Find Out Which Is The Best 4 in 1 Car Seat

Best 4 In 1 Car Seats

“Mommy, what was that loud bang?”

Children are so innocent they don’t realize certain things.

These words were said by a 4-year old after a horrific accident. The thing is nobody can predict accidents. There’s only one good defense against them. You need to be prepared with the best safety tech as possible.

You’re on the hunt for a new 4 in 1 car seat. This means you have an idea of what you’re looking for. That’s a good step. By getting these four in one car seat, you will be buying as the last one you need. That’s smart.

The thing is it’s hard to find the perfect one since the market is flooded with so many models.

Look:

I know how hard it is to find the perfect car seat. I’m reviewing car seats as a hobby, and I know how many different features and variables have to be considered. Typically it takes a fair number of weeks to settle on one.

This is why I’ve created the best 4 in 1 car seat article. I want you to save some time and spend it on something worth your while. By reading this article until the end, you will find the car seat that fits you the best.

Not only that, but I will also share with you what happened in the accident above. Stick with me for a bit, and you will find out which car seat was tested in a real crash and how did it perform.

Let’s get this best article started.

#1 Chicco Fit4 4-In-1 Convertible Car Seat – Best 4 In 1 Car Seat

Chicco Fit4 4-in-1 Best 4 In 1 Car SeatChicco Fit4 4-In-1 Convertible Car Seat won the best Best 4 In 1 Car Seat award. It’s the most beautiful car seat that you can get.

Being a 4 in 1 car seat means that it will be the first and last car seat that you will ever need. It caters to infants as low as 4 pounds. And the upper weight limit is 120 pounds. In other words, it’s an all in one solution. A hidden side benefit of this car seat is that you can do extended rear-facing with it.

It’s highly advised to keep your little one in the rear-facing position as long as possible. The recommendation states that the minimum should be two years. Now in Europe this minimum has been increased to four. Simply that’s the safest way to ride for kids. With the Fit4, you can do extended rear-facing up to 40 pounds.

The Chicco Fit4 is safe. The frame has steel reinforcement added in, and it offers two layers of side impact protection.

Since it caters to little ones, then the fabric has to be easily washed and cleaned. So it is. No matter if a spill or an accident happened, it would be good as new after you have washed it in the washing machine.

The installation couldn’t be easier. There are numbered tails that show you how to pull in sequence. Once you pulled #1 up and #2 down, it’s all set.

The Chicco Fit4 is a cool looking car seat that is safe, easy to install, and gives you great mileage for the money. This is why it’s the best 4 in 1 car seat on the market.

Pros
  • This car seat is the first and the last one you will have to buy, a real money saver in the long run
  • Thanks to the QR codes on the side you get access to instant help through videos
  • Kids love it because it’s so comfortable
Cons
  • It takes up a lot of space the front might suffer
  • It’s not cheap you will need a budget

 

#2 Britax One4Life – Best 4 In 1 Grow Car Seat

Britax One4Life Best 4 In 1 Grow Car SeatNow, this is a big boy. It’s one of the best 4 in 1 car seats you can buy. If you look at it, you can tell that it’s built like a tank. It’s heavy for all the right reasons.

The frame is made out of solid steel. Your little one will be safe no matter what happens. The base has SafeCell tech included. This means that the impact energy is absorbed by it, and it won’t travel up into your little one’s body.

Being a grow car seat means that no matter how big or small your little one is, they will fit in it comfortably. You can even take your newborn home from the hospital since the lower weight limit is set to 5 pounds. The upper weight limit is set to 120 pounds, so you’re getting good mileage out of it.

Being a 4 in 1 car seat, it can be installed rear and forward facing, and it will serve as a booster seat as well. Lately, it has become all too important to keep your child in rear-facing as long as possible. The Britax One4Life allows rear-facing up to 50 pounds.

If you’re a parent who wants to keep your child as safe as possible, you’ve found the perfect fit.

Finally, Britax fixed the cover material. In previous versions, you could only do hand washing now. You can use the washing machine. So no matter the stain, it will be good as new after a good wash.

Pros
  • It’s easy to install, and it’s impossible to mess it up
  • Extremely durable it will last for ten years and serve several kids
  • Finally, a Britax car seat that allows machine washing the material
Cons
  • It’s pricey and if you plan to buy more than one you need a serious budget
  • It’s large and heavy anything for safety

 

#3 Graco 4Ever DLX 4 In 1 Car Seat – Best Value For The Money 4 In 1 Car Seat

Graco 4Ever DLX 4 in 1 Car Seat“Mommy, what was that loud bang?”

It started like any other day. My sister in law was driving while her four-year-old was in the back. It was the same old boring weekday until everything changed for the worst.

