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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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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

• Our Top Picks
• Others We Liked

Our Testing Process

• Tips for Buying

You May Also Need

• Why Trust T+L

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

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Related Articles

The 10 Best Travel Car Seats In 2024 (For Airplanes & Transfers)

THIS POST MAY CONTAIN COMPENSATED LINKS. FIND MORE INFO IN MY DISCLAIMER.

Our process involves independent research, testing (by using it whilst we travel), reviewing, and recommending the best products. Click here  to learn more.

It can be so tricky to find car seats for airplanes.  

Deciding which car seat is in actual fact the  best travel car seat  can be even more challenging.

Did you know that you can only use a portable car seat for travel on an airplane if it is has been FAA certified?

Now take into consideration that we need to find the best lightweight car seat for travel so we can easily port it around and lastly that we also need to find a car seat that is slim enough to fit on the narrow airplane seats.

It is no easy feat to find to find the best car seat for flying, and that fits all of those criteria!

Don’t have time to go through the entire list?

THE BEST CONVERTIBLE LIGHT CAR SEAT FOR TRAVEL

Our pick: Safety First Jive 2-in-1 Convertible Car Seat  

• It is lightweight
• Slim design for airplane seats
• Suitable for weights from 5 - 65 lbs

See the Safety First Jive 2-in-1 Convertible Car Seat for travel reviews

Below you will find a list of best airplane car seats for 2024.

We also share some food for thought about whether you actually need a car seat as well as ideas on how to make it easier to actually travel with the car seat.  

PS.   Here is our guide to the best baby travel gear and the best travel gear for toddlers .  

Best Car Seat for Travel Guide & Top 10 Compact Travel Car Seat Reviews

In this airplane car seat buying guide, we suggest you check out our comparison chart of the best car seat for air travel and then read our portable baby car seat reviews of the seats that best suit your requirements.  

The below reviews are of the best convertible travel car seats, so if you are shopping for either:

• the best travel car seat for 1 year old, 
• best travel car seat for 2 year old,
• best travel car seat for 3 year old or
• the best travel car seat for 4 year old, 

we got you covered!

Click Here to See Our Pick for the B est Convertible Car Seat for Travel

FAA Approved Car Seats Comparison Chart

Below is a helpful airline approved car seat list of all the top rated car seats for travel, which are mentioned in this article.

You can then read my reviews below featuring the best car seat for airplane travel that 2024 has to offer.

Best Travel Car Seats Sorted by Age

We also thought it might be helpful to have a FAA child seat chart that is sorted by age.

Let's take a look at some options of the best travel infant car seat for babies from birth to 1 year of age  and travel toddler car seats options that are perfect for little ones from 1 - 4 years of age.

Also, let us show you our recommendation for a car seat for travel on airplane for 3 - 4+ year old.

Before you choose which is the best car seat for plane use, we do recommend that you read through all of the reviews to get a clearer picture.

Top 10 Best Travel Car Seat Reviews

Below you will find the list of the best FAA approved car seats and best FAA approved convertible car seats. We will have a close look at the top air travel car seats.  

I will outline the features, the pros and cons of each in detailed travel car seat reviews, which should help you choose the best travel car seat 2024 has on offer for you. 

1. Safety 1st Jive 2-in-1 Convertible Car Seat Review

What We Love About It: It is only 18" in width - so it fits nicely on plane seats. The arm rests are low so we could use the plane tray table for eating.

Important to Note: For a car seat to be light, it has to compromise on comfort and quality, so we only keep this seat for travel purposes but have a better seat for when we are home.

This is one of the best selling travel baby car seat because you can use it straight from birth all way through to 65 lb.

It is cheap enough to take on a trip without worrying if it got dirty or banged up a bit. 

It is lightweight (14 lb) and slim (18"), but still offers some cushioning for little babies.

Tip: There are also 2 removable cup holders on each side, which will save more space and make it more compact. 

This safe travel car seat is certified for aircraft use in both the rear- and forward-facing positions

Lightweight

The Safety 1st car seat might not be the lightest car seat on our list (the WAYB Pico Travel Car Seat is), but it is still light enough at 14 lbs to carry with ease and offers more cushioning in comparison to the NEXT car seat.

It is important that your little one is comfortable which is why we prefer this car seat.

Convertible Car Seat

The seat is convertible and has a weight range of 5lb to 40lb when using rear-facing and a weight limit of 22lb to 65lb for forward-facing position.

Some Negatives

Whilst you can use this seat from 5 lb, we prefer the Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35 LX for infants. The straps are a bit hard to adjust and the padding slips around a bit.

Keep in mind this is a basic car seat (which is great as you won't mind if it gets knocked about on a trip), but a newborn baby, I prefer to spend more and get more protection for their necks.

Overall Opinion

The Safety 1st Jive 2-in-1 Car Seat is one of the best cheap baby car seats for travel.  It is lightweight and slim enough to fit on airplane seats.

It has a wide weight limit so that you can use the seat for many years.

The seat is definitely one of the best car seat for traveling on an airplane and, in our opinion it is one of the best car seat for airplane 2024 options.

This is our pick for the best cheap car seat for travel and/or the best convertible car seat for air travel.

2.   Cosco MightyFit 65 DX Convertible Car Seat Review

What We Love About It: It’s light weight and you can use it in a plane rear facing and front facing. 

Important to Note: It could have more padding where the airplane buckle goes.

This travel-friendly car seat is a lightweight car seat for travel that is also a FAA certified car seat. 

It has high safety ratings and it a bit taller in comparison to other cheap car seats, which means that the seat will last that bit longer before your little one hits the height limit.

It is FAA-Approved and can be used only on forward-facing positions on the plane.

The car seat is lovely and light at 12.76 lbs, which is the ideal weight for a car seat for aircraft use.

The seat is convertible and has a weight range of 5lb to 40lb when using rear-facing and a weight limit of 22lb to 65lb for the forward-facing position.

Whilst you can use this seat from 5 lb, we prefer the Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35 LX for babies and infants as it offers more support and protection for their necks.

The Cosco MightFit DX 65 Car Seat is a brilliant buy for older kids. The seat is cheap as chips and lightweight.

It is a great option as a portable car seat for 3 and 4 year old's, as the seat is nice and roomy.

It is also a fabulous car seat for home-use. You can fit 3 of these car seats in most cars, which is brilliant!

We love this car seat and I'm sure you will love it too.

3. WAYB Pico Travel Car Seat Review

What We Love About It: It folds! This is the narrowest and lightest car seat on our list.

Important to Note: This seat is so innovative, but it comes at a premium price.

Looking for a travel car seat for 2 years and up to 4 year old kids? This is a fabulous seat with extra room for growing kids. 

The WAYB Pico travel car seat is super lightweight (8 lb) and lovely and slim (14.5"). It is such a great car seat that I would even recommend it for the car at home as well. 

The car seat is lovely and light at 8 lbs, which is the ideal weight for a car seat for aircraft use.

Slim Design

The baby travel car seat is lovely and slim and at 14.5" it should fit comfortably on most airplane seats.

When folded the Pico car seat can fit into overhead bins and is easily carried while walking through the airport or to-and-from the car! 

Forward-Facing ONLY

Because this seat is designed for older kids, you can only use it in the forward-facing position and it doesn't recline.

It is suitable for toddlers and kids older than 2 with a weight range of 22 - 50 lbs. It is roomy and lovely and tall for kids with height up to 45".

The WAYB Pico Travel Car Seat is a brilliant buy for older kids.

The seat is our most expensive travel car seat however if you are looking for a super lightweight and lovely slim travel car seat this is a great option for 2 - 4 year old's.

It is also a fabulous car seat for home-use and due to it's lightweight you can easily move it from car to car and it will fit in most cars, which is brilliant!

Tip:  Check out our blog post on best portable car seat for 2 year old here.

4. Evenflo Sonus 65 Convertible Car Seat Review

The Evenflo Sonus 65 is ideal for use as a travel seat on the airplane. It is a FAA approved child restraint seat, it is lightweight (only 11.5 lbs.), and has a perfect width of around 19".

The Sonus is a lovely light 11 lbs. It is the second lightest car seat on our list and is the perfect seat to cart through an airport, you might even get away with carrying it if you have to.

The width of the car seat is 19", which means that the seat should fit comfortably on all plane seats, although you might have to lift the arm rests on the very narrow 16.5" seats.

Convertible

The seat can be used in rear-facing position from 5 – 40 lbs. and in the forward-facing position from 22 – 65 lbs.

You can find out how to install this seat in rear- and forward-facing positions on the plane in the manual here . 

The Sonus 65 is a great convertible lightweight travel car seat.

It is suitable for babies and toddlers from 5 to 65 lbs. and offers 6 harness positions for a better fit. The seat is lightweight and slim.

We also love that the seat features a revolutionary air flow ventilation system that provides a temperature-regulated, which means that your little one will be comfortable no matter what the season or temperature is of your destination.

Read our review of this seat here.

5. Graco Contender Slim Convertible Travel Car Seat Review

What We Love About It: It is light and compact. It is also a bit more comfy in comparison to the seats listed above.

Important to Note: If you need to use the seat in rear-facing, it will mostly likely be a very snug fit (and it might not even fit). It is better in forward-facing.

This Graco travel car seat is a great portable car seat that is FAA approved with a good safety ranking.  

Despite it having a fixed base it is still lightweight (16 lbs.).  

It is slightly more expensive than many of the other car seats on our list, but it is more cushioned and comfy.

The Graco Contender Slim Convertible car seat is a lovely lightweight car seat despite the fixed base, weighing in at only 16 lbs.  

It is slightly heavier than other car seats so we do recommend you invest in a car seat carrier.  

The Graco car seat is compatible with the Baby Trend Snap N Go car seat carrier.

It is a convertible car seat which means that you can use it in rear-facing to forward-facing positions.

It has a rear-facing weight limit of 40 lbs. and a forward-facing weight limit of 65 lbs.  

The car seat is a bit more pricey in comparison to the cheap infant car seats such as Cosco, Evenflo and Safety 1st.

It also has a lower height (24.75") in comparison to Safety 1st (29.75"), which means that your little one might grow out of it before they hit the weight requirements.  

As with many other car seats on the list, it can be tricky to install on planes.

The Graco Contender Slim is a great seller due to being able to use it from infants up to toddlers. 

If you don't mind the slightly higher price tag, then this might be, in our opinion, the best travel convertible car seat for you.

It ranks high on our list as one of the best travel convertible car seat 2024 options, after all.

6.   Graco SlimFit 3-in-1 Car Seat Review

The Graco SlimFit 3-in-1 is a great portable car seat FAA approved and with a good safety ranking.  

It is slightly more expensive than many of the other car seats on our list, but it offers better comfort from the cushion and padding.

The Graco SlimFit slim design makes the seat 10% slimmer despite the dual integrated cup holders.

It is a convertible car seat which means that you can use it in rear-facing to forward-facing positions. It is also used as a high-back booster seat.

It has a rear-facing weight limit of 40 lbs, and a forward-facing weight limit of 65 lbs. When used as a booster seat it has a weight limit of 100 lbs. 

The Graco SlimFit 3-in-1 is a great car seat for air travel.  

Although it is more expensive than the other car seats we have recommended, this car seat will provide value for money as you can use it from infants right up to the booster seat stage for your child. 

It is also a great car seat to use in your car at home.

7. Graco TriRide 3-in-1 Car Seat Review

The Graco TriRide 3-in-1 car seat is not the best lightweight car seat for travel. It is a bit on the thicker and heavier side, but it is still an FAA certified car seat. 

This car seat weighs just over 17 lbs (it is not the lightest car seat on our list!) which means that you should consider using the following to carry it with you through the airport.

We still do recommend that you put it in a  car seat backpack  or a car seat roller like the  Baby Trend Snap N Go to make life easier.

Thicker Design

The Graco TriRide is not the slimmest with a width of 19" compared to other car seats we have recommended.  

It will still fit through the security scanners and it should still fit on most airplane seats with the armrest up. 

Please do check with the airlines to make sure that the size of this seat is allowed before you go.

Rear-Facing

The Graco TriRide car seat is a travel convertible car seat, which means that you can use this car seat in the rear-facing position for babies up to 40 lbs. and forward facing for little ones up to 65lbs. 

When using the booster seat option, the seat can take a wight limit of up to 100lbs.

It is important to note that this seat can only be installed on the plane in the forward-facing position.

The Graco TriRide 3-in-1 is a very popular travel car seat because it offers value for money through the various weights and stages so can be used for a long time, but it also has high safety ratings.

The car seat is convertible and will last your bubs up until 100 lbs.  

8.   Evenflo Tribute LX Convertible Travel Car Seat Review

The Evenflo Tribute LX is a favorite because it is such an incredibly lightweight infant car seat.

The Evenflo Tribute LX is the one of the lightest car seats on our list. It is compact and weighs only 12 lbs. which is pretty incredible!

The seat has been designed to fit on plane seats. It measures 22" so you might have to have the arm rest up on smaller seat planes.  

I would also suggest you check the width of the bulkhead seats as they tend to be slightly more narrow than normal seats.

This car seat is convertible which means that it is suitable for newborns up to a weight of 30 lb when used in the rear facing position.

It has a weight limit of up to 40 lbs for forward facing.

The Evenflo Car Seat is a great car seat for travel. It is compact and lightweight and at a width of 22" it will fit on most seats with the arms rests down.  

The seat will fit through the baggage security scanners. A great car seat with high safety ratings! 

Find information on how to install this seat in rear- and forward-facing positions on the aircaft in the manual here.

Read our review of this car seat here.

9. Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35 LX Review

If you have a little baby, the best way to travel is with a capsule. Little babies sleep a lot and the last thing we want to do is to disturb their sleep by having to wake them up when we need to transport the seat.

Capsules are fabulous because you can leave your baby sleeping and simply grab the handle to carry baby through the airport.

Another fabulous things about this specific capsule is that it has the silent shade canopy which will help to block off the harsh plane lighting.

The capsule is suitable for infants from 4 - 35 lbs.

We also highly recommend that you can get the stroller frame that accompanies this capsule.

This travel system is ultra-lightweight at 16 lbs and is the perfect travel accessory for the capsule.

It also folds up great which is fabulous as it won't take up loads of room in your boot when you have to fit other luggage as well.

Grab the Graco SnugRider 3 Elite Car Seat Carrier here.

The capsule is lovely and lightweight at 10 lb. Important to note that you cannot use the base of the capsule on the plane (this is across the board with all capsules, not just this brand).

So best to pop the base in the overhead locker.

This capsule measures at 15.5 inches in width, which means that it definitely fit on all airplane seats.

Infant Travel Car Capsule

The Graco SnugRide is great for newborns babies up until 35 lbs.

It is a capsule style infant travel car seat which means that you can easily cary it around with the adjustable carry handle.

We absolutely love this baby capsule with the combination of the Graco stroller frame.

Both pieces are affordable, lightweight and small in size, which makes it perfect for vacations with your baby.

10. Graco Size4Me 65 Convertible Car Seat Review

The Graco Size4Me is a great and lovely cushioned seat for travel. T

he Graco car seat is FAA approved and whilst many people assume you can't travel with it due to its widest width being 22", you can actually still fit it on most plane seats with the arm rests down due to the narrow base and the way it is shaped.

The car seat is heavier than many other car seats on our list.  

It weighs 19 lbs. so do ensure you have a car seat trolley or car seat backpack to port it around the airport.

Whilst the seat measures at 22" at the widest point, it does have a narrow base.

Which means that the seat should fit beautifully (with the arm rests down) on the larger plane seats, but you will most likely have to fly with the arm rest up on the slimmer seats.

This car seat is great for 4-40 lbs babies in rear-facing position and 20-65 lbs. in forward-facing position. Which makes it a great travel toddler car seat.

Be aware that it is on the heavier side, so don't try to carry it around the airport.  

Due the width, you might also have to lift it up over the seats when you walk down the aisle in the plane (although friends have reported that it does fit down the aisle of some planes).

The Graco Size4Me 65 is a great portable toddler car seat to take along on trips. It fits beautifully on seats due to its narrow base and shape.

It is also really easy to install and adjust.

Important to note that it is slightly on the heavier side, but if you prefer a seat that is cushioned and super cozy for your baby, then we do recommend the Graco Car Seat.

Best Car Seat Travel Cart and Transporters for Airports

No matter how light the car seat is, I still suggest that you invest in either a car seat travel stroller or a backpack car seat bag to get around the airport.

Even with a trolley it might be slightly challenging to get your baby, luggage and car seat to the plane. Here are some great car seat cart options:

1. Britax Car Seat Travel Cart

The Britax Travel Cart is, in our opinion, one of the most popular travel carts for Britax car seat owners.  

It is a great car seat roller cart that allows seats to attach effortlessly using the car seat latch connectors.

The one-hand telescoping handle is great as it adjusts to fit any height. It will fold down compact enough to fit into most airplane overhead compartments.

The Britax car seat travel cart will work with all Britax convertibles and harnessed booster seats, as well as with most other brands.

The cart is a lot heavier (20.8 pounds) in comparison to the Go-Go Babyz cart (5 pounds) down below.

>>> Check pricing of this cart here .  

2. Go-Go Babyz Kidz Travelmate

The Go-Go Babyz Car Seat Luggage Cart is a great cart for USA car seats.

It works with both infant travel car seats as well as toddler convertible car seats. It has an additional fold down plate that you can use for larger car seats.

You can adjust the handle, which is great as you can make it shorter when stored and lengthen it out to make it easier to push (it has 4 positions).

It has wide-set 3" roller blade wheels which makes it easy to push along in the airport.

The Travelmate can be checked with your baggage, rolled to gate and checked, or rolled all the way on the plane to be used in flight or stored in the overhead compartment.

Folds to 28 x 17 x 5 inches. Weighs 5 lbs.

3. BRICA Roll ‘n Go Car Seat Transporter

The Brica Sar Seat Roller Cart is great as it fits most major brands of convertible and forward-facing car seats.

The best travel carseat stroller must have a lightweight design.  

It has fold flat wheels as well as an adjustable telescopic handle which allows the cart to fold up in order to fit in an overhead locked on the plane.

Weighing just 5 pounds, this transporter folds flat (2-1/2 inches thick) for easy storage.

4. Car Seat Travel Accessory

For a small alternative, you can consider this car seat travel strap. Simply connect your car seat to your rolling carry-on suitcase and off you go.

Easy, although I would probably suggest you only use this option for the lightweight car seats.

Best Car Seat Travel Bag, Carts, Transporters and Protective Covers for Travel

I hope you managed to find a car seat for your next trip from our FAA approved car seats list, the next step is trying to figure out how to transport the car seat around the airport.

If you wish to check in your car seat, we highly recommend you purchase one of these top car seat bags for air travel.  

Some airlines might give you a thin plastic car seat cover for travel, but they offer no protective.  

The first time we traveled with our car seat, it got damaged so we never go without a protective car seat cover for travel now.

Here are some of the best infant car seat travel bags that we can recommend:

1. JL Childress Padded Car Seat Travel Bag

The JL car seat travel bag is a great option. It is durable and comes with a lifetime warranty.  It is adjustable, has padded backpack straps and a lifting handle.

The interior of the travel car seat bag is padded.  It has dual and lockable zipper openings and an ID card pocket to pop all your details.

>>> Check pricing of this bag here .  

2. Flightjoy Travel bag  

The Flightjoy Car Seat Bag for Travel is another great option.  It has adjustable straps. The material is heavy duty, durable and will last.  It is compatible with most baby car seats.

These infant car seat travel bags are also airline approved so you can carry it through the airport terminal gates when you want to use the seat on the airplane itself.

3. Britax Car Seat Travel Bag

The Britax Car Seat Airplane Bag is great for Britax car seats. The brilliant thing about this bag is that it has built-in wheels.

The car travel bag is light and has several straps to make it easy to carry. It is waterproof and comes at a pretty affordable price tag.

4. Jeep Car Seat Travel Bag

The Jeep Airplane Car Seat Bag is a great universal car seat travel bag.  It is nice and large in size to fit even the bulkiest of seats.  

It has shoulder straps and made from quality durable fabric.  it is also waterproof and lightweight.

You can also choose to invest in the Jeep car seat travel bag with wheels if you prefer.

5. JL Gate Check Car Seat Bag

After a simple, no-frills car seat gate check bag that will get the job done?  Then the JL Childress Car Seat Check Bag is for you.

It’s lightweight and easy to carry. It is large enough to fit most car seats.  Simple, but effective and affordable.

Does My Child Need a Car Seat on an Airplane?

Ultimately the answer to this question comes down to safety and how important your baby or toddler's safety is to you.

The American FAA does strongly recommended that you use an approved child restraint device when travelling with infants less than 2-years old.

Ultimately car seats are the safest and most comfortable way for infants to travel on a plane.

Plus a toddler travel car seat for airplane use really comes in handy as your child know that they are expected to stay put in the seat.

But, in saying all of that, you are not legally required to use a car seat on the plane, so it does come down to your own decision.

Of course, you would also need to purchase an additional seat in order to use the car seat on as well, so keep that in mind.

A convertible car seat on airplane can be an easy option, allowing for use both rear and forward facing. We prefer a convertible travel car seat over an infant travel car seat. 

You will also need to ensure that the car seat has FAA approval.  Not every car seat can be used on the plane!

More information and the best infant car seat for travel below.

FAA Baby and Toddler Car Seat Regulations for Airplanes

In order to be allowed to use your car seat on the plane, it must be FAA approved. How do you find out if your car seat is FAA approved?  

Have a look at the sticker on the side of the seat and see if it says “This restraint is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraf t .”

If you are located in Australia , the car seat must be approved to Australian Standards AS/NZS 1754. So make sure your seat has an AS/NZS 1754 approved safety label.

FAA Requirements

For a child less than 40 lbs. : Secure your child in an FAA approved car seat for the duration of the flight.  Follow the manufacturer’s instructions. This would typically be in the rear-facing position.

For a child 22lbs – 44 lbs. : For babies and toddler at this age, you could either use an approved car seat or you could choose to secure them in the airplane seat in an  Airplane Child Safety Harness .

The harness restraint is the only FAA approved child airplane harness system that is allowed to be used during takeoff, landing as well as in flight. 

More about this device below.

More than 40 pounds: Kids can use an airplane seat belt, however many parents typically keep their child in a car seat till around 4 years.

FAA-Approved Child Harness Device

The Airplane Harness Child Safety Device is the only FAA approved harness restraint for children weighing between 22 and 44 lbs (kids 1-year and older).

The benefits of a this harness is of course that it is small and portable enough to carry in your carry-on bags.  

The negatives are that your child will be required to sit up pretty straight on the airplane seats and the harness is really uncomfortable to sleep in.

So we do still prefer a toddler portable travel car seat as they are more comfy for kids.

>>>Learn more about this FAA approved child restraint or check out the airplane harness here .

You can find a list of 7 other great car seat alternatives for travel here.

Travel Car Seat Buyers Guide

Things that you should look out for when purchasing a car seat for travel use.

1. Weight of Seat

Ultimately the best car seats for travel should be lightweight, compact and portable. The weight of the seat is important for your own sanity.

We prefer a car seat that is around 10 lbs. (Slightly over is still okay).  

You will be required to lift the car seat in and out of the car, on to trolleys, port it around the airport as well as potentially have to lift it over peoples heads on the plane to carry it down the aisle. Stick to a lightweight car seat. Trust me!

2. Width of Seat

The width of the seat is another important consideration.  Just because the seat has FAA approval does not mean that it will fit on the plane seat.  

Plane seats can be anywhere from around 16" to 22". Most are around the 17 or 18" mark.  

You can check to see if your plane is list on the SeatGuru seat chart table to see what size your seat will be ahead of time.  

We find that child care seats around 18" or under fit on all airplane seats. Although you might have to lift the armrest on the 16" seat planes.

Another important consideration with slim designs is so that the seat will fit through the security scanner.

If the seat won't fit, the will need to hand inspect the seat and it would slow down the whole checking in process.

3. FAA Approval

As mentioned above, you will need to ensure that you purchase a FAA approved infant car seats or FAA approved toddler car seats.  

You can do this by checking the sticker on the side for this saying: “This restraint is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraf t .”

3.  Convertibility

When you are shopping for the best car seat for international travel, make sure to get the best convertible car seat for travel option there is.

Buying a convertible car seat means that you will save money in the long run.

Convertible travel car seats can accommodate your child from infant to toddler with ease, from approximately 5 lbs. to 65 lbs. comfortably. 

Most of our seats on our list are convertible airline approved car seats.

With that in mind, please make sure to check out the convertibility features carefully and choose the travel car seat that suits you best.

Tips for using a Car Seat on an Airplane

Here is a list of some tips to make life easier when it comes to using your car seat on an airplane.

1.  Booking Seats

Important to note that you will need to use the car seat in a seat that won't block anyone's exit, so for example a window seat.

You will only get away with using your car seat in the bulkhead seats if your car seat is really narrow. Bulkhead seats have fixed armrests, thus reducing the amount of width available for a car seat.  

You won't be allowed to use the seat in exit rows or where it could block anyone's exit path.

2. Rear-Facing Car Seats

Another consideration is that if you use a rear-facing seat, the person in front of the seat might not be able to recline at all. So consider booking one parent to the right of your baby and one in front. 

3.  Notify the Airline of your Intent to use a Car Seat

Do take the time to make a call to the airline in advance to notify them that you intend to travel with car seat.

As extra precaution we also recommend that you request to have this noted to your booking and also ask for written confirmation of approval that you can bring out and take with you on the plane.

4.  Infant Capsule Seats with a Base

Another tip that might be useful is that the base of the capsule style infant travel car seats are NOT FAA approved and you would need to check-in your base or pop it in the overhead compartment (if it fits). You can only use the seat part on the plane itself.

5. Booster Seats and Plane Travel

According to regulations, booster seats are not permitted on-board.

Some airlines might let you use the booster seat for flying, but it will need to be stored for take-off and landing, but realistically speaking they can tell you that you are not allowed to use it at all as there are NO FAA approved booster seats. Sorry!

If you use a combination car seat/booster car seat, you can use the car seat with the internal harness, but the booster seat is not acceptable because there is no shoulder belt to use with the seat.

Tip: Here are the top 10 best travel booster seats .

6. Getting Around the Airport with your Seat

Making your way through the airport with a child, luggage, and a car seat can be a challenge.

Fortunately there are ways to make your life easier and easier means better! Last thing you want on the airport is an added struggle.

You could choose to invest in either a car seat trolley or choose to carry it around on your back with a car seat backpack.

You will find different recommended products for both of these options at the bottom of the guide.

>>> Click here for more helpful information on using a car seat for plane travel .

Answers to FAQ

1. should i bring a car seat on the plane.

Flying with a car seat is your safest option when flying with a baby or toddler. This is because the seatbelts on airplanes are not designed for their little bodies.

The general recommendation is for children under 40lbs to fly in an FAA-approved restraint which can either be one of the car seats for planes or an airplane harness. 

The great thing about taking your car seat with you is that when you reach your destination you have a car seat to use when traveling either in the taxi or in your rental car.

Most airlines will allow you to check a car seat into the hold for free in addition to your baggage allowance.

This applies to toddler car seats and booster seats as well as baby car seats.

So yes, you should purchase one of the best car seats for airplanes so that you can keep your child safe.

2. Can you rent a car seat from an airline?

No you cannot rent a car seat from an airline. Most airlines will allow you to check a car seat into the hold for free in addition to your baggage allowance.

3. Are all car seats airline approved?

The short answer is no, not all car seats are airline approved. We always recommend that you check if your airline does allow car seats and if it does, it must normally be an FAA or TÜV-approved seat. 

This means it is approved for use in an aircraft. To find out if you have an airline-approved car seat, check to see if it is marked "For Use In Aircraft".

Most car seats will have a sticker near the base of the car seat and it should have in red letters that it is approved for airplane or aircraft use.

4. What car seats can be used on planes?

Nearly every car seat in the US is approved for aircraft use - but not all are. But it is important to purchase car seats approved for air travel, so make sure it says it is FAA approved to avoid any issues with the flight attendants.

The only car seat that you cannot use is a booster seat as you require a seat belt that goes over the shoulder and lap when securing. 

We suggest using a high-backed booster seat as they are allowed on planes if they have a 5-point harness. 

5. What is FAA approved?

FAA approval means that the car seat has passed a standard airworthiness test and therefore allows you to travel with the car seat on a plane.

6. How do you pack a car seat on an airplane?

If you are checking in your car seat when flying we would recommend that you pack the car seat in a car seat travel bag. This will help prevent your travel car seat from being spoiled or damaged.

