travel car seats for 3 year old

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• Baby and kid

The Best Travel Car Seats

By Christina Szalinski and Rebecca Gale

Let’s face it: Traveling with little kids can be a slog. But a lightweight, compact, easy-to-install travel car seat is one tool that can make trips a bit easier.

We’ve tested 17 travel car seats for infants and up, and we examined how they performed in various circumstances, including during air travel and in rental cars. The Chicco KeyFit 35 , one of our picks for the best infant car seats , is an excellent choice for both travel and everyday use. For an affordable and easy-to-use convertible car seat for toddlers and preschoolers, we recommend traveling with the Cosco Scenera Next , which fits kids up to 40 inches tall for rear-facing or 43 inches for forward-facing. For kids bigger than that who still need a seat with a five-point harness, we recommend the Cosco Finale 2-in-1 , which also converts to a high-back booster. The backless, lightweight Cosco Rise is great for booster-age kids.

If you’ll be hopping in and out of taxis or ride shares with a baby, the Doona is a unique but expensive infant car seat that converts to a stroller. And instead of purchasing a dedicated convertible car seat for travel, another option is to bring yours along with the Britax Travel Cart .

Everything we recommend

Chicco KeyFit 35 ClearTex

The best infant car seat for travel.

If you’re a frequent traveler, the Chicco KeyFit 35 is easier than most infant car seats to install securely without its base.

Buying Options

An infant car seat and stroller in one

This unusual car seat has integrated wheels that pop out to turn it into a stroller. It’s best for parents who frequently need to move their car seat in and out of different vehicles.

Cosco Scenera Next

The best convertible car seat for travel.

This affordable and easy-to-use car seat weighs 6.8 pounds and can be used rear- and forward-facing. But kids can outgrow it quickly.

Cosco Finale 2-in-1 Booster Car Seat

The best harness booster car seat for travel.

This no-frills seat converts from a forward-facing five-point harness to a high-back booster. It weighs just 12 pounds.

Britax Travel Cart

A travel cart for lugging your own seat through the airport.

This sturdy, smooth-rolling travel cart helps you transport your own convertible car seat—and avoid buying a standalone travel seat. You can even strap your child into their seat and use it like a stroller.

The best backless booster seat for travel

This basic booster seat weighs only 2.2 pounds and can work for children as small as 40 pounds. But it has a rather large footprint and will be too big to fit in most carry-ons.

How we picked

A seat that’s lightweight is more manageable to carry between multiple locations. A more compact seat is also easier to pack.

We considered the seat’s comfort and ability to adjust straps and buckles.

Ease of installation is paramount, as the easier it is to do, the more likely it will be done properly.

We looked at crash-testing scores and ease-of-use ratings. Our infant, convertible, and harness booster picks are FAA-approved for use on a plane.

The Chicco KeyFit 35 is a great all-around infant car seat—and one of the ones we recommend for everyday use. But for travel it stands out: It has a European belt path that makes it easier to get a secure install without the base than for many car seats, and it’s cheaper than other seats that have this belt routing option.

Weight of seat: 10 pounds Orientation: rear-facing only Weight range: 4 to 35 pounds Height limit: 32 inches

Parents who can’t leave their infant seat base installed in a specific car but instead need to travel by taxi or rideshare frequently may find the innovative Doona to be a convenient option. This sleek infant car seat has integrated wheels and converts to a stroller that maneuvers easily, plus the seat is FAA-approved for use on an airplane. But the versatile Doona is much heavier and more expensive than a regular infant car seat.

Weight of seat: 14.3 pounds Orientation: rear-facing only Weight range: 4 to 35 pounds Height limit: 32 inches

The Cosco Scenera Next is a notably lightweight, affordable convertible car seat that is simple to install and carry on an airplane. It receives strong safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and is FAA-approved for use on a plane. But many kids will outgrow it before they reach the height or weight limit because of the low position of the shoulder straps.

Weight of seat: 6.8 pounds Orientation: rear- or forward-facing Weight range: 5 to 40 pounds rear-facing; 22-40 pounds forward-facing Height range: 19-40 inches rear-facing; 29-43 inches forward-facing

For children using a forward-facing five-point harness, the Cosco Finale 2-in-1 is a lightweight and affordable travel option that is FAA-approved for use on a plane (in harness mode only). It also converts to a high-back booster. However, it has lower height limits than some boosters, so kids may not get as many years of use from it, in comparison with pricier options.

Weight of seat: 12 pounds Orientation: forward-facing only Weight range: 30 to 65 pounds for harness mode; 40 to 100 pounds for high-back mode Height range: 32 to 49 inches for harness mode; 43 to 52 inches for high-back mode

Bringing your own car seat to the airport has one big advantage—you don’t have to learn how to install yet another seat. But your own convertible car seat is likely to be heavy (our picks in our guide to convertible car seats range from 19 to 33 pounds). The Britax Travel Cart is compatible with most convertible seats, and when your car seat is secured to it with LATCH, you can use it like a stroller to push your toddler through the airport. The cart can then be stored in an overhead bin during your flight.

Weight of cart: 7.6 pounds

If you need a cheap, no-frills booster seat, we recommend the Cosco Rise . It’s a bit too large to fit into a carry-on suitcase or backpack, but it’s easy to attach with a bungee cord to a carry-on for plane travel. It’s also a great option if you just need a spare booster for carpools or to order ahead for use at the grandparents' house.

Weight of seat: 2.2 pounds Weight range: 40 to 100 pounds Height range: 43 to 57 inches

The research

Why you should trust us, who should get this, the best infant car seat for travel: chicco keyfit 35, an infant seat and stroller in one: doona, the best convertible car seat for travel: cosco scenera next, the best harness booster seat for travel: cosco finale 2-in-1, a great car seat caddy: britax travel cart, the best booster seat for travel: cosco rise, other good travel car seats, should a kid sit in a car seat on the airplane, what about checking a car seat, the competition, care, use, and maintenance.

The authors of this guide have collectively interviewed 40 industry experts, safety authorities, and physicians. Among them were certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians (CPSTs) such as Lani Harrison, who installs more than 300 car seats each year; Dr. Aditya Belwadi, a biomechanics research scientist who previously led the child passenger safety research team at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and now works at Tesla in Crash, Safety, and Occupant Protection/Biomechanics; and Bill Horn, head sled testing engineer at Calspan , one of the country’s top crash-testing facilities. The authors also talked with dozens of parents and representatives from leading car seat manufacturers.

The original version of this guide was written by Rebecca Gale, whose reporting on policy and parenting has appeared in outlets including The New York Times, Slate, and The Washington Post. Rebecca has also been certified as a CPST, completing a 40-hour training program through the Safe Kids Worldwide organization.

In 2022 and 2023, this guide was updated by Christina Szalinski, a science writer whose reporting on health and parenting has appeared in The Atlantic and Kaiser Health News . In addition to writing the most recent versions of Wirecutter’s infant and convertible car seat guides, Christina is responsible for Wirecutter’s guides to the Best Baby Formula and kids face masks .

Few people strictly need a separate car seat for travel as you can gate- or baggage-check any car seat for free with most airlines. But lugging your regular (likely heavy and bulky) seat in and out of the car and through the airport can be a major hassle. Investing in a smaller, lighter-weight option may be worthwhile, especially if you fly or use ridesharing services or taxis frequently.

Infant car seats for travel

If you’re traveling with an infant or baby, bringing along your usual infant car seat without its base (to cut down on weight and heft) is typically the best option. Our top infant car seat pick, the Graco SnugRide SnugFit 35 DLX , is relatively lightweight and, like other infant car seats, can be safely strapped in with a seatbelt only and no base.

There are two possible ways to install an infant car seat without a base: either with the belt directly across the top, called “American routing,” or with the shoulder belt placed around the back of the seat in addition to the top, called “European routing.” It’s easier to get a secure fit with European routing, and two seats we recommend in our guide to infant car seats, the Chicco KeyFit 35 and the Clek Liing , are designed to allow for that type of install. If you know you’ll be traveling with your infant often, it may be worthwhile to choose one of these as your baby’s first car seat.

Many infant car seats are compatible with easy-to-fold stroller frames, such as the Chicco KeyFit Caddy , which turns an infant car seat into a stroller and can be convenient for travel. Most infant seats are FAA-approved for airplane use, should you decide to purchase an airplane seat for your infant.

Convertible car seats for travel

When your child has outgrown their infant car seat, deciding on a car seat for travel can be trickier. Alisa Baer, a pediatrician, CPST, and co-founder of the website The Car Seat Lady , recommends bringing your own convertible car seat and using a travel cart . That way you have a seat that you’re already comfortable installing. But some people will prefer a dedicated travel car seat, as they can be significantly lighter than regular seats—as little as 7 pounds versus 20 to 30 pounds.

If you do buy a dedicated travel seat, it’s a good idea to practice installing it before your trip—you don’t want to be figuring it out for the first time when you, and your kid, are potentially jet lagged and feeling extra cranky. Installation can be the most time-consuming and frustrating part of using a car seat—and particularly a convertible car seat—and is often the point of failure for using a car seat correctly.

Booster seats for travel

If your everyday booster seat has a removable back (as with our top pick and runner-up pick, the Chicco KidFit ClearTex Plus and the Graco TurboBooster LX ), you may prefer to simply bring that seat for travel, leaving the bulky back at home. But like with convertible seats, it’s also an option to get a dedicated travel booster that may be significantly lighter and smaller than the one you rely on every day.

Jessica Jermakian, vice president for vehicle research at the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, offered several tips for bringing along a backless booster, especially if it’s not one that’s compact: “I bungee cord them to my luggage while traversing the airport. On most flights, my kids could shove them under the seat in front of them and still have room to throw their backpack on top. On some flights, I’ve put them in a tote in the overhead compartment.”

Travel car seat alternatives

If you’re headed to a familiar destination, you could look into borrowing a seat from friends or relatives. Or, you may be able to rent one through a baby equipment rental service.

Many car rental companies also offer car seats for a daily fee, but it can cost up to $15 a day—adding up to much more than the cost of a travel car seat, which can be less than $50. And though you can reserve one in advance, rental car seats are subject to availability, so there’s no guarantee that one will be available when you arrive. The car seat provided may also be difficult to install properly, especially in an unfamiliar car. That said, you may be able to find discounts or other benefits through programs such as AAA, which offers one free car seat rental for members when they book a car through Hertz, Dollar, or Thrifty. Ridesharing and airport and town car services may also provide a car seat with advance reservations.

There are hundreds of travel car seat options for infants, toddlers, and older kids. We began the whittling down process by examining online customer reviews and existing media coverage, which included going to Car Seats for the Littles , Lucie’s List , and the Car Seat Lady . We found the travel car seat category to be sorely lacking in an abundance of great options, so we also considered some “regular” car seats and alternatives.

We knew from our expert interviews that proper installation is generally a far bigger problem than the level of protection that a seat inherently provides, so we searched the NHTSA ease-of-use installation database to help determine which seats offer easy installation and come with clear instructions. We also relied on the personal experience of Wirecutter staffers, volunteer testers, and car seat techs who had used the car seats in the past.

Our research led us to conclude that the ideal travel car seat should be:

Lightweight and compact: A travel car seat will likely need to be carried between multiple locations, sometimes with a baby inside (if we’re talking about an infant). The less the seat weighs, the easier it is to deal with when combined with children and carry-on items. A more compact seat can also fit more readily in a wide variety of vehicles.

FAA approved: For parents who want to use their infant seat, convertible car seat, or harness booster on a plane, FAA certification is crucial.

Easy to install: As with all of our car seat recommendations, ease of installation is paramount, as the easier it is to do, the more likely it is to be done properly.

Easy to use: Straps should be simple to adjust to get a snug but comfortable fit in a five-point harness. The buckles should be easy for parents to clip and unclip but difficult to impossible for children to mess with. We considered the experience of both parents and kids in using the seats, as well as how easy each seat was to clean.

Safe: When it comes to travel, convenience can trump a minor safety advantage; a seat that you can bring along with you is vastly superior to no seat at all. Still, we did take the relevant government safety data from NHTSA into consideration.

Over the past five years we’ve tested 17 car seats with travel specifically in mind.

If you’re shopping for an infant car seat with travel in mind, we recommend the FAA-approved Chicco KeyFit 35 , one of our picks in our guide to infant car seats . It is lightweight and easy to use, and it can be installed securely without its base using the European belt path, a method that generally provides a superior install. (Any infant seat can be installed without its base, so if you already have an infant seat, using what you already own is likely the easiest choice.)

You can save on weight and bulk by leaving a car seat base at home when traveling. There are two ways to install an infant seat without its base. The most common is American belt routing, in which the seat belt goes over the top of the infant seat and the baby’s knees. We’ve found that it can be very difficult to secure an infant seat in the car securely using this method.

A few seats also offer the option to rely on the European belt path, the method we prefer, in which the lap belt goes over the top of the infant seat and the shoulder belt goes around the back. It’s easier to get a secure install with the European belt path, but it’s only found on a few car seat models. Of the four infant car seats we recommend, only the Chicco KeyFit 35 and Clek Liing offer the option of using the European belt path.

Beyond the advantage of the European belt bath, the Chicco KeyFit 35 has everything we love about the more popular Chicco KeyFit 30 with a few bonus features, such as an anti-rebound base as an added safety option. The KeyFit 35 can also accommodate a slightly larger baby (up to 35 pounds) than the KeyFit 30.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

The KeyFit 35 is about $50 more than our top infant car seat choice, the Graco SnugRide SnugFit 35 DLX . It probably doesn’t make sense to buy this seat just for travel if you already own a similar infant car seat. But if you plan to be jet-setting with your baby, it may be worth the additional $50 or so to get a better on-the-go install from the start.

The Doona is an FAA-approved infant car seat (rear-facing only) with built-in wheels that allow it to convert to a stroller. For travel, this is about as convenient as it gets, allowing caregivers to rely on a single piece of equipment to accomplish two goals: avoid gate-checking a stroller—assuming an airline seat is purchased for the infant—and hop in and out of cabs without having to stow anything in the trunk.

Compared with a regular infant car seat, the Doona has some drawbacks. For one thing, it did not perform particularly well in Baby Gear Lab’s crash testing (there are no government crash tests available yet for this seat). For this reason, and because it’s tricky to install without its base (as most infant seats are), one of our car seat experts does not recommend this seat. At 14.3 pounds, it’s heavy and bulky to carry and maneuver when in car seat mode. The Doona also has the steepest price of any of the car seats (including infant, convertible, and boosters) that we’ve reviewed. It does come with a traditional infant car seat base that allows for an easy click in and out of a car, but the extra width means it could be impossible to fit three across in a backseat. And it would defeat the point to use that base for travel.

Switching the Doona from car seat mode to stroller mode and back requires “both hands and concentration,” said one tester, as well as “quite a bit of practice for me. It takes a rather specific, subtle motion to collapse it back and tuck the wheels.” It’s harder than taking a regular infant car seat off of a stroller with an infant seat attachment. Plus, once your child outgrows this seat, you’ll have to buy another stroller.

As a stroller, the Doona maneuvers easily, and the brake is intuitive and easy to use. But though it comes with an attached storage bag, the Doona lacks a storage basket.

The inexpensive Cosco Scenera Next weighs just 6.8 pounds, is relatively easy to carry and install, and can be used rear-facing from 5 to 40 pounds and forward-facing from 22 to 40 pounds. It’s FAA-certified and easy to install on an airplane (using the plane’s seatbelt).

The Cosco sells for $60, which is a bargain compared with many convertible car seats (the Graco Extend2Fit , our favorite convertible seat for everyday use, is a little over $200). The seat gets strong safety ratings from NHTSA, and given its low weight and heft and easy-enough install, we think it’s the best option available for an on-the-go or backup car seat. We strongly prefer the (heftier) Graco Extend2Fit for everyday use. That’s because it’s easier to get a safe, secure install with that seat and to adjust it to fit the child. Plus, it can be used forward-facing until a kid is 65 pounds and 49 inches tall—a much longer usable life than the Scenera Next.

Several Wirecutter staffers use or have used the Cosco Scenera Next, appreciating its low cost, low weight, and small size. They’ve found that the seat’s slim profile makes it a great option for smaller cars (specifically, a Prius or Renault Scenic). Senior editor Courtney Schley found that the Cosco allowed her to get three seats (two Coscos and one infant car seat) across in her family’s car.

The Scenera Next’s low shoulder straps mean that a child may outgrow this seat well before they are ready for a booster. ( Shoulder straps should hit at or below the shoulders when a child is rear-facing; when forward-facing the straps should hit at or above the shoulders.) The low straps mean that many 3-year-olds with longer torsos may outgrow the seat in forward-facing mode, even though the seat’s height and weight limits indicate that it should fit an average-size kid up to age 4. With a long torso, the straps end up hitting below the shoulders, a situation that can compromise safety.

Though the Scenera Next is simple to install compared with other lightweight convertible car seats we tested, some of our testers still found it difficult to get a tight, secure install. It has hook LATCH straps that aren’t particularly easy to use—you really have to tug on the LATCH straps to get a tight fit, and getting them off can be an even bigger challenge. We preferred installing the seat with a seat belt in unfamiliar cars, which was an easier way to get a tight install (try the inside/outside trick with the shoulder belt), and made it much easier to uninstall.

Our testers also found that the chest clip on the harness wasn’t as responsive or easy to use as those on more expensive seats. The Scenera Next also has less padding than many seats, though Baer points out that the padding on most seats is highly compressible, meaning that just because a seat looks fluffier doesn’t mean it provides much more cushion.

This seat also has a few downsides if you bring it on a plane. Like most convertible car seats, it’s wider than the aisle, so you have to carry it awkwardly down the plane to get to your seat, which can be quite a challenge if you’re on your own and have other carry-on items (plus your child). Additionally, the plane’s seat belt buckle is going to be pushing into your child’s back if the seat is oriented forward-facing. Alisa Baer, co-founder of The Car Seat Lady, recommends installing any seat with this issue rear-facing, even if a kid is used to forward-facing. Or you can put a diaper or other soft item over the buckle to make it a bit more comfortable.

The Cosco Finale 2-in-1 is a solid option for kids who are no longer rear-facing but still benefit from a five-point harness. It’s affordable, weighs just 12 pounds, and is relatively easy to install using the car’s seat belt while in harness mode (it also comes with LATCH straps, though we didn’t find these as easy to use). Like other boosters, when in booster mode, this seat relies on the car’s seat belt to secure the child, so there’s no need to install it.

This bigger-kid seat can see a growing child through years of travel: It can be used as a forward-facing five-point harness booster seat from 30 to 65 pounds and then as a regular (harness-free) booster from 40 to 100 pounds (up until a child is 52 inches tall).

As a five-point harness, it’s FAA-certified and easy to install on an airplane using the plane’s seatbelt. However, when it’s in booster mode, like all boosters, it cannot be used on an airplane.

In harness mode, the Cosco Finale 2-in-1 performed well in an NHTSA crash test. And several Wirecutter staffers use or have used the Cosco Finale 2-in-1 while traveling after their child outgrew the Cosco Scenera Next—they liked the price and straightforward install. Converting the seat to a booster is fairly straightforward , and the seat has storage for the harness, crotch buckle, and chest clip. Once the seat is in booster mode, your child can’t use it on an airplane, but many airlines will allow you to check a booster seat for free (you may wish to check with your airline in advance).

A more expensive version of the Cosco Finale 2-in-1, the Cosco Finale DX 2-in-1 , is also available. The only difference between the two is the fabric—the DX has a tiny bit more cushion and a slightly less slippery texture. We asked several children to try each seat and then report their favorite (they wore blindfolds, to remove color preference as a factor). There was no clear winner between the two seats, and our adult testers could hardly distinguish a difference in the cushioning. For this reason, we don’t think it’s worth the extra $20 for the DX.

When using the Finale 2-in-1 in harness mode, you first have to install it in the car, which you can do either with the seat’s LATCH straps or with the car’s seat belt. We found the Finale 2-in-1’s hook LATCH straps difficult to use—it’s hard to get a tight fit in the car, and getting them off can be a big challenge. As we did with the Cosco Scenera Next, we preferred installing the harnessed seat with a seat belt; this was an easier way to get a tight install (try the inside/outside trick with the shoulder belt) and also made it much easier to uninstall. (When the harness is removed and the seat is in booster mode, you do not need to install it in the car, since the car’s seat belt holds it in place and secures the child.)

Our testers also found that the chest clip on the harness was a bit more difficult to open compared to those on more expensive seats like the Graco Tranzitions 3-in-1 . The straps have to be manually threaded through the car seat, which isn’t particularly difficult or time consuming, but you have to remember to do it before you install the seat. It also has less padding than many seats, though our child testers didn’t complain (however, we didn’t take it on any long road trips).

This seat won’t have as many years of use as other travel options, like the Graco Tranzitions 3-in-1, because the Cosco has a maximum height of 52 inches (most boosters go to 57 inches) and does not convert to a backless booster.

If you need to travel with a convertible car seat, you can bring the one you already have to the airport and onto the airplane with the Britax Travel Cart . The main benefit of bringing your own is that you’ll have a seat that you (and your child) are comfortable with, and that you know how to install confidently.

There are a number of similar travel carts out there, but we think this one offers the most for the price. We like that when the car seat is strapped onto the cart using the car seat’s LATCH clips, you can use the whole thing like a stroller and push (or pull) your child through the airport. The frame is also studier than other models—it can hold a total of 100 pounds of car seat and child. Plus, when it’s time to get on the plane you can fold the cart to stow it in an overhead bin.

At about $100 for the cart, it is cheaper to purchase a budget convertible car seat like the Cosco Scenera Next. However, depending on your circumstances, the Britax Travel Cart may outlive the expiration of many car seats (which are between six and 10 years), and could be used for future car seats, or passed along without as much consideration as a used car seat.

For a cheap, no-frills booster seat, the Cosco Rise is a reliable option that weighs only 2.2 pounds. It’s simple to use: Like other backless booster seats, it does not need to be physically attached to the vehicle; a child simply sits in it and fastens the car’s lap belt over their knees (under the seat’s sides).

The Chicco GoFit Plus is our overall top pick for the best backless booster seat because it’s cushy, made with easy-to-clean materials, and includes two cup holders and a LATCH system to anchor the seat to the car. But it’s bulky, heavy, and not great for travel. The Cosco Rise has fewer bells and whistles, but it offers a key safety feature: Unlike many other boosters, this seat has a strap that attaches to a car’s shoulder belt to adjust the belt’s position for smaller riders (the shoulder belt should always rest on a child’s collarbone, and not against their neck).

The Cosco Rise can accommodate children as small as 40 pounds, as long as they are also 43 inches tall, meaning it will work for most kids 5 and up but may not accommodate some 4-year-olds.

This seat is a bit too large to fit easily into a carry-on suitcase or backpack (it takes up almost all the room top-to-bottom in a standard-sized carry-on, with only a little room left on the side). There is also almost no padding on this seat, merely a polyester cover, but for short rides, our testers didn’t complain.

If you want an upgraded infant seat that’s great for travel : We recommend the Clek Liing , one of our favorite infant seats . Like the Chicco KeyFit 35, the Clek Liing can be installed without its base using a European belt path, which is much easier to get secure than the standard American belt routing found on most infant car seats. And when you’re at home, we love how easy it is to install the Liing’s base, which includes an added safety feature: a load leg .

If you want a high-end infant seat and don’t own a car: The lightweight, easy-to-clean Clek Liingo is similar to the Clek Liing but without the base. In general, we think installing a seat with the base is an easier and more secure option with infant car seats. But if you don’t own a car, the Liingo can be installed without a base in several ways. It has the same European belt path that the Liing has, which routes the lap belt over the top and the shoulder belt around the back for more security than an install that just goes over the top of the seat. The Liingo also comes with a LATCH strap that routes in the same spot as the lap belt—though we found this was not nearly as secure as the European belt path routing.

If you want a longer-lasting five-point harness seat for older kids: The Graco Tranzitions 3-in-1 is a good choice. This forward-facing-only seat has a five-point harness that holds kids from 22 to 65 pounds and up to 49 inches tall, and it can be adjusted without rethreading it, so it is easier to modify as your child grows. When your child is ready for a regular booster, you can remove the harness and crotch buckle, converting the seat to a high-back booster that can hold a child from 40 to 100 pounds and up to 57 inches tall. Finally, you can remove the back and convert the seat to a lightweight backless booster that can also be used from 40 to 100 pounds and up to 57 inches tall.

First off, a car seat must be FAA-approved—as all of our recommended infant and convertible seats are—for a kid to ride in one on an airplane. (Booster seats are reserved for older children and not intended for use on airplane seats.)

Both the Federal Aviation Administration and CPSTs believe it is safer for kids under 2 to ride in a car seat aboard a plane rather than in their parents’ arms. In the event of turbulence or rough air, a child is much safer if strapped in. Being injured in turbulence , though very unlikely, does affect a handful of American flyers each year, and recent research indicates that turbulence is on the rise due to climate change.

Many parents find that air travel is easier when their child has their own seat (though of course you have to pay for that additional seat). Children are allowed to sit on caregivers’ laps on planes until age 2, but few toddlers can sit still for a long period of time, and that extra harness and recline (as well as familiarity) provided by the car seat may keep a child seated comfortably longer, especially once they are mobile but still too young to fully understand how to sit still in a lap belt.

There are a number of challenges to bringing a car seat, especially a convertible seat designed for a toddler, onto a plane. Some smaller planes may have seats that aren’t wide enough for many convertible car seats. And even if the car seat is narrow enough for the plane, not many seats are narrow enough to easily fit down the aisle. The Clek Foonf , one of our convertible car seat picks, is one of them, but it is pricey and heavy. (The Clek Fllo , Graco SlimFit3 LX , and Graco True3Fit also fit on an airplane seat, but we did not test them.) You’ll generally have to lift a car seat above the seats to carry it to the rear of a plane.

Finally, unlike a car seat buckle, which sits on your hip, a plane’s seat buckle sits right in the middle of your lap. That means for many car seats, once you install them on the plane, there’s going to be a large metal buckle below your child’s legs or behind their back (the Clek seats are among the few without this issue). Alisa Baer, co-founder of The Car Seat Lady, recommends using convertible seats with buckle-in-the-back issues rear-facing, even with a larger child—they’ll likely be more comfortable if their feet have a place to rest, plus they won’t be trying to rest their feet on the passenger’s seat in front of them. You can also put a diaper or spare T-shirt over the buckle to make it a bit more comfortable.

Some parents may find it simpler to use a CARES harness (Child Aviation Restraint System) to help keep kids in their seats on a plane (and their kids may prefer sitting in an airplane seat over a car seat); you install this four-point harness around the child’s seatback and under the tray behind it.

Most airlines allow at least one car seat to be checked for free but doing so has several potential problems . The luggage can be handled roughly and tossed, damaging the car seat in the process. Seats, like any piece of luggage, can also be lost or misplaced in transit. Ultimately, the main reason you may want to have your child use a car seat on the plane is so that you are absolutely confident you’ll have the car seat when you arrive at your destination.

For people who do check in their car seats, Harrison recommends—ideally—using the original box and styrofoam that the seat came with if they are available or using Bubble Wrap and a garbage bag if not. Examine the seat for visible damage when it comes out at baggage claim, and be prepared to replace the seat if it’s broken or bent.

