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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  »

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  »

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  »

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  »

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  »

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  »

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  »

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  »

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

Caitlyn Fitzpatrick

Contributor

Megan Wood

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.

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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.

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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

Runner-Up, Best Overall

Evenflo tribute lx convertible car seat.

Multiple harness positions

Easy buckle release

Simple to install

Higher price point

At just over 9 pounds and 18.5 inches in width, the FAA-approved Evenflo Tribute LX Convertible Car Seat is compact enough to fit in most vehicles and airplane seats. In addition, the car seat offers side impact protection and a five-point harness to give you peace of mind. If you'd like additional features like a removable head pillow for maintaining proper infant head positioning, that's also an option; you'll just have to pay slightly more for the upgraded model.

Use the up-front harness adjustment system to get your child in and out of the seat quickly. Four shoulder strap positions and two crotch buckle positions let you adjust the harness as they grow. This seat is designed to be used rear-facing or front-facing according to your child's weight, height, and age. When rear-facing, the car seat reclines and is suitable for kids 5 to 40 pounds and 19 to 37 inches tall. When forward-facing, it's rated for kids between 22 to 40 pounds and 28 to 40 inches tall. Color options include pink and blue.

Dimensions: ‎18.5 x 22 x 25.5 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

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.

7 best portable car seats for traveling with the whole family

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:

Car Seat Stroller

Best Overall Portable Infant Car Seat

Doona car seat stroller.

TurboBooster 2.0

Best Value Portable Booster Seat

Graco turbobooster 2.0.

Scenera NEXT

Best Portable Convertible Car Seat

Cosco scenera next.

Viaggio Flex 120

Best Portable Foldable Booster Seat

Peg perego viaggio flex 120.

4Ever DLX

Best Portable All-in-One Car Seat

Graco 4ever dlx.

Pico Travel Car Seat

Best Lightweight Portable Car Seat

Wayb pico travel car seat.

PIPA urbn + TRVL Stroller

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

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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 Hightway 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?

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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.

Headshot of Jamie Spain

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.

Headshot of Jessica Hartshorn

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

What else we considered

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

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

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

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

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

Here are the best travel car seats you can buy:

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

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

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

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

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

Best overall

travel car seat wirecutter

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cons: Difficult to securely install in some cars

Best budget-friendly

travel car seat wirecutter

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Best booster

travel car seat wirecutter

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cons: No high back or head support

Best for infants

travel car seat wirecutter

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cons:  Expensive, heavier than many other infant seats

Best for air travel

travel car seat wirecutter

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

travel car seat wirecutter

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

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

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The 23 Very Best Car Seats and Booster Seats for Kids

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  • Best for infants
  • Best convertibles
  • Best all-in-ones
  • Best boosters
  • Best for travel

Navigating the complex and endless world of baby gear — from strollers to high chairs to cribs — can be a bit overwhelming, and car seats are no exception. All car seats in the United States have passed the same rigorous safety-testing standards, so they are, at minimum, equipped to protect your child during a crash. But with hundreds of seats on the market, you’ll need to narrow your options somehow.

Ultimately, “the best car seat for any child and family is the car seat that fits the child, fits the car, and that the family will be able to use correctly every time,” says Ben Hoffman, a pediatrician who helped write official American Academy of Pediatrics policies on child-passenger safety .

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) provides a guide to help you figure out which type of seat you need. You’ll want to focus on four main factors: your child’s age, weight, and height; the car you drive; the convenience features that are important to you; and, of course, your budget. (If you have multiple children in car seats, you’ll also need to make sure each seat fits in your car when installed according to manufacturer instructions, as some are not narrow enough to sit side by side.)

To help you get started, we asked experts and parents for recommendations in each category of car seat — infant, convertible, and booster — that would fit a variety of vehicles and budgets, plus make installation smoother and safer. Because there’s no one-size-fits-all option, we’ve formatted this post a little differently than usual: Instead of naming a best overall pick, we broke the choices down into age groups and types of seats.

What we’re looking for

Max weight and height.

“From a safety perspective, we recommend that kids stay in the safest car seat until they outgrow it,” says Jennifer Saxton, the founder of Tot Squad and a child passenger safety technician. “Don’t try to move your kid too quickly to the next car seat.” In other words, children should max out the weight or height limit of their current car seat before moving to the next stage. The exact laws around car seats and when a child must be rear-facing vary by state , but all of the experts we talked to agreed that the longer you can keep your child in a rear-facing position, the safer they will be. We listed the maximum weight and height limit of each seat, below. For car seats that can be used in multiple positions (rear-facing, forward-facing, booster), we listed the weight limits for each.

There are five major types of car seats:

Infant (or bucket): As the name suggests, infant seats are designed to be used from birth, with most having a weight limit of 35 pounds. They can only be used in a rear-facing position and typically come with a base that is installed in your car, allowing you to easily click the bucket seat into and out of it. Bucket seats can double as infant carriers, and most can be attached to a stroller or a stroller frame (though you may need a special adapter). For this reason, considering the weight of the actual seat is a good place to start, as it will only get heavier as your baby grows.

Convertible: Convertible car seats are designed for use from birth through toddlerhood. They can be used rear-facing or forward-facing, and the switch is typically made when your child maxes out the height or weight limit of the rear-facing mode. If you don’t care about using your car seat as an infant carrier, you can choose to skip the bucket seat completely. The main trade-off is that you’ll save money on replacing a bucket seat when they outgrow it (around age 1, on average), but you’ll lose the convenience of easily transferring your baby from the car to their stroller or into your home without having to remove them from their seat.

All-in-one: All-in-one car seats are convertible seats that can also be used in booster mode, allowing some kids to use them up to age 10. Their one-and-done quality is their main appeal: Instead of buying two or three separate car seats over the course of your child’s first years, the thinking is that you can buy just one and save money in the process. However, once you get to the booster stage, they will be bulkier in your back seat than a high-back booster. And if you’re going to use one car seat over the course of ten years or so, you should expect to do some work to keep it clean.

High-back booster: Booster seats are made for children who have outgrown their harnessed seat but aren’t tall enough to safely use a regular seat belt. “Seat belts and cars are designed for adults four feet nine and taller. So if they’re four-feet-nine or shorter, the seat belt is not going to fit the child’s body safely. In particular, the lap belt of a seat belt, instead of going across the bony hips of an adult, is going to go across the belly of a 4-year-old instead,” explains Eli Gurock, founder and CEO of the baby-gear and toy-retailer Magic Beans . Booster seats literally give your child the boost they need to ensure proper seat-belt placement, and high-back boosters have more structure around the head and shoulders to position the shoulder belt, give your child a place to rest their head, and minimize forward head movement and whiplash in the event of a crash.

As a general rule, children should weigh at least 40 pounds and be 40 inches tall before riding in a booster seat with just the seat belt. However, age and size are not the only factors that determine a child’s readiness for a booster seat . Alisa Baer, pediatrician and co-founder of  thecarseatlady.com , says parents and caregivers should also consider their child’s maturity and ability to sit in a booster without slouching, leaning, or yanking on the seat belt. NHTSA points out that most kids will need to use either a high-back or a backless booster until they are between 8 and 12 years old.

Backless booster: The function of backless boosters is the same as high-back boosters — to raise the child’s body and ensure proper seat-belt placement — but they are much lower profile and more portable. They usually have the same weight and height restrictions as high-back boosters and work best for older kids who still need to use a booster but are reluctant to be seen as babyish, or as a space-saving option to keep in your trunk for carpooling. They are also travel-friendly.

Extra safety and specialty features

In the United States, every car seat on the market must pass strict Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) — so as long as a seat fits your child and your car, your choice really comes down to any additional safety features you’re looking for as well as convenience and comfort features. Parents may appreciate simple installation, a rotating feature that makes it easier to get a child into the seat, a no-rethread harness, or an extended rear-facing weight limit. Children may benefit from extra cushioning, cupholders, and extended footrests. We’ve highlighted the notable safety and convenience features of each of the car seats in our list.

Rigid LATCH vs. Flexible LATCH

LATCH is a system that allows you to secure your car seat or car-seat base to your vehicle without using a seat belt — it’s an acronym for Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children. With the exception of a few boosters on our list, the seats we recommend below have either rigid or flexible LATCH connections. Rigid LATCH uses alligator-like clips that come directly out of the car seat or base without any straps or rotation. They allow for a more secure hookup that is not dependent on your ability to pull the belt strap tightly. Flexible LATCH connectors are attached to a pull strap that can be tightened or loosened, either by hand or, depending on the seat, with some type of tightening mechanism. Both options are safe and meet FMVSS requirements, but rigid LATCH is easier to install and doesn’t require any manual tightening or adjusting, ensuring correct installation. In the event of a crash, rigid LATCH also helps keep the car seat from sliding forward or side to side.

There are four price points we decided on, denoted as $, $$, $$$, and $$$$, respectively: under $200, under $350, under $500, and over $500.

Best infant car seats

Evenflo LiteMax DLX Infant Car Seat with Load Leg Base

Max weight and height: 35 pounds, 32 inches | Features: Load leg, cooling mesh fabric | LATCH: Flexible | Price: $$

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly infant car seat, Babylist gear editor Jennifer LaBracio recommends Evenflo’s LiteMax DLX. “It’s consistently a top pick among child-passenger safety technicians for a safe, affordable infant seat,” she says. “It has a lot of features that are only found in much more expensive seats, like a load leg — which in a seat that’s a couple hundred dollars is a huge bonus.” According to Gurock, load legs offer added safety by stabilizing the car seat “to keep it from rotating in the instance of a crash.” The seat without the base weighs just under nine pounds, which LaBracio says is “really light” for an infant car seat.

Chicco KeyFit 35 Zip ClearTex Infant Car Seat

Max weight and height: 35 pounds, 32 inches | Features: Anti-rebound bar, full-coverage canopy, quick-remove seat pad | LATCH type: Flexible with SuperCinch | Price: $$

The Chicco KeyFit line of infant seats is an established favorite among the parents and experts we’ve surveyed. “It’s so darn easy to install,” says CPS technician instructor Kecia Healy, who is also a member of the New York State Child Passenger Safety Advisory Board . The base of the seat has a spring-loaded recline foot and bubble indicator to help get it perfectly level. The flexible LATCH connectors also have Chicco’s SuperCinch tightening system to ensure a secure fit. Allyson Downey, who runs a consumer-review site for child and baby essentials called WeeSpring , says that for her first child, she bought a Chicco KeyFit after doing extensive research. “It had outstanding reviews,” she says. Lauren Brown, Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital ’s lead car-seat-safety specialist, says the seat is also a popular choice among parents she works with, and Saxton calls it a “tried-and-true, solid car-seat choice.” This Chicco Keyfit 35 Zip ClearTex seat is the latest addition to the Keyfit line and features GREENGUARD Gold–certified materials, a fully extendable canopy, an anti-rebound bar for added stability, a no-rethread harness, and a “quick-remove” seat pad for easier cleaning.

Uppababy MESA MAX Infant Car Seat & Base

Max weight and height: 35 pounds, 32 inches | Features: Load leg, anti-rebound panel, red-to-green installation indicators | LATCH type: Flexible | Price: $$$

Statusy Uppababy seats are another popular choice, especially among those who want a seat that is easily compatible with their stroller. This Mesa Max seat, released in 2022, is a newer version of a seat we previously recommended. Gurock likes that it has a load leg on the base, and Mei Ling Starkey of the blog Family Entourage appreciates the no-rethread harness: “You pull the tabs to tighten it and the harness slides right down. You can put a tall child in it one day and a tiny, tiny child in it the next day and get a perfect fit.” The base has a flexible LATCH system and a red-to-green indicator that lets you know it is secure. It also clicks directly into Uppababy’s Vista and Cruz strollers as well as into the brand’s more compact Minu stroller with adapters.

Nuna Pipa Lite RX Infant Car Seat and Relx Base

Max weight and height: 32 pounds, 32 inches | Features: Load leg, anti-rebound panel, push-button recline, full-coverage canopy | LATCH type: Rigid | Price: $$$$

Both LaBracio and Gurock say that the Nuna Pipa Lite RX is not only a premium choice thanks to its added safety features of a load leg and an anti-rebound panel, but because it’s incredibly light, weighing just 6.9 pounds without the base. It’s “super-easy to carry, especially as your baby gets older and heavier,” LaBracio says. It’s made of GREENGUARD Gold–certified materials and has upscale touches like an organic merino-wool infant insert, a faux -leather-wrapped handle, and magnets on the side that hold the no-rethread harness out of your way when you’re getting your baby into or out of the seat. It also has a push-button recline and color-coded locking indicators on the rigid LATCH connectors and load leg that let you know it is tightly and properly installed.

Best convertible car seats

Evenflo Sonus 65 Convertible Car Seat

Max weight and height: (Rear) 40 pounds, 50 inches (Forward) 65 pounds, 50 inches | Features: Compact frame, cupholders | LATCH type: Flexible | Price:  $

Healy’s pick for an affordable (but basic) convertible car seat is the Evenflo Sonus 65, which has a rear-facing weight limit of 40 pounds and a forward-facing weight limit of 65 pounds. It also has a compact frame, allowing you to install three of them across the back seat of most midsize vehicles. “It doesn’t have many bells and whistles, but for just a little more than $100, if you are looking for a spare seat for a second vehicle or a seat that you can travel with” it’s a good choice, says Healy. She adds it’s worth noting that Evenflo car seats require children to be at least 2 years old to ride forward-facing.

Britax Marathon ClickTight Convertible Car Seat

Max weight and height: (Rear) 40 pounds, 49 inches (Forward) 65 pounds, 49 inches | Features: ClickTight installation system, add-on anti-rebound bar | LATCH type: Flexible | Price: $$

“I swap my car seats from car to minivan, and the extreme simplicity of the ClickTight system is the feature,” says Kenny Fried, the vice president of Brotman | Winter | Fried . “Instead of having to thread the seat belt behind the seat, you lift the inside seat up on a hinge and then pull the seat belt over and click in the seat belt. Takes about 30 seconds to install.” The ClickTight system eliminates needing to pull, tug, and lock your seat belt in place because it has an automatic tension mechanism for a snug fit. And if you want even more protection in a crash, you can invest in an attachable anti-rebound bar from Britax that works with its convertible car seats in rear-facing mode; it’s another feature Hoffman recommends for reducing movement during crashes.

Graco Extend2Fit Convertible Car Seat

Max weight and height: (Rear) 50 pounds, child’s head one inch below handle (Forward) 65 pounds, 49 inches | Features: Extended rear-facing weight limit, extendable legroom panel, cupholders | LATCH type: Flexible | Price: $$

LaBracio loves Graco’s Extend2Fit convertible car seat and calls it a “really good value.” She likes that it has a high rear-facing weight limit of 50 pounds (with a forward-facing limit of 65 pounds), plus it’s “easy to install, and it’s also a great fit for almost any type of car.” It also has a no-rethread harness, two cupholders, and an adjustable extension panel that provides extra legroom to keep taller children comfortable while rear-facing (as long as there’s enough space in your car to use it). The Extend2Fit line also includes a 3-in-1 version that converts to a high-back booster, and an all-in-one version that converts to both a high-back and a backless booster.

Strategist senior editor and mom of two Jen Trolio used different versions of the Graco Extend2Fit for both of her daughters, who are now 5 and 8 years old. She originally chose the seat because it fit well rear-facing in the back seat of her Mazda sedan. Each kid used their Extend2Fit from about one year old to 5 years old. Although one of the Extend2Fit models Trolio owned could also be used as a booster, Trolio ultimately replaced it with a Chicco high-back booster because the Extend2Fit was bulky and made it difficult for her older daughter to buckle herself in.

Nuna RAVA Convertible Car Seat

Max weight and height: (Rear) 50 pounds, 49 inches (Forward) 65 pounds, 49 inches | Features: Extended rear-facing weight limit, push-button leveler, extendable legroom panel | LATCH type: Flexible | Price: $$$$

Gurock says the Nuna Rava is one of the most popular convertible car seats his store sells because it has supreme safety and convenience features — like a reinforced steel frame — plus an overall sleek and stylish look. Designed to make installation easy and straightforward, the seat’s “Simply Secure” system has a bubble-free leveler that uses a simple push button so you can find the correct angle effortlessly. And if you’re not using LATCH, the color-coded belt paths indicate the proper way to thread your car’s seat belt. Like the Graco Extend2Fit, the Rava has an extended rear-facing weight limit of 50 pounds and an adjustable legroom panel. It also has a no-rethread harness, crotch strap, and GREENGUARD Gold–certified cover.

Best all-in-one car seats

Britax One4Life ClickTight All-in-One Convertible Car Seat

Max weight and height: (Rear) 50 pounds, 49 inches (Forward) 65 pounds, 49 inches (Booster) 120 pounds, 63 inches | Features: ClickTight installation system, extended rear-facing weight limit, cupholders | LATCH type: Flexible | Price: $$$

The Bump deputy editor Ashlee Neuman likes the all-in-one Britax One4Life ClickTight car seat because “it’s easy to install thanks to the color-coded belt paths, recline angle indicators, and the brand’s ClickTight technology,” she says. Saxton, who also loves Britax’s ClickTight line, agrees: “That is what I recommend to my personal friends and family,” she says, adding that “the ClickTight system is the easiest car-seat installation on the planet.” It’s also easy to use once it’s installed, says Neuman, citing its 15 head and neck positions, nine recline positions, and no-rethread harness. This seat has the same 50-pound rear-facing weight limit and 66-pound forward-facing harnessed weight limit as the Graco Extend2Fit and the Nuna Rava convertible seats. In booster mode with a regular seat belt, it can accommodate children who weigh between 40 and 120 pounds.