If your airport does offer baggage wrapping service we would also recommend this as it will add an extra layer of protection to the car seat.

7. Is it better to gate check a car seat?

Gate checking your car seat might not be as convenient as checking your car seat with your baggage when you check in, however the advantage to checking your car seat reduces the time and handling of your car seat by someone else.

This means less opportunity for your car seat being lost or damaged!

8. How do I check my car seat at the airport?

When you check in you can check your car seat at the same time if you wish it to go into the hold with the usual luggage.

First you will need to get it checked and tagged at the counter where you get your tickets and then you will most likely have to drop it off to the oversized luggage counter.

When checking in your car seat to the hold this is not counted as a part of your baggage allowance and most airlines will allow you to check a car seat into the hold for free.

This applies to toddler car seats and booster seats as well as baby car seats. 

We always recommend checking with your airline first to be sure of the rules and what they will and won't allow.

9. Do airplanes damage car seats?

Unfortunately, any item that is checked into the hold is at risk of being damaged or even lost.

We would recommend that if you do plan to check in a car seat, purchase a cheap FAA approved car seat for the flight.

This way if it is lost or damaged, it is not your expensive car seat that you use in the car at home.

10. Can I take my baby in a taxi without a car seat?

A child can only travel in a taxi or private hire vehicle without a child car seat if he or she sits in the back.

However, even though this is allowed we would always recommend that a car seat is used when traveling in a vehicle as this is the safest option. 

Children older than three years old must use the car's adult seat belt and it is advised that children under three should not use a seat belt.

11. Do airports provide car seat bags?

No, airports do not provide car seat bags as each car seat is different in size and there is not one size fits all car seat bags available. 

We have at times grabbed a normal thin plastic bag from the counter to use, however it didn't add any protection for the seat so is not recommended.

Verdict on Our Pick of the Best Travel Car Seat

Your baby's safety will of course top priority when it comes to choosing a car seat for travel. You may also take into account the style as well as your preference, needs, and budget.

If you want a travel car seat that will work for both travel and home use then our top pick would be the Safety 1st Jive 2-in-1 Convertible Car Seat . It is also great value for money as you can use it from birth up to 65 lbs which means you will get a good few years of use.

Although the Safety 1St Jive 2-in-1 can be used from 5 lbs, we do prefer the Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35 LX for babies and infants as it offers more support and protection for their necks.

If you prefer to travel light and with minimal fuss then the WAYB Pico Travel Car Seat is perfect. It folds up small and compact and does not take up much space when not in use or you have to transport it when not using. It is perfect for ages 2-4 years old.

If you want to travel super light and not have to worry about a car seat for when you arrive at your destination, a great option for children  aged two years or older who have their own seat and do not need much support is the Newroutes Airplane Safety Harness .

If you opt for the Safety 1st Jive 2-in-1 car seat we suggest investing in the Britax Car Seat Travel Cart as it will make transporting the seat around the airport so much easier.

We also recommend the Britax Car Seat Travel Cart for the WAYB Pico Travel Car Seat. Although this travel cart is made by Britax it works with most other brands of car seats as well. If you want to check this travel seat in then we recommend the smallest of all check-in bags, the JL Gate Check Car Seat Bag .

To give your Cosco Might Fix 65 DX travel car seat the best protection when you check it in when not using it on the plane, be sure to get the JL Premium Backpack travel bag . 

We hope this article has helped you decide on the best travel car seat for flying. Have a safe and comfortable trip.

Why Trust Wanderlust Storytellers

Jolene Ejmont is an author with almost a decade of experience in researching and writing about travel and lifestyle products. 

Additionally, she is a mother to 3 kids. She has experience traveling with a baby, toddler, preschooler, tween and teenager.

In the process of creating this list, Jolene delved into the research of numerous products, scrutinizing crucial specifications such as dimensions, weight rating, and reviews, both positive and negative.

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• Car Seats /

Best Car Seats for Travel

Our favorite travel-friendly infant, convertible & booster seats for the baby days through the big-kid years., by jen labracio.

Ever try to lug a 20-pound car seat through an airport while thinking to yourself, “There has to be a better way?”

Traveling with babies and young children can be a great adventure, but it can also be a bit of a logistical nightmare. Where will they sleep? (A travel crib or a travel bed usually do the trick.) Can you fly with breastmilk ? (Yes.) How do you keep a toddler entertained on a long flight? (Thoughts and prayers.)

Car seats can be especially confusing when you’re away from home. Most present a bit of a conundrum: you want your to keep your little one safe and secure, but you don’t want to throw out your back lugging a big, bulky car seat around with you wherever you go. The good news is there are plenty of travel-friendly car seat options on the market—you just need to know what features to look for.

Babylist’s Top Picks for the Best Travel Car Seats

Best infant car seats.

• Lightest Infant Car Seat: UPPAbaby Aria Car Seat
• Best Affordable Infant Car Seat: Evenflo Litemax 35 Infant Car Seat
• Best Luxury Infant Car Seat: Nuna Pipa Rx Infant Car Seat with Relx Base
• Best Infant Car Seat + Stroller: Doona Infant Car Seat & Stroller

Best convertible car seats

• Best Convertible: Cosco Scenera NEXT Convertible Car Seat
• Longer Lasting Convertible: Evenflo Sonus 65 Convertible Car Seat
• Most Compact Convertible: WAYB Pico Travel Car Seat

Best booster seats

• Best High-back: Graco TurboBooster 2.0 Highback Booster Car Seat
• Best Backless: Cosco Rise Backless Booster Car Seat

In This Article

• How We Chose the Best Travel Car Seats
• Our Top Picks

What Is a Travel Car Seat?

Do you need a travel car seat, features to look for in a travel car seat, babylist’s picks for the best car seats for travel, infant car seats, lightest infant car seat for travel.

UPPAbaby Aria Infant Car Seat - Jake

The UPPAbaby Aria, one of our top car seats for infants , hit the market in early 2024 and we couldn’t be more excited about it. The brand’s OG car seat, the Mesa , is a popular choice for expecting parents but is a few pounds heavier than many comparable seats. The Aria comes in much lighter, weighing just under six pounds without the canopy and inserts, making it the lightest infant seat currently on the market. This is great if you’re using the seat daily, but even better if you’re using it for travel.

The Aria is GREENGUARD Gold Certified and can be installed with or without its base, another travel plus. (It features something called a European belt path , a routing system that makes installing the seat without its base safer and more secure.) A no-rethread harness makes fit adjustments easy and there’s a load leg and an anti-rebound bar for safety and stability. We also love the XL canopy for shade and darkness and that you won’t need adapters if you’re connecting the seat directly to a Vista or Cruz stroller.

Additional Specs

Best affordable infant car seat for travel.

Evenflo Litemax 35 Infant Car Seat - Knowville Gray

You don’t have to spend hundreds and hundreds of dollars on a travel-friendly infant car seat. Evenflo’s LiteMax (another of our top baby car seats ) costs a bit over $100 and weighs only eight pounds, making it affordable and travel-ready. You can install it without its base—it even has a European belt path. There’s a full-coverage canopy and an ergonomically designed handle for easier carrying.

If you don’t mind spending a bit more and are looking for some extra safety features, check out the LiteMax DLX , which features a load leg. (Just remember that the load led extends from the base, so if you’re using just the seat you won’t have that benefit.) And for another affordable infant car seat for travel, check out Graco’s SnugRide 35 Lite LX Infant Car Seat . It weighs just over seven pounds and can be installed without the base when you don’t feel like bringing it along.

Best Luxury Infant Car Seat for Travel

Nuna Pipa Rx Infant Car Seat with Relx Base - Granite

The Pipa Rx is a stellar combination of safety + convenience and works just as well as an everyday car seat as it does for travel. It’s pricey, but it’s also a sleek, modern seat with two key features that make it ideal for travel: weight and ease of installation. The Pipa weighs just over seven pounds, making it one of the lightest infant car seats on the market—a huge plus when you’re carrying it through the airport or taking it in and out of your car. And like other seats on our list, you can install it without the base using your vehicle’s seat belt and the European belt path.

It’s also packed with high-end features that you’d expect in a higher-priced seat. It’s GREENGUARD Gold Certified and doesn’t contain any added fire-retardant chemicals, and there’s an oversized canopy for shade. Safety-wise, it excels, featuring both a load leg and an anti-rebound panel (both extra safety features that help absorb impact and rebound in the event of a crash).

For another high-end, travel-friendly seat, check out the Clek Liingo . It’s a bit heavier, but it features LATCH anchors built right into the car seat itself, meaning you can skip the base and the seat belt and install it securely in seconds.

Best Infant Car Seat Stroller Hybrid for Travel

Doona Infant Car Seat & Stroller - Nitro Black

There’s nothing quite like the Doona. This one-of-a-kind hybrid stroller + car seat is a favorite of on-the-go parents and is a great item of baby gear to own if you’ll be traveling frequently with your little one during their first year or so.

The Doona transforms from an infant car seat into a stroller with the click of a button. When it’s time to get in the car, the stroller legs and wheels pull up and fold under the car seat. It’s a dream if you’re looking to cut down on the amount of gear you’re lugging around when you’re away from home and if you’re looking for a seat that’s easy to get in and out of ride shares or rental cars. (It’s a great seat for city dwellers too.)

Convertible Car Seats

Best convertible car seat for travel.

Cosco Scenera NEXT Convertible Car Seat

Most convertible seats aren’t designed for travel. Weighing in at an average of about 20 pounds, convertibles don’t snap into strollers and are heavy, bulky and meant to be installed in your car and stay there. For parents who travel frequently or don’t own a car, getting around with a convertible seat poses quite the challenge.

The Next, which is ranked as one of our best convertible car seats , solves for this dilemma. It weighs about 10 pounds—light for any car seat but especially so for a convertible. It’s easy to sling over your shoulder while you’re walking through the airport or install in an airplane seat or a ride share. (It’s FAA-approved for plane travel.) It’s totally no-frills and can be a bit tricky to get a secure install, but it’s slim, safe and affordable and can be used both rear- and forward-facing.

A Longer Lasting Travel-Friendly Convertible Pick

Evenflo Sonus 65 Convertible Car Seat - Rocco Red

The Sonus 65 is a travel-friendly convertible car seat and a good choice if you’re looking for a seat with a higher height and weight maximum than the Cosco Scenera Next. It weighs a bit more, but only by about a pound, and you’ll be able to use it until your little one reaches 65 pounds or 50 inches as opposed to the Next which maxes out at 40 pounds and 43 inches.

In addition to its extended use capabilities, the Sonos is an affordable seat with a few noteworthy features. It’s a fairly narrow seat, so it won’t take up much room across your back seat and can be used three across. There’s also a built-in ventilation system, a reinforced frame, five shoulder strap positions and two integrated cup holders for drinks and snacks.

Most Compact Convertible Car Seat for Travel

WAYB Pico Travel Car Seat

The WAYB Pico is like no other convertible car seat on the market. Designed specifically for families who travel or are frequently on the go, it’s one of the pricer options on our list but is a worthwhile investment if you’re looking for an innovative, safe and incredibly compact convertible car seat option.

The creators of the Pico were inspired to create a completely unique convertible-style seat after watching parents struggle trying to lug car seats through airports and in and out of taxis and ride shares. There’s no feature here that hasn’t been completely (and ingeniously) thought through. The Pico’s frame is made from lightweight, aerospace-grade aluminum; there’s a five-point harness and seat fabric made from a cool, breathable mesh; and the seat installs either via a seat belt or LATCH system. The Pico weighs just eight pounds and folds up for easy transport either by hand or in the brand’s carry bag .

One thing to keep in mind: the seat is forward-facing only, so if you’re looking for a rear-facing convertible for travel, this isn’t a good fit for you.

Booster Seats

Best booster seat for travel.

Graco TurboBooster 2.0 Highback Booster Car Seat

Booster seats use a vehicle’s seat belt as a restraint and were developed to help elevate children in a car’s seat, making adult seat belts fit better on smaller bodies. You’ll have to wait quite a while until you transition your little one from a convertible car seat into a booster; most experts recommend waiting to make the leap until your child maxes out their forward-facing car seat, meets the height and weight requirements of the booster and is mature enough to sit properly upright (no leaning, twisting, moving around etc.).

There are two types of boosters: high-back and backless. Graco’s TurboBooster falls into the first category, with a high back and a seat belt guide to thread your vehicle’s shoulder belt for a proper fit. Due to their height, no high-backs are particularly great for travel, but this one is one of the best you’ll find in terms of price (affordable) and weight (just over eight pounds). It’s also easy to install and fits a wide variety of children well, and transitions to a backless booster for years of use.

Best Backless Booster Seat for Travel

Cosco Rise Backless Booster Car Seat

Most experts recommend using a high-back booster for as long as possible , but once you’re ready to make the switch to a backless model, your life is going to get a whole lot easier (and a lot lighter!). Cosco’s Rise is a no-frills seat that’s affordable, lightweight and compact, making it ideal to toss into a bag or even a tote for travel. The wide base and high armrests make it easy for your child to buckle in themselves and there’s a shoulder belt positioning clip to ensure you’ll get the proper fit.

How We Chose Our Best Car Seats for Travel

• We analyzed results from Babylist’s Best Baby Products survey , which polled 6,000 Babylist users and asked them to share the baby products they love the most and why.
• We utilized insight from the Babylist editorial team, including Gear Editor Jen LaBracio, an expert in the baby space for over six years and a mom of two who has written hundreds of baby gear guides and personally researched and tested hundreds of baby products, including many travel car seats.
• We reviewed customer reviews from hundreds of real Babylist parents.

There’s no specific category or true definition for a “travel” car seat; instead, what defines a travel-friendly car seat is more about its features. Things like a light weight, compact design and ease of portability are all factors to consider when you’re shopping for this type of seat.

Determining if it’s worthwhile to invest in a car seat just for travel depends on your family’s lifestyle. If you’re a family who tends to stay close to home or use your own car when you’re traveling, you can likely skip a travel-friendly seat. But if you’re planning on hitting the road (or the skies) frequently with your little one in tow, then purchasing a car seat specifically for travel can make your life on the go a whole lot easier.

Also keep in mind that you don’t have to use a travel-friendly car seat just for travel. A compact, lightweight car seat is a great choice if you’re an urban family that doesn’t own a car, for example, if you need a seat for a grandparent or other caregiver or if plan to switch your seat frequently between cars.

There are some specific features to keep in mind when you’re shopping for a car seat that’s well-suited for travel.

• Weight. This is a biggie. Lugging around a heavy car seat isn’t a fun way to spend any part of your vacation. Choose the lightest seat you can within your budget—your lower back can thank us later.
• Design. A slim, compact seat is easier to transport than a big, bulky one. Keep this in mind when choosing what type of seat you’ll purchase for traveling.
• Ease of installation. Does spending 40 minutes trying to install a car seat in your rental car sound like fun? Make sure the car seat you choose for travel can be installed quickly and easily in the widest range of car makes and models.
• FAA-approved. This one’s important if you plan on doing a lot of travel via plane. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that kids ride in child safety seats on airplanes —but you’ll need to make sure your seat is approved for airplane use . Look for a label on the seat that reads “certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft” to be sure. This includes infant seats, convertibles, forward-facing seats and some harnessed boosters.

Jen LaBracio

Senior gear editor.

Jen LaBracio is Babylist’s Senior Gear Editor, a role that perfectly combines her love of all things baby gear with her love of (obsessive) research. When she’s not testing out a new high chair or pushing the latest stroller model around her neighborhood, she likes to run, spin, listen to podcasts, read and spend time at the beach. In her past life, she worked for over a decade in children’s publishing. She lives outside of Chicago with her husband and their two boys, Will and Ben.

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Best Travel Car Seats of 2024

Traveling with kids? Whether an extended road trip or airplane ride is on the agenda, your little one needs a travel car seat to stay safe on the journey. Travel car seats are a bit different from everyday ones, as they’re typically lighter in weight, easier to move and set up from car to car, and approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to take in the air.

A travel car seat also comes in handy if you find yourself in ride-shares or taxis regularly. Many models don’t require a base, so it’s simple to strap the unit in without spending half the afternoon figuring out which piece goes where. The best travel car seats are so convenient, in fact, that you might stick to them altogether.

Table of Contents

• Best Travel Car Seats
• Things To Consider When Buying
• How We Chose

Chicco KeyFit 35 ClearTex Infant Car Seat  »

Various features for correct installation

Can be installed without a base via European belt routing

Five height positions and six recline positions

Includes base and newborn positioner

Extendable canopy with UPF 50+ sun protection

JPMA certified and GreenGuard Gold Certified

Not super light

Travel bag sold separately

There’s no need to worry about properly installing the Chicco KeyFit 35 ClearTex Infant Car Seat. It comes with multiple features to ensure you do it correctly, including LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) connectors, a SuperCinch force-multiplying tightener, and RideRight bubble level indicators to make sure it’s at the right angle.

This best travel car seat comes with ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) 50+ sun protection. It also comes with a base, but doesn’t require one in order to use. That means you can keep the base in your car for regular use and still be able to install it in other vehicles, thanks to its European belt routing system. It only weighs 10 pounds and is FAA approved, so it’s ready to bring on an aircraft. The Chicco Car Seat Travel Bag , however, is sold separately. But with the five height positions and six recline positions, your baby is bound to be comfortable no matter how you choose to travel. And once you reach your destination, keep the car seat looking fresh by tossing the fabrics in the washing machine.

They KeyFit 35 is certified by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA), meaning it meets minimum government requirements based on safety and use, and GreenGuard Gold Certified, meaning it’s built to contribute to safer, healthier air and has been screened for more than 15,000 volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

Cosco Kids Scenera Next Convertible Car Seat  »

Affordable price point

Aircraft certified and TSA-friendly designed

No additional base needed

Side Impact Protection

Machine-washable and dryer-safe seat pad

Installation may be tricky with some seat belts

May fit snugly on older babies

If you’re looking for a secondary car seat, chances are that you’re hoping to keep the cost low. With the Cosco Kids Scenera Next Convertible Car Seat, you’ll save money without losing the factors that make a travel car seat desirable. At just 6.8 pounds, this is one unit you won’t struggle to carry through the airport. Plus, you’ll have peace of mind knowing it has built-in Side Impact Protection.

This model can carry a child up to 40 pounds and 43 inches tall. It has five harness heights and three buckle locations, so it’ll grow with your baby from infancy to toddlerhood. This affordable car seat comes in seven designs with black details. And Cosco Kids makes it easy to clean with its machine-washable and dryer-safe seat pad and dishwasher-safe removable cup holder.

While this may not be the ideal pick for everyday use, the no-base, lightweight design makes it a smart pick for upcoming vacations or times when you need to move it between cars often. Just use the LATCH connectors to safely secure it in place.

Diono Radian 3RXT SafePlus  »

Only 17 inches wide

Seats folds up

FAA approved

Supports kids up to 120 pounds

12 headrest positions

Available in five colors

Heavy at 30.6 pounds

Booster mode can’t be used on a plane

LATCH connectors not available for all weights

At just 17 inches wide, the Diono Radian 3RXT SafePlus comfortably fits in even the most compact cars. If you have a full backseat, three of these models can fit across the backseat. Don’t let its compact size fool you, though. This travel car seat was designed to grow with your child from 4 to 120 pounds, in rear-facing position, forward-facing position, and booster mode.

This unit comes with a detachable rear-facing base, which Diono recommends using, but it can be used without it. The base shouldn’t be used in the forward-facing position or in booster mode. To make sure your little one is happy, the Radian boasts a 12-position headrest that you can adjust with just one hand. The covers are machine washable, and the shell and components on the rest of the car seat can be spot cleaned.

This convertible car seat folds to make travel easier, and its FAA-approved status means it’ll be your airplane companion. Just keep in mind that it can only be taken on a plane in rear-facing and forward-facing positions, not booster mode.

Doona + Car Seat & Stroller  »

Converts from car seat to stroller in seconds

Comes fully assembled

FAA approved and can be pushed down airplane aisle

Available in seven colors

UPF 50+ sun protection and water-repellant canopy

Includes LATCH base, infant insert, head support, and vehicle seat protector

Can only be used up to 35 pounds

The Doona + Car Seat & Stroller can be used with or without the included base, but the real magic comes in when you’re using it in between car and airplane rides. Within a matter of seconds, this innovative model goes from car seat to stroller with the push of a button. Plus, it comes fully assembled, so you can use it the moment it arrives.

The water-repellent canopy provides UPF 50+ sun protection, and comes in seven bold colors, including Racing Green, Flame Red, and Blush Pink. The adjustable handle is a nice touch, too, for a more comfortable gliding experience for adults.

Not only is the Doona approved by the FAA, but at just 17.4 inches wide, it can easily be pushed down an airplane aisle so you can get in your seat easily. Although it’s pricey, the fact that it acts as both a travel car seat and stroller means that it’s a great value. Consider this the all-in-one travel system that makes navigating the world with a baby so much simpler. Megan Wood, Senior Editor at U.S. News 360 Reviews, uses the Doona as her family’s main car seat and loves how easy it makes running errands and travel without having to pack a separate stroller.

Wayb Pico Portable Car Seat  »

Fits in most airplane overheads bins

Only weighs 8 pounds

Installs via LATCH or car or plane seat belt

Folds down to 11.6 inches long by 14.5 inches wide by 18.9 inches tall

Made with space-grade aluminum alloy and Responsible Wool Standard (RWS)-certified wool

On the pricier side

Can’t be used until child is 22 pounds

Make your next flight with your child as easy as possible with the Wayb Pico Portable Car Seat. With a compact design that folds up—so much so that it fits in most airplane overhead bins—this FAA-approved model goes wherever you do. Weighing just 8 pounds, this travel car seat is installed via LATCH connectors or using the car or airplane seat belt.

Unlike the other best travel car seats on our list, the Pico is a forward-facing option that’s designed for children 22 to 50 pounds and 30 to 45 inches tall. Wayb recommends it for ages 2 years old and up. While you can’t use it for a newborn, it’ll be your little one’s travel companion once they grow a bit.

The Pico is available in five colors, and an optional carry bag, vehicle seat protector, and cup holder are sold separately. If you have multiple children, you can snag a few of these and three can fit in a row in the backseat of most vehicles.

Nuna Pipa RX x Pipa Relx Base  »

Five-second installation

Can be used with or without the included base

Removable UPF 50+ canopy

GreenGuard Gold Certified and fire retardant-free materials

Connects with all Nuna strollers

Doesn’t fold

If installing a car seat isn’t something you’re looking forward to, make it easy on yourself with the Nuna Pipa RX. It comes with Pipa Relx Base, but you don’t need it in order to put it to use in a car or on an airplane. If you do decide to use it, however, the base features a stability leg that absorbs impact to prevent motion from transferring to your baby. Plus, installation takes just five seconds.

At 7.6 pounds (not including the canopy or infant insert), it’s one of the lightest options on our list. This travel car seat has a four-position recline, and you don’t have to reinstall it to change the position. It features an infant insert that can be removed when your little one grows. But no matter what age they are, you’ll want to take advantage of the removable, full-coverage UPF 50+ canopy.

This unit has the green light to be part of air travel, and you can feel good knowing that it’s GreenGuard Gold Certified and made with fire retardant-free materials.

Britax Emblem 3-Stage Convertible Car Seat  »

High-strength steel frame and SafeCell technology to absorb crash energy

Accommodates children up to 65 pounds

Aircraft approved

10-position harness and headrest adjust together

Machine-washable and dryer-friendly fabrics

On the heavier side

Any piece of baby gear you put your child in needs to be sturdy and durable. The Britax Emblem 3-Stage Convertible Car Seat was built to last. Its frame is made of high-strength steel, and it features SafeCell technology to absorb crash energy, so you can feel confident that your little one is protected. Its fabric is tough and can be tossed in the washing machine and dryer to refresh it after a spill or accident.

This best travel model is designed to grow with your child, as it accommodates them from 5 pounds all the way up to 65 pounds. As they get bigger, you can adjust the harness and headrest, which move together in 10 different positions.

The Emblem is on the heavier side at just under 20 pounds, but it’s still reasonable enough to bring with you in a ride-share or carry it on for aircraft use. Just utilize its installation features, including LATCH connectors and level indicators, to ensure that it’s correctly set up.

Graco Century Carry On 35 Lightweight Infant Car Seat  »

Only weighs 6.8 pounds

Four-position carry handle

Machine-washable seat pad and canopy

Doesn’t convert to front facing

Graco refers to its Century Carry On 35 Lightweight Infant Car Seat as “The Weightless Wonder,” and it’s clear why. This lightweight car seat only weighs 6.8 pounds. If you count the base, it only goes up to 10.4 pounds. It’s the lightest carrier on our list, so it’ll truly become a travel must-have when vacation is calling.

Approved to take on an airplane, the Graco Century has a carry handle with four adjustable positions, so both you and your baby will be comfortable. It comes with a base that can be installed via LATCH connectors. However, it can be used without one for even quicker installation with a vehicle or airplane seat belt. And if an in-flight spill dirties the seat pad or canopy, both are machine washable.

The Century is designed for babies up to 35 pounds. Even though it won’t go the long haul, it’s a budget-friendly option that does its job well while it can. Plus, it’s compatible with all Century strollers and car seat bases from Graco that can be purchased separately.

The Bottom Line

The market is far from short on car seat options, and that rings true for travel car seats, too. To choose the best one for your child, consider how often you plan to use it. If it’s a secondary car seat that you’re planning to only break out a couple times of year for vacation, then you may want to keep your budget low. But if you’re looking forward to road trips and airplane rides on the regular, better quality and durability may be more important. Once you see how much use you’ll get out of it, you can focus on what features are necessities in your book. Does it need to fold? Does its weight need to stay super low? But if you’re not totally sure what you need in a travel car seat, the Chicco KeyFit 35 ClearTex Infant Car Seat, our Best Overall pick, is FAA approved, weighs just 10 pounds, comes with a UPF 50+ canopy, and comes with a base but doesn’t need it in order to install.

Things To Consider When Buying Travel Car Seats

Safety Certification and Compliance

The good news is that if you’re buying a new travel car seat from a reputable retailer in the United States, you’re probably in good shape.

“All car seats sold in the U.S. must meet stringent safety regulations, following the requirements set by the NHTSA,” says Joe Colella, JPMA director of Child Passenger Safety and 2020 Child Passenger Safety Hall of Fame Inductee. “A car seat that meets these standards is required to be labeled with, ‘This child restraint system conforms to all applicable Federal motor vehicle safety standards.’”

Don’t forget that car seats also have expiration dates, and when they hit it, toss them, reminds Samora Coles, founder and executive director of The Alex House Project , an organization that supports low-income families and young mothers with their transition to parenthood. While this is one piece of baby gear you’re likely to want to buy new, if you’re using a secondhand model, it’s even more imperative that you check its expiration date and look up if any recalls or malfunctions have been reported.

Size and Weight Suitability

Most—but not all—travel car seats can be used right from birth, so keep in mind when you plan on using it and if your little one is big enough to be safely strapped in. Some options have one mode while others convert to various positions, including rear facing, forward facing, and booster to grow with your child. Each mode has its own weight and height limits, and those numbers vary depending on the brand and model. It’s important to read through and follow those instructions for safety.

“Car seats, when not used according to the manufacturer’s instructions, could be less likely to protect a child from injury,” says Colella. “Car seats are safety devices that are designed and tested to protect children when used as directed by the manufacturer.”

Many travel car seats have an adjustable headrest that you can raise as your child grows. If longevity is important to your buying decision, check to make sure it has this capability so you’re not stuck getting a new one in a year’s time.

Ease of Installation and Compatibility

The first time you put a typical car seat in your vehicle may have taken a while. That kind of time isn’t provided when you’re on the tarmac, so the best travel car seats need to be easy to install. It’s a smart idea to do a test run in a car so you can feel confident in its setup.

Even though many travel car seats come with a base, they’re typically not a must-use on the road. Some models just need a vehicle’s or airplane’s seat belt to safely strap in. Others also offer LATCH connectors that provide a super-secure installation.

“Most travel car seats are compatible with any vehicle, but parents want to research car seat company manuals and reviews from other parents,” says Coles. To assure parents that they did it correctly, some units have colored indicators that give the thumbs up when it’s ready to use or level indicators that confirm it’s not tilted. If you’re concerned about always setting it up and taking it out, look for a model that eases your worries.

