10 Best Convertible Car Seats for Safe Travels

We updated this article in August 2022 to add more information based on extensive testing done by the Good Housekeeping Institute. In addition to our original top-rated picks we've replaced the Graco SlimFit 3-in-1 with a newer model, Graco SlimFit3 LX 3-in-1, the Maxi-Cosi Pria 85 with the newer model, Maxi-Cosi Pria All-in-One, and added in the Baby Jogger City Turn Convertible Car Seat.

A new baby requires a laundry list of products to keep them healthy, happy and safe. All those things can add up, especially when your little one is growing out of their clothes, toys and essentials in the blink of an eye, so anywhere you can save on space and money is a win in our books. Luckily, when it comes to car seats, nabbing the right convertible car seat means your baby can use the same one from infancy to toddlerhood, and sometimes even longer, since it seamlessly transitions from rear-facing to forward-facing; some can even turn into booster seats!

Unlike infant car seats or booster seats, convertible car seats tend to be more of a permanent fixture in a family vehicle. While in most cases they aren't able to clip into a stroller and turn into a travel system or be toted around like a carrier as many infant car seats are, you only have to purchase it once, click it into your car and not worry about it for the next few years. Because this car seat will likely last for years and be your one and done, picking the right one for your family, lifestyle and car type is essential so you can get the most use out of it.

Our top picks:

The parenting and product experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute test all of the must-haves for babies, toddlers and children, from strollers to safety gates, toys to tennis shoes, and everything in between. This roundup of best convertible car seats you can buy is based on Lab-tested picks, top-performing brands, category expertise and real-life consumer feedback. We've tested over two dozen convertible car seats in the past few years to find the best ones, evaluating safety, company customer service, ease of installation, angle and harness adjustments. We conduct our tests in vehicles of various sizes in every configuration detailed in the instruction manuals. Looking for a stroller to go with your new car seat? Check out our favorite jogging strollers, double strollers or lightweight strollers. Here are the best convertible car seats of 2022: