It’s rare for parents to feel enthused about car seats, yet here I am, dedicating my time and energy to this website because I’m passionate about it!
Installing, setting up, and strapping your child into a car seat can often seem complicated and frustrating.
This problem only becomes more apparent as your child grows, especially with the terrible twos.
Discovering that elusive blend of safety, affordability and versatility in a car seat is challenging, especially when it needs to fit a two-year-old’s needs!
With that said, we found the best solution.
From our extensive research, the Evenflo Sonus 65 stands out as the optimal car seat for 2-year-olds due to its portability, comfort, and reasonable price point.
In this guide, you’ll learn all you need to know about car seats for two-year-olds, including the 11 best car seats, car seat laws, and common car seat mistakes to avoid.
- What Kind Of Car Seat Should A 2 Year Old Be In?
- What Is The Best Car Seat For 2-Year-Old Children?
- Best Overall
- Best Safest
- Most Affordable
- Most Comfortable
- Best Convertible
- Best Booster Seat
- Most Compact
- Most Luxurious
- Best Side-Impact Protection
- Best for Tall Kids
- Most Durable
- 2-Year-Old Car Seat Law
- Foldable Car Seat For 2-Year-Old
- Wrapping Up
What Kind Of Car Seat Should A 2 Year Old Be In?
Two is a tricky age to work with when it comes to finding a suitable car seat. It generally comes down to your kid’s weight and height rather than just age.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recommends kids stay in rear-facing car seats for as long as possible as it is the safest position.
Keep in mind though, a two-year-old with long legs isn’t going to comfortably fit in a rear-facing car seat.
Forward-facing harness car seats are the next step after rear-facing. They usually accommodate two-year-olds better and are very safe. Convertible car seats make this switch super easy.
What to Avoid
Don’t switch to a forward-facing car seat if you don’t have to. Putting a kid that is too short or too light in a forward-facing car seat is quite dangerous.
While respecting your local laws about car seats is important, it’s also crucial to prioritize following federal safety recommendations. Some state laws could be relatively permissive, which may not guarantee optimal safety.
The biggest mistake to avoid is not following the seat’s manual. If it says there’s a weight limit of 65 pounds and your kid weighs 75, you need to upgrade.
Similarly, don’t put a kid in a booster seat if they are only 20 pounds and 25 inches.
Lastly, do your research to make sure the seat you are buying is up-to-date and legal. Many illegal car seats look safe but don’t meet US standards.
What Is The Best Car Seat For 2-Year-Old Children?
Two-year-olds are a fussy lot.
They need safety and security but also comfort and freedom.
These car seats are the best of the best, offering room to grow and move without sacrificing safety or childproofing mechanics.
Here are the 11 best car seats for two-year-old children.
Best Overall
1. Evenflo Sonus 65 Convertible Car Seat
The Evenflo Sonus 65 scores well in terms of design, offering ample space for comfort without being too cumbersome to handle.
The Evenflo Sonus 65 Convertible Car Seat takes the number one spot as the best overall car seat for several reasons.
It’s a middle-of-the-road item as far as cost is concerned, so you won’t be splurging on something you’ll only need for a few years, and it isn’t worryingly cheap, so you don’t have to question its safety features.
Weighting just 11.5 pounds and measuring 19.23 x 19.13 x 29.63 inches, this car seat is quite portable and will fit in any car.
It has a maximum forward-facing weight limit of 65 pounds and a rear-facing weight limit of 40 pounds.
This seat is fully tested for all possible accidents, including side impacts and rollovers.
The installation is straightforward, and the harness has six adjustment points to keep your child fitted snugly as they grow.
The harness of this car seat features a quick-adjust functionality for a perfect fit to your child.
The seat features dual cup holders, machine-washable fabric, and a variety of positioning.
Pros
- High maximum weight
- Front and rear-facing
- Comfortable
Cons
- No strap pads
Best Safest
2. Graco Extend2Fit Convertible
If safety is your top budget priority, the Extend2Fit, on the high end of the price spectrum, spearheads the market in this regard.
If you’re looking for the all-time safest car seat, then you’re going to want to get the Graco Extend2Fit Convertible Car Seat.
This car seat is ideal for frequent driving in high-traffic areas, off-road, and on highways.
If you live somewhere where car accidents are a regular occurrence, you will want to invest in this car seat to protect your little one.
This car seat has aced all crash tests and offers protection from front, rear, side, and rollover accidents.
One edge of the Extend2Fit is its adjustability, enabling it to accommodate your growing child.
Rated with a rear-facing weight limit of 50 pounds and a forward-facing weight limit of 65 pounds, it also offers a four-position extension panel for an extra 5 inches of legroom.
The harness and headrest adjust together for faster fitting, and the harness comes equipped with neck pads. There are also two cup holders.
Altogether the seat weighs 22.61 pounds and measures 24.8 x 22.24 x 19.1 inches.