Portability for Frequent Travel

Whether you’re hurrying to your gate or rushing to the taxi stand, the last thing you want is a bulky, heavy travel car seat weighing you down. Even if you don’t plan to carry it around while your baby is in it most of the time, you want the unit to be built for portability. That starts with looking at the car seat’s weight. The lowest on this list is 6.8 pounds, and it goes up quite a bit from there. It’s also helpful if the travel car seat folds down — not only so that it fits in the overhead bin on an airplane, but so it’s convenient to carry along with your weekender bag.

“When considering portability factors, parents should consider dual abilities in a travel car seat,” explains Coles. “Seats that can act as strollers can help parents limit necessary items they must carry while traveling.”

Don’t forget to check out the handle, too. Even if it’s lightweight, if the handle doesn’t boast an ergonomic design, parents can feel quite uncomfortable.

Convertibility as the Child Grows

Some travel car seats grow with your child, so they’ll go from rear facing to forward facing to even booster. Each of these stages have their own weight and height limits. However, things can get tricky depending on where you’re traveling to.

“Every U.S. state and territory has a law that defines how a child must be restrained in a vehicle and also requires car seat compliance with the aforementioned safety regulations. State laws vary significantly, and travelers must follow the law for the state in which they are traveling,” says Colella. “For example, 19 states and the District of Columbia require that children ride in rear-facing car seats until at least age 2, while other states use age 1 or do not specify a rear-facing age requirement. Most states also require the use of car booster seats, though the maximum age for those requirements varies from 5 to 10 years old.

How We Chose the Best Travel Car Seats

Nothing is more important than safety when we’re talking about baby gear. U.S. News 360 Reviews kept it at the top of mind when hunting down the best travel car seats, but we also considered price, weight of the carrier, weight and height limits, and installation. To ensure we had the must-know information, we consulted the director of Child Passenger Safety at JPMA and the founder and executive director of an organization that helps young mothers with their transition to parenthood. They provided insight on which key components to understand before landing on the travel car seat for your personal lifestyle. Before adding to cart, think about when and where you’ll use it and what features truly matter to you.

WHY SHOULD YOU TRUST US?

Caitlyn Fitzpatrick , the author of this piece, has been researching, testing, and reviewing products since 2017. This means she has years of experience honing in on what’s important when shopping for a product, including baby gear. Fitzpatrick is a mom herself and has done her own personal deep dive on what makes one car seat better than another. That’s why she concentrated on safety as the top priority when choosing the best travel car seats. Megan Wood , Senior Editor at U.S. News 360 Reviews, focuses on baby gear and recommends the Doona Car Seat + Stroller for traveling families.

“While the FAA does not require the use of car seats on airplanes for children, and those under the age of 2 are allowed to ride on their parents’ lap, this is not considered best practice,” says Colella. “Turbulence can happen with little or no warning, and appropriate car seats provide the safest way for children to travel on airplanes.”

Most travel car seats are certified to use on aircrafts, but be sure to check that it’s the case with your specific model. It can also make a difference which airline you fly and if you’re traveling domestically or internationally. Booster car seats and child restraint harnesses are generally not supposed to be used on an airplane. All of the recommendations on this list are approved for airplane use.

As far as adjustability, many models feature adjustable straps, height/headrest positions, and recline positions.

The best travel car seats are typically easy to install. After all, they’re expected to be moved between vehicles or on and off airplanes regularly. Some of these models come with a base, but don’t necessarily require it for the unit to be secured. Many travel car seats come with LATCH connectors. “This system is compatible with vehicles with anchors located at the lower and upper tether of their seats where the car seat can be secured,” explains Coles. “Since all vehicles must have seat belts, all car seats have a space to secure car seats using the seat belt.”

Two of the most important factors when shopping for the best travel car seat are installation and portability. You want it to be easy to secure on an airplane and in a ride-share, and simple to carry it with you wherever your adventures lead.

“Additionally, factors such as the age, weight, height, and overall condition of the seat should be considered as they can help determine the overall value of the car seat, especially for those with limited resources and busy lifestyles,” says Coles.

About Our Team

Caitlyn Fitzpatrick

Contributor

Senior Editor

U.S. News 360 Reviews takes an unbiased approach to our recommendations. When you use our links to buy products, we may earn a commission but that in no way affects our editorial independence.

The Best Travel Car Seats, No Matter Where You’re Headed

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A car seat is essential to keeping your child safe while you’re on the road, but lugging most conventional car seats through the airport and fastening it in an unfamiliar rental car can be a real struggle. That’s where travel car seats come in. The best travel car seats are much lighter than conventional car seats, but provide many of the same comfort and convenience features. Our top choice is the Evenflo Sonus 65 Convertible Car Seat for its easy adjustability and moderate price tag.

The best travel car seats keep kids safe while making air travel and swapping cars easier.

Travel car seats are meant to be lightweight, compact and easy to install, making life on the road less of a hassle. “There are quite a few lightweight options available that are easier to carry around,” says Michelle Pratt, certified child passenger safety technician and founder of Safe In The Seat. But it’s important that your child fits within the height and weight limits of the seat you’re considering, says car seat safety expert Benjamin Hoffman, M.D., F.A.A.P., a professor of pediatrics in the Oregon Health and Science University School of Medicine. “You also need to feel comfortable installing the seat,” he points out, which is why he recommends practicing installation before you hit the road. Beyond that, a lot of what makes the right travel car seat is features that fit the individual needs of you and your child.

Here are best travel car seat options out there today, according to our safety experts and well-traveled parents.

• Best Travel Car Seat Overall: Evenflo Sonus 65 Convertible Car Seat
• Best Value Travel Car Seat: Cosco Mighty Fit 65 DX Convertible Car Seat
• Best Travel Car Seat For Infants: Doona Infant Car Seat & Latch Base
• Best Travel Car Seat For Toddlers: Nuna Rava Convertible Car Seat
• Best Booster Travel Car Seat: Graco Turbobooster Backless Booster Car Seat
• Best Lightweight Travel Car Seat: Graco Contender Slim Convertible Car Seat
• Best Inflatable Travel Car Seat: Hiccapop Uberboost Inflatable Booster Car Seat

Best Travel Car Seat Overall

Front harness adjustments make it easy to get a proper fit fast, evenflo sonus 65 convertible car seat.

Seat weight:  11.5 pounds  | Child height max:  40 inches (rear-facing); 50 inches (forward-facing)  | Child weight minimum:  5 pounds (rear-facing); 22 pounds (forward-facing)  | Child weight max:  40 pounds (rear-facing); 65 pounds (forward-facing)  | Seat width:  19 inches

The Evenflo Sonus is packed with features that make a great car seat—travel or not—with a price tag many families can feel good about. The harness is adjusted from the front, so you can get your little one comfortable without having to do complicated acrobatics. Six shoulder harness positions give your child plenty of room to grow (and get that just-right fit), while dual cup holders keep drinks and snacks within easy reach on the go.

The weight recommendations stretch from 5 to 65 pounds, allowing for some solid mileage out of this seat. The cover is removable and machine washable for easy cleaning when you get home—another nice perk. At just a little over 11 pounds, the seat is a reasonable weight to carry across an airport terminal and get in and out of ride shares.

Best Value Travel Car Seat

This seat is just $90 and fits three across in most cars, cosco mighty fit 65 dx convertible car seat.

Seat weight:  14 pounds  | Child height max:  40 inches (rear-facing); 49 inches (forward-facing)  | Child weight minimum:  5 pounds (rear-facing); 22 pounds (forward-facing)  | Child weight max:  40 pounds (rear-facing); 65 pounds (forward-facing)  | Seat width:  21.5 inches

Cosco’s Mighty Fit 65 DX has an impressively low price tag for its high quality. This seat has two modes: A rear-facing mode for infants and toddlers up to 40 pounds, and a front-facing mode for kids between 40 and 65 pounds. Its compact design can fit in an airplane seat and through the aisle. A five-point harness keeps even wriggly kids secure while three buckle locations allow for plenty of adjustment potential.

Worth noting: You can fit three of the Might Fit 65 DXes in the back seat of most cars, giving you options with a rental car. The seat has padding to keep your child comfortable on longer trips, and a removable, machine-washable cover for when travel time is done. At 14 pounds, it’s heavier than our top pick—but nothing most parents can’t handle.

Best Travel Car Seat For Infants

A built in stroller makes transporting this seat seamless, doona infant car seat & latch base.

Seat weight:  17 pounds  | Child height max:  32 inches  | Child weight minimum:  4 pounds  | Child weight max:  35 pounds | Seat width:  17.4 inches

The Doona features a built-in wheels, allowing you to convert from car seat to lightweight stroller in one motion. If you’re lucky and your baby has fallen asleep in car, this smoother and easier transition may help them stay asleep. A five-point harness and three-layer side impact protection help keep your baby secure, and the car seat is FAA Aircraft Approved. Materials like soft bamboo fabric and memory foam help keep your little one comfortable, whether they’re strapped into an airplane seat or strolling through the terminal.

Keep in mind that this seat only works for babies between 4 and 35 pounds, so you won’t be able to get as many years of use out of it as other options. It also doesn’t have any built-in storage. Still, the 2-in-1 stroller/carseat combo is much lighter than most strollers and means one fewer item to wrangle while you travel.

Best Travel Car Seat For Toddlers

For kids who need more legroom, nuna rava convertible car seat.

Seat weight:  27.2 pounds  | Child height max:  49 inches (rear and forward-facing)  | Child weight minimum:  5 pounds  | Child weight max:  50 pounds (rear-facing); 65 pounds (forward-facing)  | Seat width:  19 inches

The Nuna Rava is more expensive than some other travel car seats, but it’s packed with features that make it worth considering. The seat accommodates children from 5 to 65 pounds, allowing for quite a few years of use. It’s also aircraft certified and easy to install, so you can get your child settled and secure quickly, whether you’re on a plane or in a car. The seat is designed to have up to 2 inches of extra legroom when it’s rear facing—meaning, you won’t have to jam it the plane seat in to make it fit. Cupholders on each side flip out when you have the space, and back in when you need to conserve the area around the seat. Ten recline positions make it simple to find an angle that works for your little one. We also like that this seat is Greenguard Gold certified and made without flame retardants.

Best Booster Travel Car Seat

This seat has hideaway cup holders and doesn't hog space, graco turbobooster backless booster car seat.

Seat weight:  5.1 pounds  | Child height max:  57 inches  | Child weight minimum:  40 pounds  | Child weight max:  100 pounds  | Seat width:  16 inches

The Graco Turbobooster is nearly effortless to use. Simply plunk it on the seat, secure your child in it using the car’s shoulder belt and go about your travels. Hideaway cup holders give you extra space for drinks and snacks when there’s room to spare, and quickly tuck away when seating is tight. Padded armrests and a plush seat cushion ensure your child feels comfortable, even on longer trips. At just 5 pounds, it’s easy to strap to top of your suitcase as you roll through the airport. The booster is designed for kids between 40 to 100 pounds, so your child can safely use it for a number of years after they’ve outgrown a five-point car seat.

Best Lightweight Travel Car Seat

A slim design makes this aircraft-approved seat great for planes, graco contender slim convertible car seat.

Seat weight:  16 pounds  | Child height max:  49 inches  | Child weight minimum:  5 pounds (rear-facing); 22 pounds (forward-facing)  | Child weight max:  40 pounds (rear-facing); 65 pounds (forward-facing)  | Seat width:  18.9 inches

The Graco Contender Slim is designed to have a smaller footprint, saving room whether you’re traveling by plane or car. The seat can fit kids who weigh between 5 and 65 pounds, and the seat itself is 16 pounds, so it’s lightweight enough to carry from place to place. It’s certified for aircraft use, so you can fly with it with no issues. Included latches and level indicators help you get the seat installed quickly and efficiently. The included cupholder is removable for tight spaces, and can even be tossed in the dishwasher. A no re-thread harness allows for fast seating adjustments.

Best Inflatable Travel Car Seat

A travel seat that inflates in under a minute, hiccapop uberboost inflatable booster car seat.

Seat weight:  1.3 pounds  | Child height max:  Not listed  | Child weight minimum:  40 pounds  | Child weight max:  11o pounds | Seat width:  14.5 inches

For those times when you really want to travel with minimal baggage, consider the Hiccapop booster. It’s inflatable and simple to blow up in 20 seconds or less while you’re waiting to board or for a car service to arrive. The booster has a non-skid base to keep it secure on leather or cloth seats, and it won’t hog the back seat—you can fit three of these across the rear row of most cars. Positioning clips help your child get a good fit with the seatbelt. The seat comes with its own travel bag for easy toting—just deflate and roll it up, then put it in your carry-on or bag. It’s that easy.

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The best daypacks of 2024, based on months and miles of testing, why trust forbes vetted.

The Forbes Vetted Kids & Baby Gear team is comprised of experts in the field who have spent thousands of hours researching, reporting on and testing the best baby and parenting products, from travel strollers to booster seats. Korin Miller, the author of this article, is mom of four who has extensive experience using car seats.

For this article, we spoke to health and safety experts for guidance on what to look for in the best travel car seats to ensure they’re safe for baby. That includes Michelle Pratt , certified child passenger safety technician and founder of Safe in the Seat , and Benjamin Hoffman, M.D., F.A.A.P., a professor of pediatrics in the Oregon Health and Science University School of Medicine.

This story is frequently reviewed for accuracy and was most recently updated in March 2024.

How We Chose The Best Travel Car Seats

To choose the best travel car seats, we consulted car seat safety experts for the important features to look for in these safety devices.

We then spoke to parents for their recommendations and surveyed the top travel car seats on the market for must-have elements like easy installation, lightweight materials and a compact size. We sorted through the most popular seats on the market and pored over reviews and relied on feedback from parents to inform our picks. We also analyzed reviews from real parents to get a better idea of how these seats perform on the road, and hold up over time.

What To Consider When Shopping For The Best Travel Car Seat

The seat’s weight.

There’s no reason you can’t travel with your usual car seat , booster seat or car seat stroller combination says car seat safety expert Dr. Benjamin Hoffman. However, he points out, your primary seat may be too cumbersome or big to tote through an airport with the rest of your luggage. Some conventional car seats don’t even fit through the a narrow airplane aisle.

That’s where a travel car seat shines. While primary car seats can weigh 20 to 30 pounds, whereas a travel seat can weigh under 10 pounds. Having an extra car seat for air travel also means that you can keep your primary car seat installed in your vehicle at home, and saves you the hassle of taking it out and putting in back in every time you fly with your child.

Your Child’s Height and Weight

Safety experts emphasize the importance of making sure your child fits within the height and weight guidelines set by the car seat manufacturer.

FAA Certification

If your child is under the age of 2 and you plan to buy them their own airplane seat, they will need a car seat that’s approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Most car seats are FAA approved, but it’s wise to check before you buy. Many health and safety experts agree that it’s safer for babies to fly in their own seat than on a parents’ or caregiver’ lap.

What Is The Safest Travel Car Seat?

In general, “there's no reason to think about a travel car seat any differently from your regular car seat,” Hoffman says. All car seats that are sold in the U.S. have to meet the same safety standards, he points out, so they have to be safe to use in cars. Basically, if your car seat is installed properly and your child is secure in it, it should be safe. However, purchasing your seat from a known brand like Graco, Evenflo and Nuna can help ensure that the company is doing all it can to keep your child safe on the road.

What Car Seats Fit On An Airplane?

Many car seats—but not all—will fit on a plane. “Most seats have been approved for use by the FAA, but not every seat is,” Hoffman says. Pratt agrees. “There are a handful of seats that do not have aircraft approval,” she says. “Usually, as long as the caregiver is choosing an airplane seat with movable armrests, there won't be an issue with the width of the car seat.”

Just keep this in mind, per Pratt: “Rear-facing car seats may need to be more upright in the plane than allowed in the vehicle in order to fit.”

Is It Worth It To Bring A Car Seat On A Plane?

There are a few things to consider. “If you need a seat at your destination, it's absolutely worth it to bring a seat on the plane,” Pratt says. “This guarantees that the car seat will not be damaged during transport.”

If your child qualifies as a lap infant (i.e. they’re under the age of 2) it’s understandable to want to save money by not having to purchase a second seat, Hoffman says. However, he recommends at least considering getting your child their own seat if you can afford it. “The benefit of a younger child being in a car seat is, in the event of severe turbulence, a parent may not be able to hold onto their child due to sheer force.” Holding a wiggly baby or toddler for the entire flight can also be exhausting and uncomfortable for parents, even on short trips.

But, Hoffman points out, buying an extra seat is “cost-prohibitive for many families.”

How Do I Know If My Car Seat Is TSA Approved?

All car seats can be checked with your luggage or carried onto a plane for free, per TSA regulations . Keep in mind, though, that some seats are FAA approved to go on planes. “There will be a sticker on the side of the seat saying that it is FAA approved,” Pratt says. “There will also be a page in the car seat's manual showing how to install the seat on an aircraft.” If your car seat doesn’t have this designation, you may need to check it with your luggage.

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The Best Convertible and All-in-One Car Seats

By Christina Szalinski

Your kid could end up sitting in the same convertible car seat for five years or more, so it’s arguably your most significant car seat purchase.

We’ve evaluated more than 90 convertible seats since 2017. And after interviewing safety experts and enduring aching muscles from installing literal towers of car seats, we’ve concluded that the Graco Extend2Fit Convertible is the overall best choice. This seat does a standout job of encouraging extended rear-facing use—the safest position for a young child.

Everything we recommend

Graco Extend2Fit Convertible Car Seat

The best convertible car seat.

This seat does a superior job of keeping a child rear-facing for longer—and it’s straightforward to install and use.

Buying Options

Britax Poplar Convertible Car Seat

The easiest convertible seat to install (by far).

Thanks to Britax’s ClickTight technology, the Poplar seat requires less effort to install than any other seat we tested. It looks and feels plusher than our top pick, but it isn’t quite as good for extended rear-facing use.

Britax Poplar S Convertible Car Seat

Same seat, with a few extras.

Like the Poplar seat, the Poplar S has easy ClickTight installation. It’s slightly more expensive because it includes an anti-rebound bar, which can provide an extra safety measure in a crash.

Clek Foonf Convertible Car Seat

Built like a tank, but fussier to install rear-facing.

This high-end convertible seat is great for extended rear-facing use. It’s narrow and easy to keep clean, and it comes with an anti-rebound bar.

Graco Extend2Fit 3-in-1 Convertible Car Seat

A seat that lasts from infant to big-kid years.

This 3-in-1 option has many of the same qualities we like in our top pick, the Graco Extend2Fit Convertible, plus it converts to a booster seat. But there are some caveats.

How we picked

A properly installed car seat is a safe car seat, so we looked for seats with easy installation.

We evaluated independent crash-testing scores and ease-of-use ratings (when available), as well as the seats’ individual safety features.

Kids are safest when they’re in the rear-facing position, so we looked for seats with height and weight limits and design features that would support that position longer.

Instead of conducting our own crash testing, safety experts encouraged us to focus on how the seats performed in the real world.

We also recommend the Britax Poplar and Britax Poplar S for those whose top priority is ease of installation. The Clek Foonf is an also-great pick for families that are happy to pay more for a beautiful but super-heavy (and ultra-sturdy) seat. And the Graco Extend2Fit 3-in-1 is our pick for those who are set on an “all-in-one” seat that transitions from infant seat to convertible to booster.

A convertible car seat is designed to evolve as your child grows. Once your child has outgrown their infant seat’s height or weight limits (usually when they are around 30 inches long or 30 pounds), they will be ready for one of these larger seats with a five-point safety-harness; this will likely happen when your kid is between 6 months and 2 years of age. Once you transition to a convertible seat, your baby or toddler will start out sitting in it rear-facing and eventually end up as a much bigger kid riding in it forward-facing. Getting the hang of convertible seats can be daunting—what with their various installation modes and positions, multiple seat belt paths, and safety tethers. That’s why we set out to find the models that are the simplest and safest to install and use.

The Graco Extend2Fit Convertible Car Seat has a lot going for it, including pretty easy installation and thoughtful features, and it’s also a great value. But, most importantly, this seat excels at keeping your kid comfortable while they ride rear-facing—the safest position for a young child—for longer. Many large toddlers and preschoolers struggle to stay rear-facing because at a certain point they start to feel squashed. The Extend2Fit Convertible seat addresses that problem by adding an extension panel, which pulls out to provide 5 inches of extra legroom in rear-facing mode. Kids can remain rear-facing in this seat until they reach 50 pounds, so this model offers the highest capacity of the seats we tested. (All of our picks have a 50-pound rear-facing weight limit.) We found installing the seat to be quick and intuitive, particularly when using the LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system, which lets you attach a pair of metal hooks on the seat to a set of anchors built into the car. The Extend2Fit Convertible seat’s LATCH install system can be used for children weighing up to 45 pounds; this is the highest LATCH weight limit of any of the seats we tested. Also, the seat is lightweight and has a no-rethread harness, so as your kid grows, you don’t have to take the seat apart to adjust the straps.

Weight of seat: 19 pounds

Seat dimensions: 19.5 inches wide by 23.7 inches tall (with the headrest in its lowest position)

Passenger rear-facing weight and height range: 4 to 50 pounds; head must be at least 1 inch below the headrest’s handle

Passenger forward-facing weight and height range: 22 to 65 pounds; up to 49 inches tall (tops of the child’s ears must also be below the top of the headrest)

The Britax Poplar Convertible Car Seat and the Poplar S Convertible Car Seat are both stylish and user-friendly models that stand out for their incredibly easy installation. They feature Britax’s innovative ClickTight installation system: You thread your vehicle’s seat belt through a path beneath the seat cushion and then close the seat cushion. Then a built-in mechanism tightens everything securely into place—no grunting, sweating, or swearing required. (You can also use LATCH to install the Poplar seats, but Britax recommends the seat belt method, and we agree.) Like our top pick, both Poplar models have a no-rethread harness, which makes ongoing strap adjustments hassle-free. However, although both Poplar seats have a 50-pound rear-facing limit, in our experience they don’t provide much legroom in rear-facing mode. But if a fast, convenient install matters most to you, then either the Poplar or the Poplar S will be your best bet. The Poplar S comes with an anti-rebound bar, a steel support piece that, in the case of a crash, can help to reduce the rebound motion of the seat.

Weight of seat: 27.2 pounds (Poplar), 29.1 pounds (Poplar S, with anti-rebound bar attached)

Seat dimensions: 17 inches wide and 23.5 inches tall (with the headrest in its lowest position)

Passenger rear-facing weight and height range: 5 to 50 pounds; head must be at least 1 inch below the top of the headrest

Passenger forward-facing weight and height range: 20 to 65 pounds; up to 49 inches (tops of the child’s ears must also be below the top of the headrest)

The Clek Foonf Convertible Car Seat offers an appealing combination of safety features, handsome aesthetics, and clever engineering. At 38 pounds, it’s heavy as all get-out—something people are likely to either love (because it feels like a tank) or hate (because it’s a monster to move). Similar to the Graco Extend2Fit Convertible and the Britax Poplar seats, the Foonf can accommodate a child in the rear-facing position until they reach 50 pounds. This seat doesn’t have a pull-out extension for added legroom like the Extend2Fit Convertible does. But due to the Foonf seat’s design and the way it reclines, it feels roomy and spacious when rear-facing, even for taller kids. Like the Poplar S, the Foonf seat comes with an anti-rebound bar. Installing the Foonf in the forward-facing position with LATCH is beyond easy. However, the rear-facing install is a bit tricky. Once the Foonf is installed, it feels rock-solid, but it may be a better fit for families that don’t need to move the seat frequently.

Weight of seat: 33 pounds when forward-facing, 38 pounds when rear-facing (with added base and anti-rebound bar)

Seat dimensions: 13 inches wide at the base, 17 inches at the widest point, and 28 inches tall (forward-facing, with the headrest in the lowest position)

Passenger rear-facing weight and height range: 14 to 50 pounds (or 5 pounds if you purchase a Clek Infant-Thingy ); 25 to 43 inches (19 inches with use of the Infant-Thingy); head must be at least 1 inch below the top of the headrest

Passenger forward-facing weight and height range: 22 to 65 pounds; up to 49 inches (tops of the child’s ears must also be below the top of the headrest)

An all-in-one car seat is meant to be a utility player: It can be used as a rear-facing infant seat, a rear-facing toddler seat, a forward-facing toddler seat, a big-kid seat, and finally a booster seat. Buying a single car seat (versus three or even four) is often cost-effective, and it sounds like a genius idea, in theory. But we’ve found that each individual type of seat tends to do a far better job of its dedicated purpose than an all-in-one seat can. However, if you decide to buy an all-in-one, the Graco Extend2Fit 3-in-1 Convertible Car Seat is a solid choice. It’s the all-in-one version of our top-pick convertible seat, the Graco Extend2Fit Convertible, and it has the same features, including an extension panel for added legroom and a no-rethread harness. The straightforward installation, whether via seat belt or LATCH, is the same, too. But the LATCH method, which we prefer, can be used only until your child reaches 40 pounds. (The Extend2Fit Convertible seat has a 45-pound LATCH limit.) Also, the Extend2Fit 3-in-1 seat’s highest shoulder-harness setting is more than an inch shorter than the one on the regular Extend2Fit Convertible, so you may end up needing to switch your kid from convertible to high-back booster mode sooner than you’d like.

Weight of seat: 21.9 pounds

Seat dimensions: 19 inches wide by 24.5 inches tall (with the headrest in its lowest position)

Passenger booster mode weight and height range: 40 to 100 pounds; 43 to 57 inches; also, at least 4 years old (but most experts recommend waiting until at least age 5)

The research

Why you should trust us, who should get this, how we picked and tested, our pick: graco extend2fit convertible car seat, runner-up: britax poplar convertible car seat and poplar s convertible car seat, also great: clek foonf, also great: graco extend2fit 3-in-1 car seat, other good convertible seats, the competition, care, use, and maintenance.

We interviewed safety authorities, engineers, and physicians, asking them to detail the most important safety and usability considerations for convertible and all-in-one car seats. We consulted Child Passenger Safety Technicians ( CPST s) and car-seat safety advocates, and we had an in-person meeting and assessment of the seat finalists with an injury-prevention expert.

Christina Szalinski is a science writer with a PhD in cell biology whose reporting on health has appeared in The Atlantic , Scientific American , Undark , and more . In addition to writing the most recent versions of Wirecutter’s guides to the best infant car seats and travel car seats , she is responsible for Wirecutter’s guides to the best baby formula and kids face masks . Christina has three children; she can frequently be found ferrying them around in her Honda Odyssey minivan.

The original writer of this guide was Rebecca Gale, a Washington, DC–based reporter whose articles on policy and parenting have appeared in outlets including The New York Times, Slate, and The Washington Post. As part of the research and testing process, Rebecca became certified as a CPST herself; she’s also the author of Wirecutter’s guide to the best booster car seats and a mom of three.

All young kids need to be buckled into the appropriate car seat for their age and size every time they’re on the road. Many families will begin their car-seat journey by using a dedicated infant seat . The infant seat is replaced by a convertible car seat when a child is somewhere between 6 months and 2 years of age; this depends on the size of the child and the kind of seat. (Convertible seats can also be used for infants, usually from 5 pounds and up and with the addition of an infant insert. But since they’re not portable, like the bucket portion of an infant seat, we don’t think they’re especially well suited to the task.)

The term convertible refers to the fact that this type of car seat can be installed either rear-facing or forward-facing. Although the laws vary , many states require that a kid remain in a car seat with a five-point harness—which all infant seats and convertible seats have—until they’re at least 40 pounds or 4 years old. Experts, however, recommend keeping your child in a five-point harness until they outgrow the seat’s height and weight limits . That means it’s possible to get from two to five years of use from a standard convertible car seat before you move on to a booster seat (which relies on just the car’s seat belt as a restraint).

Rear-facing vs. forward-facing car seats

Many states also require that children under a year old ride rear-facing in car seats, and increasingly state laws require kids to stay rear-facing up to the age of 2 (though longer is better). Both the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (PDF) and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend that children stay rear-facing for as long as possible. That is, “until they reach the highest weight or height allowed by their car safety seat manufacturer,” according to the AAP. The British Medical Journal concluded in 2009 that a child is safer riding rear-facing until they’re 4 years old .

Why is rear-facing so much safer? Because in the case of a head-on collision, when a child is facing to the rear, the impact of the crash would be absorbed primarily by their backside, which is cocooned and protected by the shell of the car seat. But if the child is facing forward, the force of a frontal crash is going to propel their body forward, with the strain absorbed by their head, neck, and spine.

