Best Convertible Car Seats reviewed here. A convertible seat is one that can be used as forward facing and also as rear-facing, depending on the age and needs of your child. Read more about the factors to consider before buying, and review of the best convertible car seats.
Best Convertible Car Seats
A convertible seat is one that can be used as forward facing and also as rear-facing, depending on the age and needs of your child. Read more on baby car seats here.
Britax Boulevard
Britax is popular brand for convertible car seats and the [easyazon_link identifier=”B0792TG3VH” locale=”US” tag=”strollers0e2-20″ cart=”n”]Britax Boulevard[/easyazon_link] is one of its best models.
The Britax Boulevard is available in a couple of versions, ClickTight; the ClickTight ARB. Both versions allow a child to ride rear-facing to 40 lbs. and forward facing to 65 using the five-point harness.
The Boulevard features a no rethread harness, side-impact protection and excellent ease of use.
Using “ClickTight” technology, the seat pops open for an easier belt installation. The result is a rock solid install. Crash protection is also excellent—the new anti-rebound bar (ClickTight ARB model) adds another layer of safety to keep the seat from rebounding in a collision.
The new ClickTight base pops open to enable a super simple install with a safety belt. This seat’s pop-open base makes belt installation a snap and safety is top notch.
The Boulevard ClickTight features a no rethread harness, seven recline positions, enhanced side impact protection and an easy to remove cover for cleaning.
ClickTight ARB: ARB stands for anti-rebound bar. This padded steel bar keeps the seat from rebounding in a head-on crash. Britax claims safety testing showed anti-rebound bars reduced seat rebound by 40% and helped stabilize the seat even in side-impact and rear-end crashes.
The ARB model is identical to the Britax Boulevard ClickTight, the only difference is the added anti-rebound bar.
You can buy the anti-rebound bar separately as an accessory.
Downsides: Big and heavy seat. It could be difficult to fit into smaller vehicles, especially rear-facing. Not much leg room when the Boulveard is in rear-facing mode and a child is near the limits of the seat (40 lbs.). Some parents say un-installation from LATCH for this seat can be difficult. In case, you want to use LATCH, this might not be the best seat if you plan to install and uninstall it regularly.
UPPAbaby Infant SnugSeat
UPPAbaby Infant SnugSeat, a great insert for infants. It makes them feel much more comfortable, and is appropriate for both cool weather as well as warm weather. Its reversible and the design incorporates a special wedge so that the baby doesn’t get lost in the seat, wedge insert and seat liner provide extra stability and support. This is suitable for babies from newborn on.
- Softly cradles child while supporting their neck and back
- Plush, c ounce y material reverses to cool wicking mesh
- Wedge insert and seat liner provide extra stability and support
- Suitable from birth to 21 pounds
- Dimensions: 2 x 11.2 x 1.2 inches, Weight: 1 pounds
Overall, a great product for infants, the the UPPAbaby Infant SnugSeat perfectly fits most toddler seats.
- [easyazon_link identifier=”B0051Y1L1W” locale=”US” tag=”strollers0e2-20″]Buy on Amazon[/easyazon_link]
BubbleBum Inflatable Car Booster Seat
Here’s a complete review of the innovatively designed BubbleBum Inflatable Car Booster Seat, an inflatable, foldable and portable car booster seat that’s perfect for everyday travel, taxis and vacations. Kids love this product as its softer & more comfortable on their bums. On the cheaper ones, you can feel the hard plastic beneath despite the cushioning. However, the bubblebum offers a sturdy, inflated, upholstered pillow that’s much more comfortable for long drives.
Features of the BubbleBum Inflatable Car Booster Seat:
- Available for under $30
- Designed for children ages 4 to 11, weighing 40 – 100 pounds.
- Inflatable, foldable and portable – great for travel
- Narrow design (13″ across) allows you to easily place three car seats across the backseat.