Infant travel seats

The Chicco Fit2 can accommodate infants as small as 4 pounds and toddlers as large as 35 pounds or 35 inches. Like the Chicco KeyFit 35 we recommend as the best infant car seat for travel, it can be installed with a European belt path. But because of this seat’s large size, some seat belts are too short to route over the car seat securely.

Convertible travel seats

We previously recommended the lightweight, foldable, forward-facing WAYB Pico (rhymes with “baby”) as a good travel car seat for kids who are too big for the Cosco Scenera Next but still need a five-point harness. Its adjustable seat back allows it to accommodate taller kids, and its slim design means it takes up less room in the backseat than other car seats. The 8-pound seat is exceptionally convenient to install, uninstall, and carry around, including through airports and onto a plane. In September 2019, however, WAYB announced it was recalling 4,558 Pico car seats manufactured between March 1 and May 12, 2019, due to reports of breakage in the aluminum tube connecting the headrest to the seat. You can read NHSTA’s report (PDF)  for details about the recall, how to identify your car seat’s date of manufacture, and how to inspect your car seat for damage. Since the recall, there have not been further reports of problems. Like all car seats sold in the US, the Pico was self-certified by WAYB to pass NHTSA standards (PDF) for safety testing.

The EvenFlo Tribute is a lightweight seat (9 pounds) similar to the Cosco Scenera Next and also has a weight limit of 40 pounds, but as our convertible car seat guide testing showed us, it’s not as easy to get a good install with this seat. CPSTs like Harrison recommend using a towel or pool noodle when using the Tribute to address this. It’s also more expensive than the Cosco Scenera Next.

Booster travel seats

We previously recommended the BubbleBum , an inflatable, portable backless booster seat for older kids. However, in February 2022, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety raised concerns about the safety of inflatable boosters. A study using a computerized model determined that an inflatable booster may not have the stiffness required to keep a child from sliding out from under the lap belt upon impact in a car crash.

The backless Cosco Topside is too large to fit into a carry-on or a backpack. Unlike the Cosco Rise , our favorite backless booster for travel, this booster seat also doesn’t have a belt-positioning clip, which can help the shoulder belt fit better on a smaller rider.

We liked the Graco RightGuide booster seat because it was small enough to fit inside a carry-on or backpack. But it was recently discontinued.

The Immi Go is a booster car seat with a five-point harness that folds conveniently into its own carrying bag. Due to low sales, it is no longer for sale in the US, but you may see this seat if you travel abroad.

The MiFold backless booster seat (currently unavailable) is small enough to fit into the back pocket of some pants and weighs less than 2 pounds. It works by moving the seat belt down to fit the kid (as opposed to raising the kid to fit the belt, as other boosters do). However, our testers found its hard plastic shell uncomfortable to sit on for long periods of time and said that the seat was complicated and unintuitive to set up. Also, a car seat safety expert we consulted noted that the design of the seat may encourage a child to use bad posture while they’re sitting in it—in an effort to find a more comfortable position, the child may tend to scoot forward, moving the slick-bottomed seat along with them, which could pose a safety concern.

Travel carts

The Torevsior Car Seat Travel Cart is about $25 less than the Britax Travel Cart we recommend, but it’s also less robust—the frame just doesn’t feel as sturdy. The weight limit is also lower than the Britax’s, at 70 pounds versus Britax’s 100 pounds. Like the Britax travel cart, the Torevsior cart has hooks for LATCH straps, to secure a car seat onto the cart so that your child can ride in it as you’re moving through the airport. It’s 6.4 pounds (Britax is 7.6 pounds), and extends up to 46 inches (Britax to 42 inches).

All of the guidelines for car seat care, use, and maintenance in our other car seat guides apply to travel car seats as well.

This guide was edited by Ellen Lee, Amy Miller Kravetz and Kalee Thompson.

Jessica Jermakian, vice president for vehicle research at the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety , email exchange , August 1, 2022

Alisa Baer, pediatrician, nationally certified child passenger safety instructor, and co-founder of The Car Seat Lady , phone interview, July 15, 2022 and January 9, 2023

Lani Harrison, CPST, Car Seats for the Littles , email interview , January 28, 2019

Meet your guides

Christina Szalinski

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

Rebecca Gale

Further reading

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 Travel Strollers

by Elise Czajkowski

After testing seven travel strollers on various trips and excursions, we’re confident that the Uppababy Minu V2 is the one to get.

Traveling With Little Kids Can Be Tough. The Right Gear Can Help.

by Kerry Davis McGuinness

From compact car seats and cribs to portable blackout shades and white noise machines, the right tools for travel can lead to less fuss—and more fun.

The Best Infant Car Seats

by Christina Szalinski

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

Posted on Last updated: April 18, 2024 Categories Kids Travel Gear

By: Author Kate

The Best Portable Car Seat for Travel For Every Age!

This post may contain affiliate links.

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Are you looking for the best portable car seat for travel with your baby, toddler or child? Are you wondering about the best car seats for airplanes? One of the biggest pains of traveling with young kids is figuring out what to do about the car seats! Seriously, I have planned so much of our travel around “well, how are we going to travel with the car seats??!”  

Not only do we want to keep our kids safe on vacation, but we also want a lightweight travel car seat that isn’t going to break the bank. My car seat for my 3-year-old (although AWESOME) is super heavy and bulky – I needed a better toddler travel car seat option! In this post, we are going to teach you all the tips and tricks I’ve learned to make traveling with car seats a breeze.

The Best Travel Car Seat: Quick Comparison

Should you buy a separate portable toddler car seat.

We love the car seats we have at home and we also spent a lot of money purchasing them. We didn’t want to take the chance of having them ruined at the airport or while traveling which is why we decided to buy a separate portable carseat for travel. The portable car seats we purchased were all super affordable, which is why we weren’t too fussed if they got scuffed or damaged in our travels. We also bought the most lightweight portable child car seat we could find! It never hurts to lighten your load when you are traveling. One extra bonus to having separate travel carseat is that you don’t have to uninstall and reinstall your car seats at home! One time was hard enough to get it all perfect, I’m happy not to have to reinstall my seats every time we take a trip.

If you are looking for some excellent basic information about car seat travel, please check out this awesome article by the American Academy of Pediatrics which is a primer on Car Seat Safety and FAQs. 

Top Choices for Portable Car Seats

We’re going to be reviewing all of these car seats in massive detail below but in case you just want to get to the good stuff, here is our list of the best portable car seats for travel:

Top Choice: Portable Car Seat for 1 Year Old

Our top choice for a 1 year old (or less) is an bucket car seat. These seats are easy to travel with as they can be easily installed using a regular seat belt. We chose the Maxi Cosi Mico 30 for its lightweight design. This is provided that your one year old has not yet outgrown a bucket car seat. Our top choice infant car seat has a weight limit of 30lbs and a height limit of 32 inches. The reason we love bucket seats is that they usually connect to strollers really easily and that means one less piece of equipment on your trip. Read more reviews of the Maxi Cosi Mico 30 and compare prices on Amazon.

Top Choice: Portable Car Seat for 2 Year Old

In the two-year-old category, we are LOVING the Cosco Scenera Next car seat. This convertible car seat is one of the most popular travel car seats for a reason, literally, every single friend of mine owns the same one. The Cosco Scenera Next is super lightweight and you really can’t beat the price . Read more reviews of this travel car seat for 2 year old toddlers here.

Top Choice: Portable Car Seat for 3 Year Old

We still love the Cosco Scenera Next for most 3 year olds . The upper weight limit for this car seat is 40lbs, so most average sized 3 year olds will still fit in this seat. This seat can be used rear facing and forward facing, making it super versatile. If you are short on space or planning to travel for a long period, you may want to consider the Ride Safer Delight for this age group. This nifty ride safer travel vest is the perfect travel car seat for 3 year old and 4 year olds that are too small for travel booster seat options. Read more reviews here!

Top Choice: Portable Car Seat for 4 Year Old

For the 4 year old and up kids, a travel booster may be appropriate. This is all depending on the size of your 4 year old – keep in mind that the majority of boosters have a minimum weight of 40lbs. We love the mifold for its compactness and portability. We have been using this car seat with our now 5 year old son and it has totally changed our lives when it comes to traveling (safely) with kids. Read more reviews and see the weight and height restrictions here.

Should I bring my travel car seat on the plane?

One of the questions that I am asked most by readers is whether it is worthwhile to bring a car seat on the plane. If your child is over age 2 and you are already going to be bringing the car seat along, my answer is always YES!! We were actually late to the game in bringing our car seats ON the plane. I hadn’t really considered it until my second son was almost 2. We’ve now brought our Cosco Scenera Next on the plane for multiple trips and it has been an absolute lifesaver! Not only is it safer to have kids safely strapped into a car seat in the case of turbulence , it also makes flying with kids SO much easier! With my son strapped in, we didn’t have to worry about him constantly trying to bother the people in front of us or trying to hide on the seats. Our kids also sleep super well in the car seats, so it really helped the travel go as smooth as possible. Check out the latest prices on the super affordable Costco Scenra Next here.

One important thing to note is that having a forward facing car seat on a plane puts your kids’ feet at premium seat kicking range! We solve this problem by seating our older child in front of the car seat. It’s something to consider before you book your seats!

Now if your child is less than 2 years old, the decision whether to bring the car seat is entirely personal. If you want to bring your seat, you’ll usually have to pay for the seat. It is definitely safer to have a child strapped in the case of turbulence. Commercial airplanes travel at a speed of 250mph during takeoff and landing and a sudden stop or jolt could send your child flying no matter how tightly you are holding them. That being said, the majority of individuals I know do not buy a seat for their child under age 2. Air travel is one of the safest forms of travel, and in the majority of cases, an infant in your lap will be just fine. One pro tip is to ask the flight attendants whether the flight is full before you board. I have scored a free seat for my less than 2 year old infants twice using this method and both times was able to bring on my car seat without difficulty.

If you aren’t planning to use a travel carseat at your destination, you may consider using the CARES airplane travel harness. The CARES travel harness keeps your kids safe on the flight by strapping them in with an extra chest strap. It is rated for kids 22-44lbs and is approved by the FAA for travel. Not only does the Cares harness keep kids safe, but it also keeps kids contained in their seats. I love that my kids are happier to stay put in their seats when they are all buckled in and relaxed. One thing to note about the CARES harness is that you do need to secure it around the back of the seat behind you. I’ve never had anyone complain about it.

How do I know if my Airplane Car Seat is Approved?

Before you fly, you’ll want to know if your carseat is FAA approved for flight.  Please note that it is important to check your local car seat regulations as these may vary from country to country. In the US,  you will need FAA approved car seats . You can look for your car seat sticker to see if yours is approved, if approved, it should say “this restraint is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft”

Our quick list of FAA approved car seats:

• Portable Baby Car Seat: Maxi Cosi Mico 30
• Best travel car seat for toddler: Cosco Scenera Next

Please note that booster seats are not FAA approved and cannot be taken on flights.

To check or to gate check?

If we aren’t planning to bring our car seats ON the plane (we almost always do now), we usually gate check out seats. I personally trust the gate checkers to be more careful with the objects than the regular luggage line. I have friends who have checked theirs at the desk and have had damage to the seats which made them unusable.

Should you use a car seat bag?

Check out the latest Car Seat Bags on Amazon here.

There are lots of travel car seat bags available to help you lug your car seats around the airport. Some even have backpack straps and some have roller wheels to make it even easier to bring them along. I have lots of friends who use (and rave!) about these accessories. Personally, I don’t use a car seat bag. For me, it’s just one more thing to bring along!

I also find that when the luggage attendant sees something in a bag they tend to be less careful about it! When they see a car seat out in the open they know they can’t just toss it around (hopefully!). Perhaps if I traveled with my more expensive car seats, I would be more inclined to use a bag, but for now, I’m not sold on the need for one.

How do you bring your car seat through the airport?

If you gate check you can use the seat to transport your child around the airport. Check out this neat product which straps the car seat right to a piece of luggage turning it into a stroller for the airport. Or you can even buy a travel car seat cart to turn your car seat into a temporary stroller at the airport. Read more reviews and compare prices of these travel car seat accessories here.

Personally, one of the reasons that we LOVE the Cosco Scenera NEXT Car Seat is that it fits in the basket of our Uppa Baby Vista stroller. With the car seat tucked in the bottom of our stroller, we still feel like we are traveling light! Check out the Cosco Scenera next in detail here.

Portable Travel Car Seat Rundown

Ok, now it’s time for the detailed reviews! Here are the best car seats for travel that I have tried and tested. These opinions are my own, and I was not paid or sponsored by any of these companies.

Infant Portable Car Seat: Maxi Cosi Mico

Weight and Height Restrictions:

• Up to 32 inches

FAA Approved?

Where to buy it:.

Check out prices at the following retailers:

Why we love it

Taking a car seat with an infant is the easiest and simplest. I have always used a bucket seat with my kids and I take the same bucket seat that I use at home with me when I travel. We have the Maxi-Cosi Mico 30 , and I think this is the most lightweight car seat around!  Any bucket seat , as long as it meets safety requirements, will do!

For the best car seat stroller combo,  our car seat attaches to our UppaBaby Vista which makes it great for use in the airport and also while we are on the trip. We never bring along our actual stroller seat until our little one has outgrown the bucket seat. It is too much to carry and our little ones have always been happy in the bucket seat with a few toys to play with. I LOVE traveling with my full-size stroller. Find out more about why I always bring my full size stroller here! 

Toddler Travel Car Seat: Cosco Scenera Next

• 5-40lbs (rear facing 5-44lbs, forward facing 22-40lbs)
• 19 to 40 inches

Why we love it:

For me, toddlers are the trickiest age for bringing car seats for travel. My 2-year-old certainly doesn’t fit into a bucket seat, but also is way too small for a more portable booster seat. A lot of the toddler car seats are so bulky and that makes them difficult to transport in the airport. At the advice of a friend, I purchased what I consider the ultimate portable car seat for my 2-year-old,  the   Cosco Scenera Next.   I use this car seat exclusively as my toddler travel car seat and I can not stop RAVING about it. This seat is seriously the best car seat for travel!  The car seat is SUPER lightweight, which makes it great for airplanes as it’s easy to transport and not a huge pain in the airport. It also fits perfectly in the basket of my Uppa Baby Vista Stoller (score!).

The biggest plus of this super portable car seat is the price!! It is the best value around, and with such a low price I am not afraid of it getting ruined when we travel.  We don’t use this car seat for anything but travel, and it’s also AMAZING not to have to uninstall our regular car seats from our cars because we have this one. If you are like me, installing the car seat the first time was challenging enough, I prefer to keep my regular car seats installed when I can! In the US, this portable car seat is FAA approved,  meaning that it is an airline approved car seat for travel. I prefer to take this car seat and risk it getting damaged than to take the expensive car seat that I use every day.

Portable Booster Seat: The MiFold

Best car seat for travel.

• 40 lbs – 100lbs
• 40 -57 inches

No! Booster seats are not permitted on airplanes.

My kids are still little but I recently learned about an amazing new product from my friend. The mifold car seat is a super thin and portable booster seat that was designed by a couple who also felt the pain of constantly traveling with their seats. The mifold is so compact, it can fit in your purse! The design is simple, yet safe, as it currently meets all of the safety requirements for booster seats in the US. The minimum weight is 40lbs (and 4 years of age).

My friends review? She loves it! The only complaint would be that she says her kids say the seat is not the most comfortable for long car rides. This usually isn’t a huge problem when we travel. Certainly, I would still be using my 5-point restraint car seat at home (as its safer until you reach the maximum weight!). Once my son is big enough I plan to just use the mifold for trips, carpooling, taxi rides etc. My son is soon to be 4, but far away from 40lbs. I can’t wait to try this for myself!

For those kids who are a bit small for their age,  another cool option is the Ride Safer Delight . Although a bit bulkier than the mifold, this safety restraint is rated for smaller children who are at least 3 years old and at least 30 lbs.  You can compare prices and read reviews of the Ride Safer Delight here . Check out my fellow blogger friend from The Family Voyage for a detailed review of The Ride Safer Delight .

*** Update *** My son is now almost 5 and we are LOVING the mifold! It is so great to have something that literally fits in my purse to take with us on our travels. We don’t typically use a car a lot when we travel so having this option is SO GREAT! It sure beats lugging a bulky car seat along for only 40 minutes of total drive time! At home, we use it for taxi rides as well, which is SUPER convenient on the go. Definitely, love having this option! You can read more reviews of the MiFold here.

Should you just rent a car seat for travel?

Sometimes even the most portable car seat is just too much of a pain to bring on your trip. On several occasions, especially when we have been renting a car, we have rented a car seat . A few times we had a car seat that was quite old and worn, and on one occasion we had a seat that wasn’t properly rated for my child’s size. These are the problems with renting travel car seats from a rental company. Renting from a car rental company is at your own risk, as they don’t reserve the seats ahead of time. We will still occasionally do this, especially if we aren’t planning on using the seats a lot during the trip.

There are also companies that rent out car seats specifically for travelers. These baby gear companies will tell you the exact model of car seat that you are renting. The main disadvantage to a company like this is that unless they deliver to the airport you will be left without the car seat for your trip to go pick it up! This is why we have never rented a car seat from a company like this in the past.

Don’t forget your car seat accessories!

This post would not be complete without a shout out to some of my favorite car seat accessories!

The Best Car Seat Fan

I love my Diono Stroller Fan that attaches easily to the handle of the bucket seat to keep my baby cool on a hot vacation. Check out my other favorite beach hacks in this post on what to pack for the beach with kids.

Car Seat Lap Support

If you are headed on a road trip with kids, a car seat lap organizer is a perfect accessory. This Lap Desk for kids has a spot for a drink and can easily hold a few coloring books and markers. It can be worn like a backpack which makes it easy to carry through the airport when travelling.

The Best Car Seat Head Support

If you are doing a road trip with kids, you may have concerns about ‘head slump’ in the car seat. Mostly because it was freaking me out to see my kid’s heads contorted in such ways, I bought this portable car seat head support . Now when we go on long trips my son doesn’t look so darn uncomfortable when he sleeps! And seriously, the panda face is super cute!

Best Car Seat Cover

I love this car seat cover particularly for travel. It comes with a UPF 50+ sun shade that is perfect for hot vacations where you want to keep your little one protected. Under the sun shade is a mesh layer that is perfect to keep the Mosquitos out at night. With all of the worry about mosquito-borne illnesses like Zika, I wanted to prevent my little ones from getting bit as much as possible! Check out the pricing for this car seat cover here.

What is the best stroller for travel with car seats?

We are huge fans of trying to bring our full size stroller whenever we can on vacation. We have an Uppa Baby Vista and absolutely love it. The only exceptions would be when we are really limited on space (e.g. cruise, small rental car etc ). I love our full-size stroller and I’ve found every travel stroller I’ve owned to be completely lacking in so many important features. The basket on our stroller is larger enough to carry our travel car seat – you would never see that on a travel stroller!

I’ve never regretted bringing my bigger stroller and I’ve also never had any damage to my full size strollers. I have, however, had a wheel break on a flimsy travel stroller during a flight! Check out prices on the Uppa Baby vista here .

We do have a travel stroller that we use occasionally when we are really short on space. We used the Zoe XL2 travel stroller when we went on a Disney cruise and there was no room for a full size. I like that the Zoe XL has a decent recline and a really large canopy. The storage space isn’t great but it’s the best travel stroller I’ve owned yet. You can read more reviews and check out prices of the Zoe XL2 stroller here.

Have any more travel car seat questions?

Drop your questions in the comments below and I will be sure to answer them in this post.

While you’re in trip planning mode, be sure to check out my other guides to the top  baby travel gear and toddler travel gear posts for more ideas.

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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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7 Best Portable Car Seats for Babies, Toddlers and Big Kids

We prioritized lightweight car seats for travel by plane, rental car and rideshare.

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.

Our top picks:

Best Overall Portable Infant Car Seat

Doona car seat stroller.

Best Value Portable Booster Seat

Graco turbobooster 2.0.

Best Portable Convertible Car Seat

Cosco scenera next.

Best Portable Foldable Booster Seat

Peg perego viaggio flex 120.

Best Portable All-in-One Car Seat

Graco 4ever dlx.

Best Lightweight Portable Car Seat

Wayb pico travel car seat.

Best Portable Travel System for Babies

Nuna pipa urbn + trvl stroller.

Aside from requiring a lot more gear, traveling with kids can be quite stressful, and in between packing your luggage and investing in a travel stroller , there's little mental energy for anything else. Fortunately our experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute Parenting Lab have been testing car seats for decades, including the best convertible car seats and the best booster seats . We test based on safety features, functionality, ease of use and value. Our picks are based on tests done in-Lab by our experts, evaluations from our consumer testers and extensive research.

Head to the end of this guide to find more information on how we test, whether or not you should use a car seat on a plane, what to look for when shopping for the best portable car seats and more. Looking for more to make traveling with kids as easy as possible? Check out our favorite outdoor-ready stroller wagons , good diaper bags and the winners of our Family Travel Awards .

The Doona car seat is our pick for the best overall car seat and stroller combo and it's one of our past Parenting Award winners. A dedicated fan following backs it up; see its more than 12,000 five-star reviews on Amazon. The Doona makes it easy to switch between car seat and stroller mode in seconds even with your baby strapped inside. In short, you don't need a separate infant car seat and a stroller, because this is both.

"It's the easiest stroller to maneuver through airport security and around an airport terminal," says one tester who's a mom of two young kids. It goes into a rideshare vehicle using the seat belt (no stroller to put in the trunk!). It's also FAA-approved for use in an airplane cabin and fits on most economy airplane seats, which are often about 17 inches wide.

Rachel Rothman , the Good Housekeeping Institute's former Chief Technologist and a mom of three, is a fan of this for travel. But it's important to note that, as well as being pricey, the Doona is only for rear-facing use and for toddlers up to 35 pounds. Toddlers outgrow it typically at age 2. But if you'll travel a lot in those first two years — even if it's just catching Ubers around town — you'll be grateful for the Doona.

Big kids need a bit of help ensuring that the seatbelt is hitting their body just right, so this backless booster gives them that extra height. It's also exceptionally small, lightweight and easy to travel with; you might even keep several in your car's trunk for when you're carpooling other kids.

Because it's backless, it doesn't offer as much support as a highback booster (for that, see the Peg Perego on this list). It is okayed for ages 4 and up as long as they weigh at least 40 pounds and could be great for a quick trip when you don't want to lug something large. This fits into a tote bag!

With its two hideaway cupholders, machine-washable seat cushions and padded armrests, this tucks a lot of features into a (really!) affordable seat. It's no surprise that it has more than 59,000 five-star reviews on Amazon. While it isn't airline approved — all booster seats require a shoulder belt, which you won't find on an airplane — its compact size makes it incredibly simple to slide into your overhead bin to later use in taxis, Ubers or other vehicles once you get to your destination.

For a little more money there's a TurboBooster LX version that works with LATCH; nice if you'll be keeping this in one car for a length of time.

Got enough to carry already? At 10 pounds, this is the best lightweight convertible car seat for traveling and it won't break the bank. Five harness heights and three buckle locations help customize the seat to your baby or toddler's size, though it's the kind of harness you have to rethread each time you need to change it.

The Scenera can be installed rear-facing for babies and toddlers and forward-facing for preschoolers up to 40 pounds but lacks the cushioning and other comforts, like a recline mechanism, we've come to enjoy in an everyday toddler car seat . Still, with its deep bucket seat, this will keep your tiny passenger comfy enough and car seat compliant when you're traveling and in and out of other people's vehicles. It's especially great as a rear-facing travel option for 2- and 3-year-olds who have outgrown an infant car seat.

You can remove both the cupholder and seat pad for washing. The seat pad can even go in the dryer. The brand claims that three of these seats fit across a back seat and our tests were able to validate that in certain vehicles. It can be installed with the LATCH system or a seatbelt. It's approved for airplane seats and like our best overall pick it fits on most economy seats.

Kids who are at least age 4 and who weigh 40 pounds or more will appreciate the comfort of this belt-positioning booster seat just as much as parents will appreciate its ability to fold down to a fraction of its size.

The Flex 120 has an exceptionally large weight range, functioning for kids up to — you guessed it — 120 pounds. While it's a bit pricier than some other booster options, its ability to compact down makes it perfect for folding up and storing in a bag that you can then gate-check, or even fit into the overhead bin while in-flight. Note that no belt-positioning booster is certified for use in an airplane cabin because they're meant to be used with a car's shoulder belt, not an airplane lap belt. The big kids who fit this are good to use the airplane belt anyway! This is perfect for use in a rideshare, taxi or a far-off relative's vehicle when you land.

Customize this booster to your child by adjusting the headrest, upper backrest, side wings and seat. In addition to being an easy portable car seat, this is another great choice for grandparents or other caregivers who only occasionally drive big kids around because it so easily fits into a car's trunk when not in use.

This is larger and heavier than any of our other choices. However, this is the most portable all-in-one car seat that grows with your little one from a rear-facing infant car seat to a backless booster, from 4 to 120 pounds .

Its versatility means that it may be the only car seat you ever have to buy, and if you travel infrequently, you could manage to tote this on a few trips and avoid buying something separate just for travel. It is certified to work on an airplane seat with the harness (so, up to 65 pounds), but it's about 3 inches wider than many economy airplane seats so the fit isn't great; one Reddit user said they put it in the window seat and then just accepted squeezing themselves into the middle-seat position.

While testing, we appreciated how easy this car seat was to install and use, making it pretty difficult to mess up due to user error. We also love how highly adjustable it is, with a six-position recline and a no-rethread harness with 10 possible heights. The easy-to-remove washable seat pads make it simple to clean up after your little one. If you're taking it with you into a rideshare and can't use the LATCH installation system, there's an integrated belt lock off on the back of the seat that helps make seat belt installation as simple as possible.

This is a pricey option that has a fan following with frequent travelers who travel with a preschooler. It folds down into its own carrying case, which can be worn as a backpack, so you can easily get it through the airport and store it in a hotel. It's got a five-point harness and is meant for kids up to 50 pounds. The brand says it's for kids as young as 2 but because rear-facing is safest and this only faces forward, we would not recommend using it for a child until they are at least age 3, preferably 4.

The Pico does not have side-impact protection and other safety features we want on an everyday car seat, but for travel we agree that this has portability appeal. It also gets knocked in reviews for not being comfortable for long car rides if your child likes to nap, but again, we're putting it on this list for on-the-go families who are in "something is better than nothing" mode, even for short train, bus or van rides.

Our experts appreciate how lightweight this seat is (8 pounds), and that it easily fits even on the smallest economy airplane seat (it's FAA-approved). The seat can either be installed using the LATCH system or the seatbelt in a car or airplane.

If you're a city family that doesn't even own a car, there's a big reason to love the PIPA portable infant car seat: It's built to be installed without a base and is exceptionally easy to move between vehicles, including rideshares like Uber.

It's got a built-in rigid LATCH system or alternatively you can use the back seat seatbelt. Plus, the PIPA urbn only weighs 7 pounds, making it one of the lightest infant car seats we know of and an easy one to carry from place to place. The stroller, too, is lightweight at just under 14 pounds and can be folded down using just one hand. The car seat is built to ride on top of the stroller, for instance to get them both through an airport, and we named it our favorite lightweight travel system .