Children’s anatomy plays a role, too. Alisa Baer, a pediatrician and co-founder of The Car Seat Lady website, points out that a 2-year-old’s head makes up about 18% of their body weight, whereas an adult’s head comprises only about 6% of their body weight. So in a crash, a forward-facing toddler would endure far more force to their neck, relatively speaking, than an adult would under the same circumstances. Also, a child’s bones aren’t fully formed until they’re about 6 years old—they’re stretchy—whereas the nerves of the spine don’t stretch. That combination—a heavy head and stretchy bones—makes the spinal cord more vulnerable to being broken.

The research that we’ve conducted for our various car seat guides has led us to conclude that the safest approach is to move a child from an infant car seat to a rear-facing convertible seat, and to keep them in that position until the child reaches the seat’s height or weight limit for rear-facing installation (these limits are generally different and lower than a seat’s forward-facing limits). Yes, your child may complain, but we believe the trade-offs and inconveniences are worth it for the added safety.

Once you turn your convertible car seat forward-facing, it’s extremely important to use the included top tether, a strap that attaches from the back of the car seat to a tether anchor built into your car. In a crash, this strap limits the forward motion of the seat , ideally preventing the child’s head from hitting the back of the seat in front of them or the center console.

Using the tether is not optional. Check your vehicle manual to confirm the location of the tether anchors. Although tether anchors have been required in vehicles since 2001, there is no standard position for them . And it’s easy to mistake other parts of the vehicle, like cargo hooks, for them, but cargo hooks don’t have the same load-bearing capacity.

Your child can remain forward-facing until they’ve outgrown the seat’s forward-facing weight or height limit. They will not be eligible for a booster seat until they’re at least about 40 pounds and 38 to 40 inches tall, and until they’re mature enough to sit upright in a booster seat without slouching, wriggling around, or leaning (which usually happens around age 5, at the earliest).

All-in-one car seats

The typical progression is for a child to start out in an infant car seat , then move to a convertible car seat, and finally transition to a booster seat . But an alternative approach is to purchase an all-in-one car seat, also known as a 3-in-1 or 4-in-1. This can serve as a rear-facing seat for infants and younger babies and a forward-facing seat for toddlers and preschoolers, and then it can convert to a booster seat for bigger kids. (Depending on the all-in-one model, it will have either a high-back booster, which makes it a 3-in-1, or a high-back booster that can additionally be converted to a backless booster, which makes it a 4-in-1.)

The main selling point of an all-in-one is that you’ll buy only one seat—or at least that’s the hope. This type of seat will typically cost less, and it will certainly be more environmentally friendly than buying multiple seats. And we can see how an all-in-one might also make sense if you’re in the market for an ancillary car seat—say, to keep at the grandparents’ house.

But for most situations, we don’t think all-in-one seats are the best option. A dedicated infant seat (a bucket-shaped carrier that has a handle and clicks in and out of a base that remains in the car) makes toting your baby around easy. And over the years, car seats take a lot of wear and tear (think layers of pulverized crackers), so many caregivers are elated when the time comes for a fresh replacement. Beyond that, car seats are constantly evolving, so in years to come, you may discover that you’d prefer a newer model with more-advanced safety or design features.

Similarly, we don’t think it’s worth paying more for a rotating car seat —one that swivels toward you—to help you load or unload your child.

All of our research led us to conclude that that ideal convertible or all-in-one car seat should be:

Simple to install: When it comes to car seats, installation is undoubtedly the biggest potential source of frustration. And our experts confirmed that it’s also the most common barrier to car seat safety (if a seat isn’t installed properly, it can’t work optimally). We sought seats that were intuitive to install—with bonus points for especially clear, accessible instructions—so that a diligent adult following the manual could manage a correct installation within a few minutes, without expert assistance. We also considered ease-of-use ratings by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the federal agency charged with road safety. These ratings, which score seats on a scale of one to five stars, are based on factors such as how simple the seats are to install and the clarity of their instructions.

We looked for seats that could be installed easily in the rear-facing position and the forward-facing position, using either the vehicle’s seat belt or the LATCH system. (LATCH, which lets you install a car seat by attaching metal clips on the car seat to hooks built into the car, can be found on all cars and car seats manufactured after September 1, 2002 .) The LATCH install method can be used only up to a certain weight limit; then you must switch over to a seat belt install.

As safe as possible: We evaluated the frontal crash-testing data from the NHTSA. However, since car seats are not required to be certified before sale, several of the seats included in our at-home testing did not yet have government crash-testing data available; this limited our ability to compare results systematically. Additionally, we considered it a plus if seats had design elements or features, like an anti-rebound bar, that made them inherently safer.

Designed for extended rear-facing use: Both the NHTSA and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend that a child ride rear-facing until they reach the height and weight limits of the seat—and we wanted those limits to be generous. We also took into account design features that would make the ride more comfortable and the fit better for bigger kids.

User-friendly: A car seat should be functional, and—in a perfect world—have thoughtful features. Are the seat’s harness straps simple to adjust? Are the buckles easy for caregivers to clip and unclip but difficult to impossible for toddlers to compromise? Is the seat comfortable for a child? How hard is it to keep clean?

Using the above criteria, we’ve considered close to 90 convertible and all-in-one car seats since 2017, and I’ve personally tested 17 models since late 2021.

I installed all of the convertible and all-in-one seats in the second row of my Honda Odyssey minivan, evaluating all of the possible install methods and positions: rear-facing with LATCH, rear-facing with seat belt, forward-facing with LATCH, and forward-facing with seat belt.

I also spent six hours comparing our top convertible and all-in-one car seats with Gina Duchossois , an injury-prevention expert with the Injury Prevention Program at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), the chair of Safe Kids Southeastern Pennsylvania , and a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST).

What about crash testing?

Multiple experts told us that as advanced as today’s crash-testing tools are, they aren’t advanced enough to reliably differentiate among a set of well-engineered seats or to tease out an A+ from an A-.

“I’m not sure that crash testing would give you meaningful results,” said Jessica Jermakian, VP of vehicle research at the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) , a nonprofit organization dedicated to automotive safety. “If you’ve already picked the four best seats from all the other perspectives, then you can feel confident that engineers have spent a lot of time designing those seats for a good and safe user experience.”

After careful consideration and consultation with experts, we reached the decision that field testing alone, without crash testing, should dictate our picks within this guide. Caregivers can take comfort in knowing that most car seats do their jobs very well. “Five-point harness child restraint seats are highly effective in reducing the chances of injury and death,” explained Matt Maltese , an engineer and crash-testing expert who’s worked for both NHTSA and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia . “The best car seat is the one that fits your kid, fits your car, and is used properly on every trip,” Maltese said.

What about travel car seats?

A convertible car seat’s weight can be an important factor for some families—especially those that often travel with car seats, take frequent taxi rides, have strength or mobility issues, or move their car seats in and out of different vehicles regularly. For the purposes of this guide, we didn’t intentionally seek out lightweight seats. If you need a very lightweight convertible car seat for travel, we recommend the no-frills, 6.8-pound Cosco Scenera Next , the top convertible-seat pick in our guide to the best travel car seats . But we don’t think it’s great for everyday use.

The Graco Extend2Fit Convertible Car Seat is a well-designed, well-executed convertible model that checks the most important boxes on our wishlist at a great price. This seat is easy to install and adjust. And with its generous rear-facing weight limit (50 pounds) and an extendable panel to provide additional legroom as kids grow, this seat is one of the best convertible models for enabling kids to stay rear-facing longer. (In the case of an accident, a child is safest in that position.)

It has a longer-lasting LATCH system. Like other convertible car seats, the Extend2Fit Convertible seat can be installed using either the vehicle’s seat belt or LATCH. Many convertible seats have LATCH weight limits that are around 35 to 40 pounds—when your child reaches that weight, you must switch over to a seat belt install. But the Extend2Fit Convertible has a LATCH weight limit of 45 pounds, for both the rear- and forward-facing positions. The majority of kids won’t hit 45 pounds until they’re around 6 years old—and by that time, they’re likely ready for a booster seat. So there’s a good chance you’ll be able to use the LATCH install for the full life of this car seat, if you choose. (LATCH is our preferred method to install this seat.)

It’s easy to install. It’s simple to install the Extend2Fit Convertible seat rear-facing with LATCH (video) . You just recline the seat to the appropriate position, push the LATCH clips onto your car’s LATCH anchors, and tighten the straps. Tightening the LATCH straps can take some force; this is true for just about every seat, with the exception of our runner-up picks , the Britax Poplar and Poplar S seats.

To install the Extend2Fit Convertible using the seat belt, you thread the seat belt through the appropriate path; that’s below the seat for rear-facing and behind the seat for forward-facing. Then you have to manually tighten the seat belt and engage its locking feature (video) ; you do this by pulling the seat belt all the way out and and then slowly letting the slack back in, while holding tension on the seat belt. (Because it can be tricky to get the seat belt tight and locked, we prefer the LATCH install method for this seat.) When you’re done, the Extend2Fit Convertible shouldn’t move back and forth more than an inch, if you grab it at the belt path and wiggle it.

To get the Extend2Fit (and most convertible car seats) in extra-snug, there are a couple of tricks, like the seat-back recline install trick (video) and the inside/outside trick (video) .

If the seat has been installed forward-facing—using either the LATCH or seat belt method—be sure to attach the included top tether to the vehicle’s tether anchor. (This is usually above or behind the car’s rear seat; check your vehicle manual to confirm the location.)

It’s relatively easy to get a kid into. The Extend2Fit Convertible seat’s sides are fairly low (though not as low as the sides on our also-great pick, the Clek Foonf ), so it’s easy to get your child in and out.

The harness is a cinch to tighten. The harness is easy to tighten around your child—you just pull on the strap located at the front end of the seat. And on both sides of the seat, there are little harness holder pockets, where you can temporarily rest the strap clips while you’re getting your child settled. The buckle for securing the harness straps is straightforward to use.

It promotes extended rear-facing. One of our favorite things about this car seat is how exceptionally well it facilitates extended rear-facing. It comes with a pull-out footrest, which provides extra legroom—up to 5 inches—and creates a little extra space for the caregiver when they’re getting a child buckled in rear-facing. (The panel is not intended for forward-facing use.) It’s perfectly fine for a child’s legs to dangle over the side of a seat without a footrest—or to rest on the back of the vehicle seat. But many kids will likely appreciate the extra support this unique feature provides.

In the forward-facing position, the Extend2Fit Convertible can be used for a child up to 65 pounds or 49 inches tall. The minimum weight for forward-facing use is 22 pounds, though experts recommend keeping a child rear-facing for much longer. (This seat also comes with an infant insert and can accommodate babies as small as 4 pounds in rear-facing mode only.)

It’s narrow enough. The Extend2Fit Convertible is 19.5 inches wide (the widest of our picks), so it may be narrow enough to fit three car seats across, depending on the vehicle. It weighs only 19 pounds, making it one of the lightest convertibles we tried. (Our runner-up Britax picks weigh about 27 and 29 pounds, and our also-great Clek pick weighs a whopping 38 pounds, with the rear-facing base and anti-rebound bar attached.)

The Extend2Fit Convertible has a one-year warranty and a lifespan of 10 years from the date of manufacture. The seat scored well (PDF) in front-impact crash tests conducted by the NHTSA (the agency tests with dummies the size of 1-, 3-, and 6-year-olds), earning strong Head Injury Criterion (HIC) scores. Its ease-of-use rating from the NHTSA is four out of five stars.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

It’s a bit of a pain to reposition the LATCH straps. In order to switch the LATCH straps from a rear-facing to a forward-facing position, you must take the cover completely off the seat. It’s a bit onerous; however, it’s not something you’re likely to do very often.

It doesn’t have a seat belt lock-off. The inclusion of a seat belt lock-off (a mechanism, found on some seats, that locks the seat belt in place) would have made installing with the seat belt method easier. But given the ease of the LATCH install—and the seat’s high LATCH weight limits—for the majority of people, manually locking off the seat belt can be avoided. Still, if you need or want to install this seat frequently using the seat belt, then it’s something to consider.

It’s not the prettiest and could use more cushioning. Aesthetically, the Extend2Fit Convertible is nothing special. It comes in several color combinations—mostly subdued variations on gray, black, and white, but turquoise and pink make an appearance. The seat padding doesn’t feel quite as cushiony as padding on our other, more expensive picks (which add more foam between your child’s tush and the hard seat). But we had no complaints from our kid testers.

It’s tough to clean. The fabric’s not the smoothest or the softest—we prefer the material on our runner-up Britax Poplar and Poplar S or our also-great Clek Foonf pick. The Extend2Fit Convertible’s fabric feels a bit like that of a wetsuit, slightly nubby and rough. And it’s prone to staining—the material was not as easy to casually wipe clean as the material on the Britax seat or that of the Clek seat. Thankfully, the entire seat cover can be removed (video) , machine-washed, and drip-dried.

When it comes to making a car seat as simple as possible to install, Britax has figured out how to build a better mousetrap. The Britax Poplar Convertible Car Seat and the Poplar S Convertible Car Seat have the same proprietary, innovative ClickTight install system as our former runner-up pick, the Britax Boulevard (which has been retired, along with the Britax Marathon and Advocate). These seats are by far easier and quicker to install than any other convertible car seats we’ve come across. We think the lower-priced Poplar is suitable for most families, but for those who want the extra safety feature of an anti-rebound bar for rear-facing, the Poplar S may be worth the higher price.

It’s very easy to install with the seat belt. The ClickTight install system is designed to be used with the vehicle’s seat belt. You can install the Poplar and Poplar S using the LATCH method, but we’d advise against it. That’s because the ClickTight system works so marvelously and also because the LATCH weight limit for both rear- and forward-facing in these seats is just 35 pounds.

To get started, use the color-coded bubble indicator at the base of the seat to determine the correct recline setting. Open the ClickTight panel by squeezing the ClickTight release buttons (located near the crotch buckle). This lifts up the bottom of the seat, revealing the guts of the operation. You then weave both the lap and shoulder portion of the vehicle seat belt through the appropriate slots—they’re labeled for either the rear- or forward-facing position—and buckle the seat belt. Remove the slack from the seat belt, and push the seat bottom closed; you’ll know the lid is secure when you hear a satisfying click.

There’s no additional tightening or snugging required because the ClickTight’s internal seat belt lock-off mechanism automatically removes any remaining slack from the seat belt. And it does a bang-up job: The seat does not budge. The ClickTight makes this seat an especially good choice for anyone struggling with strength or dexterity issues. For first-timers, though, we think a video demonstration may offer a clearer overview than the diagrams in the seat’s manual.

LATCH installation is also simple. If you’re installing the Poplar or Poplar S with the LATCH straps, the process of routing the belt is the same. But you use the included LATCH straps in place of the seat belt, and then attach the LATCH strap to the car’s lower anchors.

They have cup holders and are made with fabrics that can be machine-washed and dried. The Poplar and Poplar S come with cup holders that can be installed on one or both sides. And both seats feature fabrics without added flame-retardant chemicals that can be machine-washed and put in the dryer. (With many seats, including our top pick, the Graco Extend2Fit Convertible , the fabric has to be line-dried.) And the Poplar S model has additional cushions, which the company says “help create refined comfort and a tailored fit,” but they are not necessary and don’t add to the safety of the seat. Each model comes in four colors.

The Poplar seats are narrow and good for small vehicles. At 17 inches wide, the Poplar seats are among the narrowest convertible models available (the Clek Foonf is also 17 inches wide). For a child to sit in the forward-facing position, the weight minimum is 22 pounds, though experts recommend waiting as long as possible before turning a child around. The weight and height maximum for the forward-facing position is 65 pounds and 49 inches, respectively. The Poplar and Poplar S can be used in the rear-facing mode for babies as small as 5 pounds (an infant insert pillow is included), though many families prefer to use a dedicated infant seat instead.

The Poplar and Poplar S seats both have a one-year warranty, and they expire 10 years after manufacture. Since these are new seats, NHTSA ease-of-use ratings or crash test data are not yet available.

They’re not as great for extended rear-facing. Despite having a 50-pound rear-facing weight limit, the Poplar seats aren’t as good as our other picks at helping you keep your child sitting in the rear-facing position longer; an older toddler or preschooler will seem more cramped in the Poplar seats than in our other picks. If you know you want to try to keep your child rear-facing until they’re 4, you may be better off with the Graco Extend2Fit Convertible or the Clek Foonf: Both have design features that give your child more legroom and help make reaching that milestone more possible.

These seats are not the lightest. At about 27 and 29 pounds, the Britax Poplar seats are a bit bulkier and heavier than many seats out there.

We were won over by the Clek Foonf Convertible Car Seat ’s solid construction, painless forward-facing install, cushy seat bed, and stain-evading fabric. The Foonf has a 50-pound rear-facing weight limit—the same as our other picks. And due to the seat’s pitch and shape, kids stay comfy riding rear-facing as they grow. The Foonf was also a favorite among our kid testers, who appreciated how well padded and roomy it felt. The company tends to have some of the highest safety ratings out there, and it even publishes its own crash-testing results ; as far as we’re aware, Clek is alone among its peers in doing so.

But the Foonf seat’s rear-facing install is more complicated than that of our other picks, and its weight can be burdensome. Also, the Foonf is expensive, which is why we’re recommending this seat with the full awareness that it won’t be everyone’s cup of tea.

It comes with additional safety add-ons. Like one of our runner-up picks, the Britax Poplar S, the Foonf has an anti-rebound bar, which can help minimize the amount the seat rebounds after the initial impact in a frontal crash. If you want to add yet another optional safety feature for your rear-facing child, Clek also sells a Q-tether strap. This strap wraps around the Foonf and hooks to the top tether anchor; its purpose is to help further absorb the forces in a crash, without transferring them to your child.

Installing it rear-facing is a bit tricky. Unlike most other convertible car seats, the Foonf comes with a rear-facing base; it’s a wedge-shaped piece that must be attached to the bottom of the seat to create a proper angle for installing in rear-facing mode. For the rear-facing install, we think the car’s seat belt is a better choice than the LATCH method, since the LATCH system can only be used rear-facing with babies who weigh up to 25 pounds; about half of all babies will reach that by 12 months.

To begin, first remove the seat cushion, allowing access to the inner workings of the seat. Then position the Foonf on the vehicle seat at the correct angle—there’s a diagram on the side of the seat to guide you, based on your child’s age and weight. Next, route the seat belt through the rear-facing belt path and buckle it. To remove any slack from the seat belt, press down on the center of the Foonf while pulling on the belt. Then, as you’re holding the belt tight, close and latch a pair of belt lock-offs (two plastic tabs that fold down over the belt to cinch it into place). It requires some force and coordination to get those tabs closed. In general, it would be helpful to have three (strong) arms during much of this installation process.

If you opt to do the rear-facing install using LATCH, you remove the top of the seat cushion and take out the rear-facing LATCH strap (with connectors on either end) from its storage location. Thread the two ends with the clips through the rear-facing LATCH belt path and connect the clips to the anchors. After positioning the seat at the correct angle, tighten the LATCH straps snugly on both sides, close the belt lock-offs, and replace the lid of the seat.

Clek has good videos online for how to install the seat (though we found the owner’s manual to be sufficient).

But installing it forward-facing is easy. Of all the seats we tested, the Foonf was our favorite to install forward-facing. The Foonf has a feature for its forward-facing install that few convertible seats in the US have: rigid LATCH connectors, LATCH hooks mounted on metal bars that extend straight out from the seat (they look a bit like miniature staplers). After adjusting the pitch of the seat to the appropriate angle for your child, pull the LATCH connectors out from the base of the seat, align them with the car’s LATCH anchors, and click them into place. (There’s an indicator on the bars that turns from red to green when a secure connection has been made.) Once the LATCH connectors are clipped to the car’s anchors, the Foonf feels like it has been welded to your vehicle.

Unlike the vast majority of convertible seats, the Foonf can be installed in the forward-facing position using both LATCH and the vehicle seat belt. (Most seats call for one method or the other.) So once your child has reached 35 pounds (the Foonf’s forward-facing LATCH limit), you can keep using the rigid LATCH; this makes it easy to line up the seat properly and get a snug fit, and then add the seat belt to handle the extra weight load.

To install the Foonf forward-facing with the seat belt alone, route the lap portion of the belt through the forward-facing belt path and the shoulder portion of the belt through the forward-facing belt lock-off, and then buckle it in. To get it extra-snug, pull on the belt while pressing down on the center of the seat, removing any extra slack. As always when using a convertible car seat in the forward-facing position, be sure to also install the top tether.

The chest and crotch buckles function smoothly, as does the headrest.  With the Foonf’s low sides and taut fabric, it seemed like I spent less time fishing for the harness straps hiding behind my child than I did with any other seat we tested. Tightening and loosening the harness with your child in the seat is very easy, too. And we’ve noticed that the harness straps almost never get twisted. (The sorcery has something to do with how the straps emerge from the buckle tongue.)

It’s a good-looking seat, but the fabric is not machine-washable. We love the Foonf’s sleek, minimalist look; it’s available in nine colors, with either white or black plastic sides. The Crypton C-Zero Plus fabric has a moisture barrier and an antimicrobial treatment on top, and it’s Greenguard Gold –certified for lower emissions of VOCs (volatile organic compounds). It’s also stain-repellant. All of the fabrics are free of brominated and chlorinated flame retardants, and the Mammoth and Railroad are free of any added flame retardants. The seat’s fabric cover can also be removed completely , hand-washed, and drip-dried. The Railroad Ziip option features a zip-off cover to make it easier to remove, and it can be put in the washer and dryer.

It’s roomy yet narrow. Even without the extension panel that the Graco Extend2Fit Convertible has, a rear-facing Foonf gives even a larger child plenty of legroom. When the seat is reclined (which it should be for a rear-facing installation), the tall front edge of the seat provides ample legroom. Plus, the Foonf’s lower sides make it easy to get a rear-facing child settled and buckled. But even though it feels roomy, it’s also narrow, at only 17 inches wide, and does well if you’re trying to fit three car seats across the back seat.

Like the Extend2Fit Convertible and the Britax Poplar and Poplar S seats, the Foonf can accommodate rear-facing children up to 50 pounds and forward-facing kids up to 65 pounds or 49 inches. Clek sells an Infant-Thingy insert for the Foonf that lets the seat carry babies as small as 5 pounds in rear-facing mode only. The Foonf’s minimum weight for a forward-facing child is 22 pounds, but experts recommend keeping your child rear-facing for far longer.

All Clek seats last nine years from the date of manufacture before they expire. The warranty on seats purchased after January 2024 (and manufactured January 2023 or later) lasts until the seat’s expiration date, if you register the seat within 90 days; for seats bought earlier than January 2024, it's a three-year warranty. (For all seats, the warranty is one year if you don’t register it.)

The Foonf performed well (PDF) in the NHTSA’s front-impact crash testing, with good Head Injury Criterion (HIC) and chest acceleration scores. Clek also provides access to its own crash-testing video .

The seat received an ease-of-use rating from the NHTSA of two out of five stars. Some of the reasons for the low rating: The seat requires some assembly out of the box; it lacks a no-rethread harness; the seat cushion must be removed to route the seat belt; and you have to refer to the owner’s manual for complete install instructions (versus being able to follow printed instructions on the seat alone).

Again, it’s a heavy car seat. The Foonf’s heft is polarizing. Some folks find it reassuring, and they like the idea of their child being protected by this fortress-like seat. But it takes strength to lift and lug this seat, which weighs 33 pounds forward-facing and a whopping 38 pounds when it’s rear-facing with the anti-rebound bar and base attached. If you plan to travel with your convertible seat regularly or to move it around frequently, this seat probably isn’t ideal for you (unless you’re Popeye).

It’s also tall. The Foonf is taller than our other picks, but depending on the recline angle you need for your child and the size of your car, that may not be a problem. However, if you’re attempting to transport a small infant in the Foonf’s most reclined position, and you’re using it in a compact car with low ceilings, it could be an issue. So be sure to double-check the dimensions in advance.

It lacks a no-rethread harness. Unlike our other convertible picks, the Foonf does not have a no-rethread harness that’s connected to the headrest, and the harness and headrest cannot be adjusted together in one simultaneous motion. To adjust the straps as your child grows, you must manually remove them and then rethread them through a different slot.

There’s a safety argument to be made for having the harness and headrest operate independently. According to pediatrician Alicia Baer of The Car Seat Lady website, with the Foonf, if the headrest were to come off in an accident, the harness system would still be intact. But with seats that have the headrest and harness as part of the same system, if something were to happen to one of the pieces in a collision, it would have an impact on the other.

It requires more assembly than its counterparts. The Foonf has a separate headrest, an anti-rebound bar, a base for rear-facing install, and manually threading harness straps. However, we didn’t find dealing with any of these pieces to be particularly onerous. The only thing that stumped us was how to remove the rear-facing base in order to switch the seat to forward-facing mode. So we found a video on YouTube to help with that.

It’s very expensive. From a value standpoint, it can be hard to justify spending over $500 on a car seat when there are great alternatives that cost about half as much. And it’s irritating that if you do decide to shell out half a grand on a Foonf, you’d still have to buy a cup holder .

There was a voluntary recall issued on Clek Foonf and Fllo seats manufactured prior to May 21, 2021. Clek discovered that it was possible for kids to place their fingers through the crotch buckle opening and pick at the foam seat cushion beneath. (This doesn’t compromise the actual safety of the seat, but it could pose an issue if a child were to ingest the foam.) Owners of affected seats should contact Clek to receive a plastic piece that can be fitted over the buckle area.

The Graco Extend2Fit 3-in-1 Car Seat has many of the qualities we like about the Graco Extend2Fit Convertible , such as easy installation and an extendable footrest. Plus, the Extend2Fit 3-in-1 converts into a high-back booster seat. We still think a dedicated convertible seat is the way to go for most families. However, if you want an all-in-one seat, the Extend2Fit 3-in-1 is a good option, despite some weaknesses in comparison with the Extend2Fit Convertible—namely a lower rear-facing LATCH limit and a shorter maximum harness height.

It’s straightforward to install. The process for installing the Extend2Fit 3-in-1 is exactly the same as it is for the Extend2Fit Convertible. It’s simple, whether you’re using the LATCH system or the vehicle seat belt; we prefer the LATCH install for this seat.

It converts to a booster seat. Unlike the Extend2Fit Convertible seat, the Extend2Fit 3-in-1 seat converts to a high-back booster seat. In order to switch over to booster mode, your child must be at least 40 pounds and 43 inches tall, and they must have the emotional maturity to maintain correct posture while in the seat. To turn the Extend2Fit 3-in-1 from a five-point harness seat into a booster seat, you remove the bottom crotch buckle strap, move the harness straps behind the padding, and stow away the buckles in a compartment behind the padding.

When you install this seat as a booster, you can choose to keep it anchored to your car with LATCH, or you can stow away the LATCH hooks and go without. (As explained in our guide to the best booster seats , once your child is in a booster, the vehicle seat belt is working as the sole means of restraint, so the use of LATCH becomes totally optional.) Either way, the owner’s manual states that you should continue to use the top tether strap with this booster.

It has a no-rethread harness. Like the Extend2Fit Convertible seat, the Extend2Fit 3-in-1 seat has a no-rethread harness that’s linked to the headrest; it’s smooth and simple to adjust. The seat has low sides, making it easy to get your child in and out.

It promotes extended rear-facing. In addition to its 50-pound rear-facing weight limit (with a seat belt install), the Extend2Fit 3-in-1 seat facilitates extended rear-facing riding with the same unique design feature as the Extend2Fit Convertible: a footrest panel that extends by 5 inches to add legroom for a rear-facing toddler or preschooler.

It has basic aesthetics. The cover is a polyester blend that’s available in dark colors (black and dark gray) with lighter accents. As with the Extend2Fit Convertible’s fabric, this seat’s fabric doesn’t wipe clean as easily as the fabric on our other picks. The cover can be put in the washing machine and then drip-dried.

It’s fairly lightweight. The Extend2Fit 3-in-1 seat is a half-inch narrower and an inch taller than the Extend2Fit Convertible, and at almost 22 pounds, it weighs a little less than 3 pounds more. And like the Convertible, the 3-in-1 can accommodate a forward-facing child in a five-point harness up to 65 pounds or 49 inches. (Although, given the shorter harness height, they may outgrow the 3-in-1 a little sooner than the Extend2Fit Convertible.) In high-back booster mode, this seat can accommodate a child up to 57 inches or 100 pounds, which is typical of a booster seat.

Like the Extend2Fit Convertible, the 3-in-1 seat has a one-year warranty and a lifespan of 10 years from the date of manufacture. The NHTSA crash testing data is available, but there is no ease-of-use rating.

