No matter your preferred mode of transportation, car seats are essential for young children’s safety during long-distance driving. best Car seats for long distance driving are different from ordinary ones that may remain stationary in a car. To move it around a lot, you need to be comfortable installing it, transporting it, and securing your child in the seat.
How long can a baby be in a car seat in a distance driving?
Babies should not be confined in car seats for more than two hours at a time and should be taken out frequently. You should take frequent breaks if your trip involves driving for long periods.
List of the Best Travel Car Seats for long distance driving
Table of Contents
We have reviews below so you can choose for yourself, but if you have a minute, take a look at our top picks:
- Cosco Apt 50 Convertible Car Seat For Long drive
- Evenflo Tribute LX Car Seat for Air Travel
- Best Graco Contender 65 Convertible Car Seat
- Graco 4Ever 4-in-1 for Travel with a Toddler
- Diono Radian 3RXT Car Seat for small cars
- Evenflo Sonus Lightweight Convertible Car Seat
- Nuna Rava convertible car seat
What To Look For in a Car Seat for long distance driving
Here are a few things to consider when buying a travel car seat:
1.FAA Approval
Whenever you plan to fly your car seat, FAA approval is required. You may not fly with a car seat that is not FAA-approved. It should display a sticker that reads, “This restraint is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft” if it is FAA-approved.
2.Features
Consider what options will work best for your needs and your family before buying a car seat. The most popular features include a five-point safety harness, safety rating, canopy shade, cup holders, and removable and washable items.
3.Width and length of car Seat
It will be more significant if you’ll be flying with the car seat, but it may also be important when traveling by car if there are several young children in the back seat. Keep in mind that just because a car seat is FAA-approved does not mean it will fit in an airplane seat.
The car seat typically fits in an airplane seat if it has a width of 17″ or less, so you can always call the airline to make sure.
You don’t want to be weighed down by the car seat or struggle to carry it through the airport. A lightweight car seat is key. Weigh is about ten pounds. That should be manageable for you to carry it through the airport, onto the plane, and to your hotel.
4.Convertibility
Convertible car seats are those you can use for your newborn until they’re a toddler. Children may be able to fit in convertible car seats as young as three pounds and reach 65 pounds in weight. You will be able to save money by purchasing a convertible car seat since you would not need to purchase another one when they outgrow their infant car seat.
5.Weight
Weight is going to be critical if you’re going to be out and about a lot. You don’t want to lug a car seat too heavy or struggle to carry it through the airport. Weight-wise, a lightweight car seat usually weighs around ten pounds. That should be relatively manageable for carrying through the airport, onto the plane, and to your hotel.
6.style
You should consider a booster seat or a car seat for your child when you travel. Five-point harnesses keep children in car seats securely in place. These harnesses make contact with the child’s shoulder, hip, and crotch. It does not allow the child to move out of position when the harness is correctly tightened. Car seats are suitable for infants as well as toddlers.
A booster seat is also used when a toddler outgrows their car seat. A booster seat’s job is to ensure that the child’s seat belt fits properly around his or her body while driving. A child does not necessarily need to move to a booster seat at a specific age but should be old enough to maintain a good seat position.
7.Buckle system/installation
When traveling on a plane, it is important to check that the car seat you choose is approved by the FAA. Installing a car seat on a plane won’t be a problem if you research the seats of the plane beforehand.
