Traveling is stressful, and finding the best convertible car seat for travel is also stressful. Put those both together, and you've got yourself a world of stress!
With many brands, different models, and a ton of features, it can be hard to find a car seat that you can travel with without it feeling like a chore.
Until now! We did the research to find the top seats to travel with:
- Best overall convertible car seat for travel: Cosco Apt 50
- Best convertible car seat for air travel: Evenflo Tribute
- Best Graco convertible car seat for air travel: Graco Contender
- Best convertible car seat for travel with a toddler: Graco 4Ever
- Best convertible car seat for travel for small cars: Radian 3RXT
- Best lightweight convertible car seat for travel: Evenflo Sonus
In this article we lay out what I found and throw in a few helpful tips on how to choose a car seat that will best meet your needs.
Let’s get into it!
Best Convertible Car Seat for Travel
Top Picks
Best convertible car seat for travel (overall)
The Bottom Line:
If you’re looking for something lightweight with premium features that'll keep your child safe, then the Cosco Apt 50 is perfect for you. Its compact design allows you to easily get in and out of the airport, or wherever you are, comfortably. Additionally, the Cosco Apt 50 is designed for longer rear-facing use, which is recommended by most child passenger safety organizations.
Though its main function isn’t to give your child the coziest ride possible, the Cosco Apt 50 will ensure that every car ride for your child is pleasant and safe. This car seat is a great choice if you're looking for something basic, functional, inexpensive, and exceeds NHTSA safety standards.
Another feature that sets this car seat apart from other models is its birthplace. The Cosco Apt 50 was manufactured right here in America - specifically Columbus, Indiana. The Graco saying, “Made by American families for American families” shows that the engineers designed this car seat to satisfy the car seat needs of American families.
Pros & Cons of the Cosco Apt 50
Pros
Cons
Cosco Apt 50 Safety Features
The safety ratings provided by the NHTSA are as follows:
The Cosco Apt 50 convertible car seat is equipped with Side Impact Protection that’ll provide comfort and support for your child’s head and neck at every stage of their life. It does not have an energy-absorbing base or a metal frame, but it’s manufactured in America and crash-tested to exceed the Federal and ASTM safety standard.
Cosco Apt 50 Ease of Installation
The Cosco Apt 50 measurements are listed below.
This car seat is equipped with an adjustable 5-point harness with an upfront harness adjust. There are 6 harness positions and 3 buckle positions so that your growing child gets the most comfortable fit. Also, the Coso Apt 50 is fitted with an easy-to-clean seat cover that’s machine-washable and dryer safe.
For help with installation, here’s an example video on how to properly install your Cosco Apt 50 convertible car seat.
You can also refer to the instruction manual located here for more installation assistance.
Cosco Apt 50 Longevity
Rear-facing
Forward-facing
Cosco Apt 50 Ease of Use
The Cosco Apt 50 is LATCH-equipped to make installation quicker. It can also be installed using your vehicle seatbelt, but be sure to review your vehicle’s manual to make sure that you have the right type of seatbelt for your car seat.
To change the harness height, you DO have to rethread the harness. While this does take some extra work on your part, it’s worth it in exchange for a car seat that’ll keep your child safe and is easy to travel with.
Cosco Apt 50 Comfort & Quality
The Cosco Apt 50 does NOT have much padding throughout the car seat. It’s also not equipped with an infant insert pillow, and you won’t find extra padding in the headrest, minus the Side Impact Protection. However, the soft seat cover of the Cosco Apt 50 is designed to give your child’s skin room to breathe and stay cool.
Best Convertible Car Seat for Air Travel
The Bottom Line:
Like most car seats on the market today, the Evenflo Tribute LX is designed to give your child the ultimate protection no matter where you go. But, what sets this car seat apart from the rest is its compact and lightweight design that makes taking trips on an airplane so much easier.
It weighs a little over 9 pounds, so if your arms get tired easily from lugging around a car seat wherever you go, then this seat is perfect for you. The lightweight structure of the Tribute LX also makes it a breeze to get through the airport. You won’t have to worry about maintaining suitcases, carry-ons, children, and a bulky car seat, on top of all of that.
Additionally, it’s created with features that are designed to make installation and buckling in your child easy and quick, which is especially convenient if you fly frequently or switch between cars often.