The LATCH limit is lower than on the Extend-to-Fit Convertible version. Although there aren’t many differences between the Extend2Fit 3-in-1 and the Extend2Fit Convertible, the differences that do exist make the 3-in-1 less appealing. Though both seats have a rear-facing maximum weight limit of 50 pounds, the rear-facing LATCH limit of the 3-in-1 is only 40 pounds, compared with 45 pounds for the Convertible model. We really like the rear-facing LATCH install of this seat, and it’s a letdown that people would have to make the switch from LATCH to seat belt earlier.

The maximum shoulder height is lower than on the Convertible version. The Extend2Fit 3-in-1 has a shoulder-harness height that’s over an inch shorter than the Convertible seat’s. If a child is tall, they could reach that harness limit sooner, and you’d have to switch them over to booster mode. We would never want any caregiver to move their child into a booster seat prematurely. However, if you have a petite child, the 3-in-1’s rear-facing LATCH limit and its harness limit are not likely to become an issue.

It can be a bit tricky to remove the crotch buckle. When you need to convert this seat to a booster, removing the crotch buckle can be a bit tricky. However, when it comes time to move that crotch buckle to a different position, this is a challenge you will face with just about any convertible car seat.

If you want a cheaper, smaller version of our also-great pick, the Clek Foonf: The Clek Fllo costs around $200 less than the Clek Foonf . It weighs 28 pounds in rear-facing mode with the anti-rebound bar (versus the Foonf’s 38 pounds), and it weighs 25 pounds in forward-facing mode (versus the Foonf’s 33 pounds). Both seats are narrow—about 17 inches across at their widest point—but the Fllo is 2 inches shorter. Unlike the Foonf, the Fllo does not have a rigid LATCH system, which makes for an especially easy and secure forward-facing install. Instead, the Fllo has LATCH clips that are attached to straps, like most convertible seats. (In our opinion, the Foonf’s rigid LATCH alone is worth the extra cost.) The Fllo also reclines differently than the Foonf. The Foonf has a handle that you use to recline the seat, but in order to readjust the angle of the Fllo, you must manually reposition it on your vehicle seat. The NHTSA crash-testing data for this seat (PDF) is available. And Clek also publishes its own crash-testing results for the Fllo—it performed about as well as the Foonf. There is no ease-of-use rating from the NHTSA for this seat.

Convertible seats

The Britax Boulevard , Marathon , and Advocate seats—which are essentially the same seat, with slightly more or less padding on the headrest—have been long-time Wirecutter picks. If you’ve got one, there’s no reason to go out and buy a new seat. But even though they are still available from some retailers, Britax is no longer making them (you may be able to find a good deal on one of these models, which all have a 10-year expiration). But if you’re in the market for a new seat and you like the ClickTight install feature, we think it makes more sense to buy a Britax Poplar or Poplar S . We also prefer the new features on those seats, especially the narrower frame and the ClickTight release buttons that replace the former round “key” (which was always filled with crumbs).

One of our favorite infant car seats is made by Chicco, so we were eager to try the company’s convertible seat, the Chicco NextFit Zip . (The zip in the name refers to the fact that this seat comes with a zip-off seat cover for easier washing.) The NextFit Zip is available in two other variations, the Chicco NextFit Max ClearTex and the Chicco NextFit Max Zip Air , which have different fabrics. For the LATCH install, the NextFit Zip has a so-called SuperCinch system, which allows you to tighten the straps with minimal effort. However, once your rear-facing child reaches 35 pounds, you must switch over to a seat belt install, which isn’t as easy. And we found that it can be difficult to get a child in and out of the NextFit’s deep, egg-shaped seat.

At just 6.8 pounds, the inexpensive Cosco Scenera Next weighs far less than most other convertible car seats. That makes it a good choice for travel—it’s the convertible pick in our guide to the best travel car seats . But for everyday use, the Scenera Next has some serious drawbacks. It’s hard to get a tight install, and it has a 40-pound weight limit in both forward- and rear-facing mode, which means you can’t use it for nearly as long.

The Uppababy Knox is an attractive seat, but it’s a heavy 32.5 pounds. We also found it tougher to install than others, and it was difficult to maneuver a child into the seat, which is perched higher than average.

The Nuna Rava was one of the easiest seats to install of those we tested. It has panels that you route the seat belt through; when you close them, the seat belt automatically tightens. (Because the Rava’s rear-facing LATCH weight limit is 35 pounds, we recommend seat belt installation so you don’t have to make the switch as your child grows.) The Rava is a great-looking, plush seat; the seat cover material is Greenguard Gold –certified for lower emissions of VOCs (volatile organic compounds), and the seat has a no-rethread harness. However, the Rava doesn’t have a seat belt lock-off, so the seat belt can continually slide through the router. And while it has a rear-facing weight limit of 50 pounds and an adjustable footrest (which adds 2 inches of legroom while rear-facing), we found that the extension panel didn’t add much room, especially compared with the panel on the Graco Extend2Fit Convertible.

The Cybex Sirona S is a convertible seat with a load leg and a novel design: The seat revolves on a base, so it can face you as you load your child in or out of the car; you then rotate it rear-facing for the ride (the swivel feature doesn’t work in the forward-facing position). The major downside to this model is that it’s extremely hard to install. It’s also pricey, and we think a more cost-effective standard convertible will serve most families better.

The Evenflo Revolve360 Slim is a rotating seat that can rotate toward the caregiver when installed in both the rear- or forward-facing position. It allows rear-facing up to 50 pounds and 48 inches, and it’s 16.75 inches wide (a tiny bit slimmer than the Britax Poplars and the Clek Foonf, both of which are 17 inches wide). However, all of Evenflo’s Revolve360 car seat models (see entries on its all-in-one seats, below) are under investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The investigation centers on at least six crashes where the car seat’s shell (the part Evenflo calls the seat) reportedly detached from the base.

The Babyark car seat is pricey, but it has some very cool features, namely that it uses rigid LATCH—a system that basically lets you plug the car seat into the car—for both rear-facing and forward-facing installs. No other seat in the US currently has that feature for both orientations (our upgrade pick, the Clek Foonf, has rigid latch for forward-facing installation); this makes installation very easy. It also has a load leg—which absorbs the initial impact forces in a crash—that stays engaged for both rear-facing and forward-facing. We haven’t tested this seat.

All-in-one seats

We tested the Diono Radian 3QXT SafePlus all-in-one, which is part of Diono’s line of seats specifically designed to fit three across. With low sides, a deep recline, and a 50-pound rear-facing limit, the Diono Radian series is a favorite among people who are trying to keep their kids rear-facing longer. However, we found the Radian 3QXT more difficult to install than other seats we tested. It also has some additional pieces that you need to remember to attach, depending on the situation; these include a base for a rear-facing install and a SafeStop tether piece intended for a forward-facing child who weighs less than 40 pounds. Additionally, the Radian 3QXT’s anti-rebound bar was not fully flush to the seat, which could pose a safety issue if a child rides with their feet tucked under the bar and then is in a crash.

The Graco TrioGrow SnugLock is technically a cousin of our all-in-one pick, the Graco Extend2Fit 3-in-1 , but their designs are fundamentally different. The TrioGrow SnugLock has the SnugLock installation system, a mechanism that helps you ratchet down the LATCH straps or the vehicle seat belt and achieve a tight install. But this seat has a rear-facing weight limit of 40 pounds, compared with 50 pounds for the Extend2Fit 3-in-1. We also missed the Extend2Fit 3-in-1’s extension panel, which pulls out to provide extra legroom for rear-facing riders. There is no crash-testing data or ease-of-use rating from the NHTSA available for this seat.

The Graco 4Ever DLX 4-in-1 is an all-in-one seat that converts into both a high-back and backless booster. After testing, we preferred two other Graco all-in-one seats: the Extend2Fit 3-in-1 , our also-great pick, and the TrioGrow SnugLock. (Both of those seats convert to high-back boosters only; they do not have a backless booster mode.) The 4Ever DLX 4-in-1 was not quite as simple to install as the TrioGrow SnugLock, due to the SnugLock feature. If you’re interested in the 4Ever DLX 4-in-1 and want the easier SnugLock install, you can upgrade to the Graco 4Ever DLX SnugLock 4-in-1 . Still, the 4Ever DLX 4-in-1 is not as good as the Extend2Fit 3-in-1 for extended rear-facing. It’s also a bit heavier, at 23 pounds, versus the 3-in-1’s almost 22 pounds.

Graco makes a number of additional all-in-one seats, including the Graco SlimFit 3-in-1 , the Graco SlimFit3 LX 3-in-1 , and the Graco Milestone 3-in-1 . We have not tested them because the other Graco models that we did test are more popular and widely available. However, the SlimFit3 LX 3-in-1 is only 16.7 inches wide and designed to fit three across in a back seat, which may be appealing to some families.

The Graco Turn2Me 3-in-1 is an all-in-one rotating car seat that can position your rear-facing child toward you, to load and unload them from the car. However, we found it very difficult to install and use.

The Evenflo Revolve360 Rotational All-in-One is an all-in-one rotating seat that can rotate to a rear- or forward-facing position. However, during testing, the seat got stuck in a rotated position in the base; we were unable to get a tight install. The Revolve360 also has one of the lowest rear-facing height limits of any we tried, at just 40 inches (our Graco and Britax picks accommodate kids up to 49 inches, and the Clek Foonf accommodates kids up to 43 inches). The Revolve360 Extend allows rear-facing up to 50 pounds and 48 inches.

The NHTSA estimates (PDF) that the lives of 10,157 kids, age 4 and younger, were saved by the use of child restraints in vehicles between the years 1975 and 2012. The proper care, treatment, and use of your car seat will help keep your little ones safe and sound. Here are some of the essentials:

Install the seat properly. A well-installed car seat is a snug car seat; once it’s in, there should be minimal wiggle. (If you grab the seat near the attachment point and pull back and forth, it should move less than an inch in any direction.) Let the owner’s manual and online instruction videos be your guide. There are many resources online that can provide both general installation tips and specific advice for your particular seat; we like The Car Seat Lady and Car Seats for the Littles . And it’s always a great idea to enlist the help of a pro. Safe Kids Worldwide provides information on how you can find a Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST) in your area, so you can get your seat installed correctly, and learn how to do it yourself the next time.

Get a good fit. The way your child is secured in their seat matters. Remove puffy coats or heavy outer layers before buckling in your child because they can cause the harness to be too loose. The owner’s manual for your seat will have illustrations showing what a proper fit looks like, and you should reference it with your child in the seat. But in general, here are the guidelines:

• The shoulder straps should be positioned in the harness slot right below the shoulders, when rear-facing, and at or above the shoulders, when forward-facing. (In a crash, if a forward-facing child’s shoulder straps are too low, this could cause their collarbones to break, and if a rear-facing child’s shoulder straps are too high, the child could slide up the seat.)
• The straps should be tightened snugly on the child and pass the “pinch” test: If you try to pinch the fabric of the strap, it shouldn’t fold within your fingers.
• The chest clip should be resting at the armpit level.
• If the crotch buckle on your seat is adjustable, it should be in the position nearest to—but not underneath—the child.
• The bottom of the headrest should be positioned just above where the harness straps emerge from the seat; if it’s digging into your child’s shoulders, it’s too low.

And remember, your child is growing, so all of these adjustments will need to be made and checked regularly.

Keep your child rear-facing for as long as possible. Young children are safer in a rear-facing seat. Safety experts generally agree that it’s better for a child to stay rear-facing longer, as is staying in a seat with a five-point harness before switching to a seat belt–dependent booster seat.

Observe the seat’s size and weight limits. As with infant car seats , with convertible seats, most children will probably hit a seat’s height limit before they hit its weight limit. A kid can no longer sit rear-facing when their head is less than an inch from the top of the seat’s shell height. (But a child who has outgrown the rear-facing height is still likely to fit in the same seat forward-facing.) A kid can sit in a forward-facing seat until the tops of their ears are at or above the top of the seat’s head restraint at the highest setting, or until the shoulder straps can no longer be properly positioned at or above their shoulders. Also be mindful of your seat’s LATCH weight limits.

Follow the cleaning instructions for your specific seat. The correct method for cleaning your car seat is spelled out clearly in the owner’s manual. If you ignore instructions, you could cause damage to the materials or textiles, which may compromise their ability to function safely. For more guidance, check out our post on how to clean a car seat .

Dispose of your seat properly. Yes, car seats expire; convertible car seats generally last nine to 10 years. If your seat has reached its expiration date, it should be thrown away. A car seat that has been involved in a moderate or serious accident should also be thrown away. You can continue to use a seat that’s been in a minor crash , provided that all of the following criteria are met: You are able to drive away from the crash site; the vehicle’s airbags did not deploy; there are no injuries to passengers; there is no visible damage to the car seat; and the vehicle door nearest the car seat is left undamaged. Stores like Target periodically hold trade-in events . Not sure where to dispose of an old seat? Check out our guide on how to get rid of a used car seat .

Additional reporting by Ingela Ratledge Amundson and Rebecca Gale.

This article was edited by Amy Miller Kravetz and Kalee Thompson.

Gina Duchossois, injury-prevention expert with the Injury Prevention Program at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, chair of Safe Kids Southeastern Pennsylvania, and certified Child Passenger Safety Technician, in-person installation assessments , in-person installation assessments , November 29, 2021

Alisa Baer, pediatrician, nationally certified child passenger safety instructor and co-founder of The Car Seat Lady , phone interview , November 4, 2021

Jessica Jermakian, PhD, vice president for vehicle research at the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) , phone and email interviews, 2022

Miriam Manary, senior research associate, University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute , phone interview , August 30, 2017

Lani Harrison, CPST, Car Seats for the Littles , phone interview , August 30, 2017

Chris Lumley, founder and CEO of Clek , phone interview , September 13, 2017

William Conway, engineering leader, car seats, Graco , phone interview , March 5, 2018

Sarah Haverstick, Evenflo safety advocate , phone interview , September 18, 2017

Dr. Benjamin Hoffman, pediatrician, uncompensated consultant to Chicco on matters of car seat safety, CSPT-I , phone interview , September 20, 2017

Maggie Rauser, Safe Kids/KISS county coordinator, Carroll County Health Department (Md.) , CPST Training , September 21, 2017

Meet your guide

Christina Szalinski

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

Further reading

Are Rotating Car Seats Worth It?

by Christina Szalinski

Rotating car seats are gaining popularity—but for the typical family, they’re not better than simpler options. Here’s what to know before buying one.

The Best Travel Car Seats

by Christina Szalinski and Rebecca Gale

After testing 17 lightweight, portable car seats, we have five good options for infants, toddlers, and big kids to recommend.

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.

The Best Infant Car Seats

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

• Product Reviews
• Stroller & Car Seat Reviews

6 Best Travel Car Seats for Your Next Trip

Traveling with young kids requires preparation—and plenty of it. Between planning your route, packing all the essentials and ensuring you’ve got plenty of snacks on hand, there’s a lot to organize. And, of course, keeping your little one safe on the road is always a top priority. If your next family vacation involves air travel, a rental vehicle or frequent cab rides, a travel car seat will come in handy. While most airlines allow you to gate-check a car seat or stroller for free, the last thing you want on a long journey is a bulky bit of gear. Unlike convertible models , which tend to be on the heavier side, travel car seats are designed to be lightweight, compact and easy to install when you’re on the go.

Ready to start your search? Here find our picks of the best travel car seats for every age, stage and need, plus our top tips for traveling with a baby or toddler in tow.

Do you Need a Travel Car Seat?

If you’re planning to take a road trip, you definitely need a car seat. Granted, you could bring a day-to-day model with you, but a travel seat will take up less room in a packed rental car. It’s important to note that each country has its own rules and regulations, so if you’re traveling internationally, brush up on the local car seat safety laws.

For domestic air travel, a car seat is recommended, but not required. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) allows children under age 2 to be held on an adult’s lap, meaning you don’t technically need a car seat. That said, both the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the FAA recommend that children are properly restrained on a flight, especially given the unexpected but common occurrence of turbulence.

Are booster seats safe for air travel?

If your little one has outgrown a car seat, a booster is a good option for rental cars and taxi trips. But the FAA prohibits passengers from using booster seats or backless car seats on flights. If you plan to take a booster seat with you during air travel, it can be brought along as checked luggage (usually without a baggage fee).

What to Look for in a Travel Car Seat

Choosing a car seat can involve a lot of research—and a travel car seat comes with its own set of requirements. To make things easier, here are some key considerations to keep in mind.

Age-appropriate. The most important factor to consider for any car seat type is whether it’s appropriate for your child’s age, weight and height. According to the AAP , children should use a rear-facing car seat until they’re at least 2 years old—or until they reach the height and weight requirements for a specific model. Children that weigh over 40 pounds can use an aircraft safety belt.

FAA approved. A travel car seat you plan on taking on a plane should have a label noting that it is FAA approved. This means that the model has been deemed safe for air travel.

Lightweight. The best travel car seats are lightweight and easy to carry. After all, you’ll need to lug it onto a plane or switch it from one car to another. Fortunately, most car seats designed for travel range in weight from 6 to 12 lbs.

Easy to install. Whatever mode of transport you choose, correct installation is critical to a car seat’s safety —so look for one that makes the process simple. Our advice? Find options with easy-to-fasten buckles and an adjustable harness to ensure a snug fit.

The Best Travel Car Seats

Whether you’re traveling by plane, train or automobile, a travel car seat makes the journey run that much smoother. Here, find our top picks for infants, toddlers and big kids.

Best affordable travel car seat

• Suitable for infants and toddlers
• Affordable price point
• Some children will outgrow it quickly due to the low position of the shoulder straps

Searching for something affordable? The Cosco Scenera may be the best travel car seat option for you. Suitable for infants and toddlers, this convertible seat can be used in a rear- or front-facing position. Certified for use on an aircraft, the compact seat is lightweight and easy to carry, so it won’t slow you down as you make your way to departures. It has all the safety features you need, including a five-point harness and side impact protection. Plus, a removable seat pad makes it easy to clean up messes; simply throw it in the wash and get ready for your next adventure. All that for $60? What a steal!

• Weight of seat: 10.4 lbs.
• Weight capacity: Rear-facing 5 to 40 pounds; forward-facing 22 to 40 pounds
• Height limit: 43 inches

Best travel infant car seat

• Seat weighs under 6 lbs.
• Convenient option for car and air travel
• Magnetic buckle holders keep straps out of the way while you secure your child
• Car seat must be used with the base for air travel
• High price point

Weighing in at just 5.3 lbs, the Nuna Pipa Lite is one of the best car seats for travel. Pegged as the lightest infant car seat available, this Best of Baby award-winning pick has a compact design, a convenient carry handle and a True Lock base that installs in as little as five seconds (yes, really!). Plus, the rear-facing seat is reliably safe thanks to a five-point harness and Aeroflex foam that absorbs and diffuses energy for superior impact protection. Better yet, built-in belt paths mean you can remove the base and use the car seat with just the vehicle seat belt, allowing you to travel in taxis without worrying about baby’s safety. And for air travel, it’s FAA certified when used with its base.

• Weight of seat: 5.3 lbs. (without sun canopy or infant insert)
• Weight capacity: 4 to 32 pounds
• Height limit: 32 inches

Best travel convertible car seat

• Can be used in a rear- and front-facing position
• Four shoulder strap positions allow the seat to grow with your child
• Thin padding

Looking for a travel car seat that’ll function from infancy to toddlerhood and beyond? A convertible option is the way to go. This type can be used in both a rear- and forward-facing position, so you can use it even after your child hits the two-year mark. Our top pick? The Evenflo Tribute. This convertible model weighs under 10 lbs. and has a narrow design, making it a good option for smaller vehicles or times when you find yourself moving between multiple cars. Plus, it’s FAA approved and reliably safe for air travel.

• Weight of seat: 9.29 lbs.
• Height limit: 40 inches

Best travel car seat and stroller system

• Converts from a car seat to a stroller in seconds
• TUV and FAA approved
• Rear-facing position only

Planning to bring a stroller and a car seat on your next vacation? This innovative product by Doona combines both items into one lightweight travel system. The Best of Baby award-winning product has wheels that unfold from the bottom of the seat in seconds, meaning you can go from cruising along the pavement to safely buckled into a vehicle in no time. And it doesn’t skimp on safety features—with a five-point harness, three layers of impact protection and an adjustable handle that doubles as an anti-rebound bar in car seat mode. It also comes fully assembled and can be used from day one, without any extra adaptors or inserts. The best part? It’s certified as safe by the US and European authorities for air travel.

• Weight of seat: 16.5 lbs.
• Weight capacity: 4 to 35 pounds

Best toddler travel car seat

• Lightweight; compact fold
• Travel case can be worn as a backpack
• Parents report that the crotch strap is too short

Another contender for the title of best travel car seat is this pick by WAYB. Designed for children over the age of 2, this forward-facing seat has a foldable aluminum frame that fits inside the included travel bag for easy transportation. And whether you’re ridesharing, road tripping or traveling by plane, Pico’s five-point safety harness keeps your little one safely buckled in. It's FAA approved and even fits in most airplane overhead bins.

• Weight of seat: 8 lbs.
• Weight capacity: 22 to 50 pounds
• Height limit: 45 inches

Best travel booster seat

• Easy to install
• Quick-release design
• Not suitable for children under the age of 4
• Not usable for air travel

If your kiddo has grown too big for a travel car seat, a backless booster seat is a good option for car travel. The innovative quick release design and built-in carry handle makes it easy to move between vehicles. Plus, lap belt guides and a shoulder clip allow for easy installation when you’re trying to get from point A to point B in a hurry. Again, it’s important to note that booster seats are not safe for use in airplanes. Bonus: Use code BUMP2023 on the Chicco website to get $75 off any order of $299 or more.

• Weight of seat: 6 lbs.
• Weight capacity: 40 to 110 pounds

How We Chose the Best Travel Car Seats

To decide which travel car seats are the best options on the market, we leverage our familiarity with leading baby brands to make sure items are from reliable manufacturers. We read user reviews to get the low-down on how these products work for families, and typically don’t consider anything with less than an average four-star rating. And since many of us are also parents, we rely on our writers’ and editors’ experience using these products with their own families.

When it comes to car seats, safety is paramount, so we also consulted the American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines and checked that all options—bar the booster seat—are approved for air travel by the Federal Aviation Authority .

Interested in learning more about our editorial process? Read about how our team develops and reviews all articles here .

Plus, more from The Bump:

The Best Infant Car Seats

Best Toddler Car Seats to Keep Your Traveling Tot Safe

Tips for Traveling With Baby

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8 top car seats for travel

There comes a point in every pre-trip packing session when my husband and I look at each other and ask, " Do we bring the car seats ?" Several factors come into play when deciding: Are we renting a car at our destination? Are we going to a place where we can mostly get around on foot or rely on public transportation? Can we survive a 10-hour overnight flight with our squirmy 19-month-old not tethered into the familiar cocoon of her Cosco Scenera?

More often than not, the car seats come along on our family travels — even when we know we'll likely only use them on the cab ride to and from the airport. After all, car seats are free to check on nearly every airline, the quality and condition of rental-car seats at your destination can't be guaranteed, and you'll feel more secure installing a car seat you've used before, rather than one that's brand new to you and your baby.

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What makes a car seat good for travel?

When it comes to travel, not all car seats are created equal. That super-heavy, cup-holder-accented, rock-star ride that's become a fixture in your minivan back home is going to look a lot less attractive when you're pushing two suitcases and a few carry-ons through London Heathrow while trying to figure out how to balance the car seat atop it all and make a connection at Gatwick.

That is when you need a compact car seat that travels like a pro and keeps your baby safe. And that's where we've got you covered with our best suggestions for travel car seats that won't have you dreading the logistics of lugging them along.

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DOONA INFANT CAR SEAT AND STROLLER

Why it's great: The Doona converts from a car seat to a stroller and back again with the push of a button.

Photo courtesy of Doona

One thing to know, however, is that this is an infant car seat and not a system that's going to grow with your baby. The Doona is rated for babies up to 35 pounds and 32 inches long, and is a tight squeeze when you get close to those numbers. Your baby may surpass the height limits even before the weight limits. It should work well for about the first year, but possibly not much beyond.

COSCO SCENERA NEXT

Why it's great: The Cosco Scenera Next is as lightweight and affordable as car seats come and has a safety sticker for airplane use.

Here's a car seat with a deserved cult following among traveling families. The Cosco Scenera Next wins on so many levels and is the perfect car seat when you get to toddler age. It can be used rear- or forward-facing for kids up to 40 pounds. At less than seven pounds, the seat is super light to carry. I've often put it atop the canopy of my stroller to push it through the airport when I've wanted to have it on board during a flight.

The seat has the mandatory sticker on the side that lets flight attendants and ground crew know that it's certified for use on airplanes (I've been asked to show this sticker on more than one occasion, both at check-in and once inside the plane). Safety features include side-impact protection built into the headrest and a five-point harness system that's a cinch to get on and off. Win, win, win all around. You can find this affordable seat on Amazon, but walmart.com often has more selection when it comes to colors and patterns, as well as lower prices.

CHICCO KEYFIT 30 INFANT CAR SEAT

Why it's great: Bubble indicators let you know it's in perfect position and easy installation are among the features we love.

Chicco makes some great all-around car seats. And if you're planning to hit the road a bunch with your infant, it's worth investing in a Chicco stroller to go along with the highly rated Chicco KeyFit30 Infant Car Seat . Car seat installation can be befuddling, but this one is super easy to install securely and has spring-assisted leveling footing and a bubble indicator you can reference to be sure it's in the right position. After all, a car seat works most effectively when it's properly installed. Infants from four to 30 pounds and up to 30 inches long can be accommodated and the car seat is designed to click in and out easily into Chicco strollers, so you can transfer smoothly from the back seat of the car to the street. Together with the car seat base, the system weighs around 17 pounds. Not exactly feather-light, but still easy enough to get around with.

COMBI COCCORO

Why it's great: The narrow body leaves extra space for siblings alongside and we love that this one can be used rear- and forward-facing.

Another good contender in the convertible car seat category, the Combi Coccoro is a bit bulkier than the Cosco Scenera Next but still a good choice. It weighs less than 15 pounds and can be used rear- and forward-facing for kids up to 40 pounds. The car seat has a nice narrow build that makes it far less cumbersome than many others for use as a kiddie straitjacket, er, safety device inside an airplane. It's also FAA approved, with the sticker to prove it.

EVENFLO TRIBUTE CONVERTIBLE CAR SEAT

Why it's great: Super lightweight and super affordable make this one an all-around winner.

Weighing in at a hair over nine pounds, here's another good lightweight option with plenty of safety features that can be used rear- and forward- facing as your child grows. There are four shoulder harness positions that make it easy to adjust comfort as your needs change from newborn to the toddler years. And the Tribute 's 100% polyester seat pad and backing is easy to remove and toss into the washing machine between trips. You can use this seat for kids up to 40 pounds and 40 inches long. And you really can't beat the price point, right around the $50 mark and available in different colors on Amazon and Evenflo websites.

PICO TRAVEL CAR SEAT BY WAYB

Why it's great: For ease of portability, it's hard to beat this forward-facing option that can fold down to nearly flat.

This extremely portable car seat looks like a total game changer for moving swiftly through airports and cities while carrying lots of luggage. I've heard good things about it from traveling parents, although I have yet to try it myself. The Pico Travel Car Seat by WAYB is just eight pounds. But more importantly, it folds down to nearly flat, yet has a full-size back seat portion that makes it safe for use as a forward-facing car seat for kids between 22 and 50 pounds and 30 to 45 inches tall.

It couldn't be easier to bring along as a carry-on, or even to pack inside a suitcase. The seat is made from aerospace-grade aluminum, which is to say it's extremely strong and light at the same time. Kids must be at least a year old to use it but it's best suited for those who are 2 years old and up. This one's going on my holiday wish list, for sure.

Approximate price: $234

Why it's great: Its lightweight (just 10 pounds) and small size makes it easy to bring along and stow in the overhead compartment.

Uber uses this harness-style car seat in its uberFAMILY rides. If you're in the market for a portable car seat that will grow with your child from 22 to 55 pounds, this might be a great choice for your family. The IMMI GO folds for easy storage in the overhead bin on an airplane or in the trunk of a car. It also comes with a handy carrying case that makes it easy to tote along on city shopping trips before you jump back in a cab.

BubbleBum Inflatable Backless Car Seat

Why it's great: A seriously portable booster seat for kids between 40 and 100 pounds that you can stash in a backpack or oversized purse to take on the go.

