Here’s the scenario:
You will be bringing home in a baby in the next few weeks! Congratulations! You have been showered with baby gifts and Googled everything you could think of to prepare for the 2 AM feedings and the best leak-proof diaper. However, there’s one more thing to check off the list; which car seat you will buy.
Safety is your main goal, of course, and car seat manufacturers know that which is why every car seat on the market is tested and proven safe by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
A quick Google search on car seats overwhelms your browser with options. With so many options to choose from, how do you choose the best one for your baby?
An all-in-one car seat is perfect choice. Why? This type of seat transitions from a rear-facing car seat to a forward-facing car seat and then to a booster seat as a child grows, so you will never need to buy another car seat.
Durability, safety, material quality, versatility, and installation are all imperative factors here, and thankfully, we did the homework for you. We looked into all these features, carefully studied the best all in one car seats out there, and are ready to present you with the ten best choices available.
- Modes of Use: 3
- Child Weight Range (lbs): 4-120
- Weight (lbs): 22
- Modes of Use: 3
- Child Weight Range (lbs): 4-120
- Weight (lbs): 26
- Modes of Use: 5
- Child Weight Range (lbs): 5-120
- Weight (lbs): 25
- Modes of Use: 3
- Child Weight Range (lbs): 5-100
- Weight (lbs): 18.7
The 10 Best All In One Car Seats – Reviews & Guide
1. Graco 4Ever 4-in-1
Coming in first place is the Graco 4Ever 4-in-1 Convertible Car Seat, which also happens to be an Amazon’s choice product.
- Dimensions—5 x 20 x 24 inches
- Rear-facing harness
- Forward-facing harness
- High-back, belt-positioning booster
- Backless, belt-positioning booster
- 6 position recline
- Simply Safe Adjust technology
- InRight latch allows for easy, one-second attachment
- Crash and impact tested
- Removable seat cover
- Steel reinforced frame
- Energy-absorbing foam
- Easy-to-read level display
- Two cup holders
- Machine-washable seat cushion
Graco 4Ever 4-in-1 Car Seat is a practical choice for a car seat because it can be used for up to ten years.
From the time your baby is 4 lbs to 40 lbs, he or she can ride in the rear-facing position. When he or she is 20 lbs to 65 lbs, you can flip the seat around to utilize the forward-facing harness position. Use the high back belt-positioning booster option when your child is 30 lbs to 100 lbs and then backless belt-positioning booster when your child is from 40 lbs to 120 lbs. The versatility of this car seat is one of the biggest perks!
The Simply Safe Adjust Harness System and 10-position headrest features let you adjust the harness and headrest together. The 6-position recline keeps your child snug, while the InRight LATCH system with one-second attachment makes installation straightforward.
- Plenty of padding for your child’s comfort
- The headrest has plenty of height
- A light-weight car seat (only 22 lbs)
- Easy installation
- Fits securely in most vehicles
- Straps are easily adjusted and tightened (no rethread harness)
- Classy, comfortable, and safe
- The fabric is not breathable
- No canopy to block out the sun
- Child’s weight limits some forward-facing recline positions
2. Evenflo EveryStage DLX
- 22lbs
- Dimensions 22 x 19 26.5 inches
- Rear-facing harness
- Forward-facing harness
- A modern EasyClick LATCH system
- A no-rethread harness
- Evenflo has been a trusted source of quality car seats for almost 100 years.
Evenflo EveryStage DLX is an all-in-one car seat that offers 10 years of safe and secure use as an infant seat, convertible, booster seat, for babies and children ranging from 4-120 pounds.
Equipped with an EasyClickTM LATCH system that makes for a tighter installation and a wiggle-free seat, this product’s security features keeps your child comfortable and secure in his or her seat.
This car seat reclines at five different positions (three rear-facing and two forward-facing) without taking up necessary space. Adding more assurance, Evenflo tests all car seats to an energy level approximately twice that of the federal crash test standard.
- Built with heavy-duty materials
- Scientifically engineered for maximum safety and comfort
- Features the EasyClick LATCH system
- Can be used as a rear-facing harness
- Can be used as a forward-facing harness
- Holds children up to 120 lbs
- Bulky and takes plenty of space
3. Diono Radian 3RX
See what else this car seat has to offer:
- Item weight—26.8 pounds
- Dimensions – 16.1 x 16.9 x 28.4 inches
- Three Diono Radians will fit in most family vehicles
- FAA-approved for air travel
- Converts to booster for kids 50-120 lbs.
- Memory foam seat
- Easy installation
- Washable fabric cover
- Tailored infant support cushions
- Folds flat for easy storage
Diono Radian 3RX All-in-One convertible seat comes with extra safety features to help guarantee the safety and comfort of your little one. It has a unique SuperLatch system for easy installation as well as side impact protection, a rear-facing tether, and patented SafeStop technology.
The SafeStop technology helps absorb energy in the event of an accident and keeps your child comfortable and safe in their seat. The fabric covers are soft, and the memory foam seat will help cushion your child.
