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10 best toddler car seats for 2024: tested by parents

After months of in-depth testing by parents, here’s our roundup of the UK’s best toddler car seats to buy right now.

By Lucy Cotterill & Laura Westerman | Last updated Apr 9, 2024

Choosing the best and safest car seat for your toddler can be a tricky business. You may have spent an eternity choosing the best baby car seat , but once your child reaches the maximum weight limit (at approximately 12 or 15 months), you'll need to move them up to the next stage seat.

Whether you're aiming to keep your child rear-facing for as long as possible, looking for a 360 spin car seat to quickly get your child in and out, or want a seat that'll last all the way through up to 12 years old, we've got you covered.

How we chose the best toddler car seats

To help you wade through the car seat minefield, we spent over 100 hours knee-deep in research to find the safest and best car seats for toddlers:

We scoured the Mumsnet forums , home to eight million users a month, as well as other trusted review sites for honest opinions from parents.

We consulted independent crash test results undertaken by German automobile club ADAC , which performs stringent safety tests, as well as lab test results from consumer champion Which?. This ensured that we were only recommending the safest toddler car seats on the market.

We conducted our research with the latest UK car seat laws and regulations in mind and spoke to leading experts in the field. These experts included Jan James, Chief Executive of Good Egg Safety , Nick Lloyd, Acting Head of Road Safety at the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), Margaret Bolt, founder of Rear Facing Toddlers , and Claire Waterhouse, founder of Child Seat Safety .

After assessing all of the above as well as price, overall design and age range, we created a longlist of 30 seats, which was later narrowed down to a shortlist of 16.

We then partnered with parent testers to really put each seat through its paces to bring you the UK's best toddler car seats as listed below.

All the car seats were tested for a minimum of one week each and scored on the following criteria: safety and stability, installation, day-to-day use, comfort, aesthetics, ease of cleaning and value for money. Here are the best toddler car seats you can buy right now.

Best toddler car seats at a glance

Best overall toddler car seat: Maxi-Cosi Pearl Pro 2 i-Size | Buy now

Best budget toddler car seat: Cozy N Safe Arthur | Buy now

Best 360 toddler car seat: Joie i-Spin 360 i-Size | Buy now

Best toddler car seat for safety: Axkid Spinkid | Buy now

Best toddler car seat up to age 12: Cosatto All in All Ultra 360 Rotate i-Size | Buy now

Best toddler car seat for comfort: Cybex Sirona Gi i-Size | Buy now

Best extended rear-facing toddler car seat: Axkid ONE 2 | Buy now

Best toddler car seat for travel: Maxi-Cosi Nomad Plus | Buy now

Best combination toddler car seat: Britax Römer Advansafix IV R | Buy now

Best toddler car seat with rebound bar: Britax Römer Dualfix M i-Size | Buy now

Maxi-Cosi Pearl Pro2 i-Size

Rear-facing until approximately age four

Easy to fit with the ISOFIX base – visual and audible feedback confirms correct fitting

Five-point harness stays open so you can get your child in and out of the seat easily

Adjustable headrest

Four-position recline

Comfortable padded seat 

Machine-washable covers 

ISOFIX base must be bought separately

Has lots of padding, which means it takes a long time to dry

Not as much legroom for rear-facing toddlers as offered by other extended rear-facing seats we tested such as the BeSafe iZi Modular i-Size

Price: £220 (also requires £139 ISOFIX base sold separately) | Age range: 67 to 105cm (six months to around four years) | Safety credentials: R129 (i-Size) – includes side impact protection | Fixing system: ISOFIX with 3wayFix base (sold separately) | Dimensions: 47.5 × 61 × 500-595cm | Weight: 7.55kg | Guarantee: Lifetime warranty

Tested by Mumsnet: Read our full Maxi-Cosi Pearl Pro i-Size review

An upgrade on the original 2wayPearl, the Maxi-Cosi Pearl Pro i-Size is an extended rear-facing car seat suitable from six months to around four years of age (or 105cm in height). 

The most recent edition, the Maxi-Cosi Pearl Pro2, now includes a reversible padded comfort cushion, offering additional support for babies under two years old. With a breathable 3D mesh side that keeps your child cool during the summer and cosy on colder days, this temperature-controlled cushion is a brilliant upgrade.  

The Maxi-Cosi Pearl Pro2 is quick and easy to install in your car using the FamilyFix3 ISOFIX base , with interactive light and sound indicators to confirm that you’ve installed it correctly. It doesn’t come cheap, however it’s also compatible with the Maxi-Cosi Pebble Pro , Jade and Rock infant car seats, meaning you may have already made this investment. 

Weighing less than 8kg, it’s relatively light to carry to your car, but unlike other lightweight options such as the Britax Römer Evolva 1/2/3 SL SICT (see below), you’d also need to move the ISOFIX base, so it’s not a seat you’ll want to be swapping between cars or taking with you on holiday.

The Maxi-Cosi Pearl Pro2 has been approved to the latest European i-Size (R129) safety standards, offering a secure high-density seat with robust side impact protection. While it’s recommended you keep your child rear-facing as long as possible, you can easily switch this seat to forward-facing from 15 months, however it doesn’t swivel like the more expensive Maxi-Cosi Pearl 360 model. Our parent tester Anna noted that although it didn’t offer as much legroom as the BeSafe iZi Modular i-Size , her baby was content and comfortable in rear-facing mode. 

Anna also loved the five-point safety harness on this seat, which stays open when unfastened to help get even uncooperative toddlers in and out of the car with ease. A seat that easily grows with your child, the headrest can quickly be adjusted to suit your child’s height as they grow. There are four recline settings (from sitting upright to a relaxed sleeping position), so you can be confident your child will be calm and content during your journey. 

The covers on the Maxi-Cosi Pearl Pro2 are easy to remove and freshen up in the washing machine as and when required, however due to the significant amount of padding, it can take quite a while to dry, so choose your timing wisely. 

Overall, this car seat is a great all-rounder - a safe and comfortable car seat that can easily adapt to suit your toddler’s needs. If you’ve already got a Maxi-Cosi baby car seat , this makes a great follow-on choice with a lifetime warranty for additional peace of mind. 

Read next: The best car seats for 4-year-olds and beyond

Cozy N Safe Arthur

Frame reinforced with steel and padded with high-density polyurethane foam

Covers are machine-washable

Easy-adjust headrest

Four recline positions

Choice of ISOFIX and seatbelt installation 

Tricky to install when using seat belt fixings – you can only use ISOFIX for forward-facing travel

Price: £130 | Age range: Birth to 12 years – rear-facing from birth to 18kg (or four years) and forward-facing from 9kg to 36kg (approximately nine months to 12 years) | Safety credentials: R44/04, side impact protection, steel frame for improved structural strength and energy absorption | Fixing system: Seat belt for rear-facing and seat belt or ISOFIX for front-facing | Weight: 12.5kg | Guarantee: 12 months

Tested by Mumsnet: Read our full Cozy N Safe Arthur review

When it comes to longevity, few seats offer value for money as great as the Cozy N Safe Arthur . A hard-wearing extended rear-facing seat that is suitable for up to 12 years, it offers four different recline positions, including a lie-flat angle that makes it suitable from birth. 

A modern and stylish design that’s designed to grow with your child, it’s described by our parent tester Sam as giving ‘Star Wars’ vibes - far less likely than some to result in reluctant eye rolls when using it with your preteen. 

The seat has been created with comfort in mind, with a strong steel frame that is fully lined with high-density foam for a cocoon-like cushioning during travel. With well-padded, anti-slip chest pads, it has a secure and comfortable harness that can adjust automatically as your child grows, simply raising the headrest with one hand to accommodate your child’s increasing height. 

It’s tested to the older R44 regulations, so it’s worth noting that it can only be fitted with ISOFIX when used forward-facing. In rear-facing mode (which you can use until your child is around four years of age), installation is via the seatbelt alone, which our parent tester found a little fiddly to secure. 

While the seat is sturdy and robust with strong side impact protection, there is an increased risk of installing it incorrectly when using the belt and, as such, it’s not a seat that you’d want to move between cars regularly. Given its heavier design (weighing 4kg more than the Britax Römer Evolva 1/2/3 SL SICT ), it’s more suited to leave this seat permanently installed until you’re ready to switch to forward-facing.

For convenience, the covers are easy to remove and machine-washable and, with significant padding and an in-built ventilation system, the Arthur will keep your child safe and comfy for many years to come. 

Read next: The best baby carriers, as tested by parents

Joie i-Spin 360 i-Size

Chunky padding

Multi-height headrest and harness system adjust simultaneously – requires no re-threading

Six recline positions

Easy installation

The floor leg fixture is a bit fiddly

The bulky design makes it difficult to carry the seat to and from the car

Takes up substantial space due to support leg 

Price: £280 | Age range: Rear-facing from birth to 105cm or four years old; forward-facing from 15 months to 105cm | Safety credentials: ECE R129/02; Smart Ride™ lock-off; Guard Surround Safety™ panels for side impact protection; Tri-Protect™ headrest | Fixing system: ISOFIX | Forward-facing dimensions: 65 × 58 × 51.5-76cm | Weight: 13.9kg | Guarantee: Two years

Tested by Mumsnet: Read our full Joie i-Spin 360 i-Size review

If you're after a great all-rounder, the Joie i-Spin 360 i-Size is worth the spend. Recently voted Mumsnet’s best 360 spin car seat , this extended rear-facing car seat is suitable all the way from birth until your child reaches four years old.

While this 13.9kg car seat is a bit too heavy to be carried between cars, our parent tester Sam loved the integrated ISOFIX base. It also has a convenient spinning design, allowing you to fully rotate the seat to the door side and place even the most stubborn of toddlers inside without breaking out in a sweat. Should you wish to do so, this seat can also be turned forward-facing from the age of 15 months, however for the safest journey we recommend that you keep your child rear-facing for as long as possible.

A large, well-padded seat, it features impressive side ventilation for warmer days and with six recline positions, you can find the most comfortable seating position for your child over long journeys. It’s easy to adapt to your child as they grow, with the five-point safety harness adjusting automatically when the headrest height is raised. 

The Joie i-Spin 360 is also packed with excellent safety features and there is very little chance of installing it incorrectly. Using ISOFIX and a slightly fiddly support leg for stability, it offers visual indicators to reassure you that it’s set up correctly before you start your journey. The protective side impact panels and three layers of shock-absorbing padding in the headrest provide significant protection for your child’s head in the event of a front or side-on collision. This is reflected in the Joie i-Spin 360’s good rating with ADAC, also performing well in Which? crash tests.

We love that the covers are easy to remove and machine-washable for convenience, although they can be tight to put back on after cleaning. 

Read next: The best 360 car seats as rated by parents

Axkid Spinkid

Supports rear-facing from birth to age four

Exceptionally safe - has passed the Swedish Plus Test

180-degree swivel

Easy five-step installation

Multiple recline positions for extra comfort

12 different headrest positions

Swivel action requires two hands

Buckle is fiddly

Price: £399 | Age range: 0-4 years; up to 18kg | Safety credentials: i-Size, R129 European car seat safety standard, force-absorbing technology, rear-facing for longer | Fixing system: ISOFIX | Dimensions: 63 x 44 x 63cm | Weight: 14.5kg | Guarantee: Two years

Tested by Mumsnet: Read our full Axkid Spinkid review

Made by Swedish manufacturers, Axkid, the Spinkid prioritises safety at every turn. It supports extended rear-facing travel until your child is 105cm (around age four) and has passed the Swedish Plus Test - the most rigorous crash test in the world. You’ll also find it equipped with a high-quality harness and safety system from the Swedish technology provider Holmbergs.

We like that the seat can be used straight from birth with the padded newborn insert and that the luxuriously padded fabric cover can be removed for machine washing.

The big selling point of the Spinkid is the 180-degree rotation to make getting your baby or toddler in and out easier. However, during testing, we found that it didn’t quite live up to the hype. 

Our parent tester Claire says, “The spin feature is fantastic but unfortunately is let down by the positioning of the button to spin the seat, which means you always need two hands - not ideal when holding a baby.”

Read next: The best lie-flat car seats

Cosatto All in All Ultra 360 Rotate i-Size

Suitable from birth till age 12

Extended rear-facing to age four (or 105cm)

Excellent safety features

360-degree rotation

Colour indicators confirm correct installation

Magnets to hold straps back are not very effective

Underside of padded straps have a rubbery feel, which could cause friction

Price: £370 | Age range: 0-12 years (40-150cm) | Safety credentials: i-Size, R129 European car seat safety standard, pop-out side impact protect, five-point anti-escape system | Fixing system: ISOFIX | Dimensions: 58 x 46 x 62cm | Weight: 14.5kg | Guarantee: Four years

Tested by parents: Read our full Cosatto All in All Ultra 360 Rotate review

Cosatto’s brand-new All in All Ultra 360 Rotate is an extended rear-facing car seat with excellent safety credentials. I-Size-compliant with pop-out side impact protection and a quick-release five-point anti-escape system (the ideal additional safety feature if you have a particularly wriggly child), this car seat has been tested beyond the usual R129 requirements, in line with strict crash testing conducted by the ADAC .

As its name would suggest, one of the All in All Ultra’s best features is its 360-degree rotation, which allows you to easily get your child in and out of the seat as well as seamlessly switch from rear- to forward-facing when the time comes.

We also like how easy this car seat is to install, with green/red colour indicators which reassure you of correct installation, as well as the extendable sun hood which offers essential UV protection.

While she was less impressed with the magnet feature, which are meant to hold the harness straps back while you lift your child in and out of the seat, our parent tester Rachel, who tested the car seat out for two months with her seven-month-old, says, “The Cosatto All in All Ultra 360 Rotate offers incredible value for money considering it can be adjusted and extended for a child from birth up to age 12. It comes with all the features you could possibly need [...] and has a hard-wearing fabric that’s easy to clean. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to other parents.”

Cybex Sirona Gi i-Size

360-degree rotation for easy in and out

Integrated air ventilation and mesh fabrics to keep your toddler cool

Easy recline with five different settings

Lovely padded seat

Great value for money

360-degree rotation mechanism sometimes quite stiff

Price: From £280 | Age range: From birth with newborn inlay; otherwise from 3 months to 4 years (or 20kg); 61 to 105cm (from 40cm with newborn inlay) | Safety credentials: Integrated linear side-impact protection, energy-absorbing shell and energy reduction technology for safer forward-facing | Fixing system: ISOFIX | Dimensions: 75 x 46.6 x 74.4cm | Weight: 13kg | Guarantee: 2 years

Tested by Mumsnet: Read our full Cybex Sirona Gi i-Size review

Released in 2023, the Sirona Gi i-Size is Cybex’s latest 360-degree spin car seat and the newest addition to the brand’s popular Sirona line. Suitable from birth with the newborn insert or from three months old without, this extended rear-facing car seat will last until your child is around four years old.

Parent tester Laura tried the Sirona Gi i-Size out with her one-year-old and praised this car seat for its plush and breathable fabrics. The Plus version of the seat, which we tested, includes an upgraded air ventilation system and mesh fabric, which meant that Laura's daughter was comfortable on all car journeys. According to Cybex, the mesh “increases breathability up to six times compared to regular fabrics.”

Laura says, “The padded seat is of excellent quality and feels lovely to the touch, which keeps me reassured that my daughter is safe and comfortable at all times when rear-facing. The fact that the fabrics are super breathable is a big plus, particularly during the warmer months.”

Installing this seat is relatively easy, with simple instructions included on the side of the seat so that you have them to hand at all times. While our tester initially had some trouble connecting the seat to the anchor points in her Ford Fiesta (which was more an issue with her car then the car seat itself), the Sirona Gi i-Size has helpful green and red installation indicators both on the base and the load leg to reduce any margin for error. 

While this car seat hasn’t yet been tested by the ADAC, Cybex have done their own internal testing using the 2022 ADAC frontal crash test criteria. The Gi i-Size promotes rear-facing for longer, which is the safest way for a baby and toddler to travel, with settings that mean you can’t turn the car seat to a forward-facing position until your child is 15 months old. The seat also features linear side-impact protection and an energy-absorbing shell to help protect your child in the event of a crash, whatever the direction of impact.

One of our tester’s favourite features of this car seat is the 360-degree rotation, which she found invaluable when getting her wriggly toddler in and out of the seat. While we don’t think the rotation mechanism is as smooth as that on the Joie i-Spin 360 , it’s nevertheless a great addition to an otherwise high-performing extended rear-facing toddler car seat.

Read next: The best running buggies

Axkid ONE 2

Easy 30-second installation

Triple secure, with an alert system to tell you if it’s not installed correctly

Rear-facing up to age seven (or 23kg)

Lightweight and easy to lift in/out of the car

Fixed shoulder pads

When reclined fully, it doesn’t leave much legroom for older children

The newborn insert to be used from birth is sold separately (but is included in the Axkid ONE+2 version)

Limits how much the adult car seat in front can move back/recline

Price: £650 | Age range: 6 months up to 7 years old (23kg or 61 to 125cm) | Safety credentials: i-Size (R-129)-approved up to 23kg, shock-absorbing materials, ventilation holes, travel rear-facing for longer | Fixing system: ISOFIX | Dimensions: 44 x 76 x 54cm | Weight: 10kg | Guarantee: Two years

Tested by Mumsnet: Read our full Axkid ONE 2 review

The Axkid ONE 2 excels when it comes to safety, passing one of the world’s toughest crash tests, the Swedish Plus Test . This test really puts car seats through their paces, with incredibly robust crash tests in high-speed collisions and across short braking distances. 

Lightweight but sturdy, with a 30-second installation method (achievable once you get the hang of it), the base on the Axkid ONE 2 has a support leg with light indicators that leave little margin for error. This, combined with shock-absorbing materials to minimise forces during an impact, makes it, according to Axkid, the safest car seat they’ve ever built.

An update on the popular Axkid ONE, the Axkid ONE 2 boasts over 150 updates, most notably the headrest adjustment, which now slides to extend at the push of a button, as well as new ventilation holes for maximum safety and comfort on long car journeys, particularly in warm weather.

While the price tag is nothing short of eye-watering, the Axkid ONE 2 is currently the only ISOFIX car seat on the market that allows your child to sit rear-facing up to age seven (or 23kg, whichever comes first), making it a worthwhile investment if your keen for your child to travel rear-facing for longer. The seat slides back seamlessly to allow for more legroom as they grow, but you may find that legroom is compromised slightly when the seat is fully reclined.

With three recline options, we love Axkid’s ‘Sleepwell System’, which allows the seat angle to be positioned at 42 degrees, helping toddlers nap more comfortably during longer car journeys. Alternatively, if you’d like to use this seat from birth, you can opt to buy the high performing Axkid ONE+ 2 model instead, which includes extra support inlays to make it suitable for babies from day one.

Our parent tester, Beccy, who tested this car seat out over the course of two months with her children aged three and four, says, “Whenever I discuss rear-facing car seats with a well-meaning family member, I’m usually faced with ‘but what about their legs?’ and ‘won’t he be uncomfortable?’ Unlike our other car seat, which my child will outgrow when he reaches four years old, the Axkid ONE 2 offers ample space. The seat is mounted on rails, which allows the car seat to be adjusted up to 30cm. That’s 30cm of space to play around with and to find the most comfortable position.”

Read next: The best lightweight strollers

Maxi-Cosi Nomad Plus

Super lightweight at just 4.26kg

Foldable for travel

i-Size-compliant with Side Impact Protection

Integrated carry bag

Universal installation

Forward-facing only

Installation takes time to master

Price: £130 | Age range: 15 months up to 4 years old (76 to 105cm or 9 to 18kg) | Safety credentials: i-Size (R-129)-approved, reinforced Side Impact Protection | Fixing system: Seatbelt | Dimensions: 50 x 37.5 x 57cm | Weight: 4.26kg | Guarantee: Two years

Tested by Mumsnet: Read our full Maxi-Cosi Nomad Plus review

Ultra-compact and super lightweight, the Maxi-Cosi Nomad Plus is a foldable car seat that’s a game-changer for family holidays abroad.

I-Size-compliant, with Side Impact Protection, an easy-to-use five-point harness and comfy yet breathable padding, this car seat can be installed in any car.

Our tester, Laura, who used the Nomad Plus with her 22-month-old toddler, says, “After recently taking it with me on a two-week [family] holiday to Mexico, I was impressed with just how lightweight and adaptable this travel car seat is. It proved to be a reassuring bit of kit to have around, especially as my family were jumping in and out of different modes of transport while abroad. The fact that it’s foldable just adds to its charm.”

One-third of the size of a regular toddler car seat according to Maxi-Cosi, it folds down compactly for travel, with an integrated carry bag that makes carting it around a breeze. 

Laura adds, “I was astounded at just how small the car seat is when folded, especially when I compared it to the ginormous toddler car seat another family of three was lugging around at the airport.”

This car seat is forward-facing only, so can’t be used before your child is 15 months old, and the installation process does take time to master. That being said, it’s an affordable travel option and offers good longevity all the way through the toddler years.

Read next: The best car seats to take on the plane

Britax Römer Advansafix IV R

Seat can be fitted with ISOFIX up to 18kg, then ISOFIX and/or seatbelt after that

Three-position recline

Safety features include highback booster protection, SafeGuard lap belt positioner (once your child has outgrown the five-point harness) and advanced side impact protection, which fits onto the side of the car seat that's nearest the door

No need for a separate ISOFIX base

Height-adjustable V-shaped headrest that grows with your child

Cover is hard to remove and takes a long time to dry

The five-point harness is a little stiff to release

Price: £299 | Age range: Group 1/2/3 (nine months to 12 years or 9kg to 36kg) | Safety credentials: ECE R44/04; ADAC – 'Good' 2.3; pivot link ISOFIX system; SecureGuard; SICT advanced side impact protection | Fixing system: ISOFIX with top tether (Group 1); seatbelt with ISOFIX (Group 2/3); seatbelt (Group 2/3) | Dimensions: 60-83 × 44 × 47cm | Weight: 11kg | Guarantee: Two years

Tested by Mumsnet: Read our full Britax Römer Advansafix IV R review

If you’re looking for longevity, the Britax Römer Advansafix IV R is a stage 1/2/3  forward-facing-only car seat that not only comes with a very reasonable price tag but can be used from nine months all the way up to 12 years old, meaning it may easily be the last car seat you need to buy. 

A large and comfortable seat, the Advansafix is well cushioned, with a v-shaped headrest that offers additional support and can be adjusted to the height of your child as they grow. It doesn’t have quite as many recline options as fellow forward-facing car seat Cosy N Safe Galaxy, however the choice of three recline options allows you to switch between upright, relaxed or slightly angled for comfort.

Unlike the Maxi-Cosi Pearl Pro2, there’s no need to buy a separate ISOFIX base with this seat. The Advansafix IV R clips directly into your ISOFIX ports, with a top tether for additional stability. Thanks to the visual indicators that turn green when it's installed correctly, it's highly unlikely you can install this seat incorrectly. Once your child reaches four years of age, the Adavnsafix can be installed with the seatbelt and ISOFIX or seatbelt alone, with the now redundant five-point harness tucking away beneath the seat. 

It may be forward-facing only, but the Advansafix has more safety features than you can shake a stick at, meeting the R44/04 European safety regulations and scoring a ‘good’ score of 2.3 in ADAC testing. The ‘SecureGuard’ safety feature ensures the lap belt stays optimally positioned, so even with a wriggly child, it won’t dig into their abdomen in the event of a collision. The seat also boasts enhanced Side Impact Cushion Technology (SICT), which will absorb momentum in the event of a side-impact collision. 

With a relatively ‘grown up’ design, this seat won’t feel too babyish for school-age children. The covers are removable and machine washable, but like many padded seats of this nature, they do take some time to dry after refreshing. 

It's worth bearing in mind that this is a big seat, one that you'll want to keep permanently fixed in the back seat of your car. You should be able to fit another car seat next to it, however, it's unlikely you'll fit three in a row if you have a larger family. If you want a car seat suitable for up to 12 years but you’d prefer to keep your child rear-facing until they’re four, the Cozy n Safe Arthur (see below) is also worth considering. 

Read next: The best pushchairs

Britax Römer Dualfix M i-Size

Extended rear-facing car seat 

Deep protective side wings, a V-shaped headrest and a height-adjustable support leg

A machine-washable seat cover that can be removed in a flash

Rotates full 360 degrees

Multiple recline positions 

Price: £269 | Age range: 3 months to four years (61 to 105cm) | Rearward-facing from 61-105cm; forward-facing from 76-105cm | Safety credentials: ECE R129; Stiftung Warentest 2.3; ADAC 2.1; ÖAMTC – good; optimised side impact protection; pivot link ISOFIX system | Fixing system: ISOFIX | Dimensions: 55 x 44 x 74 cm | Weight: 12.2kg | Guarantee: Two years

Tested by Mumsnet: Read our full previous model review - Britax Römer Dualfix i-Size review

A variation of the original Britax Römer's Dualfix i-Size car seat , which was suitable from birth, the Britax Römer Dualfix M comes without a newborn insert, making it a more affordable price point that offers comfortable rear-facing for your child from around three months (61cm) till approximately four years. While we would recommend keeping your child rear-facing as long as possible, you can also use this seat forward-facing from 15 months without needing to reinstall the seat.

There’s no doubt about it - this seat is a huge contraption that'll likely dominate the back seat of your car. But it’s easy to install thanks to the integrated ISOFIX base and support leg, with handy visual indicators that offer reassurance it’s positioned correctly. 

With a full 360-degree rotation, placing your child inside the car couldn't be easier. Simply rotate the seat to the door side and allow your toddler to climb in themselves, or place your child in the seat without straining or stretching your back.

The seat is also packed full of safety features for parents’ peace of mind, including an impact-absorbing steel shell, integrated side impact cushions and a unique V-shaped headrest, offering additional cushioning for your child’s head and neck in the event of a collision. The seat performs well across Which? lab testing and scores a good 2.1 score in ADAC crash tests, offering excellent safety ratings across front, rear and side-impact collisions.

The rebound bar is adjustable to ensure a secure and comfortable fit as your child grows. With good padding and no less than 12 recline positions, you can be confident your child can be content and comfortable even if they nod off during your travels.

The best part - the brand’s ‘easy remove’ cover, actually does what it says, lifting away from the frame easily for refreshing in the washing machine.

Read next: The best baby carrier backpacks

How do you choose the best car seat for your toddler?

When choosing the best car seat for your toddler, consider the following:

Excellent safety ratings: Keeping your toddler safe and secure is by far the most important factor when choosing the next-stage car seat. You should investigate the car seat's safety features including side impact protection, a five-point safety harness and well padded side wings. You should also consider the product's safety ratings, specifically whether it’s been measured to the R44/R129 European safety standards, the views of impartial lab testing at consumer champion Which? or from trusted safety regulators, such as ADAC . Not all modern seats have been ADAC or Which? tested yet, so a lack of score does not mean the seat is unsafe.

Extended rear-facing: Not all toddler car seats offer rear-facing travel, with forward-facing car seats legally allowed from the age of 15 months. Other toddler car seats allow extended rear-facing, deemed to be the safest way for your child to travel, until the age of four. 

Age, weight and height: What are the minimum (and maximum) age, weight and height limits for the seat? Depending on which regulations they’ve been tested to, some seats use your child's height or weight rather than age when outlining suitability. Check each seat carefully to make sure you choose the correct size seat for your toddler.

Easy and secure installation: How easy is the seat to install and what are the chances of installing it incorrectly? Can it be installed by the seatbelt alone for easy switching between cars, or does it use ISOFIX for additional stability? If using ISOFIX, does the seat require a separate ISOFIX base or does it come as one complete unit? Some of the best toddler car seats use visual or sound indicators to provide reassurance that you've installed your car seat correctly.

Comfort and support: How comfortable is the seat? Is it well padded, or is it ventilated or made from breathable fabrics for warmer days? Does it recline for maximum comfort and support and how much legroom does it allow when used in rear-facing mode? 

Compatibility with your vehicle: How big is the car seat and will it fit in your car? Car seats with separate ISOFIX bases tend to take up more space on the seat and footwell, with the support leg often protruding forward for stability. If you have other car seats already, it's also worth considering whether there is space for additional seats to be placed side by side. 

Ease of use: How easy is the car seat to use? Will your toddler be able to climb in without assistance, and can the harness straps stay open for more simple securing before setting off on your journey? Consider whether the seat offers any additional features that may make your life easier - from magnetic straps to one-handed reclines. 

Does it recline?: Does the seat offer several recline positions and if so, can they be easily adjusted once the seat is installed? If your toddler is inclined to nod off during longer journeys, a seat that can be angled backwards can offer a more comfortable position for your child. 

Does it grow with your child?: How easy is it to adjust the seat as your child grows? How many headrest settings are there and is the headrest easy to adjust one-handed? Does the harness automatically adjust as the headrest is raised, or does it need to be manually rethreaded? 

How easy is it to clean?: Are the covers easy to remove and are they handwash only, or can they be popped in the washing machine for a quick and easy refresh? You may also want to consider whether spare covers are available, as many well-padded seats can take a while to fully dry after cleaning.  

Does it come with a warranty?: Toddler car seats can be expensive, so a product that comes with a long manufacturer warranty can provide additional peace of mind 

Read next: The best car sunshades for babies

What safety features should you look for in the best toddler car seat?

The following safety features will provide maximum security and protection for your child in the event of a collision:

Five-point harness: A five-point safety harness not only ensures that your child is positioned correctly inside the seat, it also keeps your child safe in the event of a collision. Using various points of contact across your child’s shoulders, hips and legs, they distribute any forces in the event of an impact, reducing the risk of injury. They also hold your child securely in their seat and prevent slumping or slipping inside the seat To ensure the best fit, the safety harness should be adjusted as your child grows. Some seats have harnesses that adjust automatically as the headset is raised - this is preferable, as it reduces the risk of rethreading incorrectly. 

Side impact protection: Car seats generally offer good padding and protection in the event of a front or back collision, but enhanced side impact cushioning can also protect your child’s head, neck and torso in the event of a collision from the side. Whilst many car seats have wide side wings and deep headrests for additional protection, some toddler car seats also have additional side impact cushioning that can be triggered on the door side, reducing the forces against the seat in the event of a side-on crash. 