- When deflated, it easily fits in a handbag or backpack
- Colors available: Chevron/Neon Yellow
- Meets all the recommended safety norms
- Dimensions: 13 x 13 x 3 inches, Item Weight: 1.2 pounds
- [easyazon_link identifier=”B00AQYZCXK” locale=”US” tag=”strollers0e2-20″]Buy on Amazon[/easyazon_link]
BRICA Seat Guardian Car Seat Protector
Here’s a complete review of BRICA Seat Guardian Car Seat Protector, a useful accessory that helps you to keep your car upholstery like new. Travelling with your child in a car can be hard on your car’s upholstery, but with this protector you dont have to worry about dirt and spills as it provides the essential protection to your car seats fabric or leather.
Here are the main features of BRICA Seat Guardian Car Seat Protector:
- Unique design, Sturdy, Durable and built to last
- Extra tall back panel
- Heavy material and Hard surface
- Prevents the car seat from unwanted movement, keeps your child’s seat in the proper position.
- Comes with a rear facing kick mat that protects your seats from marks and dirt
- Protects your car from grime with the guard fabric
- The dual grip traction technology grips both sides and limits unwanted seat movement
- Unique design that is compatible with all car seats
- Weight: 2.7 pounds, Dimensions: 21.4 x 9.3 x 3.3 inches
Overall, a great product from Brica, the material used and the construction is very nice, and the blue rubber inserts on top do not let my child’s booster seat to slide.
- [easyazon_link identifier=”B00B7M7BKW” locale=”US” tag=”strollers0e2-20″]Buy on Amazon[/easyazon_link]
Here’s a complete review of KneeGuardKids2 Car Seat Footrest, Booster Seat Footrest.
Do you wonder why your child throws a tantrum while riding in the car? Or why suddenly kicks the backseat of a car without doing it consciously? These are usually signs of poor circulation or stress on the ligaments caused by contionous dangling of the childs feet while sitting in the car seat of a car. Usually, when a child is strapped to the car seat, their feet is left dangling without any support or foot rest. These in the long run causes stress on the ligaments causing possible growth problems or poor blood circulation and even numbness in the feet.
To avoid this from happening, you should consider buying the KneeGuardKids which protects the childs knees from gravity and help them enjoy the car ride in comfort. It comes in 2 parts – a car seat footrest and booster seat footrest. Both give the childs legs ample support and prevents feet from dangling.
Key features of [KneeGuardKids2] Car Seat Footrest, Booster Seat Footrest:
- Easy to install and assemble
- Adjustable footrest in different heights and different angle
- Can be folded down when not in use
- Strong, sturdy and made of good quality material
- Can accommodate children up to the age of 6years
- Prevents kids from kicking the back of the car seat
- Keeps legs from dangling.
- Compatible with all car seats
- Comfortable to use
- [easyazon_link identifier=”B00J942T52″ locale=”US” tag=”strollers0e2-20″]Buy on Amazon[/easyazon_link]
Evenflo Big Kid High Back Booster Car Seat
Here’s a complete review of the Evenflo Big Kid High Back Booster Car Seat, a comfortable and sturdy booster seat that comes with multiple height positions, which means you can use this product for many more years to come. The back adjusts as your child grows, keeping the side and head support in the proper position. The seat also transitions into a no-back booster. Your child will love the comfortable padding around the head and body. The cup holders are perfect for a juice box or a quick snack. It’s light weight, which makes it easy to move the seat from one car to another. Please not that the booster seat is only designed to keep your kid properly positioned in the seat belt. It doesn’t offer protection like a 5-point harness does. In the event of a crash, the booster seat will get thrown forward just like everything else in the car. Features of Evenflo Big Kid High Back Booster Car Seat:
- Available for under $30
- Dual Cup Holders, Belt Guides, Best Bet Booster
- 2 seats in 1 removable back allows for easy transition to a no-back booster
- One-hand, 6 position height adjustment accommodates growing children over the years
- Two elastic cup holders
- The pad is Machine washable
- Energy absorbing foam liner provides added safety and comfort
- [easyazon_link identifier=”B00AJSIVWW” locale=”US” tag=”strollers0e2-20″]Buy on Amazon[/easyazon_link]
Peg Perego Base Primo Viaggio Infant Car Seat
The Peg Perego Base Primo Viaggio 4/35 Infant Car Seat is super easy to install, fits well in the center seat, and the innovative design with the anti-rebound bar makes it safe for babies. These seats are convenient especially when you are driving alone with your child, you don’t have to be worried about your child’s safety because the Peg Perego Base Primo Viaggio Infant Car Seat will ensure that your child is safely strapped in and protected even in case of sudden jerks.