We all know that car seats can get quite messy when traveling. The seat cover is made out of 100% Polyester that’s naturally resistant to stains and moisture. Also, the seat cover is machine-washable, so clean-up is super easy.
Pros & Cons of the Evenflo Tribute LX
Pros
Cons
Evenflo Tribute LX Safety Features
The safety ratings provided by the NHTSA are as follows:
The Tribute LX is equipped with Side Impact Protection that’s been tested to meet and exceed the federal safety standards. It does not contain an energy-absorbing base or metal frame, but it’s tested for structural stability at energy levels that are 2X the federal crash test standard to ensure that your child is getting the maximum protection.
Evenflo Tribute LX Ease of Installation
The Tribute LX measurements are listed below.
The Tribute LX is equipped with an Up-Front Harness Adjust that gives you a quick way to accurately adjust your child’s harness. It’s also outfitted with a machine-washable seat cover, so clean-up goes by quickly and efficiently.
Here’s a short example video that demonstrates how to properly install an Evenflo Tribute LX convertible car seat.
You can also find an instruction manual here with more instructions on how to install your car seat.
Evenflo Tribute LX Longevity
Rear-facing
Forward-facing
Evenflo Tribute LX Ease of Use
The Tribute LX is LATCH equipped and can also be installed using your vehicle seatbelt. It’s also one of the car seats in today’s market that have a non-rethread harness system with 4 harness positions. The up-front harness adjustment and buckle release make adjusting your child’s car seat easy and quick.
Evenflo Tribute LX Comfort & Quality
The Tribute LX does NOT have very much padding throughout the car seat. However, it does contain excess padding in the headrest for comfortable Side Impact Protection.
In addition to the extra headrest padding, the Tribute LX is equipped with a removable Infant Insert Pillow to provide more relief and protection for your little one. Also, the Polyester seat cover works to add more comfort to your child’s car seat experience with its soft and breathable fabric.
Best Graco Convertible Car Seat for Air Travel
The Bottom Line:
What makes the Contender 65 so unique is its simplistic features that are designed to make installation and adjusting the harness so much easier. As a result, it’s one of the best car seats to choose if you're traveling on an airplane. Experienced parents will love that the one-hand adjustable harness makes it so that you won’t have to deal with the hassle of uninstalling your car seat to rethread the harness to a new position.
Additionally, the lightweight design of the Contender 65 means that you’ll be able to easily carry the car seat through a busy and crowded place like the airport. It's compact enough that it will comfortably fit on an airplane seat with enough room for your child to lower the tray table.
All in all, it’s the simplistic, high-quality features that set this car seat apart from the rest. If you’re looking for a car seat that’s easy to use, grows with your child, goes above and beyond in crash safety testing and is easy to maintain, then the Contender 65 is the right choice for you.
Pros & Cons of the Graco Contender 65
Pros
Cons
Graco Contender 65 Safety Features
The safety ratings provided by the NHTSA are as follows:
The Contender 65 has built-in Side Impact Protection that’s been crash tested to meet and exceed the federal safety standards. It’s also outfitted with energy-absorbing foam that minimizes the impact force of a collision. The Contender 65 does NOT have a metal frame, but the Side Impact Protection and the EPS foam work together to create a sturdy and safe car seat.
Graco Contender 65 Ease of Installation
The Contender 65 measurements are listed below.
The Contender 65 uses the Simply Safe Adjust Harness System that can be used with one hand. This easy-to-use system automatically adjusts the harness and headrest, which in turn saves you time and energy. There are 8 harness and 2 buckle positions to ensure that your growing child always has a comfortable fit. Additionally, the Contender 65 is outfitted with a machine-washable seat cover, so clean-up is quick and easy.
To learn how to properly install your Graco Contender 65 convertible car seat, check out this short example video.
You can also learn how to install your car seat by reading the instruction manual.
Graco Contender 65 Longevity
Rear-facing
Forward-facing
Graco Contender 65 Ease of Use
The Contender 65 is equipped with an InRight LATCH system and an easy-to-read level indicator to make installation quick and hassle-free. It can also be easily installed using your vehicle seatbelt.
You don’t have to rethread the harness to adjust it. With the automatic harness adjust the strap, you can tighten and adjust the harness as you please.
Graco Contender 65 Comfort & Quality
While the Contender 65 doesn’t contain excess padding, it is equipped with a removable infant head and body support pillow that’s designed to give your little one the coziest car seat experience.