Adjustable headrest: When using a car seat over a longer period, it’s important to adjust the headrest as your child gets taller. Not only does this make the seat more comfortable for your child and reduce the risk of their head falling forward, but it also ensures sufficient head and neck protection in the event of an accident. 

Energy-absorbing foam: To keep your child safe, the shell of the car seat should be robust and well-padded, creating a comforting cocoon around your child in the event of a crash. Many toddler car seats use multiple layers of energy-absorbing foam, which can cushion and reduce the forces experienced upon impact to protect your child. 

Read next: The best travel cots, according to Mumsnet users

How do you install a toddler car seat correctly, and what are some common mistakes to avoid?

Here are some steps to make sure you install your toddler’s car seat correctly:

Read the instructions: No matter how simple it may seem, you should always read the manufacturer’s instructions and follow them carefully to ensure that the seat is securely fastened to the vehicle. If you find written instructions confusing, we recommend checking for installation videos online, which can often make the steps far easier to follow.

Check for visual indicators: many toddler car seats, especially those with ISOFIX bases, offer visual or audio indicators to advise when a seat has been correctly installed. Look out for the green lights or audible clicks to confirm that the seat is in the correct position before adding your child. 

When to switch to forward-facing?: Some seats allow easy switching between forward and rear-facing modes. It’s worth remembering that even if the car seat allows you to do so, you should not switch to forward-facing mode until your child is 15 months or above. Where possible, it’s recommended you keep your child rear-facing till approximately four years of age. 

Secure the harness: Ensure the seat belt is properly secured, one of the most common mistakes with car seat installation is not tightening the harness enough. According to experts at Childcarseats.org , the straps should feel quite tight “so that only one or two fingers can fit between the child's chest and harness” 

Remove layers: Remove coats and jackets before placing your child in the seat - as tempting as it may be in the winter months, you should remove thick clothing before placing your child in the seat. Healthychildren.org explain why: “In a car crash, fluffy padding in a coat immediately flattens out from the force, leaving extra space under the harness.”

Are there any drawbacks to using a certain type of toddler car seat?

While each type of toddler car seat has its advantages, there may be some drawbacks to consider. Rear-facing seats may take up more space in the car, front-facing seats may have weight restrictions, and 360 seats may be more expensive. It's important to weigh these factors before making a decision.

A car seat expert’s top tips for buying the best toddler car seat

Don’t move your child up to the next stage seat too early – it’s safer to let them reach the limit of their baby car seat before moving them to a bigger one

It's important to keep them rear-facing for as long as possible because it's the safest way to prevent serious injury in a collision

Check that your new seat will fit all the cars you want to use it in. For additional piece of mind, Childcarseats.org recommend you find a retailer that will allow you to try the seat in your car before you buy it.

Try to find a seat that has easily removable covers – toddlers will be toddlers after all 

We love this handy car seat shopping list from consumer champion Which? which may be helpful if you’re shopping in a physical store. 

Read next: Tips for keeping your family safe on the road

What type of car seats are available for toddlers?

I-size car seat: extended rear-facing seat.

Suitable from 67 to 105cm (approximately six months to four years) – some can even be used from birth

Can typically be used in both rearward and forward-facing positions – some allow your child to rear-face until they're four years old

Fitted with an ISOFIX base

Combination seat: Group 0+/1, Group 0+/1/2 and Group 0+/1/2/3

Group 0+/ 1 used from birth to 18kg (approximately four years)

Group 0+/1/2 used from birth to 25kg (approximately five or six years)

Group 0+/1/2/3 used from birth to 36kg (around 12 years old)

ISOFIX and seatbelt fittings are available

Some combination seats offer an extended rear-facing option for toddlers

Forward-facing car seat: Group 1

Used from 9kg to 18kg (approximately nine months to four years old)

Forward-facing only – it’s recommended that you keep your baby rear-facing until at least 15 months

ISOFIX and seat belt fittings are available

High-back booster with harness: Group 1/2/3

Used from 9kg to 36kg (approximately nine months to 12 years old)

Read next: UK car seat regulations explained

What does extended rear-facing mean and why is it important?

In a collision, a child’s head can be thrown forward with great force in a forward-facing car seat because the body is held in place by the harness but the head and neck are not. An infant’s neck muscles are weak and their head is disproportionately big compared to their body, so this can cause serious injury.

In an extended rear-facing seat , the force pushes the child into the seat, so the head neck and spine are protected, which reduces the risk of injury.

While they can be more expensive, keeping your child in a rear-facing position as long as you can will generally be safer for them, especially if you know you'll be driving a lot. It also depends on the size of your vehicle and how the seat is fitted.

What's the difference between R44 and R129 (i-Size)?

At the moment, both R129 and R44 car seats are available to buy and legal to use in the UK, but eventually i-Size will replace all R44 seats.

Classification is based on weight

Side-impact tests aren’t required, although some manufacturer’s do them anyway

Frontal collision testing is done at a speed of 50km/h and rear impact collision testing is done at 30km/h

Seat can be fitted using a seatbelt or ISOFIX fittings

Seat must be rear-facing until the child weighs 9kg (around nine months)

Classification is based on height

Side-impact tests are mandatory

Seat can only be fitted using ISOFIX – ISOFIX reduces the margin for error

Seat must be rear-facing until the child is older than 15 months

Side-impact protection, which usually takes the form of padding around the headrest and sides, absorbs the force of the impact in the event of a car accident to prevent serious head injuries

How we tested the best toddler car seats

How we tested for assembly, safety and stability.

We analysed what tests the seats had passed and, crucially, how easy each seat was to attach and detach in addition to how useful and effective the designated fixing systems (seatbelt or ISOFIX) were in order to avoid making any dangerous mistakes. We also switched from rear- to front-facing and reclining positions where possible.

We analysed the materials used, studying everything from padding to the straps, and we thoroughly checked the safety features of each, looking for five-point harnesses that couldn’t be clicked open by small fingers.

How we tested for comfort

We made sure that babies were comfortable, that there were no parts that could rub or cause irritation, and that all fittings were baby-proof, with no chance of parts being removed or buckles and belts being undone by the child in the seat or others sitting with them.

We noted if there was anything that was distracting about the seat when driving – did the seat obscure your view? Were the colours too ‘jazzy’ or bright?

How we tested in day-to-day life

We tested how quick and easy it was to get little ones in and out of the seat, if they were able to fall asleep comfortably if they usually did so in a car, if the seat was able to accommodate them when removed from the car if still sleeping, and if they seemed happy in the seat.

We also evaluated if the seat was easily adjustable to grow with your child. We took the seats on busy school runs, shopping trips, longer journeys and quick trips out throughout the day, observing how happy and comfortable babies were and how convenient seats were to get in and out of the car if necessary.

About the author

Lucy Cotterill is a mum of two and Content Writer at Mumsnet, specialising in baby/child product reviews and round-ups. Having written product reviews on her own blog Real Mum Reviews since 2012, Lucy loves to research and explore the pros and cons of baby products, scrutinising reviews and consumer feedback to help parents make confident purchases that benefit their families.

Lucy has personal experience of researching, buying and using car seats with her own children, including the first car seats compatible with her travel system to 360-degree swivel seats and the multi-stage car seats that her children still use today.

Originally from a HR background with a degree in Business Studies, Lucy developed a real passion for blogging and writing when her children were young, going on to write for several online publications including US parenting site Pregistry and the Evening Standard.

When she’s not manically tapping the keys of her laptop, Lucy loves nothing more than to cosy up with her Kindle and enjoy the latest thriller, or compete in Nintendo Switch rallies with her daughters aged six and 10.

About the editor

Laura Westerman is an editor, writer and Deputy Head of Editorial Content at Mumsnet. With over seven years' experience as a full-time editor, five of which have been spent writing, commissioning and editing product reviews and round-ups, Laura has a keen eye for what parents love and likes nothing more than putting together honest reviews to make parents' lives that little bit easier. 

In addition to her work as a writer and editor, she has also appeared in a number of baby product review videos for Mumsnet's YouTube channel. She is mum to a one-year-old.

Why you should trust our reviews

Mumsnet product reviews are written by real parents after weeks of research and testing. We work hard to provide honest and independent advice you can trust – brands can’t pay to be featured in our articles.

We spend hours researching, speaking to parents, analysing data and listening to experts before we test out the products on our shortlist.

Transparency is really important to us and that's why we're always upfront about how we tested the products we recommend. We won't always recommend the cheapest products or the ones with the most features. We write about products that we feel offer the best value to most parents – the ones we'd recommend to our own friends and family.

9 Best Toddler Car Seats in 2023

We independently research our recommended products. We may receive commissions on purchases made from our links .

Buying a toddler car seat can be stressful.

Firstly, there are a huge number of different seats on the market and it can be almost impossible to work out which is the best — and even to know what features make a good car seat.

And then, of course, there’s all the technical jargon and legal specifications. In the UK, it is a legal requirement for kids to travel in a baby or child car seat until one of the following exceptions applies:

• They are 12 years old.
• They meet the minimum height requirement for adult seats (135 cm).

Added to this is the pressure of knowing how important your choice of car seat is going to be — unlike most other baby and toddler purchases, buying a car seat is solely concerned with the safety of your child while you’re travelling. Nobody wants to get this decision wrong.

It’s enough to make your head explode 🤯

Or maybe consider just walking everywhere instead…

To try and help you make the best decision for your family, we’ve rounded up a list of the best toddler car seats on the market right now.

We also cover the small print of what you need to know about child car seats. From the legal requirements, to the latest guidance on child car seat safety, and when you should use a rear facing car seat vs. a forward facing seat. Let’s get started!

BeSafe iZi Modular X1

How much should i pay for a child seat, car seat groups explained, what are the best toddler car seats.

Let’s start with a list of the top rated car seats for toddlers – since that’s what most of you are here for!

These car seats have been chosen based on extensive research, including personal use, a thorough analysis of their respective safety features, and the curated feedback from dozens of UK parents.

Cybex Sirona S i-Size

We absolutely love the Cybex Sirona S . In terms of comfort, accessibility and easy access, it might just be the best toddler car seat on the market right now.

More importantly, it also scores highly on the rigorous ADAC testing scheme with a ‘Good’ rating of 2.3.

This child seat has a host of different features designed with safety and convenience in mind, and each one it does exceptionally well, from the 360° spin, the option for extended rear-facing, the easy ISOFIX installation, the plethora of different positions to help you get your toddler comfortable, and just the sheer luxurious feel of the materials in play here.

Why We Chose It

• Full 360° rotation
• Extended rear facing position available until 105cm tall
• 12 different headrest positions
• 5 backwards and 3 forwards recline positions adjustable by one hand
• 5 point safety harness
• Very easy ISOFIX seat installation
• Compatible with SensorSafe
• Materials and padding feels comfortable and luxurious
• Seemingly better value than the Sirona Z as the base is included

Potential Cons to Consider

• It’s very hard to find fault with this brilliant child seat.
• Occasionally fiddly strap clip takes some getting used to.

Safe and high-quality UN R129 i-Size compliant extended rear-facing car seat with innovative 360° rotation mechanism, from birth up to approximately 4 years

Silver Cross Motion

Silver Cross are an incredibly prestigious brand and its no wonder that this Motion car seat model is so popular for toddlers.

It boasts a 360° spin that’s operated by the touch of a button and is made from an incredible bamboo fabric that is thermo regulating , promising to keep your toddler comfortable and dry whatever the weather. We really like that you can remove the padding in sections as your toddler grows – the five point harness is easy to use too .

The compromise with the Silver Cross Motion is the price — it’s definitely at the more expensive end.

• Full 360° rotation at the touch of a button
• Allows for extended rearward facing
• Padding is designed in removable sections that you can remove as your child grows
• 3 reclining positions and 5 headrest positions
• Cover is made from anti-bacterial bamboo fabric that’s thermo-regulating, keeping your toddler warm and dry
• Silver Cross app is very useful for installation
• Quite expensive

Every-stage seat that grows with your child from birth to approximately 12 years with effortless 360 rotation and side loading for easy access.

Cybex Sirona Z i-Size

We’ve already waxed lyrical on the Cybex Sirona S so it’ll come as no surprise that the Sirona Z is also very highly rated among toddler parents.

Convenience and ease of use is the real name of the game here thanks to the one-handed 360° rotation and the two-click ISOFIX installation — definitely one of the simplest installations we’ve tried so far. If you’re budget conscious, it’s probably worth bearing in mind that you’ll need to buy the ISOFIX base separately if you don’t already own it, which will increase the bill.

Of course, having the base separate may be practical if you need to swap cars regularly as you only have to remove the seat section and can leave the bases installed. That, and the one-handed rotation, is the reason for the difference in price between the Sirona Z and Sirona S.

For most parents, the S series should do the trick just fine whilst saving you a decent chunk of money.

• Can be fully rotated 360° with just one hand
• Allows for extended rearward facing to 105cm tall
• 12 different headrest positions and 5 recline positions – adjustable with just one hand
• Very easy ‘two click’ installation with ISOFIX
• Available in lots of different colours
• Compatible with SensorSafe technology
• Base Z for ISOFIX attachment is required and sold separately, which ramps up the cost if you don’t already own it

The Sirona Zi i-Size car seat rotates 360˚ on its integrated base for easy boarding and switching from rear to forward-facing.

Joie i-spin 360 iSize

The Joie i-Spin 360 is another popular toddler car seat that’s more reasonably priced than the Cybex and Silver Cross models, while still boasting some really excellent features.

Firstly, the 360° rotation is easily powered with one hand and it offers extended rear-facing for the life of the seat (around 4 years old). Like the Silver Cross Motion, this Joie offers ‘grow-with-me’ padding that can be removed in sections as your child grows. It also feels thickly padded, comfortable and luxurious. One of the minor negatives that we spotted is that the recline adjustor and strap release button are easily confused as they’re so close together.

• 360° rotation using just one hand
• Extended rearward facing available for the life of the seat
• 5 point safety harness with no re-threading
• 6 recline positions both ways and 6 position adjustable headrest
• Grow-with-me padding allows you to adjust the seat to fit your child perfectly as they grow
• Guard Surround Safety panels engage when harness is tightened for extra security
• Headrest includes Intelli-Fit memory foam for extra comfort and protection
• Easily installed with ISOFIX
• Padding feels plush and comfortable
• Installation indicator on load leg
• Can be easy to confuse the strap release button and recline adjustor as they’re positioned next to each other
• Some users have found it a little fiddly at first to loosen the belt straps when needed

Suitable rearward facing from birth to 105cm/4 years. Suitable forward facing from 15 months to 105cm/4 years.

Britax Römer DUALFIX Z i-Size

Another very high quality car seat with a matching price tag is the Britax Römer DUALFIX Z series . This particular model is not suitable for newborns with the extended rear facing seat starting at use from 3 months up to 4 years.

Britax have put safety, ease of use and comfort all at the top of their priority list with this car seat and it’s definitely worth the investment if your budget allows. It boasts superior side impact protection, an adjustable rebound bar to prevent the seat from tilting in an accident and the Pivot Link ISOFIX system ensures a secure fit in the car. This is in addition to a 360° spin, multiple recline positions, excellent premium materials and much more.

• 360° rotation that makes it super easy to get your toddler in and out of the seat, even if your car is on the small side
• Can be used rear facing all the way to 105cm tall
• 12 recline positions in both rear and forward facing
• Quick-remove cover is easy to clean
• V-shaped headrest provides optimal protection and comfort
• 5-point harness
• Support leg is height adjustable to allow for complete stability
• Easy to install using ISOFIX
• Quite expensive but worth the investment if your budget allows
• Not suitable for newborns

360 spin rotation, turn to the car door to easily place and harness child in seat, Extended Reward facing (approx 3 months to 4 years) and forward facing (15 months to 4 years).

Maxi-Cosi Titan Plus

If you’re looking for quality without such a high price tag and are willing to compromise on some added-extra features, the Maxi-Cosi Titan Plus is a great option.

It’ll last your toddler all the way up to 12 years old, is very comfortable thanks to the premium padding and ClimaFlow controlling the temperature of the seat , is easy to install and boasts a number of recline positions . There’s no spin feature on this toddler car seat, which could make getting in and out of the car a little more difficult, and it doesn’t feel quite as sturdy as the more expensive options on this list.

• Excellent value for money
• Should last with your toddler for as long as they need a car seat (approximately 12 years)
• Easy ISOFIX installation
• ClimaFlow controls the temperature of the seat
• Belt hooks to allow you to easily put your child in
• Titan Plus model has a useful ‘easy-in’ harness system
• 5 recline positions
• Comfortable padding
• 5 point safety harness can be used up to 18kg (around 4 years old)
• No 360° spin feature
• Doesn’t feel hugely sturdy

A multi-stage car seat suitable for babies, toddlers and children from 9 months to about 11 or 12 years (approx. 9-36 kg)

Maxi-Cosi Pearl Smart i-Size

The Maxi-Cosi Pearl Smart i-Size seat is a good pick if you want an i-Size car seat without paying through the nose for premium add-ons and ‘nice-to-haves’.

It’s easy to install, offers extended rear-facing travel and the recline is easily adjusted. Just bear in mind that you’ll need to purchase a base separately if you don’t already own one which will jack up the cost a bit. There’s also no 360° spin or newborn insert available.

• Good price for an i-Size car seat
• Allows for extended rearward facing up to 105cm
• Base (sold separately) is easily installed and offers interactive feedback to ensure compliance and accuracy
• Recline positions available
• Harness and headrest can be adjusted simultaneously as your child grows
• No spin for easy entry/exit
• Base must be purchased separately if you don’t already own one ( don’t be drawn in exclusively by that low price tag! )
• No newborn insert

Harness and headrest of this car seat adjust simultaneously for easy adjustment when child grows. Must be installed in combination with FamilyFix One i-Size, FamilyFix2 or FamilyFix3 base.

Britax Römer Multi-Tech III

The Britax Römer Multi-Tech III is another popular toddler car seat that is designed from the ground up for mum or dad’s peace of mind.

The construction of the seat is focused on safety , with its advanced side impact protection and deep, protective side wings that act as a cocoon for your child in case of impact. Other features are a little lacking in the Multi-Tech III — there’s no ISOFIX installation, for instance, and no spin available — this is a little surprising given it’s pretty expensive.

We do like that you can use the Britax Römer website to check if the car seat is suitable for your vehicle model. A nice time-saving touch that should be a no-brainer for ALL car seat sellers!

• Offers very extended rearward facing up to 25kg (around 6 years)
• Excellent side impact protection
• Installation indicators for extra peace of mind when installing
• Adjustable width positions, headrest and harness to grow with your child
• Premium fabric and performance chest pads for comfort and safety
• Easy to install even without ISOFIX
• No ISOFIX installation (seatbelt installation when forward facing/tethers and a support leg when rearward)
• No spin feature

Extended rearward facing - rearward facing car seats offer the best protection in the event of a frontal collision - the most frequent type of accident on the roads.

The BeSafe car seats really live up to their brand name, with safety their number 1 priority .

The iZi Modular X1 enjoys a Dynamic Force Absorber feature in the head area for maximum protection during impact, as well as optical and audio indicators to help you get the seat installed correctly. We really like the magnetic belt assistants which make getting even the wriggliest toddler in the seat an easy feat. The material is nicely padded, and feels sturdy and luxurious.

There’s no spin feature unfortunately and you’ll need to buy the ISOFIX base separately which can easily rack up the costs.

• Dynamic Force Absorber in head area for extra protection and security in case of a collision
• Magnetic Belt Assistants helps to get your toddler in and out
• Ergo-Move Shoulder Pads are super comfortable
• Very easy ISOFIX installation using the iZi Modular i-Size base (sold separately)
• Optical and audio installation indicators
• Adjustable headrest and legroom
• Base must be purchased separately unless already owned
• No newborn insert (so it won’t suffice for the hospital drive home!)

The Ergo-Move Shoulder Pads are developed based on insights from the back-development experts AGR and give the child added movement space for the arms

Tips For Choosing An Infant Car Seat

So you’ve seen our list of the top rated toddler car seats. Still can’t decide which is right for your family?

Don’t worry – it’s understandable!

The overwhelm that comes with choosing a car seat is very real, but we’ve found that you’re in the best frame of mind for decision making when you focus on 4 features:

• Convenience

Everything else is just noise when it comes to choosing the best car seats for toddlers.

We’ll go into each one in a little more depth so you can understand the background.

Safety First

Safety is the headline feature when it comes to car seats, no matter how old your child is.

As we’re talking about toddlers though, there are a few easy indicators of safety in these seats.

We’ve covered it already, but opting for an i-Size seat is a quick shortcut for the brand to tell you that their seat is considered one of the safest on the market and meets all the latest safety regulations from Europe.

Is i-Size more expensive? Yep, almost always.

If you can’t afford an i-Size seat, take a closer look at the description for other safety indications. Many of the seats built to the old regulation incorporate many of the i-Size features (and are often much cheaper).

Good features to look out for include:

• Extended rearward facing available
• Side impact protection
• ISOFIX installation

Some of the Cybex car seats are compatible with a clip-on piece of tech called ‘Sensorsafe’ which syncs with the seat and your smartphone to alert you immediately if your child’s seatbelt is unbuckled, if the ambient temperature gets too high and even if they’re left alone in the car.

Certainly useful tech if you are planning a long drive with your toddler .

Is The Seat Comfortable?

Right after safety comes comfort.

After all, you can have the safest car seat in the world, but if your toddler refuses to sit in it (or, more likely, screams the whole time they’re in it 🤪), then what’s the point?

There are plenty of little features that add up to a comfortable seat. Generally, you’ll get more of these little features the more you spend — but there are good compromises to be found, even in cheaper seats.

Take a look out for these:

• Multiple recline positions (great for longer journeys if you want your toddler to seat)
• Adjustable headrest
• Plush padding
• ‘Grow with me’ padding inserts that you can add and remove to custom fit your child’s shape
• A footrest (great for older toddlers)
• Climate control technology

How Convenient Is The Seat To Operate?

We love toddlers (most of the time!) but there’s no doubt that they can occasionally , ahem , be a bit of a handful when you’re getting them into the car seat.

As such, you want to make sure that the seat you end up buying allows for easy entry and exit — no faffing around and getting them frustrated!

• 360° spin feature allows you to get them in and out quickly — and saves your back
• Belt hooks mean you’re not digging around under their body trying to find the belt
• A ‘no re-thread’ safety harness stops the belt getting twisted in the buckle, which can be unsafe if left

Is The Child Seat Easy To Install?

Also under the umbrella of ‘convenience’, we’d recommend investing in a seat that’s easy to install.

There’s nothing worse than the pain of installing a bulky car seat and then not knowing if it’s been done correctly or not.

Ideally, your seat will have the following installation features:

• ISOFIX installation (much more reliable to be done correctly than seatbelt installation)
• Installation indicators on the ISOFIX connector and support leg
• Accompanied by an easy-to-follow video or app for extra assistance

The final horseman of buying a toddler car seat is price.

There are no two ways around it: car seats are expensive.

But thankfully, there is a range of prices on the market so you should be able to find something to fit your budget, even if you have to compromise in some places.

Remember that it’s always better to buy a car seat brand new rather than getting one second-hand or as a hand-me-down as that’s the only way you know that the seat hasn’t been damaged in a previous accident or by mishandling.

And it’s also worth considering the purchase as an investment.

If you’re buying for a toddler, the seat should last until they’re about 4 (if it’s a Group 1 seat), or even all the way up to 12 if you go for a Group 1/2/3 seat. Like the top rated pushchairs , they are an essential investment. Your little one will be spending a lot of time in them!

You’re putting your child’s safety in the hands of this car seat every time you get in the car, so it’s definitely worth stretching your budget if you can.

Easy ways to lower the price of a car seat are to go without i-Size and 360° spin features.

And make sure that you factor in the cost of a base if the seat you choose doesn’t have one integrated already (like the BeSafe iZi Modular X1, Maxi-Cosi Pearl Smart and Cybex Sirona Z).

Things to Know Before Buying a Car Seat For Toddlers

As you can see from our list comparing the best car seat for toddlers, there are a couple of things worth knowing.

Namely, a couple of the technical features: i-Size and ISOFIX .

If you’re already well acquainted with them, feel free to skip forward to the Best Seats rundown below. If not, we’ll break it down for you quickly.

Remember to double check that the car seat you choose is compatible with your car before you buy.

What is ISOFIX?

ISOFIX is an attachment system that allows you to reliably and safely connect your car seat directly to the car without using a seatbelt.

Seatbelt installation is notorious easy to get wrong which can lead to a lack of security and protection for your child in the event of a car accident.

With ISOFIX, connectors on the seat are directly fixed into the metal-bar ISOFIX connectors that are integrated with the car’s chassis.

Most ISOFIX car seats also have a support leg from the base to be fixed snugly against the car floor, ensuring the seat doesn’t tip forward.

What is i-Size?

i-Size is something you’ll come across time and again when searching for car seats, and at first glance it seems as if it’s just some term that allows brands to charge a lot more.

Essentially, it’s part of a new regulation (R129) from Europe that is aiming to provide children with safer car seats.

If you see a seat that says it’s i-Size compliant, that means:

• It requires your child to stay rear facing until 15 months (vs 9kg in the old regulation). Rear facing is definitely the safest way for children to travel until this point as it reduces pressure on their not-yet-developed necks in the event of a collision
• It has side impact protection, as well as front and rear impact protection (vs just front and rear impact protection in the old regulation)
• It fixes to the car using ISOFIX (the old regulation allows for seat belt installation as well)
• It is classified according to the height of your child (vs their weight in the old regulation)

i-Size has not replaced the old regulation (R44/04), so you don’t have to buy an i-Size seat if you don’t want to.

Plus many of the i-Size features have already been integrated into seats built to the old regulation — ISOFIX, extended rear facing and side impact protection in particular.

i-Size seats are generally more expensive than non i-Size, but a lot of parents do appreciate the extra peace of mind they afford for their safety features. It’s worth spending a bit more for if your budget allows. If not, take a look at some of the seats that integrate some of the i-Size features instead as they’re usually more wallet-friendly!

Another thing to note is that i-Size is currently only a feature in Group 1 (or Group 0/1) seats as older children have stronger necks and are better able to withstand the pressure from a collision if they’re forward facing.

Although i-Size now requires their car seats to be classified by height instead of by weight, you’ll see ‘groups’ mentioned in almost every car seat listing regardless of what regulation they conform to.

Here’s a little breakdown of what they mean.

What’s your recommendation for the best toddler car seat?

Head over to our  advice section  for more tips on travelling with a toddler!

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15 best car seats, tried and tested to keep your child safe, secure and comfortable

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For new parents, there’s a lot you need to learn in a short period of time. From feeding schedules to nappy changes, there’s much to consider and remember. But you’ll also find you acquire a wealth of knowledge about everything from Cocomelon to car seats, and it’s the latter we’re here to help with.

Any child travelling in your car is going to need a car seat, even if you’re just babysitting. There is, of course, no need to get multiple seats, as you can switch them between cars. And UK law states that children must travel in car seats from birth to the age of 12, or once they reach 135cm – whichever happens first.

There are two different types of car seats: i-Size, which are based on a child’s height, and those that are based on a child’s weight. I-Size seats will have your child rearward facing until they’re at least 15 months. Rearward travel is thought to be the safest way for a child, as it minimises impact in case of any collision. They also all come with isofix as standard – that means they attach to the chassis of your vehicle, rather than just being held in place with a belt.

Whenever you purchase a car seat, always check on the car manufacturer’s website what type of seats are compatible with your ride.

While car seats have been designed to be comfortable for babies and children, it’s recommended infants don’t sit in their car seats for longer than two hours at a time. This includes time that they’re sat in their seat attached to the pram, or out of the car. There are now some car seats that lie totally flat for infants, which is another option.

Related stories

How we tested.

We tested a range of ages and stage car seats to find the very best of the market. We installed and uninstalled the car seats, asked children for their feedback (where they were able to provide it). Points were awarded for comfort, durability and extra safety features. We were looking for premium fabrics and how much room they took up in both a large family car and a compact car. Here are the ones we clicked with.

The best car seats for 2023 are:

• Best car seat 2023 overall – Silver Cross motion all size 360 car seat: £395, Silvercrossbaby.com
• Best 360 car seat – Joie i-harbour car seat: £250, Johnlewis.com
• Best carrycot car seat – Nuna Cari next lie-flat carrycot seat: £250, Johnlewis.com
• Best car seat for newborns – Cybex cloud Z2: £229.95, Cybex-online.com
• Best for travelling – Chicco fold & go i-Size air: £169, Amazon.co.uk

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Silver Cross motion all size 360 car seat

• Best : Car seat 2023 overall
• For ages : Birth to 12 years (approx)
• Is it i-Size : Yes
• Does it recline : Yes

It’s tricky to find fault with this car seat – it’s a fantastic all-rounder. That means it’s suitable from birth until your child will no longer need a car seat – and we think this makes it brilliant value for money.

The seat itself was a breeze to fit. The product has a QR code on it, which you can scan and it will bring up a simple audio commentary on your phone that takes you through how to fit it. We thought this was genius, and prevented any arguments or incorrect fitting. The Isofix fittings were easy to slide out and attach to the anchor points, and the leg acts as a counterbalance. Both of these points have a display that shows green when the seat is safely in place.

The seat reclines really easily, and the headrest is also easy to adjust (trust us, this isn’t always the case). The swivel function is really smooth, and we loved that you can swivel it even for a newborn. Unlike some newborn-specific car seats, this doesn’t have a separate base, so you can’t take the seat out and about with you. The padding on the seat is some of the most luxurious we’ve seen – it’s made of bamboo fabrics that are breathable and hypoallergenic, so no sweaty backs for our passengers. One thing worth noting is that it does take up a lot of real estate in the car – in a compact car, the seat in front had to be quite far forward to accommodate it when it’s in the rear-facing position.

It’s now available for pre-order for early August.

