The Safest Convertible Car Seat with Pros, Cons & Recommendations

 

Welcome to the safest convertible car seat award ceremony!

For the last two months I’ve been driving around for endless miles just to test these convertibles out with my daughter, plus I’ve talked with other moms, checked recalls and looked up consumer reports meanwhile my husband was relaxing at home (you owe me big time honey…) just to bring you the safest convertibles.

Look:

Finding the safest convertibles comes down to three things, your child size, the space available and your budget. As soon as you know these it will be a breeze finding the one that fits your needs best.

You see I’ve been a stay-at-home mom with my three kids so I had more than enough time to test out these car seats to save you a lot of time. This is why I’ve decided to write this article so you can find that perfect car seat fast.

I’m ranking the top 5 safest convertibles on safety features, comfort levels, ease of install and of course price.

No matter which one you pick from my list below is a guaranteed winner. These car seats have proven to be the safest you can but on the market today.

Let’s see those seats already!
 

In a Hurry? Here Are the Top 3 Safest Convertible Car Seats

For parents who are tired of constantly looking for the next car seat upgrade and want their child to ride in the best safety possible.

For parents who want to have the absolutely safest car seat that money can buy so their little one is protected no matter what.

For parents who are on a budget or have to buy seats for multiple cars without compromising on safety or comfort.

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1. Britax Marathon ClickTight – The Safest Convertible Car Seat 2023

Britax Marathon ClickTight - The Safest Convertible Car Seat

We have a WINNER!

By far this is the safest and best convertible car seat you can go with. It has everything you will ever need to keep your child safe no matter what, and I’m not saying that lightly.

It’s been designed with your child’s safety in mind and features some of the latest safety technology.

It’s built on a steel frame and uses cells to absorb impact energy. It has side impact protection and of course, the child is secured with the standard and most safe 5-point harness.

The installation is a breeze it’s as simple as following a video tutorial. Yes, we’ve all been there that we struggle even with the step-by-step video. It’s not the case thanks to the Clicktight tech.

Besides being safe and easy to install this car seat is super comfy. I had countless times seen as my daughter has fallen a sleep.

For shorter journeys, who doesn’t love a cosy nap? Thanks to the Marathon Click

  • Simply the Safest: The Marathon has one of the highest safety ratings among convertible car seats.
  • Installation is like a dream: There’s no need to second-guess, and there’s no requirement for a scientific degree. Every time, you get a nice and tight installation.
  • You don’t live with the Hulk? No problem! It’s a snap to set up. It’s as easy as the video demonstrates, in my opinion. There is no doubt that it is a mom-friendly vehicle seat.

Here are few drawbacks you should know about:

Although this vehicle seat is costly, it will give you a lot of miles. The good news is that you’ll be able to use it for a long time.

It’s hefty and big. It will be challenging to install in tiny cars. You may anticipate it to be heavy since the frame is constructed of steel.

It’s not just the safest convertibles but it’s one of the best selling ones on the market today. So if you want it you have no time to waste you have to order it right now or you risk waiting for the new shipment to arrive which might be weeks.

If you want something that’s a bit cheaper check out #2 on my list.

 

2. Diono Radian 3RXT – The Safes 4-in-1 Convertible Car Seat

Diono Radian 3RXT - The Safes 4-in-1 Convertible Car SeatThe Diono Radian car seat is one of the most protective. I understand how it feels to have a baby that is growing fast, and you must purchase a new seat because the old one isn’t adequate. That’s where the Diono comes in handy.

This car seat is the only one you’ll need because it grows with your child. What’s better, it can be used from 5 to 120 pounds. But there’s more…

This seat also includes a 5-point harness, which is important while using it in the car. It also has an adjustable headrest and can sustain children weighing up to 50 pounds rear-facing for as long as they are rear-facing until they reach 4 years of age.

If you have a tiny vehicle, rejoice! The Diono has a small profile and is only 17 inches wide, allowing you to easily do 3-across in it.

Is it pleasant to ride in? You’re absolutely right! My daughter fell asleep without complaining, making the trip much more pleasurable.

