Detailed Car Seat Reviews and Ratings – Keep Your Child Safe

Simply put, this is one of the best convertible car seats for people living in an area when it gets warm. The fabric is extremely breathable.

It has the highest level of crash protection on the market as well, using extra neck support and energy absorbing foam to really bring the comfort home.

Everything within the seat is really easy to use, and parents won’t have any problem setting it up. If they do, the manual that comes with it is extremely helpful.

The biggest complaint is about the weight of the unit.

Users are absolutely in love with the Britax Boulevard G4.1. They applaud the ease of usage, saying that it isn’t nearly as confusing as some other converted car seats. Many parents also said that the seat itself seemed to be of better quality than other options.

At 20 pounds, it is on the light side. It has a no-rethread harness with 9 height positions, making it easy to adjust. The deep head wings that have Air Protect make it a great option for long car rides and sleeping.

There is an easy installation process and the low sides make it easy for loading and unloading. Even better, the Maxi-Cosi Pria has been approved for use in an aircraft.

There is no lock off device for seatbelt installation, which makes the seat harder to use in older cars. There is also a lack of energy absorbing foam.

Parents who use this convertible seat appreciate the design of this car seat. Not only is it extremely comfortable for children, it is easier for parents (and eventually children) to use. The seats also don’t take up a lot of space, which makes it great for smaller cars.

This is an extremely versatile seat. The compact size provides good legroom for front seat passengers, even in rear-facing mode. The push-on LATCH system is simple and easy to use. Even better, the 10-position headrest allows for a great fit as your child grows. The seat itself has a 6-position recline as well. Included with this seat are Fuss Free Harness Storage Pockets, 2 crotch strap positions, a steel reinforced frame, InRight LATCH system, two cup holders, and a machine washable cover.

The Simply Safe Adjust harness moves the harness and headrest height in one motion; no rethreading of straps is required. It also has a fantastic steel frame that feels sturdy but is still comfortable. As far as safety goes, the performance is excellent, as parents have reported from real-life crash experiences.

The Extend2Fit is wider than some seats making it a bit bulky. If you need to fit three children in the back seat, this might not be the best choice. Also, the fit is great for toddlers but probably won't be snug enough for preemies or newborns under 7 pounds. The seat cover can be hard to remove and replace for cleaning as well.

Some parents had trouble getting the harness straps tight while others found seat belt installation in rear-facing mode to be quite difficult. There are some rules about weight, recline, and use of some features that differ when using the seat rear-facing vs. forward-facing. These can be confusing at times, so keeping the manual on hand is wise.

Overall, customers have been very satisfied with this product and highly recommend it, especially for extended rear-facing. It lacks an easy-to-remove cover, which is really the biggest downside, but the affordable price makes up for that if you're on a budget.

Take a Look At These Extended Specialized Editions:

Graco SlimFit 3-in-1

Unlike the Extend2Fit, the SlimFit is a better choice for a 3-across car seat configuration, thanks to its slim design and rotating cup holders that reduce the width by 10%. While it does not have a leg extension panel, the SlimFit does include a belt-positioning booster mode for kids 30 - 100 pounds.

It will cost you about $20 more than the Extend2Fit. Size ranges are as follows:

1. Rear-facing: 5 - 40 pounds
2. Forward-facing: 22 - 65 pounds
3. Belt-positioning booster mode: 30 - 100 pounds

The SlimFit has 4 recline positions instead of 6. All other features are similar to the Extend2Fit.

The weight limit for the rear facing portion goes up to 40 pounds, higher than many other models. Installing the car seat is easy as well thanks to the new technology – great for first time parents or people who need to move the seat for car around a lot.

It is also easy to adjust the harness. If you are involved in a crash, the pads and impact-absorbing technology will cushion your child.

For older children, the lack of rear-facing leg room could be a problem, especially in taller children. The short buckle straps will make it a bit tight on larger children as well. Finally, the seat angle might be uncomfortable for some newborns in some cars.

Many users appreciate the fact that there are moveable parts within this convertible car seat, even more so than with your typical convertible car seat. The harnesses and pads, in particular, have a lot of fans.

Children who have used the seat also express that it is comfortable, great for people who are going to have longer trips. While this isn’t the strongest showing from the Britax line, it certainly does have a lot of fans.

Almost all parents who have tried this seat rave about the no-rethread harness which makes it simple adjust the strap positions as your child grows. The LATCH system with push-on connectors also installs easily in many different types of cars - from SUVs to sports cars.

Converting, installing, cleaning, and even using the seat is pretty simple. Most of the adjustments can be done one-handed. For first time parents, this will be a huge benefit. The seat cover is easy to remove and machine washable. Everything else is wipe-clean.