Out of the blue, an SUV smashed into them head-on. The airbags deployed instantly, saving the mother’s life. Metal screeched and deformed under the huge pressure. The windshield cracked, and it looked like a spider’s web.

It wasn’t over just yet. There was so much energy during the crash that their car spun out into oncoming traffic. All the tires were blown out. When everything got quiet, my niece asked about the loud bang. She didn’t even notice that they were in an accident.

The Graco 4Ever saved a life that they. My niece wasn’t hurt in the crash. The next day she was off to kindergarten. My sister in law wasn’t that lucky. She ended up in the hospital with a broken nose and a few cuts.

If I ever had doubts, now I know that this is the best 4 in 1 car seat for my family. As you have seen above, it’s a safe car seat. My niece was protected. The frame is made out of solid steel. The safety is provided by ProtectPlus, which is not only for front and rear protection, but it provides side and rollover safety as well.

The Graco 4Ever is meant to serve your child until they don’t need a car seat anymore. From 4 pounds all the way to 120 pounds will be ideal for your child.

Since it caters to such young kids, there bound to be a mess during the years. They have the quickest cover removals I’ve ever seen. After that, the washing machine can take over.

You’re getting a lot of great features for the money. This is why the Graco 4Ever DLX won.

Pros
  • It’s easy to install might be the easiest of them all
  • No more rethreading the straps ever
  • The fabric removal is super-fast
Cons
  • The straps tangle up too fast, and it’s a pain to undo them with a protesting child
  • The cup holders fall off way too easily.

You may also like: Which Graco car seat is best?

 

#4 Maxi-Cosi Magellan All-In-One Convertible Car Seat- Best 4 in 1 Convertible Car Seat

Maxi-Cosi Magellan 5-in-1 Convertible Car Seat This incident happened with my brother. It was his turn to drop their son off at daycare. The day started out with the usual rush. Everything went sideways when they crossed that intersection.

Another driver slammed into them. It was a horrible T-bone accident. The impact was deafening. Both cars got totaled instantly. The door bent into a weird angle because there was so much energy involved.

The father’s life was saved thanks to the airbags. When things got quiet, he checked on his son. He was lucky as well. He didn’t even have a scratch on him. He was scared, and he was fine.

The side impact protection did its job and kept my nephew safe from harm. It’s one of the safest car seats on the market today.

Besides being safe, it’s the most comfortable one. Many parents told me that usually, their kids don’t like car rides. Ever since they have switched to Maxi Cosi Magellan, they enjoy it. Better yet, they tend to sleep longer in this car seat. This is the real proof that it’s so comfortable.

Being a 4 in 1 car seat means that this will be the first and car seat you will ever have to buy. You can take your newborn home from the hospital with this one because the lower limit is set to 5 pounds. The upper weight limit is set to 120 pounds. The best way to put it is to say it’s a lifer.

The Maxi Cosi Magellan all in one car seat is a safe and comfortable seat that will serve you for many years to come.

Pros
  • It comes with magnetic clasps so no more fishing for the buckles
  • No straps rethreading ever
  • It’s easy to clean, and it’s dryer friendly.
Cons
  • This is a big seat not meant for small kids or a small car
  • It’s extremely wide it will take a lot of space

 

#5 Diono Radian 3RXT All-In-One Convertible Car Seat – Best 4 In 1 For Extended Rear Facing

Diono Radian 3RXT All-in-One Convertible Car SeatThis incident happened with some friends of mine. The father took his son on their regular shopping run. Everything was the same. The little boy was sitting quietly in the back.

All this changed at the faithful intersection. Another driver ran the red light. Its impact was unavoidable.

The metal door screeched as it deformed under pressure. The collision happened on the same side, where the little boy was sitting. The front of their van was destroyed. The Diono Radian saved a life that day. The little boy wasn’t hurt. He was fine.

When it comes to 4 in 1 car seats, Diono is the best choice if you want to do extended rear-facing. As you know, it’s highly recommended to keep your child rear-facing until their second birthday. In some countries, this limit is set to four years. With the Radian 3RXT, the upper limit is set to 45 pounds. It’s pretty close to the four-year mark.

As you have seen in the story above, it’s one of the safest car seats you can get. It provided the best side impact protection, so the little boy wasn’t hurt in the ugly crash.

It has a steel frame that will protect your little one from anything. It’s built like a tank. It will serve your child from infancy until early adult hood. The lower limit is set to 5 pounds, and the upper limit is 120 pounds.

Diono knows a thing or two about style. There are many colors to choose from. They all look cool.