Evenflo All4One DLX 4-in-1 Convertible Car Seat with SensorSafe

Max weight and height: (Rear) 40 pounds, 48 inches (Forward) 65 pounds, 49 inches (Booster) 120 pounds, 57 inches | Features: SensorSafe chest clip, EasyLatch installation system, cupholders | LATCH type: Flexible | Price: $$

Evenflo’s All4One convertible seat has a rear-facing weight limit of 40 pounds, a forward-facing weight range of 22 to 65 pounds, and, in the high-back booster mode, a weight limit of 120 pounds. For wiggle-free installation, the seat uses the brand’s EasyClick technology that allows you to crank the LATCH to its tightest point. The seat also uses SensorSafe , a Bluetooth-enabled technology in the chest clip that syncs with a smartphone app to alert you of dangerous conditions like unsafe temperatures in the back seat or the chest clip being unbuckled while the car is moving.

Graco 4Ever DLX 4 in 1 Car Seat

Max weight and height: (Rear) 50 pounds, child’s head one inch below handle (Forward) 65 pounds, 49 inches (Booster) 120 pounds, 47 inches | Price: $$ | Features: Extended rear-facing weight limit, cupholders | LATCH type: Flexible | Price: $$

Both Saxton and LaBracio suggested the Graco 4Ever DLX all-in-one car seat as an affordable option that can potentially last your child from birth to age 10. It has an extended 50-pound rear-facing weight limit as well as six recline positions, a feature LaBracio especially likes. It can also be used as both a high-back booster (with a 100-pound weight limit) and a backless booster (with a 120-pound weight limit).

Nuna Exec All-In-One Car Seat

Max weight and height: (Rear) 50 pounds, 49 inches (Forward) 65 pounds, 49 inches (Booster) 120 pounds, 57 inches | Features: Extended rear-facing weight limit, anti-rebound panel, extendable legroom panel, cupholders | LATCH type: Flexible | Price: $$$$

LaBracio and Saxton both told us about Nuna’s “die-hard” fans who love the brand’s luxe feel and features, like added foam for minimizing impact and easy installation. This all-in-one Nuna Exec is the seat that LaBracio purchased for her own baby; she appreciates its easy installation, 50-pound rear-facing weight limit and extendable legroom panel, all-steel frame, and anti-rebound panel. (At this price point, a no-rethread harness is a given.) It can be used from birth (starting at five pounds in rear-facing mode, and as a booster for kids up to 120 pounds. It is also compact enough to fit three across in many midsize vehicles.

Evenflo Revolve360 Extend All-in-One Rotational Convertible Car Seat

Max weight and height: (Rear) 50 pounds, no height provided (Forward) 65 pounds, no height provided (Booster) 120 pounds | Features: 360-degree rotation, single installation required | LATCH type: Flexible | Price: $$

The rotating car seat is the latest innovation in the car-seat world, encouraging parents to keep their kids in the rear-facing position longer by making it easier to buckle them in, says LaBracio. The Evenflo Revolve “swivels 360 degrees, a huge convenience for parents and caregivers who are loading a child in and out of a car seat multiple times a day,” she explains. The Evenflo Gold Revolve360 is an all-in-one convertible option that your child can use from birth (in the rear-facing position) up to 120 pounds (with a seat belt in the booster mode). Vox Media engineer Stephen Galamb, the father of a 17-month-old, says “the ability to rotate the seat to face you while putting your child in is an absolute game changer. I don’t even like taking the baby in my car because the Revolve in my wife’s car has spoiled me so badly.”

I am currently pregnant, and in preparation for our new baby, my husband and I recently installed the Revolve360 in our Volvo Atlas truck. I am also a mom to a tween and haven’t installed a convertible car seat in several years — so I wasn’t expecting the process to be as straightforward as it was. It took about 15 minutes from start to finish, with most of the process focused on adjusting the tension of our car’s seat belt, which the Evenflo instructions prefer over using LATCH. The seat belt slips through clearly marked guides under a “LockStrong” belt compartment. There is also a tether strap that gets clipped to your car’s upper anchor.

The base and seat are two different pieces, but unlike with an infant bucket seat, you really only separate them for installation. Once the seat belt was buckled through the base and the tether attached, we had to push the base down into our car’s seat and pull the belt taught simultaneously, as there is no automatic tensioning mechanism. There was a bit of a learning curve to do this, but once we tightened the slack of the tether and closed the LockStrong compartment over the seat belt, an indicator turned green to show that the belt was secured in place, and the base was firmly installed on the seat.

Once the seat had clicked into the base, we tested the rotating feature — you simply click a button on the side of the seat and turn it rear-to-side or side-to-front. It swivels smoothly and will make it so much easier to get our baby in and out of the seat. Evenflo also has a few versions of this seat, the Revolve360 Slim , and the Revolve360 with SensorSafe , so you can choose one that fits your lifestyle, budget, and needs.

Best booster car seats

Britax Grow With You ClickTight Harness-2-Booster Car Seat

Max weight and height: (Harness) 65 pounds, 49 inches (Booster) 120 pounds, 63 inches | Features: Forward-facing harness-to-booster, ClickTight installation system, cupholders | LATCH type: Seat-belt installation | Price: $$

Strategist writer and mom-of-two Lauren Ro says that by the time her older son hit 2, she “didn’t want the bulk of a convertible car seat anymore since I wasn’t going to use it rear-facing and didn’t want all of those unnecessary features that make the car seat heavier and more awkward to get in and out of.” Ro transitioned him to this combination seat, which can move from a forward-facing seat with a five-point harness to a high-back booster. Gurock loves this seat for families with more than one child in a car seat, because “you want your kids to be in a harness as long as possible,” and this seat eases the transition from a bulkier convertible seat. The seat also has cupholders for snacks and drinks plus the ClickTight installation system that parents love.

Chicco KidFit ClearTex Plus 2-in-1 Belt-Positioning Booster Car Seat

Max weight and height: 110 pounds, 57 inches | Price: $ | Features: Quick release button, ClearTex fabric, cupholders | LATCH type: Flexible with SuperCinch | Price:  $

This harness-free option can be used as a high-back or backless booster. It comes recommended by Trolio, who used 3-in-1 and all-in-one editions of Graco Extend2Fit for her now 5- and 8-year-old daughters but found they were still quite bulky in booster mode. Her older daughter now uses this KidFit, which is more streamlined in the back seat. It has a flexible LATCH system to secure it to your car’s anchors, with Chicco’s SuperCinch feature to ensure a snug fit. If you are hopping between cars, the seat also has a quick-release button that quickly unlatches it. Other features include cupholders and Chicco’s GREENGUARD Gold–certified ClearTex fabric. (For slightly younger kids who would still be safer in a harness, Trolio recommends the similar Chicco MyFit Harness Booster with ClearTex , which her 5-year-old is currently using.)

Uppababy ALTA Booster Seat

Max weight and height: 100 pounds, 57 inches  | Features: Extra seat-belt routing, cupholders  LATCH type: Rigid | Price:  $

Saxton recommends the Uppababy ALTA booster seat because “it has seat-belt routing at the crotch area and not just at the shoulder, which I think will help keep my daughter safer.” The included cupholders can also be removed to save space.

Clek Oobr Booster Car Seat

Max weight and height: 100 pounds, 57 inches  | Features: Reclinable | LATCH type: Rigid | Price: $$$

“What I always recommend is a booster with lower anchors, so it attaches to the car,” says Saxton. This model has a rigid latch system, so it’s easy to use, and it has energy-absorbing foam. She also likes that it reclines, so your kid can take a nap, and points out that “it’s got some of the best crash-test results.” Neuman agrees: “The safety is outstanding.” LaBracio also likes the Oobr, saying that Clek in general makes very durable, well-thought-out products, but acknowledges that it is an expensive brand.

Peg Perego Viaggio Shuttle Plus 120 Booster Car Seat

Max weight and height: 120 pounds, 63 inches  | Features: Extended height limit, independently adjustable headrest and backrest | LATCH type: Rigid | Price: $$

For a booster seat to fit your child properly, it should guide the seat belt over their lap , across their chest, and between their shoulder and neck . This can be tricky for kids who are taller in their torso versus their legs. The Peg Perego Viaggio Shuttle Plus 120 is unique in that its headrest, backrest, and side wings can all be adjusted independently from one another, making it easier to get the right fit. When your child is ready for a backless booster seat, the upper portion of the seat can be removed from the base.

Chicco GoFit Backless Booster Car Seat

Max weight and height: 100 pounds, 57 inches  | Price: $ | Features: Lightweight, shoulder cincher, ClearTex material, cupholders | LATCH type: No LATCH | Price: $$

This backless booster weighs just five pounds, and since it rests on the backseat of your car while your child is secured by the car’s seat belt, moving it between cars takes just a few seconds. Trolio likes it for carpools and travel, and appreciates that it has a clip for cinching the seat belt at the child’s shoulder to help achieve the safest possible fit. And because it has cupholders, cushioning, and GREENGUARD Gold–certified ClearTex fabric, it’s a good-value backless booster for everyday use with older kids.

Best car seats for traveling

Cosco Scenera Next Convertible Car Seat

Max weight and height: (Rear) 40 pounds, 40 inches (Forward) 4o pounds, 43 inches | Features: Lightweight one-piece shell LATCH type: Flexible | Price:  $

While the best and safest car seats are typically sturdier, they’re usually not lightweight, which is why many parents end up buying a separate one for traveling. Though it’s hard to pass up the chance to save money on flights by holding children under 2 on your lap, Saxton and LaBracio agree that it’s always safer for your child to have their own airplane seat with a Federal Aviation Administration–approved car seat. (The American Association of Pediatrics, National Transportation Safety Board, and FAA all recommend this as well, making an extra travel-friendly seat a worthwhile purchase.)

In the convertible category, both Saxton and Renee McCabe, the injury-prevention and Safe Kids coordinator for Safe Kids Greater Augusta , suggested the eight-pound Cosco Scenera Next. “It’s a $60 car seat that you can find at Walmart,” Saxton says. “It’s easy to install in planes, can be installed upright so babies can have neck control, and comes in a one-piece shell so there are no extra parts you have to deal with.” It’s also one of the most well-known and beloved travel car seats out there, especially if you aren’t concerned about matching it up with a specific stroller. “People love it,” LaBracio says. “Everyone in the city has one when their kid ages out of the bucket seat. It’s easy to install — with the LATCH system or your car’s seat belt — no-frills, super-affordable, and you can carry it.” This seat does not have a no-rethread harness, so we recommend adjusting it to fit your child before you leave home. It can be used in the rear-facing position for infants starting at 4 pounds and up to 40 pounds in both rear- and forward-facing positions.

Doona Infant Car Seat and Stroller

Max weight and height: 35 pounds, 32 inches | Features: Stoller and car seat all-in-one LATCH type: Flexible | Price: $$$$

For an all-in-one traveling unit, the Doona is basically a car seat and stroller in one. Charlie Stein , brand-relations manager at Biederman Redevelopment Ventures, used it for his firstborn and says it made being a first-time parent much easier. “I have had multiple people ask me what it is, particularly because the Doona fits perfectly in airplane seats, and I say ‘Transformers for adults.’” He adds that for car travel, it’s very easy to install and clicks to let you know it’s locked in. Though it’s expensive for a single piece of baby gear, it functions as two — and the streamlined traveling experience could be well worth the investment. Just note that there is limited basket storage, and the wheels maneuver best on flat sidewalks (versus bumpier terrain). Saxton used it as her everyday car seat and stroller when her baby was an infant, and says its convenience cannot be beat. And for taller parents, Saxton notes that she is five-feet-eight and her husband is six-feet-three and they had no problem pushing the stroller. One note: Healy says that the popularity of the Doona means there are knockoffs and fakes on the market and recommends doing your due diligence and purchasing your car seat from reputable retailers.

Nuna Pipa Urbn with TRIV Next Stroller Travel System

Max weight and height: 22 pounds, 29 inches | Features: Easy installation without a base, lightweight LATCH type: Rigid | Price: $$$$

The latest edition to Nuna’s line of infant car seats is the Pipa Urbn, which is sold as part of the brand’s TRIV travel system. What sets it apart is that it doesn’t have a base but can be quickly installed into any car with the PipaFIX rigid LATCH system. “This is great for Ubers and taxis because it has an integrated LATCH system built right into the bottom of the seat itself, so all you have to do is click it into the seat of the car and you’re good to go,” Gurock says. LaBracio calls it “as foolproof as it gets,” and if a car’s anchors are deeper down in the back seat, the Pipa Urbn has anchor guides to make connection easier. When the seat is not installed, its LATCH connectors fold into the seat so you can tote your baby around without the legs getting caught on anything. Like many of Nuna’s other infant seats, the Urbn is also extremely lightweight, at only seven pounds.

Despite its convenience, it’s not without drawbacks: It is currently available only as a travel system with the TRIV Next stroller and has a very high price tag. It also has a much lower weight limit — 22 pounds — than most other infant seats, so depending on the size of your baby, you may not be able to use it for very long. However, this stroller can be used without the car seat and has a weight limit of 50 pounds (which should fit many kids until they’re 4 or 5 years old).

Best inflatable booster seat for traveling

Bubblebum Backless Inflatable Travel Booster

Max weight and height: 100 pounds, 57 inches | Features: Inflatable, shoulder cincher | LATCH type: No LATCH | Price:  $

Saxton, McCabe, and LaBracio all pointed us in the direction of this inflatable Bubblebum travel booster seat, which compresses into a stuff sack about the size of a two-liter soda bottle for easy portability. “A lot of families love this for carpooling because it can fit in a backpack,” says Saxton. Like the Chicco GoFit backless booster, above, it also has a clip for cinching the seat belt at the child’s shoulder to help achieve the safest possible fit. Boosters are not approved to use on airplanes, but McCabe notes that the Bubblebum is ideal for hopping in cars or Ubers. Trolio has also used the Bubblebum and finds it especially helpful when she is going to have extra kids in her car on the way home from school or soccer practice. While the seat requires a bit of extra belt threading at the lap, it offers peace of mind that she isn’t taking unnecessary risk, even for short trips.

Our experts

• Alisa Baer, pediatrician and co-founder of  thecarseatlady.com • Lauren Brown, lead car-seat safety specialist at Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital • Allyson Downey, co-founder of WeeSpring • Kenny Fried, vice-president of Brotman | Winter | Fried • Stephen Galamb, Vox Media engineer and dad • Eli Gurock, founder and CEO of the baby-gear and toy-retailer Magic Beans • Kecia Healy, CPS technician instructor and member of the New York State Child Passenger Safety Advisory Board • Ben Hoffman , pediatrician who helped write the American Academy of Pediatrics’ policies on child-passenger safety • Jennifer LaBracio, gear editor at Babylist • Renee McCabe, injury-prevention and Safe Kids coordinator for Safe Kids Greater Augusta • Ashlee Neuman, deputy editor at the Bump • Jennifer Saxton, founder of Tot Squad and child-passenger-safety technician • Mei Ling Starkey, co-founder of Family Entourage • Charlie Stein , brand-relations manager at Biederman Redevelopment Ventures • Jen Trolio, Strategist senior editor and mom of two

Additional reporting by Lauren Ro

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The Best Travel Car Seats

Three of our top picks for the best travel car seats, shown side by side.

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

travel car seat wirecutter

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

travel car seat wirecutter

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.

travel car seat wirecutter

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.

travel car seat wirecutter

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.

travel car seat wirecutter

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.

travel car seat wirecutter

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.

A person pushing a Doona stroller.

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.

Our pick for the best infant car seat for travel, the Chicco KeyFit 35.

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.

The KeyFit 35 strapped into the backseat of a car with a seatbelt threaded across the lap of the car seat.

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.

An infant sitting inside the Doona secured in car rear seating.

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.

The canopy of the Doona extended over the head of the smiling infant sitting inside the stroller.

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.

Our pick for the best convertible car seat for travel, the Cosco Scenera Next.

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 Cosco car seat secured in rear car seating.

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, our pick for best harness booster seat for travel.

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). In booster mode Like other boosters, 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.

A closeup showing the five-point harness of the Cosco Finale 2-in-1.

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.

The Britax Travel Cart.

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.

A person pulling the Britax Travel Cart with a bulky convertible car seat on it.

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.

Our pick for the best booster seat for travel, the Cosco Rise.

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.

A view of the Cosco Rise booster seat showing the strap that attaches to the vehicle's shoulder belt.

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

A headshot of Christina Szalinski

Christina Szalinski

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

travel car seat wirecutter

Rebecca Gale

Further reading

Two infant car seats side by side, with baby toys.

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.

The two travel strollers we recommend, the Uppababy Minu V2 and the Baby Jogger City Tour 2 Stroller, standing next to each other.

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.

Highway sign indicating meltdown ahead in half mile.

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.

A small dog sitting on top of four of the travel carriers we tested for this review.

The Best Travel Carrier for Cats and Small Dogs

by Kaitlyn Wells

After lugging eight pet carriers around NYC, we found that the Sherpa Original Deluxe is the best for taking your small pet on a plane or to the vet.