Best Convertible Car Seat for Travel with a Toddler
The Bottom Line:
If you’re looking for a car seat that’s reliable and long-lasting, then the 4Ever 4-in-1 is just the seat for you. With this car seat, you’ll receive 10 years of security, durability, and high-quality performance.
What sets the 4Ever 4-in-1 apart from the rest, is its 4-in-1 feature that makes this car seat a reliable, ideal choice up until your child no longer needs a car seat. Not to mention, the plush infant inserts that are designed to keep your infants and toddlers comfortable and protected until they exceed the height/weight limit.
The Graco 4Ever 4-in-1 will work well with you and your family if you’re on the hunt for a car seat that you only have to invest in once. This could be the first and last car seat you buy, and it’ll be easy for your little one to familiarize themselves with a car seat that stays and grows as they do.
Pros & Cons of the Graco 4Ever 4-in-1
Pros
Cons
Graco 4Ever 4-in-1 Safety Features
The safety ratings provided by the NHTSA are as follows:
The 4Ever 4-in-1 is engineered with a steel-reinforced frame that provides durability and strength for 10 years. To ensure that your child is safe every time they’re in their seat, the 4Ever 4-in-1 is side-tested solely with the 5-point harness system to exceed the federal safety standards.
Graco 4Ever 4-in-1 Ease of Installation
The 4Ever 4-in-1 measurements are listed below.
The 4Ever 4-in-1 contains a Simply Safe Adjust Harness System with a 10-position headrest that can be easily and quickly adjusted. Additionally, the 4Ever 4-in-1 has a machine-washable seat cover that can easily come off and be put back on.
Here’s an example video that demonstrates how to properly install a Graco 4Ever 4-in-1 convertible car seat.
For more help, refer to the product instruction manual.
Graco 4Ever 4-in-1 Longevity
Rear-facing
Forward-facing
Booster
Graco 4Ever 4-in-1 Ease of Use
The InRight LATCH system makes installing your car seat using the LATCH system, or your vehicle seatbelt, so much easier. Speaking of easy installation, the 4Ever 4-in-1 is equipped with a no-rethread harness, so you don’t have to deal with the hassle of uninstalling your car seat to adjust your child’s harness height.
Graco 4Ever 4-in-1 Comfort & Quality
The 4Ever 4-in-1 has an ample amount of padding throughout the car seat, with excess padding in the headrest to provide security and support for your child’s head and neck. It’s also designed with plush infant inserts to give your little the most comfortable car seat experience.
Best Convertible Car Seat for Travel for Small Cars
The Bottom Line:
The sleek and stylish design of the Diono Radian 3RXT makes it a supreme choice if you’re traveling in a small car. What puts the Radian 3RXT at the top of this chain is its uncanny ability to fit 3 across. The structure of this car seat is so compact that it also frees up room for other passengers riding in the front seat. So, if you’re trying to find a car seat that won’t be too cramped on your travels, then look no further.
Another unique feature that the Radian 3RXT has is its FAA approval. It’s certified for aircraft use, and it can easily be folded up and stored away, which is very convenient if you’re traveling with a bunch of stuff.
In addition to that, you’ll have an easy time maneuvering through the crowded airport with this car seat. So, if a compact, sleek, stylish, and packable car seat is what you’re looking for, then the Diono Radian 3RXT is the right pick for you.
Pros & Cons of the Diono Radian 3RXT
Pros
Cons
Diono Radian 3RXT Safety Features
The safety ratings provided by the NHTSA are as follows:
The Radian 3RXT is equipped with adjustable head support that provides additional side impact protection for your growing child. It’s manufactured with a steel alloy frame and reinforced aluminum sidewalls that offer maximum sturdiness. In addition to these features, the Radian 3RXT is also outfitted with an EPS energy-absorbing base and memory foam to ensure that your little one has a comfortable car seat with multi-layers of safety.
Diono Radian 3RXT Ease of Installation
The Radian 3XRT measurements are listed below.
To save time, the stylish seat cushions of the Radian 3RXT are machine-washable. Now, clean-up doesn’t have to be a chore. It’s manufactured with a 5-point harness that has 5 shoulder and 3 buckle positions. To adjust the harness height, the harness needs to be rethreaded.
To learn how to properly install the Diono Radian 3RXT convertible car seat, check out this short example video.