The infant car seat does not have a high weight limit, however. Your baby will outgrow it when they hit 22 pounds or are 29 inches tall, whichever comes first. For some that can mean by their first birthday. But the stroller will stay useful through the preschool years since it has a weight limit of 50 pounds. The car seat is airline-approved and will fit on most economy cabin seats.

How we test the best portable car seats

The Good Housekeeping Institute's engineering and parenting pros have reviewed dozens of car seats over the past five years, including portable car seats . Our Lab experts work with parents to test these car seats on a variety of vehicles of different brands and sizes to ensure that you can find the right car seat for your family.

Each car seat we consider has passed Federal Safety Standards. We perform tests both in the Lab and at home to evaluate each product's safety, ease of installation, stability, ease of adjustments, stroller compatibility and portability. To accomplish this, we set up each car seat in a variety of vehicles and strollers. We evaluate how easy it is to secure the harness as well as how difficult it is to install the car seats. For portable car seats we pay special attention to whether they can be installed without a LATCH system and to whether they are approved for use in an airplane cabin.

What to look for when shopping for a portable car seat

Whether you're going on a trip or often take your child places in a rideshare vehicle, if you need a portable car seat you should consider these things:

✔️ Height and weight limits : All car seats come with minimum and maximum height and weight specifications. To ensure proper seatbelt placement and optimal security, make sure your child fits within those ranges. Once they meet the maximum in either height or weight, it's time to switch. If you have an adjustable car seat that transitions to a booster look at the labels on the car seat, check the user manual or contact the manufacturer so you know when it's time to switch modes.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) can help you determine the right kind of car seat for your child based on their age, weight and height. That will help you figure out if you can use an infant car seat or if you need a convertible car seat and if you're ready to move on to a booster car seat for travel.

✔️ Weight : The lightest car seats are often the most portable. We get especially excited when we find any that are less than 15 pounds, though a few on our list are heavier than that.

✔️ Easy cleaning : Regardless of age, spills happen. Luckily, like many other car seats, most portable seats offer removable machine-washable seat covers and padding.

✔️ Design : Traditional car seats have a ton of padding, robust side-impact protection and extra features that are important for everyday but might be overkill for short trips. The best design for a portable car seat is a slim, streamlined one.

✔️ Ease of installation : Since you will be re-installing the car seat each time you put it in a new car or aircraft, it's important to find a car seat that is so easy to install it won't take more than a few minutes. The easiest car seats for traveling can be installed without a car seat base.

✔️ State laws : Before you bring your car seat across state lines, check state laws to be sure you'll be compliant. Often children through age 7 must be in a child-restraint seat. But if you're heading to Florida for Disney World, the laws there only apply to children through age 5.

Should you bring a car seat on the plane?

While it is not mandatory to strap your little one into a car seat on an airplane, many parents opt to do so since it can be both a safer and more comfortable for everyone . It's recommended to do so for children under age 2 by the FAA and AAP. Note: For your child to ride in a car seat, you'll need to buy them their own plane ticket so they're guaranteed to have the space. If your baby under age 2 is flying as a free "lap baby" you are not guaranteed space for your car seat.

Before you bring a car seat onboard, check that it has an FAA-approved sticker. It's also a good idea to bring along your car seat manual to help ensure that you're properly installing the seat on the aircraft. There are helpful videos on YouTube, too, that show how to buckle a car seat in with a lap belt. (This one from the FAA shows how to install a forward-facing car seat on a plane .) Watch some before your trip!

The average airline seat is about 17 inches wide and measures 30 inches from the back of the seat to the seat in front of you — but size can vary depending on which airline you are flying. Because of this, it's best to pick a narrow, compact car seat. Infant car seats fit better than most convertible car seats, though we find that the Cosco choice on our list generally fits well.

For those who are traveling with a car seat who don't plan to use it while on the plane, many airlines will check the car seat or booster seat for free at the check-in desk or at the gate. It might be a good idea to purchase a travel bag to fit it in, to help avoid damage.

Why trust Good Housekeeping?

Lab pros and journalists at the Good Housekeeping Institute provide expert reviews and advice on everything a parent needs, including portable car seats.

This article was overseen by Rachel Rothman , former Chief Technologist & Director of Engineering at the Institute, who was trained in mechanical engineering and applied mathematics. As a mom to three kids, she personally used many of the products we recommend.

In her former role as Parenting & Pets Reviews Analyst, Jamie Spain brought years of experience to the Institute and wrote the first iteration of this story. It has since been updated by contributing writer Jessica Hartshorn who has followed the car-seat market for 25 years, previously for Parents magazine and American Baby magazine. She's also a mom of two.

Jamie (she/her) is a parenting and pets reviews analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute , where she spends her time testing, researching and writing about pet and family products. Prior to starting at GH in 2021, she worked at BuzzFeed and People , covering a combination of product reviews and lifestyle content. She's a graduate of Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism, with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and psychology and a master’s degree in journalism.

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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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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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 Car Seats for Traveling With Babies, Toddlers, and Kids

By Stirling Kelso

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Talk to parents about traveling with young kids and one topic dominates the conversation. Is it which hotel in Santorini has the best Mediterranean views? Not quite. Where you can get the freshest lobster rolls in Maine ? Unfortunately, no.

The answer is car seats. Heavy, unwieldy car seats. They’re impossible to pack and even worse to wrestle onto an airplane. They’re big, they’re bulky, and they have irritating names that are hard to Google when you’re searching for, say, “how to install a massive American car seat in a tiny Italian Fiat.”

Not every country or city requires car seats, but you’ll probably still want to pack one for your family trip to Mexico or Thailand—or from LaGuardia Airport to Manhattan in a yellow cab. Why? As exasperating as car seats are, they save lives. A lot of lives. In fact, they’ve helped bring down motor vehicle-related deaths in the U.S. by 58 percent since 1975.

Most car rental agencies offer child seats, but this option is often fraught with problems. To start, they cost a chunk of change. “Major car rental companies charge between $10 to $14 per day to rent a child seat,” says Jonathan Weinberg, CEO of car rental savings site AutoSlash . “These fees add up quickly, especially if you have more than one kid.” The quality of the car seat can also be questionable. Personally, I’ve been dealt dirty seats, incorrect models, and, in one case, a seat with a safety strap that looked like it had been slashed by a machete. And while every major American car rental’s child seat policy notes that they take car seats out of circulation after an accident, this practice is not federally enforced . Finally, and perhaps most vexing after a long flight with kids, agency staff members aren’t authorized to install the seats, leaving you to the task. “After navigating an enormous car rental garage with toddlers and luggage for four—looking at you, Orlando International—it’s no fun to install unfamiliar car seats,” says Lexington-based attorney (and dad of twins) Lucas Braun.

Here’s the good news: Car seats have also annoyed a slew of smart, savvy travelers, so much so that they’ve decided to do something about it. Now a handful of light and portable child seats make it easier to keep your kiddos safe on the go. Read on for our road-tested recs of the best car seats for travel right now. Skipping the flight and just traveling by car these days? We’ve included our favorites for highway long-hauls as well.

This article was originally published in April 2019. It has been updated with new information.

Infant Car Seats

For babies and infants Talk to a mom who has lost circulation in her arm after swinging a bucket seat around the airport, or a dad who has woken a sleeping baby from a car seat at the check-in counter, and you’ll see why we seriously love the options below.

It took car seat creator Yoav Mazar close to a decade to design the Doona and bring it to market. It was worth the wait. This genius car seat, developed for babies from birth up to 35 pounds, is essentially a transformer, shape shifting from a car seat to a stroller and back again with a few button clicks. This means you always have your car seat with you, whether you need to jump into a cab in London or a Lyft in San Francisco. And when it’s in stroller mode, it beautifully navigates sidewalks and park paths. This just in: The Doona now comes in a sleek midnight black model as well as its first edition green.

Trusted car seat brand Chicco has a new car seat for babies that’s lighter than previous versions (about nine pounds without the base) and puts a premium on comfort. An extended headrest means the car seat lasts you longer, and a genius rebound bar, which pushes against the back seat, provides extra foot room for leggy littles. And while you can swing it through the airport as easily as a canvas tote through a farmers’ market, it’s also a choice option for road trips thanks to its cocoon-like coziness and large sunshade.

If you’re not up for a $500 investment, opt for an infant seat that clicks easily into a lightweight stroller base. The latest snap-and-go option from Chicco is the Shuttle, which pairs with all Chicco Fit2 and KeyFit car seats. It’s an improvement on previous stroller base models thanks to its quick fold handle, sleek black frame, and a console for essentials (your phone, a large coffee, and likely some sort of wipe). It also has one advantage on its competitors: under-carriage storage, ideal for all that stuff you can't believe you’re schlepping through the airport.

Rear-Facing Car Seats

For toddlers under two and under 35 pounds The trickiest age when it comes to traveling with car seats is when your child has transitioned from an infant seat—like the Doona—to an upright car seat, but still needs to face backwards (typically kids under two and under 35 pounds). For this short time period, we recommend doing as the car rental agencies do: Go light and go cheap if you’re flying, but invest if you’re sticking to the road.

This is a popular brand among car rental companies (and if you think about it, they make up the cost of a purchase in one four-day rental). The seat is ten pounds, easy to install, and FAA compliant, should you want to strap your kid in during the flight. And while it's bulky, you can secure this seat to rolling luggage with a strap like this one .

While this car seat model is somewhat bulky, it’s also lightweight at just over nine pounds. At under $100, it’s an absolute steal. It’s slimmer than most car seat models, a plus when you’re traveling to places like Europe where rentals are petite in comparison to your suburban SUV.

Did you know that some car seats are built with flame-retardant chemicals that are harmful to inhale? That’s not the case with Nuna, which has committed to engineering its seats without said compounds from foam to fabric. The Exec car seat might as well be a first-class ticket to comfort—even in the less popular back-facing position—thanks to adjustable leg rests, merino wool head cushions, and ventilation panels that maintain a comfortable climate.

Front-Facing Convertible Car Seats

For kids ages two to five Once children have graduated from a rear-facing car seat, they still have several years in a chair. At this stage, we see parents start to forgo car seats when they shouldn’t. These exciting innovations will inspire you to stay safe.

This road trip favorite is slimmer than most—you can fit three across a back seat if you’re hauling a litter—but it also puts a premium on well-being and safety thanks to a steel core topped with interlocking layers of foam and plastic, padded with seat, side, and belt cushions. We also love this Seattle-based company’s seats for their pop colors: cherry red, plum purple, and yellow mineral, among others. Be sure to add the waterproof seat protector —it’s a life saver when kids are snacking on the go.

This, family travelers, is a game changing car seat. Co-developed by a former Patagonia exec and his engineering-savvy team at WayB—a new company that aims to introduce innovative products to the family travel space—the Pico is safe, sleek, and a cinch to install. Its solid frame is made of aluminum, which is not only strong, but also sustainable. And the Pico’s seat folds up on-the-go, making it compact and easy to carry or stow in an overhead bin.

If you’ve requested an Uber equipped with a car seat in a city like Los Angeles, chances are the driver has pulled out this soft-backed and collapsible harness. The chair folds up into an attached bag that’s about half the size of a carry-on suitcase, so you can stow it on the plane or throw it into a duffle with the rest of your things.

For kids five and up Once your half pints have graduated out of convertible car seats, you can move onto a booster, which feels like holding a hamster after years of wrestling an elephant. Still, some boosters are large and inflexible, so opt for one of our picks below. Tend to travel by car? Choose something more substantial, like the Alta.

If you’re skipping the airport and hitting the highway, consider UppaBaby’s model for its additional safety features and headrest that will—if you’re lucky—inspire a long snooze. Unlike the MiFold and Bubble Bum, the Alta clips into a car’s anchor system, better securing it to the vehicle. It also ensures older kiddos (approximately six to ten years old) are comfortable for long stretches thanks to arm rests, a cup holder, and plenty of padding. The rear seat cushion also zips off, making it easy to clean.

Boosters, as you might guess, boost children up so seatbelts strap them in effectively. The MiFold takes the opposite approach, lowering the seatbelt via a series of lap belt clips. It then folds up on-the-go to the size of a large wallet, and can be stashed in a purse, backpack, or glove compartment.

This inflatable booster seat can be easily blown up and deflated on the go. It’s lightweight and fits into a compact travel bag when not in use. Aside from its brilliant name, it also does its part to make boosters fun, with kid-friendly colors like shamrock green and bubble gum pink.

Packing List

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12 Best Travel Car Seats By Age – For The Super Parents In 2023

There are many good car seats from good companies. But the question is what preference you have yourself. You may have a low budget, or you may have got a very good one. 

You may want it for 1-2 years. 

Or you want to invest for 10 years or more, for a special child. So, I have compiled the best travel car seats by age, budget, and tenure for you.

Browse this Post

• 1 Best Travel Car Seats By Age – For the Super Parents in 2023
• 2 Best Travel Car Seats by Age: For 1-Year-Old
• 3 Best Travel Car Seats by Age: For 2-Years-Old
• 4 Best Travel Car Seats by Age: For 3-Years-Old
• 5 Best Travel Car Seats by Age: For 4-Year-Old and Older Kids
• 6 How to Choose the Best Travel Car Seats By Age (Buying Guide)
• 7 Frequently Asked Questions
• 8 Conclusion

Best Travel Car Seats By Age – For the Super Parents in 2023

Best travel car seats by age: for 1-year-old, safety 1st guide 65 convertible car seat – for anyone and everyone.

• Age Group: 1-6 years old
• Weight Group: 5 – 65 pounds
• Budget: Economy 
• Color Variations: No
• Maximum Height: 52 inches
• Specialty: Adjustable headrest and removable cup holder

As I have mentioned, according to age, budget, and tenure, this is the first of the best travel car seats I wanted to put on my list. You can use it for any newborn baby.

Whatever your budget is, if you want to buy a new car seat, then this one will certainly work for you.

It has got all the necessary arrangements a good car seat should have.

The car seat has rear-facing and forward-facing convertibility. All kids start out rear-facing. Because that is when the spine starts to get hardened. 

So, this is perfect for a newborn.

For rear-facing you can put a kid of 5-40 pounds or 19-40 inches in it.

For forward-facing, you can put a kid of 22-65 pounds or 34-52 inches inside. 

It has a five-point harness and 3 buckle fit. That ensures the kid’s safety whether the kid is forward-facing, or rear-facing.

The car seat’s fabric is dry-washing friendly. It can be washed with a machine that is capable of dry washing.

There is an adjustable headrest with the car seat which can be adjusted according to the kid’s height.

• Good design and good exterior
• No pain in washing the fabric
• Perfect for 1-6 years old children
• Rear-face or Front-face both are available
• Very reasonable price
• It is one of the most basic infant car seats. It is not a premium or deluxe car seat. You should not expect much like 360-degree rotation or two cup holders from it.

Value for Price

This is the car seat that has the lowest price on my list for a 1-year-old. Certainly, with all the perks, it has more value than the price.

I have used it for one of my kids and it performed very well. Stopped using it when my little one was 1 year old.

Then gave it to one of my cousins who just had a new baby. It is still performing well. 

I believe the price is justified as for the best car seat for a 1-year-old.

Safety 1st Crosstown All-in-One Convertible Car Seat – Impact Reduction

• Age Group : 1-10 years old
• Weight Group: 5 – 100 pounds
• Color Variations: Yes
• Maximum Height: 40 inches
• Specialty: Side impact protection and two removable cup holders

It may be a low-budget infant car seat, but it has everything you can expect from a high-quality car seat.

There are many types of strollers in the market. And the best travel car seats have a plan for a kid from 0-10 years.

A 10-year plan is not a day’s matter, but this car seat lets you do it under a budget of $150. 

If you are looking for a nice cozy car seat under a low budget that has the highest safety possible, then you should buy this one.

The car seat is made for children 0-10 years or 5-100 pounds.

There are three options for the facing – rear facing for children up to 40 pounds, front facing up to children 65 pounds, and booster seat for children up to 100 pounds.

Safety first comes with good safety options. This particular seat has a QuickFit harness system, which lets you tighten the seat with the car seat using the latch. It happens because the metal retainer goes directly inside the seat. 

You can use it to tighten the seat with your car seat.

If you are setting the rear-facing seat, it should not move more than an inch. Even after the child is bound with straps. 

For bigger children, some options let the kid set the height themselves while front-facing.

The car seat pads are machine washable and can be dried easily with the machine. It gives relief from many hassles.

Side Impact Protection

The headrest is adjustable. It gives your kid the best comfort and lets your kid safely stay inside even on the bumpiest roads. The safety in this seat makes it one of the best travel car seats for a 1-year-old.

• Two cup holders on two sides of the car seat
• Maximum safety is ensured in every way possible
• Children from 0-10 years can easily fit in this all-in-one convertible
• Different colors for parents with different preferences
• The safety is good, washability is good, but still, it may not be compatible with all types of strollers.

This is an all-in-one car seat under a short budget. It is also a good travel car seat for grandparents .

It may not be the one that you expect to be a big luxury car seat, but it still gives your kid safety and comfort, the two most important features.

That makes it one of the best travel car seats on the market. 

Again, I must say, it gives more than its value, like the Safety First Guide 65. That makes it one of the best travel car seats.

Chicco OneFit ClearTex All-in-One – Easiest Fit with the Cars

• Age Group: 1-10 years old
• Budget: Mid-level
• Maximum Height: 57 inches
• Specialty: 9 Position Reclining and DuoGuard Protection

Chicco OneFit is another all-in-one car seat, having space to provide children with a seat from 0-100 pounds. 

Besides all basic functions for children, it gives some extra perks, which makes it as good as a mid-level budget deluxe car seat. 

And yes, it perfectly fits with the car in the swiftest way as well as many strollers, so that, your adventure with your kid gets extra space.

You can certainly find it to be the best travel car seat for your kid.

The car seat has three options, like any good all-in-one car seat.

Rear-facing harness for kids from 5 – 40 pounds, front-facing harness for kids from 25-65 pounds, and booster seat for 40-100 pounds.

Easiest Car Installation

This car seat takes only 4-5 seconds to set up with the car seat. You can just put the buckle with the latch and set it up quickly. It is also very safe.

9-Position Reclining

The specialty of this car seat is in 9-position reclining. This gives extra space and extra comfort to the kid, opening good options for the legs to stretch. 

This particular feature is highlighted with a scale from 1 to 9, ultimately separating it from any other car seat.

DuoGuard Protection

Along with a 5-point and 3-buckle harness for the kid, this seat comes with a steel-reinforced body and ESP energy-absorbing foam. This protects the head and surrounding areas of the kid. 

The extra layer of protection helps the kid to stay comfortable but within safety. The safety perks are really great.

Along with other perks, the car seat comes with two cupholders. They can be folded and collapsed so that, even if they are with the seat, they can save some space.

Certification

As a good quality car seat for newborns, Chicco OneFit Clear Tex is free from any kind of chemicals, which got them certification like GreenGuard. 

I like them for this certification. Makes it a safe choice for any newborn.

• Got all-in-one features for the kid to grow 
• 9-reclining options for a smooth, comfortable but safe space
• Have machine washable seat pads
• Multiple layers of protection
• May not fit if the car has a small space

I would not call this one a full premium car seat, but rather a mid-level deluxe car seat that has the potential to meet your kid’s needs till 8 years old.

Generally, car seats are changed much before that. But you can easily use it up to 6 years old without facing any major problems.

As a result, this is a good option under the budget. So, indeed, the offer is worthy of the price.

Evenflo Revolve360 Slim 2-in-1 Rotational Car Seat with Quick Clean Cover – 360-Degree Rotation for Comfort

• Budget: Higher Mid-level
• Maximum Height: 49 inches
• Specialty: Slimmest Space-Saving Design with 360-degree Rotation

Evenflo is a big name when it comes to baby products. All of their products have two things in common at their highest level – safety and comfort.

The 360 slim car seat has the full 360-degree option so that front-facing, rear-facing, or rotation to side – all of the perks make it one of the greatest choices when it comes to the best travel car seats by age.

But it is not for older children as this does not come with a booster seat. 

Rather it is one of the slimmest and space-saving car seats, with many notice buttons all over the seat to ensure safety and comfort for your baby.

I recommend it for all newborns without any hesitation.

360-Degree Rotation

With a fine base and locking system, the car seat comes with full 360-degree rotation. You can move your kid at any angle necessary. 

It allows you to move the kid’s rear face or front face. So, you can use it from 0-6 years easily.

Reclining On-the-go

Although the rotation system is different from rear or front facing without rotation, it does not let the reclining option go. It has an on-the-go reclining option, meaning you can adjust the reclining while you are moving in your car. You do not need to remove the car seat for reclining.

Another big perk of this car seat is the safety of the installation and the lock system. It may not be as simple as Chicco Onefit, but it does give an extra layer of safety.

You install the base with Sure360 and Lockstrong System, which lets you install once for forward-facing and once for rear-facing.

If the lock symbol shows that the lock is done, then you do not need to install it every time.

Space-saving

The car seat is designed in such a way that it can be installed even in the tiniest space. The 16.7-inch footprint made it one of the slimmest car seats in the USA.

Machine washing is possible with the pad. So, there is no extra hassle to clean it with your hands.

• Slim space-saving design for small cars
• Multiple perks to ensure the safety and comfort of the kid
• Goes 2x the federal crash test standard, ensuring complete safety in a car
• QR code for installation and usage manual
• While the perks are good, it is not a good option for bigger kids, having no booster seat

You need a higher mid-level budget if you are going to go for this car seat.

Technically, it is a deluxe car seat and one of the best travel car seats for children up to 6 years.

With space-saving technology and 360-degree rotation, it is indeed one of the finest design car seats of all time.

I just love Evenflo strollers and car seats, and I highly recommend this to you if you have a good budget. Every penny is worth it.

Britax One4Life ClickTight All-in-One Car Seat – Adjustability and Impact Reduction

• Age Group: 0-10 years old
• Weight Group: 5 – 120 pounds
• Budget: Deluxe
• Maximum Height: 63 inches
• Specialty: Crash-proof and has 15-position headrest

It is not every day you buy something that is meant for a lifespan of 10 years for your kid. To be fit for these long years, till the kid is a newborn to nearly reaching puberty, a car seat must have some special perks.

And Britax One4Life ClickTight is just the luxury car seat you need for your kid.

This car seat has the biggest age range for a kid on my list, and I recommend it to you without thinking twice.

If you have the budget, and you want to invest it for the safety and comfort of your kid’s whole first 10 years of life with the best travel car seat possible, then please go for it without delay.

Rear-facing, front-facing, or just for the big till he/she is 120 pounds, this is the perfect car seat. There are several options for adjustments, for reclining and headrests, that you can choose for the ten years of the kid’s life.

15 positions of headrest

This is the ultimate perk a car seat can have. The headrest can be set at 15 different positions. It can cover the child till he/she becomes 63 inches, resulting in it being one of the best travel car seats on the market.

Crash-proof

The car seat comes with many safety perks. The most important one of them is the 5-point harness. Next comes the crash-proof ability. A strong steel frame, a V-shaped tether to slow down any kind of crash impact, and dual-layer protection from impact make it the perfect choice for any bumpy road. 

The design holds the technology for the next generation of accident-proof car seats.

The Fabric and the Design

The car seat is designed in such a way that whether it is a baby or a bigger kid, it will get adequate ventilation inside. This is very, very important for long journeys. The fabric is also very special and lets the ventilation work perfectly.

Removable cup holders

The cup holders are removable and you can use any dishwasher to wash them. Even the seats are machine washable.

• Unique design, fit for children 0-10 years
• Machine washability for the seat and the cup holders
• Easy installation and opening
• Best for bumpy roads
• As it is meant for 0-10-year-old kids, you need to strap your kid perfectly. Because, often because of not strapping right, the kid can get out of the car. I had this problem with my kids.

This is indeed a luxury car seat that the kid can use for 0-10 years.

A car seat that can be used this long is very useful and your kid can benefit from it without any doubt.

Comparing the tenure and the perks, the price is not that much. I recommend it for parents who like to invest for a long time.

Best Travel Car Seats by Age: For 2-Years-Old

Evenflo maestro sport harness booster car seat – grows along with the kid.

• Age Group: 2-10 years old
• Weight Group: 22 – 110 pounds
• Budget: Economy
• Specialty : Automatic belt adjustment

Evenflo has a good name for all the products they make. And this is the second car seat from them on my list.

For being available at a reasonable price and giving comfort by being one of the most basic strollers for a 2-year-old, this is the first one I mention in the 2-year genre.

It is not much, still, it has got everything. 

Certainly, it is a long-term investment for a good car seat- you can use it for the kid 2-10 years. The belt is automatically adjustable, which is good to grow with the kid’s age.

If you have kept your child always inside your lap during his/her first year, then this is the one car seat your kid should grow with.

The car seat is not rear-facing, as this is not meant for newborns. Rather, this is a front-facing car seat that allows only children more than 22 pounds to sit.

With the kid’s growth, till the kid is 110 pounds, you can use it without any problem.

The baby car seat is good for the two-year-old, as it has a good harness system along with easy and safe installation with the car seat . With time, it can become a booster seat for older kids.

Two Cup Holders

There are two cup holders on two sides of the car seat. The kid can enjoy snacks or drinks while going on a trip.

You can wash the seat pads in cold water, in the machine, or by hand. The plastic parts can be wiped clean. But not all the parts can be cleaned in this way.

• Basic car seat, very good for children just became 2 years old
• The belt grows with the kid’s age, till 10 years old
• Certainly comes with a reasonable price
• Only forward-facing function for bigger kids
• Washing can become a trouble for this car seat. You need to follow through a detailed instructions. The fabric is very special.

The value of the car seat is very economical, but it bears all the features necessary for a good car seat. 

That makes it one of the best travel car seats in the market for parents from all walks of life.

Besides, it is an investment for 8-10 years.

So, altogether, you get a good package on a good budget. 

Recommended for parents from any and every walks of life whose children are more than 1 year old.

Chicco MyFit Harness + Booster Car Seat – Editor’s Choice for a 2-year-old

• Weight Group: 25 – 100 pounds
• Budget: Mid Level 
• Specialty: Multiple adjustment systems, handrest

This is another good car seat from Chicco, but this one is best for a 2-year old. And certainly, it goes up to 8-10 years.

This is a forward-facing car seat, giving the best comfort to children with all the perks. 

Besides, it has space-saving features, which gives it a great thumbs up for your kid.

But the price is mid-level, so you will need a good budget for it. If you are okay with that, then you should try it for the kid.

For all its perks, this is one of my personal choices as one of the best travel car seats. This one I have had for my kid.

Multiple Adjustments

Chicco MyFit is my favorite among all the car seats because of the multiple adjustment systems it offers. With a growing kid, you surely need them.

There are 9 positions for the backrest and 4 positions for reclining, giving the kid comfort as well as more space for the growing feet.

There are two handrests on the sides. It is a very valuable offer for a car seat, which helps the kid to become more comfortable while on a journey.

The Seat Belt

If your kid is older, then you can use the latch system belt the seat has. It just gives the feel of a real car seatbelt to the kid. Which makes the kids have all the fun they need.

Easy Premium Installation

Above all, the installation system of the car seat is a premium feature. It gives you easy and quick installation on the seat. 

• More than a basic car seat, it has 4 reclining options and 9 headrest positions
• Perfect for small cars, it has space-saving features
• Has two cup holders on two sides
• Technologically advanced to give the child more comfort while on a journey
• You cannot use it while your child is over 65 pounds

Every perk of the Chicco MyFit is valuable for the kid. That makes it a deluxe car seat.