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The 5 Best Rotating Car Seats of 2024, Tested by Parents and Their Young Kids

These car seats make it super easy to get your kids in and out of the car

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

Verywell Family / Brian Kopinski

Thanks to rotating car seats, you can say goodbye to the days of contorting your back and hitting your head on the car to reach over and unbuckle your kids. Swivel car seats turn 180 or 360 degrees on their base, so children face you in either direction for effortless ins and outs. 

While all rotating car seats turn when used in rear-facing mode, some don’t swivel in front-facing mode. Additionally, many feature low weight limits for immediate use after birth and transform into forward-facing car seats and booster seats, so you’ll use them for years like a standard convertible car seat. 

To find the best rotating car seats, we researched safety guidelines issued by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), and Nationwide Children’s Hospital. We also spoke to parents and medical professionals, including Benjamin Hoffman, MD, Denise Scott, MD, and Heather Trnka, Injury Prevention Coalition Supervisor at Akron Children’s Hospital.

With this guidance in mind, we researched top-rated rotating car seats and considered their design, safety features, installation, and value. We then narrowed our list to seven rotating car seats that met our criteria and sent them home with our parenting editors to use with their children, ages 4 months to 4 years, and in their personal vehicles. They continue to use these swivel car seats in their everyday routines to help determine their durability and longevity. We will update this list as our editors provide additional feedback to ensure we recommend the best rotating car seats for families.

What is the safest car seat?

The safest car seat "is the one that fits your child's size, is correctly installed, fits well in your vehicle, and is used properly every time you drive," according to the AAP. Similarly, the NHTSA says the key is finding and using "the right car seat correctly every time your child is in the car."

More than a specific brand or model, both organizations recommend that you focus on the type of car seat according to your child's weight, size, and age, and make sure you install it correctly. In fact, instead of safety ratings for car seats, the NHTSA issues an Ease-of-Use Rating, which evaluates the car seat's installation instructions and features, the clarity of the safety labels, and how easy it is to secure the child correctly. When available, we've included this rating in the key specs for the car seats we tested and reviewed below, though most are fairly new to the market and the NHTSA has not published their rating yet.

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Best Overall

Graco 3-in-1 rotating car seat.

  • Design 5 /5
  • Ease of Installation 5 /5
  • Ease of Use 5 /5
  • Durability 5 /5
  • Ease of Cleaning 5 /5

Quick and easy installation 

Three modes of use 

Rotates left or right

Does not rotate to forward-facing mode

The Graco Turn2Me may not swivel 360 degrees, but that's only a minor drawback. We loved this car seat because it's a very solid option and it's a breeze to install. The Turn2Me rotates 180 degrees to the right or left via the push of a button on either side of the seat. Unfortunately, the rotating feature only works for rear-facing and not in forward-facing or booster modes, so re-install is necessary to transition riding positions.

We appreciate how the rotation clicks into place regardless of which direction you turn the seat. Adjusting the 10-position headrest and four-position recline is just as simple and keeps kids 4 to 100 pounds riding comfortably. Labels on the side of the car seat tell you where to find the recline handle and how to get it into the right position. 

Children ride safely with a five-point harness regardless of recline and riding position. We love how intuitive the buckle is and that the straps stay in sync, whether loosening or tightening. Two slots store the straps and keep them out of a child's way when putting them in and taking them out. Moreover, a special compartment holds the harness while in belt-positioning booster mode.

Two cup holders store a child's drinks and snacks close at hand and wipe down for a quick clean. However, unlike the Evenflo Gold Revolve360, the Turn2Me cup holders must remain installed for every ride. We appreciate the softness of the material and that some pieces are machine washable, like the headrest, side, and seat pads. A removable plush infant head and body insert gives newborns and small babies a cozy spot despite their tiny size. After several weeks of daily use (even after a trip to the beach), we never saw any stains, pilling, or other wear and tear during testing.

From start to finish, it took us 17 minutes to install the Graco Turn2Me. We read the car seat manual and watched Graco's video tutorial and thought the installation was straightforward. There's an extra step to secure a vehicle seat belt under the seat, but it's easy to maneuver. And don't worry—once you get the hang of installation, it's quicker every time. We can now install this car seat in under 60 seconds.

The car seat is safe to install in any seat your vehicle's manufacturer allows, though it might be easier to rotate when installed by a window seat (rather than the middle). While the unit feels sturdy and solid, it wiggles slightly once installed—though it never moved more than 1 inch at the base, which is what the AAP recommends.

The Graco Turn2Me is a great deal with its three modes of operation, so it grows with a child from birth. While the car seat only turns in rear-facing mode, the rotating feature makes it seamless to put a child in and remove them from their seat. Additionally, unlike the Evenflo Revolve360, the Turn2Me is certified for rear- and forward-facing harness modes on an airplane. 

Key Specs: Rear-Facing Limit: 4 to 40 lbs. | Forward-Facing Limit: 22 to 65 lbs. and up to 49 inches tall | Booster Limit: 40 to 100 lbs. and 43 to 57 inches tall (at least 4 years old) | Dimensions: 20.75 x 19.13 x 24.4 inches | Product Weight: 30 lbs. | Harness Type: Five-point | Cup Holder: Double | Cleaning Instructions: Machine washable seat pad; harnesses surface wash only with mild soap and damp cloth or wipes | Expiration: 10 years | Rotating Capabilities: Left or right only in rear-facing mode (180 degrees) | NHTSA Ease-of-Use Rating: n/a

Verywell Family

Best User-Friendly

Nuna rotating convertible car seat.

  • Ease of Use 4.6 /5

10 total recline positions in both modes

Magnetic buckle holders 

Sturdy and well constructed

No booster mode

Slight wiggle in base after installation

Like the Revolve360, the Nuna Revv also effortlessly rotates 360 degrees for easy-in and easy-out every time. Press one of two buttons on either side of the car seat to rotate it left or right or into the forward-facing mode in seconds. The car seat is relatively compact for its rotating capability compared to others we tested, like the Maxi-Cosi Emme 360. However, depending on the recline and how far the driver or passenger seat sits back, the car and vehicle seats may impact each other during rotation.

One downside to this car seat is that it doesn't transform into a booster seat, but you can still use it until a child reaches 40 pounds. The headrest adjusts one-handed into 10 positions for kids up to 43 inches tall (no-rethread necessary). The recline also adjusts to 10 positions: five rear-facing and five forward-facing. A color indicator on the side of the seat lets you know how far to recline your little one in both directions.

We love how everything is seamless to maneuver on the Revv, including the buckles on the five-point safety harness. The straps pull out evenly and quickly after releasing them without feeling like we’re playing tug-o-war. Plus, there are magnetic buckle holders for the straps to stay out of the way when putting a child into the car seat. We also appreciate the shoulder and hip harness pads to prevent the straps from digging into the skin. 

The Revv includes two cup holders you can remove or fold out of the way to save space in the back seat or throw in the dishwasher for cleaning. Luxuriously comfy padding, available in several neutral colors, encompasses the all-steel frame and is machine washable. An infant insert helps increase the recline angle for the smallest members of the family (5 to 11 pounds). The insert is also machine washable—a handy feature for spit-up incidents and blowouts. 

If you’re not using lower anchors, most car seats require you to thread the vehicle’s seat belt through the car seat. However, this Nuna rotating convertible car seat takes a different approach using a tether and seat belt. Place the car seat onto the vehicle’s seat, attach the car seat’s tether hook to the proper position in your vehicle, and tighten it. Then, slide the seat belt through the car seat’s special “True Tension” door at the top of the base, buckle, release all slack, and close the True Tension door. While this installation method is simple, the car seat doesn't feel as secure as installing a seat belt through the car seat itself—we did feel some wiggle in the car seat’s base during testing. On the other hand, we love how durable the Revv feels. It’s sturdy and well constructed, with ventilation in the shell to help prevent children from overheating. 

The Nuna Revv is the most expensive rotating car seat we tested, but we’re not surprised by the price tag. Nuna is well known for its luxury baby gear, so you’re paying for high-quality construction. 

Key Specs: Rear-Facing Limit: 5 to 40 lbs. and up to 43 inches tall (with vehicle belt) | Forward-Facing Limit: 30 to 40 lbs. and up to 43 inches tall | Booster Limit: N/A | Dimensions : 22.5 x 18.25 x 22.5 inches | Product Weight: 29.7 lbs. | Harness Type: Five-point | Cup Holder: Double | Cleaning Instructions: Seat pads machine washable on delicate cycle with mild detergent | Expiration: 10 years | Rotating Capabilities: 360 degrees in rear- and forward-facing modes | NHTSA Ease-of-Use Rating: 5 (rear-facing), 5 (forward-facing)

Most Comfortable

Maxi-cosi rotating all-in-one convertible car seat.

  • Design 4.7 /5
  • Ease of Installation 3.9 /5

Rotation lock and belt tension indicators 

Plush padding 

Magnetic buckles

Bulky/heavy

The Maxi-Cosi Emme 360 shines in the comfort category. It features a five-position recline and 10-position headrest so kids (5 pounds to 100 pounds) can feel comfy for each ride. We love how it swivels 360 degrees in all modes—rear-facing, forward-facing, and belt-positioning booster—so you can get your child out easily at any age. A pincher on the front of the base allows you to rotate the seat in any direction. We needed a little force to rotate the seat one-handed, so we recommend using two if possible.

As for the seat’s size, it’s large (and heavy) and takes up more space than other options on our list. You’ll want to keep that in mind if you need to accommodate other car seats in the back. A five-point safety harness keeps children riding safely on any adventure. We love how the chest clip is magnetic, so it’s easy to put together and minimizes the risk of pinching tiny fingers. 

This swivel car seat has lots of padding and two cup holders for beverages. The seat fabric, including the infant insert, feels upscale and high quality and comes in six color combinations, like meadow wonder (green) or solid black. Several pieces are machine washable, like the seat pad (turn inside out first), top harness covers, and body pillow, while others, such as the buckle, are spot clean only. 

The Maxi-Cosi Emme 360 was a challenge to install but worth the result. You have to rotate the seat during installation, so you’ll need plenty of space to attach the tether. One of our parenting editors had to remove their second car seat to access the back seat to install the Emme 360. However, one of our favorite features of this car seat (if not the favorite) is the TensionFix indicator, which goes from red to green to show when your seat belt has enough tension. This handy indicator gives parents and caregivers peace of mind they may not usually get with a standard car seat and takes out the guesswork of a proper installation. While we wish the seat weren’t heavy (nearly 40 pounds), we’re impressed with its solid construction.

The $450 price tag of the Emme 360 is high, but the car seat offers several features other car seats don’t, such as the belt tension indicator and magnetic chest clip. It also transforms from an infant seat to front-facing car seat to booster, so you'll get your money's worth in the long-run.

Key Specs: Rear-Facing Limit: 5 to 40 lbs. and 19 to 40 inches tall | Forward-Facing Limit: 22 to 65 lbs. and 29 to 49 inches tall | Booster Limit: 40 to 100 lbs. and 43 to 52 inches tall | Dimensions: 19 x 22 x 23 inches | Product Weight: 38 lbs. | Harness Type: Five-point | Cup Holder: Double | Cleaning Instructions: Machine washable seat pad, top harness covers, and more | Expiration: 10 years | Rotating Capabilities: 360 degrees in rear- and forward-facing | NHTSA Ease-of-Use Rating: n/a

Best Easy to Clean

Baby jogger rotating convertible car seat.

  • Design 4 /5
  • Ease of Installation 4.5 /5

Washes well without sacrificing quality 

Fabric feels luxurious 

Straps and buckle are easy to use

Only rotates in rear-facing mode

Confusing installation

An easy-to-clean car seat like the Baby Jogger City Turn is priceless (the rotating feature is just the cherry on top). The City Turn rotates 180 degrees effortlessly via the pull of a lever under the child’s feet, “clicking” into place to let you know it’s secure. While the seat only rotates in rear-facing mode, it turns smoothly without feeling heavy.

Unfortunately, this rotating car seat does not convert into a booster seat. Children can ride in rear-facing mode from 4 to 50 pounds or forward-facing from 22 to 65 pounds. On the plus side, the City Turn features a 10-position headrest, 5-position recline, and padded removable infant support to ensure a comfortable ride for kids of any age within the weight recommendations. We appreciate how easy it is to adjust the plush headrest and recline—everything moves seamlessly. And you don’t have to rethread the harness when moving the headrest. 

A five-point harness adjusts nicely each time. One of our favorite harness system features is the second slot for the crotch buckle. We love that once a child gets bigger, you can move the buckle into the next slot to make it easier to secure and more comfy for your child.

A downside to the City Turn is its large size. We could seat two additional people in the same row with the car seat in a Honda Pilot, but we experienced issues with it behind the driver’s seat. The Baby Jogger rotating car seat impacted the driver’s seat for our parenting editor’s tall spouse, who likes to position their seat further back. To rotate the seat, we had to move the driver’s seat up first, rotate the car seat, and then readjust the driver’s seat. You can place the car seat in the middle or passenger seat, but our parenting editor chose to keep those seats free for older kids’ easier access to the sidewalk. Another slight issue we encountered with the City Turn is its single cup holder. It can be uncomfortable for the passenger sitting next to the seat, but thankfully it removes for dishwasher cleaning (though it must remain installed in the vehicle). 

The Baby Jogger City Turn stands out for its cushiony and moisture-wicking material that’s easy to clean. One of our kiddos threw up in the car seat during testing, so we removed the seat cover and tossed it into the washing machine per the manufacturer’s recommendations. Minus a small and faint stain, the seat cover washes beautifully with no odor left behind. Plus, it was fairly simple to put the cover back on. As for the straps, they’re spot clean only, which is exactly how we cleaned them with great results. 

Installing this Baby Jogger rotating car seat with a seat belt was initially a struggle. First, you need to flip a piece under the seat to adjust the recline and then click it into place. Next, place the car seat into the vehicle seat and rotate it to either side to access the belt-positioning compartment. Slide the seat belt along the designated blue path, remove the slack, and close the compartment lock. While we thought installation was challenging, we appreciate the colored belt path and dual bubble level indicators to help guide us to a proper and level installation. The steel-reinforced frame feels sturdy and durable and doesn’t move side to side after installing it.

The Baby Jogger City Turn is one of the more expensive rotating car seats we tested. Its most significant setback is that it doesn’t rotate 360 degrees or transform into a booster seat for its higher price. On the other hand, it reaps a sturdy install and is a breeze to rotate left or right, adjust, and clean. 

Key Specs: Rear-Facing Limit: 4 to 50 lbs. | Forward-Facing Limit: 22 to 65 lbs. | Booster Seat Limit: N/A | Dimensions: 21.75 x 19 x 23.5 inches | Product Weight: 28 lbs. | Harness Type: Five-point | Cup Holder: Single | Cleaning Instructions: Machine washable seat pad; harness straps are spot clean only with mild soap and damp cloth | Expiration: 10 years | Rotating Capabilities: Left or right only in rear-facing mode (180 degrees) | NHTSA Ease-of-Use Rating: n/a

Best With 360 Rotation

Evenflo gold revolve360 convertible car seat.

Full 360-degree swivel

Rotation works in rear- and forward-facing modes

Firm and sturdy when locked in place

Rear-facing recline can impact driver/passenger seats

The Evenflo Gold Revolve360 swivels 360 degrees in all modes (rear-facing, forward-facing, and booster) for kids weighing 4 to 120 pounds. 

There are two handles on each side of the unit, but you only need to pull one to unlock the swiveling feature. A "clicking" sound lets you know it's locked into place, so you can still hold a child in your other hand without questioning if you secured the swivel. A handle at the top of the seat allows you to adjust the headrest into 14 positions to accommodate growing kiddos. On the back of the seat's shell, you'll find another lever to recline the seat into four positions in rear-facing mode and one forward-facing (no reinstall necessary). We had no issues adjusting the recline, headrest, and swivel during testing—all handles worked seamlessly and adequately. However, the rear-facing recline can impact the driver or passenger seats, depending on the recline and adjustment of those vehicle seats. Otherwise, the car seat doesn't take up too much space, measuring 19.8 x 25.9 x 21 inches.

For safety, there's a five-point harness we found effortless to use, whether buckling a child in or unbuckling to take them out. Kids (and adults) will love the two cup holders for drinks, small toys, or snacks for the ride. Plus, they're removable and dishwasher-safe on the top rack. 

We love the plush, soft fabric of the Evenflo rotating car seat, which is available in several colors, like sapphire blue, emerald green, and onyx black. Use the included head and body pillows (rear-facing only) to ensure a more secure fit for smaller infants. Many fabric pieces are machine washable in cold water on a delicate cycle, including the seat pad, headrest pad, head and body pillows, and harness and buckle covers (be sure to remove the foam inserts from the headrest pad before tossing them in the washing machine). These fabric pieces are also safe to tumble dry for 10 to 15 minutes on low heat.

You can place the Evenflo Gold Revolve360 in the left, right, or center seat of your vehicle. Installing the car seat is simple; we watched the company's installation video and it took us a little more than four minutes to install it from start to finish. The seat (which the company calls "shell") removes from its base so you can secure the base easier, but you can't use the car seat without its base. It's important to note that when using the lap or shoulder belt (the preferred method), you should never place the vehicle belt over the car seat's "LockStrong bar," as it prevents proper seat operation. A level indicator on the side ensures the seat is at an appropriate level. Once installed, the base feels very sturdy, but the shell does move a little when we wiggle it. 

The price of the Revolve360 is one of the lowest of all the rotating car seats we tested. It's eye-catching, sturdy, and 100% worth the cost. Plus, Evenflo offers a lifetime warranty once you register the product, which covers manufacturing irregularities for the life of the seat (10 years). 