When you don’t need the harness straps while in booster mode, you can store them in the harness storage compartment built into the seat so you won’t lose them. This is a high quality seat that provides good value for the money when compared to other seats.

Though this seat meets or exceeds all safety standards in the US, it is made in China, so there can be some quality control issues. Some parents noted that food can get caught in the harness tension latch, which could hinder proper tightening. Always check the latch and clean out any loose debris before using it. There is no backless booster mode, which some parents didn’t like.

It doesn’t provide as snug a fit for newborns and preemies as the 4ever. While the one-handed adjustments are great, some inquisitive kids can loosen the straps and the recline/headrest adjustments.

Overall, customers really loved this seat, and so did we. If you need to frequently transfer the seat from car to car or you will be using the seat on airplanes or trains, you may want to move onto something else since this seat is rather bulky and heavy.

However, for anyone who just needs a good convertible seat that will grow with their family, this could be the one for you.

The Graco My Ride 65 LX has a good weight range (5-40 pounds rear-facing and 20-65 pounds forward-facing). It also provides good legroom for taller children. The top harness slot falls at 17 inches, making it one of the tallest available seats. This means that your child will be able to stay in this convertible seat longer than other models.

The seat is well labelled, and the manual can be confusing at first, but according to some parents, they figured it out after a little more reading. You should be able to adjust and install it easily and without having to watch online videos. The seat leveler makes adjusting the angles easier. The seat cover can be machine washed in cold water with mild detergent, and must be hung to dry.

Of course, the biggest selling point is the price.

In some vehicles, it may be more difficult to secure the seat tightly enough. Some parents had issues getting the straps tight enough on their child. Others had problems with the base sliding around, but slick upholstery could be the culprit. Putting a skid-proof seat pad under the base could help with this issue.

The seat is wider than many other seats due to the built-in cup holders. If you have a small vehicle or are trying to get two or more seats in the back of your car, you might want to look elsewhere.

Overall, most customers who purchased this seat had no issues and were happy with it. The price played a big factor for many who bought it, so if you’re on a really tight budget and can’t afford some of the pricier brands, this could be a good option for you. As you should with any car seat, be sure to check for recalls and thoroughly inspect all parts before installing.

The 45-pound rear facing seat is one of the highest on the market. The 5-point harness ensures that the harness stays comfortable no matter how tall or big your child gets. It will also make it easier to get a customized fit.

Adjustable thigh support is great to keep your child comfortable as well. The existence of travel fittings makes everything fit in its place. Finally, the seat is easy to remove and clean as you wish.

The convertible car seat is a bit on the heavy side, which is because of the steal support. Users have reported that the head rest doesn’t stay in place, and some children complained that they were uncomfortable. The booster seat portion of the convertible car seat is also extremely weak compared to others.

While many users had success, a lot of people were turned off by the booster seat. Still, it served its purpose to many, especially those that don’t have to take long distance drives since the comfort was an issue.

The car seat itself is lighter than many other choices, making it easier for parents who need to move from car to car if need be. It has additional weight capacity and leg room so that your child can stay in a rear-facing seat for a longer amount of time.

Many users have found that the straps and bucks are difficult to use. This seems to get worse over time, so this isn’t an option for people who hope to use it with more than one child.

Most complaints about the seat do have to do with the buckles. Some users have pointed out that you can buy replacements that will at least keep the problem at bay. Still, it is a convertible car seat that was built to last, and many users appreciate that.

Buckle pockets allow you to tuck the buckle tongues away for safe and easy seating and unseating. And upfront harness adjuster, 6-position shoulder strap and removable body pillow accommodate your growing child well.

A detachable cup holder and washable pillows and seat pads make cleanup a breeze. It’s plush and comfy for longer rides with an easy-to-adjust rear-facing recline bar.

Some parents felt the seat was too bulky for their smaller vehicles. Others had trouble getting it tight enough in either the LATCH or seat belt attachments. A few parents thought it felt very flimsy with thin plastic that could easily break.

Grandparents with arthritic hands had a hard time with the buckles. One person noted that the user manual doesn’t thoroughly explain how to switch from rear to forward-facing, so you may need to look up a video or call Evenflo for assistance.

For weight range, easy cleaning and several adjustment levels, this is a winner. But for installation, size and sturdiness, the SureRide 65 DLX is a bit lacking. The tie-breaker may be the affordable price, along with a few bright color options.

The Chicco KeyFit 30 is a great option for premature or smaller babies. It passed the crash tests and side-impact tests with flying colors thanks to the sturdy design and head support.

There is also a lot of support and structure within the seat, using the power of the seatbelt and the steel inside. The seat is airplane certified.