In my opinion, this is one of the best travel car seats by age. 

I love this one and certainly recommend it to you as the editor’s choice. 

Safety and comfort are reflected in the car seat as much as you need them for your baby.

WAYB Pico Travel Car Seat with Premium Carrying Bag – Most Premium Portable Travel Car Seat

• Age Group: 2-6 years old
• Weight Group: 22 – 50 pounds
• Budget: Premium
• Maximum Height: 45 inches
• Specialty: Most lightweight, portable, premium materials

This is one of the most premium baby car seats on my list, and there are multiple reasons why I like it.

When I was compiling the list of the best travel car seats by age, I wanted to look for the most technologically advanced ones, and in my opinion, this is it. I bought the portable car seat and saw it for myself.

The total package of the portable car seat weighs only 8 pounds, and this is a foldable car seat that you can easily carry inside a travel bag.

There are many other reasons why it is a premium car seat for kids and my preferences behind it. Let me explain its perks one by one.

The Materials

WAYB Pico travel car seat comes with all the premium quality materials. The portable car seat is free from chemicals, synthetic fabrics, and eco-friendly wools, certified by Responsible Wool Standards (RWS).

Besides, when it comes to the frame, you can find aluminum, one of the most durable and lightweight materials on earth. AeroWing space-grade aluminum alloy makes it stronger and safer while traveling.

Together, the materials absolutely define how a premium car seat should be. WAYB Pico travel car seat is just the premium car seat you need.

Technologically Advanced

Every part of the design for the car seat is technologically advanced, making it a lightweight and cool choice for traveling.

The kid is comfortable, but while the kid is not inside it, you do not need to have pains in your hand to carry it.

Rather, you can fold and carry it inside a traveling bag for the best possible portability.

Water Resistant Bag

If you are carrying the travel seat in your travel bag, provided with the car seat, then know this: the bag is totally water resistant.

So, no more fear of rain while traveling with the kid.

Safety Certified

Unlike other baby car seats that announce their safety, it actually shows the certification at the bottom. 

Its FAA-approved sticker is proof of its being kid-safe on travel. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Federal Aviation Administration standards are very tough and this particular car seat meets all those standards.

It lets you always fly with your kid on any plane. So, it is safe for air travel .

• A perfect premium travel car seat for a two-year-old
• Materials and design made it one of the most special car seats in the market
• You can carry it anywhere and everywhere in the travel bag provided with it
• Safe for air travel
• As a good car seat, it is an advanced one. But you will not get perks like a reclining seat or multiple configurations with it.

Value for price

When it comes to a genuine premium stroller or the best travel car seats, you will find that each and every part of it is designed and manufactured with the same focus.

WAYB Pico is such a travel car seat for your child, and I am proud to say that I got one for my bigger baby.

It helped me to write this review.

In a sense, you may think that it is tough for a folding car seat to provide all these perks, but the features and benefits of this car seat can never be overlooked.

It is indeed one of the most premium best travel car seats for a 2-year-old, and I surely recommend it to you if you have the budget.

Every penny is worth the car seat.

Best Travel Car Seats by Age: For 3-Years-Old

Safety 1st grand 2-in-1 booster car seat – most budget-friendly for a 3-year-old’s travel car seat.

• Age Group: 3-10 years old
• Weight Group: 30 – 120 pounds
• Specialty: Lightweight and Space-saving

This is another good car seat from Safety 1st, for the kids starting from minimum 3 years old.

As I have mentioned earlier, I have arranged the list according to budget and tenure, to give you the best car seats by age.

In the group for the best travel car seats by age for 3 years old, this particular car seat is my first choice. This is the most economical but the best quality car seat for a 3-year-old.

I will explain to you why.

Basic Structure

For an older kid, you do not actually need fancy perks and a rear-facing option. Basic features like an adjustable headrest, a stronger frame, and good washability are the main features you need.

Rather than equipping with those fancy perks, this car seat design is simple, containing all the basic necessities.

Space-friendly

Although the car seat is genuinely intended for bigger kids to 120 pounds, it is quite space-friendly. You can put three of these seats in the rear seat. 

So, a big growing family can easily accommodate this car seat inside any car.

Extra Space

While most of the car seats for bigger kids are for kids up to 100-110 pounds, Safety 1st Grand 2-in-1 car seat is for kids up to 120 pounds. Your kid can surely use it for a long long time.

Easy Cleaning

Among all the car seats on my list, this basic 2-in-1 car seat it the most easily washable. The pads, as well as the cups, both are machine-friendly. I like this car seat because of this easy-clean perk.

• Basic car seat for a 3-year-old
• Easy installation, no complex functions
• Easy to use and carry
• The kid can use it till he/she becomes 120 pounds
• You cannot expect too many fancy perks from it

Value of Price

The price is quite low. This car seat is meant for hard-working parents from all walks of life. And I really do mean what I am saying.

This is the most reasonable of all the best travel car seats on my list, and I recommend it to you as a to-go car seat.

Safety 1st always gives more than what is bargained for, and for this, they offer some of the best car seats in the market.

You can buy this car seat without any hesitation.

Clek Foonf Convertible Car Seat – Best Premium Travel Car Seat for a 3-year-old

• Age Group: 3-6 years old
• Weight Group: 14 – 65 pounds
• Specialty: Crash-proof, Premium Materials, Aluminum Alloy Frame, Good for children with special needs

If your first priority is the safety of your kid, along with comfortability, and you do have a bigger budget in your pocket for the kid’s travel seat, then this is one of the best travel car seats.

I offer this to you in good faith, believing that you think like me when it comes to the kids.

This is the best highest-priced premium car seat on my list, and there are several reasons for that.

While I recommend it for kids from the 3rd year, you can start from the second year too.

Let’s see why the price is so high and whether the perks match the price or not.

Rear-Facing Perk

While this car seat is best for kids who are already three, your kid can use it in a rear-face mood till the kid is four. That makes it perfect for a child with special needs. This is the first and most important perks it comes with.

Designed for Safety

The most premium car seats are made with designs that can work best for safety and comfort, even at the time of a crash. The Clek Foonf has many perks in the design for that.

First, there is a steel bar to control the rotation of the kid, while it is in the rear-facing mode, which helps to protect the torso,

Second, the aluminum alloy frame and side wings protect the child from any impact during any bumpy situation.

Third, the seat has a technology called REACT, which helps to actively reduce the speed and velocity during any bumpy ride or crash. It helps to keep the child safe all the way. 

All these safety perks in the design are dedicated to keeping the child safe all the time during any journey, making it one of the best travel car seats for a 3-year-old.

Premium Materials

It is important for the kid to have good materials on the car seat. Like Chicco OneFit, it has Greenguard-certified fabrics, perfectly safe for the kid. Besides, the materials are also OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified and cleared of any unwanted chemicals.

Eco-friendly

Due to the nature of the design, these car seats can be recycled. And it gives a better chance to keep the environment pollution-free.

• Crash-proof, designed with the best possible safety and comfort for the child in mind
• Premium materials, free from chemicals and certified by many authorities
• Easy installation and removal from the car
• Easy washing of the parts
• The car seat gives the feel of a real car seat to the kid, but due to the excellence in protection, it had to sacrifice some styling options.

As I have mentioned earlier, this is the most premium-price car seat on my list. But you cannot call it overpriced.

Some parents look for style, while other parents look to keep their kids cool, safe, and comfortable . I am on the latter team.

That’s why I love it very much and for that, I sometimes use the one I got while I am on a long road trip.

The price is justified because of the safety it provides, like an armed tank.

Best Travel Car Seats by Age: For 4-Year-Old and Older Kids

Evenflo gotime lx booster car seat – best travel car seat with a 2-in-1 booster mode.

• Age Group: 4 years and older
• Weight Group: 40-120 pounds
• Specialty: High back and No back 2 moods available

Booster car seats are used till the kid can use the car seat him/herself. Most of the kids may not need booster car seats. But if your kid is 4 years old and has nearly outgrown the reach of any good car seats, then I recommend you use a booster car seat. It can prove to be the best travel car seat for your kid.

Evenflo Go Time LX is a good booster car seat. Either you can uplift the child to match the car seat, or let the kid use the backrest along with it – both modes are available with it.

Although I have not used it for my own kids, I have seen my neighbor Tatiana use it for her kid. For the low budget it requires, I put it in the first place for the best travel car seat for a 4-year-old.

Different Modes

You can either use the seat or use it with the backrest, and two different modes are available with the car seat.

7 Adjustable Heights

With the car seat, you can put the kid in 7 different positions in the car. It is a big feature for a good booster car seat.

Dual Cup Holders

Like any good car seat, this booster car seat has two cup holders on two sides. They are good to keep the drinks and the snacks at hand.

Easy Installation

You can easily install the car seat. Besides, if you face problems, you can get help from professional technicians. 

• Good for transitions of kids from 4 years to more 
• Good installation system as well as removal system
• Natural design, lucrative for any kid
• Different height adjustments grow along with the kid
•  Buy from the original Evenflo seller, and there are cheap versions available on the market.

The price is very low, and you will not regret buying it. It helps to keep the kid in check till he/she is older.

If you like just to let your kid have a fun time inside the car while having a long journey, then this is the best travel car seat with 2-in-1 booster mode for you.

You can buy it as a to-go booster car seat.

Chicco GoFit Plus Backless Booster Car Seat – Best Backless Booster Travel Car Seat

• Weight Group: 40-110 pounds
• Specialty: Best Design Booster Car Seat

If you are looking for the best travel car seats, then you may be looking for a booster car seat for your 4-year-old. This is ultimately the best booster car seat available in the market.

This is a good booster car seat that comes with a good design and the best materials available in the market.

This has got anything and everything you need in a booster car seat. If you are looking for the best options, then this is a good-to-go booster car seat for any time.

It has got a latch to be bound to the car seat. Which is very convenient for the kid’s safety, as well as comfort. Releasing it is also quite easy, you just need to grab a handle.

Technological Design

The design is marvelous. If you have used any other booster car seat, then you will certainly know the difference. 

The padded seat, with two cupholders, along with a carry handle – makes it the best travel car seat with a backless booster feature available in the market.

The integrated belt and the handrest are very useful. With a growing kid, they also adjust quite nicely. Your kid can have all the fun necessary in the car.

Washing Protocol

Washing is fun and easy with this booster car seat. Just the washability can be counted as one of the best features of this booster car seat. All the fabrics, even the handrest, can be washed easily.

• Best backless booster travel car seat on the market
• Comes at a very reasonable price
• Double-padded car seat
• Good comfortable handrests
• No headrest.

Other car seats from Evenflo have a backrest with them, along with a 2-in-1 mode. 

But this one has the best design, portability, tenure, and comfort for your kid.

The price is not that much, and every penny is worth it!

You will surely know if you try it once for your kid.

How to Choose the Best Travel Car Seats By Age (Buying Guide)

It is not every day you buy a travel car seat or a stroller for everyday use for your kid. 

Certainly, you look for the best for your kid and try to buy the best travel car seat. 

However, not all car seats are able to provide the best quality or service. You need to look for the best travel car seats through the eyes of a buyer and a parent. 

Look into the following options when you want to find the best travel car seats by age. 

Types of Car Seats

You can buy a car seat easily for your kid if you have an idea about the age vs. weight vs. height chart. Different age of the kid requires different car seat.

Age Vs. Weight Vs. Height – chart for choosing the best travel car seat

There is a chart that is often followed for the kid to use a car seat. It may vary a little from one car seat to another. But the baseline is same-

There are actually 3 kinds of basic car seats:

• Rear-Facing Car Seats

These car seats are meant for newborn babies. You can use them till the baby grows the spine hard. Normally, these car seats are used till the kid is 1 year old. It is bound strongly rear-facing to the backside of the driver seat or the next seat.

• Front-Facing Car Seats

Front-facing car seats are for kids who have already passed the threshold of rear-facing. This is the second kind of car seat. It faces the front and attaches nicely to the car seat.

Children can usually start using them when they are two years old.

• Booster Seat

Booster seats are for older kids. 4-years or older kids can use them until they reach the time when they can sit confidently on the car seat, using the best easily.

Even many parents use them often because the original car seats may not be good for the kid. A kid can even use them till 10 years old or more.

There are some other types of car seats. And most of the regular car seats you see are actually some of these hybrid car seats:

• Two-in-One 

These car seats are either rear and front-facing feature-bearers, or they have front-facing and booster mode. The transitions are well reflected in these seats.

These car seats have got it all. From newborn to 10 years old, the kid can use the same car seat. Rear-facing, front-facing, or booster, you can use them in any mode.

• 2-in-1 Booster Seats 

These booster seats have a backrest that can be removed. If the kid outgrows the need for a backrest but still needs some height adjustment for the car seat, this is the option you choose.

Material for choosing the best travel car seat

There are many types of travel car seats for children in the market. You must see if they are well-certified. Best travel car seats do not have any harmful chemicals in them. They have good certifications like Greenguard Certification and Travel Authority Certifications for the kids.

Impact-Proof

The Good Travel car seats can handle bumpy roads. But the best travel car seats have technologies to reduce the impact at the highest level and secure the kid. At the same time, they have the best comfort.

Washability

Car seats are good travel friends. But the best travel car seats have good washability. You can wash them with machines, as well as with your hands.

Best travel car seats come with special perks. Like a handrest and adjustable backrest that works with a growing baby. 

Collapsible dishwasher-friendly cups can also come with a good travel car seat.

For the reclining, there are many positions available with good car seats.

Price does not always define a good car seat. The best travel car seats can come at a reasonable price. You must keep your mind open to possibilities.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. what age is the travel system car seat for.

You can use a car seat for carrying the baby from 0-10 years old normally, long before they outgrow the need for travel seats and start using regular car seats.

2. Are car seats good for 5 or 7 years?

At this age, the kids usually outgrow the need for travel car seats for children and start using regular car seats. But for big kids, booster car seats are the best choice.

3. Why should you use rear-facing car seats?

For the best travel car seats to carry newborns, you can use a rear-facing car seat. It helps to carry the baby in a reclining position till the spine gets hardened enough. Usually, it is used till the baby is 1 year old.

4. What age is a toddler seat?

Usually, 1 to 4 years is counted as a toddler-seat-year range. If you are looking for the best travel car seats by age, then look for regular front-facing travel car seats for the child.

You can use travel car seats since the child is born and up to 10 years old. They are very useful for traveling. A good travel car seat can help your kid grow and stay secure during the traveling. But not all the car seats are good for all age groups. You should always buy a car seat according to the age group of your child.

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My name is Olivia Brown, and I’m a New York-based blogger and stay-at-home parent. Former business executive enjoying retirement and time with kids Lily and Max. On my blog, I review things for kids and offer my honest thoughts and insights to other parents who may be having the same or similar experiences.

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The 10 best car seats for 3-year-olds, tested by parents

In need of a new car seat for your three-year-old these are the best to buy..

Joie Elevate 2

Joie i-Spin XL

John Lewis Swivel i-Size Car Seat

Silver Cross Motion All Size 360 Car Seat

Joie Bold Group 1/2/3 Car Seat

Maxi-Cosi Titan Plus Comfortable Toddler/Child Car Seat

Cybex Silver Solution X-Fix Child's Car Seat

Cosatto Zoomi Car Seat

Nuna Todl Next Car Seat

Graco Assure High back Booster Car Seat

Finding the best car seat for a 3-year-old can be tricky. At the age of three, your child will have likely outgrown their baby car seat and now they need the very best car seat that will be suitable for their weight and height as well as being safe and secure enough to harness a wriggling three-year-old.

While car seats for 3-year-olds will not come as part of a complete travel system like your infant carrier may have, they're still packed with handy features such as multiple recline options and easy adjustability. There are now even rear-facing toddler car seats that go up to age four, which you may prefer.

It is unlikely you will need to remove a car seat for 3-year-olds from the car as frequently as you do with a newborn car seat, but it is still important to consider how easy it is to install and how much it weighs. Also consider how long it will last because your little one will need to be in a car seat up until 12 years of age so a car seat that will grow with your child is important.

The best car seats for 3-year-olds at a glance:

• Best overall car seat for a 3-year-old: Joie Elevate 2 - Buy now on Boots • Best car seat for 360 spin: Silver Cross Motion All Size 360 Car Seat - Buy now on Silver Cross • Best car seat for longevity: Joie Bold Group 1/2/3 Car Seat - Buy now on Argos • Best forward-facing car seat: Cosatto Zoomi Car Seat - Buy now on Amazon • Best car seat for adjustability: Nuna TODL Next Car Seat - Buy now on Baby Planet

What are the safety standards for UK Car Seats?

In the UK, it's a  legal requirement  for children to use a car seat until the age of 12 or 135cm in height, so a car seat for your three-year-old is a must. It is also important that children 15 months or under are rearward facing.

However, car seats for children are determined by their weight, rather than their age, under ECE R44 regulations. All of the below stage groups would be suitable for a three-year-old:

Group 0+/1 car seats:  Suitable from birth to 18kg, approx. four-years-old.

Group 1 car seats:  Suitable for children 9-18kg, approx. nine months to four years old.

Group 0+/1/2 car seats:  Suitable from birth to 25kg, approx. six-years-old.

Group 1/2/3 car seats:  Suitable for children 9-36kg, approx. nine months to 12 years.

Group 2/3 car seats:  Suitable for children 15-36kg, approx. three to 12 years old.

You should only use a children's car seat if your car's seat belt has a diagonal strap, unless the seat is either fitted using ISOFIX anchor points or has been designed specifically for use with a lap seat belt.

Be sure to double-check that your chosen car seat is suitable for the model of your car before purchasing.

What is R129?

The R129 safety standard was introduced in 2013 and is newer than ECE R44. The R129 safety standard refers to i-size seats and it is considered the safest standard with improved head and neck protection. As part of the standard, side impact test results are assessed. However, you need to use ISOFIX with any i-size car seat.

At present, you can legally use either ECE R44 or R129 safety standards car seats, however, the R129 is likely to be safer and subject to more rigorous testing.

How to choose a car seat for a 3-year-old

If you're buying a new car seat for a growing three-year-old, the first thing you will want to consider is safety and we would recommend choosing stage  Group 1/2/3 and up .

The lower group stages will only be able to be used for a limited amount of time at this age before you need to buy a new car seat. So you wouldn't be getting the best value for money.

Group 1/2/3  are classed as multi-stage car seats, they're designed to carry your child from birth to the booster-seat stage, adapting to each stage with the necessary safety features. They are initially more expensive compared to other car seats on the market, but they can be used until your child is too old – talk about futureproofing!

A  five-point car seat safety harness should come with adequate padding and most of these seats will fit children up to 18 or 25kg.

If your child is already over 15kg, we would recommend choosing a  Group 2/3 car seat  instead. This seat will lift your child up to use the vehicle seat belt and comes with a high back and side padding for safety and impact protection. Depending on the age of your child, you may also want to look into the best car seats for 4 year olds .

As well as the safety elements, you should consider the features that are important to you in a car seat, as well as any handy add ons like a car seat organiser . For example:

•  360 spin: This function is top of the list for many parents as it makes getting squirming children into their seat much easier without needing to break your back in the process.

•  Extended rear-facing: A rear-facing car seat is a legal requirement until 15 months but a lot of parents are now on the hunt for a car seat that can be used rear-facing for longer.

• Weight: You might want to consider how heavy the car seat is to carry, for those times when you need to swap cars or remove the car seat.

• Ease of installation: You won't be moving the car seat a lot for a 3-year-old but it is worthwhile considering how it is installed in the car, for example with the seat belt, a top tether or ISOFIX, and also how easy it is to do.

• Comfort: Your 3-year-old will appreciate a comfortable seat and might be quite vocal about it if they are not comfortable.

• Longevity: Take into account how long the car seat will last and if it can convert to a booster seat. If your little one is already near the weight or height limit consider a car seat for a five-year old , or one which grows with your child.

How we chose the car seats on this list

Our product recommendations are based on a combination of real-world testing from our burgeoning army of mum testers and the extensive knowledge of our experienced editorial team and product specialists. Where we can, we also consult experts who specialise in the field to ensure you get the right advice along with the right product, and we listen to what you say as well.

Once we’ve recruited our pool of testers we ask them to consider four areas while testing, including usability, design, quality and value for money. They also are asked to provide feedback on their experience with the product and whether they would make any changes to improve it.

Find out more about how we test and what considerations we take into account in our testing process.

Our thriving mum community on our Facebook group  #mumtribe also often hold great insights as to which products mums really like best and why, helping us highlight the products that meet what you really want.

For the essential products, our annual  Mother&Baby Awards shortlist the top products tested, and you can find full reviews from our mum testers provided on the product page. The winners and runners-up for each category then will appear in our top picks article for that product, along with other products that were rated highly by our team.

When it comes to testing car seats for 3-year-olds we considered various things such as budget, safety, longevity, weight, ease of use, type of installation and comfort.

It was also important to ensure that all car seats featured fit into the current safety standards of ECE R44 or R129 and in some cases car seats will have undergone ADAC testing. ADAC is an auto insurance company that rigorously tests car seats, especially testing frontal collision impact and side collision impact. ADAC tests surpass standard EU regulations, and the tests they carry out are extreme exceeding those of the European Standards approval system.

The best car seats for 3-year-olds

1. joie elevate 2, best overall car seat for 3-year-olds.

www.boots.com

The Joie Elevate 2 was awarded Gold for Best Multi Stage Car Seat  at the Mother&Baby Awards 2024.

Elevate 2.0 is a car seat that grows with your child and we like that it is suitable for use up to 36kg. It converts to a belted booster seat from 15-36kg which means that this is a great option to choose to see you through all your child's stages. Our testers liked the five-point harness and one mum, Julie, said, "the harness is an absolute must as it's so much safer and more secure than using an adult belt." However, one tester, Gemma, commented, "the seatbelt on this car seat is too easy for an inquisitive toddler to undo. I wouldn't feel comfortable knowing that my son could undo this whilst travelling on the motorway for example." Reviewers also had difficulty locating the button to adjust the shoulder straps and Sally, one tester, said, "the main criticism I would have for this seat is that the release button to help loosen the shoulder straps is a bit difficult to locate and press until you get used to it."

This car seat feels secure and our testers liked the full side impact protection, plus Guard Surround Safety panels that shields a child from head to hips, with mum Verity saying, "it is a good price for a good, solid product, which will last many years. It feels secure, robust and good quality." As well as safety features, comfort has been considered and testers were impressed with the materials and padding, including fully ventilated mesh sides and an integrated cup holder. In fact one tester, Hannah, loved the cup holder and said, "it has a really handy cup holder and as my toddler often likes to have snacks or drinks in the car, the cup holder means she can safely store her things in there without me worrying they are going to be dropped which makes a less stressful journey for us all." While another tester, Gemma, added, "The seat is really padded which would make it feel safer and more robust."

We know car seats can be awkward to carry or move around, especially as your little one gets bigger, but a real plus of this car seat is how light weight it is making it very easy to manoeuvre. One reviewer, Verity, noted, "it is lightweight which is very useful if you need to move it between vehicles." This car seat is not compatible with ISOFIX, which might put off some parents, but it is a very affordable option and one tester said it 'has a decent price compared to similar seats available on the market." We love that it offers affordability, a five-point harness and the option to convert to a high-backed booster seat.

Read our full Joie Elevate 2 review.

• Lightweight to carry and move between cars
• Comfortable with good quality materials and padding, plus a cup holder for convenience
• Five-point harness for security with younger children
• Harness is a little too easy for toddlers to undo
• The release button to loosed shoulder straps is hard to locate

2. Joie i-Spin XL

Best car seat from birth to 12 years.

www.mamasandpapas.com

The Joie i-Spin XL was awarded Silver for Best Multi Stage Car Seat  at the Mother&Baby Awards 2024.

The only car seat you’ll ever need! This is a great car seat because it can be used from birth right up until 12 years of age, plus it rotates as well to make getting your growing baby, or wriggly toddler into their car seat even easier. One tester really appreciated this saying, "I can put my little boy in quickly and every little thing that makes life easier is an added bonus."

Testers really liked that this is a secure and sturdy car seat, however, as a result they did comment that it is really heavy to lift which isn't great if you are swapping between cars. A mum reviewer said, "the chair is incredibly heavy but I am on the fence to whether this is a negative or positive (does it demonstrate that it is more sturdier and therefore safer or is it just a heavy car seat?)" which is a good point.

With a seamless 360º spin and an automatically adjusting harness and headrest, this car seat is really easy to use and extremely convenient. We love that it makes getting you little one into their seat stress free. Testers agreed that it is a very simple car seat with one commenting, "its really easy to install and super easy to use. Being able to do everything with one hand just makes life easier." Plus it is really comfortable for your little one no matter what age they are, as well as featuring several reclining options which are very useful when your child has a nap. One mum tester noted, "the material is lovely to clean and it was super comfy for my son to use."

We like that the car seat is very easy to wipe clean which as one reviewer said, "is a huge bonus point with little ones." Reviewers did think it was more expensive than other car seats on the market, however, it is ISOFIX compatible and ECE R129 & i-Size certified, which really gives us peace of mind. Plus it is suitable for rear facing making it suitable for newborns and younger babies. One mum said, "I do feel the car seat is a little expensive however I know you can't put a price on child's safety."

Read our full Joie i-Spin XL review.

• One-hand 360 spin to make getting your little one into and out of the car seat easier
• Made to grow with your little one it is suitable from birth to 12 years old
• ECE R129 & i-Size certified
• Compatible with ISOFIX
• Heavy to lift if you need to swap cars
• More expensive than other car seats

3. John Lewis Swivel i-Size Car Seat

Best rearward facing car seat.

www.johnlewis.com

The John Lewis Swivel i-Size Car Seat was awarded Bronze for Best Multi Stage Car Seat  at the Mother&Baby Awards 2024.

This i-Size car seat rotates 360-degrees and has an extended rearward facing travel position to 4 years for added head and neck protection. Our testers liked that it’s certified to be suitable from birth up to 105cm, rearward facing from birth to 105cm and forward-facing from 85cm to 105cm. One reviewer, Sasha, said, "the fact you could put the child in a rear-facing position for longer than 15 months provides flexibility to those who want it."

Not only does this car seat offer extended rearward facing, but multiple recline positions for comfort as well, plus the cushions are soft and plush with a quilted effect so it is extremely comfortable for your little one. One tester commented on this saying, "the design looks comfortable with the quilted cushions and I imagine this would be a priority for longer car journeys." We also liked the removable covers which can be hand-washed if needed because we all know how mucky car seats can get.

The most popular feature with reviewers was the 360 spin. Not only did this help make it easier to get little ones into and out of the car seat but it also helps mum protects their backs. One tester loved this feature saying, "after having my son I get constant sciatic pain which when it presents itself has made getting my son in and out of a car seat quite literally a pain, but thanks to the seat turning so I don't have to try awkwardly get my son into the seat, I haven't had any moments of becoming stuck in a car door while I try to wince through the pain."

This car seat is ISOFIX installation only, with a 5-point safety harness and removable newborn insert with a separate head cushion, which makes it a very secre seat. However, some reviewers did find installation a bit tricky or fiddly. But once in place parents will be reasuured with the lights which confirm the seat is in the right place. Fern, a parent tester, loved this noting, "this means you can rest assured that your little one is safe and secure. If something is not right the seat beeps at you once your little one is settled so you know to look again." She also added that this is "an awesome feature if you need to swap the car seat between cars regularly as you know it's been installed perfectly each time." However, while using the ISOFIX makes installation easier and also reassuring, the car seat is heavy and also bulky which can make getting it out of the car quite tricky.