Key Specs: Rear-Facing Limits: 4 to 40 lbs. and 17 to 40 inches tall | Forward-Facing Limit: 22 to 65 lbs. and 28 to 49 inches tall | Booster Seat Limit: 40 to 120 lbs. and 44 to 57 inches tall | Dimensions: 19.8 x 25.9 x 21 inches | Product Weight: 29.6 lbs. | Harness Type: Five-point | Cup Holder: Double | Cleaning Instructions: Machine washable seat pad; safety harnesses wipe clean with mild soap and water (air dry only) | Expiration: 10 years | Rotating Capability: 360 degrees in rear- and forward-facing modes | NHTSA Ease-of-Use Rating: n/a

On January 5, 2024, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) opened an investigation into the Evenflo Revolve360 after the agency received six reports of the car seat’s shell detaching from its base during an accident. Verywell Family reached out to the agency and learned that the Revolve360 “appears not to comply” with several labeling and installation requirements. The investigation involves all three Revolve 360 models, including the Extend and the Slim. 

As of this writing, Evenflo continues to sell the car seat. According to Amy Magee, VP of Marketing for the company, proper installation and use is key. “All information available to Evenflo indicates that a properly installed and latched Revolve360 will perform safely as intended,” she says.

We want to clarify that this is an ongoing investigation and the car seat has not been recalled. We will update this article as more information becomes available.

How We Rated Rotating Car Seats

  • 4.8 to 5 stars: These are the best rotating car seats we tested. We recommend them without reservation.
  • 4.5 to 4.7 stars: These rotating car seats are excellent—they might have minor flaws, but we still recommend them.
  • 4.0 to 4.5 stars: We think these are great rotating car seats, but others are better.
  • 3.5 to 3.9 stars: These rotating car seats are just average.
  • 3.4 and below: We don't recommend rotating car seats with this rating; you won't find any on our list.

Rotating Car Seats We Also Tested 

  • Safety 1st Turn and Go 360 DLX Rotating All-in-One Convertible Car Seat : The Safety 1st Turn and Go 360 has lots of features we love, like machine washable fabric, 360-degree swivel, five-position recline, and 10-position headrest. One of our favorite features is the tension indicator, which tells you if you've correctly installed and tightened the seat belt. Unfortunately, we're not impressed with the quality of this swivel car seat. The construction of the materials didn't feel of high quality, and the button to rotate the seat was difficult to use.
  • CYBEX Gold Sirona S 360 Swivel Seat : We were initially impressed with this CYBEX's "SensorSafe" magnetic chest clip, which features unique technology to alert you when a child unbuckles their chest clip, if the back seat is too warm or cold, and more. We also liked its easy-to-adjust 12-position recline and 12-position headrest and its comfortable seat padding (that reminded us of memory foam). However, we found it difficult to install and didn't appreciate that it can't be used in a middle seat. After a few months of testing, our editors stopped using it altogether because the seat got stuck in the front-facing position. We uninstalled it and switched it to a larger SUV where it would have more room to rotate, but the car seat still feels tippy and insecure. Even after watching multiple installation videos and triple-checking every step, it just doesn't feel as secure as other car seats, and we do not feel comfortable recommending it.

How We Tested Rotating Car Seats 

To find the best rotating car seats, we started our research by studying safety guidelines from the AAP, the NHTSA, and Nationwide Children’s Hospital. We also spoke with parents and medical professionals, including Benjamin Hoffman, MD , AAP president-elect and nationally recognized child injury prevention and education expert, who provided his expertise on how to test swivel car seats; Denise Scott , MD, a JustAnswer pediatrician; and Heather Trnka , Injury Prevention Coalition Supervisor at Akron Children’s Hospital, to learn more about what to look for in a rotating car seat. We then looked at the top-rated rotating car seats available on the market and narrowed our list down to the top seven options, which we sent home with our parenting editors to test in the real world . 

To recommend the best rotating car seats, our parenting editors use them with their children, ages 4 months to 4 years, in their vehicles and daily routines. While we started with an initial four-week testing period, parents and caregivers continue to use these swivel car seats and will do so for at least six months to gain further insights into their long-term quality and durability. For both the short- and long-term tests, we asked our parenting editors to assess each car seat on several key attributes, including ease of installation, design, safety, ease of use, durability, cleaning, and overall value. 

The first step in our testing process is unboxing the rotating car seats and ensuring that there aren’t any missing pieces. We carefully read the car seats’ instruction manuals to determine if they were difficult or easy to understand. We noted whether the car seats required attachments before installation or arrived fully assembled. Next, we timed how long installation takes. We installed each car seat into various vehicles, like a Mazda CX-5 and a Honda Pilot, using both methods of installation (LATCH system and seat belt). During installation, we asked parenting editors to make notes of the ease or difficulty of installation, if they needed help, and whether a level indicator was present. Some parents and caregivers thought installation was intuitive and simple to understand, while others watched installation videos by the car seat manufacturers for clarification. 

After installation, we wiggled the car seats side to side to ensure they didn’t move more than 1 inch in any direction. If a car seat moved more than 1 inch, we asked parenting editors to adjust the car seats. We also rotated every car seat via the proper levers, handles, and pinchers, noting whether we could use the feature one-handed. Next, we placed children into the car seats, securing harnesses to the correct positions, like the chest clip just below the child’s armpits, and then tightening straps to fit. As they use the car seats in their daily routines, our parents and caregivers record notes on what it’s like putting a child into the seat and taking them out. We want to know whether the car seat’s recline options, adjustable headrests, and straps work for their child and are easy to use each time. Moreover, we asked our editors to clean the car seats once (or more if necessary) according to the manufacturer’s directions, whether spot-cleaning the straps or machine-washing seat covers. 

To ensure the durability and performance of these rotating car seats, our parenting editors continue to use these seats in their daily routines and provide insights. We’ll update this list with the most up-to-date information on how the rotating car seats fare over the next six months and beyond. 

What to Look for in a Rotating Car Seat

Design .

Rotating Capability  

Rotating car seats can swivel in different directions, but just how much they turn varies by seat. All the rotating car seats on our list turn right or left so that you can quickly get children in or out, regardless of seating position. However, they don’t all rotate the same. For example, the Evenflo Gold Revolve360 and the Nuna REVV Rotating Convertible Car Seat both swivel 360 degrees, so you can start rear-facing and transition to forward-facing without reinstalling. On the other hand, the Graco Turn2Me and Baby Jogger City Turn Rotating Convertible Car Seat rotate 180 degrees (to the right or left) instead of a full swivel. 

Unfortunately, rotating car seats that don’t swivel 360 degrees often only rotate in rear-facing mode, and you’ll have to reinstall for forward-facing. On the plus side, you’ll still get plenty of rotating use until children outgrow the weight and height limits for rear-facing, which can be several years. 

Consider the size of a rotating car seat, where you will install it, and if you have to accommodate any additional car seats, Dr. Scott suggests. Rotating car seats need extra room to swivel, whether 180 or 360 degrees, so they tend to be larger than the average convertible car seat. During rotation, they may impact the driver or passenger seat, especially if the vehicle rider is tall and needs extra legroom. 

Adjustability  

Between the headrest, recline, and straps, several pieces on a rotating car seat adjust to provide additional comfort as children grow. First, look for a swivel car seat that reclines, Dr. Scott recommends. A reclining seat is beneficial for kids who can’t hold their head or neck straight (such as infants or children with disabilities). Adjust the seat to the proper recline level to help heads from drooping forward. If you’re unsure of the best recline position, check your car seat’s manual and follow the recline indicator on the seat. 

Rotating car seats that convert from rear-facing to forward-facing and booster should feature an adjustable headrest. For rear-facing, the top of a child’s head should be 1 inch or more below the top of the headrest. In forward-facing mode, a child’s ears should be below the top of the headrest.  

Regardless of recline and headrest positions, Trnka recommends buckling your child appropriately each time for the safest rides. When rear-facing, the harness should be at or below the shoulders, and when forward-facing, the harness should be at or above the shoulders, Trnka says. Dr. Scott adds that straps should be easy to use, whether buckling or unbuckling. According to the AAP, kids should ride in a harnessed seat as long as possible (at least to age 4).  

Ease of Cleaning

Between snacks, drinks, sick days, and potty accidents, car seats (rotating or not) will get dirty, so look for one that’s easy to clean, Dr. Scott recommends. Machine washable seat covers are your best friend, especially for bigger accidents like blowouts and upset stomachs. The best way to clean your car seat correctly is to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines, Trnka says. Improperly cleaning a car seat, such as using disinfectant products, can decrease protection from the seat and harness.  

Installation Method 

Car seats are installed into vehicles via seat belts or the LATCH (lower anchors and tethers for children) system. According to Dr. Scott, both installation methods are equally safe, but not all vehicles have lower anchors, and the LATCH system is only for forward-facing seats. Following the car seat manufacturer’s guidelines and your vehicle’s instruction manual is vital. Often, companies will include car seat manuals online so you can research proper placement before purchasing to ensure compatibility with your vehicle. 

The middle of the back seat is the safest place to position a car seat. However, this isn’t always possible for every family. Additionally, this position compromises the convenience of a rotating seat, as you still need to get inside the vehicle to remove a child. Overall, for a car seat to be effective and protect children in the event of a crash, it must be installed correctly, so reading instructions is important, Dr. Scott says.

If you’re unsure of proper installation, Trnka recommends the 1-inch rule, which means the car seat doesn’t move side to side or front to back at the base more than 1 inch. Still, for additional help, the NHTSA has a handy tool for finding an installation inspection station . Simply input your zip code and find certified car seat technicians near you who will inspect your car seat free of charge (in most cases). They can also show you how to install and use the car seat correctly. 

Modes of Use and Requirements

Most rotating car seats double as convertible car seats, transforming from rear-facing to front-facing and sometimes booster seats. For example, the Evenflo Gold Revolve 360 , Graco Turn2Me , and Maxi-Cosi Emme 360 are 3-in-1 car seats that convert into booster seats. Meanwhile, the Baby Jogger City Turn only transform from rear-facing to front-facing (no booster). Still, any rotating car seat makes putting a child in and taking them out more convenient, Trnka says. Moreover, rear-facing is the safest riding position for kids; they should max out their weight and height limits before turning the car seat around.

Look for a swivel car seat that fits your child’s age, weight, and height with room to grow, recommends Trnka. Many rotating car seats are safe from 4 to 5 pounds and sometimes up to 100 or 120 pounds (with varying height restrictions), depending on whether it converts to a booster seat. Otherwise, most front-facing rotating car seats max out at 65 pounds. Dr. Scott suggests considering these age, weight, and height restrictions compared to how long you can use the car seat. Moreover, Dr. Scott points out that rotating car seats do not remove from their base to carry individually like an infant car seat , so you’ll want to consider which you’d prefer for the first few months.

Rotating car seats aren’t the average ride for kiddos, so expect a higher price tag for these unique options compared to standard convertible car seats. On the plus side, a rotating seat may be the only one your child needs, as many options transform from rear- and forward-facing modes to booster seats. The rotating car seats on our list range from $400 to $650, and high-end brands like Nuna reap more considerable costs than others.

Consider how many car seats you need throughout your child’s early years, Dr. Scott recommends. If a rotating car seat doesn’t transform into a booster seat, that will be an additional cost when your child outgrows their swivel option. Check for company sales and coupons, and check out all colors available, as some styles are cheaper than others. 

Remember: A car seat with a higher price tag doesn’t mean it’s safer or easier to use than cheaper options.  

Frequently Asked Questions

In short, rotating car seats are safe if they're installed correctly according to the manufacturer’s guidelines. Always follow the car seat’s and your vehicle’s manuals.

One of the biggest benefits of a rotating car seat (if not the biggest) is convenience. According to Dr. Scott, swivel car seats offer more flexibility for putting a child in their seat and taking them out. It’s easier to strap them in and unbuckle the harness because the seat turns toward you, meaning you don’t have to reach over or climb into the vehicle to maneuver buckles.

While not a requirement, to say they’re handy would be an understatement. In fact, many of our parenting editors say they would never return to a standard convertible car seat because swivel options make life easier.

You can typically use a rotating car seat immediately after birth as long as your child fits the weight and height limits. For example, many swivel car seats, like the Evenflo Gold Revolve360 and Maxi-Cosi Emme 360 , have low minimum weight limits starting at 4 or 5 pounds.

Of the rotating car seats we researched and tested, two rotate 360 degrees: the Evenflo Gold Revolve360 and the Nuna REVV .

Why Trust Verywell Family 

Katrina Cossey is a commerce writer, enthusiastic shopper, and devoted mom. She spent several years in broadcast journalism but found her true passion in service journalism, writing about the best products for families, pregnant people, and kids of all ages. She’s researched thousands of baby products, toys, gifts, and more and personally tested many of them. In her spare time, you’ll likely find her in the beautiful outdoors of Oklahoma with her husband and 3-year-old son. Katrina tested the Graco Turn2Me and wished she had it sooner (it wasn’t available on the market when her son was a newborn). Despite lacking a 360-degree swivel, she loves how easy it is to turn the seat 180 degrees in either direction to take her preschooler out. The Turn2Me also washes beautifully and easily; her 3-year-old had an accident in the seat, so Katrina followed the manufacturer’s cleaning recommendations by tossing the seat cover into the washing machine before drip drying. The material came out clean without sacrificing quality.

American Academy of Pediatrics. Car Seats: Information for Families .

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Car Seats and Booster Seats .

Nationwide Children's Hospital. Child Passenger Safety: Car Seats and Booster Seats .

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Car Seat Ease-of-Use Ratings .

2022 WAYB Pico Review: Just What Your Vacation Needs

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WAYB Pico Folding Travel Carseat Review

Or you don’t bring a seat and you rent one at your destination and it’s a) not the right seat, b) it’s disgusting, c) you don’t know its history or whether it’s safe, but mostly likely d) all of these horror-scapes above.

Or maybe you’re traveling in a different city and you need to take an Uber or Lyft or a cab with kids. You can pay extra in some cities for a ride share with seats installed, but it’s more expensive and harder to come by and you weren’t the one installing those seats, so it’s still a risk. You can legally choose not to use a carseat in some places but then you have to restrain your kids in a moving car and unfortunately all the crash probabilities and risks don’t go away on vacation. In short, traveling with kids is a mess.

Have I convinced you never to travel? Just hold on for a moment, because the solution to this stress may have arrived.

WAYB (pronounced way-bee) claims to have the solution with their new seat, the WAYB Pico . I was one of many parents and CPS technicians who was immediately intrigued. Before I spoil the whole review, let’s dive into the details.

WAYB Pico Highlights

  • Forward facing only
  • For children 1 and older (WAYB recommends you wait until age 2), 22-50 pounds, 30-45 inches, and shoulders below the top of the seat back
  • Whole seat weighs 8 (!) pounds and folds very compactly
  • One shoulder harness position, one crotch buckle position
  • Body is made of aerospace-grade aluminum
  • Seat is made with ASTROKNIT™ mesh, which takes the place of foams
  • Pico is eco-friendly, with the majority of the seat being recyclable
  • MSRP $330 , or bundled together with a fabulous travel bag for $410

Specifications

  • Width of seat: 14.75 inches at the widest point (middle of the torso)
  • Height of seat with headrest in lowest position: 22.75 inches
  • Height of seat headrest fully extended: 27.75 inches
  • Depth of seat: 15.25 inches
  • Harness (torso) height: 16.5 inches
  • Weight of seat: 8 pound

Fit to Child

The first time I saw the Pico, I was skeptical. It is SO small. I worried that it wouldn’t fit older kids or would be outgrown too quickly, especially with a 45” height limit. But rest easy, my eyes deceived me.

I put all 3 of my kids, ages 7, 4 and 1 into this seat and somehow they all fit. It might be magic because it’s seriously the smallest seat I’ve ever seen.

I’m going to start with the littlest, who is 22 months, 25 pounds and 33 inches. I was easily able to adjust the seat to hold him totally securely, despite being on the smaller end of the limits of the seat. Now, the tricky part is that he can’t legally ride in this seat in California, despite being within the stated limits of the seat, because he’s not yet 2 years old. If you choose to use this seat for travel, you’ll need to research the rear facing laws at your destination, because you may not be able to use this seat for your younger toddlers everywhere.

My middle kid is 4.5 years old, 41.5 inches and 32 pounds. He also has the longest torso of any child I have ever met. And even with that, he still has a solid 2-3 inches of torso growth left in the Pico. I was absolutely shocked. He fit well and said the seat was so comfortable that he wanted to keep it in the car. That’s a ringing endorsement if there ever was one.

My oldest kid is 7 years old, 47.5 inches and 49 pounds. He has outgrown this seat per the stated limits and I would not use it for him and am not recommending you do so either, just to be clear. I just put him in it because I wanted to get a sense of whether the harness would truly accommodate a 45” inch child and I feel pretty confident in saying that it really will. The shape of the seat definitely gives more room than the written measurements would suggest. My oldest had outgrown it by a sneeze, even though he was almost 3 inches taller than the limit.

The adjustment process is a little tricky at first because the harness adjusters aren’t what you’re used to. There’s one on each hip strap and they resemble a lower anchor adjustment mechanism. You have to tighten each side independent of the other, which is a little tricky at first, but it gets easier with practice and it’s not hard to do. There’s no moving the shoulder straps or the crotch buckle because there’s only one slot, which is kind of great, actually. I do think that chest clip is oddly hard to place on some kids because the straps go so high that your perspective is skewed. So if you decide to get the Pico, stand back and look at the child, not the seat as a whole, to make sure things are in the right spot.