Here is why it’s a must-buy seat:

  • Perfect for tall babies: This infant car seat will fit your little one from birth until they reach a maximum weight of 120 pounds.
  • Safety and comfort in the same package: The steel frame is worth every penny because it won’t bend or crack, unlike cheap plastic that could harm your child. Furthermore, kids fall asleep in it on a regular basis.
  • Extended rear-facing: The safest position for your child up to 50 pounds (about 4 years old) will be made possible.

However, here are a few drawbacks you should know about.

When compared to the previous model, it feels like a step backward since the fabric is cheaper and the cushioning is less substantial.

The forward-facing convertible car seat weighs 35 pounds and has a lot of features. You won’t be tempted to move it between vehicles or bring it inside after you install it in the vehicle.

The Diono 3RXT is a fantastic buy. It not only saves you money in the long run, but it’s also one of the safest car seats available.

They’re flying off the shelves since this car seat is so popular. If they’re sold out, check the alternative colors. Diono makes the most beautiful car seats, and the color options are simply amazing.

 

3. Graco Extend2Fit – The Safest 3-in-1 Convertible Car Seat

Graco Extend2Fit - The Safest 3-in-1 Convertible Car SeatAre you looking for an affordable car seat that will fit in your car? Then, the Graco Extend2Fit is the perfect choice. It checked all my criteria.

It comes with all of the safety features you’ll ever need. It has it all, from enough padding to a sturdy structure. It’s also lightweight. I can easily carry my baby in one hand and this car seat in the other.

The extended rear-facing mode is my top reason for choosing this car seat. Moms, take a look at this! You may keep your kid in a rear-facing position until they reach 50 pounds. This is the most secure way to travel for them. Plus, there’s a lot of legroom.

This seat is extremely comfortable, and my little one didn’t overheat even on the hottest days thanks to the breathable fabric. The two-cup holder provided with this seat is ideal for keeping a drink in one cup and toys in the other.

You can modify the straps in a matter of seconds. There’s no need to rethread them at all.

Here’s why it’s a must-buy:

  • Safe and comfy: It has all of the important safety features, as well as a larger rear-facing capacity of up to 4 years and a breathable fabric that won’t allow your infant to overheat.
  • Super simple installation: This seat won’t make you swear at the heavens. It’s also popular, so there are various YouTube videos if you get stuck.
  • No rethread harness: You won’t have to take apart the whole seat to change the straps thanks to the simple-adjust mechanism.

Although, there are a few drawbacks you should know about.

The bad news is that you won’t be able to do three across in the future. It’s a wonderful car seat for a tiny automobile since it doesn’t take up much room.

The part that sticks out the most of this vehicle seat is also its biggest drawback: it’s ugly. The straps in the back are obvious, especially when using rear-facing mode. It is, however, a small price to pay for such a cheap seat.

In the end, the Graco Extend2Fit car seat stands out from the crowd and deserves to be recognized as the best small toddler car seat. It’s a significant money-saver that can also fit babies who are rear-facing until they reach 4 years old.

Because it’s one of the most popular car seats on the market, don’t be surprised if you can’t find one. If you don’t buy it right now, you’ll have to wait.

 

4. Britax Boulevard – Safest and Best Value Convertible Car Seat

Britax Boulevard - Safest and Best Value Convertible Car SeatThe safest, easiest-to-install convertible car seat was awarded the Best Convertible Car Seat title. The primary reasons for its selection were because it was safe, simple to install, pleasant, and easy to clean.

Is there anything more that a car seat can do for you?

A convertible car seat is one that may be used in rear-facing or forward-facing mode. It’s recommended for newborns since the lowest weight limit is 5 pounds. This car seat allows you to bring your infant home from the hospital.

With this car seat, you’re getting the ClickTight installation. It’s so simple that you can’t mess it up. You have to pop open the seat and feed the latch or the seat belt through. Then you press down on the seat, and when you hear the click sound, you’re done. It’s that simple

Extended rear-facing capacity with the Britax Boulevard is 40 pounds. The front-facing mode has a maximum weight limit of 65 pounds. This means you’ll get good value for your money.

The Britax Boulevard earned several honors and received the top score from the NHTSA. This vehicle seat is a champion.