Best Car Seat For Long Distance Driving reviews
check in depth reviews of best car seats for long drive:
Cosco Apt 50 Convertible Car Seat For Long drive
- With 2 modes of use, this latch equipped Cosco car seat accommodates infants from 5 pounds up to toddlers weighing 40 pounds in rear facing mode and kids up to 50 pounds in forward facing mode
- The 5 point harness adjusts easily from the front of the seat and features 6 heights and 3 buckle locations
- In both the rear facing and forward facing modes, built in side impact protection keeps your little 1 extra secure
- Easily remove the machine washable and dryer safe car seat pad to clean
- Perfect for travel, the seat is certified for use on aircraft and gives your child a familiar seat during a flight
- This car seat meets or exceeds federal and ASTM safety standards and includes a 1 year limited warranty
- For more than 70 years, Cosco has been a leading children’s products brand recognized for its dedication to safety and value; From bouncers to car seats, swings to strollers, and high chairs to play yards, Coscos essential baby products feature solid value and smart design
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Cosco Apt 50 is the perfect lightweight stroller with premium features that you won’t find with any other brand. Thanks to its compact design, you can browse this stroller quickly in the airport, wherever you are, and keep your child safe at all times. Additionally, the Cosco Apt 50 is designed to seat a child rearward for a more extended time, which most safety organizations highly recommend.
This car seat will not give your child the most comfortable ride possible but rather a safe and enjoyable one. It is an excellent pick for parents who are looking for something basic, functional, affordable and exceeding NHTSA standards.
One thing that set this car seat apart from other models is that it’s made in this country. The Cosco Apt 50 car seat was actually designed and engineered right here in America – specifically in Columbus, Indiana.
Cosco Apt 50 Comfort & Quality
It may appear that the Cosco Apt 50 is lacking some padding. Besides a soft seat cover designed for your child’s skin to breathe, it does not contain an infant insert pillow or extra padding in the headrest.
verdict
The Cosco Apt 50 convertible car seat is equipped with Side Impact Protection designed to keep your child’s head and neck comfortable. There is no energy-absorbing base or metal frame, but it is made in the United States and crash-tested to exceed the Federal and ASTM safety requirements.
Evenflo Tribute LX Car Seat best for Air Travel
- This convertible car seat helps protect rear facing infants from 5-40 pounds and forward facing toddlers from 22-40 pounds. Age at least two years of age
- The Tribute LX meets or exceeds all applicable Federal Safety Standards, as well as Evenflos Side Impact Test Standard for Structural Integrity. Forward facing Fit: The top of the child’s ears is at or below the top of child restraint seat back
- The 5-point harness system with 4 shoulder strap positions allow this convertible car seat to accommodate growing children longer. Rear facing fit tip is top of child head is at least 1 inch below the top of the child restraint seat back
- The light and compact weight of the Tribute LX makes it an excellent choice for smaller vehicles, movement between multiple cars, and air travel
- Easy to remove machine washable seat pads allow for quick and easy cleaning; Also comes with a removable cup holder and Plastic and metal parts may be wiped clean with mild soap and water and dried with a soft cloth, do not use abrasive cleaners or solvents
- 5-point harness system with up-front adjustment
- Removable cup holder
- 4 shoulder strap positions
- Machine washable pad
- Compact size for great vehicle fit
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With its compact and lightweight features, this car seat makes traveling on an airplane a lot easier. Its design is so simple that even babies can use it, which sets it apart from the rest.
You won’t have to deal with luggage, carry-ons, children, and a bulky car seat at the airport, because the weight is just nine pounds. If your arms get tired from carrying this around all the time, this seat is perfect for you.
The seat’s features enable easy and quick installation and buckling, which is incredibly advantageous if you frequent airports or switch cars frequently.
This seat cover is designed with 100% Polyester that is naturally stained and moisture-resistant. The seat cover is machine washable, so that clean-up will be a snap.
Evenflo Tribute LX Comfort & Quality
There is a significant amount of padding in the Tribute LX’s headrest, however, giving the seat some extra Side Impact Protection.
A removable Infant Insert Pillow is included in the Tribute LX, along with the extra headrest padding. This seat cover is also comfortable for your child to ride in since its soft, breathable fabric is soft and dry on their skin.
verdict
It can be mounted with LATCH and a seatbelt, and it’s one of the only car seats in today’s market with a non-rethread harness system and four positions. The quick-release buckle and up-front harness allow easy and instant adjusting.