Joie i-level recline car seat

• Best : Lie-flat car seat
• For ages : Birth to approx. 12 months

Joie have a whole ecosystem of car seats that all fit on the same encore base (£190, Mamasandpapas.com ).  This means you can buy one base and fit all the car seats on the same one, making it a more cost-effective and less wasteful approach to moving through the ages of car seats. The i-Level is your entry point seat on the base, and it’s a really fantastic all-rounder.

The i-level recline spins on the aforementioned base, giving easy access to your baby for loading and unloading. It also reclines to flat for use in the car, as well as out. It does take up a fair amount of space reclined though, so any passengers in front will need to be fairly far forward. The baby insert is plush, and the buckle is fuss-free, making things comfortable and easy to use. The wide carry handle is great for slinging over your arm, and we also liked the extendable sun canopy.

Joie i-harbour car seat

• Best : 360 car seat
• For ages : Birth to approx. four years

The i-harbour is also part of the Joie encore suite of car seats. This means you can travel through the ages and stages of the car seats while only needing one base (sold separately) to see you through.

The i-harbour takes your child from birth to four years, and can be rearward facing and swivel to forward facing when they’re old enough. You can keep this seat reward facing until they’re four though. The spin mechanism on this seat is very nice. One touch of the button and your child will spin around as easily as a judge on The Voice .

There’s a five-point recline, meaning car naps are that bit more comfy – whether they’re forward or backward-facing. Beware, the reclined seat does take up a bit more room in the car widthways, so factor that in. The fabrics on this seat feel premium, as does the buckle, which is easy to use.

Nuna Cari next lie-flat carrycot seat

• Best : Carrycot
• For ages : Birth to approx. six months
• Does it recline : N/A

Imagine gliding along the road, tucked up as snug as bug in your very own bed. Well, now your baby can live that dream thanks to the carrycot car seat. It sits on a base (£220, Johnlewis.com ), which then lies across the back bench of the car. This particular carry cot car seat is made from the finest fabrics, including GOTS cotton, so it’s toxin free and it certainly feels snuggly and soft.

Fear not, your baby is still strapped in a harness, so can withstand an emergency stop or a hairpin bend. We found the buckle on this car seat quite tricky, but perhaps it would ease up with use. We loved that you can lift this carrycot off the base and then slot it onto a pram, so your baby can stay slumbering away and you don’t have to worry about their delicate backs being scrunched up. It also comes with a dream drape, to keep things dark and cosy for your sleepy babe.

Cybex cloud Z

• Best : For newborns
• For ages : Birth to approx. 24 months

The Rolls Royce of infant car seats, Cybex haven’t just given this the gold-standard treatment, but platinum. This just means it’s the fanciest of fancy from Cybex, who are big hitters in the car-seat world. The 2022 update to the cloud sees it have adjustable recline while in the car, which means nap times are even easier on the go. And when it’s not in the car, you can lay it totally flat. This means you’re not so restrained by that two-hour limit.

The seat needs to be used with a Z2 base (£209.95, Naturalbabyshower.co.uk ) which might make the whole package seem pricey, but you can carry on using the base with the Cybex sirona S2, if you want to stay with Cybex for longer. The base also allows the cloud z2 to swivel through 180 degrees, saving your back when you’re loading and unloading your tiniest passenger. There is also extra side-impact protection, which you click on to the side of the seat closest to the door. You may find adding and removing this a bit annoying if you don’t want it on the car seat when you’re lugging it about outside of the car.

Maxi-Cosi pebble 360

• Best : Easy to use car seat
• For ages : Birth to around 15 months
• Does it recline : No

The newest iteration of the well-loved Maxi-Cosi pebble is the 360. This infant carrier is designed specifically for newborns up to 15 months. It’s rear-ward facing only, obviously. But it can rotate on the base, making loading and unloading of the seat easy. The compatible FamilyFix 360 base is sold separately , but it also works with the Maxi-Cosi pearl 360 and allows you to keep your child reward-facing until they’re four. The base lets you know when the seat is safely clicked in thanks to colour indicators and a click, which gives extra peace of mind.

Our teeny tester didn’t seem to get hot or sweaty in the seat. It has panels and fabrics that are designed to help air flow, which is good for babies as they can’t regulate their own temperature. The canopy no longer clips to the handle like older style Maxi-Cosi infant seats, making carrying easier. The harness is easy to click and unclick, with a very smooth mechanism to tighten the straps and the infant insert has built-in side-impact protection. Basically, there’s lots to love.

Maxi-Cosi kore pro i-Size

• Best : Value booster car seat
• For ages : From approx. 3.5 years to 12 years

We loved that this booster seat fostered some independence in our child. This is thanks to the ClickAssist function, which senses when the seat is sat on and illuminates where to click the seat belt in place. Our mini-tester also loved this function.

As you would hope, the seat complies with all the latest safety standards and has enhanced side-impact protection. And the seat can expand both length-wise as your child grows as well as width ways. This is quite handy if you don’t want the seat taking up too much space while your child doesn’t need it. The fabrics seemed to prevent overheating in our tester, and are fairly easy to wipe clean, if you can keep up with spills.

BeSafe stretch for car seat

• Best : For safety
• For ages : Birth to approx. seven years
• Is it i-Size : No

This is one of the few seats we’ve included that isn’t isofix – but that doesn’t put us off. Firstly it’s made by BeSafe, which is one of the leaders in car-seat safety. Also, this seat lets your child face reward until they’re seven years old, without compromising on anyone’s legroom. Was our tester – who is now normally in a forward-facing seat – thrilled at facing the back again? Well, it took a bit of getting use to. But knowing they were travelling in a safer position gave us extra peace of mind. It also has additional side-impact protection.

It’s also hugely handy if you need to put three car seats across the back seat but don’t have three isofix fixings across your car’s back seat. Larger families, we know your woes only too well. We loved the magnets that hold the straps back for easier loading, and that you can recline the seat for easier overnight travelling with older kids. The seat looks comfy, and our testers reported that is was “good” (trust us, that’s high praise indeed).

Nuna Aace LX car seat

• Best : High-back booster seat
• For ages : From approx. four to 12 years

Sleek and stylish, this is a fairly narrow seat for those that need extra centimetre on the backseat. It ticked our mini tester’s box of having a cupholder, which admittedly reduced spills on the back seat – so a win for us too. Another, probably more essential, tick is the additional side-impact protection it has.

The Nuna Aace LX also reclines, which was useful on a long journey as our child was more willing to snooze. We liked that as a child grows, not only does the seat expand height-wise, but also the depth of the seat increases for extra comfort. The headrest is also quite large, which meant our tester wasn’t slumped forward as much when they fell asleep.

BeSafe iZi turn B iSize car seat

• Best : For comfort
• For ages : Birth to four years (approx)

Another seat that is suitable from birth to four-years/105cm, this seat offers peace of mind when travelling for the first few years of your child’s life.

The seat is really easy to install. There’s a handy bubble to let you know when the seat is in the correct position with the anchor, while green lights make it obvious when the seat is fitted properly. When installing the seat it required us to move the seat in front all the way forward and folded down to allow us the room to fit it. But once it’s installed it doesn’t take up too much room in the car. There is additional side-impact protection, which you can adjust depending on how you have the seat installed (this is a bit tricky to fit at first).

The newborn mode is super cosy for little babies, and the recline function allows them to lie flat, more or less. When it’s in this mode you can’t rotate the seat, but this is a safety feature to prevent newborns travelling facing forward. Adjusting the seat for the toddler stage was easy, and once in this mode the swivel function is easy to use and helps with straightforward loading of our child.

We tried the grey version of this seat, and we liked that it wasn’t black like other seats, as we think it kept our child cooler. Our child seemed extremely comfortable in this seat, and we felt really happy travelling even long distances with them in it – they seemed more than happy to snooze the journey away. This seat is in the upper price range of the seats we tested, but we felt for the safety features and comfort factor it was still worthy of inclusion.

Doona infant car seat

• Best : For parents on the go
• For ages : Birth to 15 months (approx)
• Is it i-Size : No, R44

Is it a car seat, is it a pram? Well, we suppose it’s both. This is a bit of a gamechanger of a product for us. It’s an infant car seat that once you pop it out of the car, converts into a pushchair without the need for any extras. It blew our minds. It is really well designed to make it convenient and easy to use.

When in car-seat mode we found it really easy to take in and out of the car using the Isofix base (£139.99, Doona.shop ) which is sold separately, and the straps were really easy to adjust. You can also install it using a seat belt if you don’t have the base. We did find though that the green lights to see if it’s installed safely are a bit hard to see compared to others we tried.

When we used it in pram mode it was really easy to manoeuvre and push, and suited every height (although the seat is quite low to the ground). This seat is brilliant for those who have limited boot space in their car, use public transport a lot or are off on their travels. It’s also great for people who have had C sections and aren’t able to lift heavy car seats.

Ickle Bubba solar Isofix car seat

• Best : For a group two car seat
• For ages : Nine months to 12 years (approx)

The solar is a forward-facing group one-two-three seat, and is suitable for 9kg to 36kg, that’s about nine months to 12 years of age. So it should last you a long time, and, looking at the price tag, that’s pretty brilliant value for money.

We found the seat really easy to install, mainly thanks to the integrated Isofix connection and top tether strap – as well as the YouTube video that showed us what to do. However, we found it breathtakingly frustrating to move it from group one to group two – the insert was really tricky and fiddly to remove, even for a highly practical person we had on hand to help. But once removed, our group two passenger seemed really comfy in the seat.

It’s nicely padded with several recline positions, and loading our child in was made easier thanks to magnets in the sides of the seat that hold the straps out of the way. It also has added built-in side impact cushion technology, for added safety, should there be any side collision. The seat itself does take up a considerable amount of room, even in a larger car – but, on the flipside, it doesn’t have a leg out front, so it saves on space there.

Chicco fold & go i-Size air

• Best : For travelling
• For ages : Four to 12 years (approx)

This lightweight high-back booster seat (suitable for children more than 100cm in height) is brilliant for those who need to store seats away when not in use, or if you travel often, because it folds down and includes a carry handle. We found it really easy to install; the Isofix arms pop out easily and then slot into a place, with red and green indicators to let you know when it’s properly installed.

It comes with an additional side-safety system, which easily clicks onto the door side of the seat, plus a nice padded safe pad to attach to the seat belt to provide extra chin and chest protection. Our child tester was very happy in this seat, and although it’s perhaps not quite as plush as some other seats on the market, for that it’s easier to carry.

BeSafe iZi flex fix

• Best : For a children’s car seat

Another high-back booster seat for children measuring 100-150cm, this seat will see your child through to the end of their car seat career (hurrah!). This is an iSize seat, so it carries all the extra safety features that give peace of mind and also includes additional side-impact protection. It doesn’t have the big guides for feeding the seat belt through like on other boosters, but it has a soft loop that sits between your child’s legs to feed the belt through to provide a more comfortable position for them.

We really liked the adjustable headrest, which cracks up using a dial on the side – much easier than tugging at the top of a head rest. The head rest comes quite far around our child’s head, which is great for when they’re in the midst of a danger nap as it minimises them slumping forward in their sleep. The seat also comes with a pad that fits onto the seat belt and provides extra support for the neck and chin in a collision. The seat feels comfortable for our child, and there’s certainly enough room so they won’t feel too hemmed in as they grow.

Cybex pallas G iSize car seat

• Best : For an impact-shield car seat
• For ages : 18 months to 12 years (approx)

Suitable for children aged from 18-months to 12-years, this seat offers great cost per use. Instead of a five-point harness, this seat uses an impact shield up until they reach 105cm and 21kg. The impact shield buckles across their lap, which protects their abdomen. It is quite restrictive, so it might not be for all children, but if children don’t love being clipped in, or you find it a faff doing up the clips, this could be the answer. It’s very easy to clip in each time – both sides have a seat-belt style point and the button to release is big and red (you literally can’t miss it).

The seat is installed using Isofix points and a top tether, and we found it really easy to fit. Once your child graduates into high-back boosters, you can remove the impact shield and use the seat like any other booster. We liked that there was so much space for our child to grow in this seat, and the high side-impact protection wings felt reassuringly large. However, for this it is quite large compared to other high-backed boosters, once you reach that stage. If you have three car seats across the back row, then you might struggle to squeeze them all in.

Car seats FAQs

Fran Vaughan, managing director of Ickle Bubba, answered our questions:

Safety standards explained

Car seats used in the UK must adhere to two standards: ECE R129, which is the latest regulation, or ECE R44. You can choose which type you want to go with.

Car seats that adhere to ECE R129 are called i-Size seats. These seats are fitted against your child’s height and ensure children are rear facing until they’re 15 months old. Rear-facing travel is optimal for babies and children because it offers more protection for their necks if a collision does occur. All i-Size seats have Isofix as standard and have side-impact collision testing as part of the approval process.

ECE R44 seats are fitted based on your child’s weight. Many allow your child to face forward from 10 months, and some allow you to fit the seat using just a seat belt. This is handy if your car doesn’t have Isofix fixings. These seats aren’t required to have side-impact collision testing as standard.

What is Isofix?

Isofix is a way for a car seat to be secured into your car. It’s designed to make fitting the seat easy, as research shows many older car seats are fitted incorrectly, which makes the seat unsafe. Car seats with Isofix have connectors that come out of the back of the seat and slide into your car’s Isofix fitting points. Many seats then have a green indicator or lights (usually in the base) to let you know the seat is securely fitted in place. Isofix anchors the car seat to the chassis of the car, locking it in place more securely than if you were to use just a seat belt. Often an additional top tether or support leg is then used to stop the seat tipping forward.

How do I know when my child is too big for their car seat?

Figuring out when your child is ready for the next size of car seat is relatively straightforward. With i-Size seats, it’s based on height:

• i-Size baby – suitable from birth to 85cm (this tends to be around 15-18 months)
• i-Size baby and toddler – suitable from birth to 105cm (this is around four years of age)
• i-Size toddler – suitable from 65cm to 105cm (around 15 months to four years)
• i-Size child – suitable from 100cm to 135cm (around four years to 12 years of age, when they aren’t required to travel in a seat any more)

For the R44 seats, seat sizes are based on weight and go up in groups:

• Group 0/0+ – suitable from birth to 13kg (up to about 15 months)
• Group 0+/1 – suitable from birth to 18kg (up to about 4 years)
• Group 0+/1/2 – suitable from birth to 25kg (up to around 7 years
• Group 1 – suitable from 9kg up to 18kg (from about 9 months to 4 years)
• Group 1/2/3 – suitable from 9kg up to 36kg (from about 9 months to 12 years of age)
• Group 2/3 – suitable from 15kg to 36kg (from about 9 months to 12 years of age)
• Group 3 – suitable from 22kg to 36kg (from about five years to 12 years of age)

Your child may not fit the seat based on their age. It really depends on their weight or height, so it’s important to measure or weigh your child to check.

Multi-group seats are great for those who have different age children using the seat, such as childminders or grandparents.

Why are car seats for babies’ rear facing?

It’s generally much safer. When babies are sitting in a rear facing car seat, the shell acts as a protective shield and absorbs any force, should there be an accident. As a result, the impact would spread over the whole area of the child's back, neck and head, putting significantly less strain solely on the babies’ neck.

What age should kids start to sit forward facing?

Legally, kids should only turn forward facing once they weigh 9kg and at this stage they will sometimes require a new car seat depending on the model. However, many studies have recommended that children should stay rear facing for longer than the legal requirement and in some cases up to four-years-old.

Will I need a base to fit the seat into my car?

When it comes to safety testing, car seats in the UK have to conform to one of two standards: ECE R129 is the newest European-wide regulation, known as i-Size. This runs alongside the existing ECE R44 regulation, and parents can choose either seat type to use.

i-Size uses your child’s height for fitting, and in order for a car seat to be i-Size compatible, it must be used with an Isofix base. Other car seats that far under the ECE R44 regulation are split into groups based on weight, and don’t need a base.

What tips do you have for buying car seats at the various different stages?

Monitor the weight and height of your child regularly to ensure you are using the correct car seat. Don’t rely on visual indicators only.

What’s the most important thing to look for in a child’s car seat and why?

Check that it meets ECE safety standards. A sticker is normally located on the car seat to indicate this. Also, make sure the car seat is compatible with your vehicle. Most are universal fitting, but it's best to check before you purchase.

The verdict: Car seats

For the second year running, the Silver Cross motion takes gold. It’s a fantastic all-rounder, meaning you don’t have to buy a new car seat for each stage and feels very premium to boot.

We tried the Artipoppe zeitgeist baby carrier owned by Princess Eugenie – read our review to find out what we thought

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• Baby and kid

The Best Travel Car Seats

By Christina Szalinski and Rebecca Gale

Let’s face it: Traveling with little kids can be a slog. But a lightweight, compact, easy-to-install travel car seat is one tool that can make trips a bit easier.

We’ve tested 17 travel car seats for infants and up, and we examined how they performed in various circumstances, including during air travel and in rental cars. The Chicco KeyFit 35 , one of our picks for the best infant car seats , is an excellent choice for both travel and everyday use. For an affordable and easy-to-use convertible car seat for toddlers and preschoolers, we recommend traveling with the Cosco Scenera Next , which fits kids up to 40 inches tall for rear-facing or 43 inches for forward-facing. For kids bigger than that who still need a seat with a five-point harness, we recommend the Cosco Finale 2-in-1 , which also converts to a high-back booster. The backless, lightweight Cosco Rise is great for booster-age kids.

If you’ll be hopping in and out of taxis or ride shares with a baby, the Doona is a unique but expensive infant car seat that converts to a stroller. And instead of purchasing a dedicated convertible car seat for travel, another option is to bring yours along with the Britax Travel Cart .

Everything we recommend

Chicco KeyFit 35 ClearTex

The best infant car seat for travel.

If you’re a frequent traveler, the Chicco KeyFit 35 is easier than most infant car seats to install securely without its base.

Buying Options

An infant car seat and stroller in one

This unusual car seat has integrated wheels that pop out to turn it into a stroller. It’s best for parents who frequently need to move their car seat in and out of different vehicles.

Cosco Scenera Next

The best convertible car seat for travel.

This affordable and easy-to-use car seat weighs 6.8 pounds and can be used rear- and forward-facing. But kids can outgrow it quickly.

Cosco Finale 2-in-1 Booster Car Seat

The best harness booster car seat for travel.

This no-frills seat converts from a forward-facing five-point harness to a high-back booster. It weighs just 12 pounds.

Britax Travel Cart

A travel cart for lugging your own seat through the airport.

This sturdy, smooth-rolling travel cart helps you transport your own convertible car seat—and avoid buying a standalone travel seat. You can even strap your child into their seat and use it like a stroller.

The best backless booster seat for travel

This basic booster seat weighs only 2.2 pounds and can work for children as small as 40 pounds. But it has a rather large footprint and will be too big to fit in most carry-ons.

How we picked

A seat that’s lightweight is more manageable to carry between multiple locations. A more compact seat is also easier to pack.

We considered the seat’s comfort and ability to adjust straps and buckles.

Ease of installation is paramount, as the easier it is to do, the more likely it will be done properly.

We looked at crash-testing scores and ease-of-use ratings. Our infant, convertible, and harness booster picks are FAA-approved for use on a plane.

The Chicco KeyFit 35 is a great all-around infant car seat—and one of the ones we recommend for everyday use. But for travel it stands out: It has a European belt path that makes it easier to get a secure install without the base than for many car seats, and it’s cheaper than other seats that have this belt routing option.

Weight of seat: 10 pounds Orientation: rear-facing only Weight range: 4 to 35 pounds Height limit: 32 inches

Parents who can’t leave their infant seat base installed in a specific car but instead need to travel by taxi or rideshare frequently may find the innovative Doona to be a convenient option. This sleek infant car seat has integrated wheels and converts to a stroller that maneuvers easily, plus the seat is FAA-approved for use on an airplane. But the versatile Doona is much heavier and more expensive than a regular infant car seat.

Weight of seat: 14.3 pounds Orientation: rear-facing only Weight range: 4 to 35 pounds Height limit: 32 inches

The Cosco Scenera Next is a notably lightweight, affordable convertible car seat that is simple to install and carry on an airplane. It receives strong safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and is FAA-approved for use on a plane. But many kids will outgrow it before they reach the height or weight limit because of the low position of the shoulder straps.

Weight of seat: 6.8 pounds Orientation: rear- or forward-facing Weight range: 5 to 40 pounds rear-facing; 22-40 pounds forward-facing Height range: 19-40 inches rear-facing; 29-43 inches forward-facing

For children using a forward-facing five-point harness, the Cosco Finale 2-in-1 is a lightweight and affordable travel option that is FAA-approved for use on a plane (in harness mode only). It also converts to a high-back booster. However, it has lower height limits than some boosters, so kids may not get as many years of use from it, in comparison with pricier options.

Weight of seat: 12 pounds Orientation: forward-facing only Weight range: 30 to 65 pounds for harness mode; 40 to 100 pounds for high-back mode Height range: 32 to 49 inches for harness mode; 43 to 52 inches for high-back mode

Bringing your own car seat to the airport has one big advantage—you don’t have to learn how to install yet another seat. But your own convertible car seat is likely to be heavy (our picks in our guide to convertible car seats range from 19 to 33 pounds). The Britax Travel Cart is compatible with most convertible seats, and when your car seat is secured to it with LATCH, you can use it like a stroller to push your toddler through the airport. The cart can then be stored in an overhead bin during your flight.

Weight of cart: 7.6 pounds

If you need a cheap, no-frills booster seat, we recommend the Cosco Rise . It’s a bit too large to fit into a carry-on suitcase or backpack, but it’s easy to attach with a bungee cord to a carry-on for plane travel. It’s also a great option if you just need a spare booster for carpools or to order ahead for use at the grandparents' house.

Weight of seat: 2.2 pounds Weight range: 40 to 100 pounds Height range: 43 to 57 inches

The research

Why you should trust us, who should get this, the best infant car seat for travel: chicco keyfit 35, an infant seat and stroller in one: doona, the best convertible car seat for travel: cosco scenera next, the best harness booster seat for travel: cosco finale 2-in-1, a great car seat caddy: britax travel cart, the best booster seat for travel: cosco rise, other good travel car seats, should a kid sit in a car seat on the airplane, what about checking a car seat, the competition, care, use, and maintenance.

The authors of this guide have collectively interviewed 40 industry experts, safety authorities, and physicians. Among them were certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians (CPSTs) such as Lani Harrison, who installs more than 300 car seats each year; Dr. Aditya Belwadi, a biomechanics research scientist who previously led the child passenger safety research team at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and now works at Tesla in Crash, Safety, and Occupant Protection/Biomechanics; and Bill Horn, head sled testing engineer at Calspan , one of the country’s top crash-testing facilities. The authors also talked with dozens of parents and representatives from leading car seat manufacturers.

The original version of this guide was written by Rebecca Gale, whose reporting on policy and parenting has appeared in outlets including The New York Times, Slate, and The Washington Post. Rebecca has also been certified as a CPST, completing a 40-hour training program through the Safe Kids Worldwide organization.

In 2022 and 2023, this guide was updated by Christina Szalinski, a science writer whose reporting on health and parenting has appeared in The Atlantic and Kaiser Health News . In addition to writing the most recent versions of Wirecutter’s infant and convertible car seat guides, Christina is responsible for Wirecutter’s guides to the Best Baby Formula and kids face masks .

Few people strictly need a separate car seat for travel as you can gate- or baggage-check any car seat for free with most airlines. But lugging your regular (likely heavy and bulky) seat in and out of the car and through the airport can be a major hassle. Investing in a smaller, lighter-weight option may be worthwhile, especially if you fly or use ridesharing services or taxis frequently.

Infant car seats for travel

If you’re traveling with an infant or baby, bringing along your usual infant car seat without its base (to cut down on weight and heft) is typically the best option. Our top infant car seat pick, the Graco SnugRide SnugFit 35 DLX , is relatively lightweight and, like other infant car seats, can be safely strapped in with a seatbelt only and no base.

There are two possible ways to install an infant car seat without a base: either with the belt directly across the top, called “American routing,” or with the shoulder belt placed around the back of the seat in addition to the top, called “European routing.” It’s easier to get a secure fit with European routing, and two seats we recommend in our guide to infant car seats, the Chicco KeyFit 35 and the Clek Liing , are designed to allow for that type of install. If you know you’ll be traveling with your infant often, it may be worthwhile to choose one of these as your baby’s first car seat.

Many infant car seats are compatible with easy-to-fold stroller frames, such as the Chicco KeyFit Caddy , which turns an infant car seat into a stroller and can be convenient for travel. Most infant seats are FAA-approved for airplane use, should you decide to purchase an airplane seat for your infant.

Convertible car seats for travel

When your child has outgrown their infant car seat, deciding on a car seat for travel can be trickier. Alisa Baer, a pediatrician, CPST, and co-founder of the website The Car Seat Lady , recommends bringing your own convertible car seat and using a travel cart . That way you have a seat that you’re already comfortable installing. But some people will prefer a dedicated travel car seat, as they can be significantly lighter than regular seats—as little as 7 pounds versus 20 to 30 pounds.

If you do buy a dedicated travel seat, it’s a good idea to practice installing it before your trip—you don’t want to be figuring it out for the first time when you, and your kid, are potentially jet lagged and feeling extra cranky. Installation can be the most time-consuming and frustrating part of using a car seat—and particularly a convertible car seat—and is often the point of failure for using a car seat correctly.

Booster seats for travel

If your everyday booster seat has a removable back (as with our top pick and runner-up pick, the Chicco KidFit ClearTex Plus and the Graco TurboBooster LX ), you may prefer to simply bring that seat for travel, leaving the bulky back at home. But like with convertible seats, it’s also an option to get a dedicated travel booster that may be significantly lighter and smaller than the one you rely on every day.

Jessica Jermakian, vice president for vehicle research at the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, offered several tips for bringing along a backless booster, especially if it’s not one that’s compact: “I bungee cord them to my luggage while traversing the airport. On most flights, my kids could shove them under the seat in front of them and still have room to throw their backpack on top. On some flights, I’ve put them in a tote in the overhead compartment.”

Travel car seat alternatives

If you’re headed to a familiar destination, you could look into borrowing a seat from friends or relatives. Or, you may be able to rent one through a baby equipment rental service.

Many car rental companies also offer car seats for a daily fee, but it can cost up to $15 a day—adding up to much more than the cost of a travel car seat, which can be less than $50. And though you can reserve one in advance, rental car seats are subject to availability, so there’s no guarantee that one will be available when you arrive. The car seat provided may also be difficult to install properly, especially in an unfamiliar car. That said, you may be able to find discounts or other benefits through programs such as AAA, which offers one free car seat rental for members when they book a car through Hertz, Dollar, or Thrifty. Ridesharing and airport and town car services may also provide a car seat with advance reservations.

There are hundreds of travel car seat options for infants, toddlers, and older kids. We began the whittling down process by examining online customer reviews and existing media coverage, which included going to Car Seats for the Littles , Lucie’s List , and the Car Seat Lady . We found the travel car seat category to be sorely lacking in an abundance of great options, so we also considered some “regular” car seats and alternatives.

We knew from our expert interviews that proper installation is generally a far bigger problem than the level of protection that a seat inherently provides, so we searched the NHTSA ease-of-use installation database to help determine which seats offer easy installation and come with clear instructions. We also relied on the personal experience of Wirecutter staffers, volunteer testers, and car seat techs who had used the car seats in the past.

Our research led us to conclude that the ideal travel car seat should be:

Lightweight and compact: A travel car seat will likely need to be carried between multiple locations, sometimes with a baby inside (if we’re talking about an infant). The less the seat weighs, the easier it is to deal with when combined with children and carry-on items. A more compact seat can also fit more readily in a wide variety of vehicles.

FAA approved: For parents who want to use their infant seat, convertible car seat, or harness booster on a plane, FAA certification is crucial.

Easy to install: As with all of our car seat recommendations, ease of installation is paramount, as the easier it is to do, the more likely it is to be done properly.

Easy to use: Straps should be simple to adjust to get a snug but comfortable fit in a five-point harness. The buckles should be easy for parents to clip and unclip but difficult to impossible for children to mess with. We considered the experience of both parents and kids in using the seats, as well as how easy each seat was to clean.

Safe: When it comes to travel, convenience can trump a minor safety advantage; a seat that you can bring along with you is vastly superior to no seat at all. Still, we did take the relevant government safety data from NHTSA into consideration.

Over the past five years we’ve tested 17 car seats with travel specifically in mind.

If you’re shopping for an infant car seat with travel in mind, we recommend the FAA-approved Chicco KeyFit 35 , one of our picks in our guide to infant car seats . It is lightweight and easy to use, and it can be installed securely without its base using the European belt path, a method that generally provides a superior install. (Any infant seat can be installed without its base, so if you already have an infant seat, using what you already own is likely the easiest choice.)

You can save on weight and bulk by leaving a car seat base at home when traveling. There are two ways to install an infant seat without its base. The most common is American belt routing, in which the seat belt goes over the top of the infant seat and the baby’s knees. We’ve found that it can be very difficult to secure an infant seat in the car securely using this method.

A few seats also offer the option to rely on the European belt path, the method we prefer, in which the lap belt goes over the top of the infant seat and the shoulder belt goes around the back. It’s easier to get a secure install with the European belt path, but it’s only found on a few car seat models. Of the four infant car seats we recommend, only the Chicco KeyFit 35 and Clek Liing offer the option of using the European belt path.

Beyond the advantage of the European belt bath, the Chicco KeyFit 35 has everything we love about the more popular Chicco KeyFit 30 with a few bonus features, such as an anti-rebound base as an added safety option. The KeyFit 35 can also accommodate a slightly larger baby (up to 35 pounds) than the KeyFit 30.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

The KeyFit 35 is about $50 more than our top infant car seat choice, the Graco SnugRide SnugFit 35 DLX . It probably doesn’t make sense to buy this seat just for travel if you already own a similar infant car seat. But if you plan to be jet-setting with your baby, it may be worth the additional $50 or so to get a better on-the-go install from the start.

