

MISSISSIPPI Free Car Seats

Mississippi State Department of Health, Statewide : The state department of health offers free infant or convertible child safety seats to all eligible Mississippi children. To find out if you qualify, use their assessment form found here .

Farm Bureau Mississippi, Statewide : Farm Bureau Mississippi provides members with the chance to order car seats and booster seats at a reduced cost through the Child Saver Program. Find out more about this service on their webpage .

MISSOURI Free Car Seats

Platte County Buckle Up Kids Car Seat Program, Platte County : This program provides Free Car Seats to residents of Platte County who may be eligible and meet income requirements. Find more about this service here .

SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Safety Program, Statewide : Children under the age of one can get a free car seat through this program along with parent instruction from a highly qualified specialist. Local Child Passenger Safety Partners can help you find car seats for kids over one. More information is available here .

Cass County Health Department, Cass County : The Health Department is pleased to offer free car seat safety workshops for families in need of a car seat or booster seat for their child. Find out more on their website .

Henry County Health Center, Henry County : Car seats for low-income families can be offered here. Explore more on their official website .

Lebanon Missouri Child Seat Safety Program, Lebanon : This program gives away car seats to those in need. Find out more about their initiative here .

Lawrence County Health Department (Lawrence County) : The Lawrence County Health Department runs a car seat program providing education, installation assistance, and low-cost or Free Car Seats for eligible families in need. For more information, visit their website .

Safe Kids Columbia, Columbia : The Safe Kids Columbia initiative brings together community people, educators, businesses, foundations, volunteers, and local health and safety professionals and provides those in need with Free Car Seats. Read more about their service here .

Callaway County Ambulance District, Callaway County : In order to help individuals in need, the Ambulance District has teamed up with SERVE, Inc. and Safe Kids Columbia. You must submit an application for a voucher at SERVE, Inc., in order to be eligible for a free car seat. Learn more about their initiative here .

MONTANA Free Car Seats

Missoula County, Missoula County : They provide car seat vouchers for those receiving public assistance on a first-come, first-serve basis. Get more details from their website .

Greater Gallatin Safety Commission, Bozeman area : They offer Free Car Seats to families in need. Find more about their service here .

SafeSeat for Baby, Statewide : Referrals for Free Car Seats and training must come from the public health department or another social service organization. Explore more on their webpage .

Safer Start Montana, Statewide : They offer car seats to families in need who apply online. More information can be found on their website .

Ravalli County, Ravalli County : They provide car seats to families in need by appointment only. Find out more about their initiative here .

Safe Kids Yellowstone County, Yellowstone County : Safe Kids Yellowstone County is able to help with car seats when available. They have a reduced-cost program and some people may be able to get one for free if they qualify under one of the grants they have put in for. To receive this help, scheduling an appointment for one of their car seat checks is required. Events are listed on their website, where there is also a link to the pick time calendar so people can schedule the appointment. More details can be found here .

NEBRASKA Free Car Seats

Safe Kids South Central at Mary Lanning Healthcare, Hastings : For those who have Medicaid, Kids Connection, or WIC, car seats can be purchased from Mary Lanning Healthcare for a lower price. Get more information from their website .

Three Rivers Public Health Department (Dodge, Saunders, and Washington counties) : In partnership with Safe Kids, the Three Rivers Public Health Department offers various services to promote child safety. This includes providing child car seats for eligible families who can’t afford to buy new ones. Visit their website for more details.

NEVADA Free Car Seats

Ron Wood Family Resource Center, Carson City : This center offers discounted car seats when available. Find more information about this resource here .

NyECC Child Car Seat Inspections & Installation, Nye County : The coalition has a number of certified technicians that can properly inspect all child safety seats and install no-cost seats to those that qualify. Contact NyECC at 775-727-9970 to learn how to schedule an inspection or installation. Get more details from their website .

Car Seats for Christy, Statewide : This is a non-profit that gives car seats out to those in need. Learn more about their mission here .

Baby’s Bounty, Statewide : Baby’s Bounty gives car seats along with other baby essentials to families that adhere to the 130% of the 2020 US Federal Poverty Guidelines. Find more about their program requirements here .

NEW HAMPSHIRE Free Car Seats

Amerihealth New Hampshire : This program is available for Amerihealth NH members and provides car seats and booster seats at no cost for child members, up to a $129 value.  Learn about the Amerihealth NH benefits here

WellSense : As a WellSense NH MassHealth ACO or MCO member, you may qualify for additional benefits. Car seats play an important part in keeping children safe while riding in a vehicle. Each child member between 5-65 lbs. can receive an infant seat once per lifetime, and children between the ages of 4-8 years old are eligible for a booster seat to replace the infant seat, once requested. Pregnant mothers can request a car seat 45 days prior to their due date. Members should call WellSense Member Services to request a free car or booster seat.  Get more information about the WellSense program here

New Hampshire Right to Life (Statewide) : Committed to supporting pregnancy centers around New Hampshire, they provide necessary baby items including car seats. For more information on how you can benefit, visit their Support Pregnancy Centers page .

NEW JERSEY Free Car Seats

Burlington County Child Safety Seat Inspection Program : Burlington County offers this program for families who are expecting or have an infant and cannot afford a child safety seat. The Burlington County Sheriff’s Department may be able to provide a seat through the Child Safety Seat program. An application and proof of income are required.  Find the Burlington County program details here

Ride of My Life : This charity is dedicated to ensuring the safety of every car ride a baby takes. For mothers who can’t afford the government-required car seat to bring their newborns home from the hospital, Ride of My Life steps in to provide the necessary aid. Hospitals across New Jersey are encouraged to reach out to the organization for their maternity patients in need of a car seat.

Learn about the Ride of My Life initiative here Explore more about the charity’s outreach here

NEW MEXICO Free Car Seats

New Mexico Child Safety Seat Distribution Program, Statewide : The state program features 40 distribution stations across New Mexico. Each station has its own application criteria, most require proof of qualification for WIC, Medicaid, or New Mexi-Kids. Most families only pay $25, cash only. Visit their website for more details .

NEW YORK Free Car Seats

Ardent Solutions Car Seat Distribution Program, Allegany County : This program helps low-income families and others find the best car seat for their child at every age. From the time a kid is born until they are old enough to ride without a seat, parents and legal guardians of those children are provided with Free Car Seats. There are booster seats available for older children. Assistance is only intended to be given once. Learn more here .

Wayne County Public Health Child Safety Programs’ Car Seat Distribution Class, Wayne County : If you don’t already have one and can’t afford one, this program may be able to help. The course provides a thorough examination of all available car seat models, their applications, and methods for choosing the best one for your child. Free Car Seats are contingent on attending the class, having a valid photo ID and proof of ongoing participation in public assistance programs, and being a permanent resident of Wayne County. Details can be found here .

Onondaga County Car Seat Program, Onondaga County : Sponsored by Catholic Charities of Onondaga County, this program provides Free Car Seats (call for details on eligibility requirements based on poverty). Check their website .

Tremont Neighborhood Health Action Center, Bronx, NYC : Families are given access to newborn car seats or safe sleeping surfaces. More information can be found here .

New York Connects (Washington County) : Offers a car seat distribution program across the state of New York, ensuring the safety of children in transit. Learn more about the program for Washington County residents on their Car Seat Distribution Program page .

New Hope Family Services (Syracuse) : Provides a variety of pregnancy-related services, including help with obtaining car seats. More information about the services provided can be found on their website .

Cornell Cooperative Extension (Livingston County) : Offers a Traffic Safety Education program that includes child safety seats education. More information can be found on their website .

NORTH CAROLINA Free Car Seats

Child Passenger Safety program, Henderson County : Child passenger safety specialists in Henderson County, North Carolina, educate caregivers on the use and correct installation of car seats. If they don’t already have a suitable car seat for the family’s child, Henderson County homeowners may also be eligible for a free car seat. Learn more on their website .

Alleghany Council on Children, Youth, and Families (Alleghany County) : Provides the “Buckle Up Car Seat Distribution Program” to assist families with car seat needs. Find more details on their website .

The Bear Closet (Asheville) : Offers assistance including car seats to families in need. Visit their website for more information.

NORTH DAKOTA Free Car Seats

North Dakota Car Seat Distribution, Statewide : This state program is sponsored by the North Dakota Department of Health and the North Dakota Department of Transportation. There are over 25 car seat distribution locations across the state, and you can call each location for more information. Find a location here .

First District Health Unit Car Seat Distribution Program, Ward County : This program offers discounted car seats to all families. The cost is $61 for car seats and $5 for backless boosters. Families receiving any kind of public assistance (like WIC, SNAP, Medicaid, etc) are eligible for a further discount, with car seats costing only $30 and backless boosters still at $5. This service is available by appointment only. More details here .

Bismarck Child Safety Program (Bismarck) : Provides car seat safety education and may have resources for families in need of car seats. More information is available on their website .

Safe Kids Grand Forks (Grand Forks) : Offers car seat checkup events, educational presentations, and may provide car seats for families in need. Learn more on their website .

OHIO Free Car Seats

Ohio Buckles Buckeyes (OBB) Child Passenger Safety Program, Statewide : This program offers Free Car Seats and booster seats to qualified low-income families in all Ohio counties. Individuals who qualify based on income must attend an instructional session led by a licensed technician in order to obtain a free OBB seat. The program provides two types of kid safety seats: Convertible Seat ($20 donation) & Booster Seat ($10 donation). Learn more about the program here .

Columbus Public Health Car Seat Program, Columbus : Families in need can benefit from this program by receiving discounted car seats and booster seats. Families need to be referred by their WIC clinic or by a Columbus Public Health Home Visiting program in order to be given a seat. The cost is $30 for a convertible car seat and $10 for a booster seat. Families are required to attend a 60–90 minute long lesson. More details here .

Akron Children’s Hospital Car Seat Program, Akron : This program offers brand new car seats at a reduced cost to low-income families. This discount is available to families who receive government assistance (e.g., WIC, Medicaid, etc.). Caregivers are educated on how to correctly utilize the seat and install it in a vehicle. The hospital occasionally obtains complimentary seats from ODH throughout the year. Read more here .

Lorain County Car Seat Program, Lorain County : This program educates parents and guardians on child passenger safety and gives car seats and booster seats to qualifying people. Eligibility criteria include living in Lorain County, having a qualifying income (eligible for WIC or SNAP), and attending a 30-minute information session. Find more details here .

Tuscarawas County Health Department Car Seat Program, Tuscarawas County : This department has numerous nationally certified car seat technicians (CPST) on staff who can assist you with your car seat. WIC Income Eligible children may receive one car seat every three years if their parents or legal guardians attend a class and pass a quiz. More details here .

Putnam County Health Department Car Seat Program, Putnam County : This program offers Free Car Seats to a resident of Putnam County who also meets WIC Income Guidelines or is income eligible for WIC. Learn more here .

Warren County Health District Car Seat Program, Warren County : This program provides Free Car Seats. To qualify, a parent/caregiver must meet WIC income limits, though the beneficiary does not need to be registered in WIC. The family must have a child who meets the requirements for a car/booster seat and must attend an educational class. More details here .

Knox Public Health Car Seat Program, Knox County : This program offers convertible and booster seats to low-income families in collaboration with the Ohio Department of Health’s Ohio Buckles Buckeyes. A $10 charge is suggested at the time of the class. Find more details here .

Belmont County Health Department Car Seat Program, Belmont County : This department offers Free Car Seats to eligible families. To confirm WIC eligibility, the family must submit one of the following documents: paystubs for the previous 30 days, WIC card, Medicaid card, W2s/most recent tax transcript, or unemployment benefits/award letter. More details here .

Lake County General Health District (LCGHD) Car Seat Program, Lake County : This program provides car seats to income-eligible families in collaboration with University Hospitals and the Ohio Buckles Buckeyes (OBB). To get a car seat, the parent/legal caregiver must attend an instructional class. Learn more here .

Perry County Health Department Car Seat Program, Perry County : This department offers Free Car Seats. A parent or guardian is eligible for a convertible car seat or booster seat if they live in Perry County, are a WIC customer, or meet current WIC income limits. Infant car seats are offered to families receiving assistance from Job and Family Services. More details here .

OKLAHOMA Free Car Seats

SPARC Car Seats: Single Parent Academic Resources Collaborative, Oklahoma City : This program uses a first-come, first-served policy to distribute car seats. Local car seat events are listed on the website. Check the event details because some car seats are provided for free or at a low fee. Details here

Oklahoma Highway Safety Office, Injury Prevention Service, Safe Kids Oklahoma, Statewide : These entities collaborate to launch a car/booster seat program through county health departments. Free Car Seats and booster seats are available to families that qualify for WIC benefits or receive Medicaid, SNAP, or TANF. Details here

Bethany Children’s Health Center, Bethany : For individuals who are eligible, the center offers inexpensive car seats. Details here

Infant Crisis Services, Oklahoma City : A local group offers supplies like diapers, blankets, baby clothes, formula, car seats, and other essentials to those in need. Details here

Muskogee County Emergency Medical Service, Muskogee County : The Kirschner Trusts awarded a grant to Muskogee County Emergency Medical Service to help cover the cost of car seats for low-income families in the county. Details here

OREGON Free Car Seats

Grants Pass Fire and Rescue, Grants Pass : This program offers reduced-cost seats for individuals on OHP or families working with WIC. Convertible and combination seats are available for $30 and booster seats for $10. Additional discounts are available for some individuals working with WIC, but they must learn how to use the car seat correctly. Details here

Oregon Building Healthy Families, Wallowa County : The organization offers car seats in conjunction with a class on a sliding scale payment basis. Details here

Bambinos Oregon, Polk County : If you are a current Bambinos client living in Polk County, a seat is available for a $15 deposit and education is given. Details here

Care Inc, Tillamook County : The organization offers low-cost car seats, determined on a case-by-case basis, along with other essentials for Tillamook County residents. Details here

Legacy Health, Portland : The organization offers a car seat safety class with no/low-cost car seat on availability. Details here

Multnomah County Healthy Birth Initiative, Multnomah County : For Black or African American families in Multnomah County, discounted car seats are available. Details here

Doernbacher Children’s Hospital, Portland : This hospital works with ODOT to see if families are eligible for the car seat distribution program. Details here

Safe Kids Lower Columbia, Columbia County : This program provides an interactive car seat program with one-on-one instruction, a $50 visa gift card just for keeping your appointment, and a free car seat if needed. Details here

Salem Right to Life Center, Salem : By taking five parenting classes, you can earn Baby Bucks that can be redeemed for a new car seat. Details here

Umatilla-Morrow Head Start, Inc, Umatilla & Morrow Counties : Families in/near Hermiston and Pendleton can get car seats for low-income families at a reduced cost. Convertible seats are available for $30, high-back boosters for $20, and no-back boosters for $10. Details here

Vine Medical Pregnancy Health Clinic : A new car seat can be obtained by participating in the educational programs. Details here , Educational Resources

City of Albany, Albany : The Albany Area Child Passenger Safety Program can provide low-cost seats to income-eligible families residing in Linn and Benton counties. A referral may be obtained from Love, Inc, or from WIC for families who are currently eligible for and receiving WIC benefits.

PENNSYLVANIA Free Car Seats

Tri-County Community Action, Dauphin County : This organization collaborates with SAFE KIDS in Dauphin County through Penn State Children’s Hospital to provide a discounted car seat program for families referred to them or other public assistance organizations. Safety checks can be performed by their professionals if required. The program aims to inform the public about the importance of using car seats correctly for safety and legal reasons. Details here

Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia : Through the CHOP Child Safety Seat Program, the hospital provides child car seats free of charge. A healthcare professional may refer anyone who cannot afford to buy a child safety seat to this program. To qualify, you must be actively receiving public assistance and have a green EBT Access card. Details here

Pennsylvania Traffic Injury Prevention Project’s Car Seat Loan Program, Statewide : Free Car Seats are available at locations throughout the county through this program. Details here

Central Pennsylvania Community Action, Central Pennsylvania : This organization has set up a car seat loaner program for people who can’t afford to buy the right car seat for their infants or toddlers. In collaboration with PennDOT and the PA Traffic Injury Prevention Project, this program lends out the appropriate car seats to those who meet the required income levels, set at 150% of the poverty line or less. Details here

RHODE ISLAND Free Car Seats

Injury Prevention Center’s 4-Safety Program, Statewide : Certified child passenger safety technicians (CPSTs) from the Injury Prevention Center teach car seat installation to parents. Qualified low-income families may be provided a car seat for their child. Details here

The organization also lists the sites for car seat checks in Rhode Island. Details here

Seats 4 Safety Program at Lifespan (Statewide) : This program offers car seat inspections and may provide Free Car Seats for eligible families who are unable to afford them. More details can be found on their website .