Pros
  • Finally, a car seat where the baby isn’t slouching or sliding down
  • It’s lightweight and easy to move around
  • It’s soft and padded plus it comes with side impact protection
Cons
  • The gray fabric is not that stain friendly
  • You can’t remove the fabric; the only solution is spot cleaning.
https://www.amazon.com/Diono-Radian-Convertible-Design-Extended/dp/B083F5W34S?&linkCode=sl1&tag=myspeakers109-20&linkId=af347b250c2c79caf0ac6980819677eb&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl

 

#6 Evenflo Everystage DLX – Best Easiest To Install 4 In 1 Car Seat

Evenflo EveryStage DLX All-in-One Car SeatThere’s a big problem with car seats, and that’s the installation part. Some require huge strength while others a degree in rocket science. Finally, somebody answered the call of so many parents.

Evenflo came out with a revolutionary install system. It’s so simple and easy that you can’t go wrong with it. The key to the perfect install is the tight fit. Evenflo came up with the ratchet system that helps make the install so snug.

Best of all, you don’t need any strength what so ever. So this car seat is ideal for grandparents. Even people with arthritis have no issue getting it tight. According to the company with the ratchet system, you can get a 3x tighter fit.

Being a 4 in 1 car seat, it’s the first and last car seat that you have to buy. It caters to newborns from 4 pounds and above. The upper limit is set to 120 pounds. You will be getting a lot of mileage out of it. Not to mention, it’s an affordable car seat.

One of the best features of the Everystage is that it allows extended rear-facing up to 50 pounds. The longer you can keep your child in rear-facing mode, the safer they are.

If you want an easy install four in one car seat, you have found the Evenflo Everystage DLX.

Pros
  • The easiest car seat to install thanks to the ratchet
  • It has a great recline so you won’t experience head slumps
  • It looks cool just like a miniature race car seat
Cons
  • The first impression is that it’s flimsy and cheap
  • The cup holders can be easily turned into projectiles by toddlers

Top related article: Top 6 booster seats for 4 year old reviewed

 

Buyer’s Guide

I know how hard it is to find the right car seat. That’s why I thought that this would be the perfect complement to this article. Here’s my buyer’s guide. These are the same things that I look at when I’m checking out a new car seat.

Also, this will help you rule out those that are time wasters. By using my guide, you will be able to save time. Before I get there, let me share with you two important pieces of advice.

The first one is related to the car seat’s position. The safest place for your child is in the middle of the car. Yet this is not possible for everyone. So here’s the second safest place which is behind the driver.

The second important advice is to get the tightest install possible. There are so many car seats poorly installed, and they don’t provide the necessary protection. If you have doubts, do ask for a licensed professional.

Let’s get this buyer’s guide started.

Safety

This is the most important item on my list. Now all car seat is safe on the marketplace. Still, I tend to gravitate towards those that offer the most protection.

When you’re checking out a car seat, see do they have side impact protection. Only a handful of them has rollover protection. The more, the better in this case.

Size Limits

4 in 1 car seats are the ultimate money savers. You buy one, and you will use it until it’s not needed anymore. From infancy to early adulthood, it will keep your kids safe.

Here it’s a good idea to check out if they offer extender rear-facing capabilities. As you know, this is the safest place for your child to travel.

Install

Installation tends to be a troublesome subject. Some car seats are extremely hard to get tight. Some are a breeze.

Luckily all brands are striving to make the installation as easy as possible. It’s a good idea to consult your manual and watch a few install videos. It will save you from many headaches.

Fabric

Since the 4 in 1 car seats cater to younger kids, then you need to know how easy it is to clean them. I have only added those car seats to the list, which are machine washable.

This would be the end of my quick buyer’s guide. If you like, it put it to good use.

Conclusions

We have reached the end of the best 4 in 1 car seat article. By now you should know which car seat is the right fit for you.

Now it’s your turn. I have some urgent news. The last time I checked, the stocks were low with these seats. So get them as soon as possible.

I would love to hear about the experiences you can share below.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

What is the safest car seat on the market?

Currently, the safest car seat on the market is the Britax Advocate.

What is the best all in one car seat?

The best all in one car seat is the Graco 4Ever.

Is the 4 in 1 car seat the same as the all in one?

Yes, some brands call it 4 in 1 others call it all in one.

Which is the best four in one car seat of them all?

The best four in one car seat is the Chicco Fit4 car seat.

What is the weight limit for the best 4 in one car seat?

The weight limit is 120 pounds. If you’re interested in the weight range then it’s 5 pounds up to 120 pounds.

From the best four in 1 car seat which is the easiest to install?

The easiest to install is the Evenflo Everystage because it has the ratchet technology.

What would be a good alternative for a 4 in 1 belt positioning booster seat?