Fit to Vehicle

The lower anchors can be used the whole lifespan of the seat because it’s so light and they are definitely the easiest way to install it. The only tricky part of the lower anchor installation is that a little bit of slack can get caught in the lower anchor belt on the non-adjuster side, so you just have to be watching both sides to make sure to remove it all.

The seatbelt installation is not complicated by any means. There are red seat belt guides that hold the belt in place, then it’s a standard install (lock the belt, remove the slack, get less than an inch of movement at the belt path). Depending upon the angle of your seatbelt, it may bunch lightly, but it doesn’t make it terribly challenging to remove the slack, it just may look a little different than you may be used to.

Center LATCH installations with Non-Standard Spacing :

WAYB allows LATCH installation in the center seating position if the vehicle manufacturer allows it and the LATCH anchor bars are spaced 11-20” apart. Check your vehicle owner’s manual to see if there are allowances for anchor spacing other than 11-20″.

Inflatable Seat Belts

WAYB has determined that the Pico CANNOT be installed with any inflatable seat belts found in vehicles.

Fit to Airplane

I’m sad to say that I neither have an airplane, nor the money to take a trip just to try this seat, though I did consider it. Fortunately, I have family who has the means and energy and a 3 year old! My sister used the Pico on a recent trip with my nephew Asher. Asher is 3 years old, 35 pounds and 39 inches. My sister was easily able to transport the seat through the airport and install it on the plane without a seatbelt extender. At WAYB’s recommendation, she threaded the seatbelt through the guides before buckling, then buckled and tightened.

Though the buckle was right in the middle of the seatback, because the mesh seat is reasonably taught, Asher couldn’t compress the seat enough to make contact with the buckle. The design was really, really thoughtful and I am mostly just mad I have installed so many harder seats on airplanes than this one. Where have you been all my life, Pico? And yes, Asher’s chest clip could be moved up a touch. I told you it was tricky to place correctly and unlike when I tossed my kids into my car, I couldn’t just bump his clip up and retake the picture because, well, I wasn’t there. So heed a warning here and be mindful of this.

Since the Pico sits so low on the airplane seat, the tray table can be lowered for the child to use during the flight.

Cover Removal/Maintenance

WAYB recommends spot cleaning whenever possible, with a mild, wool safe detergent, but you can remove the fabric and hand wash everything with warm water and wool safe detergent.

Crash and Lifespan

WAYB goes by NHTSA standards for replacement following a crash, and it is well described in the manual.

The Pico is covered by a 3 year (!) limited warranty from day of purchase, which is pretty great. The seat itself has a 6 year lifespan from date of manufacture, but Pico’s advocate told me that they intend to monitor this and decide whether to extend the lifespan as they are able to test the seat as it ages. Because it’s brand new, they aren’t sure how the materials will age and their goal is to make sure that it can be used as long as is safe to do so.

  • Compact doesn’t even begin to describe the size of this seat. It is so small and so light.
  • Eco-friendly with aluminum frame and other recyclable materials
  • Removable shoulder strap covers
  • 4 fashions, from black on black to a couple really eye catching options
  • Wool blend ASTROKNIT™ mesh is breathable and reduces the need for foams
  • Uses NHTSA rules for replacement after a crash. This may not seem like an advantage, but I truly believe that it is forward thinking in a new car seat.

Disadvantages

  • The cover isn’t machine washable, which isn’t a huge disadvantage as it would be pretty easy to hand wash, but it’s worth noting, I think.

I feel like travel seats are an area where many companies have tried to make their seats work, but the reality is that conventional car seats just aren’t travel seats. WAYB did the opposite: they strayed from convention, focused on travel and portability and they really knocked it out of the park. The WAYB Pico does everything it promises to do, and it does it with genius design and eco-friendly materials. If you’re looking for a car seat for travel or a tight three across, or both, look no further. It’s an expensive seat, but it is a niche seat using state of the art materials. The Pico is the seat you’ve dreamed of every time you’ve sat down sweaty from the car seat hustle on an airplane. It’s the seat you’ve wished you had in every Uber ride with kids (or in every Uber ride you skipped because of kids). It’s the seat you wanted when you had to rent one through your car rental place. If you have a kid in the size and age range covered by Pico and intend to travel, run, don’t walk, and get one. You won’t regret it.

Thank you to WAYB for the sample Pico used in this review. No other compensation was provided. All opinions expressed are those of CarseatBlog.  More information at their official website: WAYB.com .

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travel car seat wirecutter

RECALL ALERT : The NHTSA reports WAYB is recalling certain WAYB Pico child restraints manufactured between March 1, 2019 and May 12, 2019. The headrest’s aluminum tubular frame can break allowing the headrest to detach. For more info: https://carseatblog.com/48803/

travel car seat wirecutter

FYI – Wirecutter did a long-term test with the WayB and the frame broke. Apparently this happened to another seat unrelated to Wirecutter. I have one and am kicking myself for having bought a seat that didn’t have a long track record. Now waiting for the recall to happen.

We have so far not had a similar issue with our WayB and would report on any such issues with any carseat if we discovered a safety concern. Unfortunately, this is always a possibility with a new product and we simply don’t know if it was a rare issue with one or more isolated products or if it could be a more widespread concern.

travel car seat wirecutter

It’s fairly irresponsible to not at least report / mention in the body of your post that the NYTimes’s Wirecutter no longer recommends the Wayb Pico. Simply because this hasn’t happened to your own Wayb Pico, doesn’t mean this shouldn’t be mentioned. For you to say they knocked it out of the park in the main body of your review then mention that issues are “always a possibility with a new product” only in response to a commenter lends to how non-credible your review truly is.

travel car seat wirecutter

I don’t think I can agree that it’s critically important to mention that one person had a part break on a seat when the seat is still in my possession and has been used quite extensively. It was used daily for almost a month by a 4 year old, it has been on 4 airplanes, and in several rental cars in use for weeks at a time. There are zero cracks, bends, or anything other than a perfectly functioning travel seat. I have no reason to believe that this is a problem beyond the exact seat that was given to Wirecutter, and if it turns out that it is, we will, of course, update our review or write a follow up post. For now, that does not seem to be the case.

The reality is that car seats aren’t indestructible. My 2 year old threw a huge tantrum a few weeks ago, grabbed the headwing of his convertible seat and destroyed the foam. This wasn’t a new seat, it is a much beloved and widely used seat, but it, like every other seat, is breakable. One seat breaking isn’t automatically reflective of a bigger problem.

@Katie – First, do you see the flaw in your argument? You’re not comparing apples to apples when using the example of your 2 year old actively destroying the seat during a tantrum versus the breaking of the Pico upon normal wear and tear? You note yourself that your carseat wasn’t new, but “much beloved,” as opposed to Wirecutter’s carseat, which was used for a few months (heck, the Pico hasn’t even been widely available for a full year).

Second, if you read the Wirecutter review, they note specifically that theirs wasn’t the only isolated incident. Wayb admitted that there was at least another isolated, unrelated incident where the exact same part broke. If they broke in different areas of the carseat, this might be a different story, but seems like too much of a coincidence that they broke in the same area.

Finally, it’s clear to me, at least, that these ultimately aren’t two isolated incidents given Wayb’s recall of the Pico, which supports my original post that it’s highly irresponsible to not even mention the Wirecutter review. I’ll add on to that now, as it’s highly disappointing that the recall update is located at the very bottom of the Carseatblog’s otherwise rave review. Any responsible review website should put the update at the top before your original review.

Hi there. So when I say “much beloved” I don’t mean much used, I mean it’s a seat that the car seat world likes very much. It’s not an old seat and my child still broke it with minimal effort. Conversely my Pico (which is part of the recall and which I will be getting a fix for) has been used pretty aggressively without event. I’m not here to argue that these seats aren’t breaking, they obviously are and as promised, we reported as soon as the recall started. No one is denying it, we are simply trying to suggest that it’s not the experience we’ve had using this seat.

Finally, I think my confusion lies in the expectation that we would report on what a different car seat group finds? I think you’ll find that within the car seat parts of the internet that there are many diverse opinions and experiences about a variety of seats and we focus on our opinions and experiences as do most other sites. The great news is that you’re free to browse them all at your leisure.

Also there’s a separate post about the recall here that was published on Tuesday.( https://carseatblog.com/48803/wayb-pico-recalled-for-headrest-defect/ ). The note on the post was just for those who may not have read the front page of the website. I hope that helps resolve some disappointment.

Hi Wisteria,

As I stated, Wirecutter’s single incident or the other one you mentioned was simply not enough verified information and we did not know if only some or all Pico products were affected. Though commonplace in the media today, we prefer not to spread unsubstantiated claims and instead waited for an authority like the NHTSA to issue a statement. Now that there is a recall and the range of dates for affected models is known, we quickly posted a notation in our review, a comment here in response, a blog and a post on our facebook page. Owners of affected products can find this information in our review and comments, while those who own product made after May 12th do not have to worry unnecessarily as theirs are not included in the recall.

Various child safety seats have a recall and we don’t usually include such notations in our reviews. This was an exception given it is a very new product and potentially serious recall that does not have a remedy yet.

We do appreciate your concern, and in fact you have mentioned it right here in response to our review. This is the usual way for owners to let us know of issues they have had, or for readers to share concerns like this one.

If Wirecutter was more established as an authority in the Child Passenger Safety industry and had a verified issue with multiple retail samples, it might warrant further concern and reporting by other news media. An investigative report published in the actual New York Times might be a different matter. Otherwise, we generally don’t refer to other review websites for anecdotal reports about carseat issues. For example, if we were to believe every reported issue was representative of a major injury risk, then nearly every carseat on the market would be suspect based upon reviews and reports on the internet, social media and retailer websites. What would be non-credible is to propagate a reliability concern that ends up being isolated or in some cases even damage caused by the owner. We base our reviews on our own experience and expertise , which is quite significant, both individually and as a team.

When there is clear evidence of a widespread issue, such as an NHTSA investigation, published report in a peer-reviewed journal or major national news outlet, recall or other voluntary action, we will be much more likely to report on this. We have no reason to doubt the report by Wirecutter. On the other hand, we also don’t know their reviewer(s), they have not contacted us about their findings, and I don’t recall meeting any of their staff at technical meetings, conferences or trade shows in nearly 20 years we have been involved in the industry. As such, it is certainly not something we would publish in our own review, nor would I expect they do the same in a similar situation. Even if we had an isolated failure of our own, we would likely mention it, but it wouldn’t necessarily preclude us from giving appropriate praise to a product if we thought it could be an isolated issue. Without any additional information from Wirecutter and evidence that this issue is more common, it would actually be irresponsible to highlight it in our own review if we have not had a similar experience or additional verified reports indicative of a widespread problem.

travel car seat wirecutter

If you offer the tether extensions, might you also have an extension for the crotch buckle? My child had to sit on the fabric flap in order to relieve some discomfort in that area as it is too tight & short.

travel car seat wirecutter

Hi – can the wayb be used as an everyday car aeat as well, or is it only recommended for travel?

travel car seat wirecutter

The Wayb can definitely be used as an everyday carseat. The harness adjusts differently than other carseats, though, but I think like everything, it’s a matter of getting used to it.

travel car seat wirecutter

I’m trying to understand crash test results for this seat. I cant seem to find it anywhere. We are looking to purchase the seat for travel and Uber rides, so not our daily seat. But I still want to make sure it’s safe. What’s your assessment. Thx!

Hi Michelle,

Unfortunately, there are no comprehensive crash test ratings for carseats like there are for new vehicles. Manufacturers generally self-certify to the minimum required government crash test standard, but as far as I know, the results are not required to be made public. Every legal car seat must pass to be certified for sale, but the actual injury measurements are generally not available. So, you can be sure it has met the federal safety standards, but beyond that, we can’t say if it is any safer or less safe than another carseat.

travel car seat wirecutter

Just a quick comment for you about the tether length – we have tether extenders available if anyone runs into an issue with the tether length. Please contact our Customer Experience team at wayb.com for assistance.

Beth Warren, WAYB Safety Advocate

travel car seat wirecutter

Will this work in a vehicle that predates the LATCH system AND does not have seatbelts that lock? We have an older vehicle we’d love to take our 3yr old in on special occasion drives but the seatbelts don’t lock.

Hi Jennifer! If the car has a latch plate (the male part of the buckle, essentially) that can slide along the belt, then you can install the Pico with a locking clip. The manual has a good description of the process!

travel car seat wirecutter

We are trying to determine if it is safe, we followed all instructions but it seems to move more than an inch. What are we doing ñ wrong? We are trying to put it in a Honda Civic with the fixed headrests in the back….

travel car seat wirecutter

I see your comment is over a year old, but the rest here are some 3 years old so doesn’t hurt to reply for the record. You probably aren’t doing anything “wrong” that you can change with a written explanation. There are two possibilities in your situation. One is simply that it won’t work. Not every car seat is compatible with every vehicle.

But the first step I’d suggest is to find a certified CPST (Child Passenger Safety Technician) in your area to help. I’m a former tech. We know little things to try to improve installation, and if they can figure out what is needed to get this seat tightly and safely installed in your car, they can then teach you what they did in your case. It can be particularly tricky to use a locking clip and get a tight install.

Some 20+ years ago there was a product made that was particularly difficult to install. It was the first ever seat that converted from harness to a booster, and in an era when car seat weight maximums were all just 40 lbs, it had higher top harness strap slots that would fit kids longer. In Canada the same seat was certified to 45 lbs, and the difference wasn’t in the seat but in crash test regulations. Canada has always required a top tether and used one in their crash tests, but in the US there was also the required test without a tether which it couldn’t pass over 40 lbs.

One day I was working a car seat checkup when a volunteer came and asked me if I could come try to get one in they were having trouble with. It was known that I owned one myself. So 120 lb, 5’4” me went and the 200 lb muscular firefighter stepped aside so I could try. And I got it tight in two minutes. It sure wasn’t a matter of strength! With a wiggle wiggle here, and a tug tug there and a pull pull here…I’d just gotten to know where the seat belt tended to resist being pulled tighter thru the belt path and adjusted those spots a little at a time.

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The best convertible car seat, according to The Wirecutter

Is there any consumer purchase new parents worry more about than buying a car seat? If you're like most of us, you use it multiple times a day, and you've got to worry about safety , ease of installation, price and comfort, among other things.

The Britax Marathon ClickTight car seat, shown here, scored highest in The Wirecutter's tests.

The Wirecutter, a product-review site owned by The New York Times, dug in to see which convertible car seats made the grade, sharing the results in a March 16, 2018 article .

"After 20 hours of research, including testing nine popular convertible car seats at home and crash-testing six finalists in a top lab to measure their side-impact performance, we think the Britax Marathon ClickTight is the best one for most families," the site wrote.

A convertible car seat is one that can be installed rear-facing, then turned around after a certain age to face front, unlike infant seats, which always face the rear. State laws vary on when a seat can be turned around, with different height, age and weight restrictions.

Even if you have older children, check your state's current rules. Many states that once required only children under a year to ride rear-facing have upped their requirement to age 2. (Look up your state's car-seat requirements here. ) In fact, Rebecca Gale, the author of The Wirecutter's article, notes that she only recently turned her son's convertible car seat around, and he's 4½.

Here's a look at the winning seat, and the runner-up.

The best convertible car seats

  • 1. The top choice: Britax Marathon ClickTight Convertible Car Seat, $230 (usually $280), Amazon

Britax Marathon ClickTight Convertible Car Seat

Wirecutter raved about this seat, saying it "performed better than any other seat in our side-impact crash-testing, earns excellent safety scores in government front-impact tests, and is significantly less frustrating to install than any other convertible car seat we’ve ever used." The company's own ClickTight installation system uses your car's seat belt rather than the sometimes-difficult-to-locate LATCH system. You can use it rear-facing for children up to 40 pounds. The only disadvantage? No built-in cupholder.

  • 2. The runner-up: Graco Extend2Fit Convertible Car Seat, $159, Walmart

Graco Extend2Fit Convertible Car Seat

The Wirecutter testers found the Graco Extend2Fit tougher to install, but were able to make it work. It performed second to the top pick Britax in crash testing, and is slightly lighter (22 pounds to Britax's 28.4), which makes it a little easier to move than that seat. It can also hold heavier kids (50 pounds vs. 40 for the Britax), is cheaper, and has not one, but two built-in cupholders. Juice box hero!

For more expert recommended items, check out:

  • The best gifts for one-year-olds
  • The best air purifiers, according to doctors and experts
  • The 12 best athletic shoes for any type of workout

The Best Travel Car Seats for Kids

This is big-kid seating that offers the highest safety and portability for young commuters.

The best booster seats for kids

It behooves every parent to know about the best travel car seats. Why? Because once your kid hits the weight limit on their front-facing, harness-equipped car seat, it’s time to get a travel booster seat. But don’t just take our word for it. The American Academy of Pediatrics says that kids who outgrow their car seats “should use a belt-positioning booster seat until the vehicle’s lap and shoulder seat belt fits properly,” which usually happens between the ages of 8 and 12, or when kids reach 4 feet, 9 inches in height. You want a portable car seat that’s lightweight yet safe, and easy to move from vehicle to vehicle since that’s sort of the point.

