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Let Us Help You Pick Your Next Car Seat
Let Us Help You Pick Your Next Car Seat

Did you know that most babies outgrow their infant car seat by around one year old? Just as you’re mastering getting your wriggling baby into the car, it’s already time to think about the next step: making the switch to a convertible car seat.

A convertible car seat starts in the rear-facing position for babies and toddlers then turns forward-facing as your child grows. You know it’s time to level up once your little one reaches either the height or weight limit of your infant seat. But choosing a convertible car seat is a big (and confusing!) decision. And as your convertible car seat will be with you for a long time, you’ll want to choose wisely. We’re here to make the decision a little easier—and a lot more fun.

We think the infant car seat you’re using now can help predict which convertible car seat you’ll love. So we pulled the top infant car seats that Babylist parents add to their registries and used the magic of our car seat prediction powers (along with our car seat expertise, of course) to determine which convertible car seat is the right fit for you. We think you may be surprised by the results—most times, owning an infant car seat from one brand doesn’t equal a straight line to the same brand’s next model.

Give that car seat Magic 8 Ball a shake and let us help you pick your next car seat.

If you own this infant car seat:

This hybrid car seat + stroller combo is one of Babylist parents’ most-registered-for items. If you count yourself as one of its many fans, you’re likely a parent who values innovation, prefers multifunction baby gear and doesn’t mind spending a bit more money on something you love. The convertible car seat we think is right for you is:

Then we think you might like this convertible seat:

Like the Doona, this convertible car seat excels in both innovation and function. It’s a rotating car seat, spinning 360 degrees on its base to make it easier to get your little one in and out, especially when they’re rear-facing. It also lasts well into the elementary school years; it works from four to 120 pounds and converts from a rear- to a forward-facing car seat and eventually to a high-back booster seat. And you’ll only need to install it once.

Additional Specs
Child Guidelines Rear-facing: 4-50 lbs, up to 48”; forward-facing: 22-120 lbs, up to 57”

If you own this infant car seat:

Like the hundreds of thousands of other Babylist parents who registered for Graco’s SnugFit 35 infant car seat, you likely chose it because it’s easy to install, well-priced and safe. When it’s time to upgrade to a convertible car seat, here’s what we recommend:

Then we think you might like this convertible seat:

In this case, we’re sticking with Graco when it’s time to level up to a convertible. That’s because the 4Ever DLX checks all the same boxes as the SnugFit 35—it’s a breeze to install, extremely safe and priced well enough to fit most budgets. Bonus: it’s the only seat you’ll need for 10 years. The 4Ever transitions from a rear-facing to a forward-facing convertible car seat, then to a high-back booster and finally to a backless booster.

Additional Specs
Child Guidelines Rear-facing: 4-40 lbs, up to 49”; forward-facing: 22-120 lbs, up to 57”

If you own this infant car seat:

The extra safety features coupled with a clean, modern style are two leading reasons Babylist parents register for the Nuna Pipa Rx. If you’re prioritizing similar features in a convertible car seat—and are comfortable with a higher-priced seat—this is the convertible car seat that will fit you best:

Then we think you might like this convertible seat:

Much like Nuna Pipa Rx, the Clek Foonf is all about advanced safety features. The steel frame, anti-rebound bar and high rear-facing weight limit are just a few of the standout safety extras. It’s also one of only two convertible car seats in the US with true rigid LATCH—which makes for a tight installation and a seat that moves as little as possible in the event of a crash. And the Foonf’s modern, streamlined look makes it stand out from the crowd. For a full review, head to our Best Convertible Car Seats guide.

Additional Specs
Child Guidelines Rear-facing: 14-50 lbs, up to 43”; forward-facing: 22-65 lbs, up to 49”

If you own this infant car seat:

Like the brand’s just as popular UPPAbaby Vista V3 stroller, the Mesa is the car seat of choice for many Babylist families. It’s a high-end seat that values safety, ease of installation, convenience and style. And if you love it, odds are you’ll also be a fan of:

Then we think you might like this convertible seat:

Another beautifully designed seat, Nuna’s Rava convertible car seat installs easily in about 30 seconds. It’s packed with both high-end safety and convenience features like 10 recline positions, a no-rethread harness for easy adjustments, breathable knit fabric with ventilation panels and a machine washable cover. And it’s great for extended rear-facing; the 50-pound, 49” limit and two inches of extra leg room means most kids will be able to rear-face well past three years old. You can see a full review of the Nuna Rava in our Best Convertible Car Seats guide.

Additional Specs
Child Guidelines Rear-facing: 5-50 lbs, up to 49”; forward-facing: 30-65 lbs, up to 49”

If you own this infant car seat:

Chicco’s KeyFit 35 is our top pick for the best infant car seat and just as popular among Babylist parents. It’s loved for its easy install, good fit in most vehicles, value and added safety features, and we think that if you love the KeyFit 35, then this convertible car seat would be a good choice when it’s time to upgrade:

Then we think you might like this convertible seat:

Like the KeyFit 35, Britax’s One4Life is one of the easier car seats to install thanks to the brand’s patented ClickTight technology. (It’s almost as easy as buckling a seat belt.) It’s also known for its extended lifespan, similar to Chicco’s infant seat; the One4Life is designed to work from infancy through the elementary school years. It features a high weight limit for all stages and extra safety features like a steel frame, two layers of side impact protection and nine recline positions.

Additional Specs
Child Guidelines Rear-facing: 5-50 lbs, up to 49”; forward-facing: 22-120 lbs, up to 63”

If you own this infant car seat:

Parents who own the popular Litemax DLX already know its value: it’s packed with many safety and comfort features usually found on much higher-priced car seats. If you’re looking for a similar value in a convertible car seat, this is what we recommend:

Then we think you might like this convertible seat:

Named as Babylist’s best affordable convertible car seat, the Grow and Go from Safety1st is an extremely budget-friendly seat that grows alongside your little one. It’s an all-in-one seat, starting as a rear-facing convertible car seat then switching to a forward-facing seat and finally to a belt-positioning booster. Thoughtful features like harness holders and two built-in cup holders are an impressive addition at this price point. Just note that installation can be a little tricky, so be sure to consult your manual closely.

Additional Specs
Child Guidelines Rear-facing: 5-40 lbs, up to 40”; forward-facing: 22-100 lbs, up to 52”

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