The Best Convertible Car Seats We Tested and Trusted With Our Own Kids’ Safety

Best Overall

Graco Turn2Me 3-in-1 Rotating Car Seat

$300 at Amazon $298 at Target $350 at Walmart

Why We Like It

The Graco Turn2Me 3-in-1 car seat boasts a unique design, sturdy installation, and helpful features. This convertible car seat grows with your child from birth to booster via three modes: rear-facing, forward-facing, and high-back booster. It also rotates 180 degrees, making it simple to get your child in and out of the car.

Installation and adjustments: Installing this rotating car seat is just as simple as turning it; press a button on either side of the seat and voilà. A special seat belt locking mechanism for rear-facing installation creates an incredibly secure and sturdy feel. In forward-facing mode, you connect the tether strap and thread the seat belt through the back of the car seat. Level indicators on both sides show the correct positioning of the seat. We love the no-rethread five-point harness, which means to adjust the harness height, you simply slide the headrest to one of 10 positions instead of removing the harness and rethreading it through the back.

Special features: One thoughtful feature we appreciate is the strap holders on both sides of the seat, which means you don’t have to dig underneath your child to find them. We also love the spacious cupholders that fit all our various-sized cups. The cup holders are dishwasher safe, and the seat’s padding is machine washable—priceless features for the inevitable messes we’ve cleaned over the past year. 

See It in Action

But Take Note

You can only use the rotation feature in rear-facing mode. Rotating it one-handed can be tricky, especially when the seat is snug against the vehicle. 

The Details:

• Weight: 30 pounds 
• Dimensions: 20.75 x 19.13 x 24.4 inches
• Rear-facing weight and height limits: 4–40 pounds
• Forward-facing weight and height limits: 22–65 pounds; 49 inches
• Booster weight and height limits: 40–100 pounds; 43–57 inches

Other Graco Seats We Love

Graco Extend2Fit 3-in-1 Car Seat

$250 $230 at Amazon View on Target $249 $230 at Walmart

Graco Contender Slim Convertible Car Seat

$160 at Amazon $160 at Walmart $160 at Kohls.com

Graco 4Ever DLX 4-in-1 Car Seat

$279 at Amazon $280 at Target $280 at Kohls.com

Graco 4Ever DLX Grad 5-in-1 Car Seat

$380 at Amazon $400 at Target $400 at Walmart

Best With App

CYBEX Callisto G 360

$600 at Nordstrom View on Pottery Barn Kids View on Cybex-online.com

Why We Like It

The Cybex Callisto G 360 is a rotating option that accommodates children from birth to age 10. We especially loved the SensorSafe technology that alerts you via an app if your child unbuckles the chest clip while the car is in motion, if the temperature gets too hot or cold, or if your child is still buckled in after you leave the vehicle. If it senses a child is left in the car and you don’t respond, it notifies your emergency contacts and shares your location.

Installation and adjustments: Our tester referred to this as the “easiest installation ever.” It took about two minutes. The 360-degree rotation means you can get your kid in and out without breaking your back. Multiple recline options and a 12-position adjustable headrest with a no-rethread harness keep the seat at the right angle and height as your kid grows. To switch from rear-facing to forward-facing, you simply push a button and swivel the chair until it clicks into position.

Special features: The anti-rebound base and tether help maximize stability and minimize movement during a crash. Integrated magnetic buckle holders keep the straps out of the way while buckling your child. It features a removable infant insert and sun canopy. Our tester found the car seat incredibly sturdy and sleek. Thanks to the cushy padding, her son doesn't fight it like he does other car seats. 

But Take Note

This car seat is heavy, so not the best option if you need to move it from car to car. It’s also expensive, though we feel its longevity, durability, and safety features make it worth it.

The Details:

• Weight: 35 pounds
• Dimensions: 21.7 x 19.5 x 25.5–35 inches
• Rear-facing weight and height limits: 4–40 pounds
• Forward-facing weight and height limits: 26.5–120 pounds
• Booster weight and height limits: 120 pounds, 57 inches
  

Best With Side Impact Protection

Nuna Exec All-in-1 Convertible Car Seat

$750 at Nordstrom View on Pottery Barn Kids $750 at Bloomingdales

Why We Like It

This luxe offering from Nuna offers unparalleled quality and durability. Safety is the star here: The Exec features Aeroflex side impact protection pods with energy-absorbing foam, an all-steel frame, and a reinforced belt path. Kids can use the seat from 5 to 120 pounds and can remain rear-facing up to a whopping 50 pounds. But enhanced safety doesn’t mean sacrificing comfort. The car seat has luxurious padding, Merino wool infant inserts, an extendable leg rest, ventilation panels, and breathable (and washable!) fabrics. 