Reviewers liked the price of this seat, especially in comparison to other products with similar features. Gabriella commented that she would "easily pay the price of this seat and then more!" We like the convenience and comfort of this seat combined with many safety features and the fact it can be used from birth to approximately 4 years.

Read our full John Lewis Swivel i-Size Car Seat review.

• 360 swivel to make getting little one into and out of the car easier
• Easy to wash with removable covers
• Simple to install with ISOFIX and light indicators to ensure it is installed correctly
• Can be difficult to get in and out the car because it is heavy and bulky

4. Silver Cross Motion All Size 360 Car Seat

Best car seat for 360 spin.

www.silvercrossbaby.com

**Awarded Gold for Best Multi Stage Car Seat at the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards ** This Silver Cross Motion All Size 360 Car Seat is the first rotating multi-stage car seat to meet the latest i-Size regulations, and it's suitable from birth to 12 years, with extended rear-facing up to four years old which we love. Our testers liked that it has eight headrest positions, three recline positions too which makes it extremely comfortable for your little one. Sarah, a mum reviewer, said, "my daughter looks super comfy in this seat – there is plenty of padding and the bamboo fabric is lovely and soft." Plus Silver Cross claim that the bamboo fabric is naturally hypoallergenic and anti-bacterial, which is good to know especially when considering how much time kids can spend in car seats and how messy they can get. Do bear in mind though that while testers thought this was very comfortable, they did say it was quite deep with one reviewer, Sophie, noting, "the depth of the product is very deep, we have a large family car and the passenger seat has to be moved very far forward to accommodate the seat."

Of course the 360 spin is popular and makes life easier for mums, as one mum tester, Sarah, commented, "now my daughter has reached the ‘terrible twos’ she soon lets me know when she doesn’t want to do something – like being strapped into a car seat. Our previous car seat didn’t rotate and it was a real battle at times to get her in. Being able to spin this car seat to face me has made it so much easier," while another mum says it is great "especially during postpartum recovery."

Being a car seat suitable from 0-12 years it is bulky and heavy and mums commented that it is hard to manoeuvre, with one tester saying, "it would be awkward if I needed to move it between cars regularly." However, they liked the adaptability of the seat, noting that it is easy to adjust between children. Roxanne, one mum tester, said, "I tried the seat with my baby girl (5 months) and boy (3 years) old and it’s super easy to adapt the seat for each child."

We love how easy it is to install using ISOFIX and also that it has indicators which change from red to green to confirm it has been installed correctly. Plus it is R129 (I size) approved which really ensures it is safe and secure, along with a five-point harness and side protection system. However, while the five point harness is great, one reviewer, Maria was frustrated saying, "the cushioned pad surrounding the buckle between LOs legs pops right off."

Again, this is costly, but it saves you having to buy multiple seats as your child grows. We liked the quality fabric and the appearance of the seat and testers were reassured by the safety features as well as enjoying the convenience of the 360 rotation.  

Read our full Silver Cross Motion All Size 360 Car Seat review.

• Side protection system
• Sturdy and secure from 0-12 years
• 360-degree rotating seat unit
• Car seat is quite deep which means it takes up more space in the car

5. Joie Bold Group 1/2/3 Car Seat

Best car seat for longevity.

www.argos.co.uk

Our Silver winner for Best Multi Stage Car Seat in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, the Joie Bold Group 1/2/3 Car Seat provides three seats in one to see your little one from nine months all the way through to 12 years old, although it is only forward facing which disappoint some testers, especially considering the recommendation to forward face as long as possible, ideally until 4 years old. That said, it is a sturdy car seat with side impact protection and Guard Surround Safety which provides protection for the whole body and our mum tester, Victoria, was impressed with how it converts to a high backed booster seat, saying, "as a high back booster it is much more solid than other options and having the reassurance that it is secured by the ISOFIX fittings and the anchor belt give great reassurance as often high back boosters move around when your child gets in and out."

And for your child's comfort, there's ventilation on the sides of the shell, plus a cup holder that attaches on the side for a drink on the move, so they should have no complaints about the convenience and comfort of this seat, even on long journeys. Mum, Anna, really liked the cup holder, adding, "the cupholder is a small but welcome feature- having to turn round and pass a child their water bottle from the passenger seat isn’t easy- and if you’re driving then there’s no way to get their drink to them, so having them be able to grab it themselves is brilliant! "

This car seat offers a five-point harness up until 25kg which is great and very reassuring for safety, as our reviewer, Sophie, said, it's "something I’m really impressed with so my children can stay securely in the seat for longer." This seat is heavy because it is secured by ISOFIX but testers did note that it is not as heavy as others, which is great considering it will last until 12 years old too. That said, Arianne, a mum tester, thinks the fact it is only forward facing is off-putting. She suggests, "the only thing I would really change is the lower age range. I think 9 months is far too young to be front-facing."

Despite it not being suitable from birth, our testers still thought this seat provided great value for money because it will see your child through until they no longer need a car seat or booster seat, but you will need to purchase a car seat to use from birth. Overall parent testers thought this was an easy to use car seat, with one reviewer stating, "I would recommend it because it is good value for money, easy to use and my child seemed very comfortable in it."

Commercial Content Writer for MotherandBaby.com, Laura, used the Joie Bold seat for both her 7 year old and 4 year old and found it to be a great seat. "I can use the five-point harness with my four year old because she doesn't seem secure enough with a seatbelt, but my 7 year old is perfectly comfortable and safe with the seatbelt. This is an easy to install seat using ISOFIX and top tether for added security and both my girls are comfortable in it. Plus the covers wash really well."

Read our full Joie Bold Group 1/2/3 car seat review.

• Side impact protection
• Converts from a 3-point harness seat into a high-back booster suitable until 12 years old
• Includes a cup holder for your little one's convenience
• Forward-facing only
• Only suitable from 9 months old

6. Maxi-Cosi Titan Plus Comfortable Toddler/Child Car Seat

Best convertible car seat.

The long-lasting Maxi-Cosi Titan Plus Car Seat has an extra padded inlay, seat and headrest to ensure your little one is comfortable even on long journeys which we love, plus it has lots of room to grow as one mum described, "Louie was so comfortable in the seat, it’s really wide and spacious so he has lots of room to grow." It also uses special Maxi-Cosi ClimaFlow technology to keep your child at the right temperature while in the car which we think is a great idea, especially if you will be in the car for a while.

Testers were disappointed that there is no spin function and one reviewer said adding a spin function would be the only thing she would change because she found it difficult to lift her son in and out of the seat. However, she did say this would become easier once he is able to climb into the seat himself.

We like the quality of this car seat and how comfortable it is for little ones, but also we like how easy the seat inserts are to remove and wash. Mum tester, Nikki, commented on this saying "the seat inserts are very easy to remove and add back in, making it quick and simple to wash them after we headed home after a messy play session!" She also added that the harness is really easy to adjust and also the button to release the strap is really handy because "it made it really quick and easy to lift Louie out, especially when he fell asleep in the car seat."

With five recline positions this car seat does make for a comfortable journey and is suitable for both younger children from 9 months up to 12 years old. Plus there is a GrowSafe headrest which we liked, that offers an impressive locking mechanism that will notify you when it requires adjusting and it can be extended by up to 5cm.

Despite lasting until 12 years old, our testers thought it was still quite light weight which they appreciated when moving it between cars. Overall they were also reassured by the brand with Nikki saying, "I really like Maxi Cosi as a brand as their car seats are so well made, really sturdy and long-lasting."

Read our full Maxi-Cosi Titan Plus review.

• Can convert into a Group 2/3 car seat
• Enhanced side impact protection for added security
• Seat inserts are easy to remove and wash
• No spin function to make getting children into the car seat easier

7. Cybex Silver Solution X-Fix Child's Car Seat

Best car seat for 3-year olds with isofix.

Rrp: £ 99.99

Unlike other car seats, the Cybex Silver Solution is available in six different colourways to match your car interiors, which we really like as a change from grey or black. However this seat is serious about safety too. One user said that following an impact, her children walked away without a mark and the police said the only reason was the quality of the car seats. It has ISOFIX connectors, as well as in-built side protection to keep your little one safe. Testers commented on the sturdy, high quality of this seat.

While it is certainly a secure seat which can installed with ISOFIX and the seatbelt, do bear in mind that it does not come with a harness which must be purchased separately. This was frustrating for some users who found their little one still needed a harness. Another point to add is that it is only recommended for children 3 years, or 15kg plus so you must ensure they are the right weight to use this seat. However, it is suitable up until 12 years so will see you through from 3 years old until your child no longer needs a car seat or booster seat.

Once you are happy this seat is suitable for your child, then you can be reassured by the level of comfort. One tester, Claire, said "shortly after fitting the seat into the car, I took my daughter out for a short journey to see how she found it. She absolutely loves it! She has said that it's very comfy and she appears to be safe in it." It also has an adjustable backrest and headrest to ensure ideal positioning for your little one which we loved.

Users were also impressed by the space commenting that there is, "SO much more leg room for someone to sit in the front of our car now," compared to other car seats. Plus another user, Sophie, liked that it was "highly rated by ADAC for safety at a good price." Overall, for older children, testers were impressed with this car seat and would recommend it, with one reviewer saying, "this one is so great, colourful, comfy and can adjust nicely for accommodating a sleeping or awake child as necessary." Plus we also liked the removable cover which made it easy to keep clean.

• Can be used up to 12 years
• Built-in side impact protection 
• Removable cover which makes it easy to keep clean
• No harness which must be bought separately

8. Cosatto Zoomi Car Seat

Best forward-facing car seat.

Rrp: £ 119.95

The stand out feature of the Cosatto Zoom are the fun designs. We particularly like the fun fox print in navy and orange, but you also have the choice of llamas, flamingos, unicorns and dragons. They really do make a change from the standard black or grey car seats to brighten up the back of your car. One tester, Sophie, said, "the design is absolutely beautiful, and something that will suit a growing boy from a young age until he doesn't need a car seat any more."

More practically, this is also a safe and secure car seat and one feature which testers were really impressed by was the anti-escape system on the five-point harness. There is nothing worse than your little one undoing their straps while driving down the motorway and with this harness you won't need to worry. Plus it also features side impact protection and reviewers said that it "feels very secure and safe."

Unfortunately this car seat is not compatible with ISOFIX and needs to be secured in the car using the seat belt. Reviewers said that it is still easy to install though with one customer noting it's a "brilliant seat, easy fitting in under 5 minutes," although another reviewer said "it was a little tricky to install." It is also important to bear in mind that this seat is only suitable from 9kg and can only offer a forward facing option, which is not ideal for younger children. Testers liked that it can last up to 4 years old, although that does mean you will need another seat, or high-back booster as your child grows.

We love the design and the padded seat with adjustable headrest and reversible seat liner too, and one customer, Susan, said, "it was very comfortable for my Granddaughter." Plus even better the seat liner and covers are removable and machine washable so it is easy to keep clean.

Testers were pleased with the price and thought it was a secure and sturdy seat that is "beautiful and serves its purpose well."

• Fun designs which both kids and parents love
• Side impact protection for added security
• The harness features an anti-escape system to stop toddlers undoing their straps
• Not ISOFIX, can only be installed using the car's seatbelt
• Suitable from 9kg but only offers forward facing so not ideal for younger babies

9. Nuna Todl Next Car Seat

Best car seat for adjustability.

www.babyplanetonline.co.uk

Shortlisted for the Mother&Baby Awards 2022, the Nuna Todl Next Car Seat will take your child from birth to four years old. It is a sturdy, durable car seat which includes features such as side impact protection and it is made from resilient, top-of-the-line plastics and steel reinforcement for extra reassurance, however it is lightweight which is one of the first things our testers noticed about it. Dad, Joe, really liked this feature and said, "with modern materials at their disposal Nuna has been able to produce a really strong-feeling seat that is light enough to make taking in and out of the car less of an issue."

While it is easy for parents to move between cars, it doesn't compromise on comfort for your little one. There is an adjustable headrest, five recline positions and merino wool inserts which will keep your little one snug and supported. Dad,Joe, commented that the headrest is "easy to use when changing from baby to young child." He also liked that the seat is not too bulky in the car and said they even tested it in two different vehicles to check space for the driver or passenger wasn't compromised, and found, "the profile of the seat meant that no space issues were found even when the seat was reclined, of which there are five positions." Mum tester, Margo, added that it has "plenty of space and fits well in all types of cars so can easily be transferred between family cars."

It is important to note that unlike some car seats this one is only suitable up until four-years old so you would need to purchase another seat when you child reaches this age which disappointed some parents who prefer to have a car seat that can transition to a high-backed booster seat for older children. However, the ease of use was impressive and the harness got special mention because it is comfortable and easy to secure for even the most wriggly child. One tester said, "even with my son, who is also notorious for being hard to settle, the harness goes on easily and the rubberised shoulder supports grip him nicely while you tighten everything up."

Testers also appreciated the swivel function commenting that it has a "super smooth revolving motion." In fact one reviewer said that the swivel function on this seat is superior to others because of the "toggle buttons on either side, that when compressed release the seat from its fixing." They also liked that the swivel works well regardless of if the child is forward or rear facing.

We really liked the safety features on this car seat, in particular the side impact protection pod which can be fixed to the side of the seat to create an additional safety zone. Surprisingly testers didn't think this impacted the space in the car and were impressed by this feature. We also liked that it is compatible with ISOFIX and offers rear facing travel until four years of age.

Our testers liked this seat and overall found it "really smooth to use and at no stage does it feel flimsy or unreliable."

Read our full Nuna TODL NEXT car seat review.

• Side impact protection pod for an additional safety zone
• Easy to adjust the harness straps with the push of a button
• Rear facing option as well as a swivel function
• Only suitable up to four years so would not see your child through until they no longer need a car seat or high-backed booster seat

10. Graco Assure High back Booster Car Seat

Best car seat for comfort.

Rrp: £ 50.00

This is a great seat for older children because it is suitable from 15 to 36kg. However, that does mean you will need an alternative seat for children weighing less than 15kg, although this one should last until your child no longer needs a car seat.

It has a simple design which reviewers liked, especially the one-hand adjustable headrest which allows parents to quickly adjust the headrest height to suit your growing child and ensure both safety and comfort, with five height options, and one tester commented, that they "love a higher lateral support of head & shoulders." The armrests are also adjustable so you can put them higher or lower depending on what your child likes. There is no recline option which bothered some customers because their child's head flopped about when they fell asleep. One tester, Aaron, said about his son in the seat, "I was worried about if he’d fall asleep in it because of sitting upright and if it would support him sufficiently. But this worry was put to bed very quickly."

The quality of the car seat is impressive and testers commented on the "comfy padding" which they liked. Plus the covers are removable and also machine washable which as parents we know is important to keep the car seat looking fresh and clean. A big favourite with little ones and parents are the cup holders or snack pots which can be hidden away in the chair when not in use. One parent noted that her daughter "loves the 2 cup holders on either side as it gives her something to hold her bits and bobs."

The Graco Assure has side impact protection and reviewers agreed that it seems very secure and sturdy. It also features EPS, which is an energy absorbing foam to effectively manage impacts, although some reviewers thought it needed more foam. While it is a safe car seat it cannot be installed using ISOFIX and needs to be fixed in place using the car seat belt which did disappoint some parents. However, they did comment that it is easy to install and swap between cars, plus it is not too heavy so easy to manoeuvre. One parent was also particularly impressed with the seat belt feeder clips which ensure proper seat positioning, and noted, "it's handy that it all comes apart so can just use the base when they're older."

Customers were pleased with the price of this seat and thought it was great value for money with one customer, Ray, saying, "overall great quality for the price."

• Safety surround side impact protection, which gives your child the ideal head and body protection
• Open-loop belt guides to help ensure proper seat belt positioning
• Not enough foam in car seat, reviewers felt there needed to be more

Car seat for 3-year-olds Buying Guide:

Car seat safety and law.

It is a legal requirement for children under 12, or under 135cm, to use a car seat. Car seat law also explains that you can choose a car seat for your child based on their height and weight. Height based seats are known as i-size seats, and they can be both forward and rear facing, however, children under 15 months must be rear facing. To use a height based seat in the UK, it must be EU standard approved, and show an 'E' in a circle to indicate it is an R129 standard.

If you choose to use a weight based seat, this must follow the ECE R44 standard and it also impacts the type of harness or belt you can use for your child. Typically children under 18kg must use a five-point harness, however, some seats have a harness suitable for use up to 25kg.

It is also important to consider the way a car seat is installed in the car. All seats must be used in cars with a diagonal strap unless specifically designed for use with a lap seat belt, or if they are fitted with ISOFIX. You must also deactivate front airbags before fitting a rear facing baby seat in a front seat.

Types of car seats suitable for a 3 year old

There are lots of car seats on the market and many are suitable for a 3-year old. When it comes to choosing a car seat it is important to consider safety and ensure you choose a seat by either weight or height. However, you will also want to consider the following:

360 spin function: It might be easier for your little one to get into and out of their car seat if it has a 360 degree spin function.

Longevity: Some car seats will last up to 12 years old and may convert into a high-backed booster seat . This will save you needing to buy another car seat when your little one gets bigger.

Group: Consider which group car seat is suitable for your 3 year old. Group 0+ are rear-facing car seats suitable for babies up to 15 months, or up to 13kg. A Group 1 car seat can be rear facing, or forward facing and is suitable from 9-18kg, which is about 9 months to four years. Group 2/3 car seats are also rear or forward facing and they are high-backed booster seats suitable from 15-36kg which is about 4 years to 11 years.

Rear or forward facing: Depending on the weight of your little one, most group car seats have an option for rear or forward facing. It is advised by the NHS to keep your child rear facing for as long as possible.

Comfort: Ensure your little one is comfortable when travelling so consider any extra padding, or ventilation. Your child will enjoy being snuggly with a car seat blanket but it's best to start with a comfortable car seat.

Can a 3-year-old sit in a booster seat?

This completely depends on your child's weight and height.

Based on new safety regulations launched in 2017, Group 3 car seats i.e. new booster seats on the market, are limited to children who are taller than 125cm, weighing more than 22kg.

The average height and weight of a three-year-old in the UK would fall below these requirements, so it's likely they would not be able to use a booster seat.

It's recommended that you should keep your child in the lowest stage group possible as these provide the best safety features.

What is ISOFIX?

ISOFIX-compatible car seats have two arms that lock onto small metal bars located in the seat of your vehicle to anchor the car seat into place.

Great for seamless installation with no seat belt threading necessary, they also come accompanied with install indicators, so you can be sure it's correctly connected.

Most new cars since 2013 have a pair of ISOFIX anchor points, but it's worth checking if this is the case with your own car if you want to make the most of it.

What is i-size?

i-Size is a European car seat safety standard that was launched in 2013, which started with the ECE R44 car seat standard, based on a child's weight. However, the R129 car seat standard is the most up-to-date safety standard for car seats and is based on a child's height.

Can you buy a second hand car seat?

It is not advisable to buy a second hand car seat. Childcarseats.org.co.uk say you should not buy a second hand car seat because you cannot be sure of the car seat's history and whether it has been in an accident. It may look fine but there could be hidden internal damage. Also, for a car seat to be legal it must fit the current safety standards, either R44 or R129, and an older car seat might not adhere to these. Also consider, where the instructions are available so you can ensure you are installing the car seat correctly.

If a family member offers you a second hand car seat, you can accept it but check you know its history, that it comes with instructions and it is not too old for current safety standards.

Eleanor Weaver is the Deputy Homes & Garden Product Editor and has been a writer for titles such as Mother&Baby and Yours. In her role, she has researched and recommended the best products for parents, from breast pumps to toys, nursery décor to car seats. She's also kept a keen eye on celeb mums and influencers to share what they've been using to help make parenting that little bit easier.

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11 Best Car Seats for 3-Year-Olds (and What To Avoid)

January 29, 2024 by Peter Leave a Comment

Picking the optimal car seat for your little one can be quite a challenge.

There are many brands out there, and with such varying quality and mixed reviews, it can be incredibly time-consuming to search for a car seat for your child.

Fortunately, I’ve sifted through many different car seat options online, so you don’t have to. As a father of two and experienced babysitter, I’ve seen my fair share of car seats.

Through meticulous research and hands-on evaluation, I have determined that the most superior car seat for children aged three is the Graco Extend2Fit 3-in-1 Car Seat.

While the Extend2Fit excels in offering comprehensive features, there are specific reasons to take into account more niche choices. Read on as we delve into the pros and cons of each model assessed.

What Car Seats Are Suitable for a 3-Year-Old?

Cheap car seats, foldable car seats, car seat law, 11 best car seats for 3-year-olds, 1. graco extend2fit 3-in-1 car seat , 2. graco 4ever dlx 4-in-1 , 3. graco tranzitions 3-in-1, 4. evenflo maestro sport harness , 5. safety 1st guide 65, 6. britax boulevard clicktight, 7. diono radian 3r all-in-one, 8. baby trend trooper 3-in-1 , 9. baby trend hybrid 3-in-1, 10. graco triride 3-in-1 , 11. wayb pico travel car seat, concluding thoughts.

So the first thing to consider when looking at different car seats for your three-year-old is the criteria. What makes a car seat suitable for a three-year-old?

The main thing to prioritize when choosing a car seat for your child is safety.

The entire purpose of a car seat is to protect your child in the event of an accident or even just a hard stop. 

Car accidents are one of the leading causes of death or injury for children, so it makes sense that we’d want to minimize that as much as possible.

When looking for a car seat for your toddler, check its safety ratings. One thing to look out for is if the label says it meets the federal motor vehicle safety standard 213 .

This ensures that the seat has been verified and is up to code.

Another thing to ensure is that you know how to set up a car seat . It might look easy on paper, but one missed installation step can lead to injury or, worse, an accident. 

If a model looks too complex for you to handle, consider choosing a simpler one or asking an expert how to install it .

The last thing to note is that three-year-olds should utilize front-facing seats. 

As you may already know, smaller babies will use a rear-facing car seat. Once your child’s head and the top of that rear-facing seat are longer than 1 inch (.025 meters) apart, they are ready to transition to the front-facing car seat.

If your child has not already transitioned from a rear-facing seat to a front-facing seat, measure this distance to see if they are ready before purchasing.

Saving money is good, especially when you have a child who requires much of your support. That’s why the Evenflo Maestro Sport Harness Booster Car Seat is such a great option. 

This particular option is excellent because it comes at a lower price than most other car seats without sacrificing all of the quality.

The features of this model include carrying a lightweight seat, a small size, and even a triple-layered cushion.

While there are cheaper options than this one model, it is essential not to skimp out entirely on a car seat.

While the most expensive model is not required, it is important that you make sure your car seat is FMV-approved and functions correctly. 

After all, going too cheap will result in a low-grade, dysfunctional seat.  

The WAYB Pico Travel Car Seat with Standard Carrying Bag presents a reliable choice for a foldable car seat suitable for a three-year-old. It earns points for its inward folding capability.

This feature makes the product much more compact, and its light weight makes it a really easy option to carry around. 

Collapsible car seats make an excellent choice for busy moms who often switch the seats between cars or need to transport them.

Car crashes and accidents are the leading cause of death and injury in children ages one to 13. While a lot of this is because young children are in good health and don’t die from many other things, it doesn’t negate the fact that car crashes threaten children.  

This is why car seats and boosters are required in every state in the United States.

Your child is required to sit in a car seat as long as they are under the age of eight or under 57 inches (1.44 meters) tall. Children three years or younger must be in the rear seat. 

Failure to follow these laws will result in a $10 fine if they are under four years or a $25 fine if above that. Upon further violation, you will be punished more so.

Once kids reach eight years old or achieve a height of 57 inches (1.44 meters), they can transition to using a seatbelt. For now, this isn’t a concern for your three-year-old.

Now that we’ve got some introductory information out of the way, let’s discuss the eleven best car seats for a three-year-old.

Best Overall

This model incorporates nearly all the desirable features one could wish for in a car seat, making it a delight to include in today’s review.

The Graco Extend2Fit 3-in-1 Car Seat is easily the best car seat for three-year-old children. 

The biggest boon to this model is its 3-in-1 functionality. This car seat can be morphed into a rear-facing seat, a forward-facing seat, and a booster seat. This is incredible, as you would usually have to buy these three seats separately over time.

While this product might seem pricier than other options on the list today, it is functionally three different seats. Under this guise, it’s much cheaper than buying three different seats separately. Not to mention it saves some hassle from shopping two other times.

Another stand-out feature of this model is the extension panel. There is a bar that can slide out of the bottom of the chair to extend the legroom of the seat. This additional footrest is a nice plus and helps to keep your child fitting in their chair longer.

The chair is also made of soft material that children love. I’ve found that both my toddlers conk right out when using this seat. 

Overall, the Graco Extend2Fit 3 in 1 Car Seat is the best option, and anyone who can invest in their car seat should definitely consider it. It is truly the premium option.

• Three options including a rear-facing seat, forward-facing seat, and a booster seat
• The chair features an extension panel
• The cover is machine washable
• Booster form can’t remove back

Best Lifespan

The Graco 4Ever car seat lives up to its namesake. Its unrivaled customization and longevity continue to amaze me.

This model features a convertible car seat that can be used in all four forms. Most car seats don’t need durability because you’ll only be using them for a year or two apiece. The 4Ever model is great because it can shape as your child needs to jump between different car seats.

The only reason this seat loses out to the Extend2Fit model is that the seat is a bit narrow. While the all-in-one is excellent because it is so versatile, I have found that it makes the seat more difficult for larger children.

Overall, this model provides exceptional value, and for those interested in making a one-time purchase, this seat is well worth considering. It might be the last car seat you’ll ever have to purchase.

• Four options, including a rear-facing seat, a forward-facing seat, a booster seat, and a backless booster
• Highly durable
• Heavy and inconvenient for travel
• A bit narrow horizontally

Best 3-in-1

As you can probably tell by now, Graco is the top dog for car seats. The Tranzitions 3-in-1 Harness Booster Seat is another reason this company stays on top. 

This model, like others, offers a rear-facing, forward-facing, and backed booster seat in a single package. Its convenience level is on par with both the 4Ever DLX and Extend2Fit.

Remarkably, the Graco Tranzitions car seat comes with a lower price tag than similar models.

The major downside, however, is that this seat is incredibly complicated to convert. While you will only have to swap this car seat two or so times, it can be unnecessarily complex. Those who plan on using this for multiple kids might want to save the hassle and avoid this one.

This seat also has a giant sticker on the back of the chair. Visually, this is no big deal, but the sticker is air-tight and makes the chair hard to cool down. This can be frustrating when trying to keep your child comfortable, especially if you live in a warmer area.

• Relatively cheap
• Seat gets warm
• Complicated to convert

Best Budget

While most three-year-olds aren’t quite large enough to sit in a booster seat, they will make the jump soon enough. Not to mention that this seat is too good to pass up a mention.

The Evenflo Maestro Sport Harness Booster Car Seat is good because it offers a high-quality booster seat without raising the price.

This model is lightweight and soft, so it doesn’t compromise functionality either.

Consider this budget option if your child is about to jump into a booster seat. It may help in your battle to stay on budget.