Key features of Peg Perego Base Primo Viaggio 4/35 Infant Car Seat:
- Added safety through the integrated anti rebound bar that protects in case of collision
- Securely locks at the base for stability
- Infinite recline knob
- Easy to use trio-zone level indicator to find proper seat angle
- Color coded belt paths for routing vehicle seat belts
- Rounded shape design at the bottom for better fit in the seat
- Dimensions: 21.6×14.4×11.5 inches, Weight: 9.5 pounds
- [easyazon_link identifier=”B06XG17VNF” locale=”US” tag=”strollers0e2-20″]Buy on Amazon[/easyazon_link]
Safety 1st Store N Go with Back Booster Car Seat
Here’s a complete review of the Safety 1st Store N Go with Back Booster Car Seat, a great seat for the growing toddler. It also comes with a storage drawer under the seat that slides out easily and can hold a few small toys or snacks, while your kids remain safely buckled into the seat.
- Belt-positioning booster seat designed for children from 40-100 pounds and and 43″-57″ tall
- Once attached, it remains safely buckled into the seat
- Includes seatbelt positioning strap for a customized fit
- Built-in cup holder and additional storage on sides of seat
- Comes with a pull out storage drawer where your kid’s can keep their favorite toys. The drawer can be easily closed and opened by kids
- Available in various color combinations
- Dimensions: 15 x 18 x 27.5 inches, Item Weight: 9 pounds
- [easyazon_link identifier=”B00HOCMJA6″ locale=”US” tag=”strollers0e2-20″]Buy on Amazon[/easyazon_link]
COOLTECH TM Car Seat Cooler
Here’s a complete review of the COOLTECH TM Car Seat Cooler, a must have product to keep your baby safe and to keep your mind at ease when driving. If you’re worried about burning your little ones on their hot car seats, particularly with the seat belts and the hard plastic part the seat belt plugs into, get this cover and you don’t have to worry anymore.
Seriously don’t waste your money on buying car seat sun shades. It may protect your car seat like it advertises but does nothing as far as keeping your car seat cool is considered, especially when it’s 90+ degrees outside.
How does it Work? Just freeze it over-night and this innovative cooler will keep cool for hours. Place it on an EMPTY car seat before you leave your car, then remove it to reveal a cool seat before you’re ready to buckle up your little one. For long hours away, such as work, keep the cooler folded. When you are on your way to pick up the child, place it in the car seat.
Features of the COOLTECH TM Car Seat Cooler:
- Available for under $40
- Self Insulated, All in One! No need to self install any cold gel packs
- Keep folded when not in use
- Never have to worry about hot car seat again
- Dimensions: 12 x 10.9 x 2.5 inches, Item Weight: 4.6 pounds
- [easyazon_link identifier=”B071KGLQQ7″ locale=”US” tag=”strollers0e2-20″]Buy on Amazon[/easyazon_link]
Graco Backless TurboBooster Car Seat
Here’s a complete review of the Graco Backless TurboBooster Car Seat, a bestselling product thats ideal for older children, above 5 years of age. This booster car seat is not only super comfortable, but looks very stylish too. It comes with cup holders.
Please note that on some sites, the product description says this item is approved for children as young as three, which is not true. Children as young as three are not physically ready for a booster, children less than 5 should ideally travel in a five point harness. And boosters should ideally be used with both lap and shoulder belt.