Installation and adjustments: From start to finish, it took our testers about 15 minutes to install this car seat. They used the seatbelt method rather than the LATCH system, as recommended by the brand. It’s designed to create an ultra-secure fit without a struggle. No leveling bubbles here; instead, recline angle guides confirm the correct positioning. Adjusting the car seat is a breeze. It only takes a few seconds to move the back of the car seat up or down to adjust the strap length. 

Special features: The Exec is aircraft-certified and includes dual flip-open cupholders, harness covers, and a crotch cover. All components are flame-resistant and contain no added fire-retardant chemicals. The car seat is GREENGUARD Gold Certified, ensuring it does not contribute to indoor air pollution or chemical exposure. 

But Take Note

During testing, the car seat felt very sturdy when first installed, but less sturdy over time. This was fixed by readjusting the seat belt to tighten and lock it again. Be sure the strap covers are next to the child’s neck so the belt doesn’t irritate their skin. Finally, it’s pricey, but will be the only car seat your child needs.

The Details:

• Weight: 26.6 pounds
• Dimensions: 22.5 x 18.5 x 26–33 inches
• Rear-facing weight and height limits: 5–50 pounds with seat belt; 5–35 pounds with lower anchor belt
• Forward-facing weight and height limits: 25–65 pounds with seat belt; 25–40 pounds with lower anchor belt
• Booster weight and height limits: At least 4 years old; 40–120 pounds; 38–57 inches
  

Best Budget

Safety 1st Grow and Go All-in-One Convertible Car Seat

$160 at Amazon $150 at Kohls.com View on Fromrebel.com

Why We Like It

With a price point of $160, this affordable convertible car seat offers a sturdy build with plenty of great features. It has three modes of use: rear-facing, forward-facing, and belt-positioning booster. If your child has this car seat from birth, they could be using it until its 10-year expiration date. Between the durability and added features, we feel it offers great value. 

Installation and adjustments: Installation is straightforward and fast, taking only 30 seconds to complete without the manual or additional help (though we checked the manual afterward, just in case). Rather than a color-coded level indicator, it features a line to show if the seat is level when rear-facing. It felt solid and stable following installation. The buckles are a breeze to use. Thanks to the no-rethread harness, you can quickly shift the headrest and harness to accommodate growing kids. While the car seat’s three-position recline is more upright than other seats we tested, our kids had no complaints about comfort.

Special features: While not luxurious, the polyester fabric is soft and easy to clean. The removable seat pad is machine washable and dryer safe. Plus, the integrated cup holders for drinks and snacks are removable for thorough cleaning. We also like the seat’s harness holders to prevent kiddos from sitting on the buckles when climbing into their seats.

See It in Action

But Take Note

This car seat is a little big and may be better suited to a medium to large car when using it in rear-facing mode. If you have a taller kid, we recommend the Safety 1st Grow and Go Extend ‘n Ride instead. It’s similar to this seat but has a footrest to provide additional rear-facing legroom, help kids sit more comfortably, and support dangling legs when forward-facing.

The Details:

• Weight: 18.7 pounds
• Dimensions: 19.25 x 31.75 x 28.75 inches
• Rear-facing weight and height limits: 5–40 pounds; 19–40 inches
• Forward-facing weight and height limits: 22–65 pounds; 29–52 inches
• Booster weight and height limits: 40–100 pounds; 43.4–52 inches
  

Best Budget Rotating Car Seat

Joie Chili Spin 360 Rotating 2-in-1 Car Seat

$280 at Target View on Joiebaby.com View on Babylist.com

Why We Like It

At only $280, the Joie Chili Spin 2-in-1 car seat lets you enjoy the convenience of 360-degree rotation without breaking the bank. During testing, several things stood out to us: the distinct clicking sound and red/green indicator that provide reassuring visual and auditory confirmation that the car seat is fully locked in after rotation; the satisfying click of the harness buckle; the thicker shoulder strap pads that stayed in position better than others and prevented the straps from getting twisted; the easily accessed turning activators on either side of the seat.  