• Lightweight
• Lower price
• Most three-year-olds aren’t large enough for a booster seat, yet

Best Compact Seat

The Safety 1st car seat is great because of its highly compact design. The seat is both small and highly durable, making it the best choice for a smaller vehicle.

This seat is also reasonably cheap with easy installation.

The only negative I have to say about this one is that it can be a bit heavy for travel, but not nearly as much so as some other seats.

• Highly compact seat
• Easy to Instal
• Slightly heavy

Best for Adjustable Height

The seat can also morph from a rear-facing car seat to a front-facing one. Alongside the adjustable height, this seat is incredibly versatile and long-lasting.

Next up, we have the Britax Boulevard ClickTight Anti-Rebound Convertible Car Seat. This car seat stands out by being highly customizable dimensions.

This model seamlessly adapts its height to accommodate the child’s growth.

Another plus point is that it eliminates the need for separate seats for rear and forward facing.

The only significant drawback to this model is its bulk. While the seat’s spaciousness and high weight limits are its strongest assets, it is also relatively heavy and bulky.

This seat is perfect for those looking for adjustable size, but beware if you’re frequently moving the seat around.

• Adjustable seat to accommodate the size
• Large weight limit
• A significant weight limit results in a heavier seat
• Not the softest padding

Best Multipurpose Seat

I think the Diono Radian is the best option for the multipurpose seats on today’s list. The chair features an appealing design on a seat that is both swappable and easy to set up.

The chair can fold and isn’t too heavy, so it isn’t the most difficult to move. However, the chair is oversized and eats up a lot of room in the car.

The larger size can also make the chair more awkward to move around.

• Three chairs in one
• Easy to set up
• The chair is large

Best for Comfort

The Baby Trend Trooper is easily the most comfortable seat on the market. This seat is highly padded and offers the finest comfort a car seat can provide.

The seat also boasts a stylish design, featuring one of the more colorful options in both pink and red.

The seat is a 3-in-1, but I find that the rear-facing option is a super awkward fit.

It can be tricky to fit the seat in my car when positioned rear-facing, but, minor issues aside, this car seat impresses with its comfort and durability.

• Stylish design
• Highly padded for maximum comfort
• The rear-facing mode makes for an awkward fit

Best for Easy Installation

As you might imagine, some children outgrow their car seats earlier than others. This can be a significant issue, as you need the proper type of seat for your child’s size.

The Baby Trend model is particularly adept at accommodating a child who is growing at a faster pace.

While many models can be outgrown by your toddler over time, this model is built to continue supporting long-term. 

This car seat can sustain a child weighing close to 100 pounds or 45 kilograms to its maximum limit.

Consider this option if you think your child will outgrow their current seat in the near future. It can save you time and a hassle in the long run.

• Comfortable padding
• Lightweight and portable
• Can be difficult to put together

Best for Safety

As the last Graco entry on this list, the TriRide leaves on a high note. This seat is the safest option for your child overall, and that is the foremost goal of a car seat.

While this seat is a bit heavy and difficult to carry around, the TriRide 3-in-1 makes safety its foremost priority, passing inspections for the most rigorous testing available by Graco.

These include rollover, frontal, side, and even rear collisions.

While these aren’t things I like to think about as a parent, it does bring me comfort to know this chair will maximize my toddler’s safety.

• High weight limit

Best Foldable Seat

In addition to being easily moveable, this model eliminates the need for the top strap. Quite notably, many older foldable variants require this extra strap to secure the child.

The Wayb Pico Travel Car Seat promises a tight and compact car seat that folds to save space. After using this product, I can verify that what the company has set out to do is valid. 

This Wayb Pico folds inward, and its lightweight exterior makes it quite simple to move around.

The lack of the top tether is nice, but know that it isn’t a massive seller outside of Asia, Africa, or South America. Most North America, Europe, and Australian cars feature easy-to-use top tethers.

A significant downside to this model is the short height. While car seats aren’t built for giants, this particular seat caps out reasonably low at 45 inches (or 1.143 meters).

This is pretty low and means you are always one growth spurt away from needing a new seat.

Overall, the Wayb Pico is well made and is an excellent choice for those looking to swap Uber cars a lot, but it is undoubtedly a more specialized option. 

• A foldable, compact seating
• Approved by FAA for flight travel
• Easy to use and install
• Lower maximum height

Overall, the Graco Extend2Fit 3-in-1 Car Seat comes out on top as the best car seat for three-year-olds. While there are other specialized options, the Graco Extend2Fit stands out for its encompassing features.

I hope you have enjoyed these reviews and no matter what car seat you choose, make sure your three-year-old is in the right car seat for them.

Growing up I was a carefree male going about life like there was no tomorrow. Naturally, I ‘grew’ up, settled down and started a family.

Going from an independent carefree male to a family man was somewhat of a U-turn and required a lot of learning. Luckily for me, my wife works in education and has always been the shining light always ahead of me on all factors kids related.

Initially, my wife didn’t have a driving license (luckily this has now changed and it does make life easier), and all things car related were my task. Child locks were the obvious starting point which lead me down a rabbit hole.

So far we have personally tested dozens of convertible car seats and have owned five despite neither of our kids having reached the age of 5! Simply put, a car seat can be great on paper, work great on trying out but can fail on you in real life.

This is why I have put together this website – to help inform and educate you!

Of course, as I mentioned above, at the end of the day your experience will be the best test so I’d love to hear your experiences and feedback in the comments.

To contact me personally, please do so through my  contact page .

I look forward to hearing from you!

P.S. If you click a link on my site and end up buying a car seat on Amazon, I’ll get paid a small commission (or as the Amazon lawyers put it: “As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases”)

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Crush That Vacay With the Best 12 Car Seats for 3 Year Old

Today you'll finally learn what are honestly the best car seats for 3 year old .

This list is especially adapted for traveling (though the first three options are for everyday use), so you won't end up with some massive gear, impossible to drag to the airport.

Instead, you'll find the most suitable and safe car seats for traveling , recommended by the NHTSA , and definitely approved for your three-year-old to use.

I was sick of people giving me advice and not knowing what was indeed the best for my child .

So I sat down and went through official recommendations, found the most trustworthy brands ( Graco , Safety 1st , Evenflo , etc.), compared the weight and portability, and finally designed this list.

Enjoy, and be sure you're in the right place!

Table of Contents

#1. Graco SlimFit 3 in 1 Car Seat - The Best Three-in-one Car Seat From Graco

#2. chicco myfit harness booster seat - the best harness-to-booster car seat, #3. diono radian 3r all-in-one - the best all-in-one car seat, #1. graco tranzitions 3 in 1 harness - best car seat for 3-year-old, #2. wayb pico travel car seat with premium carrying bag - best car seat for travel, #3. ride safer travel vest gen 5 - the best child restraint vest, #4. safety 1st guide 65 convertible car seat - the most compact car seat for a three-year-old, #5. cosco finale dx 2-in-1 combination - the most affordable car seat for toddlers, #6. evenflo sonus 65 convertible car seat - honestly comfortable car seat for a 3-year-old, #7. safety 1st jive 2-in-1 convertible - fit three across, #8. evenflo maestro sport harness booster - incredibly lightweight, #9. sureride convertible car seat - the lightest car seat for a three-year-old, 1. the age span, 2. the harness, 3. side-impact protection, 4. reclining back, 5. materials, 6. maintenance, what kind of a seat should a 3-year-old be in, does my three-year-old need a 5 point harness, when can my three-year-old change car seats, can i put my child, three years in age, in a booster seat, does my three-year-old have to be in a car seat in a taxi, does my three-year-old need a car seat to fly delta, how do i keep my 3 year old in his car seat, final thoughts.

Read more —

The Best Car Seat For 5 Year Old: Ultimate Guide For Parents

If you're here, I guess you're confused about the best car seat for a 3-year-old . We've all been there !

I was so frustrated when I was supposed to buy the first child restraint system, boy; it drained my energy. Luckily, I've mastered the matter over the years, and now I am ready to pass on the knowledge.

Namely, you can find the official recommendations on the NHTSA page. There are many useful tips and tricks, but you'll need some time.

Also, the state laws regarding car seats differ. So you want to check the state laws for the country you are interested in HERE on our page.

If you don't have time for going through the extensive federal recommendations, keep reading, I will explain it concisely.

A newborn needs to be secured in a rear facing , federally-approved child restraint system and remain there until at least one.

However, the rear facing car seats are the safest child restraint system, and you should try to keep your kid there until he/she exceeds the upper weight and height limit.

Forward facing car seats  are the next step in child restraint systems. They are allowed for kids at least once. Nonetheless, it would be best if you waited until they exceeded the rear facing system's limits, which happens around two or three.

So, officially, forward facing car seats are the federally approved child restraint systems for three-year-olds .

Booster seats should not be used until your child is at least four, but try to delay the transition from a forward facing seat to the booster seat for as long as possible.

Now, in my reviews, you will find booster seats. But, don't get confused because they are, in fact, forward facing car seats since they have a 5 point internal harness , and they are entirely safe for your child .

When it comes to installment , some useful videos you can watch: here and here .

And I definitely advise you to learn more about child safety in traffic. For starters, check out some of these videos  here  and  here .

The Best Car Seats for Three-year-olds in General: Top 3 Choices

First of all, I will present to you my selection of the best car seats for three-year-olds in general. These models are excellent for everyday use , with an accent on safety and durability. 

They are perfect for growing toddlers as they have an adjustable design, but they are not as travel-friendly as the models we will be reviewing in the second part of the article.

So if you don’t care about portability , firstly check these three models. And if you’re looking for a travel-friendly option, skip to the second part.

I love Graco !

Their baby equipment has never failed to wow me, and despite the popularity and excellent performance, their prices are still mid-range , affordable to families of different social statuses. Now, the first thing you’ll notice about this model is that it has a three-in-one design. What does it mean?

Well, it has been designed to allow riding in a rear-facing mode with a harness, forward-facing mode with a harness as well, and the high-back booster mode. The rear-facing mode supports kiddos from at least five pounds to the maximum of forty pounds.

And when they surpass forty pounds, you can ride them forward-facing up to sixty-five pounds when they are ready to transition into the high-back booster until they are 100 pounds. If you take a close look into the seat, you will notice the thick side impact protection .

It’s a result of the Graco ProtectPlus engineering that has proven safe in rigorous testing, including rollover crash testing, side crash testing, and rear crash testing. Besides the safety factor, another reason why I love this seat is the convenience of use.

The InRight LATCH system makes it super simple to install yet perfectly stable every time. At the same time, it is just as easy to adjust it because of the no-rethread harness that can be adjusted between ten different positions. To adjust the harness and the headrest, all you need to do is push the button at the top of the seat and pull up or down. Another adjustable segment of the seat is the back. There are four recline positions, so it’s also possible for you to find a perfect angle for your little one to enjoy the ride. And the thick cushions contribute to the overall comfort . One negative comment I repeatedly saw was the placement of the large WARNING sticker. It’s at the center of the back and not breathable at all, so it becomes very hot and causes children discomfort. So that’s something Graco could improve.

• 3-in-1 design
• Thick cushioning
• Adjustable headrest and harness
• Easy installation
• Warning sticker at the center of the back

I couldn’t go on with my list without mentioning at least one Chicco model. This trustworthy brand has only been improving over the years, upgrading its already cemented reputation in the industry with high-quality modes. Now, this is a car seat for slightly bigger kids. It includes two modes, a forward-facing harness mode, and a high-back booster mode. In the harness mode, you can accommodate children from twenty-two pounds through fifty-five pounds, while the booster mode extends the use to one hundred pounds. However, the fact that it has no rear-facing mode doesn’t make it any less safe than other seats. In fact, this seat is equipped with not one but two layers of side impact protection and thick cushioning. The headrest can be adjusted between nine different positions, and there are four recline positions to help you find a perfect fit. As for the installation, Chicco included a LockSure belt-positioning system that secures this car seat safely and keeps it in place. And, of course, there’s a LATCH system for quick but reliable installation in cars with lower anchor points. Another thing I think significantly contributes to the overall comfort and safety of your child is the padded harness straps. They allow you to tighten the straps enough without hurting your children or making them feel uncomfortable. The entire seat is ergonomically designed and includes the ErgoBoost dual foam padding, so your child is in a nest of comfort and softness. When it comes to portability , have in mind that this is not a seat you want to bring to a vacation. It’s very heavy, weighing 25 pounds, so it’s not very convenient for traveling or transport. As for the negative reviews, I’ve seen a couple of parents complaining about excessive padding that prevents them from tightening the straps enough. Personally, I don’t think that thick padding is a problem, but it can be uncomfortable if it’s not soft enough. Still, it’s one amazing seat for toddlers and older kids, and definitely very high-quality and durable, so I think it’s worth considering.

• High-quality
• Adjustable headrest
• Thick padding
• Dual side protection
• Too much padding

As for the Diono Radian line, I think that the fact this line keeps getting newer and newer versions each year speaks for itself. These seats are sturdy, durable, and packed with safety features. The first feature worth mentioning is that this seat is an all-in-one model.

It‘s the only seat you’ll need for your child over the course of years, as it supports children from birth until they reach one hundred pounds. What’s unique about it, though, is the extended rear-facing use that allows you to keep your child in a rear-facing position until they reach forty pounds.

This is an incredibly useful addition since it is an official recommendation to keep children in a rear-facing position for the longest period possible. The three modes this seat offers are the rear-facing one, forward-facing with a harness, and the high-back booster mode. Now, the first design feature that impressed me is that it includes memory foam . Most seats include sponge, but not this one. It’s super-soft and conforms to your child’s body, so they are super-comfy at all times.

The harness straps are also covered with memory foam pads, so your child won’t be hurt if you tighten the straps as you should. Thanks to the super-LATCH system, the installation is a piece of cake. The system includes an audible click and a visual indicator, so you can know when the seat is safely installed. Although soft and comfy on the outside, the seat includes an automotive-strength steel core that keeps the structure sturdy and strong. What is more, the seat is lined with EPS foam, and it includes thick side impact protection, so it’s very safe . When it comes to the extras, you can push the side parts of the seat outward for more room, the seat folds down, and you can remove the cover and wash it in a washing machine to keep everything clean and stylish. I also like that there’s a number of colors you can choose from, and each seat looks equally stylish and modern. Although a slim model, it does take up a lot of room when used in a rear-facing mode. So that could be a negative side of this model.

• Memory foam
• Easy to install
• Bulky in a rear-facing mode

Best Travel Car Seats for 3 Year Old: My Top 9 Favorites

Here we have a list of the 9 best car seats for a three-year-old that have been specially designed for traveling , so they portray features such as slim, lightweight design, portable structure, and easy installation.

These are great for airplane use, carpooling, and traveling in general.

The reason why I have chosen this seat, especially as the top pick on my list is the love I have for Graco baby equipment.

Over the years, I have witnessed nothing but quality with their car seats, and I would honestly recommend them to anyone!

With more than sixty-five years of presence on the baby gear market, Graco offers nothing but convenience, quality, and safety.

What is more, they genuinely have the best offer when it comes to convertible car seats , producing 2-in-1, three-in-one, even 4-in-one models.

Graco Tranzitions 3 in 1 harness is a lighter model intended for toddlers and preschoolers. I find it particularly handy for traveling because of its   lightweight design, affordable price, and high adjustability.

You'll see how vital these things are the first time you carry the car seat from one vehicle to another, check it at the airport and drag it with you everywhere you go.

You get a three-in-one Graco car seat for a hundred dollars, consisting of a harness booster, high back booster , and backless booster. What does this actually mean?

Well, a harness booster is, in fact, a forward-facing car seat that can accommodate kids from twenty-two pounds in weight to sixty-five pounds.

A high back belt-positioning booster is for older kids weighing between thirty and one hundred pounds, while the backless booster supports kids from forty to one hundred pounds.

Now, the 5-point harness uses a SimplySafe Adjust System that allows you to adapt the harness's height and the headrest in only one motion.

The headrest can be adjusted between five different positions, and the seat has an open-loop belt guide that helps you position the seatbelt correctly.

The adjustability of this seat comes in handy for two main reasons : it adapts as your child grows and you can install it correctly in different vehicles.

Given that this Graco model weighs only 14.97 lbs and is approved for aircraft use with the harness, it is excellent for traveling and flying . It was rigorously crash tested to meet and exceed the federal safety standards.

• Lightweight
• High-Quality

The WAYB Pico car seat will blow your mind for many reasons! Let's see why . Wherever you go, this car seat will adjust to various travel conditions, and you can moderate it quickly according to your needs and preferences.

Namely, the travel car seat adjusts to all children between 22 and 50 pounds and between 30 and 45 inches tall. Due to its slim design, the WAYB Pico car seat easily fits three across. Thus, it saves space, and your children will have enough room; they won't push each other. Of course, the most significant benefit of the WAYB Pico seat features is a convenience for air travel.

There is a label showing that the seat contains the FAA approval, so you can place it on the plane seat, attach the necessary parts, and travel worldwide! Naturally, the seat also follows, meets, and exceeds all FMVSS and regulations. No matter whether you travel by motor vehicle, ship, or plane, the travel-friendly car seat provides the ultimate travel experience! The car seat weighs only 8 pounds, and you can always travel light wherever you go. Moreover, the design is ideal for an overhead bin since you can easily fold the WAYB Pico seat and store it away.

You can use the travel bag that comes with the package and put the folded seat there; hence, it's the best choice for the airports and their control process. Another big plus is the material .

The car seat contains the aero grade-space aluminum frame and AeroWing system technology that are durable and reliable enough to withstand various conditions and last for an extended period. If you're concerned about the kids' comfort - please don't be .

The content is full of breathable mesh material with polyester and wool; thus, the seat will keep your little ones cold, calm, and relaxed when using it; it won't create additional pressure and prevent sweat stains and cranky children. Suppose you want the perfect seat for any travel, please, don't waste too much time and select the WAYP Pico immediately! You won’t regret it!

• Easy to use & fold
• Comfortable
• High-quality material
• Pretty expensive

According to official recommendations, three-year-olds should be secured in a rear facing child restraint system (if possible) or an adequate forward facing child restraint system.

I most certainly agree with the official recommendations, and I advise everyone to follow them.

On the other hand, when you need a child restraint system for traveling, it is not wrong to consider more portable but still safe solutions, such as a Ride Safer vest.

Now, the problem with this vest is that many parents think it is not federally approved. Well, you know what?

It is! This child restraint system is completely legal and federally approved in the US. More about it, you can read on this link .

Now, Ride Safer vest comes in three different sizes: small, large, and extra-large.

Small size is approved for kids from three to six years old and 30-65 pounds in weight. The vest, itself, weighs barely 2.4 pounds, so I think it is the most convenient solution for traveling.

You know that toddlers aren't allowed to use a seat belt only because it does not protect them adequately in traffic.

With Ride Safer Vest Gen 5 , the seat belt becomes optimized to protect your kid perfectly. It repositions the lap belt below the abdomen and shoulder belt away from the neck.

The vest can be installed either in a shoulder-lap belt mode or lap and tether belt mode. Either way, if properly installed , it is perfectly safe for use and provides adequate protection to your kid.

Most importantly, the Ride Safer Travel Vest is tested and certified to meet all the FMVSS 213 safety standards. However, this restraint vest is not FAA-approved yet, so you can only use it for your road trips.

If you decide to buy this child restraint system, I advise you to watch some of the instructional videos available to make sure you can install it correctly in your car.

Also, bear in mind that this vest is not recommended for kids under 3 years of age.

• Meets safety standards
• No bulky seat bases
• Space-saving
• Not FAA-approved
• Not very budget-friendly

Another critical segment you should care for when buying a travel car seat is the size.

Compact car seats are primarily intended for small cars , but they come in pretty handy in the narrow airplane aisles, taxis , and rent-a-cars . 

This Safety 1st is the best car seat with the compact design you can buy for your three-year-old when traveling. I love it because it is honestly durable yet small and pretty portable, so the transport won't be much of a hassle.

The seat has a 5 point harness , adjustable from the front, so you won't struggle with the installment and adjustments.

It features two modes: rear facing and forward facing, yet the rear facing mode is available longer, until your little one gains forty pounds, to be precise.

According to the official recommendations, this is excellent because kids are the safest in a rear facing car seat.

As I have previously mentioned, adjustability is critical.

This Safety 1st seat has an adjustable headrest, removable pillows, and five harness heights with three buckle positions. This means you'll adjust the seat in minutes to fit your child perfectly. Simply remove the pads for your 3-year-old to use it.

I know you care about safety , so rest assured because this seat has a side impact protection and meets the federal safety standards.

It can also be used on aircraft, and since it comes with a forward facing harness, you will be using it until your little one gains sixty-five pounds.

I mentioned the compact design previously. 

Namely, the seat was designed to fit three across, so it will definitely fit any taxicab or rent-a-car . Yet, it weighs 15 pounds, which is acceptable but not ideal.

Honestly, I expected it to weigh less since it is pretty small. But I guess it only testifies that it features a sturdy design with a solid construction, so it's not a big deal .

Finally, the price is more than affordable , so it definitely pays off to have one of these waiting for your big trip.

• Compact design
• Longer rear facing use
• No booster mode

If there's one brand manufacturing the best car seats for traveling, it's Cosco .

Their seats are simple, lightweight, compact, and more than affordable. Importantly, you don't have to stress about safety because they meet all the federal safety standards.

So, my honest advice to all families on a budget is to avoid buying some sharp-looking, cheap-built stuff; instead, go with Cosco . It does not cost much, but it's reliable.

In particular, this Cosco seat is a convertible booster with a 5 point forward facing harness that transforms into a belt-positioning booster.

The forward facing mode supports children from thirty to sixty-five pounds in weight, while the booster mode is for kids from forty to one hundred pounds in weight.

It is pretty convenient because you will be able to use the seat once your child turns four and can ride in a booster seat safely .

You'll love this seat because it weighs only 11.5 lbs. You can carry it around with little to no effort. Plus, its slim design enables you to fit three across the back seat of one car.

As I already mentioned, this Cosco convertible booster seat features a pretty simple design. It incorporates premium fabrics that can be washed in a machine.

Additionally, it includes two cup holders you can also detach and clean or remove to create more space in your car.

Cosco's final convertible booster seat meets or exceeds the federal ASTM and JPMA standards and is FAA-approved. I would definitely buy one of these seats for travel purposes, yet, I don't think this seat is the best choice for everyday use.

It would be a good idea to buy one of these, simply to have them for traveling when you need a portable, lightweight seat .

All in all, this is one solid car seat for a 3-year-old. For less than sixty dollars, you get a year warranty , so it's a pretty good deal.

• Easy to install and move
• Not the highest quality

As you can notice, there will be more than one offer from Evenflo .

I can say they have the widest variety of products available for a whole range of prices, and I can always find something worthy of attention.

For example, this convertible is honestly lightweight but pretty functional and safe, so I would most certainly recommend it for traveling.

Namely, this car seat is the combination of a rear facing and forward facing child restraint systems.

The rear facing mode can be used until your little one gains forty pounds, while the forward facing mode can protect your child for up to 65 pounds.

The seat weighs 11.5 pounds, precisely the same as the Cosco booster seat I previously discussed.

I'd like to mention that this is one of the lightest car seats you can find on the market. Yet, despite its low weight, the Evenflo Sonus has a reinforced frame that guarantees high durability.

Like the other Evenflo modes I reviewed, this one has a central, front-adjusting harness with six different shoulder harness positions. This makes the seat pretty adjustable and easy to install. In just a couple of steps, you'll fit your little one perfectly.

Additionally, the built-in air ventilation system along with plush head and body cushions keep your kid comfortable and relaxed in summer while warm in winter.

You can remove the fabrics for washing and keep the seat clean under all circumstances. I love this because kids, at least my little rascals, always make a mess, and if the seat isn't machine-washable, you'll struggle a lot with the washcloth.

Evenflo Sonus offers more expensive car seating and prolonged use in every phase.

Therefore, I would recommend this seat even for everyday use since Evenflo is on the market for a long time and found ways to make their seats lighter without compromising the quality.

• Honestly lightweight
• Removable cup holders
• Air ventilated
• Easy to clean

Here, I selected another car seat from Safety 1st , pretty similar to the other seat from this brand I included. However, it is never wrong to have more choices so you can find exactly what you're looking for.

When it comes to weight, it is moderate, not too heavy, not too light, but it features a super-compact design.

The seat is a combination of a rear facing and forward facing car seat with a weight limit of sixty-five pounds. To be precise, the rear facing mode can be used for kids from five to twenty-two pounds in weight.

On the other hand, forward facing mode supports kids from twenty-two to sixty-five pounds.

The seat incorporates a side impact protection , so your kid is perfectly safe in the case of an accident or crash . It weighs 14.5 pounds, a bit less than the other Safety 1st model I included.

When it comes to design, it's a typical Safety 1st design with removable pillows that provide comfort and extra support to your infant and can be removed as your child grows.

The harness can be adjusted from the front and has three buckle positions and five heights.

Once again, the fabrics are perfectly safe for your kid's skin and machine-washable , dryer safe too.

It also includes two removable cup holders that prove quite convenient for long trips when your child needs their water or drinks close. But since you can remove them, you can also create additional space in the back.

I recommend this car seat model for smaller cars and airplane use since it features a fit-three-across design that takes up less space than standard car seats, so you'll fit it almost anywhere.

I don't like that there is no booster mode since these convertible car seats are more for infants to toddlers than 3-year-olds in development.

Yet, the official recommendations advise keeping your 3-year-old in a forward facing harness seat, so it will serve you well for now.

• Side impact protection
• Removable pillows
• Adjustable harness
• Machine-washable

Next, after a few convertible car seats, we get back to another harness booster convertible. I couldn't get past Evenflo again, so I decided to review their Maestro Sport Harness Booster .

I honestly hope that after reading this article, you'll realize how incredible this brand is.

I even think it is a bit under appreciated because of the famous car seat brands such as Graco and Britax . But, in fact, despite the lower price ranges, Evenflo products are just as good.

This model includes a forward facing harness booster and belt-positioning booster seat. The harness booster is intended for kids weighing between twenty-two and fifty pounds, while the high back booster is for kids 40-110 pounds in weight.

Like on other high-quality car seats, the harness on this booster is central , adjustable from the front, so you can quickly adapt the harness straps for a perfectly snug fit.

Plus, the handy shoulder belt guide helps you position the seat belt adequately in seconds.

Car seat pads can be removed and washed in a washing machine, while two cup holders can also be removed and cleaned.

What I like the most about this harness booster is the honestly lightweight design. Believe it or not, it weighs less than ten pounds. It means transport to the airport, taxi, or wherever will be a piece of cake.

Notably, the seat meets federal safety standards and is FAA-approved , so you can use it while flying with your 3-year old. The seat has been tested for side-impact and rollover crashes, so don't worry about unpredictable situations.

Bear in mind that this Evenflo car seat is one of the lightest car seats for 3-year-olds with an incredible weight limit, so you will be able to use it even when your kid turns four and more.

Since it costs less than $100, I would definitely consider it, as it exhibits excellent quality, proven safety, and lightweight design.

• Great weight limit
• Seat belt guide
• No backless booster 

When I was looking for a travel car seat, the most important thing for me was the portability .

I was hoping to find a seat no more than 10 pounds in weight, but it seemed like an impossible mission. Then I found this SureRide Convertible Car Seat , only 9.80 pounds heavy.

This convertible car seat comes from Evenflo , the oldest car seat manufacturer on the market with more than 100 years of experience.