The Doona is an FAA-approved infant car seat (rear-facing only) with built-in wheels that allow it to convert to a stroller. For travel, this is about as convenient as it gets, allowing caregivers to rely on a single piece of equipment to accomplish two goals: avoid gate-checking a stroller—assuming an airline seat is purchased for the infant—and hop in and out of cabs without having to stow anything in the trunk.

Compared with a regular infant car seat, the Doona has some drawbacks. For one thing, it did not perform particularly well in Baby Gear Lab’s crash testing (there are no government crash tests available yet for this seat). For this reason, and because it’s tricky to install without its base (as most infant seats are), one of our car seat experts does not recommend this seat. At 14.3 pounds, it’s heavy and bulky to carry and maneuver when in car seat mode. The Doona also has the steepest price of any of the car seats (including infant, convertible, and boosters) that we’ve reviewed. It does come with a traditional infant car seat base that allows for an easy click in and out of a car, but the extra width means it could be impossible to fit three across in a backseat. And it would defeat the point to use that base for travel.

Switching the Doona from car seat mode to stroller mode and back requires “both hands and concentration,” said one tester, as well as “quite a bit of practice for me. It takes a rather specific, subtle motion to collapse it back and tuck the wheels.” It’s harder than taking a regular infant car seat off of a stroller with an infant seat attachment. Plus, once your child outgrows this seat, you’ll have to buy another stroller.

As a stroller, the Doona maneuvers easily, and the brake is intuitive and easy to use. But though it comes with an attached storage bag, the Doona lacks a storage basket.

The inexpensive Cosco Scenera Next weighs just 6.8 pounds, is relatively easy to carry and install, and can be used rear-facing from 5 to 40 pounds and forward-facing from 22 to 40 pounds. It’s FAA-certified and easy to install on an airplane (using the plane’s seatbelt).

The Cosco sells for $60, which is a bargain compared with many convertible car seats (the Graco Extend2Fit , our favorite convertible seat for everyday use, is a little over $200). The seat gets strong safety ratings from NHTSA, and given its low weight and heft and easy-enough install, we think it’s the best option available for an on-the-go or backup car seat. We strongly prefer the (heftier) Graco Extend2Fit for everyday use. That’s because it’s easier to get a safe, secure install with that seat and to adjust it to fit the child. Plus, it can be used forward-facing until a kid is 65 pounds and 49 inches tall—a much longer usable life than the Scenera Next.

Several Wirecutter staffers use or have used the Cosco Scenera Next, appreciating its low cost, low weight, and small size. They’ve found that the seat’s slim profile makes it a great option for smaller cars (specifically, a Prius or Renault Scenic). Senior editor Courtney Schley found that the Cosco allowed her to get three seats (two Coscos and one infant car seat) across in her family’s car.

The Scenera Next’s low shoulder straps mean that a child may outgrow this seat well before they are ready for a booster. ( Shoulder straps should hit at or below the shoulders when a child is rear-facing; when forward-facing the straps should hit at or above the shoulders.) The low straps mean that many 3-year-olds with longer torsos may outgrow the seat in forward-facing mode, even though the seat’s height and weight limits indicate that it should fit an average-size kid up to age 4. With a long torso, the straps end up hitting below the shoulders, a situation that can compromise safety.

Though the Scenera Next is simple to install compared with other lightweight convertible car seats we tested, some of our testers still found it difficult to get a tight, secure install. It has hook LATCH straps that aren’t particularly easy to use—you really have to tug on the LATCH straps to get a tight fit, and getting them off can be an even bigger challenge. We preferred installing the seat with a seat belt in unfamiliar cars, which was an easier way to get a tight install (try the inside/outside trick with the shoulder belt), and made it much easier to uninstall.

Our testers also found that the chest clip on the harness wasn’t as responsive or easy to use as those on more expensive seats. The Scenera Next also has less padding than many seats, though Baer points out that the padding on most seats is highly compressible, meaning that just because a seat looks fluffier doesn’t mean it provides much more cushion.

This seat also has a few downsides if you bring it on a plane. Like most convertible car seats, it’s wider than the aisle, so you have to carry it awkwardly down the plane to get to your seat, which can be quite a challenge if you’re on your own and have other carry-on items (plus your child). Additionally, the plane’s seat belt buckle is going to be pushing into your child’s back if the seat is oriented forward-facing. Alisa Baer, co-founder of The Car Seat Lady, recommends installing any seat with this issue rear-facing, even if a kid is used to forward-facing. Or you can put a diaper or other soft item over the buckle to make it a bit more comfortable.

The Cosco Finale 2-in-1 is a solid option for kids who are no longer rear-facing but still benefit from a five-point harness. It’s affordable, weighs just 12 pounds, and is relatively easy to install using the car’s seat belt while in harness mode (it also comes with LATCH straps, though we didn’t find these as easy to use). Like other boosters, when in booster mode, this seat relies on the car’s seat belt to secure the child, so there’s no need to install it.

This bigger-kid seat can see a growing child through years of travel: It can be used as a forward-facing five-point harness booster seat from 30 to 65 pounds and then as a regular (harness-free) booster from 40 to 100 pounds (up until a child is 52 inches tall).

As a five-point harness, it’s FAA-certified and easy to install on an airplane using the plane’s seatbelt. However, when it’s in booster mode, like all boosters, it cannot be used on an airplane.

In harness mode, the Cosco Finale 2-in-1 performed well in an NHTSA crash test. And several Wirecutter staffers use or have used the Cosco Finale 2-in-1 while traveling after their child outgrew the Cosco Scenera Next—they liked the price and straightforward install. Converting the seat to a booster is fairly straightforward , and the seat has storage for the harness, crotch buckle, and chest clip. Once the seat is in booster mode, your child can’t use it on an airplane, but many airlines will allow you to check a booster seat for free (you may wish to check with your airline in advance).

A more expensive version of the Cosco Finale 2-in-1, the Cosco Finale DX 2-in-1 , is also available. The only difference between the two is the fabric—the DX has a tiny bit more cushion and a slightly less slippery texture. We asked several children to try each seat and then report their favorite (they wore blindfolds, to remove color preference as a factor). There was no clear winner between the two seats, and our adult testers could hardly distinguish a difference in the cushioning. For this reason, we don’t think it’s worth the extra $20 for the DX.

When using the Finale 2-in-1 in harness mode, you first have to install it in the car, which you can do either with the seat’s LATCH straps or with the car’s seat belt. We found the Finale 2-in-1’s hook LATCH straps difficult to use—it’s hard to get a tight fit in the car, and getting them off can be a big challenge. As we did with the Cosco Scenera Next, we preferred installing the harnessed seat with a seat belt; this was an easier way to get a tight install (try the inside/outside trick with the shoulder belt) and also made it much easier to uninstall. (When the harness is removed and the seat is in booster mode, you do not need to install it in the car, since the car’s seat belt holds it in place and secures the child.)

Our testers also found that the chest clip on the harness was a bit more difficult to open compared to those on more expensive seats like the Graco Tranzitions 3-in-1 . The straps have to be manually threaded through the car seat, which isn’t particularly difficult or time consuming, but you have to remember to do it before you install the seat. It also has less padding than many seats, though our child testers didn’t complain (however, we didn’t take it on any long road trips).

This seat won’t have as many years of use as other travel options, like the Graco Tranzitions 3-in-1, because the Cosco has a maximum height of 52 inches (most boosters go to 57 inches) and does not convert to a backless booster.

If you need to travel with a convertible car seat, you can bring the one you already have to the airport and onto the airplane with the Britax Travel Cart . The main benefit of bringing your own is that you’ll have a seat that you (and your child) are comfortable with, and that you know how to install confidently.

There are a number of similar travel carts out there, but we think this one offers the most for the price. We like that when the car seat is strapped onto the cart using the car seat’s LATCH clips, you can use the whole thing like a stroller and push (or pull) your child through the airport. The frame is also studier than other models—it can hold a total of 100 pounds of car seat and child. Plus, when it’s time to get on the plane you can fold the cart to stow it in an overhead bin.

At about $100 for the cart, it is cheaper to purchase a budget convertible car seat like the Cosco Scenera Next. However, depending on your circumstances, the Britax Travel Cart may outlive the expiration of many car seats (which are between six and 10 years), and could be used for future car seats, or passed along without as much consideration as a used car seat.

For a cheap, no-frills booster seat, the Cosco Rise is a reliable option that weighs only 2.2 pounds. It’s simple to use: Like other backless booster seats, it does not need to be physically attached to the vehicle; a child simply sits in it and fastens the car’s lap belt over their knees (under the seat’s sides).

The Chicco GoFit Plus is our overall top pick for the best backless booster seat because it’s cushy, made with easy-to-clean materials, and includes two cup holders and a LATCH system to anchor the seat to the car. But it’s bulky, heavy, and not great for travel. The Cosco Rise has fewer bells and whistles, but it offers a key safety feature: Unlike many other boosters, this seat has a strap that attaches to a car’s shoulder belt to adjust the belt’s position for smaller riders (the shoulder belt should always rest on a child’s collarbone, and not against their neck).

The Cosco Rise can accommodate children as small as 40 pounds, as long as they are also 43 inches tall, meaning it will work for most kids 5 and up but may not accommodate some 4-year-olds.

This seat is a bit too large to fit easily into a carry-on suitcase or backpack (it takes up almost all the room top-to-bottom in a standard-sized carry-on, with only a little room left on the side). There is also almost no padding on this seat, merely a polyester cover, but for short rides, our testers didn’t complain.

If you want an upgraded infant seat that’s great for travel : We recommend the Clek Liing , one of our favorite infant seats . Like the Chicco KeyFit 35, the Clek Liing can be installed without its base using a European belt path, which is much easier to get secure than the standard American belt routing found on most infant car seats. And when you’re at home, we love how easy it is to install the Liing’s base, which includes an added safety feature: a load leg .

If you want a high-end infant seat and don’t own a car: The lightweight, easy-to-clean Clek Liingo is similar to the Clek Liing but without the base. In general, we think installing a seat with the base is an easier and more secure option with infant car seats. But if you don’t own a car, the Liingo can be installed without a base in several ways. It has the same European belt path that the Liing has, which routes the lap belt over the top and the shoulder belt around the back for more security than an install that just goes over the top of the seat. The Liingo also comes with a LATCH strap that routes in the same spot as the lap belt—though we found this was not nearly as secure as the European belt path routing.

If you want a longer-lasting five-point harness seat for older kids: The Graco Tranzitions 3-in-1 is a good choice. This forward-facing-only seat has a five-point harness that holds kids from 22 to 65 pounds and up to 49 inches tall, and it can be adjusted without rethreading it, so it is easier to modify as your child grows. When your child is ready for a regular booster, you can remove the harness and crotch buckle, converting the seat to a high-back booster that can hold a child from 40 to 100 pounds and up to 57 inches tall. Finally, you can remove the back and convert the seat to a lightweight backless booster that can also be used from 40 to 100 pounds and up to 57 inches tall.

First off, a car seat must be FAA-approved—as all of our recommended infant and convertible seats are—for a kid to ride in one on an airplane. (Booster seats are reserved for older children and not intended for use on airplane seats.)

Both the Federal Aviation Administration and CPSTs believe it is safer for kids under 2 to ride in a car seat aboard a plane rather than in their parents’ arms. In the event of turbulence or rough air, a child is much safer if strapped in. Being injured in turbulence , though very unlikely, does affect a handful of American flyers each year, and recent research indicates that turbulence is on the rise due to climate change.

Many parents find that air travel is easier when their child has their own seat (though of course you have to pay for that additional seat). Children are allowed to sit on caregivers’ laps on planes until age 2, but few toddlers can sit still for a long period of time, and that extra harness and recline (as well as familiarity) provided by the car seat may keep a child seated comfortably longer, especially once they are mobile but still too young to fully understand how to sit still in a lap belt.

There are a number of challenges to bringing a car seat, especially a convertible seat designed for a toddler, onto a plane. Some smaller planes may have seats that aren’t wide enough for many convertible car seats. And even if the car seat is narrow enough for the plane, not many seats are narrow enough to easily fit down the aisle. The Clek Foonf , one of our convertible car seat picks, is one of them, but it is pricey and heavy. (The Clek Fllo , Graco SlimFit3 LX , and Graco True3Fit also fit on an airplane seat, but we did not test them.) You’ll generally have to lift a car seat above the seats to carry it to the rear of a plane.

Finally, unlike a car seat buckle, which sits on your hip, a plane’s seat buckle sits right in the middle of your lap. That means for many car seats, once you install them on the plane, there’s going to be a large metal buckle below your child’s legs or behind their back (the Clek seats are among the few without this issue). Alisa Baer, co-founder of The Car Seat Lady, recommends using convertible seats with buckle-in-the-back issues rear-facing, even with a larger child—they’ll likely be more comfortable if their feet have a place to rest, plus they won’t be trying to rest their feet on the passenger’s seat in front of them. You can also put a diaper or spare T-shirt over the buckle to make it a bit more comfortable.

Some parents may find it simpler to use a CARES harness (Child Aviation Restraint System) to help keep kids in their seats on a plane (and their kids may prefer sitting in an airplane seat over a car seat); you install this four-point harness around the child’s seatback and under the tray behind it.

Most airlines allow at least one car seat to be checked for free but doing so has several potential problems . The luggage can be handled roughly and tossed, damaging the car seat in the process. Seats, like any piece of luggage, can also be lost or misplaced in transit. Ultimately, the main reason you may want to have your child use a car seat on the plane is so that you are absolutely confident you’ll have the car seat when you arrive at your destination.

For people who do check in their car seats, Harrison recommends—ideally—using the original box and styrofoam that the seat came with if they are available or using Bubble Wrap and a garbage bag if not. Examine the seat for visible damage when it comes out at baggage claim, and be prepared to replace the seat if it’s broken or bent.

Infant travel seats

The Chicco Fit2 can accommodate infants as small as 4 pounds and toddlers as large as 35 pounds or 35 inches. Like the Chicco KeyFit 35 we recommend as the best infant car seat for travel, it can be installed with a European belt path. But because of this seat’s large size, some seat belts are too short to route over the car seat securely.

Convertible travel seats

We previously recommended the lightweight, foldable, forward-facing WAYB Pico (rhymes with “baby”) as a good travel car seat for kids who are too big for the Cosco Scenera Next but still need a five-point harness. Its adjustable seat back allows it to accommodate taller kids, and its slim design means it takes up less room in the backseat than other car seats. The 8-pound seat is exceptionally convenient to install, uninstall, and carry around, including through airports and onto a plane. In September 2019, however, WAYB announced it was recalling 4,558 Pico car seats manufactured between March 1 and May 12, 2019, due to reports of breakage in the aluminum tube connecting the headrest to the seat. You can read NHSTA’s report (PDF)  for details about the recall, how to identify your car seat’s date of manufacture, and how to inspect your car seat for damage. Since the recall, there have not been further reports of problems. Like all car seats sold in the US, the Pico was self-certified by WAYB to pass NHTSA standards (PDF) for safety testing.

The EvenFlo Tribute is a lightweight seat (9 pounds) similar to the Cosco Scenera Next and also has a weight limit of 40 pounds, but as our convertible car seat guide testing showed us, it’s not as easy to get a good install with this seat. CPSTs like Harrison recommend using a towel or pool noodle when using the Tribute to address this. It’s also more expensive than the Cosco Scenera Next.

Booster travel seats

We previously recommended the BubbleBum , an inflatable, portable backless booster seat for older kids. However, in February 2022, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety raised concerns about the safety of inflatable boosters. A study using a computerized model determined that an inflatable booster may not have the stiffness required to keep a child from sliding out from under the lap belt upon impact in a car crash.

The backless Cosco Topside is too large to fit into a carry-on or a backpack. Unlike the Cosco Rise , our favorite backless booster for travel, this booster seat also doesn’t have a belt-positioning clip, which can help the shoulder belt fit better on a smaller rider.

We liked the Graco RightGuide booster seat because it was small enough to fit inside a carry-on or backpack. But it was recently discontinued.

The Immi Go is a booster car seat with a five-point harness that folds conveniently into its own carrying bag. Due to low sales, it is no longer for sale in the US, but you may see this seat if you travel abroad.

The MiFold backless booster seat (currently unavailable) is small enough to fit into the back pocket of some pants and weighs less than 2 pounds. It works by moving the seat belt down to fit the kid (as opposed to raising the kid to fit the belt, as other boosters do). However, our testers found its hard plastic shell uncomfortable to sit on for long periods of time and said that the seat was complicated and unintuitive to set up. Also, a car seat safety expert we consulted noted that the design of the seat may encourage a child to use bad posture while they’re sitting in it—in an effort to find a more comfortable position, the child may tend to scoot forward, moving the slick-bottomed seat along with them, which could pose a safety concern.

Travel carts

The Torevsior Car Seat Travel Cart is about $25 less than the Britax Travel Cart we recommend, but it’s also less robust—the frame just doesn’t feel as sturdy. The weight limit is also lower than the Britax’s, at 70 pounds versus Britax’s 100 pounds. Like the Britax travel cart, the Torevsior cart has hooks for LATCH straps, to secure a car seat onto the cart so that your child can ride in it as you’re moving through the airport. It’s 6.4 pounds (Britax is 7.6 pounds), and extends up to 46 inches (Britax to 42 inches).

All of the guidelines for car seat care, use, and maintenance in our other car seat guides apply to travel car seats as well.

This guide was edited by Ellen Lee, Amy Miller Kravetz and Kalee Thompson.

Jessica Jermakian, vice president for vehicle research at the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety , email exchange , August 1, 2022

Alisa Baer, pediatrician, nationally certified child passenger safety instructor, and co-founder of The Car Seat Lady , phone interview, July 15, 2022 and January 9, 2023

Lani Harrison, CPST, Car Seats for the Littles , email interview , January 28, 2019

Meet your guides

Christina Szalinski

Christina Szalinski is a freelance science writer with a PhD in cell biology.

Rebecca Gale

Further reading

The Best Travel Strollers

by Elise Czajkowski

After testing seven travel strollers on various trips and excursions, we’re confident that the Uppababy Minu V2 is the one to get.

The Best Booster Car Seats

by Rebecca Gale

After researching over 50 booster car seats and testing 13, we’ve concluded that the convenient Chicco KidFit ClearTex Plus is the best overall choice.

Traveling With Little Kids Can Be Tough. The Right Gear Can Help.

by Kerry Davis McGuinness

From compact car seats and cribs to portable blackout shades and white noise machines, the right tools for travel can lead to less fuss—and more fun.

The Best Infant Car Seats

by Christina Szalinski

After extensive research and field testing, we found that the Graco SnugRide SnugFit 35 DLX is the best infant car seat for most families.

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• 10 Best Car Seats for Toddlers UK 2024 | UK Paediatrician Reviewed

Buying a safe, high-quality child car seat is at the top of every parent's list of priorities. They'll need an infant carrier for their first journey home, but did you know that your child could potentially be using a car seat until 12 years old? While toddlers need plenty of extra protection during car journeys, this becomes less and less as children grow. If you're looking to buy a single seat that'll keep your child safe for years to come, you'll benefit from a car seat that covers several stages of their development.

If you're looking for a convertible car seat that'll serve your child from toddler to pre-teen, we're here to help. We've selected our top ten favourite multi-stage car seats from brands such as Maxi-Cosi and Joie. And don't worry if you're a parent that's strapped for time — all of them are available to order to your door from online stores such as Amazon, John Lewis and Argos.

Dr Jonathan Henderson is a consultant paediatrician who practices for the NHS and his award-winning private practice. His medical qualifications (MB, BAO and BCh) were all completed at Queen's University Belfast in 2007. He then obtained his membership with the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health in 2012 and later became a college fellow in 2019. In addtion to his clinical work, he contributes to e-learning programmes and teaches paediatrics internationally to other healthcare professionals. Dr Henderson, who is on the speciality register of the General Medical Council, has a keen interest in promoting quality improvement in paediatrics and has presented work both regionally and nationally.

A recommendation service that carefully researches each product and consults with experts across many disciplines. We are constantly creating new content to provide the best shopping experience from choosing ‘cosmetics’ to ‘food and drink’, ‘home appliances’ to ‘kids and baby’ products, reaching users all across the United Kingdom.

Table of Contents

Frequently Asked Questions

From what age should i use a toddler car seat, how old should my child be to use a booster seat, with specialist consultation from paediatrician dr j henderson.

Dr Jonathan Henderson is a consultant paediatrician practising for the NHS , as well as privately. His medical qualifications (MB, BAO and BCh) were all completed at Queen's University Belfast in 2007.

He then obtained his membership with the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health in 2012. In addition to his clinical work, he contributes to e-learning programmes and teaches paediatrics internationally to other healthcare professionals. Check out more about him on his website .

How to Choose a Car Seat for Toddlers in the UK

• Check Your Child’s Weight for a Car Seat That’s Age-Appropriate
• Ensure the Car Seat’s Age Range Matches Your Child’s Development
• In Newer Cars, Choose an ISOFIX Seat for an Extra Secure Fit
• A Booster Seat With a Backrest Will Give Younger Children Extra Protection
• Children Under 4 Require a 5-Point Harness to Keep Them Safe

Pick a Group 1 Seat for Toddlers Between 9 -18kg, Group 2 for 15 - 25kg, or Group 3 for 22 - 36kg

Because car seats are quite heavily regulated due to safety concerns, they have a grading system which makes it easy to see which sized child should be in which car seat. The system is done in groups, of which there are three. 

These groups indicate a weight bracket that children should fall into if the seat is going to work for them. Group 0+ car seats are for newborns, while group 1 is for toddlers between 9 and 18 kg. For children from 15 to 25 kg, pick a group 2 seat, and for children between 22 and 36 kg, go for group 3.

Car seats don't tend to just fall into one of these groups as this would make their age range very limited. Instead, you will find that they list a combination of groups . For example, a 0+/1 car seat will be suitable from birth to a young toddler. In some cases, you will get seats which are 0+/1/2/3, meaning they can be used throughout the entire time your child might require a car seat.  

It's important that you follow the manufacturer's guidance on the car seat that matches your child's weight . Don't assume that seats covering a wider weight group are the best. There may be a cost factor in this decision, and expensive doesn't always mean the safest.

Check the Recommended Age Range to Make Sure It’s Suitable for Your Child’s Developmental Stage

In addition to indicating which car seat groups they fall into, most will also mention which ages can use them. With a toddler, it is probably best to get a seat which goes from about 9 months to 12 years . It's hard to imagine that a seat suitable for a 9 month old could still work for a 12 year old, but with clever adaptations like adjustable headrests, it's possible. 

Some start a bit older, at about 4 years old. This is because this age marks quite a jump up in their development and they might not be as enthusiastic about having the same level of restraint that was necessary when they were younger. 

The seatbelt should not come up from behind the shoulder but from above and down - many seats for the older child grow with this function. I have noticed the benefit when our four kids jump into the "wrong" seat of their sibling's in the car. Easily adjustable headrests support a range of age groups on a single chair.

A 3-Point Seat Belt Attachment Is Suitable for Older Cars and Taxis, but Opt For ISOFIX for Improved Safety

3-point seat belt attachments are convenient for older vehicles, taxis and moving between cars.

The first method is the older one of the two which uses the seat belt to stay in place . Depending on the brand, it will thread through the car seat in one way or another, keeping it in place. 

This is the most common form of car seat attachment, although it is not as secure as the other method and requires regular checking and fiddling around to make sure it hasn't come loose. 

Be sure to place the belt around the seat and across the correct hooks based on the manufacturer's instructions. Also, double check that any clamps on the seatbelt are secured and not loose . Try to move the seat yourself to see if any slack needs to tighten up before placing your child on the seat.

ISOFIX Seats Connect to Your Car’s Frame for the Highest Standard of Safety

ISOFIX is new technology that can be found in cars that were made after November 2014. It stands for ' International Standards Organisation Fix' and is a way of attaching a seat that doesn't require getting tied up in knots with a belt. 

You connect the seat to the frame of the car , clipping it into holes at the side of each seat. This makes it a lot more secure, keeping your toddler in place. Even though there should be a level of standardisation, it is always worth checking both your car and car seat manufacturers' websites to ensure compatibility. 

This is a great option as it provides the most secure method of fixing a car seat . The seat/base grips and locks to the car itself rather than relying on the seat belt alone. So if there was an accident, there is a lot less movement, thus protecting your child as best as possible.

Look For a Forward Facing Seat With a Backrest for Toddlers Under the Age of 5, or a Booster Seat for Older Kids

Newborn and infant car seats are backwards-facing, but once your child reaches 15 months, it's time for them to start sitting forward-facing . At this point, you must have either a car seat that faces forward or a 2-in-1 seat that you can reverse.

Forward-facing car seats come in two forms: a full chair with a back or a booster seat which only includes the cushion . The advantage of choosing a car seat with a back is that it's more likely to have side panels, which offer your child additional protection in case of accidents. Your child will also love being able to rest their head on the side panels for a quick snooze!

If you want the best of both worlds, plenty of booster seats have removable backs. Once your child reaches 22 kg and is ready for a little more freedom, you can remove the back from the base . This leaves them with only the cushion, which elevates them so they can safely use an adult seatbelt.

Want to make wearing a seatbelt a little comfier for an older child? Check out the best Seat Belt Covers !

Boosters without a back don't provide better protection if in a car accident , especially if the collision is side on as your child could be thrown around a car more due to the lack of support to the head and neck. You also need to be mindful of the law and any changes made by visiting the gov.uk website .

Choose a Car Seat With a 5 Point Harness for Toddlers Under 4 Years Old

Once their seat has been secured in place, strapping your toddler in tightly is the next thing to do to keep them safe. For young toddlers, they will require a harness built into the car seat. These can have either 5 points – meaning there are two straps over the shoulders, two round the waist and one between their legs – or 3 points, which is the same only without the waist strap. 

Car seats for older toddlers (around the ages of 3, 4 and above) won't require a harness because it is at this age that a child starts using the car's seatbelt . They can be cleverly interwoven into the car seat to make this step up comfortable and safe for your child.  

The 5 point harness provides good support around the hips that the 3 point harness does not. During an impact, the child will be supported across their whole body as there is more stability and less movement within the seat from this additional support.

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Temperature Control Technology to Prevent Overheating

This option from Maxi-Cosi perfectly covers the toddling ages. Car seats, with all their cushioning and supports, can feel a bit stifling for a toddler, but the ClimaFlow temperature control technology of this seat helps to keep them cool. 

To keep the parents happy, the ISOFIX compatibility of this car seat makes it very simple to plug in and offers maximum safety, and to keep a smile on your child's face there's a cup holder in which they can store their favourite beaker. 

Cybex Silver Pallas B-Fix

An Innovative Design That’s Top of Its Class

They're a lesser-known brand, but Cybex can more than hold its own against some of the big hitters when it comes to keeping children safe. The innovative design of the Pallas B-Fix is a testament to their ingenuity.

Instead of a regular harness, the B-Fix uses an impact shield to keep your child safe. It's not something we're accustomed to seeing on car seats, and this may make some parents uncomfortable, but the proof's in the pudding — in 2020, the Pallas B-Fix topped several tests , including the ADAC car seat test.

Maxi-Cosi Mica Up

An ISOFIX Seat That Protects Your Child as They Develop

Maxi-Cosi is one of the best-known car seat brands in the world. That's because they don't compromise on safety . Their products tend to cost a little more than their competitors', but they offer unparalleled protection for your child. The Mica Up is a perfect example of this. This seat faces rearwards when your child is small and then swivels as they grow into toddlerhood. 

In combination with the ISOFIX fittings and support leg, this adaptability ensures that they remain as safe as possible during both of these critical developmental stages. This seat's main drawback is that it's only suitable once your baby reaches four months, meaning you'll have to buy an infant carrier that you probably won't use for very long!

RECARO Tian Elite Group 1/2/3 Car Seat

Integrated Sound System With Speakers to Keep Them Entertained

What makes this car seat stand out is the thoughtful little extras. Your toddler might feel quite separate from the rest of the car with the vast amount of support around their head and ears, so this seat includes a sound system with speakers to keep them entertained. 

There is also an air ventilation system which will make the seat feel less stuffy, especially on hot days. It is a bit more on the costly side, but this seat will last and last, so it will be a worthwhile investment. 

Joie Everystage Group 0+/1/2/3 Car Seat

Toddler Car Seat That Converts Into a Booster

With just one purchase, you can have a car seat that will be suitable throughout your child's need for one. With its reversible seating position and removable extra padding , it will be suitable for a baby. Once they are beyond this point, you can slowly start transforming the seat into one that is more appropriate for a toddler. 

The transformative power goes as far as being able to convert to a booster seat , catering to any requirement your toddler could have at different stages. With the multi-recline feature, they can cruise around in luxurious style. 

Britax Römer Evolva 1-2-3

An Affordable and Adaptable Car Seat From a Trusted Brand

The clue's in the name — the Britax Evolva 1-2-3  'evolves' with your child as they grow up . The harness will keep your child secure from 9 months until they reach four years old, at which point the Evolva transforms into a regular booster seat.

There's no denying that the Evolva doesn't encase your child as much as some car seats do, and the recline system is rather primitive. It is, however, a sturdily built seat from a highly trusted brand . And it has cup holders, which are sure to come into their on long journeys!

Britax Römer Discovery Soft-Latch Car Seat ｜ Storm Grey/ Black

Lightweight Travel Car Seat for Children Over the Age of 4

Lugging around a car seat can put a real strain on you, which is why Britax have created a car seat that is wonderfully light . For an even more lightweight option, you can convert this seat into a booster when they're ready by removing the back. 

Due to the lack of straps and extra support , this car seat isn't suitable for children younger than 4. It relies on the use of car seat belts, which is fine is your child is a bit older, but not an option if they're still in the group 1 weight category.

Harmony Elite

Affordable ISOFIX Car Seat for Toddlers

As full car seats go, this is a more affordable option , but not one that sacrifices exciting extras. The ISOFIX attaching system will keep your child firmly in place, and the cup holder means you don't have to constantly be handing them their beaker when they're thirsty. 

This seat is great for older toddlers due to the more open nature of the seat, but it is  only suitable for older toddlers , which might put you off buying it if your little one is on the small side. 

