You want a convertible car seat which is aesthetically pleasing and has all the bells and whistles, but you also want the safest convertible car seat. It can feel overwhelming to research car seats but reviews can make this process easier because all the work is done for you.
The Safest Convertible Car Seat
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What is a Convertible Car Seat?
The orientations of a car seat are rear facing, forward facing five-point-harness, high back booster seat and backless booster seat. A convertible seat combines two or more orientations in one.
A convertible car seats transition from the rear facing to the forward facing. Each car seat is unique to the age of the child it caters to. Instead of buying a car seat for each stage, you can continue to use the convertible car seat as your child grows bigger.
This also means you create less waste which helps the environment. There are “all in one” convertible car seats which cover all the orientations of a car seat from infant use to a booster for older children.
How Do I Know if a Car Seat is Safe?
The goal of a car seat is the safety of a child so all are built with safety in mind. Manufacturers must use specific federal safety standards and some of these standards are a pressure release buckle and flammability requirements.
All car seats undergo crash tests, similar to this video.
Dummies which are the average height, weight and size of a child are placed in a car seat in a vehicle. Then there is a simulation of a crash such as a side impact, front end or rear collision.
Which is The Safest Convertible Car Seat?
As all car seats undergo rigorous testing, they are all considered safe, however, some have additional safety measures. The safest convertible car seat can be found through research and viewing crash test videos.
Some car seats offer extra safety measures such as a padded headrest or energy absorbing material. They may also be tested to a higher standard than the federal regulations. The federal regulation FMVSS 213 requires car seats to be tested at 33.5 miles per hour although some manufacturers may test their car seats at higher speeds.
While the federal safety standards and crash test results dictate how safe a car seat is, it is not safe unless it is used properly.
The safest car seat is the car seat which is properly installed and properly used every time.
It is useless if a car seat is not installed correctly or not used as intended. This includes putting your child in the seat without buckling the harness as well as placing a child who too small in a booster.
The convertible car seats reviewed in this article not only do they provide safety, but they also have additional qualities which were considered such as:
- Quality
- Features
- Functionality
- Cost
With safety being the top priority, the car seats in this article are all top contenders for the safest convertible car seat. Each car seat is unique in the way it is made as well as the features it includes such as cup holders or an adjustable headrest. Let’s explore them a little closer.
The 5 Safest Convertible Car Seats
1. Diono Radian RXT All-In-One Convertible Car Seat
Manufactured by Diono, this car seat is an all-in-one car seat and the weight range is 5-120 pounds. This car seat could be the only one you ever buy. This seat has a narrow design so three of them can sit in a row and it can also be folded up and carried as a backpack.
Features:
The extra safety measures included in this car seat are sure to live up to their reputation. This seat also includes an adjustable headrest, ability to fold flat, adjustable harness & buckle, plush fabric, cup holder and a 10 year warranty.
Pros:
Cons:
Diono Radian RXT All-In-One Convertible Car Seat
The Diono Radian RXT is a car seat which includes safety features other car seats don’t have. It also includes a 10 year warranty and extended rear facing. Additionally, a crash test shows the Diono Radian RXT fares well when tested.
2. Chicco NextFit iX Zip Convertible Car Seat
This convertible car seat made by Chicco includes extended rear facing as the weight range is 5-40 pounds. The car seat then converts to forward facing up to 65 pounds. A 9-position headrest allows the seat to grow with your child and a no-rethread harness has simple one-pull tightening.
Features:
The SuperCinch LATCH tightener makes it easy to install and the levels ensure the seat is at the correct angle. One neat feature of this seat is the cover unzips which makes cleaning the seat easy. This seat includes premium latch connectors, adjustable headrest, comfort flex harness and a newborn positioner.
Pros:
Cons:
Chicco NextFit iX Zip Convertible Car Seat
If a car seat is not installed correctly, it is as dangerous as not using a car seat at all. This Chicco NextFit has additional features which ensures you are installing the seat correctly. The level indicators give you the proper angle and the available 9 reclining positions allows you to customize the fit to your car.
3. Britax USA Advocate ClickTight Convertible Car Seat
This Britax seat has a weight range of 5-65 pounds. It features the ClickTight installation system to make installation accurate and easy. This convertible car seat also includes the SafeCell Impact Protection system exclusive to Britax seats.
Features:
The ClickTight system makes installation easy and accurate. All of the safety features of this seat make it a contender for the safest convertible car seat. While most car seats have 4-6 adjustable harness positions, this seat has 14.
Pros:
Cons:
Britax USA Advocate ClickTight Convertible Car Seat
The adjustable harness and headrest allow the seat to give your child a customized fit. This seat seems to have all the safety measures covered with its safety package unique to Britax. With all these features, this seat is definitely in the running for the safest convertible car seat.
4. Maxi-Cosi Pria 70 Convertible Car Seat
This Maxi-Cosi seat features the FlexTech which absorbs energy from multiple directions. This convertible seat also features premium wick-away fabric to give your child a cool and comfortable ride. This car seat has a weight range of 9-70 pounds.
Features:
The Side Air Protect is a padded headrest full of air to give protection to the head. The fabric keeps moisture away which gives a cool ride and the harness gives a snug fit. This seat has an easy to remove washable cover, a one hand harness and headrest adjustment, and a cup holder.
Pros:
Cons:
Maxi-Cosi Pria 70 Convertible Car Seat
The side impact protection of this seat gives your child bubbles of air to protect them rather than the plastic of the seat. This seat is comfortable, safe, easy to clean and adjustable to both your vehicle and your child.
5. Graco 4ever All-in-One Convertible Car Seat
This safe all-in-one car seat can suit your child from infancy to their booster days. This seat features a plush newborn insert, two integrated cup holders, and a six position recline so it gets the best fit in your vehicle.
Features:
This seat provides safety from newborn to an older child. This car seat can withstand being in extreme temperatures which means hot, sunny days won’t warp the seat. The reclining positions means you can get a perfect fit for your vehicle and the adjustable headrest gives a customized fit.
Pros:
Cons:
Graco 4ever All-in-One Convertible Car Seat
The ultra high weight limit of this seat means your child can remain in a car seat for as long as possible. This seat offers features others do not include such as cup holders. The safety features of this seat and the additional features included make this seat stand out from the others.
Conclusion
While all of these seats are safe choices for your family, the safest convertible car seat may be the Britax USA Advocate. This seat has a comprehensive safety system comparable to no other car seat. Not only that, but it includes a unique style of installation which makes proper installation simple.