It is the combination of a rear facing car seat suitable for infants from five to forty pounds and a forward facing harness car seat for children from twenty-two to sixty-five pounds in weight.

I love how easy to adjust this seat is.

The harness is front-adjustable and highly accessible so you can secure your toddler snugly with zero effort.

Also, the harness can be adjusted among six different positions, which allow more accurate accommodation. I love this feature because in the past, and it was a hell adjusting it correctly as my child grew.

But, despite its really low price, this is one honestly high-quality seat. It has upgraded protection with three layers of energy-absorbing foam and side impact protection that lowers the chances for injuries inside crashes by 50%.

You'll love that super-soft, durable fabrics can be removed and washed in a machine, so you can always keep the sheets super-clean and fragrant. The cup holder can also be detached to create more space in compact cars or airplane seats.

Since I mentioned airplanes, this convertible car seat is also FAA-approved , so you can safely use it when flying.

However, do bring the instructions with you to prove that the seat is approved since one woman reported a problem at the airport with this model because it did not have the FAA-approved stamp.

The only thing I don't like about this seat is no booster mode . If your child is three years old, it can ride in a booster seat in a year or so, so you might need to buy one.

• Reputable manufacturer
• Easily adjustable
• Lightweight( only 9.80 pounds)
• FAA-approved

How to Choose a Good Seat for a Three-year-old? The Buying Guide

While choosing a travel car seat comes down to portability, lightweight design, and convenience of use, the process of selecting the best car seat for everyday use is slightly different.

How so? Well, when you don’t need to worry about the weight of the seat, slim design, and foldability, you can focus your energy on finding the seat with advanced design and upgraded features that keep your child safe and comfortable.

My first focal point when I was buying the seat for my three-year-old was  the age span  it can be used for.

High-quality seats are expensive; there’s no doubt about it; therefore, it’s good for your child and your budget to choose a seat with different modes and a good weight capacity.

Since there are so many all-inclusive models nowadays, you can even buy one seat for the course of ten years if you choose smarty.

The ideal weight capacity should be from 5 to 100 pounds , with three different modes:  rear, forward, and booster .

From there, you should look at the harness .

The seat needs to have a five-point harness, preferably with pads to protect your child’s neck.

Yet, even more, significant detail about the harness is whether it is a rethread or a no-rethread one . No-rethread harnesses with at least five positions are a lifesaver .

Undoubtedly, you’ll need to adjust the harness as your child grows, and it's a billion times easier to do it by simply pulling the headrest up or down, so bear this in mind.

Then, side-impact protection is not a matter of question. Your seat simply must have it.

Also, the more crash tests it passes, the safer it is for your child, so look at this section in the product description as well.

Since I mentioned adjustability, reclining back  is another novelty that makes the seat fit better.

It’s great if you can find the perfect position for your little one to sleep in, and it can extend the rear-facing use of the seat, so it’s definitely a worthy extra.

Materials are also a factor that plays a huge role in the selection of the best seat. Materials should be breathable, non-toxic, and soft on the skin, so your child can enjoy their rides.

This is of crucial importance in the summer when the seats tend to get really hot, and children sweat excessively.

Finally, maintenance , as an everlasting concern of every mother, is also an important factor. Check if the seat covers are removable and whether they can be washed in a machine.

I used to have seats that could only be cleaned with a wet cloth and mild soap, but this doesn’t work . 

Stains cannot be removed that easily, and the seat starts smelling after some time, especially if you store it for a while.

Frequently Asked Questions

According to the official NHTSA recommendations , a three-year-old should be in a forward-facing seat with the internal harness straps.

Namely, kids should stay in a rear facing position for as long as possible, so if your 3-year-old still does not exceed the weight and height limits of a rear-facing seat, keep them there .

Yet, the most common practice shows they transition to the forward-facing car seat around 2 or 3 .

Yes, they do . According to the NHTSA and the AAP safety experts, children should stay rear or forward-facing harnessed until they overgrow the maximum weight and height limits of the convertible harnessed seats. So, it would help if you did not place them into boosters without harness until they are ready - age four minimum, or even older. You will jeopardize their safety.

If they overgrow the extended rear-facing positions and weigh more than 50 pounds , and if they are ready for the forward-facing position, you can place them in the forward-facing harness seat. On the other hand, once they reach more than 65 pounds and 49 inches of height, they are ready for booster car seats. To know your child meets and exceeds the maximum height and weight, the top of their head should be less than an inch from the top of the car seat when buckled inside the system.

A 3-year-old should not be in a booster car seat unless it is a forward facing, harness booster. Booster seats are recommended for kids four years old and up .

The only case when you are federally allowed to place your 3-year-old in a booster seat is if he/she exceeds the weight and height recommendations for a forward-facing seat you have.

As taxis are exempt from car seat laws, you can rarely find an appropriate car seat in the back seat of these vehicles. But, of course, you can always use your own car seats in the vehicles. For this reason, you should rent a car with a seat for your baby as a safer and more convenient option. However, when a car seat is unavailable in a licensed private hire car or taxi, a child might travel unrestrained in the rear. This is the only exception for all kids under three years of age . Such a law was approved for practical reasons rather than safety standards.

As Delta Airlines states , all infants and children under two years old can travel on an adult's lap for free, without any restrictions. Parents can also purchase a ticket & use their specific child restraint system on the aircraft in an FAA-approved car seat or CARES harness on most flights. However, according to the FAA and the AAP , the safety experts strongly encourage parents to use child safety car seats or other child restraint systems when flying with their babies or other young children. Although not demanding, the use of car seats is always a big plus for everyone's safety.

You should seat your kid correctly in the child restraint system and buckle him/her up tightly, using the internal 5 point harness . 

Here is a good video you can watch.

And that's it!  I shared all the things I know about travel car seats for 3-year-olds.

I hope you figured out the essential features when you're looking for a car seat for traveling or when you want to fit more than one seat in one car.

As you could read in my extensive reviews, to my mind, the best car seat for a 3-year-old is the Graco Tranzitions 3 In 1 Harness .

With this toddler car seat, 3 year old is  entirely safe . It comes from a reputable manufacturer, includes an internal harness, does not weigh too much, and can be adjusted.

What else is there to look for?

• 3-in-1 harness booster helps protect your child, from toddler to youth.Graco ProtectPlus Engineered: a combination of the most rigorous crash tests that helps to protect your little one in frontal,...
• Grows with your child from forward-facing harness (22-65 pounds) to highback booster (40-100 pounds) to backless booster (40-100 pounds) to continue to meet industry standards, we have increased the...
• No-rethread simply safe adjust harness system allows the headrest and harness to adjust together in one motion.Do not use bleach
• Lightweight, portable seat is ideal for busy, active parents
• One-hand, 8-position adjustable headrest grows with your child

Kathy Warner

Kathy is a busy mother of two and a CPS technician for more than eight years. Her mission is to awaken parents to the importance of child passenger safety and show them the right practice. You can read more about her here

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Best Travel Car Seat for 3 Year Olds (2024 Review Update)

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Home » Best Travel Car Seat for 3 Year Olds (2024 Review Update)

We all know how important a car seat is for safety. In actual fact it might even be the most important toddler travel item that you could possibly invest in. But finding the best travel car seat for 3-year-old toddler can be tricky, especially when you need one that is suitable for both, cars and for plane travel.

This type of car seat needs to tick a lot of boxes such as; the car seat needs to be lightweight, easy to carry and has to be FAA approved. 

After extensive research, we have found just the right ones! Below you will find a review for the best travel car seats for your 3-year-old. 

If you are in a hurry to get to the best of the best, here is our top recommendation:

Click here to see our pick for the best travel car seat for 3 year old toddlers

What to Look for in The Best Travel Car Seat for 3 Year Old 

Here are some of the most important things to look at before you choose the right car seat for your toddler:

1. Using a Car Seat Overseas in Cars

One of the most important things to check out for when you travel overseas with a toddler car seat is to find out what type of anchoring system is required in the country that you going to. Yes, not every country has the same way of installing the car seat. 

Some of the countries, such as Italy, have a two-point anchoring system at the base of the seat, whilst countries like Australia, have only one anchor point at the back of the seat. Choosing the right seat for the destination that you are going to can and will save you money.

Although the alternative option of hiring a car seat together with the car hire is there, the daily car seat hire price can add up and very quickly exceed the price of a brand new car seat in the first place. Something to think about here.

2. Using a Car Seat on a Plane

Does a 3 year old need a car seat on a plane? The answer is yes, and it also needs to be the right car seat! With all the different options out there, it is important to know exactly what you need to look for in the best and safest car seat for 3-year-old airplane travelers.

First of all, any toddler car seat on plane travel needs to be FAA certified . Once you find a seat with this rating, you will need to make sure it is compact, slim and lightweight. The best car seat on plane for 3 year old passengers will need to be easy to carry on board, and slim enough to comfortably fit on the seat.

From our extensive reviews of the best car seat for travel , we have found the ideal product for use on a plane with 3 year olds.

3. What to Look Out For

Here are some of the most important things to look out for:

Compact and Slim Design

When you are flying with your 3 year old and you plan to take a car seat that is best suitable for her/his weight and height, there are also other things to consider, such as the size of the actual travel car seat.

If you do your research, plane seats can vary in size from around 16″ to 22″, whilst most are around the 17 or 18″. Saying that, make sure to check out the sizes of the seats on the plane that you are flying on.

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

Lightweight and Easy to Carry

Choosing a car seat that is both; easy-to-carry around and lightweight is very important.

This will save you a lot of hustle along the way. Most of the lightweight toddler car seats for a 3-year-old are around 15 lbs.

Suitable for Toddler Weight and Height 

Make sure to find a car seat that is best suitable for both; your toddler’s height and weight:

• The average weight for a 3-year-old is around 31 lb and by 4 years of age, they could be around 36 lb.
• The average height for a 3-year-old is around 37.5″ and by 4 years of age, they could be around 40.3″.

Comfort and Durability

Many of us always tend to go with only manufacturers’ recommendations, and it is easy to forget, what is the actual comfort level of the car seat and how durable it is for upcoming travel.

Saying that always make sure to look at what are the features of the car seat, or booster that you are buying. Although our 3 year old traveler can make traveling much easier, it is important to check out the padding, harness system and what positions can the seat be adjusted to. 

When it comes to durability. It is obvious here. When you purchase the travel car seat for your 3 year old, the seat needs to be quite sturdy and well built.

This is important for both; the safety of your child, of course, and for how well it will perform in transit during all of the travel you will be doing.

The Best Travel Car Seat for 3 Year Old Travelers

Taking into consideration all of the above criteria, we have found some of the best car seat on a plane for your 3 year old passengers options for you. These are our picks for the best toddler seat for both cars and for flying with.

So, without further ado, here is our top recommendation for the best car seat for 3 year old passenger:

Wayb Pico Car Seat

If you looking for the best car seat for plane travel for your 3-year-old, then this is our best pick by far. Why? Because it simply ticks off all of the boxes.

Here is why you are going to love Wayb Pico Car Seat:

• This is a forward-facing only car seat, specially designed for kids 22-50 lbs and 30-45″ tall.
• It is a lightweight (only 8 lbs), very compact, quick to fold and easy-to-carry travel car seat.
• The aerospace-grade aluminum frame makes this chair super strong.
• This is the best travel car seat for a 3 year old.
• It comes with a 3-year limited warranty.

Wayb Pico Car Seat passes all of the safety testings in accordance with the U.S. standards regulated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and it is FAA approved as well. This of course means, that this car seat is approved for both cars and flying with.

How to Install the WAYB Pico car seat?

Here are short videos to help you with the installation of the car seat both in the car and on the plane:

How to Install the car seat in the car:

Check out easy-to-follow steps of how to set up the Pico in the car:

How to Install the car seat on the plane:

Check out easy-to-follow steps of how to set up the Pico on the plane:

WAYB Pico is made with ultralight aerospace-grade aluminum, and with minimal use of plastic components. Keeping the planet in mind, there is no PU foam used at all.

When it comes to padding, Pico comes with a wool/polyester blend ASTROKNIT™, which is extremely ergonomic, very breathable and, of course, very comfortable.

This car seat is very easy to spot clean using warm water and wool-safe detergent. You can also remove the fabric pads and thoroughly clean as well.

As you have seen in the above installation videos, Pico is easily installed using a car’s LATCH system or a car or plane seatbelt.

You can also read through our popular guide to finding a booster seat for travel here.

Click here to purchase the popular Wayb Pico Car Seat

Other Recommended Portable Car Seat for 3 Year Olds

Here is an alternative option for, in our opinion, the best travel car seat 3 year old:

Cosco Finale DX 2-in-1 Combination Booster Car Seat

If you are looking for one of the overall best car seats for toddlers, and our favorite choice for 3-year-olds, then the Cosco Finale DX 2-in-1 is it! This car seat packs brilliant features into a simple and compact design, making your travels a whole lot easier.

With a weight of only 11.5 lbs, carrying this seat onto the plane and around the airport is easy. The seat dimensions are 18.25 x 19 x 29.75 in – meaning it is slim enough to comfortably fit into airplane seats and down the aisle.

This product is a smart choice for your 3 year old, as it has a five-point safety harness that can convert into a belt-positioning booster seat as your child grows bigger.

When used forward-facing with a harness, the seat can accommodate a weight of 30 – 65 pounds. As a belt-positioning booster, it can hold 40 to 100 pounds. Bear in mind that you can’t use the booster function of this seat on the plane though.

Of course, your little one will be secure in this seat, with it meeting ASTM and JPMA safety standards. A removable cup holder is also included, however it cannot be used when on the plane.

The Cosco Finale DX 2-in-1 car seat is perfect for flying with a 3 year old. Between its smart size and weight, as well as its ability to accommodate your child’s growth, this has got to be the best FAA car seat for 3-year-old passengers! 

Not sure that the travel toddler car seat above is the one for you? Here are two other travel car seats that we can recommend for toddlers.

It is another popular seat and sells really well on Amazon. 

>> Click here to grab this awesome toddler travel car seat here .

Alternatives to Traveling with a Car Seat on Airplane for 3 Year Old Kids

What are the alternatives to traveling with a car seat on plane for 3 year old toddlers? On our travels, we have used the Newroutes Child Airplane Safety Travel harness , which has proven itself many times.

Please note that this CARES Child Safety Device is the only FAA-approved harness restraint for children weighing between 22 and 44 lbs (kids 1-year and older).

One of the positives of traveling with a harness is that it can fold into a 6″ stuff-sack and be put away into your backpack with ease. Weighing only 1 lbs does not add to your luggage weight allowance, and it is far easier to travel with than the car seat. 

The only issue I have is that the harness does not allow for comfortable sleeping. The harness will keep your toddler upright at all times. 

Although we do love the harness now that she is older, I do prefer a car seat for 3 year olds.

>> Check prices for the Newroutes Child Airplane Safety Travel Harness here.

Final Thoughts on Flying With a 3 Year Old

Traveling with a 3 year old can be challenging, and if you will be catching flights it can get even more complicated! You will need an FAA car seat that is both lightweight, compact, and will safely hold your growing 3 year old.

This is why we have chosen the Cosco Finale DX 2-in-1 as our favorite airplane car seat for 3 year old passengers. Consider making your travels even easier with some useful car seat travel accessories . Flying with a 3 year old has never been easier!

Tip:  You might also be interested in checking out:

• which are the best accessories for long flights  
• where to find the best kids luggage for traveling with

Andrzej Ejmont

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Best Stroller and Car Seat Combos

These top-performing travel systems feature high-quality strollers and car seats that work well on their own and together

When you shop through retailer links on our site, we may earn affiliate commissions. 100% of the fees we collect are used to support our nonprofit mission. Learn more .

Buying a traditional stroller and researching the many models and features that you can choose from, is a rite of passage for many new parents. But there are reasons you might want to buy a child car seat and stroller together—also known as a travel system —instead.

Travel systems bundle together a stroller and a compatible car seat. The car seat clips into the stroller to function as the seat, and it can pop easily into and out of a car seat base, making for seamless transitions on the road with your baby. For many parents, that’s an irresistible advantage.

That’s why we’ve put six popular brands through both our rigorous stroller and car seat tests—so that you can find one that works best for you.

5 Best Stroller and Car Seat Combos

• Why Buy a Travel System?

How CR Tests Travel Systems

The car seats and strollers in these systems work seamlessly together, but each can also be bought separately, unless where noted. Make sure your purchase is compatible with the stroller or car seat you have before you buy.

Why Buy a Stroller and Car Seat Combo?

A few reasons: First, when you don’t have to take your baby out of a stroller harness and strap her into a car seat, she’s more likely to stay asleep when you make those transfers between stroller and car. You simply click the car seat out of the stroller and click it into the base in the car. As any sleep-deprived, peace-and-quiet-seeking new parent knows, this is particularly helpful.

There’s also the fact that infant car seats can turn some strollers designed for older children into infant-friendly models. A stroller’s seat might not recline fully, as it needs to in order to accommodate an infant under 6 months old—but if it accepts an infant car seat, you can use the stroller with the car seat for those early months of your child’s life. Then, once they’re old enough, you can put your child directly into the stroller.

Finally, and very importantly, bundling the stroller and car seat usually costs less than buying the two items separately. For instance, the Chicco Mini Bravo Plus stroller and the Chicco KeyFit 30 Car Seat retail for about $200 each, but the Chicco Mini Plus travel system , which includes both, costs around $380.

It’s worth noting that a travel system is different from a car seat stroller , which is a car seat with attached wheels and a handle. With a car seat stroller, the whole contraption functions as a stroller when fully expanded and a car seat when collapsed. It’s a handy design, but when your child outgrows the car seat, you’ll need both a new car seat and a new stroller. Travel systems and car seat strollers are also both distinct from car seat carrier strollers , which are simply frames on wheels that a compatible car seat can clip into to function as a stroller.

If you already own a car seat, you can buy a compatible traditional stroller and car seat adapter; the stroller and car seat don’t need to be from the same brand. But our testers say you’ll get the most seamless experience when you buy a dedicated car seat and stroller bundle.

“With a travel system, you’re getting products that the manufacturer has designed to work together,” says Joan Muratore, who oversees CR’s stroller lab.

The Overall Score for each travel system in our ratings is based on the performance of the stroller in our dedicated stroller tests, the performance of the car seat in our dedicated car seat tests, and how easily the car seat and stroller attach to each other. For the stroller test, we assess safety, maneuverability, and (among other things) how easy it is to fold and manage the straps. For the car seat test, we evaluate how easy it is to use in addition to how well its crash protection works and how easily it fits into a vehicle using the car’s LATCH system or safety belts. For more details on how we test, see our articles on the best strollers and the best car seats .

To learn more about how to shop for strollers, see our stroller buying guide . Curious about how other strollers compare with travel systems? See our comprehensive stroller ratings , where you can sort by type, price, and more.

@consumerreports There are many reasons why you might want to buy a car seat and stroller combo, also known as a travel system. Learn more through the link in our bio. #parentsoftiktok #babytok #carseat #carseatsafety ♬ original sound - Consumer Reports

Keith Flamer

Keith Flamer has been a multimedia content creator at Consumer Reports since 2021, covering laundry, cleaning, small appliances, and home trends. Fascinated by interior design, architecture, technology, and all things mechanical, he translates CR’s testing engineers’ work into content that helps readers live better, smarter lives. Prior to CR, Keith covered luxury accessories and real estate, most recently at Forbes, with a focus on residential homes, interior design, home security, and pop culture trends.

Molly Bradley

Molly Bradley is a home and appliance writer at Consumer Reports. Before joining CR in 2023, she managed the editorial team at Digg, and has devoted her career to helping readers navigate the world and make their lives a little easier, elucidating topics in technology and culture. Molly earned a master’s degree in writing from Bennington College and lives in Brooklyn, N.Y., with her cat, Saltine. Follow her on X @mollyguinn .

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The sheriff reported that Hentnick was killed when a tree fell on a car he was in.

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7 Genius Ideas For How To Transport Your Car Seat In An Airport (2024 reviews)

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This article about how to carry car a seat through the airport is written by certified Child Passenger Safety Technician Melissa Conn and may contain affiliate links.

Once you’ve decided to fly with your child’s car seat instead of checking the car seat on an airplane , it’s time to consider the logistics. First on that list? How to transport a car seat in the airport.

Getting your car seat through the airport is no small feat and can lead to plenty of huffing, puffing and swear words. Keep calm and read this article for our best ideas to make this process easier.

But first, a few things to keep in mind.

-In most cases, you’ll need to send the car seat through the X-ray machine at the airport security screening. If not, security agents will take the car seat from you for manual inspection. Honestly I prefer it that way despite the extra time because I’m always worried that the car seat will get stuck in the machine! However it’s inspected, you may need to separate it from extra apparatus to get through security. In my opinion, this is the worst part of the “airport car seat shuffle”.

-If you bring something extra to transport your car seat, you’ll need to keep it with you for your whole vacation. That’s not an issue if you plan to rent a car, but if you’re talking about a year of backpacking around the world with kids (and alllll their crap) you won’t want anything bulky in addition.

-How will your child get through the airport? Sometimes even walkers need an assist in huge airports. Make sure that whichever option below you choose, you have a plan in place to bring the kid along. We always traveled with this carrier to keep our hands and strollers empty!

1. Carry the car seat (the easier way)

Carrying your car seat through airport is the most straightforward (though least genius ) approach and we do this pretty often now that we’re post-stroller and want to travel light. It’s much easier with a lightweight travel car seat than with a heavy beast!

Wondering how to carry a car seat through the airport? We just clip all of the harness straps together and carry it that way. If trying to figure out how to carry a car seat with the baby strapped in (typically only an infant car seat), I recommend carrying it in front of you using both hands. You can avoid injuring your back and hips that way by distributing the weight evenly and relying on your biceps. An infant car seat with a baby in it can easily weigh 20-40 pounds, so be gentle with your body!

If you have a lightweight car seat and there’s no child in it, you can probably carry it one-handed since it shouldn’t be more than about 10 pounds.

Pros: -Nothing extra to buy -Nothing extra to bring -Easy to prepare for security screening -Doesn’t occupy a stroller seat (if you have one)

Cons: -Can get heavy, especially if you’re traveling solo with kids and their other gear -Need to lift the car seat to carry it down some narrow airplane aisles

2. Attach it with a car seat luggage strap

If you’re bringing a wheeled carry-on suitcase, a car seat luggage strap can be a great choice! The straps use the car seat’s low anchors and top tether strap to attach the car seat to the front of the suitcase. You wheel it along like normal until you’re ready to use the car seat on board!

You can even use a bungee cord to accomplish the same thing. This great reader-contributed photo shows the travel-friendly Evenflo Sonus (fits newborn to age 5-6) MacGyver’ed to a carry-on bag.

Pros: -Cheap solution -Compact to store during your trip -Can usually wheel the car seat down the airplane aisle

Cons: -Works best with more compact car seats -Can make your roller bag more tippy and difficult to maneuver -Child can’t safely ride in the car seat -Needs to be removed for security screening -Won’t work if you use a backpack for your carry-on

Want to know all my best secrets? Click here to learn how to travel with your car seat like a pro!

3. Use your airport stroller as a trolley

One of the easiest ways to get your car seat through the airport is to push it on your travel stroller or car seat carrier . Some combinations of strollers and car seats work better than others – a teeny tiny folding stroller won’t work well with one of these !

There are lots of ways you can push your car seat on a stroller. 1. Recline the stroller seat and put the car seat in it, with your carry-on backpack stacked inside 2. If your car seat is compact enough, rest it upside down on the stroller’s canopy 3. If your stroller has a big basket ( like this one ), slide a compact car seat inside (you can also remove the seat to put the car seat underneath) 4. If your stroller is heavy and your car seat is light, you can try hanging the car seat from the back with these (be careful that it doesn’t tip backward!) 5. If you’re traveling with an infant car seat, get a lightweight stroller frame that it snaps into like this one

The first option is what most people (including us) usually do. It works about 95% of the time and is pretty easy to unload at the security checkpoint. Just be prepared with a carrier for your little one since the stroller will be otherwise occupied.

When we were traveling overseas with two car seats, we actually did #1 and #3 at the same time (and each carried a kid at times). It worked, and we also managed to pile all of our backpacks in there as you can see in the photo above.

I also managed #2 when I traveled solo with our younger one as a baby. I wore her in the carrier and then loaded everything on to our Uppababy G-Luxe . It wasn’t pretty, but it worked!

Thanks to my fellow CPST Erin who shared the great photo above! They were able to transport a nested Cosco Finale and Cosco Scenera Next for their 4 and 1 year olds, while the 6 year old’s Ride Safer Travel Vest (full review here) packed easily in their luggage. It all attached easily to their Baby Jogger City Mini.

If you’re still in the market for a lightweight travel car seat stroller, I recommend checking out the Mountain Buggy Nano . It includes a strap that can be used to attach almost any infant car seat and you can also use it for a compact lightweight convertible car seat like the Cosco Scenera Next . This is an extremely popular combination and will work well until at least age 3 (if not 4). Did I mention that you can fit the Mountain Buggy Nano in the overhead bin of most planes? Yeah, it’s pretty slick.

Our Tiny Globetrotters community member Laura shared this great photo to show how well the Mountain Buggy Nano works with the Scenera Next:

Pros: -No extra gear if you’re already bringing a stroller -Several options for how to configure depending on your airplane stroller/travel car seat combination -Walking through the airport with the car seat/stroller combination is fairly easy

Cons: -Some set ups don’t let a kid sit in the stroller -You’ll have to separate the car seat carrier at airport security -If you’ll gate check the travel stroller on the airplane, you’ll have to carry the car seat on the plane

Of course, if your baby is still in an infant car seat it’s easy to find a stroller that’s compatible to clip it in! Check out these lightweight infant car seats to find the right one for you.

3½. Get a car seat with wheels attached

If you’re thinking ahead for your epic travels with a baby, you might want to consider a car seat with wheels built in! There used to be a convertible carseat with wheels, the Lily Gold Sit n Stroll. To be honest… it wasn’t that great as a car seat and it’s been discontinued.

But today, you can choose an awesome baby car seat with wheels: the Doona or the new Evenflo Shyft DualRide .

Color me jealous of today’s new parents, you guys get the coolest stuff! I’ve played with this super rad infant car seat with wheels, and it really is super rad. The Doona and Shyft DualRide are much heavier than your typical infant carrier, but you won’t need to carry them anywhere because it basically just takes the push of a button for those snazzy black and yellow wheels to pop out and turn it into a convenient little city stroller.

Here are a few important stats for the Evenflo or Doona baby seat with wheels: they’ll accommodate babies from birth until 32″ or 35 pounds, whichever comes first. Those size limits are becoming standard these days, and many parents are able to use it beyond their child’s first birthday. It comes with a base (that includes both seatbelt and LATCH options) but it’s very easy to install without the base as well. In the car, the handle is locked in place above your baby’s feet and acts as an anti-rebound bar – a really innovative way to add that safety feature!

Though the Doona and the Shyft DualRide don’t have storage baskets underneath (because then they wouldn’t fold properly), you can grab the Doona Essentials Bag that safely attaches to the handle of that seat or the Shyft DualRide that comes with a Carry-All bag . There’s also the option to add the Doona Snap-On Storage to the back of the seat, but it has to be removed before installing in the car. Both seats include a standard sunshade but if you’ll be walking outside a lot with your baby, the Doona Sunshade Extension may be a helpful accessory or you can get the Shyft DualRide extended canopy version . See all the useful Doona accessories here.