This seat comes in five color options and a tailored infant support cushion.
- Added Safety Features
- SafeStop Technology
- Memory Foam Seat Cushion
- Has cup holders
- Machine washable cover
- Head may bounce against the car seat’s headrest in front-facing mode
- Difficult straps
4. Cybex Eternis S All-in-One Car Seat
Specs :
- 26 pounds
- Dimensions – 25.3 x 20 x 25.5 inches
- 5-point safety harness with Sensor Safe Technology
- Integrated Linear Side Impact Protection System
- 3-Position Reclining Headrest
- 10-Position Recline Angle
- Magnetic Buckle Holder
- Steel material
The Cybex Eternis S with Sensor Safe Car Seat features 10 years of use—making it the only seat your child will need. The Sensor Safe technology integrates safety features into the chest clip of the car seat to warn you if an unsafe situation arises.
This car seat also offers an adjustable Linear Side-impact Protection, which absorbs up to 25% more impact forces in the event of a side impact collision and a patented 3-position reclining headrest, which helps prevent the child’s head from falling forward while asleep.
These features, combined with a steel-reinforced frame, provide advanced child safety protection and peace of mind.
- Sensor Safe Technology
- Straightforward installation
- No-rethread harness
- No harness removal in booster conversion
- Magnetic buckle holder
- 50-pound rear-facing limit
- Removable, machine-washable cover
- Removable cup holder
- Does not feel plush
- LSP system interferes with seat belt tightness
- More expensive than some of the other options
5. Maxi-Cosi Magellan All-In-One Convertible Car Seat
Coming in at fifth place is the Maxi-Cosi Magellan All-In-OneSeat.
Check out the following features:
- 25 pounds
- Dimensions – 24.9 x 19.6 x 24.6 inches
- 14-position headrest adjustment creates a customized fit for all ages and sizes
- Integrated belt lock-offs designed for easy and secure installation
- One-click LATCH connectors install and release easily
- Hideaway harness allows simple transitioning into a booster car seat
- Machine washable fabric
The 7-position recline, three adjustable torso height positions, and 14 headrest heights that raise with the harness are other adaptive features.
Exceeding all federal standards, the patented Air Protect is built into the headrest to cushion the impact, and it also provides a soft pillow for your child.
- Grows with your child
- Machine-washable fabric
- Self-wicking fabric
- Five different color choices
- Lots of safety features
- More expensive than some of the other options
- Some customers have said the installation was difficult
- Harness straps may twist
6. Evenflo Symphony Elite
The Evenflo Symphony Elite All-in-One grows with your child from 5lbs to 110 lbs. In rear-facing mode, it protects infants from 5 to 40 pounds, in forward-facing mode children from 22 to 65 pounds, and in booster-mode supports children from 40 to 110 pounds.
It features the SureLatch system that smoothly ratchets to achieve a tighter installation and a snug seat. The five-point Infinite Slide harness easily slides to adjust for a precise fit every time.
Evenflo tests all its car seats for structural integrity to energy levels approximately twice those of the federal crash test standards. In addition, all Evenflo car seats include Parentlink customer-service perks like real-time chat and free live video installation support.
- Great for all facing positions
- Harness straps are easy to tighten and loosen
- Buckle pockets that hold the buckles out of the way when loading and unloading the child and prevent overheating
- A generous crotch strap/buckle position
- Relatively easy to install in most vehicles
- FAA Approved for use in aircrafts
- Inexpensive
- There is no lock-off device to help with seatbelt installation
- Not enough height in booster mode
- The seat is wide (which can be an issue if you are trying to fit it next to another car seat)
- The harness is not removable or replaceable
7. Safety 1st Grow and Go 3-in-1 Car Seat
Specs :
- 18.7 pounds
- Product Dimension: 24.5 x 19.2 x 24.2
- More head and neck support with the infant insert
- Easy to remove the cover and clean
- Harness holders hold the straps when you’re getting your child in and out of the seat
- Three recline positions
- Can be used with lower anchors or seat belt in rear-facing position
- QuickFit harness allows easy adjustment to the harness and headrest
- 2 built-in cup holders
As a convertible car seat, the Safety 1st Grow and Go is a perfect choice. This car seat transitions easily from a rear facing seat (5-40 pounds), forward-facing seat (22-65 pounds), and a high-back belt-positioning booster seat (40-100 pounds). It comes in several color choices.
We read positive testimonials from moms who were in car crashes, so we are pretty confident in the safety features. This car seat is also more affordable than many other convertible seats.
- Rear-facing, forward-facing and booster seat
- Quick fit 5-position harness makes it easy to secure your child
- Harness holders hold the straps
- Provides ample front seat leg room in the rear-facing position
- Easy to remove machine-washable and dryer safe cover
- Cup holders are not removable
- Newborn straps must be rethreaded, and some parents have found them difficult to tighten
- Rear-facing position takes up more space, so it might lessen the front passenger leg room
8. Cosco Easy Elite
Specs :
- 35 lbs
- 6 x 21.8 x 18.2 inches
- Maximum weight—80 lbs
- Extended Use 3-in-1 Car Seat: Rear-facing 5-40 pounds, Forward-facing harness 22-50 pounds, and Belt-positioning 40-80 pounds
- Side Impact Protection
- 5-point harness with easy up-front adjustment
- Headrest and harness adjust quickly with one simple movement
- Three car seats will fit in the backseat of most vehicles
With a range of 5-80 pounds, the Easy Elite 3-in-1 car seat adapts to your growing family with the ability to fit three seats across the back of most cars.
