What are the best car seats for toddlers? With so many seats on offer, it becomes hard to choose which one you should buy and use every day. We have examined all factors of safety, comfort, and usability when considering these top ten car seats for toddlers that will help keep them safe while travelling with them in their car seats.
When it comes to travel, many families don’t want to lug a 25-pound car seat through the airport and upstairs. Luckily for these travellers, there are plenty of options available on the market today that make transporting your child’s safety device much easier. Here we have compiled what we think is necessary for any portable 2-year-old car seat:
-Lightweight! Ideally not more than ~10lbs
-Easy to use when taking out or putting away (well-engineered) -Ideally lasts at least 3 years
what is the best travel car seat for 2 year olds. This is such a tough question because kids grow so quickly, and their needs change as they get older.
- Here are my top picks:Best Car Seats for Toddlers
- Best car seat for toddlers: our top picks
- Graco 4Ever 4-in-1 (Best Travel Car Seat For A 2 Year Old )
- Safety 1st Grow and Go 3-in-1 toddlers Car Seat
- Chicco KeyFit Infant 30 Car Seat
- Britax Boulevard ClickTight Convertible Car Seat
- Graco Grows4Me 4 in 1 Car Seat
- 10.Graco TurboBooster Stretch Booster Seat
- Buying guide
- 1. Choose a tested and approved car seat
- 2. Installation is easy and secure
- 3. Pick a car seat that you can use throughout the entire trip
- 4. Side impact protection is crucial
- 5. Plenty of legroom – more extended usage
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Final thoughts
Here are my top picks:Best Car Seats for Toddlers
Top Picks
Best Car Seats for Toddlers
1) The Combi Coccoro – it’s lightweight at 5 pounds (and even folds up!) It has an easy-to-use harness that adjusts with one hand from three different positions depending on height or weight; premium padding throughout the seating area; and LATCH installation in just seconds without any tools required.
2) The Evenflo Spectrum DLX Convertible Car Seat – this convertible car seat can be used rear-facing until your child reaches 40 lbs., forward-facing when they reach 25″
3) The Cosco Scenera Deluxe is the best budget car seat for families with kids. It features better padding and protection than its predecessor, but without raising your costs too high just yet!
Cosco knows how to create a quality product at an affordable price – that much we learned from their original line of seats back in 1982. Now they’re bringing this knowledge over to the new Cosco Scenera Deluxe, which offers superior comfort while still maintaining affordability as one of its key selling points.
Best car seat for toddlers: our top picks
| Model | Image | King features |
| Graco 4Ever DLX 4-in-1 Convertible Car Seat, |  | Best overall |
| Safety 1st Grow and Go All-in-One Car Seat |  | Best budget |
| Chicco KeyFit 30 Infant Car Seat, Orion |  | Best quality |
| Britax Boulevard ClickTight Convertible Car Seat |  | Best convertible car seat |
| Graco Grows4Me 4 in 1 Car Seat |  | Bestseller |
| Britax One4Life ClickTight All-in-One Car Seat |  | All-in-one car seat |
| Graco Extend2Fit Convertible Car Seat |  | Best toddler car seat 2021 |
| Graco SlimFit 3 in 1 Car Seat |  | 3-in-1 car seat |
| Graco Tranzitions 3 in |  | Best toddler car seat |
| Graco TurboBooster Stretch Booster Seat |  | Best value |
Graco 4Ever 4-in-1 (Best Travel Car Seat For A 2 Year Old )
The Graco 4Ever is an excellent choice for a convertible car seat because it can grow with your child. Made from durable materials and designed to last, the 4ever has a 10-year expiration date which means you will get years of use out of this one investment! The plush padding will keep your little one comfy all day long while on the go so don’t worry about them not being safe or comfortable when they are in their portable crib at home.
The Graco 4Ever 4-in-1 is the Best Car Seats for Toddlers offer comfort, features that are simple to install, and adjustable as your child grows.
Pros
- Lightweight
- easy to install
- safe car seat
- super comfortable
Cons
- little tighten
Safety 1st Grow and Go 3-in-1 toddlers Car Seat
The Safety 1st Guide 65 seat is a versatile car seat that can be worn in both rear and front positions. The LATCH system makes it easy to install, and side-impact protection will provide your baby with the utmost safety.
This convertible car seat comes fully equipped with removable body pillows for added comfort as well as an adjustable headrest which you may customize according to your child’s height or weight!.
Some parents have reported feeling like their babies are too hot when they leave this particular model on long drives due to its fabric cover absorbing heat from outside temperatures coming into contact if left out during periods of intense sunlight (i.e., summer). Be sure not to let this happen by either keeping the vehicle cool before installing installation taking place.