SOUTH CAROLINA Free Car Seats

Palmetto Health Children’s Hospital, Midlands : The hospital and its Buckle Buddies program offer new and safe car seats to families in the Midlands via their Medicaid discount program. Car seats can be purchased at a discount at Palmetto Health Baptist’s Birthplace. The discount is $10 per car seat, making the total cost $65 for a regular car seat and $35 for a convertible car seat. To access this service, contact:

• Prisma Health Baptist Hospital Women’s Services, Taylor at Marion St. Columbia, SC 29220
• Call: 803-296-2578

More details here

Molina Healthcare of South Carolina : Provides a free car seat program for eligible members who complete 6 prenatal visits. Members must email their details to [email protected] with “Car Seat” as the email subject. The email must include the member’s full name, physical mailing address, phone number, and Molina ID number. Please note that car seat types may vary.  More details here

SOUTH DAKOTA Free Car Seats

South Dakota Department of Social Services, Statewide : This department offers the Child Safety Seat Distribution Program which aims to ensure children are in the most suitable child seat for their height and weight until they are at least 4’9″. It provides child safety seats at no cost to families that meet income eligibility requirements. Details here

Sanford Children’s CHILD Services, Statewide : This service offers the Child Safety Seat Distribution Program, which aims to keep children safe by providing child safety seats at no cost to families who meet the income eligibility requirements. The goal is to ensure children ride in the best car seat for their size and weight until they reach a minimum height of 4 feet 9 inches. Details here

Prairie Lakes Healthcare System, Statewide : In collaboration with the South Dakota Department of Social Services, this organization offers Free Car Seats to parents who meet the requirements. Parents must live in South Dakota and be enrolled in a program that qualifies them for financial assistance, such as Medicaid, WIC, SNAP, CHIP, Child Care Assistance, or Head Start. Details here

TENNESSEE Free Car Seats

Shelby County Health Department Child Car Seat Program, Shelby County : This program offers free convertible car seats to Shelby County residents with children under the age of 2 who meet the program’s eligibility requirements. Details here

Mother To Mother (Nashville) : A non-profit organization that provides vital health, safety, and wellness items for infants and children in need. They have programs that may help families acquire car seats. For more information, visit their website .

TEXAS Free Car Seats

Texas Health and Human Services, Statewide : The Safe Riders initiative forms alliances with Texas stakeholders to educate about child passenger safety and manage the distribution of child safety seats to low-income families. Safe Riders refer families to established distribution stations in their neighborhood. Details here

Denton County Public Health, Denton County : The Safe Riders initiative also provides child safety seat distribution and education here. Families that meet the eligibility requirements and attend the course will be provided with a car seat. Families must self-certify their financial need, have a vehicle with a working safety belt, and attend a one-hour session to learn how to properly use the car seat. Car seat classes are held monthly. Details here

St. John’s Community Center, Travis County : This center offers a variety of services to low-income families, including a free car seat program. To obtain a car seat, you must first complete a car seat safety course. Details here

Living Alternatives of Jacksonville, Jacksonville : This organization may provide free child car seats to low-income mothers who are pregnant or have small children. Living Alternatives is approved annually to distribute new car seats for free through the State of Texas Safe-Riders Program. Details here

UMC Foundation El Paso (El Paso) : The UMC Foundation’s Car Seat Safety Program helps ensure child passenger safety by providing car seats to families who might otherwise be unable to afford them. Visit their website for more details.

Families to Freedom (Dallas) : This organization offers a program providing car seats for families in need. They ensure that families on their way to a safer life have the necessary equipment for transporting children safely. More information is available on their website .

UTAH Free Car Seats

Salt Lake County Health Department, Salt Lake County : The department sells new car seats to qualifying families on a sliding fee scale. Eligible families must attend a car seat class and provide proof of income, which must be at or below 195% of the federal poverty level. Details here

Tooele County Health Department, Tooele County : Offers low-cost car seats to qualifying families. The department also provides free car seat education classes on the first Wednesday of every month. Details here

Weber-Morgan Health Department, Weber County : Sells new car seats on a sliding fee scale to families who qualify. Similar to the program in Salt Lake County, qualifying families must attend a car seat class and provide proof of income, which must be at or below 195% of the federal poverty level. Details here

Southwest Utah Public Health Department, Southern Utah : Offers car seats for free or for a discount after a car seat installation course. Details here

VERMONT Free Car Seats

Vermont Safety Seat Voucher Program, Statewide : This program provides Free Car Seats and booster seats to low-income families who meet program qualifications, primarily determined by receipt of state or federal funds. Details here

Rescue Inc., Statewide : This is a Pediatric Safe Organization designated by the state of Vermont. They provide Free Car Seats to qualified low-income families and free car seat inspections to anyone who wants one. Details here

Lyndon Rescue, Statewide : As part of Vermont’s Child Passenger Safety Program, Lyndon Rescue provides free child safety seat inspections and installation. They also offer low-cost car seats and booster seats to income-eligible families who meet the program’s qualifications. Details here

Springfield Hospital, Springfield : This hospital provides a Nationally Certified Passenger Safety Technician to help families with the installation and use of their child’s car seat. They collaborate with the Vermont Department of Health and the Vermont Governor’s Highway Safety Program to supply car seats to individuals in need. Details here

Colchester Police Department, Colchester : Employs nationally qualified child passenger safety technicians who can inspect your child’s seat installation. Also, if you have a free seat voucher from the Vermont Department of Health, they can assist you. Details here

VIRGINIA Free Car Seats

Virginia Department of Health Low Income Safety Seat Distribution and Education Program, Statewide : This program promotes, acquires, and distributes free child safety seats to low-income families. Details here

Fairfax County Health Department, Fairfax County : Provides income-eligible parents, foster parents, and legal guardians of a child aged 7 or younger, and pregnant women in their third trimester with car seat instruction and a free car seat. Details here 

City of Norfolk’s Child Passenger Safety Program, Norfolk : This program provides low-income families with instruction as well as free child safety seats and booster seats from the third trimester of pregnancy through the age of seven. Details here

City of Lynchburg, Lynchburg : Employs Child Safety Seat Technicians who have completed the National Standardized Child Passenger Safety Training Program. They also provide a program for low-income children. Details here

Louisa County, Louisa County : The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) Division of Injury and Violence Prevention maintains a statewide Child Safety Seat Program that provides low-income families with seat distribution and instruction. Details here

WASHINGTON Free Car Seats

Seattle Children’s Car Seat Program, Seattle : Provides car seats for patients or ER patients, asking families to pay what they can towards the wholesale cost of the car seat. Details here

Benton Franklin Health District, Benton Franklin : Safe Kids Benton Franklin offers free car seat checks and also has car seats available for low-income families who meet the qualifications. Details here

Babies In Need, Southwest WA : Works with social workers to help families get car seats and other essentials. Details here

PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center, Southwest WA : Offers a one-hour car seat education class and there are a limited number of car seats available for low income families. Details here

Eastside Baby Corner, Seattle and Surrounding Areas : A community organization that serves families in need in and around Seattle. They can provide car seats and other baby essentials, partnering with various organizations, including Afghan Health Initiative. Details here and here

Two Hearts Pregnancy Aid, Washington : Will provide a car seat to any family in need as long as they qualify. Details here

West Seattle Food Bank, Seattle : In a partnership with Westside Baby, car seats can be ordered for qualifying families. Details here and here

WASHINGTON D.C. Free Car Seats

The District Department of Transportation, Washington D.C .: Runs a federally sponsored Child Safety Seat Program, which educates parents and caregivers on the need of using child safety seats every time a child travels in a car. The program gives an infant or toddler seat, a free booster seat, and information on correctly fitting and strapping children into their safety seats to District households. This project is a collaboration between DDOT, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), the DC Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), and Safe Kids Washington DC. Details here

WEST VIRGINIA Free Car Seats

The Gabriel Project of West Virginia, Statewide : Assists families that lack the financial means to meet the physical demands of a new infant. They supply their clients with infant essentials such as new cribs, new car seats, diapers, formula, clothing, hygiene products, and other items at no or low cost. Details here

Motown Christian Help (Morgantown) : Offers a variety of programs to support families, including a program that provides car seats to those in need. Their mission is to provide help and hope to individuals and families in the Houston area. For more details, visit their website .

WISCONSIN Free Car Seats

West Allis Health Department, West Allis : The health department offers a variety of car seat services, including providing low-cost car or booster seats to low-income families.  More details here

Injury Free Coalition for Kids (Milwaukee) : This organization is dedicated to preventing injury to children. As part of their mission, they provide a car seat safety program that offers car seats to families in need in the Waco area. Learn more by visiting their website .

Clark County Health Department, Clark County : The health department runs a program called “Car Seats for Kids,” offering free car seat checks to all parents or guardians with children in car seats or booster seats. Some parents may even be eligible for a free car seat! The department also provides educational materials to ensure the safest travel for your child.  More details here

Brown County Public Health (Brown County) : They offer a Car Seat Program that provides car seats at a discounted price to families who qualify. This program aims to increase the number of children who are safely restrained in vehicles. More details can be found on their website .

WYOMING Free Car Seats

Cheyenne Regional Medical Center, Cheyenne : Partners with Kohls, Walmart, and other local retailers to offer free or discounted car seats. Interested parties should call the Injury Prevention Department at (307) 432-2679. Details here

Teton County Car Seat Program, Teton County : This program is supported by generous donations from the local Kiwanis Club. It provides affordable car seats, though it cannot provide seats for second vehicles from this program. The suggested donation is $25. Details here

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The Best Convertible and All-in-One Car Seats

By Christina Szalinski

Your kid could end up sitting in the same convertible car seat for five years or more, so it’s arguably your most significant car seat purchase.

We’ve evaluated more than 90 convertible seats since 2017. And after interviewing safety experts and enduring aching muscles from installing literal towers of car seats, we’ve concluded that the Graco Extend2Fit Convertible is the overall best choice. This seat does a standout job of encouraging extended rear-facing use—the safest position for a young child.

Everything we recommend

Graco Extend2Fit Convertible Car Seat

The best convertible car seat.

This seat does a superior job of keeping a child rear-facing for longer—and it’s straightforward to install and use.

Buying Options

Britax Poplar Convertible Car Seat

The easiest convertible seat to install (by far).

Thanks to Britax’s ClickTight technology, the Poplar seat requires less effort to install than any other seat we tested. It looks and feels plusher than our top pick, but it isn’t quite as good for extended rear-facing use.

Britax Poplar S Convertible Car Seat

Same seat, with a few extras.

Like the Poplar seat, the Poplar S has easy ClickTight installation. It’s slightly more expensive because it includes an anti-rebound bar, which can provide an extra safety measure in a crash.

Clek Foonf Convertible Car Seat

Built like a tank, but fussier to install rear-facing.

This high-end convertible seat is great for extended rear-facing use. It’s narrow and easy to keep clean, and it comes with an anti-rebound bar.

Graco Extend2Fit 3-in-1 Convertible Car Seat

A seat that lasts from infant to big-kid years.

This 3-in-1 option has many of the same qualities we like in our top pick, the Graco Extend2Fit Convertible, plus it converts to a booster seat. But there are some caveats.

How we picked

A properly installed car seat is a safe car seat, so we looked for seats with easy installation.

We evaluated independent crash-testing scores and ease-of-use ratings (when available), as well as the seats’ individual safety features.

Kids are safest when they’re in the rear-facing position, so we looked for seats with height and weight limits and design features that would support that position longer.

Instead of conducting our own crash testing, safety experts encouraged us to focus on how the seats performed in the real world.

We also recommend the Britax Poplar and Britax Poplar S for those whose top priority is ease of installation. The Clek Foonf is an also-great pick for families that are happy to pay more for a beautiful but super-heavy (and ultra-sturdy) seat. And the Graco Extend2Fit 3-in-1 is our pick for those who are set on an “all-in-one” seat that transitions from infant seat to convertible to booster.

A convertible car seat is designed to evolve as your child grows. Once your child has outgrown their infant seat’s height or weight limits (usually when they are around 30 inches long or 30 pounds), they will be ready for one of these larger seats with a five-point safety-harness; this will likely happen when your kid is between 6 months and 2 years of age. Once you transition to a convertible seat, your baby or toddler will start out sitting in it rear-facing and eventually end up as a much bigger kid riding in it forward-facing. Getting the hang of convertible seats can be daunting—what with their various installation modes and positions, multiple seat belt paths, and safety tethers. That’s why we set out to find the models that are the simplest and safest to install and use.

The Graco Extend2Fit Convertible Car Seat has a lot going for it, including pretty easy installation and thoughtful features, and it’s also a great value. But, most importantly, this seat excels at keeping your kid comfortable while they ride rear-facing—the safest position for a young child—for longer. Many large toddlers and preschoolers struggle to stay rear-facing because at a certain point they start to feel squashed. The Extend2Fit Convertible seat addresses that problem by adding an extension panel, which pulls out to provide 5 inches of extra legroom in rear-facing mode. Kids can remain rear-facing in this seat until they reach 50 pounds, so this model offers the highest capacity of the seats we tested. (All of our picks have a 50-pound rear-facing weight limit.) We found installing the seat to be quick and intuitive, particularly when using the LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system, which lets you attach a pair of metal hooks on the seat to a set of anchors built into the car. The Extend2Fit Convertible seat’s LATCH install system can be used for children weighing up to 45 pounds; this is the highest LATCH weight limit of any of the seats we tested. Also, the seat is lightweight and has a no-rethread harness, so as your kid grows, you don’t have to take the seat apart to adjust the straps.

Weight of seat: 19 pounds

Seat dimensions: 19.5 inches wide by 23.7 inches tall (with the headrest in its lowest position)

Passenger rear-facing weight and height range: 4 to 50 pounds; head must be at least 1 inch below the headrest’s handle

Passenger forward-facing weight and height range: 22 to 65 pounds; up to 49 inches tall (tops of the child’s ears must also be below the top of the headrest)

The Britax Poplar Convertible Car Seat and the Poplar S Convertible Car Seat are both stylish and user-friendly models that stand out for their incredibly easy installation. They feature Britax’s innovative ClickTight installation system: You thread your vehicle’s seat belt through a path beneath the seat cushion and then close the seat cushion. Then a built-in mechanism tightens everything securely into place—no grunting, sweating, or swearing required. (You can also use LATCH to install the Poplar seats, but Britax recommends the seat belt method, and we agree.) Like our top pick, both Poplar models have a no-rethread harness, which makes ongoing strap adjustments hassle-free. However, although both Poplar seats have a 50-pound rear-facing limit, in our experience they don’t provide much legroom in rear-facing mode. But if a fast, convenient install matters most to you, then either the Poplar or the Poplar S will be your best bet. The Poplar S comes with an anti-rebound bar, a steel support piece that, in the case of a crash, can help to reduce the rebound motion of the seat.