Installation and adjustments: Installation was pretty straightforward, though it took about 20 minutes. The level indicator is a blue bar that needs to be within a certain window. The recline adjustment is simple, with a large button on the base of the unit. While it has four reclining positions, our tester could only accommodate three of them in her old Subaru Legacy, which could not fit the full recline. The headrest offers 10 different positions and is easy to adjust, both with or without a child in the seat. 

Special features: This car seat has handy elastic pockets on each side to store the bottom buckle pieces after unbuckling, which makes getting back in easier since you don’t have to fish them out from behind your child. The seat includes an infant insert and shoulder strap pads that can be removed, a cushioned headrest with extra side impact protection, and an anti-rebound bar built into the base to keep the seat firmly in place and reduce movement. 

But Take Note

Our testers noted a few irksome issues, but none were deal-breakers. We don’t recommend this car seat for small cars or deeply angled seats. In our tester’s Subaru, this car seat could only achieve the correct level with a small towel placed underneath (directions for this eventuality were found in the instructions, so apparently it’s common). No towel was necessary in the flatter seats of their Honda Ridgeline truck, though. Finally, the lock and level indicators are only on one side of the seat and the tab to adjust the straps is hard to pull.  

The Details:

• Weight: 27.1 pounds
• Dimensions: 20.75 x 18.4 x 26-33.5 in.
• Rear-facing weight and height limits: 4–40 pounds
• Forward-facing weight and height limits: 30–65 pounds
• Booster weight and height limits: n/a
  

Best for Small Cars

Diono Radian 3RXT SafePlus

$300 $260 at Amazon $300 at Nordstrom $300 at Macy's

Why We Like It

Convertible car seats can be bulky and hefty, so if you have a smaller car or need to squeeze three seats in a row, the Diono Radian 3RXT is your solution. Thanks to the slim design, you won’t have any trouble finding a place for it in your vehicle or on a plane.

Installation and adjustments: We installed the Diono car seat in a Subaru Outback and a smaller European vehicle, and the seat fit neatly without any issues. The setup of this slim car seat isn’t as intuitive as others, but we figured it out after watching instructional videos. We love that it works as a three-across car seat, meaning you can neatly fit three kiddos in the same row. We were also able to use it on a flight to Europe.

Special features: A unique feature that sets the Diono Radian 3RXT apart from other options on our list is its folding capability. The bottom of the seat folds flat into a travel-friendly size for more compact storage. The fabric is soft, comfortable, and feels well-made. The cushions are machine washable, though we could easily wipe away small debris. The cup holder is removable. This durable car seat includes plenty of safety features, like six layers of side impact protection and an anti-rebound bar for extended rear-facing use.

See It in Action

But Take Note

Installation is tricky, so we recommend watching the company’s tutorial videos (and reading the manual) to ensure you’re doing it properly. The fabric faded a bit after a year of use.

The Details:

• Weight: 30.6 pounds
• Dimensions: 28.5 x 17 x 11.5 inches 
• Rear-facing weight and height limits: 4–50 pounds (35 pounds with LATCH); 57 inches
• Forward-facing weight and height limits: 22–65 pounds (40 pounds with LATCH); up to 57 inches 
• Booster weight and height limits: 40–120 pounds; up to 57 inches
  

Best Installation

Graco 4Ever DLX SnugLock 4-in-1 Car Seat

$299 at Amazon View on Gracobaby.com

Why We Like It

If you’ll be moving a car seat from vehicle to vehicle or transitioning from one mode of riding to another, the Graco 4Ever DLX SnugLock 4-in-1 is just the ticket. It’s a dream to install, thanks to detailed instructions in the manual and on the car seat itself. It’s the only car seat on our list that transitions into four modes of use instead of three: rear-facing, forward-facing, high-back booster, and backless booster. 

Installation and adjustments: One of our testers loved this seat so much, she bought one for each of her two children and two vehicles. “We’ve had four of these car seats now and have transitioned two of them from rear-facing to forward-facing to a backless booster,” she says. Installation is a piece of cake and the buckles are straightforward and secure. We haven’t had any challenges adjusting the six-position recline and 10-position headrest during our year-plus testing period. 

Special features: We appreciate how uncomplicated it is to remove the seat cover for machine washing, and the padding is just right. Two cup holders are a handy feature kids love for snacks, drinks, or small toys. But what we appreciate most of all is the durability of this convertible car seat; it will last for years without sacrificing the trusted Graco quality. 

See It in Action

But Take Note

The biggest trouble we had was turning it into a backless booster. The car seat is slightly bulky, but it’s still a great value for how many ways you can use it over the years. 