Many parents have expressed their love for how well it fits into their lives – including its use with strollers and other accessories. As an added bonus, the base has a nice storage space as well.

If you live in a warmer environment, this is a very warm car seat. Make sure you use the air conditioning if you have your child with you. There are also some design features that haven’t been well planned and seem to hinder usage. It does have a lower weight limits of 30 pounds, so you’ll have to upgrade sooner.

As this car seat is the seat of choice for NICU nurses, many parents of premies have found success using it. For parents who have needed to use the warranty, they have found that the website offers up excellent support and help, whether that be with a new manual or the one-year warranty.

The Zip works really well with smaller babies. It has a harness that goes smaller and better protection than some other premie car seats.

Since there is a lot of support and structure within the seat, it also transitions easily to strollers and other accessories. For an added surprise, there is a nice storage space underneath.

The material used in this car seat isn’t all that breathable, so if you live in a warmer climate, be sure to check the breathability, especially as your child gets older. Finally, the weight limits is somewhat low, so you’ll have to upgrade sooner.

This is a car seat brand that you can trust, and many parents do – especially parents of premies. They have found success using this seat, especially when they have needed support from the amazing.

The design is genius – as you move the seat into a higher position (as your child grows), the leg room increases, lengthening the time you can use this model. Still, it retains it safety.

There is also a kick base to keep your car clean. This particular seat can work alongside stroller accessories as well. It can even work in a double car seat stroller. Finally, it is FAA approved.

One problem is that the base is rather long, especially if you are extending the leg room. Another is that it lacks the premium LATCH connectors. Finally, it won’t be compatible with many of the older accessories.

Overall, this is a favorite for many parents. They tend to appreciate the creature comforts as well as the safety features. Some complains have been made that the harness straps aren’t removable, so they can’t be washed.

They have lauded the extra-large canopy that comes along with this seat. The deluxe push-on style lower connectors add great support and strength.

Another advantage is the removable head pillow, which extends the life on this unit quite a bit. It is also one of the most comfortable handling carriers – the handle is ergonomically designed so that it doesn’t put as much strain on your arm.

The biggest advantage is probably the ease of installation, especially with a seatbelt.

This really isn’t a great fit for premies as it doesn’t get as small. The short LATCH straps make it more difficult to install this in larger vehicles.

Many parents have also complained about the lack of a recline. Finally, the transition from stage to stage for the buckle is quite difficult.

The Britax B-Safe 35 is a nice car seat that people will love for its ease of use – for the most parent. Parents do complain about the thinness of the cover as well as the difficulty of installation.

Extremely easy to use, the Graco SnuRide Click Connect 35 is a great option for people on the go. The handle can be locked into any position while driving, so it fits into many different cars. It has a large canopy to protect your baby from the elements and it is machine washable.

There are definitely some “basic” options within this car seat. The lower LATCH connectors in particular seem to be fairly cheap. The no-rethread harness is a bit difficult to work with at times, and Finally, the support within the seat itself could be better in terms of safety and comfort for your child. Finally, the release buckle is difficult to use.

Many parents of premies and smaller babies have said that they are extremely impressed with the sizing on this one. They are also appreciative of the ease of buying accessories. Still, some parents weren’t impressed with the sizing for larger babies and said that it didn’t last as long as they thought it should.

The biggest advantage of the Evenflo Embrace LX is the incredibly amount of extra head support your baby will get. If you live in a place that doesn’t have the best roads, this might be a great option for that.

The parts are all machine washable as well, which is great for easy clean-up. Finally, this seat will work with all of the other Evenflo merchandise, including the strollers.

There have been reports that the material used on the seat can be extremely irritating to a baby’s skin. This one also has a few problems with “cheaper” parts.

It isn’t going to be a car seat that will withstand a lot of use and abuse, so it probably isn’t one that you can move from car to car. The canopy has also had some complaints.

Most parents did comment on the reaction with skin that proved to be quite a problem. They also expressed regret that the seat only went up to 35 pounds, which is on the lower scale.

The Maxi-Cosi Mico AP works very well with strollers in the same brand. It also is EXTREMELY lightweight for an infant car seat, so the carrier won’t be so much of a burden.

It has a different look and feel than some of the other seats out there, so if you want to be unique, this could be the one for you.

The weight limit really takes away from what this car seat could be. Since it only supports up to 22 pounds, you will have to quickly buy a new car seat. There also seems to be a bit of a problem with the canopy, as it doesn’t like to stay up.

While it does meet all of the federal regulations and needs, parents were very upset with how quickly their children grew out of it.

Parents also had issues with the fact that the fabrics on the seat aren’t machine washable. Still, they loved how light it was and how easy it was to put in and out of the base.