Weight of seat: 27.2 pounds (Poplar), 29.1 pounds (Poplar S, with anti-rebound bar attached)

Seat dimensions: 17 inches wide and 23.5 inches tall (with the headrest in its lowest position)

Passenger rear-facing weight and height range: 5 to 50 pounds; head must be at least 1 inch below the top of the headrest

Passenger forward-facing weight and height range: 20 to 65 pounds; up to 49 inches (tops of the child’s ears must also be below the top of the headrest)

The Clek Foonf Convertible Car Seat offers an appealing combination of safety features, handsome aesthetics, and clever engineering. At 38 pounds, it’s heavy as all get-out—something people are likely to either love (because it feels like a tank) or hate (because it’s a monster to move). Similar to the Graco Extend2Fit Convertible and the Britax Poplar seats, the Foonf can accommodate a child in the rear-facing position until they reach 50 pounds. This seat doesn’t have a pull-out extension for added legroom like the Extend2Fit Convertible does. But due to the Foonf seat’s design and the way it reclines, it feels roomy and spacious when rear-facing, even for taller kids. Like the Poplar S, the Foonf seat comes with an anti-rebound bar. Installing the Foonf in the forward-facing position with LATCH is beyond easy. However, the rear-facing install is a bit tricky. Once the Foonf is installed, it feels rock-solid, but it may be a better fit for families that don’t need to move the seat frequently.

Weight of seat: 33 pounds when forward-facing, 38 pounds when rear-facing (with added base and anti-rebound bar)

Seat dimensions: 13 inches wide at the base, 17 inches at the widest point, and 28 inches tall (forward-facing, with the headrest in the lowest position)

Passenger rear-facing weight and height range: 14 to 50 pounds (or 5 pounds if you purchase a Clek Infant-Thingy ); 25 to 43 inches (19 inches with use of the Infant-Thingy); head must be at least 1 inch below the top of the headrest

Passenger forward-facing weight and height range: 22 to 65 pounds; up to 49 inches (tops of the child’s ears must also be below the top of the headrest)

An all-in-one car seat is meant to be a utility player: It can be used as a rear-facing infant seat, a rear-facing toddler seat, a forward-facing toddler seat, a big-kid seat, and finally a booster seat. Buying a single car seat (versus three or even four) is often cost-effective, and it sounds like a genius idea, in theory. But we’ve found that each individual type of seat tends to do a far better job of its dedicated purpose than an all-in-one seat can. However, if you decide to buy an all-in-one, the Graco Extend2Fit 3-in-1 Convertible Car Seat is a solid choice. It’s the all-in-one version of our top-pick convertible seat, the Graco Extend2Fit Convertible, and it has the same features, including an extension panel for added legroom and a no-rethread harness. The straightforward installation, whether via seat belt or LATCH, is the same, too. But the LATCH method, which we prefer, can be used only until your child reaches 40 pounds. (The Extend2Fit Convertible seat has a 45-pound LATCH limit.) Also, the Extend2Fit 3-in-1 seat’s highest shoulder-harness setting is more than an inch shorter than the one on the regular Extend2Fit Convertible, so you may end up needing to switch your kid from convertible to high-back booster mode sooner than you’d like.

Weight of seat: 21.9 pounds

Seat dimensions: 19 inches wide by 24.5 inches tall (with the headrest in its lowest position)

Passenger booster mode weight and height range: 40 to 100 pounds; 43 to 57 inches; also, at least 4 years old (but most experts recommend waiting until at least age 5)

The research

Why you should trust us, who should get this, how we picked and tested, our pick: graco extend2fit convertible car seat, runner-up: britax poplar convertible car seat and poplar s convertible car seat, also great: clek foonf, also great: graco extend2fit 3-in-1 car seat, other good convertible seats, the competition, care, use, and maintenance.

We interviewed safety authorities, engineers, and physicians, asking them to detail the most important safety and usability considerations for convertible and all-in-one car seats. We consulted Child Passenger Safety Technicians ( CPST s) and car-seat safety advocates, and we had an in-person meeting and assessment of the seat finalists with an injury-prevention expert.

Christina Szalinski is a science writer with a PhD in cell biology whose reporting on health has appeared in The Atlantic , Scientific American , Undark , and more . In addition to writing the most recent versions of Wirecutter’s guides to the best infant car seats and travel car seats , she is responsible for Wirecutter’s guides to the best baby formula and kids face masks . Christina has three children; she can frequently be found ferrying them around in her Honda Odyssey minivan.

The original writer of this guide was Rebecca Gale, a Washington, DC–based reporter whose articles on policy and parenting have appeared in outlets including The New York Times, Slate, and The Washington Post. As part of the research and testing process, Rebecca became certified as a CPST herself; she’s also the author of Wirecutter’s guide to the best booster car seats and a mom of three.

All young kids need to be buckled into the appropriate car seat for their age and size every time they’re on the road. Many families will begin their car-seat journey by using a dedicated infant seat . The infant seat is replaced by a convertible car seat when a child is somewhere between 6 months and 2 years of age; this depends on the size of the child and the kind of seat. (Convertible seats can also be used for infants, usually from 5 pounds and up and with the addition of an infant insert. But since they’re not portable, like the bucket portion of an infant seat, we don’t think they’re especially well suited to the task.)

The term convertible refers to the fact that this type of car seat can be installed either rear-facing or forward-facing. Although the laws vary , many states require that a kid remain in a car seat with a five-point harness—which all infant seats and convertible seats have—until they’re at least 40 pounds or 4 years old. Experts, however, recommend keeping your child in a five-point harness until they outgrow the seat’s height and weight limits . That means it’s possible to get from two to five years of use from a standard convertible car seat before you move on to a booster seat (which relies on just the car’s seat belt as a restraint).

Rear-facing vs. forward-facing car seats

Many states also require that children under a year old ride rear-facing in car seats, and increasingly state laws require kids to stay rear-facing up to the age of 2 (though longer is better). Both the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (PDF) and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend that children stay rear-facing for as long as possible. That is, “until they reach the highest weight or height allowed by their car safety seat manufacturer,” according to the AAP. The British Medical Journal concluded in 2009 that a child is safer riding rear-facing until they’re 4 years old .

Why is rear-facing so much safer? Because in the case of a head-on collision, when a child is facing to the rear, the impact of the crash would be absorbed primarily by their backside, which is cocooned and protected by the shell of the car seat. But if the child is facing forward, the force of a frontal crash is going to propel their body forward, with the strain absorbed by their head, neck, and spine.

Children’s anatomy plays a role, too. Alisa Baer, a pediatrician and co-founder of The Car Seat Lady website, points out that a 2-year-old’s head makes up about 18% of their body weight, whereas an adult’s head comprises only about 6% of their body weight. So in a crash, a forward-facing toddler would endure far more force to their neck, relatively speaking, than an adult would under the same circumstances. Also, a child’s bones aren’t fully formed until they’re about 6 years old—they’re stretchy—whereas the nerves of the spine don’t stretch. That combination—a heavy head and stretchy bones—makes the spinal cord more vulnerable to being broken.

The research that we’ve conducted for our various car seat guides has led us to conclude that the safest approach is to move a child from an infant car seat to a rear-facing convertible seat, and to keep them in that position until the child reaches the seat’s height or weight limit for rear-facing installation (these limits are generally different and lower than a seat’s forward-facing limits). Yes, your child may complain, but we believe the trade-offs and inconveniences are worth it for the added safety.

Once you turn your convertible car seat forward-facing, it’s extremely important to use the included top tether, a strap that attaches from the back of the car seat to a tether anchor built into your car. In a crash, this strap limits the forward motion of the seat , ideally preventing the child’s head from hitting the back of the seat in front of them or the center console.

Using the tether is not optional. Check your vehicle manual to confirm the location of the tether anchors. Although tether anchors have been required in vehicles since 2001, there is no standard position for them . And it’s easy to mistake other parts of the vehicle, like cargo hooks, for them, but cargo hooks don’t have the same load-bearing capacity.

Your child can remain forward-facing until they’ve outgrown the seat’s forward-facing weight or height limit. They will not be eligible for a booster seat until they’re at least about 40 pounds and 38 to 40 inches tall, and until they’re mature enough to sit upright in a booster seat without slouching, wriggling around, or leaning (which usually happens around age 5, at the earliest).

All-in-one car seats

The typical progression is for a child to start out in an infant car seat , then move to a convertible car seat, and finally transition to a booster seat . But an alternative approach is to purchase an all-in-one car seat, also known as a 3-in-1 or 4-in-1. This can serve as a rear-facing seat for infants and younger babies and a forward-facing seat for toddlers and preschoolers, and then it can convert to a booster seat for bigger kids. (Depending on the all-in-one model, it will have either a high-back booster, which makes it a 3-in-1, or a high-back booster that can additionally be converted to a backless booster, which makes it a 4-in-1.)

The main selling point of an all-in-one is that you’ll buy only one seat—or at least that’s the hope. This type of seat will typically cost less, and it will certainly be more environmentally friendly than buying multiple seats. And we can see how an all-in-one might also make sense if you’re in the market for an ancillary car seat—say, to keep at the grandparents’ house.

But for most situations, we don’t think all-in-one seats are the best option. A dedicated infant seat (a bucket-shaped carrier that has a handle and clicks in and out of a base that remains in the car) makes toting your baby around easy. And over the years, car seats take a lot of wear and tear (think layers of pulverized crackers), so many caregivers are elated when the time comes for a fresh replacement. Beyond that, car seats are constantly evolving, so in years to come, you may discover that you’d prefer a newer model with more-advanced safety or design features.

Similarly, we don’t think it’s worth paying more for a rotating car seat —one that swivels toward you—to help you load or unload your child.

All of our research led us to conclude that that ideal convertible or all-in-one car seat should be:

Simple to install: When it comes to car seats, installation is undoubtedly the biggest potential source of frustration. And our experts confirmed that it’s also the most common barrier to car seat safety (if a seat isn’t installed properly, it can’t work optimally). We sought seats that were intuitive to install—with bonus points for especially clear, accessible instructions—so that a diligent adult following the manual could manage a correct installation within a few minutes, without expert assistance. We also considered ease-of-use ratings by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the federal agency charged with road safety. These ratings, which score seats on a scale of one to five stars, are based on factors such as how simple the seats are to install and the clarity of their instructions.

We looked for seats that could be installed easily in the rear-facing position and the forward-facing position, using either the vehicle’s seat belt or the LATCH system. (LATCH, which lets you install a car seat by attaching metal clips on the car seat to hooks built into the car, can be found on all cars and car seats manufactured after September 1, 2002 .) The LATCH install method can be used only up to a certain weight limit; then you must switch over to a seat belt install.

As safe as possible: We evaluated the frontal crash-testing data from the NHTSA. However, since car seats are not required to be certified before sale, several of the seats included in our at-home testing did not yet have government crash-testing data available; this limited our ability to compare results systematically. Additionally, we considered it a plus if seats had design elements or features, like an anti-rebound bar, that made them inherently safer.

Designed for extended rear-facing use: Both the NHTSA and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend that a child ride rear-facing until they reach the height and weight limits of the seat—and we wanted those limits to be generous. We also took into account design features that would make the ride more comfortable and the fit better for bigger kids.

User-friendly: A car seat should be functional, and—in a perfect world—have thoughtful features. Are the seat’s harness straps simple to adjust? Are the buckles easy for caregivers to clip and unclip but difficult to impossible for toddlers to compromise? Is the seat comfortable for a child? How hard is it to keep clean?

Using the above criteria, we’ve considered close to 90 convertible and all-in-one car seats since 2017, and I’ve personally tested 17 models since late 2021.

I installed all of the convertible and all-in-one seats in the second row of my Honda Odyssey minivan, evaluating all of the possible install methods and positions: rear-facing with LATCH, rear-facing with seat belt, forward-facing with LATCH, and forward-facing with seat belt.

I also spent six hours comparing our top convertible and all-in-one car seats with Gina Duchossois , an injury-prevention expert with the Injury Prevention Program at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), the chair of Safe Kids Southeastern Pennsylvania , and a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST).

What about crash testing?

Multiple experts told us that as advanced as today’s crash-testing tools are, they aren’t advanced enough to reliably differentiate among a set of well-engineered seats or to tease out an A+ from an A-.

“I’m not sure that crash testing would give you meaningful results,” said Jessica Jermakian, VP of vehicle research at the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) , a nonprofit organization dedicated to automotive safety. “If you’ve already picked the four best seats from all the other perspectives, then you can feel confident that engineers have spent a lot of time designing those seats for a good and safe user experience.”

After careful consideration and consultation with experts, we reached the decision that field testing alone, without crash testing, should dictate our picks within this guide. Caregivers can take comfort in knowing that most car seats do their jobs very well. “Five-point harness child restraint seats are highly effective in reducing the chances of injury and death,” explained Matt Maltese , an engineer and crash-testing expert who’s worked for both NHTSA and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia . “The best car seat is the one that fits your kid, fits your car, and is used properly on every trip,” Maltese said.

What about travel car seats?

A convertible car seat’s weight can be an important factor for some families—especially those that often travel with car seats, take frequent taxi rides, have strength or mobility issues, or move their car seats in and out of different vehicles regularly. For the purposes of this guide, we didn’t intentionally seek out lightweight seats. If you need a very lightweight convertible car seat for travel, we recommend the no-frills, 6.8-pound Cosco Scenera Next , the top convertible-seat pick in our guide to the best travel car seats . But we don’t think it’s great for everyday use.

The Graco Extend2Fit Convertible Car Seat is a well-designed, well-executed convertible model that checks the most important boxes on our wishlist at a great price. This seat is easy to install and adjust. And with its generous rear-facing weight limit (50 pounds) and an extendable panel to provide additional legroom as kids grow, this seat is one of the best convertible models for enabling kids to stay rear-facing longer. (In the case of an accident, a child is safest in that position.)

It has a longer-lasting LATCH system. Like other convertible car seats, the Extend2Fit Convertible seat can be installed using either the vehicle’s seat belt or LATCH. Many convertible seats have LATCH weight limits that are around 35 to 40 pounds—when your child reaches that weight, you must switch over to a seat belt install. But the Extend2Fit Convertible has a LATCH weight limit of 45 pounds, for both the rear- and forward-facing positions. The majority of kids won’t hit 45 pounds until they’re around 6 years old—and by that time, they’re likely ready for a booster seat. So there’s a good chance you’ll be able to use the LATCH install for the full life of this car seat, if you choose. (LATCH is our preferred method to install this seat.)

It’s easy to install. It’s simple to install the Extend2Fit Convertible seat rear-facing with LATCH (video) . You just recline the seat to the appropriate position, push the LATCH clips onto your car’s LATCH anchors, and tighten the straps. Tightening the LATCH straps can take some force; this is true for just about every seat, with the exception of our runner-up picks , the Britax Poplar and Poplar S seats.

To install the Extend2Fit Convertible using the seat belt, you thread the seat belt through the appropriate path; that’s below the seat for rear-facing and behind the seat for forward-facing. Then you have to manually tighten the seat belt and engage its locking feature (video) ; you do this by pulling the seat belt all the way out and and then slowly letting the slack back in, while holding tension on the seat belt. (Because it can be tricky to get the seat belt tight and locked, we prefer the LATCH install method for this seat.) When you’re done, the Extend2Fit Convertible shouldn’t move back and forth more than an inch, if you grab it at the belt path and wiggle it.

To get the Extend2Fit (and most convertible car seats) in extra-snug, there are a couple of tricks, like the seat-back recline install trick (video) and the inside/outside trick (video) .

If the seat has been installed forward-facing—using either the LATCH or seat belt method—be sure to attach the included top tether to the vehicle’s tether anchor. (This is usually above or behind the car’s rear seat; check your vehicle manual to confirm the location.)

It’s relatively easy to get a kid into. The Extend2Fit Convertible seat’s sides are fairly low (though not as low as the sides on our also-great pick, the Clek Foonf ), so it’s easy to get your child in and out.

The harness is a cinch to tighten. The harness is easy to tighten around your child—you just pull on the strap located at the front end of the seat. And on both sides of the seat, there are little harness holder pockets, where you can temporarily rest the strap clips while you’re getting your child settled. The buckle for securing the harness straps is straightforward to use.

It promotes extended rear-facing. One of our favorite things about this car seat is how exceptionally well it facilitates extended rear-facing. It comes with a pull-out footrest, which provides extra legroom—up to 5 inches—and creates a little extra space for the caregiver when they’re getting a child buckled in rear-facing. (The panel is not intended for forward-facing use.) It’s perfectly fine for a child’s legs to dangle over the side of a seat without a footrest—or to rest on the back of the vehicle seat. But many kids will likely appreciate the extra support this unique feature provides.

In the forward-facing position, the Extend2Fit Convertible can be used for a child up to 65 pounds or 49 inches tall. The minimum weight for forward-facing use is 22 pounds, though experts recommend keeping a child rear-facing for much longer. (This seat also comes with an infant insert and can accommodate babies as small as 4 pounds in rear-facing mode only.)

It’s narrow enough. The Extend2Fit Convertible is 19.5 inches wide (the widest of our picks), so it may be narrow enough to fit three car seats across, depending on the vehicle. It weighs only 19 pounds, making it one of the lightest convertibles we tried. (Our runner-up Britax picks weigh about 27 and 29 pounds, and our also-great Clek pick weighs a whopping 38 pounds, with the rear-facing base and anti-rebound bar attached.)

The Extend2Fit Convertible has a one-year warranty and a lifespan of 10 years from the date of manufacture. The seat scored well (PDF) in front-impact crash tests conducted by the NHTSA (the agency tests with dummies the size of 1-, 3-, and 6-year-olds), earning strong Head Injury Criterion (HIC) scores. Its ease-of-use rating from the NHTSA is four out of five stars.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

It’s a bit of a pain to reposition the LATCH straps. In order to switch the LATCH straps from a rear-facing to a forward-facing position, you must take the cover completely off the seat. It’s a bit onerous; however, it’s not something you’re likely to do very often.

It doesn’t have a seat belt lock-off. The inclusion of a seat belt lock-off (a mechanism, found on some seats, that locks the seat belt in place) would have made installing with the seat belt method easier. But given the ease of the LATCH install—and the seat’s high LATCH weight limits—for the majority of people, manually locking off the seat belt can be avoided. Still, if you need or want to install this seat frequently using the seat belt, then it’s something to consider.

It’s not the prettiest and could use more cushioning. Aesthetically, the Extend2Fit Convertible is nothing special. It comes in several color combinations—mostly subdued variations on gray, black, and white, but turquoise and pink make an appearance. The seat padding doesn’t feel quite as cushiony as padding on our other, more expensive picks (which add more foam between your child’s tush and the hard seat). But we had no complaints from our kid testers.

It’s tough to clean. The fabric’s not the smoothest or the softest—we prefer the material on our runner-up Britax Poplar and Poplar S or our also-great Clek Foonf pick. The Extend2Fit Convertible’s fabric feels a bit like that of a wetsuit, slightly nubby and rough. And it’s prone to staining—the material was not as easy to casually wipe clean as the material on the Britax seat or that of the Clek seat. Thankfully, the entire seat cover can be removed (video) , machine-washed, and drip-dried.

When it comes to making a car seat as simple as possible to install, Britax has figured out how to build a better mousetrap. The Britax Poplar Convertible Car Seat and the Poplar S Convertible Car Seat have the same proprietary, innovative ClickTight install system as our former runner-up pick, the Britax Boulevard (which has been retired, along with the Britax Marathon and Advocate). These seats are by far easier and quicker to install than any other convertible car seats we’ve come across. We think the lower-priced Poplar is suitable for most families, but for those who want the extra safety feature of an anti-rebound bar for rear-facing, the Poplar S may be worth the higher price.

It’s very easy to install with the seat belt. The ClickTight install system is designed to be used with the vehicle’s seat belt. You can install the Poplar and Poplar S using the LATCH method, but we’d advise against it. That’s because the ClickTight system works so marvelously and also because the LATCH weight limit for both rear- and forward-facing in these seats is just 35 pounds.

To get started, use the color-coded bubble indicator at the base of the seat to determine the correct recline setting. Open the ClickTight panel by squeezing the ClickTight release buttons (located near the crotch buckle). This lifts up the bottom of the seat, revealing the guts of the operation. You then weave both the lap and shoulder portion of the vehicle seat belt through the appropriate slots—they’re labeled for either the rear- or forward-facing position—and buckle the seat belt. Remove the slack from the seat belt, and push the seat bottom closed; you’ll know the lid is secure when you hear a satisfying click.

There’s no additional tightening or snugging required because the ClickTight’s internal seat belt lock-off mechanism automatically removes any remaining slack from the seat belt. And it does a bang-up job: The seat does not budge. The ClickTight makes this seat an especially good choice for anyone struggling with strength or dexterity issues. For first-timers, though, we think a video demonstration may offer a clearer overview than the diagrams in the seat’s manual.

LATCH installation is also simple. If you’re installing the Poplar or Poplar S with the LATCH straps, the process of routing the belt is the same. But you use the included LATCH straps in place of the seat belt, and then attach the LATCH strap to the car’s lower anchors.

They have cup holders and are made with fabrics that can be machine-washed and dried. The Poplar and Poplar S come with cup holders that can be installed on one or both sides. And both seats feature fabrics without added flame-retardant chemicals that can be machine-washed and put in the dryer. (With many seats, including our top pick, the Graco Extend2Fit Convertible , the fabric has to be line-dried.) And the Poplar S model has additional cushions, which the company says “help create refined comfort and a tailored fit,” but they are not necessary and don’t add to the safety of the seat. Each model comes in four colors.

The Poplar seats are narrow and good for small vehicles. At 17 inches wide, the Poplar seats are among the narrowest convertible models available (the Clek Foonf is also 17 inches wide). For a child to sit in the forward-facing position, the weight minimum is 22 pounds, though experts recommend waiting as long as possible before turning a child around. The weight and height maximum for the forward-facing position is 65 pounds and 49 inches, respectively. The Poplar and Poplar S can be used in the rear-facing mode for babies as small as 5 pounds (an infant insert pillow is included), though many families prefer to use a dedicated infant seat instead.

The Poplar and Poplar S seats both have a one-year warranty, and they expire 10 years after manufacture. Since these are new seats, NHTSA ease-of-use ratings or crash test data are not yet available.

They’re not as great for extended rear-facing. Despite having a 50-pound rear-facing weight limit, the Poplar seats aren’t as good as our other picks at helping you keep your child sitting in the rear-facing position longer; an older toddler or preschooler will seem more cramped in the Poplar seats than in our other picks. If you know you want to try to keep your child rear-facing until they’re 4, you may be better off with the Graco Extend2Fit Convertible or the Clek Foonf: Both have design features that give your child more legroom and help make reaching that milestone more possible.

These seats are not the lightest. At about 27 and 29 pounds, the Britax Poplar seats are a bit bulkier and heavier than many seats out there.

We were won over by the Clek Foonf Convertible Car Seat ’s solid construction, painless forward-facing install, cushy seat bed, and stain-evading fabric. The Foonf has a 50-pound rear-facing weight limit—the same as our other picks. And due to the seat’s pitch and shape, kids stay comfy riding rear-facing as they grow. The Foonf was also a favorite among our kid testers, who appreciated how well padded and roomy it felt. The company tends to have some of the highest safety ratings out there, and it even publishes its own crash-testing results ; as far as we’re aware, Clek is alone among its peers in doing so.

But the Foonf seat’s rear-facing install is more complicated than that of our other picks, and its weight can be burdensome. Also, the Foonf is expensive, which is why we’re recommending this seat with the full awareness that it won’t be everyone’s cup of tea.

It comes with additional safety add-ons. Like one of our runner-up picks, the Britax Poplar S, the Foonf has an anti-rebound bar, which can help minimize the amount the seat rebounds after the initial impact in a frontal crash. If you want to add yet another optional safety feature for your rear-facing child, Clek also sells a Q-tether strap. This strap wraps around the Foonf and hooks to the top tether anchor; its purpose is to help further absorb the forces in a crash, without transferring them to your child.

Installing it rear-facing is a bit tricky. Unlike most other convertible car seats, the Foonf comes with a rear-facing base; it’s a wedge-shaped piece that must be attached to the bottom of the seat to create a proper angle for installing in rear-facing mode. For the rear-facing install, we think the car’s seat belt is a better choice than the LATCH method, since the LATCH system can only be used rear-facing with babies who weigh up to 25 pounds; about half of all babies will reach that by 12 months.

To begin, first remove the seat cushion, allowing access to the inner workings of the seat. Then position the Foonf on the vehicle seat at the correct angle—there’s a diagram on the side of the seat to guide you, based on your child’s age and weight. Next, route the seat belt through the rear-facing belt path and buckle it. To remove any slack from the seat belt, press down on the center of the Foonf while pulling on the belt. Then, as you’re holding the belt tight, close and latch a pair of belt lock-offs (two plastic tabs that fold down over the belt to cinch it into place). It requires some force and coordination to get those tabs closed. In general, it would be helpful to have three (strong) arms during much of this installation process.

If you opt to do the rear-facing install using LATCH, you remove the top of the seat cushion and take out the rear-facing LATCH strap (with connectors on either end) from its storage location. Thread the two ends with the clips through the rear-facing LATCH belt path and connect the clips to the anchors. After positioning the seat at the correct angle, tighten the LATCH straps snugly on both sides, close the belt lock-offs, and replace the lid of the seat.

Clek has good videos online for how to install the seat (though we found the owner’s manual to be sufficient).

But installing it forward-facing is easy. Of all the seats we tested, the Foonf was our favorite to install forward-facing. The Foonf has a feature for its forward-facing install that few convertible seats in the US have: rigid LATCH connectors, LATCH hooks mounted on metal bars that extend straight out from the seat (they look a bit like miniature staplers). After adjusting the pitch of the seat to the appropriate angle for your child, pull the LATCH connectors out from the base of the seat, align them with the car’s LATCH anchors, and click them into place. (There’s an indicator on the bars that turns from red to green when a secure connection has been made.) Once the LATCH connectors are clipped to the car’s anchors, the Foonf feels like it has been welded to your vehicle.

Unlike the vast majority of convertible seats, the Foonf can be installed in the forward-facing position using both LATCH and the vehicle seat belt. (Most seats call for one method or the other.) So once your child has reached 35 pounds (the Foonf’s forward-facing LATCH limit), you can keep using the rigid LATCH; this makes it easy to line up the seat properly and get a snug fit, and then add the seat belt to handle the extra weight load.

To install the Foonf forward-facing with the seat belt alone, route the lap portion of the belt through the forward-facing belt path and the shoulder portion of the belt through the forward-facing belt lock-off, and then buckle it in. To get it extra-snug, pull on the belt while pressing down on the center of the seat, removing any extra slack. As always when using a convertible car seat in the forward-facing position, be sure to also install the top tether.

The chest and crotch buckles function smoothly, as does the headrest.  With the Foonf’s low sides and taut fabric, it seemed like I spent less time fishing for the harness straps hiding behind my child than I did with any other seat we tested. Tightening and loosening the harness with your child in the seat is very easy, too. And we’ve noticed that the harness straps almost never get twisted. (The sorcery has something to do with how the straps emerge from the buckle tongue.)

It’s a good-looking seat, but the fabric is not machine-washable. We love the Foonf’s sleek, minimalist look; it’s available in nine colors, with either white or black plastic sides. The Crypton C-Zero Plus fabric has a moisture barrier and an antimicrobial treatment on top, and it’s Greenguard Gold –certified for lower emissions of VOCs (volatile organic compounds). It’s also stain-repellant. All of the fabrics are free of brominated and chlorinated flame retardants, and the Mammoth and Railroad are free of any added flame retardants. The seat’s fabric cover can also be removed completely , hand-washed, and drip-dried. The Railroad Ziip option features a zip-off cover to make it easier to remove, and it can be put in the washer and dryer.

It’s roomy yet narrow. Even without the extension panel that the Graco Extend2Fit Convertible has, a rear-facing Foonf gives even a larger child plenty of legroom. When the seat is reclined (which it should be for a rear-facing installation), the tall front edge of the seat provides ample legroom. Plus, the Foonf’s lower sides make it easy to get a rear-facing child settled and buckled. But even though it feels roomy, it’s also narrow, at only 17 inches wide, and does well if you’re trying to fit three car seats across the back seat.

Like the Extend2Fit Convertible and the Britax Poplar and Poplar S seats, the Foonf can accommodate rear-facing children up to 50 pounds and forward-facing kids up to 65 pounds or 49 inches. Clek sells an Infant-Thingy insert for the Foonf that lets the seat carry babies as small as 5 pounds in rear-facing mode only. The Foonf’s minimum weight for a forward-facing child is 22 pounds, but experts recommend keeping your child rear-facing for far longer.

All Clek seats last nine years from the date of manufacture before they expire. The warranty on seats purchased after January 2024 (and manufactured January 2023 or later) lasts until the seat’s expiration date, if you register the seat within 90 days; for seats bought earlier than January 2024, it's a three-year warranty. (For all seats, the warranty is one year if you don’t register it.)

The Foonf performed well (PDF) in the NHTSA’s front-impact crash testing, with good Head Injury Criterion (HIC) and chest acceleration scores. Clek also provides access to its own crash-testing video .

The seat received an ease-of-use rating from the NHTSA of two out of five stars. Some of the reasons for the low rating: The seat requires some assembly out of the box; it lacks a no-rethread harness; the seat cushion must be removed to route the seat belt; and you have to refer to the owner’s manual for complete install instructions (versus being able to follow printed instructions on the seat alone).

Again, it’s a heavy car seat. The Foonf’s heft is polarizing. Some folks find it reassuring, and they like the idea of their child being protected by this fortress-like seat. But it takes strength to lift and lug this seat, which weighs 33 pounds forward-facing and a whopping 38 pounds when it’s rear-facing with the anti-rebound bar and base attached. If you plan to travel with your convertible seat regularly or to move it around frequently, this seat probably isn’t ideal for you (unless you’re Popeye).

It’s also tall. The Foonf is taller than our other picks, but depending on the recline angle you need for your child and the size of your car, that may not be a problem. However, if you’re attempting to transport a small infant in the Foonf’s most reclined position, and you’re using it in a compact car with low ceilings, it could be an issue. So be sure to double-check the dimensions in advance.

It lacks a no-rethread harness. Unlike our other convertible picks, the Foonf does not have a no-rethread harness that’s connected to the headrest, and the harness and headrest cannot be adjusted together in one simultaneous motion. To adjust the straps as your child grows, you must manually remove them and then rethread them through a different slot.

There’s a safety argument to be made for having the harness and headrest operate independently. According to pediatrician Alicia Baer of The Car Seat Lady website, with the Foonf, if the headrest were to come off in an accident, the harness system would still be intact. But with seats that have the headrest and harness as part of the same system, if something were to happen to one of the pieces in a collision, it would have an impact on the other.

It requires more assembly than its counterparts. The Foonf has a separate headrest, an anti-rebound bar, a base for rear-facing install, and manually threading harness straps. However, we didn’t find dealing with any of these pieces to be particularly onerous. The only thing that stumped us was how to remove the rear-facing base in order to switch the seat to forward-facing mode. So we found a video on YouTube to help with that.

It’s very expensive. From a value standpoint, it can be hard to justify spending over $500 on a car seat when there are great alternatives that cost about half as much. And it’s irritating that if you do decide to shell out half a grand on a Foonf, you’d still have to buy a cup holder .

There was a voluntary recall issued on Clek Foonf and Fllo seats manufactured prior to May 21, 2021. Clek discovered that it was possible for kids to place their fingers through the crotch buckle opening and pick at the foam seat cushion beneath. (This doesn’t compromise the actual safety of the seat, but it could pose an issue if a child were to ingest the foam.) Owners of affected seats should contact Clek to receive a plastic piece that can be fitted over the buckle area.

The Graco Extend2Fit 3-in-1 Car Seat has many of the qualities we like about the Graco Extend2Fit Convertible , such as easy installation and an extendable footrest. Plus, the Extend2Fit 3-in-1 converts into a high-back booster seat. We still think a dedicated convertible seat is the way to go for most families. However, if you want an all-in-one seat, the Extend2Fit 3-in-1 is a good option, despite some weaknesses in comparison with the Extend2Fit Convertible—namely a lower rear-facing LATCH limit and a shorter maximum harness height.

It’s straightforward to install. The process for installing the Extend2Fit 3-in-1 is exactly the same as it is for the Extend2Fit Convertible. It’s simple, whether you’re using the LATCH system or the vehicle seat belt; we prefer the LATCH install for this seat.

It converts to a booster seat. Unlike the Extend2Fit Convertible seat, the Extend2Fit 3-in-1 seat converts to a high-back booster seat. In order to switch over to booster mode, your child must be at least 40 pounds and 43 inches tall, and they must have the emotional maturity to maintain correct posture while in the seat. To turn the Extend2Fit 3-in-1 from a five-point harness seat into a booster seat, you remove the bottom crotch buckle strap, move the harness straps behind the padding, and stow away the buckles in a compartment behind the padding.

When you install this seat as a booster, you can choose to keep it anchored to your car with LATCH, or you can stow away the LATCH hooks and go without. (As explained in our guide to the best booster seats , once your child is in a booster, the vehicle seat belt is working as the sole means of restraint, so the use of LATCH becomes totally optional.) Either way, the owner’s manual states that you should continue to use the top tether strap with this booster.

It has a no-rethread harness. Like the Extend2Fit Convertible seat, the Extend2Fit 3-in-1 seat has a no-rethread harness that’s linked to the headrest; it’s smooth and simple to adjust. The seat has low sides, making it easy to get your child in and out.

It promotes extended rear-facing. In addition to its 50-pound rear-facing weight limit (with a seat belt install), the Extend2Fit 3-in-1 seat facilitates extended rear-facing riding with the same unique design feature as the Extend2Fit Convertible: a footrest panel that extends by 5 inches to add legroom for a rear-facing toddler or preschooler.

It has basic aesthetics. The cover is a polyester blend that’s available in dark colors (black and dark gray) with lighter accents. As with the Extend2Fit Convertible’s fabric, this seat’s fabric doesn’t wipe clean as easily as the fabric on our other picks. The cover can be put in the washing machine and then drip-dried.

It’s fairly lightweight. The Extend2Fit 3-in-1 seat is a half-inch narrower and an inch taller than the Extend2Fit Convertible, and at almost 22 pounds, it weighs a little less than 3 pounds more. And like the Convertible, the 3-in-1 can accommodate a forward-facing child in a five-point harness up to 65 pounds or 49 inches. (Although, given the shorter harness height, they may outgrow the 3-in-1 a little sooner than the Extend2Fit Convertible.) In high-back booster mode, this seat can accommodate a child up to 57 inches or 100 pounds, which is typical of a booster seat.

Like the Extend2Fit Convertible, the 3-in-1 seat has a one-year warranty and a lifespan of 10 years from the date of manufacture. The NHTSA crash testing data is available, but there is no ease-of-use rating.

The LATCH limit is lower than on the Extend-to-Fit Convertible version. Although there aren’t many differences between the Extend2Fit 3-in-1 and the Extend2Fit Convertible, the differences that do exist make the 3-in-1 less appealing. Though both seats have a rear-facing maximum weight limit of 50 pounds, the rear-facing LATCH limit of the 3-in-1 is only 40 pounds, compared with 45 pounds for the Convertible model. We really like the rear-facing LATCH install of this seat, and it’s a letdown that people would have to make the switch from LATCH to seat belt earlier.

The maximum shoulder height is lower than on the Convertible version. The Extend2Fit 3-in-1 has a shoulder-harness height that’s over an inch shorter than the Convertible seat’s. If a child is tall, they could reach that harness limit sooner, and you’d have to switch them over to booster mode. We would never want any caregiver to move their child into a booster seat prematurely. However, if you have a petite child, the 3-in-1’s rear-facing LATCH limit and its harness limit are not likely to become an issue.

It can be a bit tricky to remove the crotch buckle. When you need to convert this seat to a booster, removing the crotch buckle can be a bit tricky. However, when it comes time to move that crotch buckle to a different position, this is a challenge you will face with just about any convertible car seat.

If you want a cheaper, smaller version of our also-great pick, the Clek Foonf: The Clek Fllo costs around $200 less than the Clek Foonf . It weighs 28 pounds in rear-facing mode with the anti-rebound bar (versus the Foonf’s 38 pounds), and it weighs 25 pounds in forward-facing mode (versus the Foonf’s 33 pounds). Both seats are narrow—about 17 inches across at their widest point—but the Fllo is 2 inches shorter. Unlike the Foonf, the Fllo does not have a rigid LATCH system, which makes for an especially easy and secure forward-facing install. Instead, the Fllo has LATCH clips that are attached to straps, like most convertible seats. (In our opinion, the Foonf’s rigid LATCH alone is worth the extra cost.) The Fllo also reclines differently than the Foonf. The Foonf has a handle that you use to recline the seat, but in order to readjust the angle of the Fllo, you must manually reposition it on your vehicle seat. The NHTSA crash-testing data for this seat (PDF) is available. And Clek also publishes its own crash-testing results for the Fllo—it performed about as well as the Foonf. There is no ease-of-use rating from the NHTSA for this seat.

Convertible seats

The Britax Boulevard , Marathon , and Advocate seats—which are essentially the same seat, with slightly more or less padding on the headrest—have been long-time Wirecutter picks. If you’ve got one, there’s no reason to go out and buy a new seat. But even though they are still available from some retailers, Britax is no longer making them (you may be able to find a good deal on one of these models, which all have a 10-year expiration). But if you’re in the market for a new seat and you like the ClickTight install feature, we think it makes more sense to buy a Britax Poplar or Poplar S . We also prefer the new features on those seats, especially the narrower frame and the ClickTight release buttons that replace the former round “key” (which was always filled with crumbs).

One of our favorite infant car seats is made by Chicco, so we were eager to try the company’s convertible seat, the Chicco NextFit Zip . (The zip in the name refers to the fact that this seat comes with a zip-off seat cover for easier washing.) The NextFit Zip is available in two other variations, the Chicco NextFit Max ClearTex and the Chicco NextFit Max Zip Air , which have different fabrics. For the LATCH install, the NextFit Zip has a so-called SuperCinch system, which allows you to tighten the straps with minimal effort. However, once your rear-facing child reaches 35 pounds, you must switch over to a seat belt install, which isn’t as easy. And we found that it can be difficult to get a child in and out of the NextFit’s deep, egg-shaped seat.

At just 6.8 pounds, the inexpensive Cosco Scenera Next weighs far less than most other convertible car seats. That makes it a good choice for travel—it’s the convertible pick in our guide to the best travel car seats . But for everyday use, the Scenera Next has some serious drawbacks. It’s hard to get a tight install, and it has a 40-pound weight limit in both forward- and rear-facing mode, which means you can’t use it for nearly as long.

The Uppababy Knox is an attractive seat, but it’s a heavy 32.5 pounds. We also found it tougher to install than others, and it was difficult to maneuver a child into the seat, which is perched higher than average.

The Nuna Rava was one of the easiest seats to install of those we tested. It has panels that you route the seat belt through; when you close them, the seat belt automatically tightens. (Because the Rava’s rear-facing LATCH weight limit is 35 pounds, we recommend seat belt installation so you don’t have to make the switch as your child grows.) The Rava is a great-looking, plush seat; the seat cover material is Greenguard Gold –certified for lower emissions of VOCs (volatile organic compounds), and the seat has a no-rethread harness. However, the Rava doesn’t have a seat belt lock-off, so the seat belt can continually slide through the router. And while it has a rear-facing weight limit of 50 pounds and an adjustable footrest (which adds 2 inches of legroom while rear-facing), we found that the extension panel didn’t add much room, especially compared with the panel on the Graco Extend2Fit Convertible.

The Cybex Sirona S is a convertible seat with a load leg and a novel design: The seat revolves on a base, so it can face you as you load your child in or out of the car; you then rotate it rear-facing for the ride (the swivel feature doesn’t work in the forward-facing position). The major downside to this model is that it’s extremely hard to install. It’s also pricey, and we think a more cost-effective standard convertible will serve most families better.

The Evenflo Revolve360 Slim is a rotating seat that can rotate toward the caregiver when installed in both the rear- or forward-facing position. It allows rear-facing up to 50 pounds and 48 inches, and it’s 16.75 inches wide (a tiny bit slimmer than the Britax Poplars and the Clek Foonf, both of which are 17 inches wide). However, all of Evenflo’s Revolve360 car seat models (see entries on its all-in-one seats, below) are under investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The investigation centers on at least six crashes where the car seat’s shell (the part Evenflo calls the seat) reportedly detached from the base.

The Babyark car seat is pricey, but it has some very cool features, namely that it uses rigid LATCH—a system that basically lets you plug the car seat into the car—for both rear-facing and forward-facing installs. No other seat in the US currently has that feature for both orientations (our upgrade pick, the Clek Foonf, has rigid latch for forward-facing installation); this makes installation very easy. It also has a load leg—which absorbs the initial impact forces in a crash—that stays engaged for both rear-facing and forward-facing. We haven’t tested this seat.

All-in-one seats

We tested the Diono Radian 3QXT SafePlus all-in-one, which is part of Diono’s line of seats specifically designed to fit three across. With low sides, a deep recline, and a 50-pound rear-facing limit, the Diono Radian series is a favorite among people who are trying to keep their kids rear-facing longer. However, we found the Radian 3QXT more difficult to install than other seats we tested. It also has some additional pieces that you need to remember to attach, depending on the situation; these include a base for a rear-facing install and a SafeStop tether piece intended for a forward-facing child who weighs less than 40 pounds. Additionally, the Radian 3QXT’s anti-rebound bar was not fully flush to the seat, which could pose a safety issue if a child rides with their feet tucked under the bar and then is in a crash.

The Graco TrioGrow SnugLock is technically a cousin of our all-in-one pick, the Graco Extend2Fit 3-in-1 , but their designs are fundamentally different. The TrioGrow SnugLock has the SnugLock installation system, a mechanism that helps you ratchet down the LATCH straps or the vehicle seat belt and achieve a tight install. But this seat has a rear-facing weight limit of 40 pounds, compared with 50 pounds for the Extend2Fit 3-in-1. We also missed the Extend2Fit 3-in-1’s extension panel, which pulls out to provide extra legroom for rear-facing riders. There is no crash-testing data or ease-of-use rating from the NHTSA available for this seat.

The Graco 4Ever DLX 4-in-1 is an all-in-one seat that converts into both a high-back and backless booster. After testing, we preferred two other Graco all-in-one seats: the Extend2Fit 3-in-1 , our also-great pick, and the TrioGrow SnugLock. (Both of those seats convert to high-back boosters only; they do not have a backless booster mode.) The 4Ever DLX 4-in-1 was not quite as simple to install as the TrioGrow SnugLock, due to the SnugLock feature. If you’re interested in the 4Ever DLX 4-in-1 and want the easier SnugLock install, you can upgrade to the Graco 4Ever DLX SnugLock 4-in-1 . Still, the 4Ever DLX 4-in-1 is not as good as the Extend2Fit 3-in-1 for extended rear-facing. It’s also a bit heavier, at 23 pounds, versus the 3-in-1’s almost 22 pounds.

Graco makes a number of additional all-in-one seats, including the Graco SlimFit 3-in-1 , the Graco SlimFit3 LX 3-in-1 , and the Graco Milestone 3-in-1 . We have not tested them because the other Graco models that we did test are more popular and widely available. However, the SlimFit3 LX 3-in-1 is only 16.7 inches wide and designed to fit three across in a back seat, which may be appealing to some families.

The Graco Turn2Me 3-in-1 is an all-in-one rotating car seat that can position your rear-facing child toward you, to load and unload them from the car. However, we found it very difficult to install and use.

The Evenflo Revolve360 Rotational All-in-One is an all-in-one rotating seat that can rotate to a rear- or forward-facing position. However, during testing, the seat got stuck in a rotated position in the base; we were unable to get a tight install. The Revolve360 also has one of the lowest rear-facing height limits of any we tried, at just 40 inches (our Graco and Britax picks accommodate kids up to 49 inches, and the Clek Foonf accommodates kids up to 43 inches). The Revolve360 Extend allows rear-facing up to 50 pounds and 48 inches.

The NHTSA estimates (PDF) that the lives of 10,157 kids, age 4 and younger, were saved by the use of child restraints in vehicles between the years 1975 and 2012. The proper care, treatment, and use of your car seat will help keep your little ones safe and sound. Here are some of the essentials:

Install the seat properly. A well-installed car seat is a snug car seat; once it’s in, there should be minimal wiggle. (If you grab the seat near the attachment point and pull back and forth, it should move less than an inch in any direction.) Let the owner’s manual and online instruction videos be your guide. There are many resources online that can provide both general installation tips and specific advice for your particular seat; we like The Car Seat Lady and Car Seats for the Littles . And it’s always a great idea to enlist the help of a pro. Safe Kids Worldwide provides information on how you can find a Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST) in your area, so you can get your seat installed correctly, and learn how to do it yourself the next time.

Get a good fit. The way your child is secured in their seat matters. Remove puffy coats or heavy outer layers before buckling in your child because they can cause the harness to be too loose. The owner’s manual for your seat will have illustrations showing what a proper fit looks like, and you should reference it with your child in the seat. But in general, here are the guidelines:

• The shoulder straps should be positioned in the harness slot right below the shoulders, when rear-facing, and at or above the shoulders, when forward-facing. (In a crash, if a forward-facing child’s shoulder straps are too low, this could cause their collarbones to break, and if a rear-facing child’s shoulder straps are too high, the child could slide up the seat.)
• The straps should be tightened snugly on the child and pass the “pinch” test: If you try to pinch the fabric of the strap, it shouldn’t fold within your fingers.
• The chest clip should be resting at the armpit level.
• If the crotch buckle on your seat is adjustable, it should be in the position nearest to—but not underneath—the child.
• The bottom of the headrest should be positioned just above where the harness straps emerge from the seat; if it’s digging into your child’s shoulders, it’s too low.

And remember, your child is growing, so all of these adjustments will need to be made and checked regularly.

Keep your child rear-facing for as long as possible. Young children are safer in a rear-facing seat. Safety experts generally agree that it’s better for a child to stay rear-facing longer, as is staying in a seat with a five-point harness before switching to a seat belt–dependent booster seat.

Observe the seat’s size and weight limits. As with infant car seats , with convertible seats, most children will probably hit a seat’s height limit before they hit its weight limit. A kid can no longer sit rear-facing when their head is less than an inch from the top of the seat’s shell height. (But a child who has outgrown the rear-facing height is still likely to fit in the same seat forward-facing.) A kid can sit in a forward-facing seat until the tops of their ears are at or above the top of the seat’s head restraint at the highest setting, or until the shoulder straps can no longer be properly positioned at or above their shoulders. Also be mindful of your seat’s LATCH weight limits.

Follow the cleaning instructions for your specific seat. The correct method for cleaning your car seat is spelled out clearly in the owner’s manual. If you ignore instructions, you could cause damage to the materials or textiles, which may compromise their ability to function safely. For more guidance, check out our post on how to clean a car seat .

Dispose of your seat properly. Yes, car seats expire; convertible car seats generally last nine to 10 years. If your seat has reached its expiration date, it should be thrown away. A car seat that has been involved in a moderate or serious accident should also be thrown away. You can continue to use a seat that’s been in a minor crash , provided that all of the following criteria are met: You are able to drive away from the crash site; the vehicle’s airbags did not deploy; there are no injuries to passengers; there is no visible damage to the car seat; and the vehicle door nearest the car seat is left undamaged. Stores like Target periodically hold trade-in events . Not sure where to dispose of an old seat? Check out our guide on how to get rid of a used car seat .

Additional reporting by Ingela Ratledge Amundson and Rebecca Gale.

This article was edited by Amy Miller Kravetz and Kalee Thompson.

Gina Duchossois, injury-prevention expert with the Injury Prevention Program at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, chair of Safe Kids Southeastern Pennsylvania, and certified Child Passenger Safety Technician, in-person installation assessments , in-person installation assessments , November 29, 2021

Alisa Baer, pediatrician, nationally certified child passenger safety instructor and co-founder of The Car Seat Lady , phone interview , November 4, 2021

Jessica Jermakian, PhD, vice president for vehicle research at the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) , phone and email interviews, 2022

Miriam Manary, senior research associate, University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute , phone interview , August 30, 2017

Lani Harrison, CPST, Car Seats for the Littles , phone interview , August 30, 2017

Chris Lumley, founder and CEO of Clek , phone interview , September 13, 2017

William Conway, engineering leader, car seats, Graco , phone interview , March 5, 2018

Sarah Haverstick, Evenflo safety advocate , phone interview , September 18, 2017

Dr. Benjamin Hoffman, pediatrician, uncompensated consultant to Chicco on matters of car seat safety, CSPT-I , phone interview , September 20, 2017

Maggie Rauser, Safe Kids/KISS county coordinator, Carroll County Health Department (Md.) , CPST Training , September 21, 2017

Meet your guide

Christina Szalinski

Christina Szalinski is a freelance science writer with a PhD in cell biology.

Further reading

Are Rotating Car Seats Worth It?

by Christina Szalinski

Rotating car seats are gaining popularity—but for the typical family, they’re not better than simpler options. Here’s what to know before buying one.

The Best Travel Car Seats

by Christina Szalinski and Rebecca Gale

After testing 17 lightweight, portable car seats, we have five good options for infants, toddlers, and big kids to recommend.

The Best Booster Car Seats

by Rebecca Gale

After researching over 50 booster car seats and testing 13, we’ve concluded that the convenient Chicco KidFit ClearTex Plus is the best overall choice.

The Best Infant Car Seats

After extensive research and field testing, we found that the Graco SnugRide SnugFit 35 DLX is the best infant car seat for most families.

How to Avoid Car-Seat Fees When Renting a Car

Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here .

When traveling with young children, you'll need a car seat if you rent a car . The rental-car companies know that it's the law, so they see this as an opportunity to overcharge for car seats. Consumer Reports pegs the average price for a car seat rental at $13 per day. Those costs can really add up over the course of a vacation. So, what can a family do?

Avoid Renting a Car

One obvious answer is to avoid renting a car while on vacation. Many cities around the world have great public transportation that makes renting a car unnecessary. My favorite examples include San Francisco , New York City , London and Tokyo.

Even if public transportation or walking isn't an option, most cities do not require car seats when passengers ride in taxis. Depending on your comfort level with this, that can also make Uber and Lyft transportation possibilities, but check with local laws to verify whether you'll need a car seat for a child passenger.

Book With Silvercar for a No-Fee Car Seat

Mommy Points thinks that Silvercar is the best car rental company for families. Part of the reason is that it offers free high-quality Peg Perego car seats at all of its locations. In fact, the company offers two different Peg Perego car seats. The Primo Viaggio Convertible can be used rear-facing for children 5 to 45 pounds and forward-facing for children 22 to 65 pounds, up to the maximum height limits. The Viaggio Flex 120 can be used for children from 40 to 120 pounds and up to 63" in height. After making your rental reservation, email Silvercar at [email protected] to let them know you'll need a car seat when you arrive.

Get a Free Car Seat from Hertz and AAA

If I need to rent a car while traveling with my family, Hertz is my first choice. Through its partnership with AAA, you are entitled to one free car seat per reservation when you rent a car with Hertz using the AAA promo code.

Hertz otherwise charges $13.99 per car seat or booster per day (a bit less if you have elite status with them), so this AAA promo code can save almost $100 for a weeklong vacation. Call the number on the back of your AAA card to ask about the code if you can't find it in your original registration materials.

Bring Your Car Seat from Home

Although car seats can be big and bulky, you may want to bring one with you from home. When our children were infants we would do this on a regular basis. Most domestic airlines do not charge to check a car seat or stroller. Here are 21 airline stroller policies from around the world. (You can definitely make travel easier with car seats and strollers .

Some traveling parents choose to place their children in car seats on the plane. We never did that. Instead, we bought a protective cover for our car seats and checked them in the terminal. An added plus is that we could fit extra diapers or extra clothes in the additional space in the car-seat bag.

Once our kids graduated to booster seats, bringing them from home was easier, although they are still somewhat clumsy to carry as you make your way through the airport to the rental car.

Use a Booster-Seat Alternative

Life became easier when we discovered the miFold compact car seat . These devices are NHTSA approved yet fold down to the size of a thick paperback when not in use. The compact design easily fits in a suitcase, carry-on or backpack. At a price of about $33 on Amazon , the investment will quickly pay for itself. An added plus is that we let Grandma use the miFold car seats when she visits so that our kids stay safe in her back seat. Here are some additional top travel gear for kids .

Use Travel Credits to Pay Rental Car Fees

Look in your wallet for a credit card -- like the Chase Sapphire Reserve -- that offers travel credits ($300 per year in the case of the CSR) that you can use to pay your rental-car bill. This includes any extra fees you may get charged, such as for car seats, for GPS or if you promised to fill up the tank and then forgot to do so before returning the vehicle.

Technically you're not avoiding paying for a car seat. However, when you use these travel credits, you won't pay out of pocket for the seat rental fees.

Recently, I've been using the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card for travel expenses that I can't cover with airline miles and hotel miles. Both of these credit cards allow you to spend money as usual and then apply your miles to eliminate the expenses that code as travel on your statement, after you return from vacation.

Bottom Line

Even if you find a great deal on a rental car, car-seat rental fees can increase your costs significantly. Whenever we travel we try to avoid renting a car so we don't have to pay extra fees for car seats, gas or parking. That's not always an option, so it's good to have these money-saving tricks up your sleeve to avoid paying for a car seat.

Need more car rental advice?

• How to Save Money When Renting a Car for a Large Family
• Credit Cards That Offer Primary Car Rental Coverage

• Best overall
• Best for exotic trips
• Best for trip interruption
• Best for medical-only coverage
• Best for family coverage
• Best for long trips
• Why You Should Trust Us

Best International Travel Insurance for June 2024

Affiliate links for the products on this page are from partners that compensate us (see our advertiser disclosure with our list of partners for more details). However, our opinions are our own. See how we rate insurance products to write unbiased product reviews.

If you're planning your next vacation or trip out of the country, be sure to factor in travel insurance. Unexpected medical emergencies when traveling can drain your bank account, especially when you're traveling internationally. The best travel insurance companies for international travel can step in to provide you with peace of mind and financial protection while you're abroad.

Best International Travel Insurance

• Best overall: Allianz Travel Insurance
• Best for exotic travel: World Nomads Travel Insurance
• Best for trip interruption coverage: C&F Travel Insured

Best for medical-only coverage: GeoBlue Travel Insurance

• Best for families: Travelex Travel Insurance
• Best for long-term travel: Seven Corners Travel Insurance

How we rate the best international travel insurance »

Compare the Best International Travel Insurance Companies

As a general rule, the most important coverage to have in a foreign country is travel medical insurance , as most US health insurance policies don't cover you while you're abroad. Without travel medical coverage, a medical emergency in a foreign country can cost you. You'll want trip cancellation and interruption coverage if your trip is particularly expensive. And if you're traveling for an extended period of time, you'll want to ensure that your policy is extendable. 

Here are our picks for the best travel insurance companies for international travel.

Best overall: Allianz

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Good option for frequent travelers thanks to its annual multi-trip policies
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Doesn't increase premium for trips longer than 30 days, meaning it could be one of the more affordable options for a long trip
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Some plans include free coverage for children 17 and under
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Concierge included with some plans
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Coverage for medical emergency is lower than some competitors' policies
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Plans don't include coverage contact sports and high-altitude activities
• Single and multi-trip plans available
• Trip cancellation and interruption coverage starting at up to $10,000 (higher limits with more expensive plans)
• Preexisting medical condition coverage available with some plans

Allianz Travel Insurance  offers the ultimate customizable coverage for international trips, whether you're a frequent jetsetter or an occasional traveler. You can choose from an a la carte of single or multi-trip plans, as well as add-ons, including rental car damage, cancel for any reason (CFAR) , adventure sport, and business travel coverage. And with affordable pricing compared to competitors, Allianz is a budget-friendly choice for your international travel insurance needs. 

The icing on the cake is Allyz TravelSmart, Allianz's highly-rated mobile app, which has an average rating of 4.4 out of five stars on the Google Play store across over 2,600 reviews and 4.8 out of five stars from over 22,000 reviews on the Apple app store. So, you can rest easy knowing that you can access your policy and file claims anywhere in the world without a hassle.

Read our Allianz Travel Insurance review here.

Best for exotic trips: World Nomads

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Coverage for 200+ activities like skiing, surfing, and rock climbing
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Only two plans to choose from, making it simple to find the right option
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. You can purchase coverage even after your trip has started
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. If your trip costs more than $10,000, you may want to choose other insurance because trip protection is capped at up to $10,000 (for the Explorer plan)
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Doesn't offer coverage for travelers older than 70
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. No Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) option
• Coverage for 150+ activities and sports
• 2 plans: Standard and Explorer
• Trip protection for up to $10,000
• Emergency medical insurance of up to $100,000
• Emergency evacuation coverage for up to $500,000
• Coverage to protect your items (up to $3,000)

World Nomads Travel Insurance  offers coverage for over 150 specific activities, so you can focus on the adventure without worrying about gaps in your coverage. 

You can select its budget-friendly standard plan, starting at $79. Or if you're an adrenaline junkie seeking more thrills, you can opt for the World Nomads' Explorer plan for $120, which includes extra sports like skydiving, scuba diving, and heli-skiing. And World Nomads offers 24/7 assistance, so you can confidently travel abroad, knowing that help is just a phone call away. 

Read our World Nomads Travel Insurance review here.

Best for trip interruption: C&F Travel Insured

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Offers 2 major plans including CFAR coverage on the more expensive option
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Cancellation for job loss included as a covered reason for trip cancellation/interruption (does not require CFAR coverage to qualify)
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Frequent traveler reward included in both policies
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Up to $1 million in medical evacuation coverage available
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Medical coverage is only $100,000
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Reviews on claims processing indicate ongoing issues
• C&F's Travel Insured policies allow travelers customize travel insurance to fit their specific needs. Frequent travelers may benefit from purchasing an annual travel insurance plan, then adding on CFAR coverage for any portions of travel that may incur greater risk.

C&F Travel Insured offers 100% coverage for trip cancellation, up to 150% for trip interruption, and reimbursement for up to 75% of your non-refundable travel costs with select plans. This means you don't have to worry about losing your hard-earned money on non-refundable travel costs if your trip ends prematurely. 

Travel Insured also stands out for its extensive "reasons for cancellation" coverage. Unlike many insurers, the company covers hurricane warnings from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

Read our C&F Travel Insured review here.

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. A subsidary of Blue Cross Blue Shield
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Offers strong medical plans as long as you have a regular health insurance plan, but it doesn't have to be through Blue Cross
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Offers long-term and multi-trip travel protection
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Multiple complaints about claims not being paid or being denied
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Does not provide some of the more comprehensive coverage like CFAR insurance
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Buyers who do get claims paid may need to file multiple claim forms

GeoBlue Travel Insurance offers policies that covers emergency medical treatments when you're abroad. While GeoBlue lacks trip cancellation coverage, that allows it to charge lower premiums than the other companies on this list. 

GeoBlue plans can cover medical expenses up to $1 million with several multi-trip annual plans available. It offers coinsurance plans for trips within the U.S. and 100% coverage for international trips. It also has a network of clinics in 180 countries, streamlining the claims process. It's worth noting that coverage for pre-existing conditions comes with additional costs. 

Read our GeoBlue Travel Insurance review here.

Best for family coverage: Travelex Travel Insurance

Trip cancellation coverage for up to 100% of the trip cost and trip interruption coverage for up to 150% of the trip cost

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Options to cover sports equipment
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Option to increase medical coverage
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Can cancel up to 48 hours before travel when CFAR option is purchased
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Affordable coverage for budget-conscious travelers
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Includes generous baggage delay, loss and trip delay coverage
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Optional "adventure sports" bundle available for riskier activities
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Only two insurance plans to choose from
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Medical coverage maximum is low at up to $50,000 per person
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Pricier than some competitors with lower coverage ceilings
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Some competitors offer higher medical emergency coverage

Travelex travel insurance is one of the largest travel insurance providers in the US providing domestic and international coverage options. It offers a basic, select, and America option. Read on to learn more.

• Optional CFAR insurance available with the Travel Select plan
• Trip delay insurance starting at $500 with the Travel Basic plan
• Emergency medical and dental coverage starting at $15,000

Travelex Travel Insurance offers coverage for your whole crew, perfect for when you're planning a family trip. Its family plan insures all your children 17 and under at no additional cost. The travel insurance provider also offers add-ons like adventure sports and car rental collision coverage to protect your family under any circumstance. Got pets? With Travelex's Travel Select plan, you can also get coverage for your furry friend's emergency medical and transportation expenses. 

Read our Travelex Travel Insurance review here.

Best for long trips: Seven Corners

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Diverse coverage options such as CFAR, optional sports equipment coverage, etc.
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Available in all 50 states
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Prices are higher than many competitors
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Reviews around claims processing are mixed
• Trip cancellation insurance of up to 100% of the trip cost
• Trip interruption insurance of up to 150% of the trip cost
• Cancel for any reason (CFAR) insurance available

Seven Corners Travel Insurance offers specialized coverage that the standard short-term travel insurance policy won't provide, which is helpful if you're embarking on a long-term trip. You can choose from several plans, including the Annual Multi-Trip plan, which provides medical coverage for multiple international trips for up to 364 days. This policy also offers COVID-19 medical and evacuation coverage up to $1 million. 

You also get the added benefit of incidental expense coverage. This policy will cover remote health-related services and information, treatment of injury or illness, and live consultations via telecommunication. 

Read our Seven Corners Travel Insurance review here.

How to Find the Right International Travel Insurance Company 

Different travelers and trips require different types of insurance coverage. So, consider these tips if you're in the market to insure your trip. 

Determine your needs 

Your needs for travel insurance will depend on the type of trip you're taking. You'll need to consider your destination and what you'll be doing there, either business, leisure, or adventure traveling. Policies covering adventure sports and activities will cost more. Longer, more expensive trips will also cost more. 

Research the reputation of the company 

When researching a company, you'll want to closely review the description of services. You'll want to see how claims are handled, any exceptions, and limitations.

You'll also want to look at the company's customer reviews on sites like Trustpilot, BBB, and Squaremouth, as this will provide insight on the quality of customer service and the claims process. You should also take note of whether companies respond to customer reviews.

Compare prices

You can get quotes through a company's website or travel insurance aggregators like InsureMyTrip and VisitorsCoverage. You'll need to be prepared to provide the following information about your trip:

• Trip destination(s)
• Travel dates
• Number of travelers
• Traveler(s) age/birthday
• State of residence
• Total trip cost

For companies that offer travel medical insurance, you'll also want to play around with the deductible options, as they can affect your policy premium. 

Understanding International Travel Insurance Coverage Options

Travel insurance can be confusing, but we're here to simplify it for you. We'll break down the industry's jargon to help you understand what travel insurance covers to help you decide what your policy needs. Bear in mind that exclusions and limitations for your age and destination may apply. 

Finding the Best Price for International Travel Insurance

Your policy cost will depend on several factors, such as the length of your trip, destination, coverage limits, and age. Typically, a comprehensive policy includes travel cancellation coverage costs between 5% and 10% of your total trip cost.

If you're planning an international trip that costs $4,500, you can expect to pay anywhere from $225 to $450 for your policy. Comparing quotes from multiple providers can help you find a budget-friendly travel insurance policy that meets your needs.

Why You Should Trust Us: How We Reviewed International Travel Insurance Companies

We ranked and assigned superlatives to the best travel insurance companies based on our insurance rating methodology . It focuses on several key factors, including: 

• Policy types: We analyzed company offerings such as coverage levels, exclusions, and policy upgrades, taking note of providers that offer a range of travel-related issues beyond the standard coverages. 
• Affordability: We recognize that cheap premiums don't necessarily equate to sufficient coverage. So, we seek providers that offer competitive rates with comprehensive policies and quality customer service. We also call out any discounts or special offers available. 
• Flexibility: Travel insurance isn't one-size-fits-all. We highlight providers that offer a wide array of coverage options, including single-trip, multi-trip, and long-term policies.
• Claims handling: The claims process should be pain-free for policyholders. We seek providers that offer a streamlined process via online claims filing and a track record of handling claims fairly and efficiently. 
• Quality customer service: Good customer service is as important as affordability and flexibility. We highlight companies that offer 24/7 assistance and have a strong record of customer service responsiveness. 

We consult user feedback and reviews to determine how each company fares in each category. We also check the provider's financial rating and volume of complaints via third-party rating agencies. 

Read more about how Business Insider rates insurance products here.

International Travel Insurance FAQs

The best insurance policy depends on your individual situation, including your destination and budget. However, popular options include Allianz Travel Insurance, World Nomads, and Travel Guard. 

You should pay attention to any limitations regarding covered cancellations, pre-existing conditions, and adventure activities. For example, if you're worried you may have to cancel a trip for work reasons, ensure that you've worked at your company long enough to qualify for cancellation coverage, as that is a condition with some insurers. You should also see if your destination has any travel advisories, as that can affect your policy. 

Typically, your regular health insurance won't cover you out of the country, so you'll want to make sure your travel insurance has adequate medical emergency coverage. Depending on your travel plans, you may want to purchase add-ons, such as adventure sports coverage, if you're planning on doing anything adventurous like bungee jumping.

Travel insurance is worth the price for international travel because they're generally more expensive, so you have more to lose. Additionally, your regular health insurance won't cover you in other countries, so without travel insurance, you'll end up paying out of pocket for any emergency medical care you receive out of the US.

You should purchase travel insurance as soon as possible after making payment on your trip. This makes you eligible for add-ons like coverage for pre-existing conditions and CFAR. It also mitigates the chance of any losses in the days leading up to your trip. 

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The 10 Best Convertible Car Seats From an Actual Mom of 2024

A car seat is a piece of baby gear required by law for safety while traveling in a car, so it’s a pretty important investment. I’m Caitlyn Fitzpatrick, the writer of this piece, and, as a mom with years of experience picking out and researching the best baby gear for my daughter and for work, I know how much pressure there is to find the best car seat. You want something safe and affordable that’s as easy to use as possible. What parent hasn’t broken a sweat over strap adjustment buttons or trying to find the crotch buckle under a squirming baby?

There are infant car seats and booster car seats , but go with a convertible car seat if you want an option that’ll last the majority of your child’s youth. This style is designed to grow with your baby. Instead of purchasing a new car seat for each stage of their growth, you can simply adjust the unit to fit their size and needs.

All convertible car seats offer rear- and forward-facing modes, but some go one step further by converting into booster seats for older kids. The idea is that when the newborn and toddler phases are in the rearview mirror (literally), it’s a quick and easy switch to sitting forward. By choosing the best model for your family, a car seat can be a one-time buy, which helps your wallet in the long run. Keep in mind, however, that for the most part, convertible car seats are meant to stay put and don’t attach to stroller systems.

From the best unit for small cars to the easiest to clean, I’ve heavily researched convertible car seat options and spoken to other parents and safety experts. Our pick for the best convertible car seat is the Graco Extend2Fit Convertible Car Seat for its longevity, easy-to-install system, and range of headrest and recline positions.

Table of Contents

• Best Convertible Car Seats
• Things To Consider When Buying

Graco Extend2Fit Convertible Car Seat  »

Accommodates children up to 65 pounds

One-second LATCH attachment

Storage pockets to hold the harness

10 headrest positions and six recline positions

Machine-washable seat pad

Steel-reinforced frame for 10 years of use

Tough to loosen/tighten the straps

Hard to get the cover on and off

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has put its stamp of approval on the Graco Extend2Fit Convertible Car Seat, and we do, too, as our best overall pick. This unit was designed to be installed easily with its one-second Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) attachment and level indicator. It was created to carry your child until they’re 65 pounds or 49 inches tall, whichever comes first. And with 10 headrest positions and six recline positions, your little one is bound to be comfortable as they age.

Weighing in at 19 pounds, which is less than many other picks on this list, it’s easy enough to move between cars as needed (though probably not light enough to use as a travel car seat). Graco says the steel, reinforced frame was designed for durability and strength to make it through 10 years of use. Plus, it’s been crash-tested according to the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) 213, so you can feel confident in your purchase.

The best convertible car seats come in at a range of prices, so the fact that this one has such standout features at a modest price makes it a solid pick all around. It should be no surprise that two U.S. News employees and parents also rave about the Graco Extend2Fit.

Safety 1st Jive 2-in-1 Convertible Car Seat  »

Five heights and three buckle locations

Machine-washable and dryer-safe fabrics

Aircraft certified

Two removable dishwasher-safe cup holders

Removable head pillow and body pillow

Only one recline position

Takes time to install

The best convertible car seats are meant to provide great value, as they last through many years, but that doesn’t mean you have to make a big investment. The Safety 1st Jive 2-in-1 Convertible Car Seat is an affordable option that accommodates children up to 65 pounds or up to 49 inches tall, whichever comes first. Weighing just 14.25 pounds and approved for aircraft use, this also makes a handy travel car seat .

To keep infants supported, this Safety 1st unit has removable head and body pillows. The fabrics are both machine washable and dryer safe, which makes spills and accidents much less of a headache. To make cleanup even easier, though, the car seat features two removable cup holders that are dishwasher safe, which means less work for you.

Although the Jive has LATCH connectors, customers have said it’s not the easiest to install. Another downside is that it only has one recline position. However, its five heights, three buckle locations, and many appealing features make it a solid option at a budget-friendly price.

Nuna Exec  »

Converts from rear- to forward-facing to booster

Adjustable anti-rebound panel and leg rest combination

Aeroflex side impact protection system

Three can fit in back seat of most midsize vehicles

Aircraft-certified

GreenGuard Gold certified

Crotch clip falls back

Whether you travel by car or plane, your little one can safely go with you from 5 to 120 pounds in this car seat. The Nuna Exec was designed to go the distance by converting from rear- to forward-facing to booster modes. The anti-rebound panel and leg rest are adjustable and remain comfortable for your child as they grow.

Although this is a heavy-duty, all-steel model, it was smartly designed so that three car seats could fit in the back seat of most midsize vehicles. It’s easy to clean, too, as it features removable, machine-washable infant body and head inserts and a quilted leg rest slipcover. This aircraft-certified model comes with two flip-open cup holders and magnetic harness holders.

The fabrics used for this convertible car seat include Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) cotton, which follows requirements for organic status through harvesting, manufacturing, and labeling. The Nuna Exec is also GreenGuard Gold certified, meaning it’s built to contribute to safer, healthier air and has been screened for more than 15,000 volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

Babyark The Convertible Car Seat  »

Rear facing up to 55 pounds

14 sensors and LED light system for safety

Military-grade energy-absorption technology

Side-impact protection system

Magnetic straps for easy access

App-guided installation

No cup holder

You’ve never seen a car seat quite like The Convertible Car Seat by Babyark. Approved by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), the brand calls it the “world’s safest seat,” as it’s the only car seat with military-grade active energy-absorption technology. It was designed to allow children to sit in the rear-facing position for longer, accommodating them up to 55 pounds and up to 65 pounds in the forward-facing position. Plus, the headrest, recline, shoulder pads, and chest clip are all adjustable for the optimal fit.

To ensure that installation is as frustration-free as possible, Babyark has an app that walks you through step by step for smart connectivity. It uses both rigid LATCH connectors and a seat belt in order to activate the SafeCoil energy absorption mechanism for side-impact protection. Once you get it set up, it’s a breeze to get your little one in and out of the seat using the magnetic straps. Plus, the wear- and tear-resistant fabric covers zip off to be tossed in the washing machine.

A smart car seat comes with a hefty price tag, so prepare to make an investment if you’re looking to keep kids safely in the rear-facing position for as long as possible.

Evenflo Gold Revolve360 Slim 2-in-1 Rotational Convertible Car Seat  »

16.75 inches wide by 24.3 inches long by 21 inches deep

One-hand 360-degree rotation

SensorSafe alerts potentially unsafe conditions

Multiple recline positions

Machine-washable fabrics

Two built-in cup holders

Heavy at 28.5 pounds

On the pricier side

Just because the best convertible car seats convert to accommodate growing children, it doesn’t mean they have to be bulky. For people with small cars or those who want a more compact unit, the Evenflo Gold Revolve360 Slim 2-in-1 Rotational Convertible Car Seat comes to the rescue. It measures only 16.75 inches wide by 24.3 inches tall by 21 inches deep, yet it still has two built-in cup holders that don’t add width to the car seat. However, depending on the size of your car, you might have to move the passenger seat up to give enough room for the rotation.

The Evenflo is extremely convenient, as it features a 360-degree rotation that can be operated with one hand. So instead of leaning deep into the car to take your baby out of the car seat, you can simply rotate it to the door, making it a much smoother process.

Another standout feature is that the Revolve360 has SensorSafe clip across the chest that alerts parents to four potentially unsafe conditions, including unexpected unbuckled chest clip, temperatures that are too hot or cold, an unattended child in the car, and a child seated for too long. This safety feature in itself can allow you to look past the higher car seat weight and price tag.

Cosco Kids Scenera NEXT Convertible Car Seat  »

Aircraft certified and TSA friendly

Only weighs 6.8 pounds

No additional base needed

Three can fit in the backseat of most vehicles

Very affordable

Machine-washable and dryer-safe seat pad

Only accommodates babies up to 40 pounds

May fit snugly on older babies

Yes, you can take the best convertible car seat with you on your next flight – as long as it meets travel guidelines. The Cosco Kids Scenera Next Convertible Car Seat is aircraft certified and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) friendly. It only weighs 6.8 pounds, so it won’t be a pain to lug to your gate. Plus, it doesn’t require a base to install, although it does have LATCH connectors, so it can easily be moved into a taxi and onto a plane. If you have multiple kids, three of these Cosco Kids car seats can fit in the backseat of most vehicles.

Since you may be using this as a secondary convertible car seat, you’ll be happy to know that it’s extremely gentle on your wallet at just $48.98. The downside, however, is that it only works for babies – whether rear facing or forward facing – up to 40 pounds. The five harness heights and three buckle locations keep them comfortable while they’re in there, though. Choose among the seven pattern options to add a fun pop to your baby gear.

Chicco NextFit Max ClearTex Extended-Use Convertible Car Seat  »

Various features for correct installation

Nine headrest positions and nine recline positions

Dishwasher-safe, foldable cup holder

Removable newborn positioner

GreenGuard Gold Certified

Heavy at 26.5 pounds

If you’ve been stressing about installing a convertible car seat, let the Chicco NextFit Max ClearTex Extended-Use Convertible Car Seat put your mind at ease. It has different features to make sure you install it correctly, including LATCH connectors, dual RideRight bubble levels, a ReclineSure leveling system, a SuperCinch force-multiplying tightener, and a LockSure belt-tightening system. Thanks to these details, you’ll feel more confident that you did the job properly.

Certified by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA), this car seat has a whopping nine headrest positions and nine recline positions, so it’s truly designed to customize as your child grows. It’s also GreenGuard Gold Certified.

Cleaning this convertible car seat is as easy as possible. It has a machine-washable seat pad and a dishwasher-safe, foldable cup holder. The Chicco is easy to install and simple to clean, which are some of the most important factors when choosing a car seat. It makes the two caveats – the harness buckle clip not staying in place and the heavier weight of the product – simple to overlook.

Britax ClickTight Convertible Car Seat  »

Machine-washable and dryer-friendly fabrics

Resists stains, moisture, and odor

14 headrest positions and seven recline positions

Three-step installation

High-strength steel frame

Heavy at 29.5 pounds

You already know that babies can get extremely messy. Between spit-ups, spills, and accidents, the best baby gear is easy to clean – and that’s what you’ll get with the Britax ClickTight Convertible Car Seat. Not only can the fabrics be placed in the washing machine, but they can also be tossed in the dryer, too. Hopefully, the machines won’t have to do much work, though, because the fabrics were designed to resist stains, moisture, and odor.

With its LATCH connectors, ClickTight technology, and level indicators, installation is quick and easy with just three steps. It’s designed to stand the test of time with its high-strength steel frame and crumple zone, which helps absorb energy should a crash take place.

Although this Britax is heavy at 29.5 pounds, it’s aircraft certified so you can take it with you on your next vacation. It supports children up to 65 pounds or up to 49 inches tall, whichever comes first. And with the 14 headrest positions and seven recline positions, there’s plenty of room for a personal car seat experience.

Britax Emblem Three-Stage Convertible Car Seat  »

High-strength steel frame and SafeCell Technology to absorb crash energy

10-position harness and headrest adjust together

Easy to install

Doesn’t convert to booster

The last thing parents want is to worry that their child’s car seat isn’t doing what it should. The Britax Emblem Three-Stage Convertible Car Seat is sturdy and durable so you can feel confident that it’ll keep your baby safe and comfortable. This unit features a high-strength steel frame and SafeCell Technology to absorb energy in the case of a crash. But don’t let this heavy-duty unit scare you - it was designed to make installation a breeze.

Although this convertible car seat doesn’t convert to a booster, it does go from rear- to forward-facing modes, accommodating children up to 65 pounds. The harness and headrest adjust together, and there are 10 position options to find the right fit. You can even take it on an airplane, making it a smart travel car seat option.

When the baby spills their cup of milk or you find crushed-up Cheerios in their wake, you can simply remove the SafeWash fabric and toss it in the washing machine and dryer . Britax offers other fabric options, too, but you can’t beat the easy cleaning the SafeWash offers.

Safety 1st Grow and Go Extend ‘n Ride LX All-in-One Convertible Car Seat  »

ComfortPlus footrest in all three modes

Up to 7 inches of additional legroom in rear-facing mode

Two removable dishwasher-safe cup holders and one sippy cup cup holder

Multiple headrest positions and three recline positions

On the bulkier side

The Safety 1st Grow and Go Extend ‘n Ride LX All-in-One Convertible Car Seat has a cool feature that not many have: a footrest. This ComfortPlus footrest works in all three offered modes so there’ll be no more dangling feet on long car rides. In the rear-facing position, it provides an extra 7 inches of legroom so your child can stay facing the rear of the car up to the maximum weight. Use the multiple headrest positions and three recline positions to ensure they’re comfortable in the seat.

If you want to get the most out of your convertible car seat, go with a model designed to go from rear- to forward-facing to booster like this model. This seat’s three modes carry from a newborn at 5 pounds all the way up to a child of 100 pounds or 52 inches tall, whichever comes first. That means this is likely the only car seat you’ll ever need for your child.

Just like the other Safety 1st car seat above, this unit might take a bit of time to install, but just think about how it’s a one-and-done unit. Also, keep in mind that it’s on the bulkier side to fit children of all sizes.

The Bottom Line

Some pieces of baby gear are only useful for a few months, but convertible car seats are the exact opposite and are designed to continue using as your child grows. All car seats of this style convert from rear facing to forward facing, and some even convert to a booster.

When it’s time to narrow down the right one for your family, consider your most important factors: Is easy installation at the top of the list? Or quick washing in between uses? Does the unit need to travel with you? Is your budget tight? While there’s no shortage of options, we chose the best of the best convertible car seats in a range of categories. If you’re still having trouble narrowing them down, our best overall pick, the Graco Extend2Fit Convertible Car Seat, has many headrest and recline positions, a one-second LATCH attachment, and a steel-reinforced frame for 10 years of use, making it a no-fail option.

Things To Consider When Buying Convertible Car Seats

Safety Ratings and Certifications

You can take comfort in the fact that there are strict requirements in place to ensure safe car seats hit the market.