- Suitable for ages 5 to 10, weighing 40 and 100 pounds, 40 to 57 inches tall
- Is comfortable to sit on
- Looks stylish
- Padded seat and height-adjustable armrests
- One of the bestselling products
- Dual cup holders are perfect for holding your child’s cups or water bottles, allows for a comfortable ride in the car
- This deluxe, padded seat cushion is easily cleaned, just remove and wash in your washing machine with gentle detergent. All plastic parts of the seat may be cleaned with mild soap and water.
- Rigorously crash tested to meet and exceed all safety norms/standards
- Dimensions: 16.2 x 15.5 x 8.6 inches, Weight: 1 pounds
- [easyazon_link identifier=”B007UYBOJU” locale=”US” tag=”strollers0e2-20″]Buy on Amazon[/easyazon_link]
Britax Pinnacle 90 Booster Car Seat
Here’s a complete
review of the Britax Pinnacle 90 Booster Car Seat, that keeps your growing toddler comfortable & safe and also offers parents the peace of mind every time they step into the car. The car seat also converts to a vehicle belt-positioning booster seat that can be used up to 120 pounds. With the Pinnacle 90 from Britax, children are able to sleep comfortably during longer trips. This quality booster car seat comes with every possible safety feature, that one could imagine in a car seat.
Pros: Washable, Great design, Amazing safety features
Cons: Some users feel its a bit expensive
Take a look at its main features before you decide to buy the Britax Pinnacle 90 Booster Car Seat:
- 90-pound Weight Capacity in Harness Mode, 120-pound Weight Capacity in Booster Mode
- Switching from Harness to Booster Mode is easy, and doesn’t require removing harness straps
- Built with superior safety technology that is designed to keep your child safe and secure, from all sides, in the event of a crash, reducing the forward movement of the car seat
- Integrated Steel Bars strengthen the connection to the vehicle and reduce forward flexing of the child seat during a crash
- Front-Adjusting recline for optimal child comfort
- Comfort Foam provides an extra layer of padding to cushion your child for a comfortable seating experience
- Two Buckle Positions offer a snug and secure fit for your growing child
- Armrests for added comfort, to rest arms
- There’s space for Cup Holders and Storage for easy access to children’s cups, snacks and toys
- The easy-to-remove cover allows easy cleaning, without having to disassemble the harness or remove the car seat
- Dimensions: 22.5 x 28 x 21 inches, Weight 1.7 pounds
When looking for booster seats, it’s recommended that you choose a seat that provides the best comfort as well as safety. The Britax Pinnacle 90 matches these criteria and comes with plenty of brilliant features that customers love.
- [easyazon_link identifier=”B00OLRKI1E” locale=”US” tag=”strollers0e2-20″]Buy on Amazon[/easyazon_link]
Factors to Consider
- Safety: When it comes to babies, safety takes top priority. Make sure you don’t compromise on quality for a lower price. Get one with high safety rating and one that has a five-point harness, and a LATCH system for easy installation.
- Comfort: This is another important factor, because if your child is comfortable in the car seat, you can drive peacefully. Convertible car seats come with extra padding to ensure your baby feels snug and comfortable. In many cases, these pads are adjustable as well to fit your growing child.
- Size Remember, a convertible car seat has to accommodate both babies and toddlers, so you don’t have to replace your seat once your child gets too big. Just ensure your convertible car seat is big enough to accommodate toddlers. Make sure that the harness and headrest are adjustable, so your toddler isn’t uncomfortable.
- Cleaning
When kids are there, you can expect things to get messy. The good thing is that most car seats come with removable pads that are machine washable. So its easy to get rid of those stains (and odor). Bake sure the material of the seat is easy to clean and is washable so that your car seat looks clean as new.
StrollerBoards is a family managed website with me (Ben) and my wife doing most of the work. We are proud parents of two wonderful kids and love reviewing baby travel gear. We have a firm but friendly “democratic parenting” style and offer several practical solutions backed by extensive research. Our own experience with raising two children prompted us to share our knowledge. Read more.