This is the little miracle worker of a booster seat to bring along when traveling with kids between the ages of four and 11, who weigh between 40 and 100 pounds. A few puffs of breath is all it takes to blow up the inflatable BubbleBum , which is 13 inches wide and packs down to nearly flat when you're ready to toss it back into your handbag and go. Three kids can sit on the booster seats next to each other with room to spare in the back seat of a car. What could be easier to pop open and install for a cab ride or something longer? We just wish we had thought of this brilliant idea first.

Bottom line

It's a bit of a pain, but we'll continue to bring a car seat along whenever we travel -- for as long as our kids need them. But, the right car seat certainly depends on a lot of different factors and what's perfect for us may not work as well for you. What's your go-to travel car seat? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments section below.

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The Best Travel Car Seats to Keep Your Little One Safe on the Go

‘Tis the season for going over the river and through the woods to Grandmother’s house. But what to do when you have a little one in tow and Grandmother’s house is 2,000 miles away? Your full-featured, miniature La-Z-Boy-style car seat may be exactly the right tool for the job in day-to-day travels, however you’ll quickly find it’s impractical for planes, trains, and (rental) automobiles.

For long-distance travel you need a car seat that can safely transport your infant, toddler, or school age kiddo while being eminently luggable along with your rollaboards and diaper bag accoutrement. It needs to be easy to set up and break down while Uber drivers tap their fingers and fellow airplane passengers pile up behind you. Extra-soft cushions, sturdy cupholders, and cute patterns? These things are all gravy.

Here’s a selection of travel car seats to fit your budget and specific age-range needs. We’ve pulled a few with some nice-to-have bells and whistles as well as some innovative options that will have you thinking outside the standard car seat box.

For more information on the best travel car seats, refer to our table of contents.

Table of contents

1. editor’s pick: combi coccoro convertible car seat, 2. budget pick: cosco apt 50 convertible car seat, 3. luxury pick: doona infant car seat and stroller, 4. toddler and older pick: wayb pico travel car seat, 5. graco admiral 65 convertible car seat, 6. safety 1st guide 65 convertible car seat, 7. evenflo tribute 5 convertible car seat, 8. evenflo maestro sport booster car seat, 9. evenflo sonus convertible car seat, 10. bubblebum inflatable backless booster car seat, what is a travel car seat, what to expect when you’re choosing a travel car seat, how to install a travel car seat.

Our favorite travel car seat is a well-rounded pick with what we think is just the right mix of necessary features, quality construction, and simplicity. The Combi Coccoro is a travel car seat that is convertible, meaning that it can be mounted in either forward-facing or rear-facing modes depending on the age range and size of your child.

When positioned to be rear facing, the Coccoro accommodates kids from 3 to 33 pounds. In forward mode, the seat is rated for 20 to 40 pounds, and overall whether facing to the front or back, it’s made for a minimum height of 19 inches and maxes out at 40 inches.

The seat itself is especially lightweight at only 11 pounds, meaning transporting the Coccoro in and out of shuttles and through the airport is a breeze, even if you have to hand hold it. At a mere 15.5-inches wide, this seat has a notably slim footprint meaning not only is it less unwieldy to haul around, but also that it will mount in those ever-shrinking Economy Class seats with no problem. It’s compact enough that some parents report they can drop it into their stroller seat, kid and all, for even easier conveyance through the concourse. One more benefit of its skinny build is that you can easily fit three of these seats across the average automotive bench seat, a boon for parents with a passel of children who want to employ the Coccoro year-round.

Other features include a removable infant insert and machine-washable cover. It also has one-touch height adjustment of the five-point harness. As all good seats should have, this offering from Combi has side-impact protection and a thick layer of energy-absorbing foam. It’s FAA approved, and it has a buckle with a visual cue so you know when it is securely in place.

Buyers of the Coccoro report that it’s easy to mount in an airplane seat due to its small stature and curved bottom, allowing you to fine-tune its angle in tight quarters. These same qualities make it ideal for small rental cars outside of North America. As with most of our picks, this seat mounts securely using the LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system or via seatbelt in older or non-American cars.

Of course, a simplified and compact car seat is not without its downsides. You won’t find any cupholders here, and its small size limits the kinds of kids that will fit comfortably within its confines. Average-sized kids are likely to max this car seat out at around four and a half years old while faster growers are going to find themselves in a squeeze.

A few customers have also struggled with rear-facing installations in certain vehicle models, and one reviewer took issue with the tricky crotch buckle. There also appear to be isolated incidents of the shock-absorbing Styrofoam cracking under the strains of normal use within a year.

For budget conscious shoppers, the Cosco Apt 50 provides a stripped down convertible car seat that gets the job done. Even lighter weight than our top pick, this model clocks in at a svelte 8 pounds, yet is rated for a wider range of occupants.

In rear-facing mode, the Apt 50 accommodates kids from 5 to 40 pounds and a maximum of 50 pounds while in the forward position. The seat’s five-point harness can be adjusted to six heights and three front buckle locations as children grow, and its seat pad is machine washable and tumble dry safe.

The gains in capability at a lower price point are achieved in part through the features it doesn’t have. Infant inserts and other niceties like strap pads must be purchased as separate accessories. Meanwhile, strap height adjustment is a manual affair unlike the one-touch operation of our top pick. Each time the height has to be adjusted, it requires rethreading the straps through one set of six pre-determined slots.

Still, this cost-effective model sports a pair of cupholders, has side impact protection and is certified for use on aircraft. James L. says the Cosco Apt 50 is “incredibly easy to install and take out, since there's a tension release button on the latch strap, which not all car seats have.”

It’s additionally worth noting that while owners report that it mounts fine to airplane seats in either forward or rear positions, the seatbelt can be felt beneath the padding and is uncomfortable to lay against without extra cushioning. Some reviewers also have encountered difficulty achieving a safe mount of any sort in a car, even when utilizing professional help.

If money is no object, and ultimate convenience is what you’re after, look no further than the Doona Infant Car Seat. When it’s in a vehicle, it’s a rear-facing car seat, but once outside, in one smooth motion, it’s a stroller. True, this option has a much more limited lifespan, being limited to infants 4 to 35 pounds and maxing out at 32 inches in height, but during that time it would be hard to find a carrier offering a more seamless experience.

The Doona features a five-point harness, adjustable handlebar, washable fabric cover, and side-impact protection. It includes an infant insert, head support, vehicle seat protector, and a base. The carrier is FAA approved and weighs a not insignificant 16.5 pounds.

Buyers say that while it is heavy, you’re rarely carrying it around as the burden of the weight is borne by the wheels. According to reviews, converting it can take a bit of practice, but if you try it a few times at home, you’ll quickly be ready to use it out in the real world. The Doona fits perfectly in an airplane seat or in the back of a two-door vehicle, and while it’s more secure on the base, which weighs an additional 10 pounds, it’s unnecessary while traveling. Getting it through airport security is simple too; just flip it upside down in car seat mode and it fits right through the scanner.

As for downsides, some taller customers mention needing to hunch down to push the carrier in stroller mode. On the flip side, more petite owners explain that getting the heavy car seat out of a tall SUV or crossover can be a bit of a struggle. Also, considering its steep price tag, reviewers wish it came with accessories such as a storage bag or shade extender.

Most buyers agree that it’s expensive, but worth the convenience it provides. NelWa lays it out this way, “We call this the marriage saver! We had a long distance trip with 6 flights and 10+ cabs and Uber’s [sic] and this saved us a ton of hassle and we got a lot of compliments on it!”

For toddler-age kids and up, WAYB has a unique solution that keeps children safely harnessed and also packs up easily when not in use. The Pico is a travel car seat recommended for kids two years and older in the 22- to 50-pound range who are between 30 and 45 inches tall. Unlike standard one-piece, shell-style seats, this product cleverly folds up into a compact eight-pound package that’s easy to lug around or stow away when not needed.

The WAYB Pico’s frame is sheathed in a responsibly sourced wool-polyester mesh fabric, which helps keep kids cool and is devoid of flame retardant chemicals and foams. The Pico is a forward-facing only design and is FAA approved. It can mount via the LATCH standard or via car or airplane belt. Children are secured by a five-point harness, and the design is slim enough to fit three Pico seats across most car bench seats.

The manufacturer recommends the fabric be spot cleaned and air dried, though it can be removed for more extensive cleaning. One buyer warns that the mesh can tear easily and is not easy to clean as any sort of liquid food becomes embedded in the covering. While the WAYB meets all NHTSA safety standards, some owners express concern over its impact protection compared to conventional seats.

Overall, reviewers agree that while not ideal as an everyday seat—armrests would be a welcome addition, for instance—the WAYB Pico serves well as a solution while traveling. It’s very convenient to install in a rush, and quite comfortable despite its skeletal appearance.

Accommodating the widest range of ages yet in this list of travel car seats is a convertible offering from Graco, the Admiral 65, whose name comes bearing a strong hint at its maximum weight rating.

In rear-facing configuration, the Admiral 65 seats kids from 5 to 40 pounds. When facing forward, the range is 22 to 65 pounds. The seat includes removable body supports for infants and has been tested to meet or exceed impact standards for front, side, rear, and rollover collisions. Additionally, it has been tested for structural integrity under extreme hot and cold temperatures.

This FAA-approved car seat mounts using the LATCH system and has a five-point harness and headrest that move in concert without the need to rethread the straps as kids grow or as differently sized siblings swap seats. The design also includes an integrated cupholder.

Owners praise its cozy padding, though they admit the seat is on the heavier side to travel with. A few find it challenging to loosen the straps and some wish it came with shoulder pads to protect the occupant’s neck. Several reviewers also complain of the difficult-to-release latch, which can be almost impossible to access when the seat is in rear-facing mode.

Another travel car seat that’s intent on giving the game away in its name is the Safety 1st Guide 65. As you might have guessed, it’s rated to carry children 5 to 40 pounds in rear-facing mode and 22 to 65 pounds in forward-facing configuration. Safety 1st specifies a minimum height of 19 inches and between 34 and 52 inches for each mode, respectively.

The Guide 65 utilizes a five-point harness, which must be threaded manually through one of five preset heights and one of three lower buckle positions. The head support is also adjustable, and the body pillows are removable, as is the cupholder, which can be placed on either the right or left side. The seat pad can be removed for handwashing.

Making it great for travel, this car seat has a diminutive profile and is FAA approved. It fits well in small cars, though reviewers warn that it can be a tight squeeze in airplane seats. Speaking of tight squeeze, bulkier or fast-growing kids may be better suited to a different seat as this one can be a bit of a pinch. It’s not a great fit for newborns either since the lowest shoulder strap setting is not quite low enough to be safe.

Also of note, some parents have found it a challenge to safely install, saying it requires multiple pool noodles or towels to shim it up. A couple of buyers have also spotted a manufacturing defect wherein screws were missing in a critical location.

Keeping costs in check, the Evenflo Tribute 5 convertible car seat offers up a no-frills solution that gets the job done. Weight ranges are 5 to 40 pounds when pointed rearward and 22 to 40 pounds when forward facing. The acceptable height range is 19 to 37 inches.

The Tribute 5 is engineered with side-impact protection which meets or exceeds all federal safety standards and is FAA certified. It features a removable head pillow and integrated body cushions. The seat pad can be removed and is machine washable on the cold cycle and safe to tumble dry on low heat. The five-point harness can be adjusted to multiple positions, and the seat itself is installed via the LATCH standard, though recline will need to be fine-tuned by using towels or pool noodles.

The seat includes a detachable cupholder, and overall, only weighs 9.3 pounds. Be advised however, that the cupholder does not match the one in the photo and has garnered poor reviews. Similarly, the placement of the airplane belt buckle can be felt through the modest seat padding and can be uncomfortable for little ones. Also, make sure you know the location of the hard-to-find FAA statement on this seat before the flight attendant puts you on the spot.

On the plus side, reviewers praise its lightweight, travel-friendly design saying it even squeezes into tiny budget airline seats *cough* Spirit *cough* . The cover holds up well to the rigors of cleaning up after car sick toddlers, and though it lacks many creature comforts, it delivers where it matters. Jim A. gets down to the brass tacks of what a car seat is for: “My daughter and my 2 year old were in horrible crash... the car flipped over, (sliding) across the highway landing upside down! The car seat saved her life! Just some red marks from the straps!”

For kids that have transitioned beyond the infant stage, the Evenflo Maestro Sport is a travel car seat that offers two front facing modes. One configuration is for smaller kids, 22 to 50 pounds and up to 50 inches in height, and it utilizes a standard five-point harness. When the kids have graduated beyond that stage, this seat converts to a belt-positioning booster that uses the car’s own safety restraints. Its top capacity is 110 pounds and 57 inches in height.

It features dual cupholders, a machine washable pad, and removable head pillow. It weighs less than 10 pounds and is FAA approved when used with the five-point harness. It’s manufactured with side-impact and rollover protection and can be mounted using the LATCH system or seatbelts. Perhaps most interesting, each purchase includes live video installation support.

Owners of the Maestro Sport report that it’s great for airplane use but can be a bit unwieldy to haul around. For that reason, a strap that can attach the seat to your roller bag is highly recommended. As with many travel car seats, parents tend to dislike this model for day-to-day use. It’s not as padded as more expensive models, tightening the top tether in trucks can be very difficult, and the upright seating position means kids’ heads tend to nod forward, unsupported, when they doze off. The cupholders also detach with frustrating ease, leaving one mom to worry that they will one day become toddler-powered projectiles while driving.

One last entry from the folks at Evenflo is the Sonus convertible car seat. Rated for children five to 40 pounds while rear facing and 22 to 50 pounds when aimed at the front, this travel car seat accommodates kids up to 50 inches tall.

In addition to rollover and side-impact protection, FAA approval, and a five-point harness adjustable to five height positions, the Sonus also touts ventilation built into the frame for better temperature regulation. And, to prevent unintentional “ouchies,” this seat has buckle storage pockets to keep hot metal clasps away from little fingers. The head pillow is removable, as are the seat pads for machine washing and tumble drying. There are two cupholders that fit both standard sippy cups as well as non-round objects like juice boxes due to the addition of elastic bands.

Parents report that this seat works well on airplanes and isn’t too heavy at just 11 pounds. Reviews indicate that this is a particularly good pick for taller toddlers and the kickstand allows the seat to recline both in forward- and rear-facing modes.

As to the bad, the crotch buckle is unpadded and is a potential pinch hazard, and despite efforts to the contrary, the black neoprene material gets very hot during the summer months. The seat is also quite tall making it problematic in rear-facing configurations since it needs a very deep back seat for proper installation. Finally, multiple buyers complain of the elastic breaking on the cupholders.

And finally for a completely different approach. With a cheeky, memorable name, the BubbleBum is a backless booster seat for toddlers and school age kids that may not need a full car seat but still need a boost for proper belt positioning.

Geared toward kids between four and 11 years old and weighing between 40 and 100 pounds, the BubbleBum is foldable for travel, easily squeezing into a purse or backpack. This booster gets its name from the fact that it has to be inflated by mouth using a nozzle in the rear, and when it’s time to pack it away, the air is squeezed out for a compact footprint. It takes about 10 seconds to inflate according to its manufacturer, but even when deflated, it meets federal safety regulations due to an adequate amount of memory foam that comprises its construction.

The BubbleBum includes seatbelt guides for proper routing of the vehicle’s safety restraints and a travel bag for storage. The booster can be cleaned by spraying and wiping the exterior and weighs a mere 1.2 pounds. The company advises that the seat should not be exposed to extreme temperatures while inflated because the internal bladder can expand and split, compromising its function. This includes leaving the booster in a hot car. Similarly, the BubbleBum is susceptible to great changes in altitude and may deflate when going from low to high. For this reason, it should never be inflated while at high altitude and then taken to a lower altitude. When flying, the booster should always be deflated.

While the manufacturer touts this product as an everyday solution, most reviewers agree it works better as a stopgap for situations where proper boosters with backs are unavailable. While it’s reportedly softer and more comfortable than standard boosters, it’s not as effective for a wiggly or sleepy kid who might slide off the seat. Finally, there’s a bit of an “ick” factor which is perhaps more pronounced in the COVID era. The only way to inflate the BubbleBum is to put the nozzle between your lips. The same nozzle that might have just been touching the seat of a well-used taxicab. Just sayin’.

Photo credit: mathom / Shutterstock.com

All the shiny bells and whistles are great when your kid’s car seat is practically a permanent fixture of your vehicle, but when it’s time to traverse the country—or the world—a lighter, more travel-friendly alternative is practically a must. Standard car seats fall in the 25- to 30-pound range while the kind of car seat you’ll want to haul through the airport is more like eight to 15 pounds.

The perfect travel car seat has all of the essentials and none of the overkill. That seat is going to go with you from home to shuttle to security to plane to shuttle number two to rental car and then the same sequence in reverse (and that’s assuming a direct flight!). Lightweight and easy-to-carry is the name of the game. Oh, and one more thing: approval from the FAA. Any car seat that you plan to install on an airplane must have explicit documentation stating that it’s safe to fly.

Travel car seats come in the same flavors as normal car seats: infant, convertible, booster, etc. In fact there aren’t really travel car seats so much as there are car seats that are better for travel. That is, there’s no reason you can’t use a travel car seat as your everyday car seat, just that a car seat ideal for travel is probably not the one you want to take the kids to school in day to day, if you can help it. They tend to be a bit flimsier, have a few less cupholders, and a little less room to spread out.

When choosing a travel car seat, consider how you want to use it and the child who will be using it. Ask yourself, how do I want to transport this through the airport? Will you have a cart at the ready, or do you plan to carry it?

While smaller is generally better, you’re ultimately limited by the size of your ever-growing passenger. Get a seat that’s made for an infant, and by the next time you go on vacation you may find you’re shopping for travel car seat number two. In fact, if you already have an infant carrier, a seat specifically for travel is probably unnecessary as your everyday car carrier can just be removed from its base and installed in the plane or in the car directly via seatbelt routing.

So, make sure you choose the right size for your needs according to how long you reasonably expect to use the same seat. You’ll get a lot more life out of a convertible car seat that can start out being mounted in rear-facing mode for infants and transition to forward-facing mode for toddlers and older kids. Just remember that do-it-all seats have their drawbacks, notably cramped installation in rear-facing mode.

And that’s one of the other major considerations. The seat you choose to travel with should be able to install in a shuttle, taxi, Uber, rental car, and airplane with minimal rigamarole. Some seats require shims like rolled up towels or pool noodles to achieve a safe and secure install. Do you really want to travel across the country with pool noodles in your diaper bag?

Other considerations include comfort. The amount of padding should be directly related to how long you expect your little one to stay in their seat. In poorly padded seats, the airplane buckle can often be felt through the cushion, poking into the child’s back. Verify also that the seat you choose is FAA approved. Know where the sticker stating its certification is located. It is always printed in red, and you may be asked by a flight attendant to show it.

Is your kid four or older? A traditional car seat may not even be necessary. Other solutions exist such as travel boosters, backless or not, or a travel vest. Just remember, a booster seat is only for a car. On the airplane they need to be stowed away.

Proper installation of a car seat is an important safety concern. Always refer to your specific seat’s instruction manual and other accompanying documentation such as video demonstrations. It is often helpful to look for other customers’ how-to videos as well, but remember that your car seat manufacturer is the ultimate resource.

In general, every American car seat can be installed one of two ways: either using the LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system or by using the automobile’s seat belt. Most cars manufactured after September 2002 are required to have the LATCH system, and it’s generally considered the safest way to install a child seat.

Before traveling, learn and practice installing your travel car seat using both methods. Once you’re in another city, state, or country, you will be in an unfamiliar vehicle with all of the pressures of family travel in tow. While almost any car you encounter will be child seat-ready, there’s still the chance you’ll find yourself in an outdated or foreign vehicle that doesn’t adhere to the American standard. Note the fact that while some child seats are equipped with top tethers, not all vehicles come equipped with top tether hooks, and not all top tether hooks are located in the same place. Some are closer to the floor than they are to the top of the seat.

We are committed to finding, researching, and recommending the best products. We earn commissions from purchases you make using the retail links in our product reviews. Learn more about how this works .

Main photo credit: TierneyMJ / Shutterstock.com

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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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• The best overall
• The best budget-friendly
• The best booster
• The best for infants
• The best for air travel

What else we considered

Check out our other baby gear guides, the best travel car seats.

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I'm not one to buy extra things just to buy them, but I'm okay with spending some extra money on a safe car seat that makes my life easier. When my daughter was born, my husband and I didn't stop traveling, and with Uber, flights, and rental cars, the need for a travel car seat quickly became apparent. They're lighter, less cumbersome, and take up less room. 

Finding the right travel car seat is difficult, though. You need to find the perfect mix of affordability, portability, comfort, and safety. An uncomfortable kid can make for a miserable flight or road trip.  

If you're planning on taking any flights, your car seat must be approved for use by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) . Otherwise, it will need to be checked, and your child will not be able to sit in it on the plane. Babies and kids don't need to sit in car seats on planes, but it's safer and more comfortable for your child. All of our picks are approved by the FAA, with the exception of our booster seat pick. No booster seats are reviewed by the FAA.

I take car seat safety very seriously; I've tested my fair share of car seats and have returned the ones that didn't meet my standards. To bring you the best travel car seats, I combined my own experience testing seats with thorough research using top consumer product websites and authentic customer reviews.  

Here are the best travel car seats you can buy:

Best overall: Safety 1st Guide 65, $144.99 on Amazon Lightweight, compact, and comfortable for kids up to 65 pounds, the Safety 1st Guide 65 is the ideal travel car seat for road tripping across the country or hopping on a flight. 

Best budget-friendly: Cosco Scenera NEXT, $59.98 on Walmart The Cosco Scenera NEXT is extremely light and compact, and the low price point makes it the perfect option to have as an extra car seat for travel. 

Best booster: BubbleBum, $29.99 on Amazon BubbleBum is an inflatable booster seat that weighs just over a pound and can be inflated in 20 seconds.

Best for infants: Doona Infant Car Seat, $550 on Amazon You won't need to pack or check a stroller with the Doona Infant Car Seat that converts directly to a stroller and is safe for babies 4 to 35 pounds.

Best for air travel: Evenflo Tribute LX, $79.99 on Evenflo Lightweight to carry through the airport, compact to fit in the plane seats, and comfortable for your baby or toddler, the Evenflo Tribute LX will serve you well on any flight. 

Best overall

Lightweight, compact, and comfortable for kids up to 65 pounds, the Safety 1st Guide 65 is the ideal travel car seat for road tripping across the country or hopping on a flight. 

If you're already buying an extra car seat for travel, you probably want to buy one and be done for good. The Safety 1st Guide 65 is a convertible car seat that holds babies as small as 5 pounds when rear-facing, and while many other travel car seats are only manufactured for kids up to 40 pounds, the seat is safe for kids up to 65 pounds when forward-facing. 

The Safety 1st Guide 65 is ideal for travel because of its light weight and compact size. It weighs only 12 pounds while many traditional convertible car seats are double that weight. Measuring 20 inches wide, 23.5 inches high, and 18 inches deep, it fits well on airplane seats and can fit three across in most cars. The seat comes with a removable cup holder, which is a nice feature to help keep it compact. I've also found that it is much more cushioned and comfortable than many of the other travel car seat options. 

The seat can be installed with or without the LATCH system, and while this seat is small, light, comfortable, and convenient to use for travel. However, it may be difficult to install tightly and securely in a car. Other reviewers say that they are able to get a very secure fit, so the fit is likely better in some cars than others. 

The Safety 1st Guide 65 is recommended as one of the top travel seats by CarseatBlog , based on research and tests conducted by Child Passenger Safety Technicians. Car Seats for the Littles , a nonprofit staffed by Child Passenger Safety Technicians, also praises this seat, calling it a "long loved convertible car seat that packs some desirable features into a low price tag."

Pros: Lightweight and compact, safe for kids up to 65 pounds, more cushioned and comfortable than many other travel car seat options

Cons: Difficult to securely install in some cars

Best budget-friendly

The Cosco Scenera NEXT  is extremely light and compact, and the low price point makes it the perfect option to have as an extra car seat for travel. 

At 10.4 pounds, the Cosco Scenera NEXT  is one of the lightest car seats out there, making it easy to carry through the airport, on and off shuttle buses, or anywhere else your travels take you. We also love this one because it's extremely affordable.

The car seat can be used for children weighing 5 to 40 pounds, and it's compact enough to fit on an airplane seat or three across in a car. The seat is 17.63 inches wide, 15.75 inches deep, and 30.25 inches high. This seat can be installed rear- or forward-facing and with or without the LATCH system.

While the Cosco Scenera NEXT is a safe option that is convenient for parents, it might not be the most comfortable seat for your child. It doesn't provide much padding between your child and the plastic shell. 

It also has a machine-washable and dryer-safe cover, so you can easily clean it right up when you're done traveling. A removable cup holder is perfect to keep drinks or snacks within reach of your child while traveling.

Wirecutter named it the best convertible car seat for travel of 2019, saying "it's lightweight, small, inexpensive‚ and yet still safe." Car Seats for the Littles praises it for travel: "It's lightweight, it fits under larger strollers, and it can be hung on the handle of a smaller stroller using the top tether strap."

Pros: Lightweight, fits in small cars and on airplane seats, machine-washable cover

Cons: Hard to install properly, some reviewers note that it seems flimsy and uncomfortable

Best booster

BubbleBum is an inflatable booster seat that weighs just over a pound and can be inflated in 20 seconds.

For safety reasons, kids should stay in a car seat with a five-point harness until they outgrow the weight and height recommendations of the seat, so boosters are only for older kids who have completely outgrown car seats. Because no booster seats are approved by the FAA, our top pick is easy to store on an airplane and quick and easy to install in a car.

Hands down, the best travel booster seat is BubbleBum , which is inflatable and made of memory foam. It weighs just over a pound and folds up very small, so you can easily store it in your carry-on, diaper bag, or purse. When ready to use, it can be blown up in 20 seconds and is 11 inches wide, 11 inches deep, and 4.5 inches high. It is suitable for children 4 to 11 years old, weighing 40 to 100 pounds, and up to 59 inches tall.

BubbleBum keeps kids safer in the event of a crash by positioning the seat belt on their legs rather than their stomach, and the memory foam helps kids' bodies stay stable. BubbleBum does not have a high back or head stability, but the lack of these features is what makes it so compact and portable.

Experts widely agree that BubbleBum is the best travel booster. It's rated as a top seat by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), Wirecutter , and BabyGearLab . "We like the simplicity of the BubbleBum and think it is tough to beat for children who do a lot of carpooling," BabyGearLab said. IIHS employs engineers to test booster seats and chose BubbleBum as a best bet because it properly positions the seat belt on kids in virtually any vehicle.

Pros: Lightweight, compact, easy to use, stabilizes child's body and positions seatbelt in a safer position in the event of a crash

Cons: No high back or head support

Best for infants

You won't need to pack or check a stroller with the  Doona Infant Car Seat  that converts directly to a stroller and is safe for babies 4 to 35 pounds.

We'll come right out and say it — this thing is pricey. But if you can afford it and are looking for something that makes life traveling with a baby a million times easier, the Doona Infant Car Seat will be well worth the investment. Designed with wheels attached, this car seat converts to a stroller literally in seconds with the click of a button.

If you find yourself traveling with an infant, this will save yourself room and hassle by not having to pack or check a stroller. Although the LATCH base makes it easier to transfer the seat in and out of a car, the seat can be safely installed without the base as well.

The Doona car seat measures 23.6 inches wide, 17.3 inches deep, and 26 inches high when folded, and unfolded, it measures 39 inches wide, 17.3 inches deep, and 32.3 inches high. The seat weighs 16.5 pounds, making it heavier than your typical infant car seat, but the majority of the time, you'll be pushing the stroller rather than carrying the seat. 

The Doona is safe for babies 4 to 35 pounds, and it comes with an infant insert to help stabilize and bring comfort to even the smallest baby, and many users report using it well beyond their child's first birthday. Because it is an infant seat, it can only be installed rear-facing.

Wirecutter named the Doona one of the top travel car seats, citing its convenience and ease of use. Car Seats for the Littles gave the Doona a positive review, saying it's pretty easy to install (a must for traveling) and has many comfort features to please even the smallest of babies.

Pros:  Stroller and car seat in one, easy to use, saves room when traveling, fits babies 4 to 35 pounds

Cons:  Expensive, heavier than many other infant seats

Best for air travel

Lightweight to carry through the airport, compact to fit in the plane seats, and comfortable for your baby or toddler, the Evenflo Tribute LX will serve you well on any flight. 

The Evenflo Tribute LX is a lightweight and compact seat at just over 9 pounds. It's suitable for babies and toddlers from 5 to 45 pounds. This seat fits well both on airplanes and in compact cars as it measures 17 inches wide, 25 inches high, and 19 inches deep and weighs 9.29 pounds. It's also a very affordable seat that doesn't skimp on comfort or safety. 