Trunki BoostApak Car Booster Seat

Travel Toddler Car Seat That Folds Into a Backpack

This ultra-portable car seat not only acts as a little booster when travelling but also doubles up as a rucksack with enough space to fit a few essentials. For families who are often on the go, this car seat is just what you need. There's no need to worry if your child makes a mess either, as the easy-wipe material will look as good as new in no time. 

Whilst this seat does have a back, it is not the usual car seat back and offers far less support . This means that it isn't suitable for young children, and it's difficult to tell from the lack of car seat group. It may be handy in emergencies, but this seat is definitely not the most secure.

Cuggl Dream Group 3 Car Booster Seat

Booster Seat for Older Toddlers and Children

If your child is over 22 kg and is ready to move onto something a bit more grown-up , then this booster seat could be the option for you. Coming in at less than a tenner, it is extremely reasonably priced, and being a booster seat means that it can easily be moved from car to car when compared with other, more bulky choices with backs. 

The big drawback with booster seats like this is their lack of security. This booster seat is not fastened in at all , which might mean your child moves around more than they – or you – would like. 

Your child must weigh at least 9 kg before they can use a 'Stage 1' car seat. You don't need to move them into a new seat immediately, though — you can keep them in their infant seat until 13 kg. Many manufacturers recommend that you do, as there are many benefits to rear-facing car seats.

Government guidance says that children can use booster seats at 15 kg. Booster seats let your child use a regular car seatbelt rather than an integrated harness. We highly recommend checking that your child is tall enough so that the seatbelt sits comfortably across their shoulder - and not their neck - before making the transfer.

Top 5 Car Seats for Toddlers

No. 1: Maxi-Cosi ｜ Titan Plus Car Seat

No. 2: Cybex ｜ Silver Pallas B-Fix

No. 3: Maxi-Cosi ｜ Mica Up

No. 4: RECARO ｜ Tian Elite Group 1/2/3 Car Seat

No. 5: Joie ｜ Everystage Group 0+/1/2/3 Car Seat

Recommended Popular Rankings for Car seats & accessories

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The 8 best toddler car seats 2024

Nuna TODL next and BASE next

Maxi-Cosi Pearl 360 Pro and FamilyFix 360 Pro base

Graco Turn2Me 360°

Axkid Minikid

Joie Baby i-Spin 360

RECARO Toria Elite

Cuggl Woodlark

Britax Dualfix iSize

Graco Slim Fit 3in1

Ickle Bubba Radius 360 Spin

Working out when to move your little one from a baby car seat to a toddler car seat can be confusing. The key thing to remember is that a car seat ‘fits’ your child according to their weight (or their height, in the case of i-Size seats) – not their age. Don’t move your child until they're close to the maximum weight or height limit for their current seat. Lots of parents buy the next-stage seat too soon, thinking the seat looks a bit snug, but it’s safer to keep your child in the lowest group seat for their height and weight.

UK car seat laws state that all children must use a car seat until they are 12 years old or 135 centimetres tall. If you’re currently using a Group 0+ car seat with your little one, you’ll need to start searching for the best toddler car seat when your youngster is around 12-15 months old. If you’re using a Group 1 or Group 0+/1 seat, you can use it until your child is around four years old before deciding which seat to buy next. If you’re using an iSize seat, you’ll need to replace it when your baby reaches the height limit for the seat – this varies between brands but is likely to be somewhere between 12 to 15 months and four years old.

• Best toddler car seat overall: Nuna TODL next and BASE next - Buy now on Mamas & Papas • Best 360 toddler car seat: Joie Baby i-Spin 360 - Buy now on John Lewis • Best rear-facing toddler car seat: Axkid Minikid - Buy now on Axkid • Best toddler car seat for longevity : RECARO Toria Elite - Buy now on John Lewis

The good news is that there are lots of choices when it comes to the best toddler car seat meaning you can really hone in on the features that you specifically want for your child's next car seat. You might be looking for a 360 car seat for easy accessibility or perhaps a rear-facing toddler car seat to make sure your baby is in the safest position possible.

A very affordable seat might tick all your boxes if you’re shopping for a spare seat for occasional use, but it might be worth buying a more expensive seat if you need features such as a rotating base or ISOFIX. It’s worth spending as much as you can on a car seat with the best safety features.

The best toddler car seats for 2023

1. nuna todl next and base next.

www.mamasandpapas.com

Description

The Nuna TODL NEXT was awarded Gold for Best Baby/Toddler Car Seat (Stage 1/2) at the Mother&Baby Awards 2024. Then again for Best Multi Stage Car Seat at the Mother&Baby Awards 2023.

The sleek and stylish Nuna TODL next and BASE next is ready to hit the road from day one right through toddlerhood. It has five recline positions and the deep recline angles will having them snoozing in no time. The shoulder harness expands with each of the six headrest positions and you can attach side impact protection pod to create an additional safety zone to protect your child. Did we mention it has 360° rotation?

Our mum tester review said:  "I believe this is the smoothest car seat I've ever used. Add on the ease of installation (you can install it with the seatbelt if you do not have ISOFIX in your vehicle), its sturdy but lightweight build, and its age range being suited to most family's needs, you won't go wrong opting for this seat."

Read our full  Nuna TODL next and BASE  review

• 360° rotation
• Steel strength technology
• Machine washable
• Lightweight
• Rubberised 5-point harness
• Front or rear facing
• Not suitable for over 105cm or 19kg weight

2. Maxi-Cosi Pearl 360 Pro and FamilyFix 360 Pro base

www.maxi-cosi.co.uk

The Maxi-Cosi Pearl 360 Pro and FamilyFix 360 Pro base was awarded Silver for Best Baby/Toddler Car Seat (Stage 1/2) at the Mother&Baby Awards 2024.

The Pearl 360 Pro and FamilyFix 360 Pro feature 360° rotation and SlideTech™ - Maxi-Cosi's revolutionary sliding car seat technology that makes every day easier. Yep, that means no backache, head bangs or struggles; simply lock, slide, spin and go! The Maxi-Cosi FamilyFix 360 Pro ISOFIX car seat base rotates and slides toward you using Maxi-Cosi’s patented SlideTech™ technology. The Pearl  360 Pro car seat , is compatible with the FamilyFix 360 Pro base providing ultimate ease for you and maximum comfort for your child from birth to 4 years old.

Our mum tester said: "The car seat was so easy to use and install with the base and my son seemed happy and comfortable in his time in there. It's reassuring to hear about the safety features of the seat as this is obviously something that you look into lots when you are choosing a seat (especially one that potentially lasts for so long!). The straps were easy to use and didn't twist and get tangled like some other car seats."

Read our full Maxi-Cosi Pearl 360 Pro and FamilyFix 360 Pro base review.

• Innovative SlideTech™ technology
• One-hand 360° rotation
• ClimaFlow breathable panels
• Both rotates and slides towards you

3. Graco Turn2Me 360°

www.argos.co.uk

The Graco Turn2Me 360° was awarded Bronze for Best Baby/Toddler Car Seat (Stage 1/2) at the Mother&Baby Awards 2024.

A fantastic group 0+/1 Isofix  car seat  that smoothly rotates 360° at an exceptional price with no compromise on safety or quality safety features, the Graco Turn2Me 360° is brilliant for babies. An intuitive rearward/forward-facing locking system means easy and instant installation with the reassurance of an integrated colour-coded indicator. As far as  cheap car seats  go, this is one of the best thanks to its numerous features. A 12-position load-leg ensures the best fit for the car. Side impact protection ensures powerful head/body protection at each stage. The no re-thread harness guarantees a proper fit as your child grows.

Our mum tester said: "I'm really pleased with the car seat and definitely think a rotating seat is worth the money. This one is slightly cheaper than others on the market, making it a good choice. I found the recline button and the rotation button to be a bit difficult to reach when rear-facing and as they are so close to each other it's possible to get them confused, but once I'd familiarised myself with them, we've not found it to be a problem."

Read our full Graco Turn2Me 360° review.

• 10 overall recline positions (5 rearward and 5 forward-facing)
• Built-in side ventilation
• No sun hood

4. Axkid Minikid

The best rear-facing toddler car seat.

Won Bronze in the 2020 Mother&Baby Awards in the Best Rear-Facing Car Seat category.

This car seat allows your child to travel rear-facing up to 6-7 years of age. Easy installation, comfortable positioning and excellent protection from all angles are benefits that can be found on Axkid Minikid. The harness can adjust easily to your baby's size and height and the seat features self-tightening straps to ensure they ride comfortably and securely.

Mum tester Mhari says:  "This car seat is wonderful. It looks and feels very sturdy, and the baby appears to be very comfortable sitting in the car seat. It sits quite high therefore, the baby can see out of the window. This car seat made the process of going out for the day a lot easier as baby was happy to use the car seat."

The Axkid Minikid 2 is the latest model of the car seat.

Read our full  Axkid Minikid  review

• Has gone through extra testing standards
• Rear-facing up to 6/7 years
• Simple and smart design
• Removable padding 
• Quite bulky

5. Joie Baby i-Spin 360

The best 360 toddler car seat.

www.johnlewis.com

Suitable rearward facing from birth to 105cm (approximately four years old), this iSize extended rear-facing seat rotates 360° so it's ideal if you have back issues which makes lifting a heavy toddler in and out of the car difficult. There are six recline settings in both seat positions, so it’s comfy if your child falls asleep in your car. You can rotate the Joie Baby i-Spin 360 easily, even with a wriggly toddler in your arms.

Reviewed by mum Uanfin: "I like the fact that the safety buttons change from red to green when it’s installed correctly, and my son and I both love the rotating feature. He can climb in and out of the seat himself and as I’m over 35 weeks pregnant, rotating the seat to buckle it was great. The headrest was easy to adjust, and I like the reclining option for both rearward and forward facing."

Read our Joie Baby i-Spin 360 review .

• 360° rotating seat
• Installation indicators
• Plush cushioning and fabrics
• Tri-Protect™ headrest
• Quite heavy

6. RECARO Toria Elite

The best toddler car seat for longevity.

The RECARO Toria Elite won Silver in the  Mother&Baby awards 2023  for Best Multi Stage Car Seat.

The versatile RECARO Toria Elite grows with your baby from 15 months and can be individually height-adjusted and perfectly adapts to different body sizes. Loudspeakers are built into the head area of the child seat and the audio connection and device pouch mean your children can be entertained on any drive. The openings in the outer shell and mesh inserts in the seat cover ensure continuous airflow to keep your little one comfortable.

M&B tester review: "I think this car seat was great for my nearly four-year-old - we found it easy to install into our car and also to alter the height and the recline could be done with one hand. When choosing a car seat safety is really important and the fact that this car seat had side impact protection, was installed using isofix and a top tether made me feel that the seat was safe and secure. i-Size is a big selling point for me. My daughter also seemed very comfortable in this seat and I liked that it came with an inlay for smaller children."

Read our RECARO Toria Elite review .

• Suitable from approximately 15 months to 12 years old (76-150cm)
• Advance side protection
• R129-compliant (i-Size ready)

7. Cuggl Woodlark

The best affordable toddler car seat.

The Cuggl Woodlark is a low-budget, versatile car seat that can be used rearward facing from birth to 10kg or forward facing from 9-25kg. It wouldn’t be our first choice for everyday use because it isn’t suitable for rear facing use for as long as some of the other car seats in our list. However, it’s worth consider-ing if you need an affordable car seat for occasional use only in a second car or to keep at the grandparents’ house.

Reviewed by mum Sarah: "Initially, I was put off by how basic this seat looks but we were pleasantly surprised once it was installed. The innovative harness design, which tight-ens at the shoulders, is impressive. The price is a major win – you get very little for a child for less than £100 these days! I probably wouldn’t use this on a daily basis but I’d be more than happy to take it on holiday."

• Harness tightens at shoulders
• Side impact protection
• Only rear faces up to 10kg

8. Britax Dualfix iSize

The best toddler car seat for naps on the go.

www.babyplanetonline.co.uk

Suitable from birth to approximately four years, the Britax Dualfix iSize is secured via the ISOFIX anchorage points in your car and has a height-adjustable support leg for extra stability. The seat rotates 360° degrees so it’s a doddle to lift a squirming toddler in and out of the car. It can be used rearward facing as well as forward facing. It has no less than 12 recline positions and a well-padded newborn insert for extra support and comfort.

Reviewed by mum Sarah: "This was such a comfortable seat for my son, who’s fairly tall. He thoroughly enjoyed every journey – in fact, he fell asleep almost every time we used it! It’s so well-padded, and knowing that he’s comfy means I feel more comfortable about taking longer trips. The rotating feature was so helpful and instinctive. I’d recommend this to anyone who, like me, has a bad back or a slightly heavier child."

Read our full Britax Dualfix iSize review.

• 12 recline positions
• Easy to install

9. Graco Slim Fit 3in1

The best toddler car seat for compact cars.

The versatile Graco Slim Fit 3in1 car seat can be used rear-facing from birth up until around four years old, or forward facing right up to around 12 years old when it can be used as a booster seat from 15kg. It’s secured via the vehicle seat belt rather than ISOFIX, and it’s slimmer than many other car seats – useful if you’ve got several seats to fit in the back.

Reviewed by mum Sarah: "My daughter popped herself in this seat while I was reading the instructions, and asked me to buckle her in – fantastic, as she usually hates getting buckled into anything! We were on the road within 10 minutes, after a very intuitive set-up. I couldn’t believe the price – brilliant value. It fits so well in our Golf and looks great. I’d prefer ISOFIX, but for less than £200, I can't complain."

Read our Graco Slim Fit 3in1 review.

• Easy to set up
• Great for small cars

10. Ickle Bubba Radius 360 Spin

Best toddler car seat for value for money.

icklebubba.com

Designed to grow with your child all the way from birth to seven years, the huge benefit of having the Ickle Bubba Radius 360 Spun is that you can keep your children rear-facing for longer, so there’s no need to shell out for a new seat. Lightweight and easy to install, it can be spun through a complete circle and in either direction meaning that it can be fitted on either side of your car.

Reviewed by M&B tester Tom: "As well as the main benefit of a rotating seat growing with your child, the other huge bonus comes when you are getting your little one in and out of the car. By spinning the seat around so your child is facing you through the car door, it makes the angles notably easier for all concerned. Rather than having to twist around to get a wriggling baby, or toddler, into the seat, you can approach the car straight on."

Read our Ickle Bubba Radius 360 Spin review

• Relatively lightweight and easy to manoeuvre for a rotating seat
• Comfortable shape for toddler
• Good value and long-lasting, as it adjusts to fit your growing child
• Straightforward to install
• ISOFIX bars are independent of one another
• Not iSize compliant

Your guide to toddler car seats

Types of toddler car seats

All car seats are sorted into groups according to their maximum height and weight limits, to ensure that your baby is in the right seat for their size.

Group 0+ seats are suitable from birth up to either 12-15 months or until the child weighs 13kg, and Group 1 seats are generally suitable for babies from nine months to around four and a half years. Group 2/3 are to be used from around three years until age 12.

Group 0+ seats typically face rearwards, while Group 1 seats have traditionally been forward-facing, but with an increasing number of rearward-facing seats now available.

Group 1/2/3 car seats are ‘combination’ or ‘multi-group’ seats. This means they cover more than one car seat group. The main advantage of a Group 1/2/3 car seat is longevity. In theory, it should be the last car seat you’ll need to buy, as it’s designed to fit your child until they no longer need one, so it can save you money in the long run.

Laws and safety for toddler car seats

Babies must be rear-facing until they are over 15 months old. Your child can use a forward-facing child car seat when they’re over 15 months old although many parents decide to keep their child rear-facing for as long as possible.

All car seats must pass European safety standard tests, but they don’t all share the same safety features. Look for side impact protection, especially around the part of the seat that supports your child’s head, and choose a seat shell designed to help absorb impact.

Always remember to remove your child’s coat before you strap them into their car seat, as a thick padded coat or pram suit creates too much space between your baby’s body and harness, and prevents them being properly restrained and protected.

What is extended rear-facing?

Rear-facing seats provide greater protection for your baby’s head, neck and spine than forward-facing seats and are a legal requirement until your baby is over 15 months old. You can now buy extended rear-facing car seats which make it possible to keep your child rear-facing even longer.

Choosing the right toddler car seat for you

Safety features: All car seats must pass crash tests and safety standards, but they don’t share the same safety features. Look for extras like side-impact protection – especially around the part of the seat that supports your child’s head – and a seat shell designed to help absorb impact.

Transport: Unlike infant carriers or newborn car seats , which can be used to transport your baby back and forth between the car, toddler car seats are designed to stay in your vehicle. It’s best to avoid moving them unnecessarily to minimise the chances of re-installing it incorrectly, but if you’re a two-car family or need to move it into a grandparent’s car occasionally, choose a car seat that’s straightforward to re-install.

Seat padding: A well-padded seat means a more comfy journey for your child. Is it plush enough, and can you wash the cover easily in the event of a toilet-training accident or spilt drink?

Rotation: You'll find a few 360 car seats in our list which help make it easier to pop your child in and out of the car. Check how easy it is to operate this feature – it can be a wonderful extra if you have back problems or a heavy child.

Seat recline: Multiple recline positions mean more comfort for your child if they nod off in the car. Check how many recline settings there are, and whether you can easily (and quietly!) adjust the seat, even with your child in it.

Harness and buckle: The car seat harness should be tight-fitting – you shouldn’t be able to fit more than two fingers between the strap and your child’s shoulder. Check how easy it is to adjust the harness height and straps, without breaking a nail.

Accessories: A cup holder isn’t essential, but it makes life easier as you don’t have to stop the car to pick up dropped toys or hand over drinks. Check whether any useful extras are included, or if you can buy them separately.

How do you install a toddler car seat?

Some toddler eats are installed in your car by attaching them to your vehicle’s ISOFIX anchor points – this type of seat isn't suitable if you have an older vehicle. Many also have a top tether to keep them firmly in place. Other seats are designed to be held in place using the car’s seat belt. Not all seats are approved for use in all cars, so check with the car seat retailer or your car’s manufacturer before you buy.

When can my child go forward facing?

Only move your child to a forward-facing seat once they can sit up unaided and has exceeded the maximum weight for the seat or they are too tall for the seat, usually when the top of their head is above the top of the seat.

Or, consider using a larger (Group 1 or Group 2) rear-facing seat. If you choose a seat that can be both rear-facing and forward-facing, check the weight limit for rear-facing use, as some seats aren’t suitable for rear-facing use beyond a certain weight.

Emily Gilbert  is a Digital Writer for Mother&Baby and has written for the website and previously the magazine for six years. Specialising in product reviews, Emily is the first to know about all the exciting new releases in the parenting industry.

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The 8 Best Travel Car Seats of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

We rounded up the best travel-friendly car seats to keep your kids safe wherever you go.

In This Article

Jump to a Section

• Our top picks
• Others We Liked

Our Testing Process

• Tips for Buying

You May Also Need

• Why Trust T+L

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

Travel + Leisure / Cassie Aulie

Traveling with children can be a gratifying and enriching experience, but family vacations are also challenging because of the extra items you need to pack (and carry), including a car seat, which adds quite a lot of bulk to your luggage. That's why we set out to find the most compact, travel-friendly, lightweight, and easy-to-install car seats on the market right now.

We combed through results and feedback from three different real-world car seat tests in which we tested a total of 57 car seats, looking specifically for portable, travel-friendly options. During testing, we looked at several factors like design, features, ease of cleaning, value, and — most importantly — safety. Below, we rounded up eight of the best travel car seats to consider for your next family getaway.

Best Overall

Graco contender slim convertible car seat.

It is an excellent fit for compact cars.

The chest buckle is large and bulky.

Lugging around a heavy car seat in addition to your luggage is not pleasant, but this car seat will make your life so much easier. Not only is it the lightest car seat on our list, but it is also the slimmest, making it an excellent choice for both compact and larger vehicles (or for larger families who need to fit more than one car seat in the backseat). Installation took us about 15 minutes, and then it was pretty intuitive to use. It has several inserts that help you customize it for your child, including an infant insert with extra padding, eight headrest heights, and two reclining positions.

It also has a removable cup for snacks and drinks that you can place on either side of the seat. And while we only had to spot-clean it, if you need to wash the entire cover, you can take it off and throw it in the washing machine. The fabric is breathable and has held up exceptionally well after over a month of use.

The Details: Weighs 16 pounds; holds 65 pounds | 24.75 x 18.9 x 21.5 inches | Rear and forward modes | Belt- and latch-compatible

Travel + Leisure

Best Rotating

Evenflo gold revolve360 convertible car seat.

It’s easy to install and rotates 360 degrees.

It would be nice if it had a built-in sunshade.

Four minutes: that's exactly how much time it took us to install this Evenflo car seat after watching the instructional video. It was an incredibly easy-to-follow process, and we found the audible click and level indicator super helpful. But the most impressive feature of this convertible car seat is its ability to rotate 360 degrees, which is a complete game changer for parents (seriously, our team member who tested this car seat said it spoiled them into "never using a car seat that doesn't have this feature"). This means that the seat can transform into rear- or forward-facing in seconds without the need to uninstall the entire seat and base. Just pull one of the two levers on either side and start rotating it. This feature also makes it super convenient to place your child in the seat and buckle them because you no longer have to bend at an awkward angle. 

Comfort is also a standout feature, and the upholstery fabric of this car seat felt soft, breathable, and very high-quality (cleaning it is also a breeze). The overall padding of the car seat and the generous recline positions also contribute to a more comfortable trip. And finally, while this is not the lightest car seat at 40.6 pounds, its design is quite compact, and even if you install it in a smaller vehicle, you will be left with a good amount of legroom and recline space for the seat in front. 

Shoppers should also note that the Office of Vehicle Safety Compliance (OVSC) is currently evaluating this car seat .

The Details: Weighs 40.6 pounds; holds up to 120 pounds | 25.9 x 19.8 x 21 inches | Rear, forward, and booster modes | Belt- and latch-compatible

Best for Compact Cars

Diono radian 3rxt convertible car seat.

 Amazon

The seat folds, making it easy to carry.

The initial installation takes more time than some of the other options on this list.

When renting a large car is not always possible, this Diono car seat is the way to go. First, it's much easier to carry (and store) because of its slim, foldable design. And while the installation took us a while compared to others on this list (about 45 minutes to an hour), we found it to be a perfect match for a smaller vehicle similar to a Fiat 500. 

Second, buckling and unbuckling is super intuitive, and the straps never get tangled up. And even after a year of constant use, the fabric is in excellent condition with few signs of wear and tear other than some light fading. You can also remove the cover and machine wash it, another very convenient feature. 

Third, we love that even though the seat is about 17 inches wide, it features additional padding and side protection without compromising comfort. Lastly, this car seat is also FAA-approved, so feel free to fly with it.

The Details: Weights 30.6 pounds; holds up to 120 pounds | 17 x 28.5 x 16 inches | Rear, forward, and booster modes | Latch

Best With Stroller

Doona car seat and stroller.

The wheels fold up and attach to the seat.

There is no storage space, and you need to purchase the base separately. 

There is a reason the Doona car seat is a best-seller and an all-time parent favorite. It's all in the smart design that combines a car seat and a stroller in one compact product. Unlike other models, the wheels of this car seat collapse under it so you can latch it into its base (sold separately). Basically, you can bid adieu to lugging a stroller and a car seat. This is the ultimate travel-friendly stroller/car seat combo for infants and toddlers up to 35 pounds. We recommend you take your time to read the folding and unfolding instructions before you use it. It took us some time to figure out what each button was for and how to attach it to the base correctly, but it was smooth sailing once we got the hang of it.

The Doona is upholstered in a cooling bamboo fabric for added comfort, and it has a canopy for shade. The car seat also performed exceptionally well in our maneuverability category during testing — it was a breeze pushing it even with one hand. The brake was easy to engage and disengage, so this is the perfect option for a city vacation or a road trip that requires you to quickly transport your baby in and out of the car.

The Details: Weights 16.5 pounds; holds up to 35 pounds | 26 x 17.4 x 22.4 inches (folded) | Rear-facing | Latch and belt

Most Durable

Graco extend2fit 3-in-1 car seat.

This option proved to be most durable after we used it for more than two years.

The shoulder straps are difficult to adjust.

We tested this car seat for over two years, and it has held up exceptionally well against wear and tear, spills, and everything a toddler can (literally) throw at it. Graco makes some of the sturdiest, most durable car seats by focusing on quality and safety, and this is exactly why we included the Extend2Fit model in this list.

The car seat is easy to install (it took us about 20 minutes), and even if you're setting it up in a smaller vehicle, it leaves plenty of legroom and recline space. We appreciated the two deep cup holders that are perfect for holding sippy cups and snacks (and bonus points for how easy they are to clean). This car seat has a unique feature that accommodates growing kids — a retractable panel provides five extra inches of legroom, making it safer for taller infants and toddlers to ride in a rear-facing position.

The Details: Weighs 19 pounds; holds up to 65 pounds | 24.5 x 20.75 x 19 inches | Rear and forward modes | Latch

Most Comfortable

Safety 1st grow and go lx convertible car seat.

You can use the footrest in both rear- and forward-facing positions, making it comfortable no matter which way kids sit.

 It is a bit tricky to install.

Looking for a car seat to keep your little one comfortable during long road trips? This one performed well in almost all categories thanks to its easy use, design, durability, and overall value. Its size is generous (so it may not be a great fit for compact vehicles) and provides ample space for kids to grow into without compromising on padding and safety.

Safety 1st updated this model with a footrest that really impressed us because you can use it in rear-facing, forward-facing, and booster positions so your child's feet will not dangle for hours. We also love that the removable cups are dishwasher-safe and come with convenient lids to prevent messes (but in any case, the cover is removable and machine-washable). The car seat we tested still looks new, and the fabric seems spill-resistant.

The Details: Weighs 20 pounds; holds up to 100 pounds | 23.5 x 19 x 25 inches | Rear, forward, and booster modes | Latch and belt

Best for Multiple Age Groups

Graco 3-in-1 rotating car seat.

It is super easy to install and accommodates various age groups.

This rotating car seat works better in larger cars and may be a tight squeeze in smaller vehicles.

Your child should be all set for years to come with Graco's convertible car seat, which accommodates children up to 100 pounds. It rotates in a rear-facing position so you can get your baby in and out of it more easily. As for securing your child, the buckles are extremely easy to use, and the straps stay in sync — meaning that if you loosen one, the other will loosen automatically, too. And with four reclining positions, your child will be comfortable whether they are taking a nap, eating a snack, or playing.

We tested this car seat in a mid-size SUV, and it left plenty of reclining space for the seat in front. However, if you install it in a smaller vehicle, it might be a much tighter situation. And speaking of the installation, it only took us 17 minutes to read the instructions, watch the YouTube video, and install it. Finally, this seat grows with your child as it can accommodate kids weighing from four to 100 pounds. 

The Details: Weighs 30 pounds; holds up to 100 pounds | 19.1 x 24.4 x 20.8 inches | Rear, forward, and booster modes | Latch

Easiest Installation

Britax emblem 3-stage convertible car seat.

This no-fuss car seat is quick to install, and it only weighs 19 pounds.

There are no extra features such as cup holders or sensors.

If you're in the market for a no-fuss, easy-to-use car seat, this is it. Installation is standard (although you will still have to read the instructions to do it), and once you've practiced a couple of times, you will be able to install it pretty fast in any vehicle. We tested it in a sedan and an SUV, and it fits well in both (although the SUV was a slightly better fit). Thanks to the excellent design, using it is a breeze. Buckling your child, adjusting the harness, and reclining is intuitive and stress-free, which is exactly what you need when you're on the road. And while it may not have many bells and whistles, it provides excellent padding, and the fabric is soft and pillowy without feeling scratchy. 

The Details: Weighs 19.5 pounds; holds up to 65 pounds | 21 x 18.3 x 26 inches | Rear and forward modes | Latch

Other Car Seats We Liked

We tested so many car seats that we think there are a few more worth mentioning, although we didn't love them quite as much as the others on our main list.

Baby Jogger City Sights Travel System: This stroller and car seat combo is a good option for parents looking for a two-in-one. The stroller is easy to maneuver and collapses into a pretty compact and travel-friendly size. The car seat has a weight capacity of 35 pounds, so it can only be used in a rear-facing position.

Nuna Rava Convertible Car Seat : This rear-facing car seat can accommodate children up to 50 pounds, which is impressive (however, keep in mind that the seat itself is almost 28 pounds). The straps and the buckles are very easy to use and don't get in the way when you place your child in and out of the seat.

We used results from three real-world tests in which we reviewed convertible car seats, rotating convertible car seats, and car seat stroller combos to find our favorite travel-friendly options. We sorted through feedback from 57 car seats we tested, looking at weight, size, and performance in multiple categories, including ease of installation, ease of use, design, features, safety, value, and more.

We also consulted Ben Hoffman, MD, a pediatrician and nationally recognized expert in child injury prevention and education, to ensure the safety of the products we chose for real-life tests. In addition, every car seat meets the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) standards.

Tips for Buying a Travel Car Seat

Look for portability.

Portability is one of the major factors differentiating a standard car seat from one you'll mostly use while traveling. Consider its weight and size: opt for lighter and more compact car seats that you can carry without compromising safety features. Some car seats fold or feature collapsible stroller wheels — all features that come in handy when you're on the road or in transit. 

Consider ease of installation

When you're just getting off a long-haul flight and need to get in the car and drive for hours, the last thing you want is to waste time installing a car seat. That's why your travel car seat should be simple to install and use. Check if the vehicle you are setting it up in accommodates a latch or belt car seat, and make sure that yours can comfortably fit in the back seat of whatever size car you may be renting. Then, read through the installation instructions or watch the video, and make sure you don't need another adult to help you safely install it. 

Pay attention to your child's weight and height

Every car seat has strict weight and height limits to ensure your child's safety. Some might also have age restrictions, but they are not as important as children are different and grow at their own pace.Make sure you weigh and measure your child before purchasing a travel car seat. The good thing about convertible car seats is that you can use them in both rear- and forward-facing positions as your child grows so you don't have to invest in a new car seat every few years.