Best Graco Contender 65 Convertible Car Seat
- Designed to help protect your rear facing child from 5 40 pounds and your forward facing child from 22 65 pounds
- Simply Safe Adjust Harness System adjusts the harness and headrest height together with one easy motion no re threading required
- Graco ProtectPlus Engineered: a combination of the most rigorous crash tests that helps to protect your child in frontal, side, rear & rollover crashes; additional testing based on the New Car Assessment Program and for extreme car interior temperatures
- 8 position headrest is adjustable using one hand and easily adapts to your growing childs needs
- Hassle free installation in the rear facing position using LATCH and an easy to read level indicator
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It’s easy to install and adjust the harness with the Contender 65 owing to its simplistic features. You can adjust its buckle with just one hand, making it a great car seat for airport security.
It’s also compact enough so you can comfortably fit it on an airplane seat so your child can lower the tray table. Additionally, Contender 65’s lightweight design makes it easy to transport the car seat through a busy and crowded place like the airport.
There are several high-quality features that make the Contender 65 special. Its simple design, ability to grow with your child and exceptional crash safety make this car seat a winner among the competition.
Graco Contender 65 Comfort & Quality
Even though it doesn’t include excess padding, the Contender 65 comes with a removable baby head and body pillow that’s designed to make your little one feel very comfortable in their car seat.
Verdict
The Contender 65 is equipped with an easy-to-read level indicator and an InRight LATCH system to ensure quick and simple installation.
You don’t have to rethread the harness to adjust it. With the automatic harness, adjust the strap; you can tighten and adjust the saddle as you please.
Graco 4Ever 4-in-1 for Travel with a Toddler
- 3 car seats in 1: rear-facing for infants 4-50 pounds, front-facing for toddlers 22-65 pounds and for big kids 30-100 pounds
- 4-position extension panel adjusts to provide 5 inches of additional legroom, allowing your child to ride safely rear-facing longer
- 6-position recline helps keep your child comfy
- 10-position headrest adjusts easily for your growing child
- Simply Safe Adjust Harness System adjusts the height of your harness and headrest in one motion to ensure that your child is always properly secured
- Graco ProtectPlus Engineered: a combination of the most rigorous crash tests that helps protect your child in frontal, side, rear & rollover crashes; additional testing based on the New Car Assessment Program and for extreme car interior temperatures
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This car seat will provide you with a large amount of safety, durability, and high-quality performance for ten years.
4Ever’s 4in-1 feature separates it from the competition; it allows for a reliable, one-of-a-kind car seat for your child right until the point of no return. Then there are the plush infant inserts that help keep them safe and comfortable until they are big enough for them to walk.
When you’re looking for a car seat that only needs to be purchased once, the Graco 4Ever 4-in-1 will work well for you and your family. This may be the first and last car seat you buy for your little one, meaning it’ll be easy for them to get used to a seat that grows with them.
Graco 4Ever 4-in-1 Comfort & Quality
The 4-in-1 4Ever car seat has plenty of padding throughout so your child’s head and neck remain secure and supported. A comfortable infant insert is included for your little one’s comfort while in the car seat.
Verdict
LATCH installation is so much easier with the In Right LATCH system. As for the ease of installation, you won’t have to uninstall your car seat to adjust the child’s harness height since the harness is self-threading.
Diono Radian 3RXT Car Seat for small cars
- JOY OF THE JOURNEY: From birth, keep your little one rear-facing longer to 40 lbs., and as they grow to 100 lbs. (10 years approx.) our long-range lifespan protects your child facing-forward.
- THREES NOT A CROWD: For safety that fits 3 across the Radian 3RXT packs all our innovative safety features into a sleek and slim design that allows you to fit three across (in most mid-size vehicles). Now the whole family can travel, together.Care & Cleaning: Spot or Wipe Clean, Machine Wash
- LOVINGLY ENGINEERED: The Radian 3RXT is built with automotive-strength steel, engineered into a dual spine, which manages and dissipates energy with an unyielding structure to protect your baby. Our audible click SuperLATCH system makes installation easy
- BUSINESS CLASS COMFORT: Inspired by the best in European style, our Radian 3RXT has bright soft fabric covers, and a memory foam seat bottom. Lined with energy absorbing foam, comfort and safety go hand in hand
- MADE OF SEATTLE: We are from Seattle, a city where being different is the norm and so is the Radian 3RXT. It folds flat, so you can travel the world and is FAA approved for use on an aircraft, so you can take safety with you wherever you go.