We like that the Tribute LX has more padding and is more comfortable than many other travel seats. Its removable cup holders make it very convenient on long trips. If you have a very snug fit on an airplane or in a car, you can easily return them. The seat can be installed rear- or forward-facing and with or without the LATCH system.

Another great feature is the option to purchase this seat with a travel and storage bag. This makes it easy to store at home when you're not traveling and will help protect your seat if you decide to check it rather than have your child sit in it on the plane. 

Board-certified pediatrician Juliet Spurrier of BabyGearLab praises this seat because it scored very well on their crash tests, and it's inexpensive. That combined with its light weight "makes it a good candidate for parents who frequent taxis or Uber," Spurrier said.

Pros: Lightweight and compact, inexpensive, comfortable padding, option to purchase with a travel bag

Cons: Some reviewers have difficulty getting a proper fit in a car

Finding the perfect car seat isn't an easy task, and especially when you're looking at lightweight travel options, you're always sacrificing one feature in favor of another. Here are the other travel car seats we considered for this guide, and why they didn't make the cut. 

• Evenflo Sonus : The Evenflo Sonus is very similar to the Evenflo Tribute LX and is also a great pick for air travel. We like that it has a higher weight capacity, so it will last you longer, but we ultimately picked the Evenflo Tribute LX because the Sonus is a bit heavier and more expensive than the Tribute LX.  
• CARES Child Safety Device : CARES is the only safety device that is not an actual car seat that is approved by the FAA. It's a five-point harness that is designed to keep your child safe on a plane. We didn't include it in the guide because it's not an actual seat, and it's not approved for use in cars. 
• Baby Trend Yumi : The Baby Trend Yumi is a high-back booster seat with head support, and we like it because it provides more security and protection than a backless booster. It does fold up to fit into an overhead compartment on an airplane, but we chose the BubbleBum instead because it is so much more compact when folded, and it's lighter.

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Safe and Sound: The 7 Best FAA-Approved Car Seats for Air Travel

Ashley Onadele

Senior Content Contributor

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Jessica Merritt

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Keri Stooksbury

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Table of Contents

Faa-approved car seats and harnesses, car seats at the airport, top 7 faa-approved car seats and harnesses, car seat travel accessories, final thoughts.

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Earlier in 2023, the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA called on the FAA to ban lap infants for safety reasons. ¹ The union’s call-to-action shocked many, especially parents of infants and children young enough to fly as a lap child. But with more and more reports of sudden turbulence on planes, flight attendants have first-hand experience with the dangers lap children could face.

Though not a requirement, the Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) ² and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) ³ strongly recommend that children fly in an FAA-approved car seat or harness. There are many car seats options for air travel, but finding an FAA-approved car seat isn’t as simple as it seems. Beyond FAA approval, there are other factors to consider, such as price, width, and convenience for your family. There are a few rules when it comes to infant car seat bases and booster seats.

Here’s a complete guide to help you find an FAA-approved car seat for air travel.

Child restraint systems (CRS) are strongly recommended for children traveling by plane. You can elect to fly with an FAA-approved car seat or what’s called a Child Aviation Restraint System (CARES) device. Both devices are approved for use during taxi, takeoff, landing, and turbulence .

You must purchase your child a seat, no matter their age, if you plan to have them sit in a car seat or CARES device during your flight. An airline will not hold a complimentary seat for your child to sit in their car seat.

The U.S. government makes it easy to determine if a car seat is FAA-approved for air travel. To find out if the car seat you already have is approved, simply look for the label on the back, bottom, or side of your seat that reads, “ This restraint is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft .”

The rules are the same on an airplane and in a car for whether or not your car seat should be rear- or forward-facing depending on your child’s weight.

A CARES device is the only FAA-approved car seat alternative and can be used for children up to 40 inches tall and between 22 and 44 pounds. Children this size can still travel in an FAA-approved car seat. Children that can sit upright and be forward facing can use a CARES device that utilizes the aircraft’s existing seatbelt.

Note that while there are FAA-approved booster seats, they, along with backless child restraint systems, are not allowed during taxi, takeoff, and landing .

If you’re still unsure of if you want to purchase a seat and bring a car seat for your infant when traveling, some airlines may provide an extension for your seat belt. This allows you to secure your lap infant to your body through an extension of your own seatbelt. This is more common on international airlines.

Bassinets on Planes

Airlines do not provide car seats for use on their aircraft, but some airlines do provide bassinets for their youngest passengers. Requirements vary, but children must generally be 6 months or younger and weigh less than 22 pounds to travel in a bassinet. Bassinets are free of charge by the airlines that provide them, though you’ll need to be seated in the bulkhead to request a bassinet.

Bassinets are not allowed during taxi, takeoff, landing, and turbulence and are not as safe as when your child is in their own seat in a car seat or CARES system.

Car Seats on International Flights

Car seats are allowed on international flights, but your car seat may not meet the standards for a car seat at your destination (which could be a problem if you plan to rent a car). In places such as the EU, a parent must be able to remove the harness in a single movement . For this reason, there is no chest clip on EU- or UN-approved car seats. Chest clips aren’t required in the U.S., but they’re still prevalent.

Most airlines do not require you to pay an additional fee for checking a car seat or for bringing a car seat to use in the seat you’ve purchased for your child. Car seats and strollers do not count toward your luggage or carry-on allotment .

If you choose to travel with your car seat but decide to check it at the airport, you may want to consider a car seat bag to protect it from dirt and damage. There are also car seat backpacks that hold the car seat and then allow you to — you guessed it — wear your car seat on your back. This frees up your hands to carry other luggage or push a stroller. We’ll dive in to accessories more later in this article.

There are dozens of car seat options out there, so for the sake of brevity, the FAA-approved car seats on this list are considered best based on a few criteria. Note that backless booster seats are not allowed for use on airplanes during taxi, takeoff, and landing and are therefore not included on this list.

Weight, size, price, overall reviews , and popularity are what make these car seats the best for air travel. When you’re juggling carry-on luggage, a child (or several children), passports, tickets, and more, the last thing you want to worry about is a heavy piece of equipment.

The width of your car seat of choice is also important. It might seem like air travel is getting more and more cramped, but thankfully and factually, the width of airline seats is not shrinking.

Even still, you’ll want to keep in mind that you won’t have as much room in an airplane seat as you do in your car , so size matters. To give you an idea of what to expect, here are the average seat widths for U.S.-based airlines on domestic routes less than 6 hours:

Before purchasing your ticket, check online for the seat pitch of the airline and aircraft that is scheduled to fly your itinerary ( SeatGuru is a great resource). You’ll be able to get an idea of whether or not your car seat will fit properly in the seat before you buy.

And lastly, you should consider the price and overall reviews when making your decision. Each of the car seats on this list is FAA-approved. More expensive won’t necessarily mean safer . And reviews of happy parents and kids should also help make the decision easier.

1. Safety 1st Jive 2-in-1 Convertible Car Seat

The Safety 1st June 2-in-1 Convertible Car Seat is our top choice for an FAA-approved car seat . This seat measures just over 18 inches wide and 14.25 pounds in weight. And with an affordable price on Amazon, it’s not a huge investment if you decided to exclusively use this car seat for air travel while having another that stays in your car.

This car seat is convertible, meaning it can grow with your baby . Babies can safely sit in this seat when rear-facing from 5 to 40 pounds, then turn it forward-facing starting at 22 pounds and up to 65 pounds.

2. Graco SnugRide 35 Lite LX Infant Car Seat

Next on the list is an infant car seat that can only be used rear-facing and for babies from 4 to 35 pounds. Just like in your car, an infant car seat must be rear-facing when installed on a plane. The Graco SnugRide is around 15.5 inches wide when installed without the base (which is not FAA-approved) and weighs 7.2 pounds.

Infant car seats come with a base to use in your car, but the base will not fit on an airline seat (nor is it FAA-approved for use). Bases do, however, fit just fine in the overhead compartment, so you won’t have to check this important part of your child’s car seat for use at your destination.

3. Cosco MightyFit 65 DX Convertible Car Seat

The Cosco MightFit is a convertible car seat that can safely accommodate children from 5 to 40 pounds in rear-facing mode. At 21.5 inches wide, it’s great for airplane seats and can even fit 3 across a row in most cars — music to the ears of parents with 3 or more small children.

This convertible car seat will work for your child until they are 65 pounds, weighs just over 10 pounds, and generally costs less than $100.

4. Nuna PIPA lite rx Infant Car Seat

For stylish parents ready to shell out a few hundred dollars on an infant car seat , the Nuna PIPA lite rx might be just what you’re looking for. This FAA-approved car seat come in a variety of colors and patterns and has grown in popularity over the last few years.

This infant car seat weighs just under 7 pounds and is for babies weighing between 4 and 32 pounds in a rear-facing position. The seat is 17.5 inches wide.

Infant car seats are great for traveling with an baby because they can go from your car to the plane without much effort or having to switch equipment. Just be sure that whichever infant car seat you choose is FAA-approved.

5. Doona Infant Car Seat

The Doona Infant Car Seat is the most expensive on this list, but it’s easily the most convenient and offers some of the greatest value . That’s because you can go from car to stroller in 1 move thanks to the car seat’s built-in wheels and handlebar, making it a fantastic option for families on the go. The thousands of 5-star Amazon reviews from happy parents confirm it’s a great buy.

The car seat weighs 17 pounds and is just over 17 inches wide . Keep in mind that an infant car seat must be rear-facing and can only hold children up to 35 pounds before needing a larger option. The Doona Infant Car Seat comes with a base for use in the car that should fit in the airplane’s overhead compartment.

Doona also makes accessories designed to fit its car seat and stroller, such as a rain cover and detachable storage bag.

6. WAYB Pico Travel Car Seat

Though another pricey option at ~$500, including a carrying bag, the WAYB Pico Travel Car Seat is a great investment for families who do a lot of travel and are in the market for convenience.

The WAYB Pico is a forward-facing car seat for kids that weigh 22 to 50 pounds and are between 30 and 45 inches tall. The seat itself folds up neatly and the option above even comes with a carrying bag for the 8-pound car seat to travel in when not in use. And at only 14.5 inches wide , it’s easily the most airline seat-friendly option on this list.

This is a really great option whether you rent cars or use rideshare apps on vacation. While it’s true that some countries don’t require car seats at all, or your taxi driver won’t require a car seat to transport your family, you can have peace of mind knowing that your child can comfortably ride in this compact car seat anywhere you go.

7. CARES Harness

The Child Aviation Restraint System (CARES) Harness is for children who are at least 1 year old and weigh between 22 and 44 pounds . The harness works together with the aircraft’s seatbelt to provide added security to young children.

The harness is extremely lightweight and at just 1 pound, it can even fit into your pocket. In addition to being FAA-approved, the CARES Harness is also approved by air authorities in Canada, the U.K., France, and more . Contact your preferred airline to confirm that this car seat alternative is approved for travel outside of the U.S.

Note that CARES Harnesses are not approved for use in motor vehicles .

When traveling with a sometimes bulky item like a car seat, you might want to consider a few items to make it easier to carry everything.

If you’re checking your car seat, great — you can get a car seat cover that will protect your seat from the elements. The JL Childress Ultimate Backpack comes with straps to allow you to wear your car seat on your back. And if you’re taking your seat with you on the plane, you could tie your car seat to your carry-on suitcase with a car seat travel belt .

When considering a car seat for air travel, you’ll want to look for car seats that fit the width of seats on the aircraft you’ll be flying as well as the type of seat you need. Infant car seats must be rear-facing and are generally only for babies no heavier than about 35 pounds. Convertible car seats grow with your child and can be used rear-facing or forward-facing. However, these seats can be heavier to carry and too large for some airline seats. This guide will come in handy when choosing your child’s car seat for air travel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are all car seats faa-approved.

Most car seats are FAA-approved, but to be sure, look for a sticker that specifically states that your car seat is approved for motor vehicles and aircraft. Backless booster seats, for example, are not FAA-approved to use on airplanes.

How do I know if car seat is FAA-approved?

FAA-approved car seats are clearly labeled on the car seat. To find out if your car seat is FAA-approved, look for a sticker either on the back, bottom, or side of your seat that reads, “This restraint is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft.”

Are Doona car seats FAA-approved?

Yes, the Doona car seat is FAA-approved. The base that the car seat fits into in a car cannot be used on an airplane but can be stowed in the overhead compartment for later use in a car.

Does a 2-year-old need a car seat on a plane?

No, a 2-year-old does not need a car seat on a plane. While it is recommended that all children have their own seats and sit in a car seat while on a plane, this is not a requirement.

What age does a child need a car seat on a plane?

Children are not required to be in a car seat on a plane. However, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) both highly recommend that babies and young children fly in their own seat in a car seat or other child safety harness.

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About Ashley Onadele

Ashley discovered a love for travel in college that’s continued as her family has grown. She loves showing parents how they can take their families on trips using points and has contributed to numerous publications and podcasts.

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5 Best Rotating Car Seats, Tested by Experts

Being able to buckle your child in right keeps them safest in their seat, and this new gear option helps.

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.

Best Overall

Chicco fit360.

Graco Turn2Me

Extended Rear Facing

Baby jogger city turn.

Maxi-Cosi Emme 360º

Best With Load Leg

Cybex sirona s.

A rotating car seat, however, is a great choice for families who are loading a baby or toddler in and out of a car seat every day. The seat turns to face you as you stand at the side of the car. You can buckle your child into the seat while they look at you (versus, as one Reddit poster wrote, dumping your child in sideways like a sack of potatoes) and only once they are safely strapped in do you spin the seat so your child is ready to ride.

There are downsides. Rotating car seats are big, heavy, and some can be a bear to install. They're all fairly new, without tens of thousands of reviews to offer reassurance. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) does not yet list them as a car seat "type" but lumps rotating seats in with convertible car seats . Finally, you'll want to pay particular attention to whether a seat has a 360-degree rotation or a 180-degree rotation. Those that spin all the way around offer the rotational feature when your child faces either direction, rear or forward. Seats with only a 180 turn only have the rotation tool for the rear-facing years. Scroll to the end of our piece to read more about how rotating car seats work, plus their pros and cons.

At the time of our review this is the newest rotating car seat and it impresses us with a base that easily installs with a seatbelt through a system Chicco calls LeverLock. You open a hatch in the backrest of the base, thread the seatbelt through and then shut the hatch for a tight installation. ( Watch this video for all the installation tips, including parking your car on a level surface, using the attached key to pop the seat off the base and using the top tether in both the rear- and forward-facing years.) One installation is all you need and then it's good for either seat position.

The Fit360 has a 360-degree spin so you can use the turning feature whether your child rides rear- or forward-facing. Your child can only face rear to 40 pounds; the brand's NextFit has extended rear-facing to 50 pounds. The Fit360 also does not have a booster mode; that's the brand's OneFit . How do you decide your priority: extended rear-facing, longevity or easy loading? When we asked one of our consumer testers who chose a rotating car seat, she said, "Once our son became old enough to not be constantly carried in the infant seat, I became incredibly frustrated at trying to put him in the car seat sideways. We kept the infant seat in one car (though I hate it) and chose a rotational seat for the other."

Multiple features on the Fit360 make it simple to get your child strapped in. The buckle at the crotch tips forward and the harness clips can be stored out of the way so you don't accidentally sit your baby on the buckles. The harness snaps closed with the help of a magnetic chest clip and there are 15 headrest/harness positions and six reclines.

No rotational seats is slim but the Fit360 is a smidge more narrow than the others on this list. A QR code printed on the seat takes you to videos that will help you use all the features. On the brand's website you can buy a unique, crash-tested baby mirror that mounts to the seat in the rear-facing position — it's popular and keeps selling out. This is also the only rotating car seat we know that will sell you an extra base so you can move the seat between two cars; that's also on the brand's site.

Rotation: 360 degrees | Rear-facing limit: 40 lbs | Forward-facing limit: 65 lbs | Headrest and harness positions : 15 | Recline positions: 6 | Dimensions: ‎20" x 18.25" x 25.75" | Seat weight: 31 lbs

Graco consistently makes car seats that impress us. The SlimFit3 LX won one of our Parenting Awards and Graco's Extend2Fit is our pick for the best overall toddler car seat. The Turn2Me, their rotating car seat, has much of the same look and feel as those, and it also becomes a booster seat for big kids, meaning you can use this seat from birth until your child weighs 100 pounds.

This seat costs about $100 less than it did when it first came out, and it's now a great affordable pick . It's important to know, however, that this seat has a 180-degree turn. You can spin it toward you for easy loading only as long as your child is riding rear-facing, which is up to 40 pounds. Once they turn to face forward you lose the swivel.

You can get a tight, safe installation using a seatbelt with the Turn2Me, but the Graco SnugLock system is under the seat rather than in the backrest of the base. That means you'll have to reinstall the seat when your child moves from rear- to forward-facing. (There are helpful videos on the Amazon link.) The harness straps can be tucked out of the way during load-in and the harness and headrest adjust to any of 10 positions while the seat has four reclines.

This seat comes in the standard gray and black but also some fun color options, like a maroon and a blue. It's got an extra-plush infant insert that you use until your newborn's shoulders are above the lowest harness setting.

Rotation: 180 degrees | Rear-facing limit: 40 lbs | Forward-facing limit: 65 lbs | Booster limit: 100 lbs | Headrest and harness positions : 10 | Recline positions: 4 | Dimensions: 24.4" x 19" x 24.4" | Seat weight: 30 lbs

NHTSA asks parents to keep a toddler rear-facing as long as possible , ideally to age 3, 4 or even 5. But most rotational car seats have a rear-facing weight limit of 40 pounds. We like that the City Turn can stay rear-facing until your child weighs 50 pounds. Since this only has a 180-degree turn, only rotating to face you for loading and unloading while your child is using the rear-facing position, it's helpful that at least you can keep it rear-facing longer than many other seats.

You thread your car's seatbelt through the base of this and it locks tight with the brand's RapidLock system, which we find easy to use. (Here's the video .) You will have to reinstall the City Turn when you're ready to make it forward-facing; there's a different belt path for that.

The fabric on this is unique; Baby Jogger calls it CoolMax and it's kind of like cooling sheets in that it won't add to your passenger's body temperature. The rotating mechanism is among the smoothest ones and though this is heavy, it's the lightest on our list by a pound or two. It's the priciest pick on our list, though there are rotating car seats on the market that cost even more.

Rotation: 180 degrees | Rear-facing limit: 50 lbs | Forward-facing limit: 65 lbs | Headrest and harness positions : 10 | Recline positions: 6 | Dimensions: 22" x 19" x 23.5" | Seat weight: 28 lbs

Like our best overall pick, the Emme only has to be installed once and then you're done, even when your child starts to ride forward-facing. That's because of the way a seatbelt threads through the base. A difference is that this seat is made to intentionally stay attached to the base, even during installation. It's attached via a safety cable which makes installation awkward because you have to do it with the seat flopped to the side. (Here's the video that walks you through it.) The good news is once you've done it, you're good for years.

Like our best value pick, this becomes a booster seat, so there's longevity. With the Emme's 360-degree swivel you can use the turn feature during both the rear-facing and forward-facing years. Some online reviewers write that they struggle with the turning mechanism but our Lab experts have not had that problem, though we concede it might take two hands and more finger strength than others.

What stands out for us with the Maxi-Cosi brand is its signature plush fabric and attention to comfort. Padding around the harness, where it might hit your baby's neck, is thicker on this than most. The magnetic chest clip makes buckling fast and easy. The crotch buckle can be moved to accommodate a bigger baby, but you must rethread it through a new hole to do so. This is the widest and heaviest seat on our list; the width can help a large child stay comfy.

Rotation: 360 degrees | Rear-facing limit: 40 lbs | Forward-facing limit: 65 lbs | Booster limit: 100 lbs | Headrest and harness positions : 10 | Recline positions: 5 | ‎ Dimensions 19" x 22" x 23" | ‎ Weight of the seat: 41 lb

The Sirona S has lot of bells and whistles, which we love (as car seat geeks) but recognize might complicate things for parents looking for simplicity. For instance, the base has a load-leg, an added safety feature that requires a little more fussing with installation. The chest clip connects to the Cybex SensorSafe app and will alert you if your toddler unclips themself, if the back seat is too hot or if you leave your child behind in the car (assuming you keep the app running and keep on notifications).

Cybex was the first brand to bring its European rotating-seat design to the US market. "I chose the Sirona S back when it was the first to offer the feature," a tester told us. "It made life so much easier when my son was an infant. We have a lifted SUV, and I am 5'2", but the seat made it effortless to get him out. My only complaint is the size — I don't think it would fit in my sedan and still give the front passenger enough legroom."

Like the Fit360 and the Emme, you only need to do the seatbelt installation once with the Sirona S. The mechanism that locks the belt in tight is called EasyLock, and it's in the base. (Here's the video . Because Cybex is such a global company, there are a lot of Cybex videos for many products, including those sold overseas, so be sure you are watching the right one!)

The installation video shows one other Sirona S feature that the others lack: linear side impact protection (LSP). If you have some space between the seat and your car door you can pop out the LSP device for a little extra side protection.

Rotation: 360 degrees | Rear-facing limit: 40 lbs | Forward-facing limit: 65 lbs Headrest and harness positions : 12 | Recline positions: 12 | Dimensions: 24.4" x 19" x 24.4" | Seat weight: 30 lbs

How we test rotating car seats

We've evaluated dozens of car seats in our Good Housekeeping Institute Parenting Lab, looking at the installation guides, fabrics, harness and recline adjustments, quality of the hardware and overall size and weight. But our best data comes from our consumer testers who use car seats with their children and share their experience with us. We also have parents who work in our Lab who test car seats for us with children of various ages and in a rang of vehicle types.

Rotating car seats are still new and so there's not a lot of data on real-world use or even guidance from car seat experts. That's in strong contrast to, for instance, infant car seats, which our Lab has been collecting data on for nearly a decade. As of press time, NHTSA only has "ease of use" ratings for the Cybex Sirona S in its search by brands tool. (The Sirona gets five stars overall for rear-facing and four stars for forward-facing.) We expect more opinions to come out in the next few years while we're collecting more data of our own to share in our next update.

What about the Evenflo Revolve360 ? It has the most Amazon ratings of all rotating car seats and is in our previously published list of best all-in-one car seats. We've had consumer testers use it for several years now with no trouble. However, we've recently become aware of consumer complaints that NHTSA is investigating, so for now we have left it off this list.

How to shop for the best rotating car seat

We recommend that you pay attention to these two things:

✔️ Rotation: A rotating car seat with a 360-degree swivel means the turning feature works in both the rear- and forward-facing positions. If you buy a seat with a 180-degree swivel, that one will only turn as long as your child is riding rear-facing.

Realistically, those baby years can be the toughest, so only having the seat rotate from rear-facing might be okay by you. But if you're considering a rotating car seat for a 1-year-old, we recommend buying one that turns 360 degrees so you can use it through the preschool years.

✔️ Longevity: Some of these swiveling car seats turn into booster seats, which can then last into your child's school-age years. But that's not a total dealbreaker; the truth is booster seats don't always cost a ton of money to begin with.

Are rotating car seats safe?

A rotating car seat has to pass all of the same safety hurdles as any other car seat, including crash testing. People within the industry are hopeful that rotating car seats could, in fact, prove safer than traditional seats if they make it easier for parents to buckle their child in correctly.

Joshua Dilts , Chicco car safety product manager and a Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST), told us that his company's survey of more than 1,300 parents showed that getting a child into their car seat and buckled was a significant hurdle in everyday life. "Parents are securing their child into their car seat multiple times a day with many opportunities for misuse. By making it easier and less stressful to secure infant and toddlers within their car seat correctly, children will be better protected in case of an accident," says Dilts, a father of three.

"What I found, personally and anecdotally and in our studies, is that a rotating seat makes not only makes the process much easier for both parent and child, but also it’s also more enjoyable. When the harnessing process is more natural, and when the child and parent face each other, it becomes much easier to secure a baby correctly."

How does a rotating car seat work?

The seat swivels on its base so your child faces you when you're buckling them in or taking them out. Rotating car seats can work either behind the front passenger seat or behind the driver seat — regardless of which spot you choose, the seat will swivel to face the car door. It wouldn't make a lot of sense to install a rotating seat in the middle of the back seat, as then you'd be leaning way over to use it, but theoretically you could.

We strongly urge anyone who buys a rotating car seat to study the owner's manual and watch the brand videos. The installation and daily use is different with these versus traditional car seats. Not only does the seat rotate, but every brand has that rotation mechanism work a bit differently. Get to know the one that you buy.

Pros and cons of a rotational car seat

Pros: Being able to turn your child to face you makes buckling them in a whole lot easier. Leaning in and buckling your child sideways is not just tough for tall or small parents, or parents with a bad back. It's tough for everyone! Rotational car seats can make the whole experience of getting your child in their car seat easier on you, and perhaps both safer and more pleasant for your kid.

Cons: These seats are big. If you have a very small sedan, a rotational car seat might not work in it. Rotational car seats are not slim , so there's not a lot of hope of fitting one of them on each side of your backseat with an additional car seat in the center.

If you're a new parent and what you're looking for is a car seat stroller combo , we get it. It's so easy to attach an infant car seat to your stroller! But there is no travel system that takes a rotating car seat, or any convertible car seat. These are meant to stay in your car and are not highly portable .

Why trust Good Housekeeping?

The experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute have been known for thorough, honest product evaluations for more than a century. We recommend the best family cars and also help families with our annual family travel awards .

Contributing writer Jessica Hartshorn works out of the Parenting and Toy Lab and writes many of our baby gear reviews. She's a journalist who has been covering the juvenile-product market for years, first for American Baby magazine and then for Parents magazine before joining the Institute. Hartshorn helps judge the JPMA Innovation Awards and has appeared on television to walk parents through the best baby registry products.

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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Watch CBS News

Best car seats for keeping baby safe and comfortable

By Meredith Gordon

Edited By Fox Van Allen

May 29, 2024 / 2:31 PM EDT / Essentials

CBS Essentials is created independently of the CBS News editorial staff. We may receive commissions from some links to products on this page. Promotions are subject to availability and retailer terms.

Congratulations, you've got a baby on the way. Amidst all the excitement and emotion that comes with awaiting the arrival of the newest member of your family comes the realization that you're going to need the right baby gear , and fast. That means starting with a car seat. 

Finding the right car seat is mandatory. Some hospitals will require a car seat test to make sure an infant's car seat is installed correctly before releasing the child from its care. And as your baby gets bigger, you'll need to swap out that infant car seat for a convertible car seat that covers both your infant and toddler needs.

A lot goes into choosing the right car seat for babies or toddlers. We're here to help cut through the car seat clutter and help you find the best one for your family's needs. Keep reading for our top car seat picks of the year.

Best car seats for babies in 2024

Car seats can be broken down into two categories: infant car seats and convertible car seats. Infant car seats are designed for newborns and can usually be used until your baby is anywhere from 30-40 pounds (depending on the seat). An infant car seat is designed to be placed rear-facing, which is the safest way for a baby to be placed in the car.

A convertible car seat can be used in both rear-facing and forward-facing modes and is generally suitable for children from birth to about four or five years old. Unlike an infant car seat, a convertible car seat is designed to stay in the car.

While some parents skip the infant car seat stage entirely, we recommend using one. Infant seats are safer and don't require you to remove your child (who could be sleeping) from their seat when exiting the car.

• Best infant car seat : Clek Liing Infant Car Seat
• Best infant car seat runner-up : Chicco KeyFit 35
• Best convertible car seat : Britax Poplar convertible car seat
• Best convertible car seat runner up : Graco 4Ever DLX 4-in-1 convertible car seat

Best infant car seats in 2024

State laws differ, but in general babies should be placed in an infant car seat until they are at least nine months old -- unless the baby weighs over 40 pounds. Children are required to be placed in a rear-facing car seat until they are about two years old. Check your state's car seat requirements for more details. 

Best infant car seat: Clek Liing Infant Car Seat

One of the safest infant car seats on the market, the seat's base installs with the car's Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) system or a seatbelt-tensioning system for cars without a LATCH system. A two-stage body support system makes this seat a terrific choice for small babies (and babes who arrive early), while the seat is compatible with most top stroller brands.

The real star of the show here is this seat's extensive safety features, including advanced side-impact protection and an adjustable load leg that increases the seat's stability and reduces crash forces by 40%. 

The Clek Liing infant car seat is available for $500 at Amazon.