Overall, this vehicle seat delivers complete confidence. In the rear of the car, your kid will be safe and comfortable, allowing you to focus on driving rather than the rearview mirror. This alone is more than worth the money.

Pros
  • Opting for the ARB bar is a life changer
  • It’s a GAME CHANGER chair that lasts for ten years
  • This car seat is a beauty the colors are so alive
Cons
  • It’s a challenge to transfer in and out from the car
  • It’s a wide chair, and three-across will not be possible

 

5. Graco Slimfit – Safest Narrow Convertible Car Seat

Graco Slimfit - Safest Narrow Convertible Car SeatThis vehicle seat has a small profile because to its name. The width of this automobile seat is only 19.9 inches wide. This is the car seat to have when you need additional space in the back.

It’s a convertible car seat that has some additional features. It may also be used as a booster chair until you are 100 pounds tall.

The Graco Slimfit is suitable for children from birth up to young adults. The lowest weight restriction is 5 pounds. If you’re looking for a car seat that will last you a long time, this might be the one.

It will serve your growing child for years to come.

The Graco Slimfit is compact, fitting three across with ease. It will also accommodate an adult in the rear if you need more room for someone else in the back. According to Graco, this automobile seat will save you 10% on space.

Because it caters to youngsters at such a young age, you must be prepared to deal with spills and accidents. Fortunately, they have taken care of everything. The cover may simply be removed and washed in the washing machine. After a wash, it will be as good as new regardless of the situation.

Pros
  • It’s a perfect car seat who wants three across
  • It has everything you need: safety, comfort, and sturdiness
  • Easy to use no manual threading of straps everything is automatic
Cons
  • You will need the force of Hulk to strap it down right
  • Not much tilting options if you want to mount it in rear-facing mode

 

The Safest Convertibles Buyer’s Guide

That was a lengthy article to read. Thank you for going this far. I wanted to give you something extra just because you’re so tenacious. Here’s a bonus for you. It’s a buyer’s guide. Maybe soon you’ll need to replace your car seat anyway. If you use my advice,

So you’ll just have to put in the effort on those who are really a good match. What do you think about that?

Let’s start with something extremely important. Before we can get to that, there are two items I’d like to make you aware of.

The first is the car seat position. In some areas of the automobile, it’s not safe to place a baby in a rear-facing infant carrier. The optimum protection is found in the center of the vehicle. Perhaps grandparents do not find this location to be as pleasant as other spots behind them. So, for second place, we have the driver

The second factor is how important it is to have the finest installation possible. According to recent research, 75% of car seats are incorrectly installed in the United States. That’s a very concerning statistic. If the seat isn’t tight enough, it won’t be able to give you with optimum safety. I don’t want to go down this line of

This is why it’s so important to make sure it’s nice and tight. You may now pay for a second opinion from a qualified professional, or you can use Amazon’s new service to get help with this problem for a price.

That’s about it. Let’s get to the buyer’s guide.

Safety Features

This is the first thing parents look for when shopping for a new car seat. This is where I begin, too. Now, listen to a secret kept by the industry. All automobile seats are safe on the market since they have met or exceeded government safety requirements.

The terrible part is that some firms barely scraped by. Some companies take things too far. Which one would you want to safeguard your kid against?

Size Limits

This is my personal hideaway where I can save money without compromising safety. It’s a fine art. OK, I’m going overboard with this. Getting something for many years to come is the simplest method to save money. Sure, it may be more expensive up front, but in the long run, you’re saving money.

In the United States, you can and should look for extended rear-facing capabilities on a car seat. It is strongly encouraged that your youngster be kept rear-facing as long as possible. The correct age is two years old. There are countries in Europe where the limit has been raised to 4 years old right now.

The longer you can keep your child rear-facing, the better.

It’s also crucial to measure the weight of the seat. Some seats are not designed to be relocated, while others are intended to be carried. It’s important to understand what you’re getting yourself into.

How to Install these Car Seats

The most crucial yet most neglected aspect of the car seat is its installation. I only included those car seats that are simple to install in this post. Believe me; it was not an easy task.

The more simple to set up, the safer your kid is. Most companies are steadily improving their seats, making them simpler to install.