Yes, but you must first ensure the car seat is FAA-approved (it will say so on the car seat). In fact, while using a car seat on a plane is not required, the FAA recommends it to ensure your little one's safety in case of turbulence, for example. If traveling on an international airline outside the U.S., check with that airline's policies, size limitations, and guidelines before your trip, as some international airlines do not allow car seats on board. Usually, using a booster seat during a flight is not an issue with airlines, and it doesn't count toward your carry-on luggage allowance.

The short answer is yes. Airlines will usually check in a car seat, stroller, or a child restraint system for free (one per child). However, the tricky part is that if you're not traveling with a child, you might have to pay to check in the car seat, so in this case, it's always best to contact the airline before your trip.

If your car seat is oversized, you will be asked to check it in at the airport, so it's essential to place it in a protective bag that will offer some sort of protection while in the cargo hold of the plane. Even if you plan on using your car seat during the flight, a travel bag can help make carrying it through the airport easier. Some car seats come with travel bags that have handles. If your car seat doesn't come with one, you can likely purchase it from the maker's website or find one that accommodates the size of your car seat on Amazon. Certain bags even feature wheels so you can roll the car seat through the airport.

Most car rental companies offer car seats as an add-on for a fee, so if you don't want to invest in one or carry it with you, you can always rent one. U.S. car rental companies must offer car seats that comply with state and federal laws. However, if you're traveling internationally, the risk is that you don't know if the car seat has been stored and cleaned properly or if it’s ever been in an accident. It also means you have to install it yourself, which can be challenging and time-consuming if you're unfamiliar with that particular brand or car seat model. 

If you're traveling with children, here are some other useful products that can help make your trip run smoothly.

Maxi-cosi Swift Lightweight Portable Play Yard : This was our absolute favorite travel crib out of 19 that we tested , with a detachable mattress and bassinet feature that you can use to adjust the crib as your newborn grows. The crib is easy set up and take down for maximum portability, and it proved to be sturdy and durable in the long run.

Cybex Coya Compact Lightweight Travel Stroller : After testing strollers in our lab , this was our favorite travel stroller for flying. We found that it folds up quickly and fits easily into airplane overhead bins. It also has removable seat padding for cleaning and a canopy that comes down for sun and rain protection.

Jetkids by Stokke BedBox Kid's Ride-on Suitcase : We are expert luggage testers here at Travel + Leisure , and this ride-on suitcase was one of our favorites for kids . The ride-on design means that a kid can sit on top of the suitcase as their parents pull them using the adjustable strap. Parents can also use the strap to carry the lightweight suitcase like a shoulder bag.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

For this article, Dobrina Zhekova worked with T+L editors to round up the safest and most comfortable travel car seats for kids of all ages from real-world tests. As a mother, she has also tested several car seats in the past five years and has extensive knowledge of airline policies and regulations about traveling with car seats. She also referenced customer reviews and expert recommendations in this article.

Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter , and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week.

7 best travel car seat for toddlers

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When it comes to holidaying abroad, it’s hard to know what’s best to do about your kids and car seats. The thought of not having appropriate car seats makes us really anxious so I researched and tried out a few portable car seat for toddlers. In this blog post I compare 7 options of portable travel car seats for toddlers and tell you which we bought and why.

Travel car seat for toddlers options

We don’t mess about when it comes to our kids’ car seats. We take it seriously and do our research, following whatever is the best guidance at the time.

It is one area where we don’t try to scrimp, even for grandparent’s cars. To us, it’s just not worth it.

Our three year old has good extended rear facing car seats in both our car (Cybex Sirona, you can see our review here ) and in her grandad’s car (Concord Reverso – see our video review here ).

But for our recent trip to Spain we chose to take portable car seats for toddlers.

Our daughter is too young for a booster seat at 3 and I would never put our 6 year old in a booster seat without a high back at home.

However, I’ve done my research and a travel car seat option would be better for both than nothing at all.

Portable car seats for toddlers in the UK

After asking around and doing some research and it seems there are 7 top options for travel car seats for toddlers on the UK market at the moment:

• The BubbleBum  (affiliate link) – this is an inflatable booster seat that you blow up for them and then deflate to put in luggage. From the limited amount of safety reviews I’ve been able to find on travel car seats, this one seems to score the best. BubbleBum is crash test approved and meets and exceeds the EU ECE R44. 04 and the US FMVSS 213 safety regulations. This means we are able to use this one for our trip to Iceland. See below for more reasons we liked the Bubblebum seat and how we tested it.
• The Trunki BoostApak (affiliate link) – this is a hard shelled back pack that transforms into a booster seat. The h ard shell means that whatever you have put in the backpack can remain in it meaning it’s a good ‘two for one’ option . I’ve read some reviews that say it can be a bit heavy (3lbs without anything in it) for younger kids though and I know mine would complain about carrying it. ECE R44.04 – EU Certified for Group 2 and 3 (girls and boys weighing 15kg-36kg approx. 4 – 12 years old).
• The mifold grab and go booster seat (affiliate link) – this is a foldable car seat that guides the seat belt into a more optimum position on the child. If you are looking for the most compact travel seat then this is the smallest I’ve seen on the UK market. These seem to be hard to get a hold of at the moment.
• The same company have also now launched the HiFold (below) which transforms into a higher back booster. This looks good but we haven’t personally tested it as it wasn’t available when I wrote this post originally. These also seem to be hard to get a hold of at the moment.
• NEW to the UK market is the Maxi-Cosi Nomad Plus (affiliate link) foldable car seat – this seat is for children aged 15 months to 4 years (or 67-105cm). It weighs 4.26kg so one of the heavier options however it is more like a traditional car seat with a high back and side impact protection which may make you feel less worried about using it compared to a backless option. You can adjust the safety harness and headrest as your child grows. It fits any car with best installation. It comes with it’s own (water repellant but not waterproof) carry bag. There is no Which? review of the Maxi-Cosi Nomad Plus yet but it is I-Size-compliant and conforms to the latest R129 regulations. The cover and harness shoulder pads are removable so you can machine wash when (not if) it gets dirty. Currently priced at £109.
• NEW to the UK market is the Urban Kanga Wallaroo Portable and Foldable Car Seat (affiliate link). This seat is ISOFIX i-Size 100-150cm meaning it lasts from about 4 to 12 years (or 15-36 kg). Its one of the heaviest seat in my list at 6kg which is a substantial weight if you are carrying around exploring. Like the Maxi-Cosi Nomad Plus it has side impact protection. The Urban Kanga Wallaroo is tested to ECE regulation R129/03 for 100-150 cm (i-Size). It has ISOfix or seatbelt installation. There are 8 adjustable height positions, recline options and memory foam seat padding. The included backpack-style carry bag ensures effortless portability. The most expensive car seat on the list at the moment at £129.90 at the time of writing.
• NEW to the UK market is the Jovikids Portable Folding i-Size Highback Booster with ISOFIX (affiliate link). Like the previous seat this is heavy – weighing 7kg which isn’t going to be ideal if you are taking it out for a day of exploring. However, Jovikids’ highback child seat is certified to the latest European i-Size standard (ECE R129). Quality is strictly controlled, with a one-piece injection-molded frame, and has passed front, side, and rear collision tests, ensuring the safety seat provides all-around protection for your child, reducing the risk of injury to the head, neck, and shoulders. You can secure with ISOfix or seatbelt installation. The Jovikids seat can grow with your child. It’s suitable for children from 100-150 cm in height (approximately 3-12 years old). The backrest’s recline angle can be slightly adjusted for more comfortable support. The headrest is cushioned for extra comfort. The soft and breathable fabric cover of the booster seat is fully removable and easy to clean.

Travel car seat product comparison – pros and cons

• GROUP 1 CAR SEAT: this foldable toddler car seat is suitable from 15 months up to approx. 4 years (9–18kg) and is quick to install and easy to carry, so your child travels safely in comfort
• EASY TO TRAVEL EVERYWHERE: the Nomad Plus is built for travelling as
• High back and side impact protection
• i Size-compliant and conforms to the latest R129 regulations
• Removable washable covers
• Carry bag provided
• Only lasts up to 4 years old

• Portable Highback Booster: This seat’s backrest can be folded, saving space and making it easy to store, allowing you to switch between different modes of transportation, such as cars and airplanes. The ergonomically designed handle makes it easy to carry and move, providing a safe seat for your
• Long lasting at 3-12 years old
• certified to the latest European i-Size standard (ECE R129)
• ISOfix or seatbelt installation
• Covers remove and wash
• Very heavy at 7kg, can't see you being able to lug it around on a day of tourist exploration

• TAKE ANYWHERE CAR BOOSTER – The inflatable travel car booster seat for children aged 4 – 11yrs and weighing 15 – 36kgs. It comes with a Seat Belt Positioning Clip for optimum seat belt fit.
• ULTRA PORTABLE – The world’s lightest backless car booster seat. Folds away to
• Range of designs
• Very lightweight and compact for sightseeing and fitting in bags
• Can use until your child no longer needs a car seat
• Crash test approved and meets and exceeds the EU ECE R44. 04 and the US FMVSS 213 safety regulations
• Affordable option
• Not highback or side impact protection

• Quickly Transforms – Kid’s backpack to portable car seat in seconds, can also be used as a booster seat dining chair at home or eating out and as a cinema / stadium booster
• Lift Share – Always have a portable booster seat to hand for the school pickup
• Back pack option as well as seat so child can carry themselves
• ECE R44.04 – EU Certified for Group 2 and 3
• Cover is only wipe clean
• Heavier to carry for younger children (3lbs)

Our top pick – BubbleBum as a portable travel car seat for toddlers

We chose to go with the BubbleBum for a several reasons:

• It seems good for safety (as I read  here) and meets EU and US safety testing regulations as described here .
• My kids both seemed better positioned with it than the mifold when testing them in it
• My kids said it was the most comfortable to sit on (as compared to the mifold)
• I liked that it had a case unlike the others. You can pay £15 for a case for the mifold but I think that’s a bit of a cheek when you just paid £50 for the seat itself.
• It was the lightest product at only 1lb . The mifold is 1.5lbs and Trunki BoostApak is 3lbs. If you have multiple children and therefore multiple seats to carry and are going to be out exploring all day and relying on taxis then this is going to really really matter.
• It was the cheapest product on the UK Market , coming in at around £30. The mifold is around £50 and the Trunki BoostApak is around £60. For the high back foldable travel seats you are looking at close the the £100 price range which is expensive if its not going to be their main seat and if you have multiple children. To get a safe product for the cheapest price seemed like a solid option.
• It lasts longer than the Maxi-Cosi Nomad Plus which you can only use until around 4, whilst being a lot lighter than the Jovikids and Urban Kanga seats that do last until around 12 years. (Updated to add: My children are now 9 and 12 and we are still using the Bubblebum for them in taxis etc.)

BubbleBum travel car seat for toddlers – holiday review

We have now taken the BubbleBum with us to Lanzarote, Florida and Iceland when my children were a range of ages. They aren’t heavy at all and they fit inside the kid’s carry on luggage (kid’s size character suitcases). We’ve also used it on a number of UK trips for taxi rides.

We tried both the BubbleBum and the Mifold out in our car to see which we preferred. The kids seemed positioned better on the BubbleBum and told us it was much more comfortable.

I was surprised that something so small and light could make such a difference . It reassured me that whilst it’s not as safe as a high backed proper car seat, it’s certainly a lot better than just putting a seat belt on them.

If you usually don’t take car seats on holiday because of the hassle, then I would thoroughly recommend the BubbleBum as a travel car seat for toddlers and up. It’s an easy option to make their car journeys safer and give you some peace of mind.

Buy our recommendation for travel car seat for toddlers

You can buy the BubbleBum for £34.99 on Amazon here  (affiliate link). This is a bargain to keep your kids safer.

Updated to add: This year we have used the Bubblebum for my 8 year old daughter on a 2 week holiday in America and for a trip to Iceland whilst there and it really helped position the seatbelt better for her and gave us reassurance. It was also very portable for carrying around with us when not in a car or taxis. We have really got years of our money’s worth out of this product.

Other options for kids car seats when travelling abroad

Just risk it.

It’s legal to not have car seats for taxis/transfers in the EU so you won’t get into trouble for not using one.

Lots of people do this and generally it’s fine, after all, crashes aren’t super common.

We decided against this option though as we spend all this money to keep them safe at home, why risk it when abroad?!

Arrange for the travel company to provide seats

Our first port of call was to contact the travel operator to ask if they could provide car seats. After 2 emails, we weren’t making much progress though and there was a language barrier.

I was left with no confidence that there would be seats provided, and if they were, that they would be the right ones for the size of my children. This would be my preferred option though.

If anyone knows of any great European transfer companies that are good at providing car seats please let me know in the comments.

Take your own seats

Our second consideration, was whether or not we should take our own seats. This is something we decided against. We have our hands full with 2 kids and luggage at the airport anyway. The kids’ car seats are really bulky and heavy. Plus they are expensive and I don’t want to risk them getting damaged in the hold.

Buy cheap car seats to travel with

This is certainly an option, be it booster seats or just cheaper, more travel friendly seats than we have but for some of the reasons above, this again is something that we chose not to do.

Summary of the best portable travel car seat for toddlers

There are 7 main options for portable car seats for toddlers on the UK market – the BubbleBum, MiFold, HiFold, the Trunki BoostApak, Maxi-Cosi Nomad Plus and the Jovikids.

We recommend the BubbleBum as our kids preferred it for comfort, it scored well on the safety scores we read, it was the lightest and cheapest. We were pleasantly surprised at the difference it made compared to belt only.

Are there any new options I’ve missed? Let me know in the comments if so.

If you liked this post about travel car seats you might also like:

• Cybex Sirona Review – extended rear-facing UK car seat
• Review Video: Concord Reverso – Extended Rear Facing Car Seat
• Abora Interclub Atlantic Gran Canaria review
• Occidental Margaritas, Gran Canaria, family holiday review
• HD beach resort, Costa Teguise, Lanzarote, review
• Getting the ferry from Newcastle to Amsterdam with kids
• 12 ideas for toddler busy bags for airplane travel on Amazon
• Toddler won’t brush teeth? 11 tips for brushing your children’s teeth

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Please note this post was originally written in May 2018 and was last updated March 2024. Some products in this post were press samples.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through an affiliate link you will not be charged any more for your purchase, but I will receive a small fee for referring you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. For my full disclosure policy, please see my about page .

7 thoughts on “7 best travel car seat for toddlers”

Safety is worthwhile investing in.

This was really interest. I’m on the hunt for stage two car seats for my twins and traveling in Europe wasn’t something I’d considered!

Confused as bubblebum seat says from 4yo and your child was 3, which is how I came to this page by searching for travel seats for my 3yo. Can it be used for 3yo? Can’t see a weight guide.

Bubblebum’s FAQs says ‘EU law varies slightly between 135cm-150cm. Best practice for your child is to remain in a booster seat until the age of eleven AND/OR until they reach a height of 4ft 9 inches. This is when their body proportions are starting to be more like that of a small adult and they can sit properly in the vehicle seat. Never transition your child to a booster seat until at least the age of four AND weight of 15kg.’ But for us it was a case of Bubblebum or nothing at all and we felt that the Bubblebum provided a bit more protection than nothing for our 3 year old. We’d not have used it for her in the UK as a regular seat but it was better than nothing when travelling. The weight range from what I can see is from 15KG-36KG.

Can you please link to the safety reviews you mentioned you have found on portable car seats?

Hi Janet, sadly I can’t as it was on Which? and you need a paid membership to read them however if you head to the Which? website that’s where I read them.

Would any of these be suitable for a 2 year old?

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Posted on Last updated: April 5, 2024 Categories Featured , Kids Travel Gear , Travel Car Seat

By: Author Kate

The Best Portable Car Seat for Travel For Every Age! (2022)

This post may contain affiliate links.

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Are you looking for the best portable car seat for travel with your baby, toddler or child? Are you wondering about the best car seats for airplanes? One of the biggest pains of traveling with young kids is figuring out what to do about the car seats! Seriously, I have planned so much of our travel around “well, how are we going to travel with the car seats??!”  

Not only do we want to keep our kids safe on vacation, but we also want a lightweight travel car seat that isn’t going to break the bank. My car seat for my 3-year-old (although AWESOME) is super heavy and bulky – I needed a better toddler travel car seat option! In this post, we are going to teach you all the tips and tricks I’ve learned to make traveling with car seats a breeze.

The Best Travel Car Seat: Quick Comparison

Should you buy a separate portable toddler car seat.

We love the car seats we have at home and we also spent a lot of money purchasing them. We didn’t want to take the chance of having them ruined at the airport or while traveling which is why we decided to buy a separate portable carseat for travel. The portable car seats we purchased were all super affordable, which is why we weren’t too fussed if they got scuffed or damaged in our travels. We also bought the most lightweight portable child car seat we could find! It never hurts to lighten your load when you are traveling. One extra bonus to having separate travel carseat is that you don’t have to uninstall and reinstall your car seats at home! One time was hard enough to get it all perfect, I’m happy not to have to reinstall my seats every time we take a trip.

If you are looking for some excellent basic information about car seat travel, please check out this awesome article by the American Academy of Pediatrics which is a primer on Car Seat Safety and FAQs. 

Top Choices for Portable Car Seats

We’re going to be reviewing all of these car seats in massive detail below but in case you just want to get to the good stuff, here is our list of the best portable car seats for travel:

Top Choice: Portable Car Seat for 1 Year Old

Our top choice for a 1 year old (or less) is an bucket car seat. These seats are easy to travel with as they can be easily installed using a regular seat belt. We chose the Maxi Cosi Mico 30 for its lightweight design. This is provided that your one year old has not yet outgrown a bucket car seat. Our top choice infant car seat has a weight limit of 30lbs and a height limit of 32 inches. The reason we love bucket seats is that they usually connect to strollers really easily and that means one less piece of equipment on your trip. Read more reviews of the Maxi Cosi Mico 30 and compare prices on Amazon.

Top Choice: Portable Car Seat for 2 Year Old

In the two-year-old category, we are LOVING the Cosco Scenera Next car seat. This convertible car seat is one of the most popular travel car seats for a reason, literally, every single friend of mine owns the same one. The Cosco Scenera Next is super lightweight and you really can’t beat the price . Read more reviews of this travel car seat for 2 year old toddlers here.

Top Choice: Portable Car Seat for 3 Year Old

We still love the Cosco Scenera Next for most 3 year olds . The upper weight limit for this car seat is 40lbs, so most average sized 3 year olds will still fit in this seat. This seat can be used rear facing and forward facing, making it super versatile. If you are short on space or planning to travel for a long period, you may want to consider the Ride Safer Delight for this age group. This nifty ride safer travel vest is the perfect travel car seat for 3 year old and 4 year olds that are too small for travel booster seat options. Read more reviews here!

Top Choice: Portable Car Seat for 4 Year Old

For the 4 year old and up kids, a travel booster may be appropriate. This is all depending on the size of your 4 year old – keep in mind that the majority of boosters have a minimum weight of 40lbs. We love the mifold for its compactness and portability. We have been using this car seat with our now 5 year old son and it has totally changed our lives when it comes to traveling (safely) with kids. Read more reviews and see the weight and height restrictions here.

Should I bring my travel car seat on the plane?

One of the questions that I am asked most by readers is whether it is worthwhile to bring a car seat on the plane. If your child is over age 2 and you are already going to be bringing the car seat along, my answer is always YES!! We were actually late to the game in bringing our car seats ON the plane. I hadn’t really considered it until my second son was almost 2. We’ve now brought our Cosco Scenera Next on the plane for multiple trips and it has been an absolute lifesaver! Not only is it safer to have kids safely strapped into a car seat in the case of turbulence , it also makes flying with kids SO much easier! With my son strapped in, we didn’t have to worry about him constantly trying to bother the people in front of us or trying to hide on the seats. Our kids also sleep super well in the car seats, so it really helped the travel go as smooth as possible. Check out the latest prices on the super affordable Costco Scenra Next here.

One important thing to note is that having a forward facing car seat on a plane puts your kids’ feet at premium seat kicking range! We solve this problem by seating our older child in front of the car seat. It’s something to consider before you book your seats!

Now if your child is less than 2 years old, the decision whether to bring the car seat is entirely personal. If you want to bring your seat, you’ll usually have to pay for the seat. It is definitely safer to have a child strapped in the case of turbulence. Commercial airplanes travel at a speed of 250mph during takeoff and landing and a sudden stop or jolt could send your child flying no matter how tightly you are holding them. That being said, the majority of individuals I know do not buy a seat for their child under age 2. Air travel is one of the safest forms of travel, and in the majority of cases, an infant in your lap will be just fine. One pro tip is to ask the flight attendants whether the flight is full before you board. I have scored a free seat for my less than 2 year old infants twice using this method and both times was able to bring on my car seat without difficulty.

If you aren’t planning to use a travel carseat at your destination, you may consider using the CARES airplane travel harness. The CARES travel harness keeps your kids safe on the flight by strapping them in with an extra chest strap. It is rated for kids 22-44lbs and is approved by the FAA for travel. Not only does the Cares harness keep kids safe, but it also keeps kids contained in their seats. I love that my kids are happier to stay put in their seats when they are all buckled in and relaxed. One thing to note about the CARES harness is that you do need to secure it around the back of the seat behind you. I’ve never had anyone complain about it.

How do I know if my Airplane Car Seat is Approved?

Before you fly, you’ll want to know if your carseat is FAA approved for flight.  Please note that it is important to check your local car seat regulations as these may vary from country to country. In the US,  you will need FAA approved car seats . You can look for your car seat sticker to see if yours is approved, if approved, it should say “this restraint is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft”

Our quick list of FAA approved car seats:

• Portable Baby Car Seat: Maxi Cosi Mico 30
• Best travel car seat for toddler: Cosco Scenera Next

Please note that booster seats are not FAA approved and cannot be taken on flights.

To check or to gate check?

If we aren’t planning to bring our car seats ON the plane (we almost always do now), we usually gate check out seats. I personally trust the gate checkers to be more careful with the objects than the regular luggage line. I have friends who have checked theirs at the desk and have had damage to the seats which made them unusable.

Should you use a car seat bag?

Check out the latest Car Seat Bags on Amazon here.

There are lots of travel car seat bags available to help you lug your car seats around the airport. Some even have backpack straps and some have roller wheels to make it even easier to bring them along. I have lots of friends who use (and rave!) about these accessories. Personally, I don’t use a car seat bag. For me, it’s just one more thing to bring along!

I also find that when the luggage attendant sees something in a bag they tend to be less careful about it! When they see a car seat out in the open they know they can’t just toss it around (hopefully!). Perhaps if I traveled with my more expensive car seats, I would be more inclined to use a bag, but for now, I’m not sold on the need for one.

How do you bring your car seat through the airport?

If you gate check you can use the seat to transport your child around the airport. Check out this neat product which straps the car seat right to a piece of luggage turning it into a stroller for the airport. Or you can even buy a travel car seat cart to turn your car seat into a temporary stroller at the airport. Read more reviews and compare prices of these travel car seat accessories here.

Personally, one of the reasons that we LOVE the Cosco Scenera NEXT Car Seat is that it fits in the basket of our Uppa Baby Vista stroller. With the car seat tucked in the bottom of our stroller, we still feel like we are traveling light! Check out the Cosco Scenera next in detail here.

Portable Travel Car Seat Rundown

Ok, now it’s time for the detailed reviews! Here are the best car seats for travel that I have tried and tested. These opinions are my own, and I was not paid or sponsored by any of these companies.

Infant Portable Car Seat: Maxi Cosi Mico

Weight and Height Restrictions:

• Up to 32 inches

FAA Approved?

Where to buy it:.

Check out prices at the following retailers:

Why we love it

Taking a car seat with an infant is the easiest and simplest. I have always used a bucket seat with my kids and I take the same bucket seat that I use at home with me when I travel. We have the Maxi-Cosi Mico 30 , and I think this is the most lightweight car seat around!  Any bucket seat , as long as it meets safety requirements, will do!

For the best car seat stroller combo,  our car seat attaches to our UppaBaby Vista which makes it great for use in the airport and also while we are on the trip. We never bring along our actual stroller seat until our little one has outgrown the bucket seat. It is too much to carry and our little ones have always been happy in the bucket seat with a few toys to play with. I LOVE traveling with my full-size stroller. Find out more about why I always bring my full size stroller here! 

Toddler Travel Car Seat: Cosco Scenera Next

• 5-40lbs (rear facing 5-44lbs, forward facing 22-40lbs)
• 19 to 40 inches

Why we love it:

For me, toddlers are the trickiest age for bringing car seats for travel. My 2-year-old certainly doesn’t fit into a bucket seat, but also is way too small for a more portable booster seat. A lot of the toddler car seats are so bulky and that makes them difficult to transport in the airport. At the advice of a friend, I purchased what I consider the ultimate portable car seat for my 2-year-old,  the   Cosco Scenera Next.   I use this car seat exclusively as my toddler travel car seat and I can not stop RAVING about it. This seat is seriously the best car seat for travel!  The car seat is SUPER lightweight, which makes it great for airplanes as it’s easy to transport and not a huge pain in the airport. It also fits perfectly in the basket of my Uppa Baby Vista Stoller (score!).

The biggest plus of this super portable car seat is the price!! It is the best value around, and with such a low price I am not afraid of it getting ruined when we travel.  We don’t use this car seat for anything but travel, and it’s also AMAZING not to have to uninstall our regular car seats from our cars because we have this one. If you are like me, installing the car seat the first time was challenging enough, I prefer to keep my regular car seats installed when I can! In the US, this portable car seat is FAA approved,  meaning that it is an airline approved car seat for travel. I prefer to take this car seat and risk it getting damaged than to take the expensive car seat that I use every day.

Portable Booster Seat: The MiFold

Best car seat for travel.

• 40 lbs – 100lbs
• 40 -57 inches

No! Booster seats are not permitted on airplanes.

My kids are still little but I recently learned about an amazing new product from my friend. The mifold car seat is a super thin and portable booster seat that was designed by a couple who also felt the pain of constantly traveling with their seats. The mifold is so compact, it can fit in your purse! The design is simple, yet safe, as it currently meets all of the safety requirements for booster seats in the US. The minimum weight is 40lbs (and 4 years of age).

My friends review? She loves it! The only complaint would be that she says her kids say the seat is not the most comfortable for long car rides. This usually isn’t a huge problem when we travel. Certainly, I would still be using my 5-point restraint car seat at home (as its safer until you reach the maximum weight!). Once my son is big enough I plan to just use the mifold for trips, carpooling, taxi rides etc. My son is soon to be 4, but far away from 40lbs. I can’t wait to try this for myself!

For those kids who are a bit small for their age,  another cool option is the Ride Safer Delight . Although a bit bulkier than the mifold, this safety restraint is rated for smaller children who are at least 3 years old and at least 30 lbs.  You can compare prices and read reviews of the Ride Safer Delight here . Check out my fellow blogger friend from The Family Voyage for a detailed review of The Ride Safer Delight .

*** Update *** My son is now almost 5 and we are LOVING the mifold! It is so great to have something that literally fits in my purse to take with us on our travels. We don’t typically use a car a lot when we travel so having this option is SO GREAT! It sure beats lugging a bulky car seat along for only 40 minutes of total drive time! At home, we use it for taxi rides as well, which is SUPER convenient on the go. Definitely, love having this option! You can read more reviews of the MiFold here.

Should you just rent a car seat for travel?

Sometimes even the most portable car seat is just too much of a pain to bring on your trip. On several occasions, especially when we have been renting a car, we have rented a car seat . A few times we had a car seat that was quite old and worn, and on one occasion we had a seat that wasn’t properly rated for my child’s size. These are the problems with renting travel car seats from a rental company. Renting from a car rental company is at your own risk, as they don’t reserve the seats ahead of time. We will still occasionally do this, especially if we aren’t planning on using the seats a lot during the trip.

There are also companies that rent out car seats specifically for travelers. These baby gear companies will tell you the exact model of car seat that you are renting. The main disadvantage to a company like this is that unless they deliver to the airport you will be left without the car seat for your trip to go pick it up! This is why we have never rented a car seat from a company like this in the past.

Don’t forget your car seat accessories!

This post would not be complete without a shout out to some of my favorite car seat accessories!

The Best Car Seat Fan

I love my Diono Stroller Fan that attaches easily to the handle of the bucket seat to keep my baby cool on a hot vacation. Check out my other favorite beach hacks in this post on what to pack for the beach with kids.

Car Seat Lap Support

If you are headed on a road trip with kids, a car seat lap organizer is a perfect accessory. This Lap Desk for kids has a spot for a drink and can easily hold a few coloring books and markers. It can be worn like a backpack which makes it easy to carry through the airport when travelling.

The Best Car Seat Head Support

If you are doing a road trip with kids, you may have concerns about ‘head slump’ in the car seat. Mostly because it was freaking me out to see my kid’s heads contorted in such ways, I bought this portable car seat head support . Now when we go on long trips my son doesn’t look so darn uncomfortable when he sleeps! And seriously, the panda face is super cute!

Best Car Seat Cover

I love this car seat cover particularly for travel. It comes with a UPF 50+ sun shade that is perfect for hot vacations where you want to keep your little one protected. Under the sun shade is a mesh layer that is perfect to keep the Mosquitos out at night. With all of the worry about mosquito-borne illnesses like Zika, I wanted to prevent my little ones from getting bit as much as possible! Check out the pricing for this car seat cover here.

What is the best stroller for travel with car seats?

We are huge fans of trying to bring our full size stroller whenever we can on vacation. We have an Uppa Baby Vista and absolutely love it. The only exceptions would be when we are really limited on space (e.g. cruise, small rental car etc ). I love our full-size stroller and I’ve found every travel stroller I’ve owned to be completely lacking in so many important features. The basket on our stroller is larger enough to carry our travel car seat – you would never see that on a travel stroller!

I’ve never regretted bringing my bigger stroller and I’ve also never had any damage to my full size strollers. I have, however, had a wheel break on a flimsy travel stroller during a flight! Check out prices on the Uppa Baby vista here .