The Details:

• Weight: 23 pounds
• Dimensions: 20 x 21.5 x 24 inches 
• Rear-facing weight and height limits: 4–40 pounds
• Forward-facing weight and height limits: 22–65 pounds; up to 49 inches
• Booster weight and height limits: High-back 40–100 lbs; 43–57 inches; at least 4 years old; Backless booster 40–120 lb; 43–57 inches
  

Best Safety Features

Peg Perego Primo Viaggio Convertible Kinetic

$350 at Amazon $350 at Target View on Albeebaby.com

Why We Like It

This car seat takes safety to new heights. It features adjustable side impact protection (SIP) and kinetic pods that help shift forces away from your child in case of a side collision. In the case of a front or rear collision, a contoured steel back plate minimizes flexing and reduces forward movement, while the integrated, stow-able anti-rebound bar reduces the force of impact and rotation. To top it off, it’s all wrapped up in energy-absorbing foam. Our tester said it felt very sturdy and safe.

Installation and adjustments: The instructions include about 20 different ways to install the car seat; it can go in any of the backseat spaces, preferably using the LATCH system. The harness has a retainer to make the clips easier to find, while the indicator level’s bubble and green and red lines make it simple to see when it’s set up properly. You can choose from multiple recline levels to find the one that works best for your child. Our tester reported that buckling and unbuckling her child was a breeze. 

Special features: This car seat is very plush and luxurious, featuring an extensive cushion system designed especially to support and cradle a newborn. The fabric is a smooth, soft jersey that’s made to be easy to clean. It’s also breathable and wicks moisture away from the skin. Cup holders adorn both sides.

But Take Note

Our tester called the instruction booklet “a mess” given the abundance of installation methods, lack of guidance on how to choose one, and lack of a logical ordering system. She spent 20 minutes just figuring out which method to use. The car seat is big; depending on the size of your car, certain reclining levels may require you to move your front seat up.

The Details:

• Weight: 24.4 pounds 
• Dimensions: 26.25 x 18.75 x 25.75 inches
• Rear-facing weight and height limits: 5–45 pounds; height not listed
• Forward-facing weight and height limits: 22–65 pounds; height not listed
• Booster weight and height limits: n/a
  

Another Peg Perego We Love

Peg Perego Primo Viaggio All in One

View on Pegperego.com

Easiest to Clean

Chicco OneFit ClearTex Car Seat

$320 $300 at Amazon $300 at Target $300 at Walmart

Why We Like It

An easy-to-clean car seat is just about priceless, which is why we love the Chicco OneFit ClearTex All-in-One Convertible Car Seat. Its sleek, attractive design makes it more aesthetically pleasing than most other car seats, and it hasn’t lost its high-quality look and feel after cleaning it multiple times over the past year of testing. 

Installation and adjustments: Scanning a QR code on the car seat leads to instructions that are a breeze to follow. Threading the seat belt through the car seat felt a bit tedious, but that was the only inconvenience we encountered. Fortunately, adjusting the buckle and converting the seat from rear- to forward-facing are simple tasks. Indicators show whether the recline position is correct. The wide range of headrest adjustments ensures this car seat remains comfortable as your child grows.

Special features: One of the best features of Chicco’s ClearTex line is that the fabrics are free of toxic chemicals and GREENGUARD Gold certified, meaning the materials have been independently verified to meet rigorous emissions standards and don’t contain any indoor air pollutants. The fabric is soft and comfortable, and we appreciate how easy it is to spot clean. It also stays quite clean despite kids eating in them often. We appreciate that the cup holders detach to make cleaning them more convenient. 

See It in Action

But Take Note

Parts of the installation were a bit difficult. While it has a slim design, our tester found it a bit bulky in their compact car, especially when it was behind the driver’s seat. One way to make a little more space: The cup holders can fold in when not in use to maximize room on the sides.

The Details:

• Weight: 25 pounds
• Dimensions: 21.5 x 19 x 27 inches
• Rear-facing weight and height limits: 5–40 pounds; up to 43 inches 
• Forward-facing weight and height limits: 25–65 pounds; up to 54 inches 
• Booster weight and height limits: 40–100 pounds; 38–57 inches
  

Best Basic

Britax Poplar Convertible Car Seat

$300 at Amazon $240 at Target View on Albeebaby.com

Why We Like It

Bells and whistles can be fun, but sometimes the basics are all you need: a dependable go-to. The Britax Poplar is a reliable option that doesn’t compromise durability, safety, or ease of use. One notable feature is that this seat can accommodate rear-facing riders for much longer than most: until they reach 50 pounds and 49 inches tall. 