Most of them offer a latch and seat belt install. Some brands still use first-generation latches, but there’s nothing wrong with them. Besides, they are hard to remove.

Fabric

That’s the last thing on my to-do list. Because children will always be children, cleaning will have to wait until we return. The vast majority of covers may simply be slid off and placed in the washing machine.

If you like this buyer’s guide, put it to good use.

What is the safest car seat 2023?

The safest Car Seat in 2023 is:

  • Britax Marathon ClickTight – The Safest Convertible Car Seat
  • Diono Radian 3RXT – The Safes 4-in-1 Convertible Car Seat
  • Graco Extend2Fit – The Safest 3-in-1 Convertible Car Seat
  • Britax Boulevard – Safest and Best Value Convertible Car Seat
  • Graco Slimfit – Safest Narrow Convertible Car Seat

Conclusions for the Safest Convertible Car Seat

We have reached the end of this article. Here’s a quick summary what we have learned today.

When shopping for a car seat, it is important to consider safety features, size limits, and how easy it is to install. All car seats on the market meet or exceed government safety requirements; however, some are safer than others.

It is also important to measure the weight of the child to ensure that the car seat can accommodate them. Most car seats are simple to install, but some are more difficult. The easiest ones to install use a latch and seat belt installation. Finally, many car seats can be washed in the washing machine.

Some car seats are easier to install than others. The easiest ones to install use a latch and seat belt installation. This makes it simpler for parents to install the car seat correctly.

By now you should already know which car seat is the safest for your needs. Now it’s your turn. Now these car seats are not just the safest but they all are best sellers so you need to move quickly before the stocks runt out. Grab one right now.

As always if you have tips or questions feel free to reach out and if you share this article it would mean the world to me.

 

Frequently Asked Questions:

What convertible car seat has the highest safety rating?

The Britax Boulevard ClickTight has the highest safety rating. The Britax Boulevard ClickTight is a convertible car seat that has scored the highest safety rating both on Consumer Reports and BabyGearLab.

What is the safest car seat 2023?

The safest Car Seat in 2023 is:

  • Britax Marathon ClickTight Convertible Car Seat
  • Diono Radian 3RXT 4-in-1 Convertible Car Seat
  • Graco Extend2Fit 3-in-1 Convertible Car Seat
  • Britax Boulevard Convertible Car Seat
  • Graco Slimfit Convertible Car Seat

What is the number 1 safest car seat?

The #1 safest car seats are as follows:

  • Britax Marathon ClickTight – The Safest Convertible Car Seat
  • Diono Radian 3RXT – The Safes 4-in-1 Convertible Car Seat
  • Graco Extend2Fit – The Safest 3-in-1 Convertible Car Seat
  • Britax Boulevard – Safest and Best Value Convertible Car Seat
  • Graco Slimfit – Safest Narrow Convertible Car Seat

Are Car Seats Safe in convertibles?

Yes, convertible car seats are safe. No matter if you have an infant or a toddler they can both ride in rear facing mode which is the safest way to travel.

Where can I find convertible car seat safety ratings or car seat crash test ratings ?

The convertible car seat safety ratings or car seat crash test ratings are typically displayed on the box or on the sales page like on Amazon.

Which are the safest toddler car seats on the market?

Currently the safest toddler car seats on the market are:

  1. Britax Marathon ClickTight

  2. Diono Radian 3RXT

  3. Graco Extend2Fit

When should I put my baby in a convertible car seat?

Typically babies upgrade to a convertible car seat from 9 months to 2 years old. Some parents prefer the baby seats because they are the safest. However if your baby has outgrown or getting close to the maximum limit it needs to be changed because it won’t provide the necessary protection.

Are infant car seats safer than convertible?

Yes infant car seats are safer than convertible ones. Infant seats provide the best protection like rear facing, 5 point-harness and many other features.

Which are the safest car seats 2023?

In 2023 the safest cars seats are:

  • Britax Marathon ClickTight
  • Diono Radian 3RXT
  • Graco Extend2Fit

Where can I find the car seat crash test ratings 2023 and car seat safety ratings 2023?

Typically all car seats have car seat crash test ratings  and car seat safety ratings  posted on their page, that’s where you will find it.

Last Updated on November 7, 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!