Pros
- Extremely safe
- Very adjustable
- Comes with neck pads
Cons
- Difficult to tighten the harness
Most Affordable
3. Cosco Scenera Next DLX
Of course, while safety is paramount, your budget may necessitate a compromise. High-end brands aren’t within everyone’s reach.
The Cosco Scenera Next DLX Convertible Car Seat is the perfect option for those working on a budget who still want to keep their kid secure.
The Cosco Scenera is the most affordable car seat on the market. It has no bells or whistles and is strictly designed to keep kids safe.
The seat accommodates up to 40 pounds rear-facing and forward-facing. It measures 17.63 x 15.75 x 30.25 inches and only weighs 10.4 pounds.
The harness is standard and easy to adjust, and the chair does come with one cupholder. This car seat is ideal for those looking for a basic design that is easy to transport.
Pros
- Very affordable
- Comes in many fun colors and patterns
- Very adjustable straps
Cons
- No strap pads
Most Comfortable
4. Cosco Finale DX 2 in 1 Booster
The seat design resembles an armchair, making it a more comfortable place for your child to relax and sleep during long car rides.
Nothing is harder than dealing with a fussy toddler when you need to get in the car and go. That’s why car seats like the Cosco Finale DX 2 in 1 Booster Car Seat are so important.
The Cosco Finale DX 2 in 1 Booster Car Seat is the most comfortable car seat for two-year-olds.
This car seat measures 28.5 x 18 x 21.5 inches and weighs 11 pounds. It can accommodate children up to 30 pounds rear-facing and 65 pounds forward-facing.
It has a soft cup holder. The harness has five adjustment points and in its second mode, with the belt booster, it can hold up to 100 pounds. Despite the form choose, the seat ensures the comfort of the child.
No lumpy pillows are sticking out in odd places or hard plastic surfaces to contend with.
Pros
- Very comfortable
- Adjustable
- Front and rear-facing
Cons
- No straps
Best Convertible
5. Graco 4Ever 4 in 1
It can act as an infant car seat with or without plush inserts, a high back or backless booster seat, a forward or rear-facing chair, or a reclining seat.
The Graco 4ever 4-in-1 Car Seat is a versatile convertible car seat with a bit of everything.
Rear-facing the chair can handle up to 40 pounds of weight, 65 pounds forward-facing, 100 pounds as a high-back booster seat, and 120 pounds as a backless booster. It measures 30.94 x 24 x 19.6 inches. The seat weighs 49.6 pounds with all pieces included.
The seat has an adjustable headrest and harness that move together with 10 positions, removable washable covers, two cup holders, and six positions of recline.
Pros
- Four styles of seat
- Very customizable
- Good for a wide age range
Cons
- The release can be hard to reach
Best Booster Seat
6. Evenflo Evolve Platinum 3-in-1
Its handy three-in-one design enables this car seat to transform into a harness booster, high-back booster or a backless booster seat.
The Evenflo Evolve Platinum 3-in-1 Combination Booster Seat is the best booster seat on the market.
The seat can handle up to 120 pounds and weighs 20 pounds. It measures 20 x 19.5 x 27.8 inches.
This seat is ideal for any fast-growing two-year-old.
Pros
- Three-in-one design
- High max weight
- Good for a wide age range
Cons
- Can be too narrow for some kids
Most Compact
7. Graco Contender 65
The seat has a five-point adjustable harness, energy-absorbing foam, latch equipment, an eight-position headrest, and a cup holder.
The Graco Contender 65 Convertible Car Seat is another affordable option for parents looking for a compact design.
This car seat weighs 20.24 pounds and measures 21.14 x 20.8 x 26 inches. It can accommodate up to 40 pounds rear-facing and 65 pounds forward-facing.
The overall design is very compact and sleek. It works as a unit and integrates all parts seamlessly.
Pros
- A compact design fit for travel
- Front and rear-facing
- Easy to use
Cons
- A little heavy for the size
Most Luxurious
8. Britax Boulevard ClickTight Convertible Car Seat
The high-performance fabric is made with 30% bamboo charcoal that wicks away moisture and keeps the seat comfortable and dry.
If you’re looking to spoil your kid with all the fixings and have extra money to burn, the Britax Boulevard ClickTight Convertible Car Seat is just the luxury item you need.
This car seat comes with everything you could ask for.
The special Britax Cool N Dry fabric keeps kids cool with improved airflow, feels as soft as silk, and is immensely comfortable.
This seat works for rear and forward-facing setups and has two layers of side-impact protection. The headrest is adjustable, and the seat reclines.
This car seat weighs 30.2 pounds, so it’s quite heavy compared to other seats. It also measures 28.74 x 18.9 x 17.91 inches.
The maximum weight for rear-facing is 40 pounds, and the maximum weight for forward-facing is 65 pounds.
Pros
- Easy to install
- Very comfortable
- Easy harness adjustment
Cons
- Very heavy
Best Side-Impact Protection
9. Diono Monterey XT 2-in-1
With an expandable height adjustment of up to 69% or 6.5 inches, your child can comfortably fit this seat as they grow.