“All car seats sold in the U.S. must meet stringent safety regulations, following the requirements set by the NHTSA. A car seat that meets these standards is required to be labeled with, ‘This child restraint system conforms to all applicable Federal motor vehicle safety standards,’” says Joe Colella, JPMA director of Child Passenger Safety and 2020 Child Passenger Safety Hall of Fame Inductee.

But safety doesn’t just involve the seat itself – you have to install it correctly. “Since convertible car seats can be used either rear-facing or forward-facing, it is important to recognize that the way they are used changes between those two modes,” explains Colella. “The seat belt or LATCH system is typically routed differently for rear facing and forward facing.”

Most convertible car seats have adjustable harnesses. When in rear-facing mode, the harness height should be at or slightly below the tops of the child’s shoulders. The general rule for forward-facing use is that the harness height is at or slightly above the child’s shoulders.

We can’t say it enough: Please read the manufacturer’s instructions.

Adjustability and Growth Adaptability

Convertible car seats are designed to go from rear-facing mode to forward-facing use. Some are meant to be used for an even longer time, as they convert to a booster for kids up to 100 pounds. If that extra stage is important to you (and it may save you cash in the long run), look for a unit that does it all.

“When considering a convertible car seat, it's important to understand its adjustability features. Look for seats with multiple recline positions, adjustable headrests, and harness heights. These features ensure the seat can be adjusted to fit your child comfortably and safely as they grow,” says Sarah Hollingsworth, founder and CEO of Poppylist , a baby registry site.

A car seat with various headrest and recline positions provides comfort and support to your child as they age. Remember that switching between car seat modes or car seat styles depends on weight and height limits, not age.

Ease of Installation and Use

One installation feature you should look for is the LATCH system. It’s common in car seats and was designed to make setting up your unit easy without the use of a seat belt. All the best convertible car seats we highlighted on this list have LATCH connectors for a secure fit in your vehicle.

“Ease of installation and use vary among convertible car seats. Features contributing to ease of installation include clear, intuitive instructions, weight, easy-to-access belt paths, and built-in leveling systems,” says Hollingsworth. “For ease of use, look for seats with no-rethread harnesses, which allow you to adjust the harness height without disassembling it, and seats with straightforward buckling and unbuckling mechanisms.”

More installation features can help you feel confident that your child is safe, but they aren’t required.

Comfort Features

Installing the best convertible car seat is half the battle – you also have the opinion of your little one. Many models come with an infant insert that offers added support for newborns. The padding beneath that insert is important, too, as it’s the material your child is primarily going to be in contact with. Look for breathable fabrics that’ll keep them comfortable throughout the seasons.

Adjustable headrests and recline positions aren’t just needed as your child grows; they also keep them comfortable for as long as possible. By adjusting these positions, road trips should be more pleasant.

Then, there are the extras that are just nice to have when you can’t reach behind you to hand your kid drinks and snacks. “Cup holders and storage compartments for toys or snacks are common and can make car rides more enjoyable for older children,” says Hollingsworth.

Compatibility With Vehicles

Most car seats are compatible with most vehicles. To guarantee you won’t have to go through the return process, check the manufacturer’s website where they’re likely to have tools or guides with vehicle compatibility information.

While convertible car seats offer a range of pros – from lasting through the years to being one-and-done with installation – there are some cons. “I wish I'd known that convertible car seats do not attach to stroller systems – they are designed to stay inside the car. It seems silly, but as a first-time parent, I researched strollers and car seat combinations for hours without knowing this,” shares Hollingsworth.

A few other tips from Hollingsworth: “Never buy third-party car seat attachments, as they weren't included in any crash test with the car seat. It's also important to remember that car seats have expiration dates and should be replaced after a certain period or following any car accident.”

Types of Convertible Car Seats

• Two-in-One: A two-in-one convertible car seat converts from rear-facing mode to a forward-facing unit. This option grows with your child until they’re around 65 pounds. However, that number varies depending on the car seat.
• Three-in-One: A three-in-one convertible car seat goes one step beyond the forward-facing position by converting to a booster seat. The booster mode can typically be used until your child is 100 or 120 pounds, but it depends on the specific model.

Best Overall vs. Best Budget

Graco Extend2Fit Convertible Car Seat vs. Safety 1st Jive 2-in-1 Convertible Car Seat

The good news is that there isn’t a huge price difference between our best overall pick, the Graco Extend2Fit Convertible Car Seat, and our best budget pick, the Safety 1st Jive 2-in-1 Convertible Car Seat – only $80, to be exact. There are, however, other similarities and key differences to consider if you’re deciding between the two. Both convert from rear- to forward-facing mode (no booster option for either), and both feature LATCH connectors, two cup holders, and machine-washable fabrics.

On the other hand, the Graco offers 10 headrest positions and six recline positions, while the Safety 1st only has one recline position but five heights and three buckle locations. The Graco has a steel-reinforced frame for 10 years of use, while the Safety 1st might not have that level of durability. If you want a sturdier unit with adjustability for your child, go for the Graco. If you need an aircraft-certified option that’s just about as budget-friendly as you can get, consider the Safety 1st Jive.

How To Use Convertible Car Seats Safely

Although it’s safest to keep a child in the rear-facing position as long as possible, you don’t want them to overstay their welcome in that mode or any other. It’s critical to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for when it’s time to switch a child from rear- to forward-facing and from forward-facing to booster. Remember that it has to do with height and weight and not age.

“Convertible models can be used facing the rear of the vehicle for specified child height and weight ranges, and then can be converted for forward-facing use with separate height and weight ranges,” says Colella. “Typical convertibles can be used rear-facing from 4 or 5 pounds to 40, 50, or even 55 pounds, and then forward-facing beginning at 20 to 30 pounds and up to 40, 50, or 65 pounds.”

How To Clean Convertible Car Seats

Like with all baby gear, it’s convenient when it’s easy to clean. In the case of convertible car seats – or any car seats really – you can’t go wrong with a handheld vacuum to get rid of the crumbs and keep it neat between washes. Speaking of washes, the best car seats offer machine-washable fabrics, but some can only handle being spot-cleaned. While most typically need to be air-dried, some are dryer-friendly, making cleaning even easier. It’s important to get familiar with the manufacturer’s cleaning recommendations before you purchase so you’re not left with a unit that doesn’t work with your preferences.

To keep your car seat looking its best, you can snag a sun shade designed to cover the parts of the unit that touch your child’s skin. Plus, during those hot summer months, you won’t have to worry about the seat overheating and hurting your baby. Also, it protects the seat itself from the sun and potential fading.

How We Chose the Best Convertible Car Seats

Convertible car seats are designed to be used for years, so it’s even more important that they’re equipped with appealing characteristics and, of course, safety features than a standard car seat. Those are some of the top considerations we kept in mind to bring you this U.S. News 360 Reviews guide. As always, we’ve turned to experts – in this case, Joe Colella, JPMA director of child passenger safety and 2020 Child Passenger Safety Hall of Fame Inductee, and Sarah Hollingsworth, founder and CEO of Poppylist , a baby registry site – to provide invaluable insight on what we need to know about the versatile pieces of baby gear. Coupling that wisdom with other crucial elements such as ease of installation, weight and height limits, ease of cleaning, and price, allowed us to narrow down the pool to the very best convertible car seats.

WHY SHOULD YOU TRUST US?

Caitlyn Fitzpatrick , the author of this piece, is no stranger to the immense pressure of picking out top-notch baby gear. A mom herself, Fitzpatrick has spent endless hours researching parenting products, such as car seats, to select the best for her daughter, but her expertise spans more than her personal shopping. Caitlyn has been a professional writer and editor since 2014 and entered the commerce editorial world in 2017 where she has tested and reviewed countless products, including baby gear. For U.S. News 360 Reviews, she’s covered a range of baby must-haves including cribs and baby gates . She takes pride in hunting down the items that deserve a spot on your baby registry . Megan Wood , senior editor at USN&WR, leads baby gear coverage and edited this piece. She’s adding the Graco Extend2Fit Convertible Car Seat to her wish list.

Convertible car seats are designed to grow with your child, eliminating the need to purchase separate units for the infant and toddler phases.

“Unlike infant-only seats, convertible car seats can be adjusted to accommodate infants and toddlers. They typically start as rear-facing seats for infants and can be converted to forward-facing seats for older children. Some models even transition to a booster seat for school-age children,” explains Hollingsworth. “The key advantage of a convertible car seat is its adaptability and longevity, allowing parents to use the same seat for several years as their child grows.”

Most convertible car seats, and car seats in general, fit in most vehicles. However, to ensure you won’t have to make a return later, Hollingsworth suggests comparing the car seat dimensions with your vehicle’s interior space. “Look for car seat models that provide detailed measurements and consider the layout of your car, especially if you have a smaller vehicle, need to fit multiple car seats, or have captain's chairs,” she says.

This might be difficult to analyze online, but you also need to see how much space is needed for the car seat when it’s in the rear-facing position and fully reclined. The good news is that many manufacturers provide tools or guides online that outline vehicle compatibility.

Switching car seats has more to do with weight and height than age, so pay attention to the manufacturer’s limits. “Once the child has outgrown the limits of the infant car seat, they should be moved to a larger car seat (convertible, rotating, or all-in-one) with higher height, weight, and age limits,” says Colella.

It’s safer for a child to be in the rear-facing position, but they must be switched once their weight or height dictates it. Hollingsworth notes another benefit of this specific type of car seat. “Convertible car seats have higher weight and height limits for rear-facing use, which allows children to remain rear-facing longer, providing greater safety,” she says.

The best rotating car seats tend to be more expensive than convertible car seats due to their unique design that makes getting a child in and out of the car a little bit less of a headache. Whether the higher price tag is worth it or not to you depends on how helpful you would find the rotating mechanism, which means you get to avoid contorting your body to get your child in their seat. Parents who spend a lot of time running errands, visiting friends and family, or just being in the car will especially appreciate that the seat turns toward them for easy access.

About Our Team

Caitlyn Fitzpatrick

Contributor

Senior Editor

U.S. News 360 Reviews takes an unbiased approach to our recommendations. When you use our links to buy products, we may earn a commission but that in no way affects our editorial independence.

Which Optional Car Rental Fees Should You Pay for and Which Can You Skip?

• As a frequent traveler and travel journalist, I’ve rented a lot of cars … and talked to a lot of car rental agents who want me to sign up for every optional fee.
• Here’s my deep dive on which optional car rental fees are worth considering and which to steer clear of.

Whenever you make a rental car reservation or pick up a car at the rental counter, you’ll find yourself hit with a flurry of questions about optional fees that don’t always have easy answers, especially if you haven’t thought through them in advance. Should you purchase the optional collision insurance? Do you want to add an additional driver or a car seat? What about a GPS device or satellite radio?

All these optional car rental fees can all feel a bit overwhelming, and it’s often challenging to know what you should agree to pay for when you rent a car. Here’s a look at what these fees do and do not cover, and how to decide which ones you can safely decline when reserving your rental car.

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Should You Purchase Separate Insurance for Your Rental Car?

There’s a good chance that you already have some kind of insurance coverage for rentals if you have auto insurance for your own car. But to know whether the rental company’s insurance is a good investment, you need to understand what’s covered and what isn’t.

“You should keep in mind that the limits on your current policy typically carry over to the car rental, so it’s important to know whether there are gaps,” says Benjamin Preston, automotive reporter for  Consumer Reports . “If you don’t have full coverage [collision and comprehensive], for example, or if you have a very high deductible, you may want to consider opting for a supplemental plan.”

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Your credit card might also provide a level of coverage for rental cars, but again you need to delve into the specifics to confirm the details. “Not all credit card companies cover rental cars, so you’ll definitely want to do your research in advance and check the fine print,” advises Preston. “But generally speaking, some will provide primary insurance, which kicks in if you don’t have car insurance, and some offer secondary insurance, such as your deductible or towing costs.”

If you’re in the market for a new travel credit card, take the rental car insurance coverage benefits into consideration along with the rewards the card offers for travel, dining, and entertainment. “Rental car insurance is not the flashiest perk of all time, but you might realize it’s a far more beneficial perk than earning 3 percent on dining,” says Sally French, travel expert at personal finance company  NerdWallet .

Daniel Durazo, Director of External Communications at insurance company  Allianz Partners , says that if you do need to purchase insurance for your rental, you can save time and money if you secure it ahead of time rather than waiting to add it at the rental location. And if you’ll be investing in travel insurance for a trip, some travel insurance options also offer coverage for rental cars. “If you’re a frequent traveler, an annual travel insurance policy that includes rental car coverage may be your best bet,” notes Durazo.

Does it Make Sense to Prepay for Gas and Tolls?

Most experts advise travelers to avoid prepaying for gas and instead fill up the car yourself before returning it. “The short answer is never do it,” says Chris Hutchins, host of the podcast All the Hacks . “It never makes sense unless there’s no gas station within 100 miles of the airport, which I’ve never seen in my entire life.” Apps like GasBuddy and Waze can help you find fueling spots close to your return point. In my experience as well, there’s usually a gas station within a few miles of most airport rental locations.

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Rental car companies have varying policies when it comes to the purchase of prepaid fuel. “Sometimes they charge you to refill the full tank of gas, even if you only used a half or quarter tank,” says NerdWallet’s French. “That can be really, really expensive. Because I don’t want to deal with reading the fine print, I always just refill the gas myself, and I have a credit card that earns great gas rewards on top of it.”

Of course, it’s important to know your own travel style. If you’re always running behind schedule or the thought of having to find a gas station stresses you out, the higher cost of opting for prepaid gas may be a price you’re willing to pay. “This really depends on the driver and their itinerary, as well as what the prepaid fuel rate is,” says Lucy Bueti, Vice President, Rental Cars for  Priceline . “If your schedule is tight and stopping for gas could make you late for your flight, then prepaying for a tank of fuel may be well worth it.” Yes, opting into this fee will drive up the cost to rent, but if it buys you peace of mind, the extra cost may be worth it.

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For the question of tolls, research where you’ll be driving and whether adding on an option for paying for tolls is something you truly need. “You should always bring your own toll transponder if it will work where you’re traveling,” says Consumer Report’s Preston. “If not, try to avoid toll roads as best you can.”

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If you’ve got a smartphone, you probably don’t need to add on any tech support-type items and can save money on rental costs by skipping these optional add ons. “Most cars that you rent these days are new enough that you’ve got some way to connect your phone, whether Bluetooth or a USB port, that you don’t really need to be spending money for streaming audio or GPS if you have a phone,” says Hutchins of All the Hacks.

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You can also bring your own GPS navigator. If you’re traveling internationally, investigate the cost of an international phone plan versus the price to add a GPS device to your car rental. Adding on a navigation aid “might be worth it more than paying for an international phone plan,” says NerdWallet’s French.

What about Extra Driver Fees and Car Seats?

If more than one adult wants to be able to drive the rental car during a family road trip , it can pay to look for ways to avoid this add-on fee . In some states within the U.S., for example, rental companies may not be permitted to charge additional driver fees for spouses or domestic partners. Becoming a member of a car rental company’s loyalty or rewards program can also help you bypass extra driver fees. This is absolutely worth researching in advance, since rental companies aren’t necessarily forthright about supplying these details, and extra driver fees can really impact car rental pricing.

If you have a kiddo who still needs a car seat, this is something of a nonnegotiable add-on fee unless you bring along your own car seat. According to Consumer Reports, it costs an  average of about $13 a day  for a car seat rental. The daily rental costs add up to a new car seat pretty quickly.

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There are scenarios where renters can get this fee waived. AAA members who rent through Hertz , for example, get free use of one car seat with their rental.  Silvercar  provides Peg Perego car seats at no additional charge; renters must request a car seat at least one day before the start of their reservation, and availability isn’t guaranteed.

Of course, it’s not  that  challenging to tote your own car seat on your trip. And there are some easily transportable travel car seat options out there, from  inflatable booster seats  and  travel vests  to  foldable car seats . But only you can decide if one of these options is the right choice for your family.

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The post Which Optional Car Rental Fees Should You Pay for and Which Can You Skip? appeared first on FamilyVacationist .