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The Diono Radian 3RXT is the ideal choice in a small car, thanks to its sleek and stylish design. Radian 3RXT’s ability to fit three across makes it stand out in this chain. A car seat with this structure allows for additional space in the front seat for other passengers. So, if you’re searching for the perfect car seat to take on a trip, then look no further.
Radian 3RXT also has its FAA approval, which gives it the approval of being used on an aircraft, in addition to being very convenient to fold up and store when you’re on the go.
With this car seat, you’ll be able to navigate the airport’s crowded aisles without any difficulty. Hence, if you’re looking for a compact, sleek, stylish, and packable car seat, the Diono Radian 3RXT is the right pick for you.
Diono Radian 3RXT Comfort & Quality
Radian 3RXT has just the right amount of padding throughout so that your little one has a snuggly car ride every time. In addition to the layers of Side Impact Protection, there is additional padding in the headrest. Furthermore, the Radian 3RXT is equipped with specially designed infant pillows that bring comfort to your child as they grow.
Verdict
Easy Click SuperLATCH is an integral part of the Radian 3RXT’s design for safer and easier installation. You can also install it using your vehicle’s seatbelt. With an audible-click locking system, the Radian 3RXT has a visual locking system that lets you know your car seat is installed correctly and at the right angle.
To change the child’s harness height, you will need to remove your car seat and rethread the harness.
Evenflo Sonus Lightweight Convertible Car Seat
- Versatile: The Sonus Convertible Car Seat helps protect rear facing infants from 5-40 pounds, and forward facing toddlers from 22-50 pounds, extending the life and use of this full-featured car seat
- Tested & Trusted: In addition to meeting or exceeding all applicable federal safety standards. This Car Seat also passes Evenflos comprehensive side impact and industry leading rollover test standards
- All-Season Comfort: The sonus features a revolutionary air flow ventilation system that provides a temperature-regulated, comfortable traveling experience regardless of the season or your climate
- Travel With Freedom: This restraint meets FAA inversion requirements for airplane use allowing it to serve as a seat that can travel with you during family vacations or holidays around the world
- Other Valuable Features: Up-front adjustment for easy access to harness, 5 shoulder strap positions for proper fit, removable pads for easy machine washing, 2 cup holders, and head pillow for support
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
An affordable, lightweight car seat with superior features from Evenflo, the Sonus offers excellent value. Its compact design makes it possible to seat three across comfortably or have passengers in the back seat with enough space to breathe. It’s the ideal choice if you’re looking for a car seat that’s easy to use and carry around.
In a market where it can be not easy to find a car seat that comfortably accommodates your child, the Sonus is specifically designed to be a universal fit car seat. The Sonus’ easy LATCH installation and adjustable harness make it the preferred car seat for a kid who requires a broader range of motion in a car.
Keeping your child comfortable throughout the year is a priority with the Evenflo Sonus, which features built-in ventilation. It’s comforting to know that there are few car seats with airflow built-in. Evenflo Sonus convertible car seat is designed to keep your child safe and comfortable as well as lightweight.
Evenflo Sonus Comfort & Quality
The Sonus car seat has soft padding throughout but no shoulder pads. There is also no additional padding in the headrest, minus the Side Impact Protection. However, it comes with an infant insert pillow for extra comfort and support.
Verdict
This car seat is LATCH-equipped, making installing it easier than ever before. On the contrary, it is necessary to rethread the harness so that the harness height can be adjusted.
Conclusion
Your car seat shouldn’t be one of the things you worry about when you’re traveling. We have reviewed several of the best car seats for long-distance driving that are great and comfortable. Perhaps you feel better informed at this point about finding a car seat that meets your traveling expectations. Take your time choosing the right car seat. It’s out there—you’re going to find it!