Installation and adjustments: Once we figured out Britax’s “ClickTight” technology, or self-tensioning system, installation only took about 10 minutes. Bubble indicators on both sides of the seat confirm when it’s all done right. The Britax Poplar features a 14-position headrest (many options on our list stop at 10) and six recline positions for comfort and a level ride. Both of those features are a breeze to maneuver with the press of a button. While the buckle itself is seamless to use, we found loosening the straps with a wriggly toddler fairly cumbersome. 

Special features: Two cup holders are optional, but you must use the cup holder inserts if you forego the holders. The fabric is also worth noting; it feels luxe and soft even after months of use, but we wish there were a little more padding in the back. Still, there are no signs of wear or tear despite regular daily use and one eight-hour road trip. 

See It in Action

But Take Note

We’d change a few things, like adding more padding to the seat. Britax says the Poplar car seat has a space-saving design, but it measured nearly the same width as the Graco Extend2Fit.

The Details:

• Weight: ‎27.2 pounds
• Dimensions: 20.5 x 17 x 23.5 inches
• Rear-facing weight and height limits: 5–50 pounds; up to 49 inches 
• Forward-facing weight and height limits: 22–65 pounds; up to 49 inches
• Booster weight and height limits: n/a
  

Britax One4Life ClickTight All-in-One Car Seat

$350 $303 at Amazon

Best Luxury Look

Nuna Rava Convertible Car Seat

$550 at Nordstrom View on Pottery Barn Kids View on Babylist.com

Why We Like It

The Nuna Rava is an attractive car seat from a brand synonymous with luxury baby gear. It has several safety features to earn the loyalty of practical parents too. Nuna offers luxurious quality and covers most of its gear with a two-year warranty. It’s also smaller than some options and fits comfortably in compact cars. Its extended rear-facing capabilities can accommodate kids up to 50 pounds, and there’s a calf extender for additional legroom. 

Installation and adjustments: While the Rava offers a lower anchor belt (LATCH) installation option, the brand recommends using a seat belt to secure the unit. Installation is quick and simple, thanks to thorough instructions. Colored belt path indicators help you guide the belt through the seat to minimize errors. Plus, the recline angle guides make finding the right position for your child a piece of cake. You must reinstall the seat to adjust its recline. 

Special features: Children will love the Nuna Rava’s memory foam cushion and 10-position recline to relax comfortably. Double cup holders secure drinks, snacks, and other goodies for the car ride, while buckle holders keep the straps back when getting your child in the seat. The cushions are flame-resistant and Greenguard Gold certified, so they’re certified for low chemical emissions. Our tester says the machine washable cushions still look great—even after a year of use and several washes.

Recall alert: As noted, Nuna Rava car seats manufactured between July 16, 2016, and October 25, 2024, were recalled due to issues with the plastic harness adjuster button. Before you buy a Nuna Rava, make sure it was manufactured after those dates and that it has a fabric cover over the harness adjuster button, as seen in the photo above this product description. (The tested photos and videos below show the older model.)

See It in Action

But Take Note

This seat is expensive, and our tester felt the calf extender didn’t add much room for their child for older rear-facing mode.

The Details:

• Weight: 27.2 pounds
• Dimensions: 16 x 19 x 25.2 inches
• Rear-facing weight and height limits: 5–50 pounds with seat belt, 5–35 pounds with lower anchor belt; up to 49 inches
• Forward-facing weight and height limits: 25–65 pounds with seat belt, 25–40 pounds with lower anchor belt; up to 49 inches
• Booster weight and height limits: n/a
  

Best Adjustability

Maxi-Cosi All-in-One Convertible Car Seat

$270 at Amazon $270 at Nordstrom $270 at Target

Why We Like It

The Maxi-Cosi Pria is all about options with its three-position recline, five-position headrest, and other adjustable features. We love how the integrated headrest and harness system means no rethreading for a customized fit. Moreover, all adjustability features work seamlessly—a breath of fresh air for parents tired of fussing (and losing) battles with straps, buckles, and more.

Installation and adjustments: Installation was confusing at first, so we watched YouTube videos for clarification, resulting in a five-minute installation. (Though securing it required extra strength to push hard on the base and pull on the belt at the same time.) The car seat is large, but we could still comfortably fit passengers on each side of the car seat in the back row. The buckles are easy to use, and all pieces click smoothly into each other.