Pros
- Elegant design
- easily install
- easy to clean
- very comfy and safe seat
Cons
- Not easily adjust
Chicco KeyFit Infant 30 Car Seat
The Chicco seat is an excellent option for new parents who need a car seat that will secure their newborn. The full-body inserts and EPS energy-absorbing foam make it hard to get your baby out of this carrier! And with the adjustable, removable canopy you can shield them from harmful rays all summer long.
Pros
- Removable cushion
- easily adjust
- very comfortable
- highly recommended
Cons
- Buckles are not easily adjust
Britax Boulevard ClickTight Convertible Car Seat
The Boulevard ClickTight Convertible Car Seat is perfect for people with a growing baby. The harness quickly adjusts to 14 different positions, and the seat has premium padding so your child can sit comfortably as they grow. In addition, this car seat comes equipped with an extra layer of side-impact protection that will keep them safe from injury in any situation
Pros
- Perfect for the growing baby
- highly recommended
- easy to carry
- light in weight
Cons
- Straps are not so good
Graco Grows4Me 4 in 1 Car Seat
The seats are both convenient and comfortable for your child. The harness transitions from rear-facing to forward-facing, high back-to-backless, and from 40-100 lb to 110 lb. You can use Grows4Me 4-in-1 car seats for ten years.
Use the Simply Safe Adjust Harness System to adjust the harness and headrest together for a proper fit without rethreading. You can change the headrest and recline your child in ten different positions. It is the only car seat you will ever need. These seats feel high-quality.
I am confident that my children are safe and comfortable. There is a more expensive seat right above this one, but I am glad I didn’t. It is a great seat. The seat lacks a couple of bells and whistles that would not have made much of a difference.
Pros
- Adjustable harness
- Padding along the sides
- Large seats
- Solid base
- Easy to install
- Easy to carry with handle
Cons
- Stitching quality is bad
- Plastic material is not good
6. Britax One4Life ClickTight All-in-One Car Seat
All-in-one car seats are a big hit with parents because of their convenience and low price. Britax’s One4Life is a standout favorite because of several (really impressive) reasons.
You can use this car seat from birth through elementary school. With just a few simple steps, it converts into a rear-facing infant seat, a forward-facing five-point harness seat, and finally into a high-back belt-positioning booster seat.
Using one core will save you time, money, and the hassle of having to remove and reinstall multiple car seats throughout ten years.
It’s also one of the safest seats in its class. (According to experts, more than half of car seats are installed incorrectly.) Britax’s patented Click Tight installation system uses your vehicle’s seatbelt to tighten the belt so it’s easy to install. It also has steel frames, crumple zones and a V-shaped tether to absorb energy in accidents. Side impact protection is also provided.
Pros
- Super comfortable
- Easy to install
- Easy to carry
- It’s worth the money
- Affordable product
- Excellent quality
Cons
- Straps are not good
- Headrest is lose
7. Graco Extend2Fit Convertible Car Seat
There are three main reasons why the Extend2Fit is a favorite:
- A high rear-facing weight limit
- Easy installation
- An excellent fit for most cars
The best thing about this seat is that it’s 50 pounds so that kids can stay rear-facing longer than with most other convertible seats.
When rear-facing, the seat’s ability to sit almost upright allows parents who have smaller cars or are taller to fit their kids well. Additionally, the seat has a leg rest that can extend to give an extra five inches of legroom, so extended rear-facing is more comfortable. Also, it works well for kids of all ages, from newborns to school-aged children.
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- Easy to adjust
- Easy to use
- The buckles can be stored there
- It has two convenient cup holders
Cons
- Hard to tighten
- Washing the covers takes too much time
8. Graco Slim Fit three in one Car Seat
You might not be able to fit big, bulky car seats in a compact car. It’s best to buy a 3-in-1 car seat like the Graco SlimFit in this situation. This model has rotating cup holders that can be tucked away under the back seat to save space.
The reclining chair also has integrated harness storage and the InRight LATCH system, and rotating cup holders. These are the perfect solutions for small cars or for fitting three car seats in the backseat.
Pros
- Super easy to use
- More comfortable
- Budget-friendly
- Easy to clean
- It has great cup holders
- A good option for small cars
- Highly recommended
Cons
- Because of the safety sticker, you can’t use the car seat in warmer months.
- Much warmer seat
- Difficult to install
The Graco Tranzitions 3-in-1 Harness Booster Car Seat grows with your child so that you can take it anywhere – when you’re in your car, carpooling, or on a walk.
The lightweight car seat seamlessly converts from harness to high back booster (40-100 lbs) to backless (40-100 kg). It includes the Simply Safe Adjust Harness System that lets you adjust the headrest and harness to 8 different height positions at once.
Two removable cup holders keep your kid happy, and the seat pad, body insert and harness cover can be machine washed.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Easy to carry
- Super easy to install
- Lifesaver
- Comfortable car seat
- Reasonable price
Cons
- The Latch system does not work properly
- Tight enough
10.Graco TurboBooster Stretch Booster Seat
Graco turbo booster is one of my favorite seat. There are no rough edges to the plastic parts, the covers are good quality and provide adequate padding, and they are also straightforward to remove. There is a lever on the top to adjust the back and headrest positions (which also allows the side protection position). Handy is the front LATCH system adjustment, so you do not have to fiddle with some hard-to-reach straps. When not in use, the LATCH anchors will not dangle and get in the way inside the seat.