While all modern car seats have excellent side-impact protection, Diono Monterey XT 2-in-1 High Back Booster Car Seat goes the extra mile.
This seat can also be a backless booster. Additionally, it features two retractable cup holders. The covers are machine washable, too.
The overall design is slim and lightweight, weighing 15.21 pounds. It measures 17.52 x 22 x 27.17 inches.
The side pads come forward much farther than most car seats to provide extra side-impact protection, but they will block your kid’s peripheral view and, therefore, may cause carsickness in sensitive children.
Pros
- Very comfortable to sleep in
- Enhanced side-impact protection
- Height adjustable
Cons
- Not good for kids that get carsick
Best for Tall Kids
10. Baby Trend Hybrid 3-in-1
This car seat’s adjustability ensures a comfortable ride for children of all heights, including those in the top percentile.
The Baby Trend Hybrid Plus 3-in-1 Booster Car Seat is the best car seat for tall and rapidly-growing kids.
The three-in-one feature helps this car seat morph from a harnessed car seat to a high-back or backless booster seat as needed.
The headrest can raise in height to accommodate kids from 29 to 57 inches in height and 22 to 100 pounds in weight.
For smaller kids, the harness has three height positions, and the removable pads are reversible. There are also two integrated cup holders. The harness and armrests are padded, too.
This car seat is also quite affordable and comes in a few different colors and patterns. It weighs only 7.17 pounds and measures 21.5 x 19.5 x 29.75 inches.
Pros
- Perfect for tall and rapidly-growing kids
- Three-in-one
- Large weight and height range
Cons
- Difficult to install
Most Durable
11. Evenflo Maestro Sport Harness Booster Car Seat
Boasting four color options, two cup holders, snack trays, a removable headrest for smaller children and a shoulder belt guide, it comes with all the essentials.
The Evenflo Maestro Sport Harness Booster Car Seat is the best if you’re looking for one that you can hand down to kid after kid or offer to other parents.
This durable car seat can hold up for as long as you need it to and longer.
Weighing 12.5 pounds and measuring 17 x 19 x 27.5 inches, it’s not a chore to move around.
It can handle a maximum weight of 110 pounds and act as a harnessed car seat or a high-back booster.
What makes this car seat extremely durable is its robust weight limit and unified structure, reducing the risk of parts breaking off or getting lost over time.
Pros
- Very durable and long-lasting
- Two-in-one
- Easily integrated
Cons
- No neck pads
2-Year-Old Car Seat Law
Child car seat law varies wildly by state. Here is a helpful site to check the specific laws in your home state.
In general, the US Department of Transportation recommends that all children under two be in a rear-facing car seat as it’s the safest position.
If possible, it’s recommended to keep your child in a rear-facing seat for the maximum period their height and weight permit.
A forward-facing harnessed car seat is the next phase and can be used from ages one to seven depending on the height and weight of your kid.
Some two-year-olds may be too tall or heavy to continue using a rear-facing car seat and may need to switch to forward-facing.
Convertible car seats are great for this.
Booster seats are only recommended for kids four to twelve, again, depending on weight and height.
Always follow the laws of your state and the guide that comes with your particular car seat.
Foldable Car Seat For 2-Year-Old
Foldable car seats are a tricky subject.
While properly regulated foldable car seats that meet the NHTSA FMVSS 213 standard are safe and legal, many foldable car seats aren’t.
Always read the full description and reviews before purchasing any car seat.
If the car seat doesn’t have a rigid back, looks more akin to a seat cover, relies entirely on the seat belt as a strap, or straps onto the seat in any way that looks flimsy, it’s probably not legal or safe.
Additionally, most foldable car seats are booster seats and have a higher weight and head requirement, making them unsuitable for younger and smaller kids like two-year-olds.
Wrapping Up
While buying something your child will soon grow out of may seem like a waste, keeping your kid safe should be your number one priority.
Invest in the optimum car seat for your two-year-old as a precautionary measure. It may be the one thing that makes a crucial difference in their safety, hence make a conscious choice.
Growing up I was a carefree male going about life like there was no tomorrow. Naturally, I ‘grew’ up, settled down and started a family.
Going from an independent carefree male to a family man was somewhat of a U-turn and required a lot of learning. Luckily for me, my wife works in education and has always been the shining light always ahead of me on all factors kids related.
Initially, my wife didn’t have a driving license (luckily this has now changed and it does make life easier), and all things car related were my task. Child locks were the obvious starting point which lead me down a rabbit hole.
So far we have personally tested dozens of convertible car seats and have owned five despite neither of our kids having reached the age of 5! Simply put, a car seat can be great on paper, work great on trying out but can fail on you in real life.
This is why I have put together this website – to help inform and educate you!
Of course, as I mentioned above, at the end of the day your experience will be the best test so I’d love to hear your experiences and feedback in the comments.
To contact me personally, please do so through my contact page.
I look forward to hearing from you!
Peter
P.S. If you click a link on my site and end up buying a car seat on Amazon, I’ll get paid a small commission (or as the Amazon lawyers put it: “As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases”)
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