Pro:  This car seat had as us at all those safety features . We also like the space-saving design, which makes this a better fit for small cars than most car seats -- and makes 3-across seating possible for families with bigger kids still in boosters and car seats.

Con: It's pricey!

Best infant car seat runner up: Chicco KeyFit 35

The Chicco KeyFit 35 is one of the easiest to use infant car seats on the market. This seat fits with most cars' LATCH systems and features a spring loading-leveling foot on the base that ensures proper installation every time. 

The five-position headrest raises with the harness. The seat's anti-rebound bar provides added stability and leg room as baby grows. It offers a removable infant head and body support insert, which can be used for newborns 4-11 pounds. It easily moves from the car seat base to compatible Chicco strollers.

The Chicco KeyFit 35 is available at Amazon for $184, reduced from list price of $230.

• It's easy to use and to install. The newborn support and the extended headrest make this seat usable from birth until baby is 32 inches tall.
• This seat is only compatible with Chicco strollers.

More top-rated infant car seats in 2024

• Easy installation and no rethread : Graco SnugRide SnugFit 35 Infant Car Seat with Anti-Rebound Bar, $170
• Best rain/sun shield : Nuna Pipa RX Car Seat & Base, $450
• Most versatile for travel : UPPAbaby Mesa V2 Infant Car Seat, $330

Best convertible car seats in 2024

Some parents choose to get one seat, called a convertible car seat, for both the infant and toddler stages. Convertible car seats can sit both rear-facing and front-facing. 

Convertible car seats are not stroller compatible, however, and are not as safe for an infant as an infant-designated car seat. Purchasing one convertible car seat in lieu of an infant car seat will save you money. But because a convertible car seat isn't stroller compatible, you'll often be taking a sleeping baby out of the seat to put them in their stroller. 

Best convertible car seat: Britax Poplar convertible car seat

Britax's Poplar convertible car seat boasts easy installation thanks to   its ClickTight technology, which features clear seatbelt paths and labeled access with seat belt thread or buckle options offered.

While other convertible car seats can be clunky, this 17-inch seat is designed to fit three-across, making room for siblings, other car seats or other passengers in the back of your car. The seat also features two dishwasher-safe cup holders.

The seat features a 14-position harness and headrest, which when adjusted together can help mom and dad find baby's perfect fit. The seat frame is made from steel and features a "crumple" zone to help absorb crash energy.

This Amazon best-selling carseat is listed for $300, but is currently on sale for $240.

Pro : 

• This seat is easy to install and to clean.
• It's available in eight colorways (price varies by color).
• This seat isn't great in rear-facing mode for an extended period of time as it doesn't provide much legroom.

Best convertible car seat runner up: Graco 4Ever DLX 4-in-1 convertible car seat

Convertible car seats rarely come with an easy installation, but the Graco 4Ever DLX convertible car seat does just that. The seat fits with a car's LATCH system and features an integrated lock system. The seat grows with your child by offering six recline options and a 10-position adjustable headrest.

The seat offers two cup holders, a baby seat insert and a belt tensioning plate to ensure your little one is secure in his or her seat. It can be used rear-facing (4-40 pounds) and forward-facing (22-65 pounds). The seat can even be used as a highback belt-positioning booster  (40-100 pounds) or a backless belt-positioning booster (40-120 pounds), guaranteeing you'll get your money's worth here.

• This seat is easy to install and usable up to 120 pounds.

Con : 

• The cover can be challenging to remove for cleaning.

More top convertible car seats in 2024

• Pricey, but worth it : Nuna Rava convertible car seat, $550
• Handy rotating seat : Cybex Sirona S, $400
• Safe and sturdy on a budget : Evenflo EveryKid 3-in-1 convertible car seat, $160

When to switch your car seat

While each state has different car seat requirements, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends keeping your child in a car seat for as long as possible, noting that with each car seat transition comes less protection for your child in the event of a car accident.

In the United States motor crashes are the leading cause of death for children under four years old. Making sure your child's car seat is properly installed and safe for your child could be the difference between life and death. That means keep your child in some sort of car seat or booster from birth to adolescence.

• Infants are required to be in a rear-facing car seat until they reach the maximum height and weight requirement established by the car seat's manufacturer.  That means you'll switch your child out of their rear-facing car seat anywhere from nine months to two years old (recommended).
• Babies and toddlers should be in a forward-facing car seat once they've outgrown their rear-facing car seat until they are at least four years old.
• Children need to use a belt-positioning booster seat once they outgrow a forward-facing car seat, until they are at least eight years old. 
• Lap and shoulder belts are required for children who have outgrown a booster seat.
• Children are recommended to sit in the back seat of the car until they are at least 13 years old.

Can I use a car seat after a car accident?

The National Highway Traffic Safety Association ( NHTSA ) advises that any car seat involved in a moderate or severe car accident be replaced. That's because the force of a car accident can damage the structural integrity of the car seat. If a car seat is involved in a minor crash, one where the car could be driven from the crash site, no one was injured in the accident, the car door nearest the car seat wasn't damaged, air bags were not deployed and the car seat shows no visible damage, it may not need to be replaced, but should be inspected by a certified car seat expert.

Many car insurance companies will cover the cost of car seat replacement following a car accident. 

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Flying with a car seat on a plane: 10 things you NEED to know (2024)

A re you considering flying with a car seat? Or maybe you’ve decided it’s your best option and wondering exactly how to fly with a car seat? Then you’ve come to the right place!

This guide covers everything you need to know about travel with a car seat on planes – from choosing an airplane car seat to airline rules to installation quirks and insider tricks you can only learn with lots of experience. We’re sharing it all to make traveling with a car seat on a plane a smooth experience for your family.

A little note about me: in addition to my work here as a travel blogger, I’m a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST). My role is to educate parents on how to use their car seats properly, how to choose the best car seat for their needs and troubleshoot sticky situations.

Flying with a car seat is the safest option

Let’s start with the most basic question: why should you fly with a car seat? The simple answer is that airplane seatbelts aren’t designed for tiny bodies. The general recommendation is for children under 40lbs to fly in an FAA-approved restraint – either a travel car seat or a CARES harness (minimum weight 22lbs, but fits better at 30lbs – full review here ). The best car seat for airplane travel depends on your child’s age, size and development level – start your search here to pick the right one . The FAA and the NTSB both recommend using your car seat on airplanes.

This video shows you exactly why:

Why aren’t parents required to use car seats on airplanes? First, because airlines have lobbied to prevent rules that might decrease the number of families who fly – and thus, their revenue. Second, air travel is much safer than car travel. Government statisticians have determined that society is better off overall with unrestrained or improperly restrained kids on flights than with many more families taking to the roads to travel. Learn more about the pros and cons of flying with a lap infant if you have a baby.

Even if you’re reading this after you’ve made your travel arrangements and you didn’t buy a seat for your baby, you can always ask at the ticket counter or check in with the gate agent. If the flight isn’t full, you can often use an empty seat for free to put your child (with their car seat) so that everyone on the flight is safer.

So do you need to bring a car seat when traveling? You need some way to keep your child safe in-flight and safe on the roads beyond, so in part it will depend on your child’s age and the type of trip.

Can you take a car seat on a plane? It depends on the airline

The US leads the way for using car seats on airplanes. Kind of shocking, eh? Not only do the FAA and NTSB encourage buying kids their own seat and using a car seat in flight, but your right to use an FAA-approved car seat through the entire flight is protected by law. Bookmark these FAA rules on car seats on your phone (or even save it) in case a flight attendant gives you a hard time. Across the border, Transport Canada maintains similar standards .

If you bring your car seat on board ( and you should ), you’ll have to use it for your child for take-off, landing and when the seatbelt sign is on during turbulent patches. All in the name of safety! Just make sure your car seat is certified for airplane use – nearly every car seat in the US is FAA-approved (just not this one ). You can’t use a booster seat on planes at all since they require a lap-shoulder seat belt, but a combination car seat like this one is completely fine if the harness is still installed. Get more details on bringing booster seats on an airplane here.

How do I know if I have an airline approved car seat? Near the base of the car seat there’s a white sticker with lots of small print. In red letters it should say that it’s approved for aircraft use.

Below is an example of the FAA approved car seat sticker from this seat . It’s located inconveniently on the bottom of the seat, but they’re in different places on different seats. Make sure you locate yours before you get to the airport; for some international flights, we’ve had to show it at the check-in counter to avoid sending it along with the baggage. In other cases, we’ve been asked to show it before installing on the plane.

Some parents (and flight crews!) get confused when they see this because it has two separate sentences about aircraft. That’s because the seat can either function as a forward-facing harnessed seat or as a booster seat. Just leave the harness in and you’ll be fine! An FAA-approved convertible car seat will generally just have the first red sentence, while an all-in-one car seat will have both. Booster seats can’t be used on board so they will only have the last red sentence.

It’s been an uneven few years for airlines, and plenty of crew members don’t know the ins and outs of flying with a car seat. Here are a few things to keep in mind to avoid unpleasant encounters:

• It’s YOUR responsibility to know how to correctly install your own travel car seat for airplane use. Be sure to read the manual in advance of your flight and consult a CPST if you have questions.
• Infant car seats generally fit better than rear facing convertible car seats .
• You are allowed to rear face within manufacturers’ limits on US carriers, even if it impedes recline. You may want to consider seating someone else from your family in front of a large rear facing car seat so that another passenger isn’t inconvenienced.
• Car seats must be installed on forward facing aircraft seats, but that doesn’t mean that car seats must be forward facing.

Read more: The lightest infant car seats

Note that on some airlines the seats are so narrow that you’ll have to choose your travel car seat wisely. If you plan to fly Spirit airlines, for example, be sure to read this article for all the particulars.

There’s one important (and recent) exception to note: some of the new premium classes of service like United Polaris and Air Canada Signature aren’t able to safely accommodate car seats. In those classes, the only option is to hold a child under 2 in your lap and to buckle older kids in the lap belt. Personally, I wouldn’t book those with a young child.

Can you bring a carseat on a plane in other countries? In my experience, outside of the US and Canada it’s more like the wild west. Every airline sets their own policies. They can range from airlines that are extremely supportive of car seat usage on board in the interest of safety to airlines that prohibit all car seats in the cabin. Some don’t allow any car seats, some only allow forward-facing car seats, some only allow car seats for certain ages. Thankfully a few give discounts if you’re purchasing a child their own seat.

The strangest rule we’ve encountered is that even if you bring a car seat on board, some foreign airlines require you to use a “belly belt” instead during take-off and landing. Belly belts have been banned in the US and Canada because they turn a baby into an air bag. What should you do if you find yourself in that situation? Graciously accept the belly belt and attach your child to you. As soon as the flight crew is securely seated in their harnesses, strap your baby into the car seat to keep them safe during the most dangerous part of the flight.

The worst situation reported by one of our Tiny Globetrotters families was when traveling on an Asian carrier with their 3 year old and car seat. They wouldn’t permit the kid to sit in the car seat for take-off, but he was clearly not of an age to use the belly belt. The airline forced the family to gate check the car seat. Which leads me to recommend…

If you’re flying a carrier that isn’t based in the US or Canada, be sure to check their “traveling with children” section before booking your tickets to make sure you’re comfortable with the airline’s policies. You’d hate to arrive at the airport and be told that you need to check your car seat unexpectedly!

What’s the best carseat for flying?

The best airplane car seat depends on your child’s age and size – there’s a wide range to choose from but it’s important to consider your family’s specific needs in selecting the best car seat for plane travel. Check out these best car seats for airplanes, including the honest pros and cons of each one:

– Best infant car seat for travel

– Best travel car seat for a 1 year old

– Best travel car seat for a 2 year old

– Best travel car seat for a 3 year old

– Best travel car seat for a 4 year old

– Best travel car seat for a 5 year old

– Best travel car seat for a 6 year old

– Best travel booster seat

How do you travel with a car seat? The airport isn’t so bad

For lots of parents, the most daunting part of figuring out how to travel with a car seat is strategizing about the airport. How to travel with a car seat in the airport depends on your family’s specific needs, like how many kids, their ages and what gear you’ve chosen for flying with car seat and stroller.

Yes, a car seat is another thing to schlep with you on the endless trek through the airport. But it’s not the end of the world. Travel systems and other car seat-stroller combinations can help, and there are lots of creative ways you can transport your car seat through the airport all the way to the gate – read about them all here .

Just give yourself plenty of extra time to get through security. Some car seats fit through the x-ray machine, but others will require hand inspection. We’ve been delayed as much as 10 minutes at security waiting on an officer to poke at our car seats. Beyond that, it’s not much of an issue if you have a solid game plan for transporting your car seat around the airport.

Maneuvering through the plane with a car seat can be ugly

Ok, so getting through the airport is no big deal with the right tricks up your sleeve. Getting through the plane… that can be a little tricky depending on your car seat. Car seats have gotten wider, aisles have gotten narrower. So what can you do?

The first thing to do is show up at the gate with your small child, car seat, carry-ons and miniature circus tent and politely explain that you need some extra time to board the plane and get situated. Usually gate agents will let you on fairly early in the process even if there isn’t an official family pre-boarding policy. Trust me, the extra space in every direction can only help you!

There have been plenty of times when I’ve had to carry a car seat down the aisle of an airplane over my head. That’s why I personally prefer a lightweight travel car seat ! The other great option is to use a foldable car seat travel cart to wheel your narrow car seat through the aisle. Just make sure the folks in front of you keep their knees in! If you have a Doona , you don’t even have to fold the wheels in until you get to your seat.

Once you get to your row, if possible put your child in the same row on the opposite side of the aisle. It’s for their own good! Raise the arm rests in your row to make your life easier. There’s usually a hidden lever on the underside of the aisle arm rest (near the hinge) to lift it.

If you’ve used a cart up to this point you need to detach the car seat from the cart, lift the car seat into the row and shimmy it to the window seat if need be. Then fold your cart and stow it under the seat in front of your car seat. If your car seat is light enough that you carried it over the tops of the seats, hopefully you can gently place it in position to begin installing the car seat on the plane.

For me, maneuvering down the airplane aisle was always the worst part of flying with a car seat!

How do you install a carseat on a plane? It’s usually pretty easy

Do you remember your first time?

The first time you huffed, puffed, sweated, swore and possibly cried… through installing a car seat, that is.

Installing a car seat on a plane won’t be like that. It’s generally the easiest kind of installation you can do. There are just a few simple steps for how to install a car seat on a plane:

• Find the correct belt path on your car seat for rear-facing or forward-facing
• Loosen the adjustable side of the airplane seatbelt
• Feed that side through the belt path
• Pray that your hand is tiny enough to reach through
• Buckle the seatbelt
• Put your weight into the car seat (possibly with the airplane seat reclined) while pulling the seatbelt tail to tighten

Here are few tips to help you out… 

• An infant car seat is the easiest style to install since the “belt path” is just two little arms that are completely exposed.
• For a rear-facing car seat, the buckle is usually between your child’s feet or knees so it won’t bother them. As long as your child is on the older side of infancy, it’s ok to install your rear-facing convertible car seat a little more upright. Sometimes that’s necessary on airlines with tiny seat pitches.
• The biggest challenge with using a forward-facing car seat on an airplane is that the seat belt buckle may end up right in the middle of your child’s back. We usually shove a sweatshirt in there after installing the car seat to offer more padding and that’s worked well. Some parents also recommend looping the short side of the seatbelt around the armrest so that the latch plate connects outside of the car seat.
• If your car seat has a lock-off for seatbelt installation pretty please read the manual to understand your seat’s particulars. The last thing you want to do is break the lock-off on your super expensive car seat ! See the yellow box below.

That’s pretty much it when it comes to car seat airplane installation! The best place to look for details on your car seat is in your manual.

SPECIAL NOTE: Installing a car seat with a lock-off, ClickTight, SnugLock or other fancy tensioning mechanism

Lots of car seats today are designed to make seatbelt installation in cars easier, and I love them. They may have a traditional lock-off (Clek Foonf/Fllo, Britax Allegiance etc), a locking panel (Britax ClickTight, Graco SnugLock) or a “tensioning” panel (Evenflo LockStrong, Nuna True Tension).

The common feature of these seats is that you must consult the instructions to make sure you install the car seat on the plane without breaking it. Generally you’re instructed to bypass the tensioning/locking mechanism for aircraft installation.

At least once per week now I’m asked how to install a Britax ClickTight on a plane, or someone tells me that they couldn’t get it to work and had to check the seat. Below you can see the Britax ClickTight airplane installation instructions taken from the Marathon manual, and you’ll not that they’re totally different than the instructions for installing in a car! Note that the directions for installing the car seat rear facing and forward facing are different as well.

You can only be seated in specific places on the plane

Nearly all airlines have rules on where on the plane you can install your child’s car seat. Generally speaking, it needs to be in a window seat if it’s a single aisle plane, and it can also be in a middle seat in the middle section on a plane with two aisles. We’ve gotten away with putting a rear-facing car set in the window and a forward-facing car seat in the adjacent middle seat.

A car seat (or a child without a car seat, for that matter) can’t be in an exit row. In the US, you usually can’t install a car seat in the row in front of or behind the exit row either. Many airlines don’t allow car seats in the bulkhead row.

Errrrrr…. So where can you install the car seat?

Rest easy. You can install your child’s car seat in the vast majority of seats on any given flight (assuming the airline permits them). We’ve only run into an issue once in all the flights we’ve taken, and that was because we were assigned seats immediately behind the exit row.

If you’re having trouble figuring out the right seats to request or if you’ve booked a Basic Economy fare, I suggest reaching out to the airline in a private message on Facebook or Twitter and let them know you’ll be taking a car seat on the plane. It’s by far the fastest way to reach a real customer service representative, you’ll have everything documented and they can make changes for you immediately if you provide a confirmation number.

You have to install your car seat on a forward facing aircraft seat. Into the early 2000s, Southwest offered “lounge seats” (aka “party seats”) in the exit row that faced each other. You’re unlikely to see those again, but you also can’t install a car seat on sharply angled seats.

Some well-meaning parents worry about inconveniencing other passengers by limiting their recline on long flights. That’s awfully nice of you! Remember that your child’s safety trumps another passenger’s comfort and convenience. That said, you can try to mitigate the issue by putting someone else from your family in front of the car seat – especially if it’s rear-facing. 

When we traveled with two kids in car seats, we’d book our family of four in the “AB-AB” (two rows of window seat and middle seat) configuration rather than “ABC-D”. The forward-facing car seat went in the window seat in front of the rear-facing car seat since there was no real need for recline. We missed having the aisle seat but survived lots of flights this way.

If you’re lucky enough to be flying in First Class or Business Class, you’ll definitely want to do your research in advance. There are many limitations on car seats in First Class and Business Class and they vary not just by airline, but even by aircraft type and configuration.

Rear-facing car seats are awesome for sleeping babies (and beyond)

Do you ever have trouble falling asleep on flights because you just can’t seem to get comfortable? Imagine if you got to sit in a perfectly-sized, cushioned recliner for the entire flight. That’s what I’m talking about.

But seriously, that’s what it’s like for your baby or young toddler when you put them in a rear-facing car seat on the plane. Their heads are properly supported so they don’t loll awkwardly forward. Our flights got much harder when our kids switched to forward-facing because they had a harder time getting comfortable!

The other advantage of rear-facing car seats on planes is that your kids can’t really drop stuff. We’d prop the tablet at our kids’ feet against the seat back when they were old enough to watch. If they dropped a toy or blankie, it rarely went further than their laps (or ours). These days I feel like half of our flights are spent retrieving their stuff from disgusting airplane floors.

If you’re traveling with another child in a car seat or adult, you may want to consider seating them in front of the rear facing car seat so that a passenger outside of your family doesn’t lose out on recline. It’s not required, but it is considerate.

Your kid may not be able to use the tray table (but that might be ok)

One downside of using a forward-facing car seat on a plane is that, with very few exceptions ( this one , this one and this one ), a standard tray table won’t come down all the way. Boooooo. That can make it hard to serve them meals or offer quiet hands-on activities on a long international flight. One option is to bring along a tray like this one that props on their laps.

Somehow, our kids managed to survive. By the time we let them face the front of the plane, they were much more interested in spending the whole flight watching movies on the in-flight entertainment system… at least as much as we’d let them. And our kids have almost always refused airline meals anyway – just a few nibbles even on 13 hour flights! So we don’t stress too much about it. I do recommend bringing a car seat with a cupholder so that your kid can have easy drink access to stay hydrated.

This, however, is the one bright spot of Spirit Airlines and their comically tiny tray tables. They are so ridiculously small that the car seat arm rests don’t interfere with them!

You can flip the airplane car seat around mid-flight if you need to

The FAA says you have to use your car seat per manufacturer instructions, but if your child is the right age and size to rear-face or forward-face then it’s totally up to what you want to do. Change your mind mid-flight? No problem.

Why might you want to flip your car seat back and forth during the flight? There are a few reasons. On a long flight, you might want to let your child face forward to eat and watch a movie but then flip her rear-facing (which offers more recline) for sleeping. Alternatively, if you have a child who’s old enough to face forward but won’t stop kicking the seat in front then switching him to rear-facing is the kindest thing you can do for the passenger in front.

When riding in a car, the car seat harness should come from below the shoulders for rear-facing and above the shoulder for forward-facing. I have changed them mid-flight when there was a big difference, but for the cruise portion of the flight I wouldn’t worry if they’re pretty close to the right spot. For take-off and landing I’d make sure the car seat is installed such that the harness height is correct.

There isn’t usually anywhere to store a car seat on board

Last but not least… once you decide to bring a car seat on a plane with you, you’re pretty much locked in to that decision unless you bring this . Your child will be required to use it for take-off, landing and turbulent patches. In between they don’t necessarily have to be strapped in (though that’s always the safest bet).

But don’t plan on taking your baby out and stowing the car seat elsewhere to let them play. There generally isn’t room. There are exceptions, of course – on a huge international flight, the overhead bins (if they aren’t full) are usually tall enough to accommodate an infant car seat.

Sometimes flight attendants will be nice and put a car seat in a closet in another cabin. But usually either you take it or leave it. A notable exception is this car seat (suitable for kids at least 2-3 up to 7-8): if you’re bringing it on board for a child over 40lbs and decide you don’t want to use it mid-flight, you can separate the base from the back for storage.

If your child is at least 30 lbs and you don’t need a car seat at your destination (or you have a Ride Safer travel vest for cars), you can use the CARES harness instead if you think you’ll want your child to have the whole seat available to relax and play rather than sitting in the car seat most of the time.

Get a quick visual summary of flying with a car seat !

Flying with car seat FAQs

While kids under 2 who have their own seat on a plane are often required to use a car seat, kids over 2 aren’t required to use one. However , it’s strongly recommended to use a car seat to keep your child safe through runway incidents or extreme turbulence.

As kids approach 40 pounds, they can get a better fit with the airplane seatbelt than when they are smaller. But an average 3 year old is still just over 30lbs and benefits from riding in a travel car seat for a 3 year old . Another option at this age is the CARES harness .

Average sized 4 year olds can often sit safely using the airplane seat belt, though not if they’re on the smaller side. However, bringing the travel car seat on a plane avoids the risks of loss or damage when checking a car seat .

If you buy your child their own seat and are flying a US-based carrier, it’s your legal right to bring an FAA-approved car seat on board and use it! If you don’t buy a seat for your child (under age 2), you may luck out and ask for an empty seat. If you’re flying a non-US airline, be sure to check their specific policies before booking your tickets.

While a car seat isn’t generally required on a plane, some airlines do require a car seat if you purchase a ticket for a child under age 2 (assuming he or she is under 40lbs).

Not sure if you do need a car seat on a plane for your upcoming trip? Reach out to the airline to confirm, but remember that the recommendation/requirement is in place to keep your child and the other passengers safe in a runway crash or during serious turbulence.

Car seats must be installed so that they don’t block the safe exit of another passenger. In a single-aisle aircraft, that generally means a window seat (or window seat and middle seat if you’re installing two car seats). On a two-aisle aircraft, you may also install a car seat in any airplane seat in the center section.

If you’ve purchased a ticket for your child, you don’t have to pay extra to bring the car seat on board! When checking your car seat , there’s generally no charge but many airlines deem them “special items” and aren’t liable for loss or damage per the contract of carriage.

You might also like…

• Uber and car seats: what you NEED to know about riding Uber with a baby or child
• Best travel car seat options by age
• Want a folding car seat for travel? Here are your best choices by age

Pin it for later!

The post Flying with a car seat on a plane: 10 things you NEED to know (2024) appeared first on The Family Voyage .

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Traveling with kids here are the stroller and car seat rules for 7 major u.s. airlines.

Flying with kids is really fun. Ha, just kidding! Not only do you need to worry about whether your toddler's meltdown will lead to a plane diversion, but you also have to carry more stuff than the settlers brought on the Oregon trail.

The good news is, airlines generally give you a break and have special rules for car seats and strollers -- so you don't have to empty your bank account to bring them along (unlike with the rest of your carry-ons and luggage!).

There are limits and requirements to meet, though. Here are some of the rules for several major airline carriers.

1. Allegiant

If you're traveling with kids on Allegiant, here are the rules for your stroller or car seat:

Each ticketed customer can check or gate check one car seat and one stroller.

Allegiant does not specify a weight limit for strollers.

Children under 2 who are not lap infants must be in a car seat approved by the FAA.

2. American Airlines

Here's American's rules for bringing strollers and car seats with you when you travel:

Every ticketed customer gets one free stroller and one free car seat you can check or gate check for free.

If your stroller weighs more than 20 pounds, you can't gate check it -- it must be checked at the ticket counter. All smaller strollers can be gate checked before boarding.

If you have both a stroller and car seat, you can only gate check one of the two.

If your child under 2 has their own seat, they need a child restraint system that's in compliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, unless they can sit up independently and keep their seat belt buckled for takeoff and landing.

Here's Delta's policy for flying with baby gear:

There's no fee for strollers or child restraint seats, including car seats or booster seats, and they don't count towards your baggage allowance.

Car seats, strollers, and booster seats can be gate checked or checked before going through security.

If FAA car seats are brought as carry-ons, they must be tightly secured to the seat.

Strollers must be fully collapsible.

Children under 2 must have an FAA-approved car seat if they're in their own seat. You can also place your child in an FAA-approved car seat brought on board as a carry-on if there is an open seat, even if you didn't purchase a seat for your child.

4. Frontier

Frontier has similar policies to many other airline carriers. Here are the rules:

You can check a stroller free of charge, including gate checking or checking it before security.

There is no charge for gate-checking or checking a car seat.

If your child has their own seat, they may travel in an FAA-approved car seat or an approved harness or booster seat.

Here are JetBlue's stroller and car seat rules:

Strollers and car seats can be checked at the airport or gate checked. They don't count toward your carry on or checked bag allowances.

You can have one stroller and one car seat per child.

Children in their own seats don't have to be in a car seat, as long as they can sit upright unassisted. They can be in an FAA-approved safety seat if you bought them a ticket.

6. Southwest

These are the rules if you're flying Southwest:

You can check or gate check one stroller and car seat per child for free and it will not count toward your baggage allowance.

Any type of stroller or car seat is allowed.

Infants in their own seats must have a child restraint system. You can bring a car seat from home instead of using a child restraint system.

Finally, here is United's policy for traveling with kids equipment:

Standard strollers, folding wagons, and car seats can be checked or gate checked for free.

Collapsible strollers can be stored in-cabin.

You can use an FAA approved car seat on board for children in their own seat.

Be prepared for flying with kids

Having this necessary information about how to successfully fly with your children's strollers and car seats should make your trip easier.

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We're firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers. The Ascent does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from The Ascent is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy .

Traveling With Kids? Here Are the Stroller and Car Seat Rules for 7 Major U.S. Airlines was originally published by The Motley Fool

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Introducing Voronezh

Since the 17th century, much investment has been made in the industry and agriculture of Voronezh, and it’s one of the most important cities in southwest Russia. Voronezh is home to the Headquarters of the Southeastern Railway, infrastructure which has played a crucial role throughout Russia's history as it served as a gateway between the capital Moscow, and Ukraine and Caucasia. The city witnessed the horrors of the Second World War, and still carries the traces of Soviet rule. It's also home to one of Russia's most prestigious institutions of education, Voronezh University, which was established in the 19th century. Its students bring a vibrancy which makes the city all the more special.

Voronezh is known for:

Quick information, nearby cities, country code, electric power, avg. price of a coffee, avg. price of a meal (2 people), average temperature, voronezh airport information, public transport:.

Average time from airport: 30 minutes

Distance from airport: N/A

Average taxi price: 7 euros

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