The cup holder is nice and big, but you will need to tilt the chair or remove it from the car if necessary. You can place small stuff or snack items in the hideout storage, which is pretty neat.
The size is too large for a smaller vehicle; the width will take up the adjacent seats. Overall it’s a great seat
Pros
- Safe and comfortable
- Easy to adjust
- Lightweight
- Easy buckle
- Removable cover
- Easy to clean
Cons
- size is too large
Buying guide
1. Choose a tested and approved car seat
There are two different regulations for car seats; ECE R44 and UNR 129-Size. If you’re a parent, it’s essential to pick a car seat that’s tested according to one of these. In addition to being tested for forwarding and rear-facing collisions, a car seat approved by ECE R44 is also tested for side impact. The latest maximum requirements have been met by the UNR 129 approved child safety seat.
2. Installation is easy and secure
Make sure your car has ISOfix. To connect ISOfix car seats to vehicle seats, small metal rings run down the back of the seat.
The Isofix system is quick and convenient, and the clear indicators help you make sure you’re doing it right.
3. Pick a car seat that you can use throughout the entire trip
Ensure that your child will enjoy the most significant level of safety and comfort while in the car seat. Select a car seat that will grow with your child. Look for adjustable height, adjustable reclining position, space for the legs, and side-impact protection.
4. Side impact protection is crucial
There are between 25-30% of impacts that cause side impacts, so ensuring the protection of the car seat side is crucial and is part of the new UN R129 Regulations.
5. Plenty of legroom – more extended usage
Legroom is one of the main reasons parents turn their kids forward-facing too early. Car seats with more legroom are more likely to be used longer. Kids can have more legroom when they get bigger when they’re in car seats with adjustable legroom.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you travel with a toddler car seat?
You can use a car seat travel belt to attach your lightweight car seat to the handle of your carry-on luggage and roll it that way or buy a small stroller-like bag with backpack straps.
Does a 2-year-old have to sit in a car seat on an airplane?
The FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) recommends at any time during a flight to have one’s children sit in a car seat to reduce turbulence-induced injuries when onboard. Some parents prefer this option because young infants cannot be strapped into seats themselves – but some may worry about carrying their precious cargo through airports or across busy terminals while trying to keep track of other belongings such as luggage! No need, though: most airlines will allow kids under two years.
When should I switch my toddler’s car seat?
It’s hard to believe that the seats we strap our adorable little ones into are not always as safe and comfortable for them. Parents have found themselves taking their kids in these infant car seats up until they’re two years old when it’s recommended that you switch over to a larger convertible seat with more features. But don’t worry- if your kid is under nine months of age (or has reached the weight or height limit) then there should be no need for an upgrade!
As parents use an infant seat, sometimes some find themselves struggling between whether they want to move on sooner rather than later from something so small just because their child outgrows it technically before 2 years old but can still safely stay put till 9 months depending.
How do you take a toddler in a taxi?
Today, laws in California dictate that children under the age of 8 years old or 4 feet 9 inches tall must be transported in an appropriate child seat while rear-facing. For infants and toddlers less than 2 years old with a weight between 20 and 40 pounds, they need to ride rear-facing until at least their second birthday. Older kids aged 3 through 7 who are taller than these requirements (but not yet over 8) can sit forward facing if they meet certain criteria such as height restrictions for car seats, which vary by manufacturer but typically range from 42″ – 52″. To make sure your family’s vehicle is up to par with today’s standards, check out our guide below!
Can I ride Uber with a toddler?
Uber continues to innovate the ridesharing experience by allowing new parents, such as you and me! With children too young for a car seat, now we can enjoy Uber. We just need to bring our own baby carrier or stroller when using this service so that it is safe for everyone on board.
Now we know that even if you’re not ready for your little one’s first big ride alone in his/her own vehicle yet (which I understand!), there are still ways of getting around town with transportation like Uber while ensuring safety comes before convenience every time – without having to go through all of those steps yourself!. Why get out from behind the wheel at home? Whatever daycare services they offer won’t be quite as memorable after.
Final thoughts
We reviewed the best car seat for toddlers. There are so many infant car seats on the market that it’s hard to pick just one, but the Graco 4Ever DLX 4-in-1 Convertible Car Seat is our top pick.
You can get a two-in-one seat/stroller for less than the price of an average car seat, which will save you money without compromising on quality. Our top choice when it comes to a budget-friendly car seat that’s both safe and reliable is the Safety 1st Grow and Go All-in-One Car Seat. It’s got a lot of features that you’ll only find on far more expensive models.