You can also find instructions on how to properly install your car seat by reviewing the instruction manual.
Diono Radian 3RXT Longevity
Rear-facing
Forward-facing
Booster
Diono Radian 3RXT Ease of Use
The Radian 3RXT is equipped with an Easy Click SuperLATCH for easier and safe installation. As well, it can be installed using your vehicle seatbelt. In addition to the Easy Click SuperLATCH, the Radian 3RXT has an audible-click/visual locking indicator connecting system that ensures that you’re installing your car seat properly at the right angle.
You will have to uninstall your car seat to rethread the harness, so you can change your child’s harness height.
Diono Radian 3RXT Comfort & Quality
The Radian 3RXT contains just enough padding throughout the car seat so that your little one has a snug, cozy car ride every time. There is additional padding in the headrest to add to the layers of Side Impact Protection. Also, the Radian 3RXT is outfitted with tailored infant pillows that are designed to bring comfort to your child as they grow and get older.
Best Lightweight Convertible Car Seat for Travel
The Bottom Line:
The Evenflo Sonus is a lightweight car seat with superior features at an affordable price. Its compact design allows you to comfortably fit 3 across, or seat passengers in the back seat with enough room to breathe. This car seat is the ideal option if you’re looking for a seat that’s easy to use and carry around.
The Sonus is specifically designed to fit a wide range of children, which is great in a market where it can be hard to find a car seat that will comfortably seat your child. With the adjustable harness system and easy LATCH installation, the Sonus is the perfect candidate for an extended-use, lightweight and cozy car seat.
As if that weren’t enough, the Evenflo Sonus is equipped with a built-in ventilation system that works to keep your child cool and comfortable in every season. You won’t find many car seats with built-in airflow. It’s comforting to know that if you’re looking for a car seat that puts your child’s safety and comfort first, in addition to being lightweight, that the Evenflo Sonus convertible car seat has got you covered.
Pros & Cons of the Evenflo Sonus
Pros
Cons
Evenflo Sonus Safety Features
The safety ratings provided by the NHTSA are as follows:
The Sonus car seat is equipped with Side Impact Protection to keep your child’s head and neck supported. While it doesn’t have a steel frame or energy-absorbing base, the Sonus still contains features that are specifically designed to keep your child safe and minimize the impact force of a car crash.
Evenflo Sonus Ease of Installation
The Sonus measurements are listed below.
To change the harness height, you DO have to rethread the harness. Now, while this might take a little time and effort, the Sonus also features an upfront harness adjust to ensure that your child is easily getting an accurate, snug fit every time. As if that weren’t enough for ease and simplicity, the Sonus car seat is outfitted with a machine-washable seat cover, so you don’t have to spend a lot of time cleaning your car seat.
If you need help installing your Sonus car seat, this short video will demonstrate how to do it properly.
You can also refer to the instruction manual for more rules on how to properly install your car seat.
Evenflo Sonus Longevity
Rear-facing
Forward-facing
Evenflo Sonus Ease of Use
The Sonus car seat is LATCH-equipped to make installing your car seat using the LATCH system, or your vehicle seatbelt, more time-efficient. On the contrary, you do have to go through the trouble of rethreading the harness to adjust the harness height.
Evenflo Sonus Comfort & Quality
The Sonus has soft padding throughout the car seat, but it does NOT have shoulder pads. Also, minus the Side Impact Protection, the Sonus does NOT have any additional padding in the headrest. However, it is equipped with an infant insert pillow for added comfort and support.
What to Look for in a Convertible Car Seat for Travel
It’s hard enough finding a car seat general, but it can become even harder to find a car seat that’s good to use when traveling. So, to give you an idea of what to look for when you’re on the hunt for a new car seat, I’ve compiled a few tips that’ll help weed out the good choices from the bad ones.
Car Seat Buying Guide
Conclusion
There are so many things to worry about when you’re traveling, and your car seat shouldn’t be one of them. We’ve reviewed several of the top-rated car seats that are great options for traveling. Hopefully, you feel a little more informed on finding the right type of car seat to meet your traveling expectations. Remember to choose a car seat that will best meet your individual needs, and don’t rush the process. The right car seat is out there and waiting for you!
With two kids of my own, I’m passionate about child safety! I’m a research nerd who’s on a mission to make the world a safer place for kids – starting with car seats!
To contact me directly please click here.
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