Special features: The Maxi-Cosi Pria features soft fabric with ample padding. According to the brand, all fabrics are machine washable and dryer-safe, and the removable cup holders are dishwasher-safe. We also love the harness holders to keep straps out of the way when placing your baby inside—one more convenience we think all seats should have now. Another point in this seat’s favor: It comes in 13 different colors.

See It in Action

But Take Note

Installation can be a little complicated, especially if you don’t watch a video tutorial, and we felt that the seat wobbled slightly, even with a correct installation. It’s large, so check the seat’s specifications below before purchasing.

The Details:

• Weight: 22 pounds
• Dimensions: 34.49 x 20 x 30.47 inches
• Rear-facing weight and height limits: 4–40 pounds; 19–40 inches 
• Forward-facing weight and height limits: 22–65 pounds; 29–49 inches 
• Booster weight and height limits: 40–100 pounds; 43–52 inches
  

Sturdiest

Graco Extend2Fit Convertible Car Seat

$200 at Amazon $200 at Target View on Gracobaby.com

Why We Like It

Durable and budget-friendly, the Graco Extend2Fit car seat is great for families who want a seat that can withstand life with kids. It offers extended rear-facing capabilities up to 50 pounds with up to 5 inches of extra legroom, so kids don’t have to sacrifice comfort or safety as they grow. The Extend2Fit is also one of the most lightweight options on our list. 

Installation and adjustments: You can install the seat via LATCH or seat belt. After setup, you can check the level indicator on the side of the seat to ensure a safe installation. The steel-reinforced frame feels sturdy, durable, and never rattles, even after months of use. While loosening the shoulder straps took some pulling, the buckle works smoothly, and the headrest and harness adjust together with the click of a button. This car seat also offers multiple recline positions, which are simple to adjust.

Special features: We love the machine-washable fabric; it’s held up well after multiple washes and many car rides. Putting the removable seat cover back on was a bit challenging, though, since you must stretch it to hook it properly. Still, removing stains required no effort (our washing machines did the work). Two cup holders store your child’s favorite snacks and drinks within arm’s reach.

But Take Note

This pick doesn’t convert into a booster seat, so you’ll need to purchase one separately once your child reaches the forward-facing limits. You can instead opt for the Graco Extend2Fit 3-in-1, which does turn into a booster.

The Details:

• Weight: 19 pounds
• Dimensions: 21.5 x 19.5 x 23.5 inches
• Rear-facing weight and height limits: 4–50 pounds; child's head must be 1 inch below handle 
• Forward-facing weight and height limits: 22–65 pounds; up to 49 inches
• Booster weight and height limits: n/a
  

Best for Large Vehicles Only

Babyark Convertible Car Seat - Smart

View on Albeebaby.com View on Babyark.com

Why We Like It

This convertible car seat is large and in charge, with all the bells and whistles you could possibly want. The Babyark Smart Convertible Car Seat looks like it’s from the future and has features parents will love, like app integration, hidden magnetic strap holders, a unique carbon frame, rear-facing up to 50 pounds, and more. 

Installation and adjustments: Given the seat’s rigid LATCH connector, anti-rebound bar, and load leg (metal stability pole), we were impressed that installation only took 15 minutes. We were blown away by the app integration with step-by-step animations and the LED light on the rechargeable base to ensure a proper installation. Despite its high-tech design, the Babyark’s buckles, straps, and app are intuitive and uncomplicated. The car seat also offers an 11-position headrest and adjustable recline, which you can even maneuver with a child in the seat. 

Special features: The Babyark app alerts you when your child is unbuckled, buckled in safely, or left unattended in the seat. Another design feature our tester loved was the rigidness of the buckle strap between the legs: it meant she didn’t have to dig underneath her kid to find it. The luxurious fabric shows no signs of wear or tear. 

But Take Note

We recommend this seat for large vehicles only. Babyark has a car compatibility list, and while our tester’s Mazda 3 is on it, the seat is too large to fit in rear-facing mode behind the driver’s seat, and the load leg means it can’t go in the middle seat either. The car seat also lacks cup holders. This is also the highest-priced car seat we tested, but you’re paying for many perks.

The Details:

• Weight: 18 pounds (base); 27 pounds (seat)
• Dimensions: 30 x 27.5 x 17 inches
• Rear-facing weight and height limits: 4–50 pounds
• Forward-facing weight and height limits: 26.5–65 pounds
• Booster weight and height limits: n/a