Parents often mistake heft and size for protection, which is based on a faulty premise. A heavy seat isn’t necessarily safer, and there are plenty of lighter seats that keep kids safe. Our favorite booster seats are nice and portable — lightweight and easy to disassemble, deflate, and/or fold down — making them attractive choices for parents with kids on the go. Some of them convert from high-backed seats suitable for smaller kids to backless seats as your kid gets bigger. And all of these booster seats meet the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 213 .

Our picks also scored at least three stars on the NHTSA’s five-star ease-of-use ratings , a measure of how easy it is to read the instructions, install correctly, understand labels, and secure a child into the seat.

The Best High-Back Booster Seats

WAYB Pico Portable Booster Seat

Narrow enough that you can fit 3 of these across most back seats, this booster is also one of the most lightweight ones you can buy. It weighs only 8 pounds, installs using the LATCH system, is made of aerospace-grade aluminum, and folds up for easy storage. It's suitable for kids 22-50 pounds and 30-45 inches tall. NHTSA ease of use rating: 5.

Cybex Eternis S SensorSafe Car Seat

If you're a parent who worries about forgetting a sleeping kid in the car, behold this car seat. It has an alert system that lets you know if your child is in the vehicle, or if they've unbuckled themselves. It converts from rear facing to forward facing to booster seat mode, and tops out at 120 pounds' worth of kid. At 26 pounds, it's a beast, yes, but at least you'll feel better knowing it's got your back. NHTSA ease of use rating: 4.

Chicco KidFit Zip Air Plus 2-in-1 Belt-Positioning Booster Car Seat

At 15 pounds, this booster seat hits the perfect sweet spot. The fabric zips off to be washed, which is great because kids are filthy animals. And like a recliner, this seat has a cushioned leg rest for extra comfort. The backrest is removable. It's meant for kids 40-100 pounds in high-back mode and 40-110 pounds in backless mode. NHTSA ease of use rating: Not available.

Britax Highpoint 2-Stage Belt-Positioning Booster Seat

This belt-positioning high-back booster seat easily coverts to a backless booster; it fits kids 40-120 pounds. It has built-in arm rests, a mesh fabric that improves ventilation, and three layers of side impact protection. There's also an adjustable headrest for total comfort. It weighs 12 pounds. NHTSA ease of use rating: 5.

Chicco KidFit 2-in-1 Belt Positioning High Back Booster Seat

This seat works both as a high-back booster for kids clocking in at 30-100 pounds and converts to a backless booster that fits kids weighing 40-110 pounds. It has combined head and shoulder side-impact protection with 10 positions, so it's adjustable for growing children. There's double-foam padding for head support and two foldable cup holders. It weighs just over 10 pounds. And it has a force-multiplying LATCH tightener that lets parents get a tight and secure fit without pulling a muscle. NHTSA ease of using rating: 4.

Nuna Aace Booster Seat

Nuna makes some of our favorite baby products, because they're innovative while also being eminently practical. This booster seat goes from high-back to backless; the fabric cover is removable and washable. It can be used from 50 to 120 pounds. There's an adjustable headrest and shoulder system and a nine-position adjustable headrest. And it's made without any flame retardant chemicals. It weighs 15 pounds. NHTSA ease of use rating: 4.

Clek Oobr High Back Portable Booster Seat

Not only is this booster seat insanely comfortable, but it's built with a rigid LATCH system that locks the booster seat into place. When used with a high back, it's suitable for kids weighing 33-100 pounds. In backless mode, it's suitable for kids 40-100 pounds. It has deep side wings, energy-absorbing foam layers, and a nice recline feature. It weighs 20 pounds, so this one is definitely on the heavier side. Also worth noting: It's made without brominated and chlorinated flame retardants. NHTSA ease of using rating: 4.

Chicco Fit4 4-in-1 Convertible Car Seat

This beast of a seat has easy-to-remove layers, which you peel back as your kid gets bigger. You scan the QR code on the seat to help guide you as you switch modes as your child grows. It has nine recline positions and a 10-position headrest, and is slim enough that you can fit three of these across the back seat. In rear-facing mode, it fits babies 4–40 pounds; forward-facing mode works for kids 26–55 pounds; and the booster is designed for kids 40–100 pounds. It weighs 25 pounds, so you'll get a workout when you move this one from car to car. NHTSA ease of use rating: Not available.

Diono Monterey 4DXT Latch Belt Positioning Booster Seat

This belt-positioning booster seat has deep aluminum reinforced sides that provide three layers of enhanced side impact protection for your kid's head, shoulders, and torso. The side panels are breathable, and the seat is expandable in height and width so it grows with your child. It converts into a backless booster seat, with a wide contoured seat base and two retractable cup holders. It can be used from 40-120 pounds. NHTSA ease of use rating: three stars.

hifold Fit-and-Fold High Back Booster Seat

This high back-only booster seat is fully adjustable and fits kids weighing 40-100 pounds. The beauty of this booster seat is that it can be adjusted in four separate areas: The seat, body, head width, and height. Meaning, ultimate comfort for your growing kiddo. It folds down, can be easily toted around with a carry strap, and it weighs 10 pounds. Plus, it's narrow enough that you can fit three in a standard backseat. It does not yet have an NHTSA ease of use rating.

The Best Backless Booster Seats

Diono Solana 2 Backless Portable Booster Seat

This backless booster fits kids from 40–120 pounds. It installs using LATCH connectors, and in terms of amenities, has 2 swivel cup holders for drinks and snacks. It weighs a piddly 6.6 pounds so it's one of the most portable boosters you can buy. NHTSA ease of use rating: 3.

Peg Perego Viaggio Shuttle Portable Booster Seat

This made-in-Italy backless seat has armrests, a detachable cupholder, and microfiber fabric that's breathable and moisture-absorbing. You can only use this in backless mode, and it fits kids weighing 40-120 pounds. Which means you'll get years' of use out of this thing. For cars with anchors, this booster connects with the integrated LATCH system. For those without, the latches retract and stay out of the way. There are two layers of padding for comfort and shock absorption. NHTSA ease of using rating: 4.

mifold Grab-and-Go Portable Booster Seat

The super lightweight booster seat brings the seatbelt down to your kid's level instead of boosting them up to meet it. It's a backless booster seat for kids 40-100 pounds. Besides its clever design, the primary perk of this booster is its portability. It weighs less than two pounds and its backless design folds down to a size that can fit in a kid's backpack. It's made of an aircraft-grade aluminum and Dupont Delrin 100ST, a tough plastic polymer. NHTSA ease of using rating: 4.

Graco TurboBooster TakeAlong Backless Portable Booster Seat

This backless booster from the venerable brand has integrated seat belt guides that help you make sure it's properly secured to the back seat. It fits kids 40-100 pounds and weighs less than 6 pounds, so we're talking highly portable here. The pad is removable and machine washable, so it's easy to clean in the even of a spill. To fold the TurboBooster, simply grasp the handle on the center of the seat and lift. The sides will collapse around a center hinge, and you can slide the seat into the included carry bag. NHTSA ease of using rating: 3.

Chicco GoFit Backless Booster Car Seat

At just five pounds, this is another ultra-portable seat. It's got padding for extra comfort, and two cup holders because kids get thirsty. The weight limit is 40–110 pounds. The built-in carry handle is a nice add. NHTSA ease of use rating: 4.

Every product on Fatherly is independently selected by our editors, writers, and experts. If you click a link on our site and buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.

This article was originally published on Feb. 11, 2019

travel car seat wirecutter

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20 Luggage Pieces T+L Editors Actually Travel With From Weekenders to Trunks

Travel like a true pro with this must-have luggage.

travel car seat wirecutter

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

Travel + Leisure / Kristin Kempa

Backpacks, weekenders, duffels, and spinners: with so many different types of luggage all claiming to be able to make your travels easier, choosing the right one can be daunting. And, once you’ve narrowed it down to the specific style you want, it then becomes a matter of quality and functionality. Which luggage actually holds up through rough travel? Which ones will keep your things organized? Which are easiest to carry? Luckily, our team of expert travel editors have tried pretty much everything — and we’re sharing our favorites.   

Whether you’re somewhat new to travel or just looking to update your collection with tried-and-trusted picks, you can rely on the list below. From totes to check-in bags, these are the luggage pieces Travel + Leisure editors love so much, we travel with them again and again. 

Lambert The Bali Carry-on

Lambert  

The best types of luggage are pieces that are just as stylish as they are functional — which is why we love Lambert’s Bali Carry-on so much. The spinner rolls beautifully, zips up with ease, and boasts TSA locks for extra security. Inside, you’ll find a spacious main compartment fit for a week’s worth of clothes, as well as three additional pockets, a laptop compartment, and three drawstring bags for shoes or laundry. Plus, there’s something so dapper about the black-trimmed front pocket and brand name emblazoned across the front.  

“This Montreal-based luggage company makes a variety of stylish luggage pieces that are super durable,” writer Anna Popp said. “I love the carry-on with a front laptop pocket for extra storage and the main compartment has plenty of space for a weeklong trip. The color options are my favorite part with sleek black, classy black and white, and a stunning light pink 'strawberry parfait' colorway.” 

The Details: 14 x 22 x 9 inches | Polycarbonate, polyester

Away The Trunk

Need a little (or should we say a lot of) extra space? Consider snagging Away’s The Trunk. At 31 by 17 by 13.7 inches, it’s one of the largest suitcases on our list. Despite its size, though, it never feels cumbersome — its 360-degree wheels glide over all types of surfaces, and at just 12.1 pounds, it's light enough to easily hoist in and out of car trunks and up and down stairs. It’s even equipped with several pockets and a compression pad to maximize space and organization.

“I'll be the first to admit that I never understood the hype of Away until I got The Trunk in the limited edition magenta pink shade,” Popp said. “The 30/70 design has completely changed the way I pack for longer trips and I love it for packing oddly-shaped items like ski gear or bulky clothing. While the magenta shade isn't around anymore, the trunk is available in several permanent colorways, like sorbet orange and coastal blue.” 

The Details: 31.3 x 17 x 13.7 inches | Polycarbonate, polyester | 12.1 pounds

Arlo Skye The Weekender

This is a do-it-all piece of luggage if we’ve ever seen one. It works wonderfully as your sole piece of luggage for shorter trips or gym runs, and it also makes a great carry-on to pair with larger suitcases on longer journeys. It has plenty of pockets, including dedicated compartments for a laptop and a pair of shoes, and a trolley sleeve to attach it to the handle of your wheeled luggage. You can choose between a monochromatic black or a mint color scheme, and then decide if you’d rather carry it by its top handles or detachable shoulder strap.

“I’ve been looking for an upgrade to my carry-on duffel bag that I’ve been using for the past 15 years, and I finally found something I love with Arlo Skye’s The Weekender,” testing editor Jackie Cucco said. “I like that it has some structure to it, but you can still fit it underneath an airplane seat if you need to. I usually check a suitcase as well, so I use this for my in-flight necessities and valuables that I want within reach. This has a laptop sleeve, a shoe compartment, and side pockets that make it convenient to store important items like your phone, charger, passport, and wallet so you don’t have to go digging around.”

The Details: 20.5 x 9.1 x 11.4 inches | Nylon, polyester, copper, nickel

Béis Check-in Roller

This is the ultimate check-in bag. It’s the perfect size for the average trip, it’s durable, and it comes in some of the most beautiful colors we’ve seen in luggage, including slate, atlas pink, and olive. It also comes with several useful extras, like compression straps, dividers with pockets, TSA-approved locks, and expandability. We especially love that it’s stain-resistant, meaning it’s a low-maintenance option that’ll look new for years.

“I really can't recommend Beis' larger luggage enough,” senior editor Maya Kachroo-Levine said. “It closes seamlessly no matter how much you pack into it. The compartments are extremely well organized, and the exterior shell REALLY holds up. I've recently learned to love myself and trust the universe enough to check a bag (it's very freeing), and I have to say, Beis' Medium roller is large enough to fit everything — and I mean everything — I need for a long trip, or a trip where I need to bring a ton of winter layers, while still feeling manageable to cart around an airport.”

The Details: 28.3 x 17.7 x 11 inches | Polycarbonate, PVC, polyester, vegan leather, nylon | 10.2 pounds

Calpak Luka Duffel Bag

We’d be lying if we said we hadn’t considered using this bag as a pillow during particularly long layovers — that’s how soft and cushioned it is. Made of lightweight yet durable polyester, the Luka is the perfect squishy-yet-structured carry-on. It’s full of pockets, including a subtle shoe space, water bottle slots, and a large hidden pocket on the front exterior. Many of the pockets are paired with amazingly smooth zippers that have never snagged or broken on us. You can grab it in four neutral permanent colors or 14 limited edition shades including gunmetal, plum, and celery.

“Duffels and weekenders are always my go-to carry-ons, and I think I’ve finally found ‘the one’ in Calpak’s Luka Duffel,” associate editor Hillary Maglin said. “I’ve recommended it countless times in the months that I’ve had it, mainly because I’m obsessed with how soft and squishy yet durable it is. It fits under plane seats and packs down under my bed for storage with zero effort, but it also efficiently protects items like a laptop, shoes, wallets, and more. The cushioned handles mean I can carry it everywhere pain-free. I’ve even had strangers approach me asking where it’s from!”

The Details: 12 x 16 x 7 inches | Polyester | 2.1 pounds

July Carry On Trunk

If you’re searching for a trunk on the smaller side, look no further than July’s Carry-on Trunk. It’s slightly larger than a typical carry-on spinner, but it’s still small enough to bring into the plane cabin with you. Everything about this trunk just feels luxurious — from the high-gloss polycarbonate shell and zipperless closure to the whisper-quiet spinner wheels and personalized handle height. Inside the trunk, you’ll find a stain-proof laundry bag, July’s Y-strap compression system, a water-resistant lining, and a deep main compartment made for stowing larger items. It even comes with an ejectable, quick-charging USB-C battery.

“I’ll admit, the first thing that drew me to this trunk was its sleek appearance (I have the light sand shade, which is more of a light pink in real life),” Maglin said. “But once I started using it, I realized just how durable it is, too. I expected the ultra-glossy exterior to scuff easily, but so far it hasn’t at all, despite being thrown around on a couple of trips. I’m also all about the customizable handle height, being the five foot gal that I am.”

The Details: 21.5 x 14.75 x 8.75 inches | Polycarbonate, nylon | 8.4 pounds

Travelpro x Travel + Leisure Collection

We may be biased, but our team believes there’s nothing better than Travelpro’s Travel + Leisure collection, which includes everything from hard-sided checked bags to backpacks to totes. All nine pieces are well-constructed using materials like polycarbonate and leather, while all of the spinners expand and glide smoothly over all surfaces. The spinners and spinner sets are available in three neutral colorways, while the backpacks and weekender bag are available in four. 

“It may be wildly self-indulgent to recommend this luggage set, but hear me out: I've taken these well-built suitcases on a circuit around India, on multiple cruise ships, on short hops, and on road trips,” news director Paul Brady said. “And they're still as solid as the day I got 'em. Even more surprising: The wheels are still spinning smoothly, even on rough sidewalks and down cobblestone streets.” 

The Details: 15.5 x 14.75 x 4.75 to 30 x 17 x 14 inches | Materials vary by bag | 2 to 12.6 pounds

Caraa Pet Carrier

Caraa 

Traveling with pets may not be the world’s easiest feat, but the Caraa Pet Carrier sure does streamline the process. It’s designed like actual luggage and boasts a trolley strap so you can wheel it atop your spinner suitcase, plus it has multiple external and interior pockets. The lightweight yet sturdy bag also fits dogs and cats up to 18 pounds, features a collapsible frame for storage, and has a removable sherpa lining that can be machine washed. 

“My main complaint with dog carriers is that they don’t have enough pockets for my things,” associate editorial director Morgan Ashley Parker said. “Much like other Caraa bags I love, this option has ample large external pockets so I can stay organized, as well as one pocket inside the carrier for my dog Beau’s collar and harness. I personally love the hot pink, but it comes in black too — and at a great price.”

The Details: 8 x 16.5 x 10.5 inches | Vegan leather, nylon | 3.5 pounds

Rimowa Original Cabin

Rimowa is known for its luxury products, and the Original Cabin is no exception. With this suitcase in tow, you just may feel like the most fashionable person on your flight thanks to an extra-sturdy aluminum exterior and gorgeous monochromatic shades like silver and arctic blue. The interior is equally as impressive — it contains a detachable divider with pockets on each side, which can be adjusted based on the items you pack. Other features we love are TSA combination locks, zipperless closure, side and top handles, and a smooth telescoping handle.  

“No suitcase in the history of suitcases makes me feel fancier than this sleek Rimowa,” Parker said. “I could be in seat 2A or 22A, all dressed up or wearing a matching sweatsuit, and I immediately feel like I have my act together. Despite its relatively small size, it has compression pads on both clamshell halves so I can fit all my essentials and not worry about them flopping out when I open it up. Vibes and functionality: 10/10.”

The Details: 21.7 x 15.8 x 9.1 inches | Aluminum, polyester, plastic | 9.5 pounds

Away Bigger Carry-on

A little extra space is the most precious gift you can give yourself on the road. That said, we’re loving Away’s The Bigger Carry-on. Like its standard counterpart, this spinner boasts interior dividers, mesh organization pockets, and compression straps inside of a sturdy, lightweight polycarbonate shell. But unlike the standard version, it can accommodate up to nine outfits and items up to 22.7 by 15.4 by 9.6 inches. And despite its larger size, it still adheres to most airlines’ carry-on size limits. 