A big questions many parents have is “Can you use the Doona on a plane?” Absolutely! One of our readers kindly shared this photo of her nugget happily snoozing in his Doona in an Economy class seat (when it was time to install, she flipped the handle toward the seatback and buckled the seatbelt through the belt guides). She was able to roll the Doona right down the airplane aisle. How’s that for a convenient travel car seat with wheels!

A note on Doona prices… The Doona is expensive. There’s really no way around that unless you catch it on a Black Friday or Cyber Monday special. If you see a Doona on Amazon or elsewhere that seems too cheap to be true, then it’s probably an unsafe knock-off . Do not buy it! Instead, report the listing to Amazon or whatever other site it’s on.

4. Bring a wagon

This option hails from our Tiny Globetrotters member Jordan, and it’s kind of genius . Her family absolutely loves their Veer Cruiser , which the manufacturer calls a “hybrid stroller wagon”.

What’s hybrid about it? It has the option to either pull it like a traditional wagon or push it like a stroller. The interior of the wagon has two bench seats facing each other and a footwell for comfortable seating.

What does any of this have to do with transporting car seats through the airport? Well, if you take out the snack tray in the middle it’s… a big empty wagon, perfect for hauling your car seats through the airport! This is an amazing solution for families dealing with two car seats at the airport. It’ll also work well if you’re pushing one child and one car seat.

Once you get to the gate, you can fold your Veer wagon and check it in this bag . The great thing is that the Veer can work as your double stroller once you get to your destination, so it won’t feel like yet another useless gadget along for the ride. You can even get lots of nifty accessories like car seat adapters, sun shades and cup holders to keep adapting your Veer wagon to use from birth through childhood.

Pros: -Haul kids, car seats and basically anything else -Serves as your stroller when you’re traveling -Nifty accessories to make your Veer extremely useful for many years – even after you’re done traveling with car seats

Cons: -It ain’t cheap -Too heavy to gate check with American Airlines (should be ok for other airlines) -Limitation as a stroller in that there’s no reclined position without this add-on (buuuuut that accessory does look kind of amazing )

If the Veer stroller wagon is out of your budget, consider these alternatives:

Mid-price stroller wagon: Keenz Stroller Wagon (includes many accessories; all-terrain wheels are an add-on)

Bargain stroller wagon: Evenflo Pivot Xplore Stroller Wagon (compatible with Evenflo LiteMax car seats with this adapter ) – also available direct from Evenflo

5. Add car seat wheels with a car seat travel cart

If you’re planning to travel with bulky convertible car seats from home, a car seat travel cart is the best way to go. It adds wheels to your car seat so that you can easily pull the rolling car seat with your kid strapped in all the way through the airport, down the jetway, along the airplane aisle and right to your seat. We’ve heard of some kids falling asleep upon arrival at the airport and staying asleep until they are leaving the destination airport all thanks to the car seat airport roller!

Here are the best car seat travel carts to consider:

• Go-Go Babyz Mini Travelmate car seat cart *The most popular car seat wheel and finally back in stock after more than two years. Works with a huge range of convertible and combination car seats and nice wheels for a smooth ride .
• Holm Airport Car Seat Stroller *Compatible with basically every car seat, but not as stable as some of the other options – see photo below
• Britax car seat travel cart *Folds fairly long; accommodates Britax car seats and most others
• Munchkin Brica Smart Move car seat rolle r *Folds up small, fits up to 100lbs including child and car seat; not compatible with Britax ClickTight car seats

Pros: -Your kid can ride in the car seat while it’s attached to the car seat trolley or you can load the car seat with a backpack or two -You can wheel the car seat transporter down the aisle of most planes -Easy to take your full-size car seat from home (which takes away the financial sting a little)

Cons: -You may have to remove your car seat from the car seat cart at security -Expensive considering the car seat dolly is for airport use only -Bulkiest option to store and transport on vacation -Wheels don’t pivot, so be careful on sharp turns! -Some carts are only compatible with certain car seats (like the Britax car seat carrier for airport trips) -A wide car seat may not fit down a narrow aircraft aisle

If you don’t need your child to ride in the car seat, you could consider a compact luggage cart like this one. At least then you’ll have more versatility when the car seat days are over!

6. Haul it in a car seat backpack

The last option to consider is carrying your car seat in a padded car seat backpack . It’s a great hands-free option that lets you either hold hands with a toddler or push your baby in the stroller. Find out more about different car seat bags for travel .

You’ll still need to remove it in the security line, but it’s pretty straight-forward to do so. There are a bunch of different car seat travel bag brands on Amazon, but they all seem to be rebranded generics coming out of the same factory so I don’t think it matters which one you buy (just being honest).

I personally wouldn’t bother with the really thin car seat gate check bag that has straps. It would be difficult to carry as a backpack since it lacks structure, offers zero protection to the car seat and is very likely to tear and fray quickly. “Ergonomic design” my ass. At that point you might as well use a heavy-duty garbage bag or even a laundry bag.

Be mindful that even the most best car seat bags for air travel may not offer enough protection if you decide to check your car seat .

Pros: -Lightweight -Keeps the stroller seat open for kids to ride -(Sort of) easy to carry around in cities if need be – though personally I’d bring a foldable car seat for this purpose instead -Padded options give a little protection for your car seat if you end up needing to gate check -Space to stuff a few lightweight extras like diapers and coats

Cons: -Another “thing” to bring on your travels (though it folds down and clips to stay closed) -Kids can’t ride in the car seat -Car seat backpacks don’t have supportive hip belts to help with weight distribution (some have a webbing strap just to keep it from shifting, but not what you’d find on a quality backpack) -Might be overwhelmingly large for petite travelers – they’re all 28″ tall

7. Bring in the pros

Sometimes you just need a little help from your friends, even if they’re friends you have to pay. The innovative folks at SkySquad are working with airports around the country to provide hands-on help from a team of assistants who have airport credentials.

What does that mean for you? A SkySquad assistant can meet you at your car door to help you and your brood (and all your stuff) navigate through check in, security, endless errands in the terminal and all the way to your gate. On your return leg, they can meet you at the gate (or after customs for an international flight) and help you jet out of the airport. SkySquad can even hang out with you during a long layover to grab food for you or watch your stuff while you take the kids to the restroom.

SkySquad’s departure service, The Globetrotter, costs $99 while The Welcome Crew (arrivals) and Half Time Help (layovers) cost $49. Use discount code TCSM20 to save 20% on your SkySquad booking!

As of 2023, The Sky Squad is available at the following airports: – Baltimore-Washington International (BWI) -Denver (DEN) -Philadelphia (PHL) – Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood (FLL) – Spirit Airlines only -Las Vegas (LAS)

How To Travel With Car Seat FAQs

There’s no “best” option, since it depends on which car seat you’re bringing, whether or not you’ll bring a stroller and how old your child is. Read through this article to understand the pros and cons of each option.

If you’re bringing an infant car seat for travel , it’s a toss-up whether or not to bring the base and depends on the details of your trip. We brought our base when we knew we’d be renting a car and our kids were young enough to fall asleep on long drives. Ours fit in the basket of our Chicco Keyfit Caddy . If you won’t be renting a car or your child is old enough not to fall asleep often on drives, bringing the base can be a nuisance for getting through the airport. Also remember that you can’t install your base on the airplane. You can put it in the overhead bin if there’s space.

No! We do it all the time. Sometimes a low-tech solution is all it takes.

If you’re installing your child’s car seat for them to use in a seat you’ve purchased, then it does not count as a carry on. If you’re trying to put an infant car seat or booster seat in the overhead bin, in theory it could count as a carry on but we’ve never had that issue.

This article was produced in partnership with The Sky Squad. All opinions are my own.

What are your hacks for getting your car seat through the airport?

29 thoughts on “7 Genius Ideas For How To Transport Your Car Seat In An Airport (2024 reviews)”

This is a very helpful, thought-out, and well written article. Car seats are very important as we want to protect our little ones. If you don’t want to try to look for car seat and get a car service, look for Kidmoto and we can help in select US cities.

Pretty good article

Hi Kawanee,

Thanks for dropping by! Glad to help 🙂

Safe travels, Melissa

Very very helpful!

Hi There – this is a great website thanks so much for sharing your experiences. I am about to travel for the first time with my LO (10 months) and I bought your recommended Cosco car seat. I now am leaning towards a frame “snap n go stroller” for airport/travel. But it is unclear to me what happens to the stroller once you get on the plane? Do they check it at the gate or should I be expected to bring something that fits in an overhead bin? I was hoping this one could be stored in an overhead bin (you listed this in your article) https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00838BNK2/ref=crt_ewc_title_huc_1?ie=UTF8&smid=A2L77EE7U53NWQ&th=1

Thanks for your help

Thanks for stopping by! I don’t recommend buying a snap n go for the Scenera Next for three reasons. First, you’ll be stuck using the car seat in the snap n go at all times rather than a proper stroller seat. Second, a snap n go won’t fit in the overhead bin. And third, the snap n go only has a recommended weight limit of 30lbs so you’ll get limited use from it (you have to account for the car seat’s weight as well).

The most popular stroller to use with the Cosco Scenera Next is the Mountain Buggy Nano . It goes in the overhead bin, has a strap to attach a compact lightweight car seat and can be used on its own (no car seat) all the way to 44lbs.

I bungee’d a Graco Extend2Fit to a luggage cart. Not the prettiest, but kid was happy with his seat on the various lines and it was cheaper than offical car seat travel carts. He could ride in his seat if he crossed his legs, however if I was walking, he wanted to be walking/exploring.

Granted, I’m also the one who lugged a Britax Frontier on a plane a week ago. Kid is too tall for most FF harnesses and he always sleeps in the car and slouches still. So my seats on planes may not be the smartest of ideas.

We went the bungee route once (with a much lighter seat) and found it to be a major pain when we went through security! This strap is a great compact, budget-friendly option that’s more secure and easier to manage. I’m glad you’ve found options that work for your family and kudos for surviving travel with the Frontier 🙂

Safe travels,

Hello! I am traveling with a doona next month and I want to take my base because we will be gone for 6 weeks and have a rental. What is the best way to transport the base (check with luggage/ overhead bin)? Are there any travel bags for bases that you recommend? Thanks in advance!

Wow, you like to give me a challenge!

One option is to check it in a hard-sided suitcase with your luggage; that minimizes the risk of damage, though there’s still the risk of loss. Just remember if you’re trying to put other things in the suitcase with it that some airlines have a weight limit for checked bags and the Doona base is a full 10lbs.

If you would only be checking a bag to safely transport the base and the airline would charge for a bag, you could weigh the pros and cons of just buying another base at your destination. I know it’s a little wasteful, but it wouldn’t cost a ton more and would be very easy. For the ride to/from the airport it’s very easy to just install baseless.

Another option is to take it as a carry-on. It will fit in the overhead bin, though it’s technically a little wider than airline-approved dimensions. Because it’s a little on the bigger side, you won’t find a typical carry-on or duffel to accommodate its width. You could try something like this tote bag , which will just leave a little sticking up; then turn it sideways to go in the overhead bin.

The final option is to leave the base at home. Doona is meant to install easily without the base for city dwellers. I get that it’s inconvenient for a six week trip, but just another option to keep in your back pocket!

Have you found a strap option for the Cosco Scenera Next Convertible Car Seat so that you can carry it with baby in it? I wish it had a handle to carry it!

Hi Stefania,

I wouldn’t try to hand-carry the car seat with the child in it. There’s one infant car seat that has a carry strap but otherwise they aren’t designed for it.

I’d personally grab the Mountain Buggy Nano if you really want your child to ride in the Scenera through the airport.

Let me know if you need any more ideas!

Hi Melissa, Thank you for the info, it’s so helpful. I am planning to fly with my 21 months old, first time. I have a car seat for the airplane and I am wondering is there any cancelation to take her out from the car seat and let her sleep on the seat? Or does she need to be in the car seat for the whole time? It’s a 10 h flight and I am not sure if she can sleep in the car seat that long/probably not good for her. Thank you in advance, Rita

Thanks for stopping by! When the “fasten seatbelt sign” is on, she needs to be properly buckled. It’s for her safety and everyone else’s! It’s best practice for everyone including adults to be buckled when seated in case the plane encounters unexpected turbulence, but if the seatbelt sign is off you can take her out for a walk or to play. There isn’t generally room to uninstall the car seat and store it anywhere if that’s what you’re wondering about. I wouldn’t worry about the safety of sleeping in the car seat for the one night at that age, she will be absolutely fine.

I am so thankful I found your blog. I am PCSing myself, a 5 year old, and a 5 month old, without my husband, from the US to Italy in a few weeks. Phew! And I am absolutely terrified of how I am going to be flying/maneuvering the airports and planes by myself, with both the kiddos gear and carseats. If I understand this correctly, I can keep my 5 month old in his carseat that latches into the stroller… put the diaper bag, and my 5 year olds carry on bag in the basket of the stroller. And strap my 5 year olds carseat to my carry on bag with a carseat strap… take all of this onto the plane, use both carseats in the seats we purchase for my children to sit in during the flights, and put the stroller in the overhead bin?! Oh my, I am freaking out. Thank you so much!

-a young mom of 2 that has never left the country and has only ever been on one plane ride 🥴🥴

Big thanks to your entire family for your service <3

I think you've got the right idea! It's a lot of stuff but it's just one day. What car seat does your 5yo have? You might be most successful with a cart or a wheeled car seat bag, and potentially your 5yo could even pull it. This bag is on 4 nice spinner wheels and has a short handle so it should be fairly easy to maneuver in the airport.

Honestly I think your greatest challenge is going to be getting on the plane with the kids and car seats. I’d reach out to the airline in advance via twitter DM and ask if it’s possible to arrange for assistance with boarding. If it’s not, when you get to the gate (early!) I’d explain the situation to the gate agent and ask to board as early as possible. During pre-boarding often the FAs aren’t very busy, so perhaps a generous one would keep an eye on your 5yo while you situate the baby.

If you have any other questions, please don’t hesitate to ask! Best of luck and safe travels.

Hi there again, I don’t know what happened to my long post. It seemed like it got posted earlier but then I had trouble with my internet. I tried to copy it back before the page started loading again because I misspelled my gmail and I think I ended up copying 2 different posts and they got mixed up! Sorry about that! So here it is my long post again: Hi Melissa, Thank you very much for the info, it’s so helpful! I am planning to fly very very soon with my 26 month old for the first time. It will be a very long trip. From México to Spain and Spain to Ireland so we recently bought the cosco scenera next car seat and I am wondering what’s the best way to install it on the seat of an airplane? Our baby is only 26 pounds. I’m very nervous because we have no clue about how to travel with a toddler. The new car seat is still in the package since we have a chicco Nextfit already in the car and I got this cosco Scenera to travel a little lighter in this long trip. If I understand this correctly, I can keep his car seat on top the stroller… but my stroller is the Evenflo legacy Dlx do you think I can move the the car seat around the airport on top of the tires? I don’t know if they will allow me to check in the big stroller as one or if I should get a travel handier stroller. Although I don’t want to leave my stroller in méxico. It was pretty expensive when we first got it 2 years ago. I could buy a second hand travel stroller to bring on the plane and keep the top part of the Evenflo stroller in one of my big suitcases but will they charge me for it? We are paying for my babies seat in every single flight. I need your advice. Thank you so much!

Hola Maria y bienvenida!

Thanks for stopping by. No sweat, we’ll get it all worked out. What airline are you flying?

On the airplane, your child will probably be most comfortable rear facing. It’s more reclined (good for sleeping) and the buckle won’t be in your child’s back. This installation is VERY easy. Just run the airplane seatbelt through the belt path under your child’s legs (easier if your kid isn’t in the seat), buckle it, and pull the seatbelt tail like you would for yourself. Some people peel back the bottom of the car seat cover to do that but that’s personal preference.

To get the car seat around the airport, you might actually be able to put it in the basket of the Legacy stroller! We did that a few times with similar sized car seats/stroller and it worked great. Then your child can still ride in the stroller. You could be able to gate check the stroller, and I would buy this bag to put it in to minimize the risk of damage by the airline. They should not charge you for it.

All this said… I saw in your other comment that you are relocating to Ireland. Are you going with the military/government or are you moving as private citizens? If you are moving on your own, you will need to purchase EU-approved car seats. This booster seat might be a lovely choice for your 5 year old (if mature enough for a booster and at least 40lbs) and this car seat will last your baby through around 6 years old.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you need more help.

Hi! We are PCSing next week to Alaska with our 4 year old and 2 year old, both using clek foonf seats (yes they are heavy beasts). I got them strapped to our stroller using a ratchet strap, will TSA allow this? If not, any other ideas? All the car seat carts are out of stock on Amazon.

Thanks so much for stopping by! The TSA won’t care how you attach the stroller and the car seat to each other, just make sure it’s a set up that you can detach and reattach pretty quickly since you will have to do that at security and on the jetway in both directions. Have you considered a folding wagon like this and then having the 4yo walk (2yo either walking or in a carrier)? You can call it your stroller and gate check it. It might be easier because you can just move the seats in and out without strapping anything down AND fit your other carry-on needs thanks to the 150lbs capacity. The foonf plus a backpack is likely to exceed the weight capacity of a lightweight stroller and the last thing you need is a wheel popping off or frame breaking in the airport.

A hearty thanks to you and your family for your service 🙂 Alaska is a stunning place and I hope you have a wonderful few years. In case you haven’t visited, be sure to check out some of our favorite things to do in Alaska – we were just there a few weeks ago and can’t wait to go back.

Melissa, I was extremely thankful for your article it was so thorough! I’m traveling alone with 7 year old twins and nervous about the much needed car seats. I was sad when I went on line & both the Ride safe vest & mifold highball were not available. I see your review about the strap & cover however how am I going to take care of my littlins and their 2 car seats. I feel so overwhelmed. PS my children ate 55 & 60 lbs & I’m not into booster as we had serious car accident & ER Dr says secure your children until at least 100lbs. I’d sincerely appreciate your feedback. As a single Mo. the price of vest was astronomical I felt. Thoughts

Hi Therese,

Thanks for stopping by! I hope you’re all ok from the accident. At this time there are no harnessed car seats that go beyond 65lbs, and there’s no evidence that a harness is safer than a booster seat if the child is at least 40 pounds AND can sit properly 100% of the time. Usually kids can’t meet that behavioral marker until at least 5, but some kids need until 6 or 7.

If your kids are able to sit properly, the hifold is a great choice at that size. It’s available here for a little over $100 . I just updated my hifold review with our recent travel experience. It was fantastic!

Please let me know if you have any other questions.

Hi there! I will be traveling with my then-1 year old in a few months and I’m trying to figure out the best combination of convertible travel car seat and foldable stroller. We have a seat for her so we will be carrying the car seat onto the plane and gate checking the stroller. I am wanting ti get the Maxi Cosi Remi convertible car seat, which from what I can tell is essentially the same as the Cosco scenera next, but with more padding. I’d like it to be comfortable for her because it will be the car seat we use in our second car full time eventually. Do you know anything about this car seat, and it’s ability to fit on the Mountain Buggy Nano similarly to the Cosco? I’m hoping she could ride in it like that so that we have less to carry through the airport. Sorry for the long post!

Hi Shannon,

Thanks for stopping by! From everything we in the CPST community can tell, it’s a Cosco Scenera shell with a more padded, flame retardant free cover. There may be some extra foam/structure in the head area but my local stores don’t have it in stock yet so I haven’t been able to check. Honestly I wish they’d added a few extra features to justify the price point, but with the Cosco Scenera Deluxe seemingly discontinued then the Romi is the lightest option with substantial padding.

If you aren’t in too much of a rush, once it’s in stock you’ll be able to get a much better price at my favorite store .

Hi Melissa,

Thank you for this very informative and educational article – so helpful!

We are going to fly domestic (Delta) for the first leg (Tampa to Boston) and then to Germany (Lufthansa) a week later with our 5 month old daughter. We have the Nuna Turtle Air car seat and would appreciate any advice you have on how best to transport our daughter in the car seat during the layover in Frankfurt. We have not purchased a seat for our daughter on either flight, so the car seat will be gate checked. Frankfurt is a pretty big airport, so the distance from arrival gate to the next departure gate via passport check, additional security. etc. is quite long. Last time it took me 45 minutes of brisk walking (without a baby). We are not taking our Bugaboo Fox3 stroller because we are getting a loaner in Germany from friends so our biggest question is how to get our daughter to the connecting flight in Frankfurt without having to hold her in our arms or trying to carry her in the car seat (I need to do some strength training if we cannot come up with a solution :-). Most trolleys or luggage carts don’t specify if they work with a Nuna Turtle Air so we hope you have some ideas. We would also be open to buying a light travel stroller that is compatible with the Turtle Air. Thank you so much in advance for any suggestions you have!

Great article! We are moving across the country with our 10 month old, so I’m trying to figure out the best strategy with our UppaBaby Cruz V2 and UppaBaby Mesa car seat. I’m super nervous to gate check the Cruz stroller since I’ve heard horror stores, and I’m not keen to buy the $200 bag, so I was thinking of packing it with the moving company. Thinking of buying a seat so we can bring the Mesa on the plane, but not sure how to haul the car seat in the airport since not much is compatible with this seat. Any ideas? Does the car seat strap work with infant car seats?

I’d probably take the stroller through the airport and gate check it, but if you don’t want to do that then I’d put the baby in a carrier and just carry the empty Mesa through the airport by its handle. Keep things simple!

Hello I will be flying in a couple days with my 4month old daughter. I am planning on holding her during the flight but want to push her in her stroller up to the gate. Is it best to keep her car seat in the stroller and carry the car seat base onto the plane and put in the overhead or should I just keep everything(car seat, base, stroller) together and them take it at the gate. Need some help and suggestions.

Hi Jessica,

I’m sorry for the delayed reply! It’s been holiday after holiday here and the comment section got away from me. In general I’d recommend leaving the infant car seat base at home – it’s heavy and unnecessary for every seat except the Nuna Pipa Lite. For future reference, you can learn how to install your infant car seat without the base for easier travel. It’s safest for everyone one the plane to have their own seat, including infants, and then you’d use her car seat on board to keep her AND the car seat safe.

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The journey from Moscow to Elektrostal by train is 32.44 mi and takes 2 hr 7 min. There are 71 connections per day, with the first departure at 12:15 AM and the last at 11:46 PM. It is possible to travel from Moscow to Elektrostal by train for as little as or as much as . The best price for this journey is .

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How long does it take to get from Moscow to Elektrostal by train?

The journey between Moscow and Elektrostal by train is approximately 32.44 mi. It will take you more or less 2 hr 7 min to complete this journey. This average figure does not take into account any delays that might arise on your route in exceptional circumstances. If you are planning to make a connection or operating on a tight schedule, give yourself plenty of time. The distance between Moscow and Elektrostal is around 32.44 mi. Depending on the exact route and provider you travel with, your journey time can vary. On average, this journey will take approximately 2 hr 7 min. However, the fastest routes between Moscow and Elektrostal take 1 hr 3 min. If a fast journey is a priority for you when traveling, look out for express services that may get you there faster. Some flexibility may be necessary when booking. Often, these services only leave at particular times of day - or even on certain days of the week. You may also find a faster journey by taking an indirect route and connecting in another station along the way.

How many journeys from Moscow to Elektrostal are there every day?

On average, there are 71 daily departures from Moscow to Elektrostal. However, there may be more or less on different days. Providers' timetables can change on certain days of the week or public holidays, and many also vary at particular times of year. Some providers change their schedules during the summer season, for example. At very busy times, there may be up to departures each day. The providers that travel along this route include , and each operates according to their own specific schedules. As a traveler, you may prefer a direct journey, or you may not mind making changes and connections. If you have heavy suitcases, a direct journey could be best; otherwise, you might be able to save money and enjoy more flexibility by making a change along the way. Every day, there are an average of 18 departures from Moscow which travel directly to Elektrostal. There are 53 journeys with one change or more. Unfortunately, no connection was found for your trip from Moscow to Elektrostal. Selecting a new departure or arrival city, without dramatically changing your itinerary could help you find connections.

Book in advance and save

If you're looking for the best deal for your trip from Moscow to Elektrostal, booking train tickets in advance is a great way to save money, but keep in mind that advance tickets are usually not available until 3 months before your travel date.

Stay flexible with your travel time and explore off-peak journeys

Planning your trips around off-peak travel times not only means that you'll be able to avoid the crowds, but can also end up saving you money. Being flexible with your schedule and considering alternative routes or times will significantly impact the amount of money you spend on getting from Moscow to Elektrostal.

Always check special offers

Checking on the latest deals can help save a lot of money, making it worth taking the time to browse and compare prices. So make sure you get the best deal on your ticket and take advantage of special fares for children, youth and seniors as well as discounts for groups.

Unlock the potential of slower trains or connecting trains

If you're planning a trip with some flexible time, why not opt for the scenic route? Taking slower trains or connecting trains that make more stops may save you money on your ticket – definitely worth considering if it fits in your schedule.

Best time to book cheap train tickets from Moscow to Elektrostal

The cheapest Moscow - Elektrostal train tickets can be found for as low as $35.01 if you’re lucky, or $54.00 on average. The most expensive ticket can cost as much as $77.49.

Find the best day to travel to Elektrostal by train

When travelling to Elektrostal by train, if you want to avoid crowds you can check how frequently our customers are travelling in the next 30-days using the graph below. On average, the peak hours to travel are between 6:30am and 9am in the morning, or between 4pm and 7pm in the evening. Please keep this in mind when travelling to your point of departure as you may need some extra time to arrive, particularly in big cities!

Moscow to Elektrostal CO2 Emissions by Train

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Na Ulitse Yalagina 13B Apartments

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Elektrostal, visit elektrostal, check elektrostal hotel availability, popular places to visit.

• Electrostal History and Art Museum

You can spend time exploring the galleries in Electrostal History and Art Museum in Elektrostal. Take in the museums while you're in the area.

• Cities near Elektrostal

• Places of interest
• Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center
• Peter the Great Military Academy
• Central Museum of the Air Forces at Monino
• History of Russian Scarfs and Shawls Museum
• Balashikha Arena
• Balashikha Museum of History and Local Lore
• Bykovo Manor
• Pekhorka Park
• Ramenskii History and Art Museum
• Malenky Puppet Theater
• Drama Theatre BOOM
• Likino Dulevo Museum of Local Lore
• Noginsk Museum and Exhibition Center
• Pavlovsky Posad Museum of Art and History
• Saturn Stadium
• Fairy Tale Children's Model Puppet Theater
• Fifth House Gallery
• Church of Vladimir
• Malakhovka Museum of History and Culture
• Orekhovo Zuevsky City Exhibition Hall

Destinations in May

Destinations in 2024.

Please note prices are based on two persons sharing a twin/double room. Single room supplements may apply, please call check single availability/price.

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The journey from Moscow to Elektrostal by train is 32.44 mi and takes 2 hr 7 min. There are 71 connections per day, with the first departure at 12:15 AM and the last at 11:46 PM. It is possible to travel from Moscow to Elektrostal by train for as little as or as much as . The best price for this journey is . Journey Duration.

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Cities near Elektrostal. Places of interest. Pavlovskiy Posad Noginsk. Travel guide resource for your visit to Elektrostal. Discover the best of Elektrostal so you can plan your trip right.

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