This extended use convertible car seat keeps your child safely in the rear-facing position from 5 to 40 pounds and includes a removable body pillow to give a smaller baby a more comfortable fit. Kids who are 22-50 pounds can use the forward-facing position.
Another perk of this car seat is that you won’t need to uninstall the seat or rethread the straps. Simply remove the harness to easily convert the Easy Elite to a belt-positioning booster for kids up to 80 pounds. Each stage provides Side Impact Protection to keep your child safer during the ride.
- Designed for children from 5 lbs to 80 lbs
- Adjustable headrest
- Multiple patterns and color options
- Easy to clean
- Well-padded for extra comfort
- Some feel the buckle release isn’t as responsive as it could be
- Can be tricky to install
9. Britax Marathon ClickTight
Specs :
- 5 lbs
- ClickTight (CT) Installation System
- Deep side impact protection
- Steel-reinforced frame
- Versa-Tether (energy-absorbing, staged release)
- SafeCell impact-absorbing base (reduces head movement in a crash)
- 14 position harness
- No-rethread harness
- Two crotch/buckle positions
- EZ Buckle System (keeps buckle forward when putting a child into the seat)
- Seven recline positions
The steel frame, though heavy, is sturdy and strong. These safety features make for an all-around safe and reliable seat: Deep side impact protection, Versa-Tether, and SafeCell impact-absorbing base.
The Versa-Tether includes a V-shape to minimize seat rotation and staged-release stitching that slows and reduces forward movement. This added feature provides extra protection against head, neck, and spine injuries while in forward-facing mode.
Thanks to the ClickTight seat installation, this car seat may be one of the easiest seats on the market to install.
- Tons of safety features built in
- 18 colors/patterns to choose from
- Easy installation with CT system
- No rear LATCH install needed
- Good for extended rear-facing (weight limit 40 lbs)
- 14 position harness
- Seven recline positions
- Crotch straps may be too short
- Recline handle may get jammed
- Harness straps may not adjust to equal tightness
10. Chicco NextFit Sports Car Seat
Specs :
- 25.1 lbs
- 21 x 19 x 29.2 inches
- Minimum weight—12 lbs
- Maximum weight –65 lbs
- 9-position ReclineSure leveling system
- SuperCinchLATCH tightener
- LockSure seat belt locking system
- DuoGuard side-impact protection
- Steel-reinforced frame
- 9-position easy-adjust headrest
- Padded, no-rethread harness
- One-pull harness lightener
- Dishwasher-safe cup holder
- Machine-washable fabrics
The Chicco NextFit Sports Car Seat is engineered to surround your little one in comfort and safety, no matter what size he or she is. Reassuringly easy installation and user-friendly touchpoints simplify travel and everyday life.
This car seat accommodates infants and growing toddlers in rear-facing mode and then transitions smoothly to the forward-facing mode for older children. A nine-position headrest and padded, no-rethread harness comfortably accommodate growth throughout both methods.
DuoGuard provides two layers of side-impact protection with a deep rigid shell and EPS energy-absorbing foam. The seat shell is also reinforced with a steel frame, providing extra durability.
- Simple installation
- Lots of cushion
- Variety of colors and patterns
- Machine-washable fabric
- Airplane compliant
- The material may be itchy
- The high winged sides can make it challenging to get small or younger children in the car seat each time.
- Expensive
Frequently Asked Questions About All-in-One Seats
To ensure correct installation, it is important that you read all the instructions along with your car seat’s manual.
If you need some help or just want to make sure you have installed your car seat correctly, you can take it to your local fire or police department to get help from a certified Child Passenger Safety technician.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children ride in a rear-facing seat until they are roughly 40 lbs (around two years of age).
The LATCH system, which stands for Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children, is designed to ensure easy installation.
Since 2003, all vehicles have been required to provide lower anchors in and on the back seats which easily allow the attachment of strong clips from the car seat. This method is an easier and safer alternative to threading seat belts through the frame of your child’s car seat.
Most infant car seats are compatible with FAA standards, but make sure you check your manual. Once you convert a car seat into a booster seat, you may not be able to take it on an airplane since these seats need a cross-body belt to function correctly.
So, there you have it! Our top ten choices in all-in-one car seats. The most important thing to consider when buying a convertible car seat is that it fits your child, your car and that you do your own research.
Also, once you buy the car seat, be sure to test it before removing the tags or throwing away the box. You’ll want to make sure it’s a good fit for you and your family and that it lives up to your expectations. After all, we are talking safety here…ultimately a small investment for a rich future!