“The Away Bigger Carry On has become the MVP of my travel arsenal,” senior editor Jasmine Grant said. “It's stuck by me through various types of trips — from weeks spent island hopping in Thailand to two-day work trips. I've had the suitcase for about four years now, and aside from minor scratches and scuffs, it's held up extremely well. I also find that the size is absolutely perfect. It can fit a surprising amount of clothes — and even when it's been stuffed to the brim, the internal compression features help pack down my stuff so I'm able to close the suitcase without incident.” 

The Details: 22.7 x 15.4 x 9.6 inches | Polycarbonate, polyester, leather | 7.9 pounds

Harber London Classic Rucksack

Harber London  

If you’re more of a backpack person when it comes to travel, Harber London’s Classic Rucksack is the way to go. It feels high end thanks to leather detailing and a double buckle top closure, but where it really shines is in the organization department: it has multiple pockets both internally and externally including both laptop and tablet compartments, in addition to a spacious main compartment. It even comes with useful extras like a detachable magnetic key chain, swiveling shoulder straps, a trolley sleeve, front carry straps, and anti-scratch zip teeth.

“For me, this is the perfect bag for every occasion, from daily commutes to international vacations,” updates writer Taylor Fox said. “It's handmade with full grain leathers and is thoughtfully designed with magnetic closures, hidden side pockets for valuables, and of course the coveted luggage sleeve. It's the perfect size for a personal item as it fits all travel essentials and has plenty of padded interior pockets, so I can pack both my laptop and iPad knowing they're well-protected.”

The Details: 15.7 x 11.4 x 5.9 inches | Recycled plastic bottle fabric, leather | 3.3 pounds

Glam-aholic Lifestyle Medium Checked Luggage

Glam-aholic Lifestyle

Add a little whimsy to your travel style with Glam-aholic Lifestyle’s Medium Checked Luggage. This suitcase comes in three colors (black, brown, and light pink) and each includes the fun phrase, “Travel like a G!” printed across the front. Beyond its eye-catching appearance, we also appreciate its interior compression straps, zippered divider to keep your items in place, and interior pockets for organization. 360-degree wheels, a sturdy telescoping handle, and top and side handles make this luggage pick super easy to maneuver in any situation.

“Glam-aholic luggage can hang with all the other brands when it comes to its durability and functionality,” senior editor Danielle Pointdujour said. “But where it really pops is with its fun fresh colors and ‘Travel like a G!’ branding ensuring that you stand out and that your luggage doesn't get lost in the mix at baggage claim.” 

The Details: 28 x 19 x 14 inches

Victorinox Spectra 3.0 Frequent Flyer Carry-on

This heavy-duty spinner is just as reliable as it is stylish, and our editors just can’t get enough of its hardside protection and variety of pockets and compartments. It has pretty much everything you’d ever want from a carry-on bag, including a quick-access, locking front compartment, an organization panel, and 20 percent expandability — plus it’s made of recycled polycarbonate, so you can feel good about your purchase and travels. You can even choose to have it engraved for a more personal touch.

“For me, hard-sided luggage has a flair that soft-sided bags can’t compare to,” senior editor Samantha Falewée said. “Another game changer: the exterior zipper pocket on this suitcase is great for storing important, easily-accessible bits like my laptop and earbuds. The color is a deep, eye-catching red — actually a much richer tone than what's shown on the store's website — that feels like a throwback to Victorinox’s classic Swiss Army knife.” 

The Details: 21.7 x 9.1 x 13.8 x 7.3 inches | Polycarbonate | 7.3 pounds

Samsonite Stryde 2 Carry-on Spinner

Samsonite is one of the most trusted luggage brands on the market. If you’re looking to add a piece from the classic company to your collection, we recommend the Stryde 2 Carry-on Spinner. It’s basically a traveler's dream thanks to a height-adjustable telescoping handle with comfort grip, interior pockets, multiple compression straps, dividers, a WetPak for damp clothing, a snap-in packing cube, and a USB port. The exterior even boasts an interesting wave-like design which helps with durability and identifiability at the airport.  

“My first suitcase was a Samsonite and ever since, I've had a special spot in my heart for these incredibly reliable bags.” write Alexandra Domrongchai said. “Since then, they have only gotten better and one of my latest favorites is this Stryde model that features a durable polycarbonate hardshell to keep my belongings secure and four multi-directional wheels for seamless maneuvering around the airport. Oh, and I always know which bag is mine at the carousel thanks to its unique design.” 

The Details: 22 x 14 x 9 inches | Polycarbonate Recyclex | 7.6 pounds

July Carry On

July is quickly becoming the premier new luggage brand (this is its second appearance on this list, after all). The Carry-on is not only stylish thanks to attractive color options and matching chrome corner protectors, it’s also ultra-durable and designed with compression straps, mesh pockets, and dividers, so you know all your items will remain in place through turbulent flights and bumpy car rides. Like many July spinners, the Carry-on features a luxurious click-close rather than zippers, which makes it easier to close and harder to break into.

“This bag has it all: a lightweight build, protective hardshell, and TSA-approved locks,” Domrongchai said. “It also doesn't hurt that this suitcase is incredibly stylish, and it definitely gives me main character energy walking through the airport. And, I can actually pack more in this bag than my other ones thanks to its compressive luggage straps and spacious pockets.” 

The Details: 21.5 x 15 x 8.5 inches | Polycarbonate, nylon | 7.4 inches

Lo & Sons Rowledge

Lo & Sons

Not every travel backpack has to be enormous and bulky. The cute and somewhat compact Large Rowledge Backpack by Lo & Sons is perfectly sleek in that it fits all the essentials without taking up too much space on your travels — and it fits effortlessly under a plane seat. In fact, it’s small enough to use as a personal item, but that doesn’t mean it’s lacking in the space department. It boasts tons of pockets both internally and externally, including a dedicated protective laptop sleeve. It’s even convertible, so you can choose to use it as a tote as well. Perhaps our favorite thing about the backpack, though, is the option to choose from four interior colors, including lavender and azure blue. 

“When it comes to personal items, I'm a backpack girl, and I went with the Lo & Sons Rowledge based on a recommendation from a travel writer friend who also happens to be a professional packer ,” editorial director Nina Ruggiero said. “She didn't let me down: the Rowledge looks professional enough for a business trip but trendy enough for a girls' getaway, and the smart design means there's a pocket for everything I need. It fits more than I expected, but it also manages to help keep me organized, so I can actually find what I packed.”

The Details: 11.5 x 6.75 x 16.5 inches | Nylon, Nappa leather | 3.2 pounds

Antler Clifton Cabin with Pocket

Antler  

Instead of awkwardly unzipping your whole suitcase on the floor of your concourse when you need something out of it, keep an option like this in your luggage collection. Thanks to an extra-large front pocket, you can easily grab a few essentials out of your bag without causing a scene. The pocket has multiple slots, including a dedicated spot for your laptop, tablet, travel documents, and other small gadgets. On top of that, this spinner is durable, packed with interior pockets, and designed with reliable, TSA-approved locks. And at just 7.27 pounds, it’s easy for any traveler to bring with them from points A to B.

“This London-based brand makes some of my favorite luggage, and the Clifton is its best seller,” Ruggiero said. “To me, a hardside suitcase with an outer pocket (in this case a waterproof, padded outer pocket) is the best of both worlds — you get the protective shell, a sleek look, and easy access to your laptop, passport, and other essentials.”

The Details: 23 x 35 x 56 inches | Polycarbonate | 7.27 pounds

Wm. J. Mills & Co. Executive Cambridge Bag

 Wm. J. Mills & Co.

Are you a rough traveler? If your bags tend to come back from each trip a little more scuffed and tattered than they were before, you need something extra-durable, like the Cambridge Bag. It’s a spacious, no-frills option that’ll keep your belongings in place and intact, sans the scratches and tears another bag might receive. You’ll love using it as a carry-on, a weekender, and even an elevated gym bag thanks to its sturdy top handles, padded shoulder strap, and antique brass zipper and hardware.

“This handsome bag recently replaced the beloved (but falling apart) canvas weekender I’ve been using for the past 30 years,” deputy photo editor Skye Senterfeit said. “I’m usually a carry-on only traveler, and while the Cambridge’s overall dimensions are a hair larger than allowed, it should easily slide into any overhead bin unless you’ve really overstuffed it (and there's also an equally handsome, slightly smaller Boston model if you prefer to size down). I fully expect this bag to hold up for at least the next 30 years of travel.”

The Details: 22 x 14.5 x 11 inches | Canvas | 1 pound

Delsey Paris Chatelet Air 2.0 28-inch Large Checked Spinner

Delsey luggage is classic, reliable, and inspired by vintage styles of yore. If you’re looking to get your hands on a Delsey piece, we suggest the Chatelet Air 2.0 Large Spinner. Beyond its gorgeous appearance, we’re obsessed with just how user-friendly it is. It rolls effortlessly, it zips open and closed smoothly, and it seems to have a spot for everything due to its spacious interior and abundant pockets. It even has an eye-catching coral-hued interior to set it apart from other suitcases in your collection. If you love the Large Spinner, you can also cop the Chatelet Air 2.0 in five other sizes ranging from an underseater to a trunk . 

“As a senior editor at T+L, I get plenty of opportunities to test luggage, but I’ll never give up this checked Delsey’s spot in my closet,” senior editor Lydia Price said. “Huge zippered compartments on each side make it easy to stay organized or pack in a hurry, and it glides like a dream when you’re running through an airport. I’ve taken it on a city-hopping trip to India and a ski trip to Japan, and it’s proved sturdy enough to protect all my clothes and gear on multiple journeys to baggage claim. Laundry bags, a TSA-approved lock, and odor-controlling fabric top it all off to create a true traveler’s dream.” 

The Details: 30 x 20.75 x 12.75 inches | Polycarbonate | 11.11 pounds

Paravel ‘I Like You Even When I'm Hungry’ Medium Cabana Tote

Paravel 

This fun tote works just as well as your carry-on item as it does your beach bag, shopping tote, or commuter carry-all. The spacious, spill-proof bag holds multiple days’ worth of clothing and shoes, and unlike many canvas totes, it even features a handful of interior and exterior pockets to keep smaller essentials organized. We love the vegan leather detailing and the striped handles (which are available in four bright colorways), and you can even choose to add a shoulder strap for an additional fee. 

“Paravel makes some of the best totes out there — they are super roomy, with a handy exterior pocket for stashing last-minute essentials,” editor in chief Jacqui Gifford said. “I also love how they can be monogrammed. This limited edition bag is emblazoned with some serious words to live by.” 

The Details: 17.75 x 12.25 x 7.5 inches | Canvas, vegan leather | 2.4 pounds

Tips for Buying Luggage

Choose the size and style that’s right for your travels.

Let’s be real: we all want stylish luggage. And while that cute leather tote is nice to look at, it probably isn’t the best option for camping trips or lengthy trips abroad. Similarly, lugging an oversized checked bag on a 3-day jaunt isn’t the most practical idea either. So, before your next journey, make sure you have luggage on hand that makes the most sense for that specific trip. Keep in mind it’s okay to have different bags for different scenarios — and buying a new one for your next trip is worth it if it makes travel more comfortable.

Know your organization preferences

There’s a lot of luggage out there — which is good news if you’re picky when it comes to organization. If you like a dedicated space for all your things, look for luggage that has plenty of pockets and compartments (our editors are big fans of bags with special slots for shoes or wet/dirty clothing). If you prefer to neatly fold everything into one big, open compartment, opt for something without all the zippers and dividers.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

For this article, T+L associate editor Hillary Maglin worked with her colleagues to round up the very best pieces of luggage we’ve actually used in the past year, and plan on continuing to use for years to come.

Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we’ll send you our favorite travel products each week.

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Kidmoto IOS app

Book car service with car seat in St Petersburg

St. petersburg city car service with car seats.

Have you ever been to St. Petersburg, Florida? It is one of the cities in the US where you can find award-winning beaches that are simply beautiful. But beaches are not all the only things that make the City of St. Petersburg a perfect family getaway. From top-rated restaurants to beautiful parks, animal sanctuaries and waterfront escapes, there is so much to explore in this city.Located in between Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, St. Petersburg is called “The Sunshine City.” It even has the Guinness Book of World Records title of having the “most consecutive days with sunshine,” being bright and sunny for 768 consecutive days. At the heart of the city are many great attractions, bars, shops, and restaurants to visit and have fun. There is also the famous Chihuly Collection, which is a mind-blowing glasswork, on Central Avenue.If you love the sun and sands, then you might want to visit some of its beaches or head to the Tampa Bay. There are only a few of the many beautiful things to see in St. Petersburg. Whether you are here for tours and sightseeing, art and history, outdoors and nature, or to eat and drink, the city will not disappoint. But to make the most of it, you need a reliable St. Petersburg Car Service with Car Seats to drive you to and from the St Petersburg – Clearwater International Airport.

Let’s Make Your Day with Quality Car Service Designed for Your Family’s Safety

You decided to pay a visit to St. Petersburg and enjoy a day of fun in the city. However, it is not that easy because of the hassles of traveling with children. It is hard to enjoy when you are with children who have unpredictable moods. At the same time, it is stressing and tiring to have to cart around all the baby needs and car seats.In times like these, a car service like Kidmoto is a huge help. If you have a car ready at the airport to take you anywhere in St. Petersburg, it will help ease all your worries. The fact is traveling is not a comfortable option when you travel with children. Children’s moods quickly change, and if they are in a surrounding that is not comfortable, like a hot, crowded bus, it will most likely make everyone unhappy. Of course, that is not what you want. Fortunately, Kidmoto’s St. Petersburg Car Service with Car Seats can save you from all these troubles. With our car service, you can have a peace of mind that you won’t have any difficulty going to places and exploring what the city has to offer. We are here to take care of you, even with going to areas that are not accessible by bus or taxi.Of course, that isn’t the only benefit we have for our customers. Whether you are a local or a tourist, the main advantage that Kidmoto offers you is the assurance that your child is in safe hands. Our drivers are trained and certified with the knowledge of properly installing car seats. With that, you can be sure that your kid will be safe as you drive around the city.

Safe Airport Transportation

Kidmoto allows our passengers safe and secure transport from one airport to the next or from an airport to your destination by booking our Philadelphia car service with car seats. Here are our services that guarantee your safety:

  • Choice of vehicles. Depending on how many kids require car seats for their safety, you can choose from three different options – minivan, sedan or large SUV. If you have a lot of luggage, especially if you include strollers in the equation, you can book our large vehicles with more room to spare.
  • Trained drivers. It does not have to be a struggle to get your own car seats fitted into a Kidmoto car when you can just book a car service complete with drivers who know how to properly install car seats.
  • Well-inspected vehicles. We know how important peace of mind is to you, especially since you have your kids traveling with you. But Kidmoto can assure you that all our driver- partners have successfully passed strict vehicle inspections conducted a number of times for your assurance. We conduct several mechanical assessments to make sure that your vehicles are all safe and can run well with its mechanically sound features.
  • Safe car seats. Included in the stringent inspections are the car seats, which our drivers are required to clean regularly and check for damages.
  • Vetted driver-partners. Part of that safety assurance is our rigorous driver-partner screening process. We make sure to check local and national criminal cases, terrorist watch lists, and sex offender registries. You can stay on the road with our heavily vetted drivers without any worries.
  • Round-the-clock service. You can book and set up reservations for a Philadelphia car with car seats for pick-up and drop off for the Philadelphia International Airport from any location within the city and vice versa.

Kidmoto is more than a car service booking mobile app. We will not only provide you with a Philadelphia car with car seats but also a vetted driver who is trained in installing car seats for infants, toddlers, and small to large kids.

Vehicles That Suit Exactly What You Need

Quality car seats are just one of our selling points. Besides that, Kidmoto Car Service stands apart from our competitors by being able to provide customers with precisely the kind of vehicle they need. We have sedans, minivans and large SUV’S meant to make your trip more comfortable and convenient. Of course, these cars are also adequately maintained, running like they are new. If you have a request for what kind of car to use when you book a ride with us, you can just tell us what you need. In addition to the type of vehicle, it will help to let us know the number of child passengers and their weights. This information will help us ensure a suitable, clean car will be sent to you with properly installed car seats.

Professionally Trained and Certified Drivers to Assist You Along the Way

Next to different kinds of vehicles available and premium car seats, Kidmoto also boasts of friendly, professionally trained drivers to take you exploring the city. It is not just that they are trained in installing child car seats. It is also that they are always there to make your day bright with a simple smile. From the first time you meet, our drivers are sure to greet you warmly, and that makes a huge difference.It is not only keeping you safe and comfortable that we do. At the same time, we work to brighten your day, so that your trip will be enjoyable and memorable. Kidmoto drivers don’t only drive you to your destination but connect with you through trust and courtesy. With that, you can expect them to dress appropriately and always wear a smile when you meet them.

Have a Safe, Worry-Free Trip with Kidmoto Car Service

Do you need a ride to go from the airport to the beach or the museum? Or maybe you need to the hotel? Wherever you want to go, Kidmoto Car Service can help. No matter where in St.Petersburg, Kidmoto’s drivers know the way around and can take you there safely. For the stressed-out moms and restless children, know that St. Petersburg Car Service with Car Seats is here for you. We will make traveling more fun and convenient for you and your children. Kidmoto makes that possible with fully convertible car seats designed to suit anyone’s needs.