We do have a travel stroller that we use occasionally when we are really short on space. We used the Zoe XL2 travel stroller when we went on a Disney cruise and there was no room for a full size. I like that the Zoe XL has a decent recline and a really large canopy. The storage space isn’t great but it’s the best travel stroller I’ve owned yet. You can read more reviews and check out prices of the Zoe XL2 stroller here.

Have any more travel car seat questions?

Drop your questions in the comments below and I will be sure to answer them in this post.

While you’re in trip planning mode, be sure to check out my other guides to the top  baby travel gear and toddler travel gear posts for more ideas.

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The 7 Best Travel Car Seats of 2024

These top picks combine convenience and peace of mind

Jordi is a freelance contributor to TripSavvy. Her personal passions gravitate toward wellness and adventure, leading her to frequently plan trips that blend zen relaxation with urban and rugged exploration.

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

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Traveling with small children is a great way to make memories. You expose little ones to new experiences and see the world through their eyes. But there are still everyday tasks to worry about on the road, from meal times to naps. Safety is the top priority, of course, and this means ensuring your kids have a good car seat.

If you're flying with small children or frequently switching cars, the thought of lugging around the car seat you have perfectly installed in your vehicle can seem daunting. Luckily, many companies make travel car seats lighter and easier to install on the go. These models also emphasize portability and legroom for your child to grow into.

To find the best choice for you, we looked closely at the installation process, weight ratings, and certification status of some of the most popular options on the market today.

Final Verdict

• What to Look For

Why Trust TripSavvy

Best overall, cosco scenera next convertible car seat.

 Amazon

Easy to carry

Budget friendly

Sizing issues for older childen

The Cosco Scenera Next Convertible Car Seat receives excellent marks for lightness and simplicity. This affordable car seat is a great choice for those who already have a regular car seat but need a second option for traveling. Safety features include side-impact protection built into the headrest and a five-point harness that adjusts to accommodate your growing child. The car seat can be used rear-facing for kiddos 5 to 40 pounds and 19 to 40 inches tall or front-facing for those 22 to 40 pounds or 29 to 43 inches tall. The car seat will last from infancy through toddlerhood.

Use the LATCH connectors or a seat belt to secure the car seat in any rental car or taxi. It's also designed with air travel in mind: It's FAA-approved and lightweight at just 7 pounds. Additionally, its 17.5-inch width makes it a good fit for most airline seats. Other highlights include a removable, machine-washable, and dryer-safe car seat pad and a dishwasher-safe cup holder. Colors range from Moon Mist Grey to Ocean Breeze.

Dimensions: 17.6 x 15.8 x 30.3 inches | Weight Rating: Up to 40 pounds | Installation Type: LATCH

Best Lightweight

Wayb pico travel car seat.

Very compact

Includes a travel bag

Only for toddlers and older

Car seats are a hassle to travel with because they're bulky, heavy, and unwieldy. Luckily, this travel car seat by Wayb won't add much extra weight to your suitcase. Weighing under 8 pounds, the FAA-approved Pico Travel Car Seat is easy to transport everywhere you go. It's front-facing and can hold kids between 22 to 55 pounds or measuring 30 to 45 inches tall. It has an AeroWing aluminum frame that is durable yet lightweight, and the AstroKnit performance mesh lining will keep your kids comfortable throughout their journey. Best of all, this car seat folds into a small enough package to store in overhead bins and comes with a carrying bag that can slip onto your suitcase.

Dimensions: 15 x 11 x 20 inches | Weight Rating: Up to 50 pounds | Installation Type: LATCH or car/airplane seat belt

Most Compact

Safety 1st guide 65 convertible car seat.

Supports a variety of sizes and ages

Sleek design

Machine-washable cover

Complaints about installation

Safety 1st's Guide 65 Convertible Car Seat weighs 14 pounds; it's sturdy enough for everyday use yet light enough for travel. This car seat's frame is so compact that you could place three in the back of your car, making it an excellent option for larger families or smaller European rental cars. Plus, it can accommodate a wide range of weights, making it a budget-friendly pick that can last for years. It's for children who weigh between 5 and 40 pounds to use in a rear-facing position and children 22 to 65 pounds to use in a front-facing position.

Side-impact protection and five harnesses that adjust in the center ensure your child stays secure throughout their ride and help deflect impact away from their head, neck, and spine in the event of an accident. Other safety features include three buckle locations and an adjustable headrest. This car seat also has a LATCH connector system, making it easy to take the seat in and out of the car quickly. Both the cushion and cup holder are removable for easy cleanup. It's available in multiple colors.

Dimensions: 27.3 x 18.5 x 20.3 inches | Weight Rating: Up to 65 pounds | Installation Type: LATCH

Best for Bigger Kids

Graco extend2fit convertible car seat.

Harness storage makes loading and unloading easy

Rigorously crash tested

Several customizable features

Most of the car seats on this list are appropriate for children up to 40 pounds, but the Graco Extend2Fit is rated for up to 65 pounds. It also allows children up to 50 pounds to ride rear-facing and provides an extra 5 inches of legroom. This, plus a headrest that can also be adjusted to 10 different positions, ensures the child is comfortable and secure as they grow.

Two integrated cup holders keep juice bottles within easy reach and help to prevent spills. While there are multiple ways to install this model, it is easy to remember after the first time. Although this seat is designed with car travel in mind , it is FAA-approved. If you're flying economy class, consider calling ahead to check that the restraint is compatible with the airline seat.

Dimensions: 21.5 x 19.5 x 23.5 inches | Weight Rating: Up to 65 pounds | Installation Type: InRight LATCH

Best Booster Combo

Cosco finale dx 2-in-1 booster car seat.

Can fit three across

Easy to clean

Accommodates older children

Durability complaints

If you're shopping for a child aged 12 months or older, the Cosco Finale DX 2-in-1 Booster Car Seat will last from toddlerhood until after they start school. It has a 10-year lifespan and can be used as a forward-facing car seat or as a high-back booster seat. As a car seat, it's appropriate for kids between 30 to 65 pounds and 32 to 49 inches in height. The five-point harness has three different height settings, and the LATCH connectors can be used until your child reaches 50 pounds. In addition, the FAA approves the Cosco Finale for aircraft use in its car seat capacity.

It suits kids between 40 to 100 pounds and 43 to 52 inches in height as a booster seat. Its 17-inch width and 9-pound weight make it ideal for quick transfers between rental cars, taxis, and family cars back home. Other useful features include a removable cup holder and a machine-washable cover in colors that range from gray to pale pink. Lastly, thrifty families will appreciate this seat's affordable price tag.

Dimensions: 18.3 x 19 x 29.8 inches | Weight Rating: Up to 100 pounds | Installation Type: LATCH or seat belt

Most Innovative

Maxi-cosi pria max 3-in-1 convertible car seat.

Easy to buckle

Not the lightest pick

If you don't want to invest in multiple car seats, the Pria Max 3-in-1 Convertible Car Seat is your best bet. It can handle children from birth to 10 years old, making it one of the most versatile options on the market. Plus, the high-end brand makes each stage supremely comfortable for your child and easy for adults to use. It has a spring-assist harness system, so the straps don't get tangled; a one-hand magnetic chest clip; a simple integrated headrest and harness system, so you don't have to rethread as your tot grows; and machine-washable fabric. Keep in mind it comes with a hefty price tag and heavier weight.

Dimensions: 25.3 x 24 x 19.9 inches | Weight Rating: Up to 100 pounds | Installation Type: LATCH or seat belt

Best For Road Trips

Chicco keyfit 35 cleartex infant car seat.

FAA-approved

Eco-friendly textiles

UPF 50+ canopy

Rear-facing only

This car seat is a great option for road trips —or as your primary car seat that occasionally travels—as the stay-in-car base is a breeze to install correctly and the carrier itself clicks into place in one motion. When it's time to stretch your legs and explore simply detach the seat and click it into any Chicco stroller base for a lightning-fast travel combo. The base has an anti-rebound bar for added stability and extra legroom for a rider up to 32 inches tall, and the headrest has five different positions to accommodate an infant's growth.

If your plans include air travel, this is still a solid pick. The best thing about this carrier is that it can be installed in an aircraft or rental vehicle without the base, using the European or American routing method. The base and carrier together weigh 18 pounds but you'll only have to manage 10 pounds if you go baseless. It comes with removable newborn positioners so little ones from 4 pounds are ready to roll.

Dimensions: 28 x 16.5 x 24 inches | Weight Rating: 4 to 35 pounds | Installation Type: LATCH or seat belt

The Cosco Scenera Next Convertible Car Seat is light, FAA-approved, and supports young travelers up to 40 pounds. We love the accessible price point and easy-to-clean cover. If you're shopping for a toddler or older but still want to prioritize portability, go for the Wayb Pico Travel Car Seat .

What to Look For in Travel Car Seats

Installation.

All models on our list use LATCH systems and some can also be installed using the vehicle's seat belt, but you should never use both anchoring methods together. LATCH, also known as Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children, is an alternative way of securing the car seat to the vehicle without using the seat belt. Both the vehicle and the car seat must have LATCH parts to install the seat properly, but most car seats (and vehicles manufactured after 2002) will do so. The car seat has straps that come from the bottom and a tether at the top. These attach to the lower anchors in the car, found in the space between the rear back seat and seat cushion, and to the top anchor, which could be near the rear window or on the car ceiling. When in doubt, check the vehicle manual and seat instructions.

Weight Rating

Like their everyday counterparts, travel car seats include maximum weight ratings that must be adhered to. Additionally, your decision to install the car seat front- or rear-facing is based on the weight and height of your child. Most models can transition from rear- to front-facing as your tot grows, or even from front-facing to a booster seat like the Cosco Finale DX . Consider the kid's age, weight, height, and the manufacturer's notes to choose a travel seat that will give you the longest practical use.

Certification Status

Most importantly, the car seat you buy should meet all safety standards. If you're flying, look for an FAA-approved or similarly aircraft-approved seat.

"All legal car seats must meet the same crash test criteria, or safety standards, and be properly labeled," said Amie Durocher, a CPS Tech at SafeRide4Kids.com. "If you are worried about counterfeit car seats, check the label. Certified seats in the U.S. are required to have very specific language on the labels. Beware if it doesn't mention federal motor vehicle safety standards or FMVSS213 or if it lacks a model name or number or manufacture date."

Yes, you can travel with a car seat on the plane —and it's actually recommended. "We recommend that parents purchase a seat even for children under 2 who could be 'lap babies' and use the FAA-approved child restraint on the airplane," said Durocher. "This makes it safer for the child—and the parent—in case of an incident during takeoff or landing and in case of turbulence during the flight."

The hardest part of traveling with a car seat is figuring out the logistics through the airport. “Infant car seats that click onto a compatible stroller are easy, but travelers might need a car seat cart, luggage strap, or bungee cords to lug a convertible car seat through the airport,” said Michelle Pratt, founder and owner of Safe in the Seat. “Some people prefer to check their stroller with their luggage and use a car seat cart to get their child and seat through the airport easily. Others babywear or let their toddler walk and load up their stroller with all their gear, then gate check the stroller planeside.”

“Rear-facing is the safest way for kids to ride in the car, but it’s not always possible on planes due to the tighter space,” added Pratt. “If the car seat fits rear-facing on the plane, that’s best. But kids who rear-face in the car can forward-face on the plane if they are at least 1 year old and meet their car seat’s forward-facing requirements. Then they seamlessly go back to rear-facing in the car at the destination.”

Author Jordi Lippe-McGraw has researched and written about travel and lifestyle products for nearly a decade. She is also the mom of a 3-year-old. When making this list, she researched dozens of products, looking at key specs like dimensions and weight rating and the number of positive and negative reviews. While researching the best travel car seats, we spoke with Amie Durocher , a CPS Tech at SafeRide4Kids.com, and Michelle Pratt , founder and owner of Safe in the Seat.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. " Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) Restraint System ." Accessed Feb 6th, 2023.

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7 Best Car Seats for Toddlers

These safe choices are especially great for a 2- or 3-year-old who has outgrown their infant car seat.

We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.

But as children grow bigger, parents often look for a toddler car seat so they can just lift their 1-, 2- or 3-year-old in and out of a seat that stays secured in the car.

Our top picks:

Best Overall Toddler Car Seat

Graco extend2fit convertible car seat.

Best Value Toddler Car Seat

Safety 1st grow and go all-in-one convertible car seat.

Most Comfortable Toddler Car Seat

Chicco nextfit max cleartex convertible car seat.

Best Toddler Car Seat for Small Cars

Nuna rava convertible car seat.

Easiest Toddler Car Seat to Install

Britax boulevard clicktight.

Best Toddler Car Seat for Travel

Diono radian 3r.

Best Toddler Car Seat With Anti-Rebound Bar

Peg perego primo viaggio convertible kinetic.

The best car seats for toddlers are convertible car seats that can be installed either rear-facing or forward-facing. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) asks you to keep a toddler rear-facing as long as possible , ideally to age 3, 4 or even 5. For this toddler-specific list, our experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute focused on car seats with extended rear-facing weight limits. We also looked for comfortable, adjustable seats made for wiggly, fast-growing preschoolers. We prioritized multiple reclines, no-rethread harnesses and comfortable padding to (hopefully!) help keep your toddler calm. Finally, we considered cupholders and machine-washable fabrics, too, because toddlers are hungry, thirsty and messy little people.

Young children should always ride in a car seat in the back seat of your car. To better understand car seats and their usage you can find car seat tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and other experts at the end of this guide.

This groundbreaking convertible car seat was one of the first to focus on toddler travel, and it's still beloved. (It's got more than 65,000 five-star Amazon reviews.) The main feature is an extension panel you can pull out to provide up to five inches of extra legroom to a toddler in the rear-facing position. The caveat is that it then takes up more space in the backseat, so in a small car, you may need to scoot one of the front seats forward to accommodate it. This toddler car seat can stay rear-facing until your child reaches 50 pounds, giving them a good shot at staying in that safe position past their fourth birthday.

The Extend2Fit offers six recline positions. The headrest, with its generous head cushions, can be adjusted to any of 10 heights. Two built-in cupholders hold some of your toddler's stuff. At 19 pounds this is one of the lighter car seats on our list. The fabric can be washed in cold water on the delicate cycle and hung to dry. Your child is likely to outgrow this or any convertible car seat shortly after Kindergarten, at which point you'll need a booster car seat .

If you want to consider a seat that stretches from toddlerhood through the booster years, we also like the Graco 4Ever all-in-one car seat — though the 4Ever only works rear-facing to 40 pounds. If your bigger priority is fitting three car seats across the back seat, the Graco Slimfit3 won one of our Parenting Awards , but again, it only stays rear-facing to 40 pounds. For that reason this Extend2Fit is a toddler-age favorite, having the edge as far as being able to be rear-facing to 50 pounds.

Plenty of families need to zero in on the best car seats under $200, and this is one of them. The Grow and Go is an all-in-one car seat that can accommodate your toddler through the school years . That's because it converts to a belt-positioning booster seat. But it can only stay rear-facing until your child reaches 40 pounds, which is a lower threshold than some other seats on this list.

Online reviewers say it takes some muscle to get this to fit tightly, so installation is a bit of a pain point. Even so, it has more than 25,000 five-star Amazon reviews. Parents appreciate it for its value but say it's also comfortable for a kid — the headrest has a sliding adjustment that helps you get it to just the right height as your toddler grows.

It's also the lightest-weight toddler car seat on our list, which many parents appreciate. The fabric is machine-washable and there are two built-in cupholders.

Chicco's toddler car seat, the NextFit Max ClearTex, can stay rear-facing until your child weighs 50 pounds. That's longer than other versions of the NextFit, so look for the Max ClearTex specifically.

We also like that the ClearTex fabric is Greenguard Gold Certified for low chemical emissions. Online reviewers rave about the comfort of this deep seat that features calf support , especially nice when young kids are moved to the forward-facing position and have their feet dangling. The cupholder is removable and dishwasher-safe, and can be placed on either side of the seat. The seat pad can go in the washing machine.

In Lab testing our pros have come to appreciate Chicco's LATCH connectors with the brand's "SuperCinch" tightener. It's easy to get a tight installation without having to physically climb in and press down on this seat. The LATCH also disconnects easily with the push of a button, in case you need to move this from one car to another. This is one of the heaviest car seats on our list, so it's not an easy one to take on vacation. If you do need to travel with it, consider Chicco's car seat travel bag which can be pushed on its wheels or worn like a backpack.

Fans of Nuna say that their products feel luxe, and that includes this RAVA convertible car seat made with machine-washable knit fabric that's Greenguard-Gold certified. You can find this seat in soft, beautiful colors like beige, blush and blue, some of which are exclusive to retailers such as Nordstrom and Pottery Barn Kids.

The Rava has 10 recline positions and 10 headrest positions, and it can stay rear-facing to 50 pounds. Two cupholders can pop out or be pressed in as needed. But what online reviewers mention often is this fitting well into even small cars . Plus it's got thoughtful details such as pockets you can use to can hold the harness out of the way while you load your toddler in.

Nuna suggests that users install the RAVA using the vehicle seat belt, but it also includes the LATCH system. This is the heaviest car seat on our list and it's not easy to travel with or to move car to car, but it is FAA-certified for use in an airplane. The brand offers excellent customer support including virtual car seat checks . It is, however, the most expensive toddler car seat on our list.

What parents love about any Britax convertible car seat is the brand's ClickTight installation that helps lock the seat in easily and securely using the car's seat belt . Our Lab experts love it too — it's nice to be able to get a tight fit without having to wrestle with the car seat, and you don't need to fuss with LATCH at all. The Boulevard has been around for years but this latest version features machine-washable fabric that's naturally flame retardant. (The fabric can go in the dryer, too!) The Britax cupholder is sold separately.

We also like this seat for toddlers because of how easy it is to adjust. It's got 14 recline and headrest positions, and the harness moves in tandem with the headrest which makes micro-adjustments easier. That's all extra appreciated in the toddler years, when kids are generally at their fussiest. But the Boulevard (and the other popular Britax toddler car seat, the Britax Marathon ) can each only stay rear-facing up to 40 pounds.

If you decide that extended rear-facing is a must, see our choice for best all-in-one car seat , the Britax One4Life . It's a little bigger and not as adjustable, but it can stay rear-facing to 50 pounds and then become a booster seat.

The unique feature of this all-in-one car seat: You can fold it and wear it like a backpack for travel, and it's FAA-approved for use in an airplane with its five-point harness. The Radian 3R has that name because of its slim width; you can fit three of these across most vehicle back seats.

But online users are split about how well this works with small cars; it's a little more than 28 inches tall, so in the rear-facing position it might bump up against the front seat. That said, it can stay safely rear-facing for an extended amount of time, until your child reaches 50 pounds.

This all-in-one car seat also has the highest weight limit of any on this list. In booster mode, it can hold your child up to 120 pounds. That means it can last for the rest of their childhood! It's also among the best value for a toddler car seat. There are a few hassles though. The harness must be rethread into new slots each time your child grows large enough to graduate to the next harness height. This also can't be reclined for rests; it stays at whatever angle you install it at. (There's no adjusting the headrest either, but it's so high that your kid will be fine in that regard.) The fabric can be machine-washed and hung to dry. Add Diono cupholders separately as a two-pack.

Italian brand Peg Perego makes this newest seat on our list, and we're impressed by the anti-rebound bar that offers an added layer of crash protection and which is usually only seen on infant car seats. You use it only in rear-facing mode and can stow it away when you turn your toddler forward after they reach 45 pounds. This seat also comes with a spacer you can use in conjunction with the anti-rebound bar to give your rear-facing toddler an extra two inches of legroom.

Consumer testers were impressed with the fabric of the Primo Viaggio Kinetic. ("My other car seats don’t look as luxe as this!" a parent of a toddler told us.) But there are no special helpers for installation and getting this to fit with either the LATCH system or the car's seatbelt might take some muscle. It does have 10 possible positions for recline and the headrest, helping you easily adjust it for your child's comfort and size. The fabric is machine-washable (just hang it to dry) and this comes with a removable, washable cupholder.

How we test car seats for toddlers

In the past five years the Parenting Lab of the Good Housekeeping Institute has tested dozens of toddler car seats both in-Lab and with at-home testers. Our pros have reviewed both convertible car seats and newer all-in-one car seats. For this story we pulled Lab favorites and reviewed newer testing notes, plus poured through current online reviews to find what we feel are the most toddler-friendly car seats.

What to look for in a toddler car seat

Shopping for the safest car seat for your 2-year-old or 3-year-old? During these preschool years you'll want to consider:

✔️ Extended rear-facing : It used to be that we turned babies forward-facing at their second birthday. Then common sense kicked in: If rear-facing is the safest position, why turn them early? Now the guidance from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is to " keep your child rear-facing as long as possible. It’s the best way to keep him or her safe. Your child should remain in a rear-facing car seat until he or she reaches the top height or weight limit allowed by your car seat’s manufacturer." If you're curious as to the physics of all this, the Car Seat Lady has a video explaining why rear-facing is safer .

There are now many convertible car seats that are built to face the rear until a child weighs 50 pounds, which for many means about age 5 or Kindergarten age. Others can stay rear-facing to 40 or 45 pounds. Every kid hits weights at different ages, which is why it's important to go by weight (and height) rather than age when deciding how long your child can ride rear-facing.

✔️ Multiple reclines : Your toddler might want to be a big kid and sit up, but in many ways they are still a baby. On long drives, they'll want to rest in a recline . While the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) asks you to not use an infant car seat as a sleep tool in your home , they recognize that kids will likely nap while traveling, especially on a long road trip.

✔️ Easy to adjust harness : Not to harp on the "way back when" but you used to always have to rethread the harness on a convertible car seat as your child grew. One car seat on our list still requires that; the other six have no-rethread harnesses that slide up and down so you can get the right fit without making a big deal of it.

Here's a harness reminder from Safe Kids Worldwide : In rear-facing mode, the shoulder straps should come through the car seat slots at or just below your child's shoulders. In forward-facing mode, the shoulder straps should be at or just above the shoulders.

Types of car seats by age

At every age you have a few choices when it comes to car seats. That's both reassuring (there's not one "right" type of toddler car seat) and confusing (how to choose?). NHTSA explains the different car seats like this (note that there's some crossover with the age categories):

Three Possible Car Seat Types for Babies from Birth to Age 3

• An infant car seat only faces the rear of the car and is designed especially to cradle a baby. You install an infant car seat base in your vehicle and then can take the seat out and carry it around with your baby inside. Most infant car seats are built to stay rear-facing for at least the first two years and hold a baby up to 30 or 35 pounds. • A convertible car seat can change from rear-facing to forward-facing. You can use one of these from birth, but you won't be able to carry your baby around in it — it's meant to stay in the car. Because it can be used with children of various sizes, it allows for children to stay in the rear-facing position longer, and many parents switch to one of these for the toddler years. • An all-in-one car seat is like a convertible car seat except that it eventually transitions to a booster seat, and so it lasts even longer. Like a convertible car seat, you can't carry your kid around in one, so though it's money-saving and eco-friendly to buy only one car seat to last from birth to age 10, many parents do opt to start with an infant car seat.

Two Possible Car Seat Types for Toddlers from Birth to Age 7

• As noted above, many parents switch to a convertible car seat for the toddler years if they started with an infant car seat. Many do the switch when their toddler is 1, 2 or 3 years old. In this story we cover several convertible car seats that we feel have features that can be especially welcome in the toddler years. A convertible car seat has a five-point safety harness that can hold a child in a forward-facing position to 65 pounds. • You could also invest in an all-in-one car seat during the toddler years, if not at birth. Because it will convert to a booster after your child hits 65 pounds, thereafter utilizing the car's seat belt to hold your child in place, you'll be done with car seat shopping. A few of the choices in this story are all-in-one car seats that turn into boosters.

Three Possible Car Seats for School-Age Kid from Age 4 to 12

• If you've been using a convertible car seat, you'll next want to move to a booster car seat with a high back . These seats literally "boost" your kid up so that the seat belt fits properly. A highback booster also provides neck and head support. • A backless booster also lifts your child up to the right height for the seat belt. It's a little more grown-up because your big kid will just rest their back on the seat back. These are small and portable, easy to move from car to car, but they don't provide head or neck support, so they're not best for young kids who nap in the car. • Finally, you guessed it: If you got an all-in-one car seat it should take you to the end of car seat use.

These days many kids use a booster car seat through age 10. A child is ready to use a seat belt with no support once they are 57 inches tall and old enough (which varies according to state laws , but usually at minimum 8 years old). When a big kid sits on the car's seat, the seat belt should fit across their shoulder and over their upper legs or hips, not their belly.

Why trust Good Housekeeping?

Scientists, engineers and journalists have been working together at the Good Housekeeping Institute to test and recommend consumer products for more than 100 years. We work hand-in-hand with GH's editorial staff to be able to offer parenting news and trends as well as reviews of products such as lightweight strollers and the best toys for toddlers .

This list was compiled by Contributing Writer Jessica Hartshorn who has followed the juvenile product industry for 25 years. She was an editor at Parents magazine and American Baby magazine and continues to help judge the annual JPMA Innovation Awards. She also helps judge GH's annual Parenting Awards . For this guide, she relied on the GH Institute's Lab testing data, consumer tester notes and her own extensive experience studying car seat technology. She's also a mom of two.

Jessica (she/her) is a freelance writer with several decades of experience writing lifestyle content and evaluating home and parenting products. A mom of two teens and two cats, her previous work can be seen in American Baby and Parents .

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• Driving and transport
• The Highway Code, road safety and vehicle rules

Child car seats: the law

When a child can travel without a car seat.

A child aged 3 or older can travel in a back seat without a child car seat and without a seat belt if the vehicle doesn’t have one.

In most cases, children under 3 must always be in a child car seat.

The rules are different if:

• the child is in a taxi or minicab
• the child is in a minibus, coach or van
• the child is on an unexpected journey, for example an emergency
• there’s no room for another car seat

Taxis and minicabs (private hire vehicles)

If the driver doesn’t provide the correct child car seat , children can travel without one - but only if they travel on a rear seat:

• and wear an adult seat belt if they’re 3 or older
• without a seat belt if they’re under 3

Minibuses, coaches and vans

Minibus or coach drivers and companies don’t have to provide child car seats. You must provide your own if you want to make sure a child has one.

Children can travel without a child car seat or seat belt, if they’re not available.

All children must travel in rear seats (any seats behind the driver) if a child car seat or an adult seat belt isn’t fitted.

Children aged 3 or older must:

• use a child car seat if there’s one available in a minibus
• use an adult seat belt if child car seats are not fitted or are unsuitable

The rules for vans are the same as for cars.

Unexpected journeys

If the correct child car seat isn’t available, a child aged 3 or older can use an adult seat belt if the journey is all of the following:

• over a short distance

You can’t take children under 3 on an unexpected journey in a vehicle without the correct child car seat, unless both of the following apply:

• it’s a licensed taxi or minicab
• the child travels on a rear seat without a seat belt

No room for a third child car seat

Children under 3 must be in a child car seat. If there’s no room for a third child car seat in the back of the vehicle, the child must travel in the front seat with the correct child car seat.

Children aged 3 or older can sit in the back using an adult belt.

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Shopping | ES Best Home | Kids

Best airline-approved infant car seats to take your baby from your home to your holiday destination with ease

The Evening Standard's journalism is supported by our readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

It’s holiday season and you want to get away from it all on a lovely break. You want to take your baby with you. What’s the best way to travel?

While many mums and dads struggle to get their pushchair to the airplane door, not knowing if it will come back minus its wheels or if they’ll ever see it again, savvier parents know that there’s an easier way – taking their baby’s car seat right onto the plane with them.

Choosing your infant car seat is usually something you do when considering the type of pushchair or travel system you are going to buy and the make and model of your car.

Many parents choose a travel system: the car seat clips onto the pushchair chassis, allowing you to take your baby from the car to the shop or a meeting with ease. With a little more thought and planning, you can also buy a car seat that means a fuss-free holiday too.

Can you take a baby car seat onto the plane?

As long as you have an approved car seat and have double-checked with your airline, you can leave your baby in their car seat and it will be with them for the whole flight.

This does mean you will have to buy an extra seat for your baby – usually, infants travel free on their parent’s lap – but if you have a long flight, it will be worth the extra money. Don’t forget to book adjoining seats and bear in mind that airlines put infant seats next to the window and never in an emergency exit row, so it will not block the doors.

Some airlines provide a bassinet or sky cot and may not allow car seats on the flight. While a bassinet is a great place for your baby to sleep, it can’t be used for take-off and landing, nor when there’s turbulence. If this applies, you can still take your car seat but check it into the hold.

What are the advantages of taking your car seat on the plane?

If you are a family that usually travels to the airport by car, leaving it in the car park, then flies to your destination and hires a car when you get there, having your baby’s car seat with you is great for several reasons:

• You can take your baby onto the plane with no need for a pushchair, sling or other baby gear
• Your baby has a safe and comfortable place to sit and sleep for the flight
• You can travel with your baby at your holiday destination knowing they are in a safe, clean car seat that you know how to use
• It’s much safer to have your child strapped into their car seat than riding on your lap in the plane

Safety note : Newborn and young babies should not be left in the car seat for extended periods. Make sure you take your baby out after every 20 minutes for those under four weeks or two hours for those over, for a stretch, feed and a nappy change.

Which car seats are suitable for use on planes?

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Any car seat that goes with you into the plane must be an airline-approved seat that is ratified by the FAA or TÜV .

What to look for in an airline-approved infant car seat

• Suitable from birth
• Maximum width of 44 cm
• Rearward facing
• The option of fitting it in your car using either a base or the car’s lap seat belt – you can use the latter option on the plane and at your holiday destination
• A lie-flat facility is a bonus, as this is the safest way for your baby to sleep
• It can be used as a travel system with your pushchair, so check which models will fit
• A removable, washable cover so you can always keep it clean
• An easy-to-use harness with one-pull tightening
• Check your car seat fits the safety regulations in the country to which you are travelling
• Airlines publish the dimensions of their seats, so check your car seat will fit – it’s usually between 41 and 45 cm

This feature looks at rearward-facing car seats suitable from newborn up to around 12 to 15 months. Some car seats for older children can also be taken on the plane, so do check with your airline.