Here are the alternatives for 4 in 1 belt positioning booster seat: Britax boulevard clicktight belt positioning booster seat, maxi cosi pria infant car seat, chicco nextfit rear facing car seat, graco extend2fit high back booster seat, cosco scenera next baby car seat, safety 1st grow and go budget friendly infant seat (infant car seats), nuna rava toddler car seat, clek fllo forward facing backless booster.  Also I’ve created a good list about the top safety rated convertible car seats (best convertible car seats) you can check it out here another one about the best car seats. Most of these car seats can be installed only on the back seat both forward facing and rear facing car seat mode. Seats like the safety 1st grow and go and graco 4ever 4 in 1 convertible car seat have the highest government safety standards.

What kind of safety standards can I expect from these top rated forward facing convertible car seats that are 4 in 1?

There’s no doubt about that these convertible car seats have a ton of safety features no wonder they are called safety seats. First of all there’s the 5 point harness to keep your child secure. The energy absorbing foam is an absolute must for any convertible seat. The chest clip goes typically below the armpit level.

How do you install a forward facing convertible car seat with the 4 in 1 option?

First of all make sure you read the manual for super easy installation. After that check the bubble levels to be in the right spot and put the seat angle in the default position. For ease of use you can go with the latch system or the seat belt installation system (seat belts). It’s also known that the seat belt is harder to install than the lower anchors and tethers in a forward facing car seat if you want it properly installed. Always check the car seat safety guidelines for your safety seat. For easy installation watch a few videos as well.

What are the height and weight limits for forward facing position of the 4 in 1 convertible car seats?

The weight limits come down to the child height and the manufacturer specs. For rear facing the limit is 40 pounds (40 lbs). The forward facing seat also features 65 pounds of upper weight limit. The 40 pounds is quite generous for a rear facing seat.

Can you fit three seats across with these 4 in 1 convertible car seats?

If you need to fit three across then look for those 4 in 1 car seats that have a narrow design. This is the ideal option for smaller cars.

What kind of features should you check out with 4 in 1 car seats?

First of all it’s great to have infinite slide and no rethread harness. The seat cushion should be nice and soft. If the convertible car seat has an extension panel (leg rest) that’s good because it provides more comfort. Having a cup holder is good for any years old. Washable seat pad and fabric cover is a must with kids. The harness system is made out of: harness straps, headrest positions, shoulder strap positions and harness holders. Multiple recline positions are advised. The seat like the one that has multiple recline positions gives the most comfort so will the multi position headrest.

How much leg room is there in 4-in-1 car seats?

Most 4-in-1 car seats have more than one inch of leg room, providing plenty of space for your child as they grow.

What makes the best 4-in-1 car seat?

The best 4-in 1 car seat should provide adequate head support and a machine washable seat pad. It should also come with proper installation instructions and vehicle seat belt belt lock offs for added safety.

What are the benefits of using a 4 in 1 convertible car seat?

A 4 in 1 convertible car seat offers parents convenience as their child grows from infancy to booster age by providing four stages of use: infant, rear facing, forward facing and highback booster.

Are other types of car seats available besides a 4-in-1 model?

Yes, other types of car seats are available such as all in one convertible models that offer up to five different stages or 3 in 1 convertible models that offer three different stages depending on your needs.

What are the best 4-in-1 car seats?

The Chicco Fit4 is considered one of the best 4-in-1 car seat on the market. It features two cup holders, a steel reinforced frame, easyclick latch system and it has weight and height limits for three different seating options.

What is the safest all in one car seat?

The Chicco NextFit Zip Max Car Seat is recognized as one of the safest all in one car seats available due to its secure fit system, steel reinforced frame construction and its 9 reclining positions. The seat also has big kids booster mode that can accommodate up to 100 pounds which makes it an ideal choice for growing families.

Are backless booster seats popular?

Yes, backless booster seats are quite popular because they provide an economical way to give children a secure ride while allowing them independence at the same time. They are lightweight so they are perfect for small cars and they don’t take up much space when not in use.

Are expensive car seats worth it?

Expensive car seats typically offer more features than their less costly counterparts such as better cushioning, adjustable headrests, higher weight and height limits, additional safety features and more convenience features like cup holders or storage compartments. So if you’re looking for superior quality and extra safety then investing in an expensive car seat may be worth it.

Last Updated on October 25, 2023 by Brian Beasley

Written by Linda Reid

Hey there, I'm Linda, a mom of three cool kids. I've tried so many car seats, you could call me a "Car Seat Detective." Searching for the perfect car seat can feel like finding a needle in a haystack, but don't worry! I've committed to researching and reviewing car seats that are super safe, cozy, and great for growing kids. Together, we'll find the perfect car seat that keeps your child safe and cozy, and makes you feel like a super-parent!