Get to Traveling Conveniently with the Kidmoto App

How can you take advantage of all the benefits we offer? That’s easy! All you need to do is visit our website and book a ride via our web form, or you can use the Kidmoto App, available on the Apple IOS Store or Google Play. You can tell us there all necessary details about how you want us to provide your car service. If not through the website, you can also use our Kidmoto App. It is more convenient, not to mention, the Kidmoto app is available globally. Download the app, sign up, then book your ride. That’s only 3 steps, and you are good to go! Schedule a Kidmoto St. Petersburg Car Service with Car Seats today!

Kidmoto makes it easy for you.

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  • Customer support email is [email protected]
  • Please Keep Eating to a minimum, Because we need to Keep the Car seats Clean for other Passengers
  • Tolls & Surcharges are not included in price estimate
  • Every trip is quoted individually
  • Airport pickups are tracked for delays or early arrivals.
  • Price estimates include a 15% driver gratuity
  • AM Traffic Surcharge is 3am – 9 am EST
  • PM Traffic Surcharge is 3pm – 7 pm EST
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  • There is a $7 charge for each additional stop made during a trip
  • Your card will be charged after the ride is completed
  • NYC Congestion Pricing is $2.75 below of 96 Street paid to NYS
  • INSIDE AIRPORT PICKUP
  • The extra charge is $10 Plus airport parking charges
  • Driver will meet you INSIDE terminal & outside of arrivals area
  • WAITING TIME is $.50 per minute
  • Airport Waiting time starts after 30 minutes of landing time for domestic flights
  • Airport Waiting time starts after 70 minutes of landing time for international flights
  • General non-airport pickup waiting time starts after 15 minutes for scheduled reservation
  • Price Quoted is relative to traffic conditions

Where the Wild Kids Wander

Family | Travel | Adventures

14 Fun Things to Do In St. Petersburg with Kids

Lauren

  • June 16, 2023
  • Updated December 12, 2023
  • In Florida , Itineraries and Things to Do , Weekend Getaways

Looking for fun things to do in St. Petersburg with kids?

If you are planning a family vacation or spring break getaway to St. Pete in Florida and are looking for fun things to do in the area, we’ve got you covered.

As the second largest city in the Tampa Bay area, and within a short driving distance of some of  Florida’s best beaches for families , St. Petersburg offers many fun attractions! And we got to experience many of them over our week in St. Pete.

One of the best things to do with kids in St. Pete is experience the art scene. Seriously! St. Peter is recognized as American’s #1 Arts Destination in mid-sized cities.

The city has tons of art museums, including the Chihuly Collection and Dali Museum , and also amazing murals throughout the city. And many of them are kid-friendly.

If you only had one day in St. Petersburg and want to know what you cannot miss, these are our 3 favorite things to do in St. Pete:

  • The Sunken Gardens: This 100-year-old garden used to be a roadside attraction!
  • The Dali Museum: As one of the most well-known and respected artists of all time, this museum is a must-see.
  • Dolphin Landings Boat Rides: This boat tour let’s you witness dolphins in their natural habitat.

There are other so many other fun things to do in St. Petersburg with kids, including gardens, boat rides, and kid-friendly museums.

This guide shares our favorites, plus other useful information about visiting St. Pete with kids. Let’s go!

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, we may receive a commission if you click through and make a purchase.

Getting to St. Petersburg

The closest airport to St. Petersburg is the Tampa International Airport . It’s easy to fly into from most major airports . And it’s just across the bay from St. Pete. You can either rent a car or a take a ride share to your hotel or rental.

If you’re traveling to St. Petersburg with kids, don’t forget to bring your car seat. Or use a travel booster like the mifold .

Where to Stay in St. Petersburg With Kids

There are plenty of hotel options in St. Petersburg , but we recommend staying downtown, close to many of the activities on this list. Many of those hotels are family-friendly, offering multiple rooms and even free breakfast.

Top Hotel Picks:

  • Hampton Inn & Suites St. Petersburg/Downtown is right by the waterfront and walking distance to many of the attractions listed below.
  • Hyatt Place St Petersburg/Downtown has large rooms and free breakfast.

Get Around St. Pete for FREE With the Downtown Looper Trolley

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St. Petersburg is easy to get around with the FREE Downtown Looper Trolley. Many of the locations we include in this post are serviced by this trolley. Here is the information you will need for the Downtown Looper Trolley , including a map and service hours. Then hop on and enjoy the ride!

Things to Do in St. Petersburg With Kids: Art Museums

Yes! Art museums! They aren’t usually at the top of a kid-friendly attractions list. However, the art museums in St. Pete are incredible and kids really enjoy them.

1. The Dali Museum

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Whether or not your kids know who Salvador Dali is, they will really enjoy a visit to the Dali Museum .

The outdoor garden has a wishing tree and a fun maze for kids to explore. Inside the museum, kids will learn about Dali’s early life and his artwork from Mr. Mustache, an audio tour specifically made for children.

2. The Chihuly Collection

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With bright colors and unique designs, Dale Chihuly makes art that kids are drawn to. The Chihuly Collection in St. Petersburg is the perfect place to introduce your kids to the artist .

It is large enough to get to experience Chihuly’s style and unique medium, but small enough to see everything within an hour.

Included in your ticket is access to a glass-blowing exhibit at the Morean Arts Center across the street!

3. The Morean Arts Center

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The Morean Arts Center is a small gallery located directly across the street from the Chihuly Collection. Featuring local artists, kids will enjoy the unique and modern art designs featured within the gallery. An attached cafe is a great place to stop for a light snack or lunch!

4. St. Petersburg Mural Tour

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One thing you will notice when walking around St. Petersburg is all of the beautiful murals! You can take your kids on a self-guided mural tour throughout the city using this map.

If you’d like something more formal, you can participate in a walking tour by the Florida CraftArt . Either way, kids will have fun exploring the city while learning about different kinds of art.

5. Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg

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Located on the downtown waterfront, the Museum of Fine Arts offers a varied collection of paintings, pottery, and other pieces of art. Styles of art range from classical, to impressionistic, to modern, and everything in between. 

6. Imagine Museum

The Chihuly Museum isn’t the only modern glass art museum in St. Petersburg. Imagine Museum also features gorgeous art made from glass. The Imagine Museum offers discounted days and extended hours various days of the week.

In addition to the museum, visitors have the option to shop at their FREE night market, select nights of the year.

Outdoor Fun in St Petersburg With Kids

7. st. petersburg city parks.

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St. Petersburg has many city parks that line the downtown waterfront . Fountains to splash in, banyan trees to climb, and playgrounds to play on offer kids plenty of things to do and see while exploring the waterfront.

8. Explore Weedon Island Preserve

You can spend a full day in St. Pete with kids just exploring Weedon Island Preserve ! There are several trails, including hiking and boardwalk trails, through the 3000+-acre island. Plus observation towers over the water.

Start your visit at the Weedon Island Cultural and Natural History Center to learn about the indigenous people of the area, as well as the natural environment.

Or if you want to spend some time on the water, exploring the mangroves, you can try a kayak tour .

Try this nighttime illuminated glass-bottom kayak tour !

9. Sunken Gardens

Sunken Gardens , a 100-year-old garden, is St. Petersburg’s oldest roadside attraction. What once was an ancient lake became the perfect place to grow beautiful tropical plants.

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Kids will love exploring the maze-like paths of the property. Many birds are located on the property, such as flamingos and parakeets, as well as other animals, like the snapping alligator turtle.-

10. Dolphin Landings Boat Rides

While technically not in St. Petersburg, but St. Pete Beach, Dolphin Landings still is a fun thing to do with kids! Dolphin Landings offers dolphin watching charters.

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Take a two-hour sailboat ride around the Boca Ciega Bay to find dolphins in their natural habitat. You may get lucky and see a pod of dolphins swimming and playing around in the water!

11. The Cross-Bay Ferry

Another way to spend some fun time on the water is the Cross-Bay Ferry ! The ferry offers seasonal transportation to and from Tampa.

The ferry departs St. Petersburg right next to North Straub Park. Arriving right next to the Florida Aquarium (where you can swim with sharks !) and the American Victory and Ship Museum , you can spend the morning and afternoon in Tampa before taking a return trip back to St. Pete.

12. Visit Gulfport, FL

Right in between St. Petersburg and St. Pete beach is Gulfport, a small town with tons of fun things to do . Gulfport’s Historic Waterfront on Shore Boulevard hosts many fun and delicious restaurants and bars.

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They also have a big playground right on the waterfront that kids will love! The playground is shaded, so even on a warm day, it it comfortable for kids to play.

If you visit during the week, make sure to stop by Gulfport on Tuesday morning. Over 50 vendors line the streets selling fresh foods and unique goods. 

Fun Places for Kids in (and Near) St. Petersburg

13. great explorations children’s museum.

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In the same location as the Sunken Gardens, Great Explorations is a fun, small, children’s museum. This museum is perfect for kids 6 and under. Even babies have a special section just for them!

Kids can pretend to be a doctor, vet, or firefighter. They also can pretend to shop around the grocery store! Plan to spend about an hour in the museum so kids can enjoy each area to its fullest.

Money Saving Tip: If you have a membership to a ASTC museum, you may be able to receive FREE admission to this museum with your membership card if you meet the distance requirements.

14. ZooTampa at Lowry Park.

Although it is not located in St. Petersburg, ZooTampa is still an awesome place to bring the kids! One part zoo and one part amusement park , ZooTampa is 30-minute drive from the St. Petersburg area. Kids will especially love the manatee rehabilitation center and the splash pads in the kids’ area.

Read It Now, Pin it For Later!

St. Petersburg in Florida is a beautiful, laid back, town near Tampa and Clearwater. It a family-friendly place that has plenty of fun things to do with kids. - Where the Wild Kids Wander- Florida | Family Travel | Travel With Kids | Things to Do in St Pete

Lauren is the visionary behind Where the Wild Kids Wander. She is a travel enthusiast who lives outside of Philadelphia. For more than a decade, she's been hitting the road, exploring the nooks and crannies of the United States alongside her family. Her passions include visiting big cities and small towns and trekking through nature's trails. She loves sharing those adventures with fellow travelers.

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Travel cards in St. Petersburg

If you are staying in St. Petersburg for more than one week and you are using public transport to get around, it probably makes sense to buy some sort of travel card. Your choice of which type of card you need will depend on how much you travel and where to. The card itself costs a small set fee, and you can then choose how much credit to put on the card.

These pale-blue cards are only for use on the metro, and can be bought at metro station ticket windows. The fare plans that you can use on this card include unlimited metro access for one month, a choice of reduced fares for a maximum number of days (e.g. ten journeys in seven days), or multiple tickets with smaller reductions for a maximum number of journeys in 90 days (only the latter can be used by more than one person, as all other card types have a time block of 10 minutes between uses).

Transport card

These violet cards with a picture of the Alexander Column can be bought at metro stations and can be used as a single monthly travel card for all types of public transport, the same service for two weeks, or a monthly travel card for overland transport only.

Combined transport card

This yellow-orange card with an illustration of the Bronze Horseman is for use on overland public transport (buses, trolleybuses and trams) only, and gives you ten journeys in 30 days with around a 15% saving on regular fares.

Podorozhnik Card

This flexible new transport card is decorated with a picture of a plantain ("podorozhnik"), and can be bought from ticket windows at metro stations or at 32, Ulitsa Rubinshteina. The card can be used as a carrier for any type of regular transport card (see above), or used to pay separately for metro and overland transport services, with increasing discounts the more you use the card in each calendar month.

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  • Ask Wirecutter

Ask Wirecutter: How Do I Curb My Boyfriend’s Paper Towel Addiction?

A clay sculpture of a sriracha bottle that is spilling fake sriracha all over, in front of a pink background.

Ask Wirecutter, an advice column written by Annemarie Conte, explores the best approaches to buying, using, and maintaining stuff. Email your biggest product-related problems to [email protected] .

Dear Wirecutter,

My boyfriend uses so many paper towels. It just feels unreasonable, and we need a reusable towel situation that we can both stick to. What do you recommend?

Dear B.N., In some homes, there are only two types of towels in the kitchen: paper towels and decorative cloths that say something mildly off-color about wine.

But there are many options between those two extremes. I surveyed folks on both the Wirecutter kitchen team and at NYT Cooking, and some of our staff members empathize with you because they also live with a paper-towel-loving person. Others are the paper-towel-loving person. And many fall in between.

Here are tips to help you find some balance in your kitchen, whether that’s using one select-a-size rectangle per week or regularly unspooling half the roll to mop up 40 ounces of mess from a Stanley tumbler tipping over .

Place the paper towels out of sight

If paper towels are the first thing you reach for, put them away. Storing them in a cabinet or under the sink can help you pause before automatically grabbing them.

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Williams Sonoma All Purpose Pantry Towels

The best kitchen towel.

With terry cloth on one side and waffle weave on the other, this towel combines absorbency, utility, and attractiveness.

Buying Options

Budget pick.

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Utopia Towels Kitchen Bar Mops

Cheap and absorbent.

These affordable terry cloth towels aren’t cute, but they’ll get the job done, wiping up spills from big to small.

Buy reusable towels and employ them for the right tasks

A cabinet filled with kitchen towels.

Sometimes stashing the paper towels isn’t enough. “I have a paper-towel problem,” senior staff writer Rachel Wharton admits. “If they are there, I will use them up, like within a day. Or an hour.”

She decided to go cold turkey and stop buying them because she could hear them calling to her from behind the cabinet door.

If you’ve decided you can’t have paper towels in the house, the most straightforward alternative is to buy more reusable towels. A lot more. “Get both nicer towels and cheap bar mops since they serve different purposes,” senior editor Marguerite Preston says.

The upfront cost for a package of bar mops or microfiber cloths is about the same as for a multipack of Kirkland Signature Paper Towels. So you’ll amortize the price of your reusable products in just a few months.

Bar mops, such as the Utopia Towels Kitchen Bar Mops , are inexpensive, lower-quality cotton cloths that you can use for messes that stain (like coffee or sriracha sauce).

Some paper-towel teetotalers like Marguerite will use bar mops for bacteria-laden tasks, including patting meat dry (then they toss the dirty cloths straight into a hot wash). Others, like our sustainability editor Katie Okamoto, will reserve a few unbleached paper towels for those kinds of tasks and then toss them in the compost.

Higher-quality kitchen towels, like Williams Sonoma All Purpose Pantry Towels , are nicer to look at. They can be reserved for drying dishes and hands or for wiping up water spills, so they don’t get too grimy too quickly.

Our large-appliance writer has a dark-horse candidate for paper-towel replacement: a microfiber towel, like the MR.SIGA Microfiber Cleaning Cloth . “It’s the only washable cloth I’ve ever found that gets close to the amazing absorbency of a paper towel,” she says. “They don’t get hard, they don’t stain, they soak up a lot of liquid, they can be wrung out easily, and they air-dry quickly.”

Rachel says she is aware of the concern about microfibers in the waste stream, so to reduce harm, she gently washes and air-dries these towels.

We’re currently working on a guide to Swedish dishcloths, which people often use as a sponge and paper-towel replacement. They’re made from cellulose fibers, are biodegradable, and can be used and washed hundreds of times before being composted. (We’ll keep you updated on what we find!)

And if your boyfriend is mopping up his messy maw with a paper towel rather than a napkin, don’t worry. We also have a guide to cloth napkins .

And create a space for dirties

I keep a basket in my pantry where I can take messy-towel free throws with about 75% accuracy. My mother used to toss her towels straight down the basement steps and then pick them up on the way to the laundry room. Your bin could be under your sink. Do whatever works for your kitchen, but find a tiny hamper and remind your boyfriend to use it.

Most importantly, get into the groove of having a good laundry routine ; that means go easy on the laundry detergent and absolutely forgo fabric softener. “These things will decrease the absorbency of your towels and drive you absolutely nuts when you try to wipe up big spills,” says Marguerite, who washes her towels on hot with an extra rinse cycle.

I have an entire cabinet shelf near the sink that is well stocked with my towel supply. I can open the cabinet, grab one, use it, and then hang it to dry. And because I have so many towels, there’s always a fresh one when I need it, yet I don’t feel buried in laundry. (Side note: This system can also apply to socks and underwear.)

This article was edited by Jason Chen.

Meet your guide

travel car seat wirecutter

Annemarie Conte

Deputy Editor

Annemarie Conte is a deputy editor at Wirecutter. She has written and edited for multiple local and national magazines throughout her career. You can follow her on Instagram .

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    One shoulder harness position, one crotch buckle position. Body is made of aerospace-grade aluminum. Seat is made with ASTROKNIT™ mesh, which takes the place of foams. Pico is eco-friendly, with the majority of the seat being recyclable. MSRP $330, or bundled together with a fabulous travel bag for $410.

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    Chicco KidFit Zip Air Plus 2-in-1 Belt-Positioning Booster Car Seat. At 15 pounds, this booster seat hits the perfect sweet spot. The fabric zips off to be washed, which is great because kids are filthy animals. And like a recliner, this seat has a cushioned leg rest for extra comfort. The backrest is removable.

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    10. Dolphin Landings Boat Rides. While technically not in St. Petersburg, but St. Pete Beach, Dolphin Landings still is a fun thing to do with kids! Dolphin Landings offers dolphin watching charters. Take a two-hour sailboat ride around the Boca Ciega Bay to find dolphins in their natural habitat.

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    These pale-blue cards are only for use on the metro, and can be bought at metro station ticket windows. The fare plans that you can use on this card include unlimited metro access for one month, a choice of reduced fares for a maximum number of days (e.g. ten journeys in seven days), or multiple tickets with smaller reductions for a maximum number of journeys in 90 days (only the latter can be ...

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