The Best Rear And Forward Facing Car Seat: Top Picks 2024
By, Sara RyanUpdated
Our Top Picks
1. Best Of The Best: Graco Extend2Fit Convertible Car Seat, Ride Rear Facing Longer
Keep your little one safe and happy with Graco Extend2Fit Convertible Car Seat, Ride Rear Facing Longer! This car seat is made of steel reinforced fabric and can be used rear-facing or forward-facing. It has a 4 point harness to keep your child safe and comfortable. Read Review
2. Runner Up: Safety 1st Grow and Go All-in-One Convertible Car Seat
This convertible car seat is a perfect match for the Safety 1st Grow and Go stroller. The all-in-one seat easily connects to the stroller while providing a safe, comfy place for your baby to sleep. With an adjustable 3 position recline and a wide base, it's easy to find that perfect fit. Read Review
3. Best Versatile: Safety 1st Jive 2-in-1 Convertible Car Seat, Rear-facing 5-40 pounds
Safety 1st Jive 2-in-1 Convertible Car Seat is a five-point harness car seat with a removable cup holder. Designed to last for years, it's designed to be gentle on little ones while providing protection against crashes thanks to an impact-absorbing base. With two different positions and adapters included, the Safety 1st Jive 2-in-1 Convertible Car Seat is easy to install and highly versatile. Read Review
4. Best Comfortable: Graco TriRide 3 in 1 Car Seat
The Graco TriRide 3 in 1 Car Seat is designed to grow with your child, offering three modes of use. Now you can use this car seat as a high chair, infant seat, and booster seat. The Graco TriRide 3 in 1 Car Seat features a 6-position recline that helps for a better installation and more comfortable seating for your little one. Read Review
It’s important to have your child as close to you as possible when you’re driving. This is especially true for newborns, who can’t see very well and need the reassurance of being snuggled against their parent. It’s a good idea to keep them rear-facing until age 2 or until they outgrow their height or weight limits.
A rear facing car seat will keep them as close to you as possible, which is safer than having them face outward. However, there are rear and forward facing car seats that match your needs better than others. In this article, we’ll explain the differences between a rear rear facing and a forward facing car seat, describe the pros and cons of each type and help you choose the best one for your family.
Before making our recommendations, our specialists spend substantial time researching and analyzing your requirements. Then we found the Graco Extend2Fit Convertible Car Seat, Ride Rear Facing Longer is the greatest choice for its high-quality performance. If you're looking for another one, consider Safety 1st Grow and Go All-in-One Convertible Car Seat.
RELATED: Our top professionals have tested, examined, and ranked the 10 best babies car seat of 2024 for you. See our top picks here.
Our Top Picks
- Extend2Fit 4-position adjustable extension panel provides up to 5" additional legroom, allowing your child to safely ride rear facing longer
- Convertible car seat grows with your child from rear-facing harness (4-50 pounds) to forward-facing harness (22-65 pounds)
- Up to 50 pounds rear facing, allowing your child to safely ride rear-facing longer.Do not use bleach
- Product dimensions – 21.5” D x 19.5” W x 23.5” H; Product weight – 19.25 pounds
- Graco ProtectPlus Engineered: Simply safe adjust no-rethread headrest and harness adjust together
- Made of Steel reinforced
- Built to grow with your child, this safety 1st car seat supports infants from 5 pounds to toddlers of 40 pounds as a rear facing car seat, 22 to 65 pounds forward facing toddler car seat, and 40 to 100 pounds as a belt positioning booster
- Safety 1st believes parenting should have more joyful moments; As the first and only leader in child safety, safety 1st is here to give you peace of mind so you can spend less time worrying and more time enjoying every first you experience with your child
- Adjust the height of the headrest and harness in 1 easy step with the quickfit harness; Even in booster mode, the headrest adjusts easily, ensuring the best fit for your child
- An adjustable 3 position recline makes it easy to get a good fit for the seat in your car, assembled product dimensions 24.00 inches x 19.00 inches x 23.75 inches
- Harness holders keep the harness open, making it easier to get into and out of the seat; Front seat passengers can enjoy up to 7 inches more legroom with the rear facing infant seat's reduced footprint
- This car seat meets or exceeds federal, ASTM, and JPMA safety standards and includes a 1 year limited warranty
- Two integrated cup holders keep snacks and drinks close; Easy to clean, the seat pad removes easily, ready to go into the washing machine and dryer
- Fits 3 across in the back seat of most vehicles
- 2 removable dishwasher-safe cup holders (Machine washable and dryer safe fabrics)
- An extra-comfortable ride that lasts for years: Rear-facing 5-40 pounds and forward-facing 22-65 pounds
- Side impact protection
- 5-point harness with easy up-front adjustment
- 6-position recline keeps your child comfy and helps for a better installation
- 3-in-1 car seat grows with your child from rear-facing harness (5-40 lb) to forward-facing harness (22-65 lb) to highback booster (40-100 lb)
- Graco ProtectPlus Engineered: a combination of the most rigorous crash tests that help to protect your child in frontal, side, rear & rollover crashes
- Choose the perfect headrest height from 10 positions to get the safest fit for your growing child
- No-Rethread Simply Safe Adjust Harness System allows the headrest and harness to adjust together in one motion
- REINFORCED STEEL CORE: Mechanically engineered, reinforced steel core, made from automotive grade high density plastic and steel to create the ultimate protection for your child
- THE ORIGINAL RADIAN 3 ACROSS: Built with our famous Radian slim fit convertible design for a 3-across option only with Diono Radian combinations without compromising child or passenger comfort. Feel safe having your children secure in the backseat.