Best airline infant car seats at a glance:

• Best for a lightweight option: Bugaboo Turtle Air by Nuna - £209, John Lewis
• Best for lasting longer than some seats: Cybex Aton M i-Size - £105, Mamas & Papas
• Best for soft-to-touch fabrics: Nuna Pipa Next - £240, John Lewis
• Best for fitting onto multiple pushchairs Maxi-Cosi Pebble Pro i-Size - £209.99, John Lewis
• Best lie-flat seat: Kiddy Evolution Pro 2 - £149, Smart Kid Store
• Best for creating a smart travel system: UPPAbaby MESA - £199.99, John Lewis
• Best for easy fitting: Joie i-Jemini - £160, John Lewis
• Best for value for money: Graco SnugEssentials i-Size - £100, Amazon
• Best for multifunction: Doona Convertible Cat Seat - £339, Doona
• Best for side impact protection: Britax Baby-Safe 3 i-Size - £199.20, Mamas & Papas

For a more in-depth analysis of each option, read on

Bugaboo Turtle Air by Nuna i-Size Baby Car Seat

Best for: a lightweight option

Suitable for: babies 40 - 85cm in height

Travel system compatible? Yes

Type of fitting: i-Size base or car’s seatbelt

Weight: 3kg

The best thing about this car seat, created by a collaboration between pushchair makers Bugaboo and nursery supplier Nuna, is its weight – or lack of it! At just three kilos, it’s easy to lift even with a hefty baby in it and its generous sun canopy and drape protect your baby from the weather and sun.

Inside the wings is super safe premium foam padding for side impact protection and your baby has a Merino wool insert that helps them control their temperature to avoid overheating.

The Turtle, which comes in black and grey, is compatible with several of Bugaboo’s pushchairs too, so if you want a smart travel system, choose the Bee5, Fox2, Donkey3, or Cameleon.

Cybex Aton M i-Size

Best for: lasting longer than some seats

Suitable for: birth to approx. 24 months (45-87 cm)

Type of fitting: i-Size or belt

Weight: 4.2 kg

Cybex is a premium pushchair and car seat manufacturer and those who love its beautifully design strollers with stunning fabrics will often choose their car seats to match. The Atom M i-Size forms part of a modular system that can be used both with the Cybex and GB brand pushchairs and with the M-Line car seat base – this base can be used with the next size car seat, the Sirona, which is suitable up to around four years.

The headrest and harness are highly adjustable and grow with your child does. It has an impressive 11 positions, so there is always one that’s the safest for your little one. Side impact protection is achieved with an energy-absorbing shell and a system that absorbs force through the head and shoulder protectors, while the baby’s head is held safely.

With a range of eight vibrant colours, there’s a newborn inlay for very small and even premature babies for the perfect fit and your little one is protected with an extra-large sun canopy, too.

Nuna Pipa Next

Best for: soft to touch fabrics

Suitable for: birth to 15 months (40-85 cm)

Weight: 3.58 kg

This rearward-facing i-Size seat can be used from birth to 85 cm or around 13 kg or 13-15 months – longer than some first-stage car seats - and can be used with a Nuna ISOFIX base in your car, or with the car’s seatbelts (the base can be used with the next size car seat too, allowing you to transport your child up to four years).

It’s very lightweight at just 3.58 kg (without inserts or canopy), so it’s easy to carry your baby around in this safe little seat and it can be fixed onto Nuna’s great pushchairs; it clips straight onto the Mixx and also the Triv and Demi Grow with an adapter. It is TÜV-certified for airlines and is very comfortable for your child, featuring an adjustable seven-position headrest with a no-rethread harness, a full UPF 50+ canopy and a pull-out drape to keep the sun out of your child’s eyes.

The high-strength handle transfers energy away from your child in the event of a crash and its side wings offer good side impact protection. It’s a comfortable seat with plenty of support, especially for your baby’s legs and it has inserts that snugly cocoon small babies – these can be removed later on.

Available in grey or black, its woven fabric contains Merino wool and Tencel.

Maxi-Cosi Pebble Pro i-Size

Best for: fitting onto multiple pushchairs

Suitable for: birth to 12 months (40-75 cm)

Type of fitting: choice of two i-Size bases or car’s seatbelt

Weight: 4.4 kg

One of the most popular infant car seats thanks to the fact that it fits on so many different pushchairs, the Pebble Pro is a rearward-facing i-Size car seat suitable from birth until your child is 75 cm – that’s around a year. This is quite a short lifespan, so you’ll need to move up to a bigger seat when your baby is over 75 cm but the good news is that you can use both this seat and the next size car seat on the FamilyFix3 base, so you only need to buy one base for travel up to four years.

The Pebble Pro can be used as a travel system on not just Maxi-Cosi’s strollers but many other brands too, using adaptors. It has a snug inlay that will cradle your baby from when they are very tiny; this can be removed as your child grows, so it will continue to fit as well and be just as comfortable no matter what size your baby is. The harness and headrest also adjust as your child grows and the one-pull harness helps you get the safest fit every time you travel. Memory foam in the side wings offers good side impact protection and the cushioned headrest allows for comfort for your baby while travelling.

Kiddy Evolution Pro 2 in lizard green

Best for: lie-flat seat

Suitable for: birth to 12 months

Weight: 4.9 kg

This German-built ISOFIX car seat has one very special feature, which is that you can recline the seat so that your baby lies much flatter than in other car seats, the safest way for a baby to sleep. It has been developed with the help of midwives and paediatricians to be as comfortable as possible and it follows safe sleep guidelines.

The seat can be used, with adapters, on over 50 pushchair brands, which gives you lots of flexibility. Infant inserts help you get the best fit for your baby’s age and size. Though the weight limit for children riding in this seat is 13 kg, it is a generous-sized seat, so taller children will still be comfortable in it. The shell of the seat is cocooning and absorbs shock in an accident but it also helps absorb bumps from the road or pavement whether it’s in the car or on the pushchair.

The sun hood has UPF 80+ protection and all seat and frame elements are made from premium materials.

UPPAbaby MESA

Best for: creating a smart travel system

Suitable for: birth to 14 months (40-78 cm or birth to 13 kg)

Weight: 4.3 kg

This seat has been created with superior side impact testing standards to protect your baby’s head, neck and body, with the headrest harnessing the absorption and recovery properties of EPP and memory foam. The seat is ventilated to prevent overheating and the covers are also breathable, thanks to mesh and foam with vented channels.

Inside, the adjustable headrest moves together with the three-point harness to prevent re-threading and to offer the perfect fit for your baby whatever their size. The head section is wider than on some car seats for comfort and it comes in four colours, matching with the VISTA and CRUZ pushchairs to create a smart travel system; just one push of a button releases the seat from the pushchair.

A removable newborn infant means that your tiny baby sits comfortably and safely in the seat and it also helps your child manage their airways better, thanks to the flatter lying position. Though the canopy has only an SPF of 25+, it is extra-large to offer better protection, plus it tucks away neatly when you’re not using it.

Joie Baby Signature i-Jemini i-Size Baby Car Seat

Best for: easy-fitting

Suitable for: birth to 12/15 months (40-85 cm)

Weight: 4.5 kg

A great seat to use from birth to 85 cm, the i-Gemm is an i-Size seat that has extra memory foam padding and softness in the headrest area to keep your child as comfortable and safe as they can be on all rides. i-Gemm can be clipped onto the Joie range of pushchairs, as well as other brands using handy adaptors and the i-Base Encore (which can also be used with the carrycot and the next size car seat).

In one colour, a nice dark grey, the multi-height headrest and harness move together with one touch to help you get the perfect fit for your baby as they grow. The canopy protects up to UPF 50+ and shades your baby against wind, sun and rain and when it’s warm, there’s even a zip-open mesh panel to provide better ventilation; the seat’s sides are also ventilated. The harness can be tightened with just one pull and the ergonomic handle is easy to hold.

For newborns, there’s a body insert to ensure a good fit that can be removed as your baby gets bigger.

Graco SnugEssentials i-Size

Best for: value for money

Weight: 3.66 kg

The five-point harness can be adjusted with just one pull, making sure your baby rides safely every time and this seat has passed advanced testing by the ADAC safety institute.

It is ISOFIX compatible when using Graco’s IsoFamily base and it has plenty of good energy-absorbing foam to protect from any impacts. It’s easy to fit, with indicators to show when it is clicked in correctly and is very lightweight at just 3.66 kg. The large canopy will protect your baby from wind, sun and rain and the memory foam insert can be used for very small babies to ensure a great and safe fit. It’s also easy to fit in the car using an intuitive route for your car’s seatbelt.

It can be used as a travel system on several of Graco’s strollers too.

Doona Convertible Cat Seat

Best for: multifunction

Suitable for: birth to 12/15 months (birth to 13 kg)

Travel system compatible? Integral wheels

Weight: 7.5 kg

If you’re wondering whether to take your pushchair or car seat with you on the plane – fear not, you can take this neat unit that is both!

As a car seat, it’s rear-facing and has a sturdy five-point harness and it is approved by both TUV and FAA for airline travel. Suitable from newborn, it can be used for around 12 months and has been created to be safe in event of a crash, with anti-rebound crash technology and double wall side impact protection. The handlebar is adjustable and a hypoallergenic bamboo newborn insert offers an almost flat position for very young babies - this is also anti-bacterial and regulates humidity and temperature. In a single move, you can transform it into a stroller on its integrated wheels, the brake is positive and is engaged with just one touch and it has swivel wheels to make corners a breeze.

Of course, it’s heavier than many infant car seats but as it doubles as a pushchair, that’s worth its weight.

Britax Baby-Safe 3 i-Size

Best for: side impact protection

Type of fitting: i-Size base or car seatbelt

Weight: 4.6 kg

One of the best names in baby car safety brings you this i-Size car seat, with its five-point safety harness and effective side impact protection from a system called D-SIP technology. You can clip it to a range of Britax pushchairs and the Oyster stroller, from which it is easy to release it using a single-handed mechanism.

The height-adjustable headrest and the integral harness are adjusted from the front using just one motion and the harness can be made snug with just one pull. For newborns, there’s a removable insert that helps your baby lie as flat as possible, plus the lie-flat technology means that when you adjust the headrest, the lying position adjusts at the same time. The deeply padded sides offer not just comfort but protection too and the handle has a soft touch covering to make it pleasing to carry.

In black, grey or indigo blue, the canopy has 50+ UV protection and protects from the sun, rain and wind.

Want a folding car seat for travel? Here are your best choices by age (2023 reviews)

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This article about folding car seats for travel is written by certified Child Passenger Safety Technician Melissa Conn and may contain affiliate links.

The car seat game is changing quickly these days. Child safety seats for use at home are getting bigger and beefier with every new generation – steel frames, massive headwings, and extremely high weight and height limits.

But on the other end, there’s a new set of folding car seats for travel that are changing how families explore the world. Gone are the days when you had no choice but to stay within the confines of the US and Europe lest you risk your child’s safety on crazy roads (there are still places like that, for the record). No, in 2023 you have options .

There are some amazing foldable car seats for travel and car seat alternatives that will take you around the world and back again without breaking a sweat. Especially once your child is a mature enough, there’s now an entire ecosystem of foldable booster seat choices for you!

In this article will share our top picks for folding travel car seats at each stage, including the advantages and disadvantages of each. You’ll also learn what to consider when you’re choosing the right portable car seat for travel with your family.

Quick picks: which folding car seat for travel is right for you?

Read more: 10 things you NEED to know before flying with your car seat

How to choose a foldable car seat for travel

What should you look for in a collapsible car seat? In reality, you don’t have nearly the same choices as you do in more “traditional” car seats.

The most important feature to look at is what stage the car seat is and how that matches up with your child’s age and size. After all, it’s not safe to put a 2 or 3 year old on a backless booster no matter how convenient! Likewise, your 6 year old who still sleeps in the car might not fit into the folding car seat with a 5 point harness option.

Since this article is all about folding car seats, portability is the name of the game! You want a car seat that folds small enough to take out for the day so that you have it when you need it. So some of the options on this list may not be the lightest in their classes, but they’re the best for putting in the overhead bin of an airplane or toting around the city.

In the picture at the beginning of this article, you can see how our family rocks folding travel car seats (and car seat alternatives). That photo was taken at the beginning of our family’s gap year – we needed to travel extremely light while keeping our kids as safe as possible. We’re fortunate to live in an era when we could make that happen!

Reviewing the best foldable travel car seat options

Doona infant car seat stroller review.

*Ideal for birth to age 1-1.5 years old

Key stats: -Weight 16.5lbs -Rear-facing size limits: 4-35lbs, up to 32”

Pros: ✔ Integrated car seat/stroller ✔ Several installation options ✔ Car seat handle doubles as anti-rebound bar

Cons: ✘ High price ✘ Heavy ✘ Need to buy a new car seat and travel stroller when it’s outgrown

Do you want the Swiss Army knife of baby travel gear? You’ll find it in the Doona infant car seat stroller , one of the coolest baby products I’ve ever seen. In just a matter of seconds your very capable infant car seat deploys its own wheels and converts into a perfectly serviceable baby-friendly stroller! I’ve had the opportunity to play around with it in person (though it was released after our youngest was born) and I definitely let out a few “WOW”s during my test drive.

This is the perfect foldable baby car seat for families who live in or travel to big cities and need to hop in and out of taxis. You’ll never have to worry about your baby being safe on the road, but you also won’t have to wonder what to do with your car seat while you hit a museum or go into a store.

Likewise, a foldable car seat stroller is an easier solution than a two-piece travel system that has to be separated and stored in the car trunk. The Doona is even FAA-approved and you can just wheel is straight down the airplane aisle. (While this isn’t truly a “foldable” car seat for a 1 year old, it’s the closest option out there – not including the extremely unsafe unapproved knock-off contraptions you’ll find online).

So why wouldn’t every family put this foldable carseat on their baby registry ? There are three downsides to consider with the Doona, and it’s up to you how important they are.

First, it’s heavy compared to other infant car seats. The official Doona weight listing is 14lbs (some reviewers say it’s more like 16lbs). Most infant carriers weigh more like 10lbs, but of course they don’t have a whole stroller built in. If you prefer a lightweight infant car seat, you’ll find great options here .

Second, it ain’t cheap . The price tag may make it a non-starter for many families, though once you add the cost of a well-respected infant car seat and a car seat stroller frame the sticker shock might subside a little.

Third, once your baby outgrows the Doona as a car seat around 1 year old you’ll be on the hook to buy a new car seat and a new stroller. Obviously that’s a tough nut to swallow financially. But many families find that the stroller they love for the newborn and infant stage just isn’t ideal for the toddler stage and they wind up wanting a new stroller anyway. Especially if you’re focusing on lightweight, travel friendly products you’ll find that many of the best ultralight strollers aren’t ideal until at least 6-12 months anyway.

All those cons aside, the Doona really is an incredible option for families who want to travel extensively with a young baby. It’s the only collapsible car seat that rear faces to keep the littlest travelers safe!

Evenflo Shyft DualRide review

*Ideal for preemie to age 1.5 years old

Key stats: -Weight 8-9lbs without wheels, ~19lbs with wheels -Rear-facing size limits: 3-35lbs, up to 32”

Pros: ✔ Integrated car seat/stroller ✔ Several installation options ✔ Approved down to 3lbs ✔ Option to leave the wheels in the car if you want to carry the car seat alone ✔ Tensioning panel on base for easy seatbelt installation ✔ Anti-rebound panel on base ✔ Approved in Canada

Cons: ✘ High price ✘ Requires 1.5″ between car seat and front seats if not installing in the center ✘ Can’t be used with other strollers ✘ Need to buy a new car seat and travel stroller when it’s outgrown

The Evenflo Shyft DualRide integrated infant car seat/stroller is brand new for 2023. If it looks similar to the Doona above, that’s because it is. But the Evenflo has a few nifty tricks up its sleeve that are worth mentioning.

First, the Evenflo Shyft DualRide is approved for newborns as small as 3 pounds (just like most Evenflo infant car seats). No one outside of Evenflo has gotten to test one out with such a tiny baby so we’ll need to see how the fit is for preemies in the real world – sometimes the beefy headrests of no-rethread harnesses like this one can be challenging for newborn head positioning. Hopefully the fit will be just as good as it is with this excellent preemie car seat .

On the other end, many kids can use it until 15-18 months thanks to the extended headrest. It’s a very convenient option for travel with toddlers!

Second, while the Doona always brings its wheels (and their weight) the Evenflo Shyft DualRide can leave the wheels behind on the car seat base or at home if you don’t anticipate needing them. That brings the weight of the car seat itself down to just 8-9 pounds – in line with many other car seats on the market. But it’s nice to have the flexibility to use the wheels when you want them and leave them behind when you don’t.

Third, the base has an integrated anti-rebound panel to help manage crash energy and a tensioning arm for easy seatbelt installation. You still need to lock the seatbelt when you install – always read your manual – but you don’t have to worry about putting much force into installing it.

As with all products, the Shyft DualRide isn’t perfect. For starters, the Evenflo Shyft DualRide is not compatible with any of the company’s strollers. That’s a bummer since many parents with an older child might like the flexibility to sometimes use the car seat with the Evenflo Pivot Xpand single-to-double stroller .

Like all Evenflo car seats, the manufacturer wants 1.5″ of clearance between the car seat and the vehicle seat in front of it. Practically speaking this rules it out for some compact cars unless you will always install it in the center seat (where the rule doesn’t apply). Keep that in mind if you’re planning on installing it by the window so that you can install another car seat on the other side!

The 10lb weight of the wheel assembly is surprisingly high. Families already sometimes complain that the Doona is too heavy, and the Evenflo car seat stroller combo is even heaver; the trade-off, of course, is that if you plan to hand carry it you can leave the wheels behind… unless you’re traveling and taking a taxi followed by a lovely walk over cobblestones.

Moment of truth here: I’m also surprised by the price point of the Evenflo Shyft DualRide. There are several versions with slightly different features/accessories and they range from $500-600. Thankfully you can get a discount when you buy direct and sign up for the email list, and Evenflo runs frequent sales as well. There’s also a slightly less expensive Walmart version , which lacks the carry-all bag and leather accents.

It’s great to see more innovation in this space, and finally a competitor to the Doona. The Evenflo Shyft DualRide has a lot going for it and will definitely be a contender for car-free city dwellers and travelers alike!

Read next: Best portable car seats for a 1 year old

Wayb Pico review

*Ideal for ages 2-5

Key stats: -Weight 8lbs -Max harness height 16.5″ -Forward-facing size limits: 22-50lbs, 30-45″, recommended 2+ years old minimum

Pros: ✔ Compact ✔ Easy to install ✔ Keeps kids harnessed ✔ FAA-approved to use on flights ✔ Can install without top tether ✔ Narrowest car seat on the market

Cons: ✘ High price ✘ Low height limit ✘ Crotch strap too short for some kids ✘ Top tether strap too short for some cars (can request an extension)

One of the coolest kid travel products we’ve seen in a loooong time is the new Wayb Pico collapsible car seat. It was hard to miss as they plastered their Indiegogo campaign all over Facebook in 2018! The promise? An ultra-light, ultra-compact folding car seat with 5-point harness. Families would be able to travel with world with this foldable toddler car seat without compromising safety.

In many ways their promise has come true. For certain families the Pico is the perfect solution to a really tough question of what to do when they need a travel 5-point harness, while for others it isn’t quite the right fit. Read our in-depth expert Wayb Pico review here .

I’ll start with the advantages: the Wayb Pico is small and easy to use. The weight is about the same as the Cosco Scenera Next, but the genius is in how small it folds up (and even packs into its own backpack!) so that you can lug it around and have it when you need it for spur-of-the-moment taxi rides.

The Wayb Pico is by far the best foldable car seat for a 3 year old if you plan on lots of international travel. Why? The concept of a folding forward-facing harnessed car seat isn’t new. They’ve actually been made for years , including the current car seat used by Uber Family . The downside of prior seats is that they required use of a top tether. Without it, the seats don’t stay upright! If you’re traveling within the US, Canada or Western Europe that’s no problem.

But if you plan to venture outside those areas you may have an extremely hard time using those car seats. We’ve encountered so many cars in South America, Morocco, Thailand and more that don’t have top tethers – rendering a fold up car seat like the IMMI Go completely useless. While you’d ideally use the top tether all the time with the Wayb Pico , at least you have the option to use it without the top tether if absolutely necessary.

Because it doesn’t require a top tether, the Wayb Pico is also the only foldable car seat for airplane use. Your kids can even fully use the tray table, unlike most forward-facing travel car seats, since it’s so low-profile.

The major disadvantage of the Wayb Pico foldable child car seat is that the 45″ upper height limit and 16.5″ harness slots aren’t high enough for some families. Many kids will outgrow it around 5-5.5 years old, though if you’re buying it at 2 or 3 years old that’s a few years of good usage (and more if you can pass it down to a younger sibling). If you’re a family that prioritizes extended rear-facing and then you want an extended forward-facing harness, this isn’t the car seat for you! But if you’ll be doing a ton of traveling with a 2 or 3 year old (like our family gap year) then the Wayb Pico fold up travel car seat is the best option to keep your kid safe without lugging a full-size model. On the small end, the Pico is approved for kids at least 1 year old – but that’s not recommended, and in some places (like California and New York) it’s not even legal.

Finally, the price tag of the Pico may be tough for some families to swallow for a portable car seat for 3 year old. Of course, some families opt to use it at home too though it doesn’t offer the same creature comforts as typical forward facing car seats.

Is the Wayb Pico right for everyone? Maybe not. But if your family is going on an extended trip or relying on lots of taxis in your daily life and a folding travel car seat is on your must-have list, give the Wayb Pico a serious look once it’s available again.

Read next: Best travel car seats for a 2 year old

Ride Safer Travel Vest review

*Ideal for ages 3.5-6

Key stats: -Weight 2lbs -Size small: minimum age 3, fits best for 30+ lbs and 35-47″ -Size large: minimum age 4, fits best for 50+ lbs and 45-57″

Pros: ✔ Rolls up to the size of a 2L soda bottle ✔ Perfect for taxi rides ✔ Lowers seat belt to provide an appropriate fit for young children ✔ Keeps kids properly seated better than a traditional booster seat – even when sleeping ✔ Easy to fit 3-across since it’s only as wide as the child ✔ 5 year expiration

Cons: ✘ No side impact protection like a highback booster seat ✘ Takes practice to get belt fit right ✘ NOT permitted for use on planes

Several years ago the kind folks at Safe Ride 4 Kids sent us a Ride Safer Delight travel vest to review, and it hasn’t left our travel kit since. The Ride Safer travel vest (“Delight” has been dropped with the latest Ride Safer travel vest Gen 5 release) is completely different than the travel car seats above.

You could say that the Ride Safer travel vest is sort of in between a booster seat and a traditional forward-facing car seat. It relies on the car’s seat belt to handle most of the restraint, but also has an optional-but-pease-use-it-always top tether that minimizes head movement in an accident and keeps your child in the correct position even if they fall asleep (or drop a toy). While we won’t put our youngest child in a booster seat yet since she’s a car sleeper – especially when jet-lagged – we’re comfortable with her riding in the Ride Safer vest.

So comfortable, in fact, that we brought our Ride Safer vest on our year-long trip around the world! It’s seen action on six continents and served us well the whole time. Once we practiced a few times, we got very fast at putting her in the vest and getting her secured in the car. The biggest change from the Ride Safer Delight to the Gen 5 is an easier buckle in the front, so that should help many parents.

The Ride Safer Gen 5 is rated for kids beginning at 3 years old and 30lbs, but honestly we felt that the fit was better starting at 4 years old and other parents agree with us. Fortunately size small should last most kids until 6 or even 7 thanks to the adjustable shoulder strap length. Because there’s no side impact protection, it’s a good idea to put your Ride Safer in the middle seat if it has a top tether available. Read our in-depth Ride Safer review .

For families going on extended journeys like ours who just can’t take a traditional car seat or those heading somewhere like NYC or Paris, where they’ll mostly rely on public transportation but need an occasional taxi ride, the Ride Safer travel vest is a fantastic option. It is not approved for use on an airplane, so you may want to pair it with the CARES harness ( full review here ) to use on the plane.

For a more typical trip that involves flying and then renting a car for a week or two, we sometimes opt to bring our other travel car seat . But if you’re choosing between the Ride Safer travel vest or a backless booster seat, the vest is the better choice for younger kids and/or car sleepers .

While we generally think of the Ride Safer as one of the travel car seat alternatives, we also use it at home often. I keep it in my trunk at all times so that we can fit 3-across in our car for those unexpected carpools or for when Grandma comes for a visit! Since the vest is as narrow as the child in it, there’s no trouble fitting it between two big car seats in our compact SUV.

Read next: Best travel car seats for a 3 year old Best travel car seats for a 4 year old

Key stats: -Weight 10lbs -Highback booster size limit 4yo, 40-100lbs, 40-59″ -Belt guide 14-20″

Pros: ✔ Tons of size adjustments for great fit ✔ Folds down small ✔ Legal to use everywhere except Australia (in progress) ✔ Extremely narrow ✔ 7 year expiration

Cons: ✘ Expensive if you will only use for a few years ✘ No cup holders included ✘ Bigger than some of the other travel-specific car seats

Bubblebum booster seat review

*Ideal for ages 5+

Key stats: -Weight under 1 lbs ( really! ) -Backless booster size limit 40-100lbs, age 4+

Pros: ✔ Lightest booster seat ✔ Extremely narrow ✔ Good seatbelt fit in lots of cars

Cons: ✘ Can slide around if kids are wiggly ✘ 4 year expiration (from first use)

The best backless booster seat for travel is one with which we’re extremely familiar: the Bubblebum inflatable booster seat . We traveled full-time with this booster seat for the better part of two years. It’s my favorite folding travel booster seat!

The Bubblebum is a pretty amazing collapsible booster seat. It weighs about one pound and deflates/rolls to the size of a soda bottle. Setting it up takes just a few seconds, and there’s even a shoulder belt guide to give a great fit for kids of different sizes in all different vehicles.

Read more: My in-depth Bubblebum review

If you’re a family with a mature kid who doesn’t sleep in the car the Bubblebum gives you the paragon of portability. It’s the perfect option for taking around on days in a city when you think you might hop in a taxi to get home at night or if you’re taking lots of planes and trains for an extended trip.

The Bubblebum is so light that it may shift if your kid is very wiggly. But if your kid is very wiggly, they may not be ready for a backless booster yet. In that case, I’d go with the RideSafer travel vest for an ultra-portable option or the hifold folding booster seat . We also had an issue with one of our Bubblebums deflating after we left it inflated in a hot car for a month (oops!); we reached out to customer service and they sent us a whole new one for just the $7 shipping charge!

We started using this booster seat at 6 years old, and we think that’s about right. But it’s approved for 4 years old/40lbs and there are plenty of 5 year olds who can use it successfully, especially if your drives are short. This is a judgement call for each family and also depends on the specifics of your travels.

Read next: Best travel car seats for a 6 year old and best travel booster seat

hiccapop Uberboost booster seat review

*Ideal for ages 7+

Key stats: -Weight 1.25 lbs -Backless booster size limit 40-110lbs and 38-62″

Pros: ✔ Extremely light and compact ✔ Very narrow ✔ More stable than other ultra-portable booster seats

Cons: ✘ Frustrating shoulder belt adjuster clip

If you like the idea of an inflatable booster seat for travel, there’s a new option to consider these days. The newish hiccapop Uberboost follows the same basic concept as the Bubblebum but with a few pros and cons.

Read more: My in-depth hiccapop Uberboos t review

The hiccapop packs down slightly smaller than the Bubblebum but inflates to offer a larger seating seating area. Score! It also has a grippy layer on the bottom to prevent it from sliding around.

The biggest downside for us is that our leggy 48″ rider needs the shoulder adjuster clip in most seating positions but finds it very uncomfortable. The clip is much bulkier than on our other travel booster seats.

If your child is 48″+ or has a longer torso, you might be able to avoid using the clip – just be sure that the shoulder belt makes nice, complete contact with the middle of the collar bone. In that case the hiccapop Uberboost is a great choice for a traveling booster seat. For a smaller child, I’d stick with the Bubblebum for now.

Graco RightGuide

Key stats: -Weight 2 lbs -Backless booster size limit 50-120lbs, 43-60″, age 5+

Pros: ✔ Extremely light booster seat ✔ Very compact booster seat when folded ✔ Narrow option for 3-across with big kids ✔ Inconspicuous option for tweens ✔ 10 year expiration

Cons: ✘ Belt guide may not stay in place securely ✘ Incompatible with some seatbelt designs

If you have a big kid or tween who’s approaching readiness for the adult seatbelt (usually 10-12 years old) but not quite there, check out the Graco RightGuide . It’s ultra low profile and easy to throw in a backpack or clip to the outside of a carry-on suitcase. It does require that kids be at least 5 years old, 43″ and 50lbs – a weight many kids don’t achieve until they’re around 7 or even older.

The RightGuide offers a wonderful seatbelt fit even for kids at the bottom of the stated size range. It can be problematic with certain types of seatbelts, so be sure to read my Graco RightGuide review to know what you need to look out for.

Foldable Car Seat for Travel FAQs

Yes. All car seats sold in the US have to pass the same Federal testing. The most important factors in keeping your child safe in the car are choosing an age-appropriate car seat for and using it correctly 100% of the time.

The best car seat for traveling is the one that fits your child properly and that you’ll use every time you’re in the car. Check this list to find the best choices by age.

Need more ideas? Check out the best travel car seats for every age

What’s your favorite folding car seat for travel? Tell us in the comments below!

2 thoughts on “Want a folding car seat for travel? Here are your best choices by age (2023 reviews)”

Hi! I am just trying to clarify- can the WayB Pico car seat be used on international flights that don’t adhere to FAA regulations? Has anyone done this or had a problem? Specifically I am most concerned with TAP Portugal. Do they allow? Thanks!

TAP allows a car seat for children up to 5 years old as long as it’s FAA-approved (which WAYB is) and the bottom of the seat is physically small enough (which WAYB’s is as well).

Safe travels,

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