- REAR-FACING FOR LONGER: This slimfit convertible car seat is designed and engineered to keep your child rear facing even longer up to 50 lb/ 22. 7 kg, approx. 4 years old
- SAFE & COMFORTABLE NEWBORN POSITIONING: Features newborn travel high wedge to create a safe and secure lie-flat travel position. The innovative technology pushes baby up to reduce head slump while helping to keep airways open. As your baby grows, simply remove the wedge to allow the 2-in-1 infant positioning liner for support
- 10 YEARS ONE CAR SEAT: With 4 ways to travel safely from birth to booster, the radian 3RXT adapts as your child grows to offer a custom adjustable fit from birth to 120 lbs
- THE ORIGINAL 3 ACROSS: Built with our famous radian slim fit convertible design, to fit 3 across in most vehicles without compromising child or passenger comfort. Feel safe having your children secure in the backseat
- HIGH BACK BOOSTER: Keep your child safe and comfortable with the high back booster seat mode now up to 120 lb, 54 kg. The high back booster adds an extra layer of protection and comfort for any child transitioning into booster mode.Shell and Components: Spot clean
- 10 YEARS ONE CAR SEAT: With 4 ways to travel safely from birth to booster, the Radian 3R adapts as your child grows to offer a custom adjustable fit from birth to 120 lbs
- REAR-FACING FOR LONGER: This slimfit convertible car seat is designed and engineered to keep your child rear facing even longer up to 50 lb/ 22. 7 kg, approx. 4 years old
- REINFORCED STEEL CORE: Mechanically engineered, reinforced steel core, made from automotive grade high density plastic and steel to create the ultimate protection for your child
- An extra-comfortable ride that lasts for years: rear-facing 5-40 pounds and forward-facing 22-65 pounds
- 5-Point harness with easy up-front adjustment
- Side Impact protection
- Fits 3 across in the back seat of most vehicles
- 2 removable dishwasher-safe cup holders
- THE ORIGINAL RADIAN 3 ACROSS: Built with our famous Radian slim fit convertible design for a 3-across option only with Diono Radian combinations without compromising child or passenger comfort. Feel safe having your children secure in the backseat.
- 10 YEARS ONE CAR SEAT: With 4 ways to travel safely from birth to booster, the radian 3QXT adapts as your child grows to offer a custom adjustable fit from birth to 120 lbs
- THE NEXT GENERATION 4-IN-1 RADIAN CONVERTIBLE CAR SEAT: Introducing 23 improvements in safety and new features from the award-winning 3QXT slimfit convertible car seat
- SAFE PLUS ENGINEERING: Radian 3QXT is subjected to a combination of the most rigorous crash tests to ensure we have the safest car seat possible. The radian 3QXT features high-density plastic and steel reinforcement to create the ultimate protection
- 4-in-1 NEWBORN PROTECTION FROM 4 lbs: The energy absorbing protection Safe+ newborn insert provides the secure travel position, adjustable harness and anti-slip harness pads complete with Safe+ steel anti-rebound bar to reduce rebound rotation by 50%. Security 3 different ways - rear-facing, forward-facing, and high back booster mode
- The five-point harness adjusts easily from the front of the seat and features six heights and three buckle locations.
- Perfect for travel, the seat is certified for use on aircraft and gives your child a familiar seat during a flight.
- Easily remove the machine-washable and dryer-safe car seat pad to clean.
- With two modes of use, this LATCH-equipped Cosco car seat accommodates infants from 5 pounds up to toddlers weighing 40 pounds in rear-facing mode and kids up to 40 pounds in forward-facing mode.
- In both the rear-facing and forward-facing modes, built-in side-impact protection keeps your little one extra secure.
- SUPREME COMFORT: Provides supreme comfort with soft-to-touch cushions that are easy to remove, machine washable, and dryer safe
- EASY INSTALLATION: Includes 2 removable cupholders for toddlers to hold drinks and snacks and is easy to install into any vehicle with the 1-click latch connectors
- 3-IN-1 CAR SEAT: 3-in-1 protective car seat is designed to convert into 3 positions (rear-facing, front-facing, and booster mode) for children to use from birth to 10 years of age
- ADJUSTABLE SEAT: Wide range of adaptability with 3-position recline, 5 headrest heights, and shoulder harness
- HEIGHT AND WEIGHT RECOMMENDATIONS: Rear-facing: 5-40 pounds and 19-40 inches; Forward-facing: 22-65 pounds and 29-49 inches; Booster: 40-100 pounds and 43-57 inches
What to Look For in a best rear and forward facing car seat?
The best rear and forward facing car seat is influenced by a multitude of factors, including all those stated below. Depending on the sort of product, the learning process differs. We'll be ready to aid you and propose solutions since we're here to support you.
It's necessary to remember the following ones before selecting best rear and forward facing car seat:
Adjustability
Quality Of Materials
FAA Approval
This can be done by looking at the label on the side that says: "This restraint has been certified for use with motor vehicles and planes."
Convertibility
Weight Of Seat
The car seat will need to be lifted into and out of your car. You'll also have to transport it around airports. Use a light-weight car seat.
Weight Limit
Safety
Ease Of Installation
An anchor clasp can have a significant impact on the ease of car seat installation. Two types of anchor clasps were found during testing: one that is plain and the other, which we will show below. It is simpler to attach the buckle anchor and remove it. This type of anchor is easier to use.
Additional Features
RELATED: We researched on 4,246+ customer reviews to create a list of top 10 best 3 in 1 booster car seat in 2024. Check them here.
FAQs
When Is My Child Too Large For A Convertible Car Seat?
Each convertible car seat has weight and height recommendations. They also include how to position the car seat from forward-facing to rear-facing. Use a car seat that is rated to your child's height only.
Do Convertible Car Seats Have Strollers?
Convertible car seats are a popular topic. Unfortunately, this is not the case.
At the moment, there is only one convertible car seats that works with strollers. While there are some lightweight convertible seats available that can be used for traveling, you will lose the ability of transferring your child's seat directly from their car seat onto your stroller once they outgrow it.
How Long Does My Child Need To Be In A Car Seat?
Many states require children to be at least 4'9" tall in order to drive in cars without a seatbelt. A booster seat should be used if they're too big for the forward-facing seat, but not enough to use the seat belt.
What Is The Best Car Seat To Buy For A Toddler?
A forward-facing car chair is the best choice for toddlers, although this will depend on their size. It's a smart idea to look for a seat that is adjustable and can be converted into a booster. For easy cleaning, you'll need a durable seat made of machine washable fabric.
Can You Use A Convertible Car Seat For A Newborn?
Convertible car seats can be used by newborns. However, there are some limitations. The car seat must face rearward and the child must weigh at least the recommended weight.
Which Car Seat Is Safest For A Toddler?
A forward-facing car seat is the safest option for toddlers. However, this will depend on their height and weight. To find out the weight and height limitations of your car seat, refer to its owner's manual. All of our car seats are suitable for toddlers between 22 and 110 pounds.
What Size Car Seat Do I Need For A Toddler?
It is not important how large a toddler car seats are. Car seats that are best for toddlers can be adjusted. The owner's manual will tell you which model is the best for your child, based on height and weight.
We recommend buying a convertible car chair that allows you to switch between a 5-point harness and a booster seat. This will save money on multiple seats. Safety experts advise that toddlers under 12 years old use standard booster seats.
Can I Take My Car Seat On An Airplane?
Many infant car seats can be used with FAA standards. However, it is best to consult your manual. You may be restricted from flying with a booster car seat once you have converted it to a car seat. These seats require a belt that crosses the body to work properly.
What Is A Convertible Car Seat?
Convertible car seats can be used for children with different sizes. They can convert from rear facing to forward facing.
For babies and toddlers, a convertible seat is placed in the rear and can be turned to face forward as your child grows older. Some convertibles can even be used as a booster seat to transport school-age children. Convertible car seats can be used from birth through school years.
How Do I Know If I’ve Installed The Car Seat Correctly?
Every car seat is different and attaches differently to your car. It's important that you carefully read the instruction manual for your vehicle. This will make it easier and safer to install and adjust the car seat. These manuals contain important information such as safety specifications, compatibility and other details.
You can bring your car seat to the local police or fire department for assistance from certified Child Passenger Safety technicians. You can search the CPS Registry to locate one closest you if there aren't any CPSs in your area.
How Do I Know If A Car Seat Is Safe?
You can check if your car seat meets federal safety standards by looking for the label. Professionals can inspect your vehicle to verify that it has been installed correctly and is safe.
Overall, we will research and update new info for the list of best rear and forward facing car seat regularly. On a frequent basis, please check our websites for the latest changes and updates.
Aside from best rear and forward facing car seat, we can bail you up. If you want further support, please do not hesitate to contact us.
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