By the time your little one finally grows big enough to sit on a real car seat and use the seatbelt, you have to change at least three different baby car seats, or maybe four. The thing is most parents don’t realize that it is possible to use just one car seat from their kid’s infant days to until they are 10 years old. Read our complete guide about the best baby car seats.
Finding a car seat that multitasks (and save money, of course) feels like hitting a jackpot. The trend of launching all-in-one seats is on the rise because parents love the idea of saving money minus the hassle of shopping for a car seat at every stage of their child’s growing up. Read our latest guide about the best convertible car seats.
What Is an All-In-One Car Seat?
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) wants children to ride in a car seat from their birth to until they are eight years old. Some kids may have to stay longer, up to 12 years.
AAP recommends keeping the infants rear-facing for at least two years of age before switching to the forward-facing direction. Children can stay forward-facing until they are 40 to 80 pounds (depending on the child’s height, the seat’s style, and its height and weight limits). After that, you have to transfer them in a booster seat where they can sit until they are at least 4 feet 9 inches.
An all-in-one car seat is a combination of all these seats. You can convert it to rear-facing, forward-facing, and 
booster mode. It will grow with your child and support her at each stage of growing up. Don’t confuse it with combination car seats, which work in the forward-facing and booster position only, or convertible car seats that may or may not be available in the booster mode.
The Advantages and Disadvantages of All-In-One Car Seats
All-in-one car seats are designed to carry kids from their birth to until they are 8 to 10 years old. They cover a big age range, which means that there is no need to pay for several seats during these years. The idea is tempting but it’s hard to shake the worry off about their effectiveness than seats designed for specific age groups.
Let’s discuss the positive and negative sides of all-in-one seats so that you can decide for yourself:
The Positives
The all-in-one car seats have plenty of good reasons to justify the craze around them:
Long Lifespan – Most of the car seats expire 5 to 8 years after the purchase. The problem is your child will outgrow the seat long before the expiry date. But, most all-in-one car seats have a 10-year lifespan and they can actually accommodate the kids throughout these years.
Money-Saving – Buying an all-in-one seat means there is no need to spend money on separate seats when your baby is growing up. You may need to replace the seat cover and padding, though. But, it still saves plenty than buying several single seats.
Highly Secured – The all-one-one seats provide better head safety than infant seats in a head-to-head collision due to having more space between the baby’s head and the top edge and better padding around the head area. Also, most seats are equipped with the latest and best safety features, making a ride as secure as possible for your little ones.
The Negatives
Unfortunately, the all-in-one car seats are not for everyone. Due to their large structure and bulky nature, they don’t 
suit the lifestyle of many parents.
Difficulty in Moving – If you are a busy parent who travels a lot and needs to transfer the car seat from one vehicle to another or carry around like an infant car seat, the all-in-one style is not for you. It does not have the convenience and portability of the infant models.
Too Large for Preemies – The All-in-one units are designed for children of all ages but they could be too large for newborns who are smaller than the average size. If your baby is premature or underweight, you should go for an infant unit for a better fit.
Bulky Size – The larger footprint of these units becomes a headache when you have a small car, a narrow passenger cabin, or need to install more than one seat. Fortunately, many brands produce narrower, more streamlined seats.
The Characteristics of Best-Quality All-In-One Car Seats
You know that an all-in-one car seat can work from your child’s birth to until she can fit in a regular seat belt. But, you have to find out a good-quality unit for it to work perfectly at every stage of your kid’s development. What features should you focus on? What properties can ensure you that you have found the one and don’t need to look for another seat? Here are the features that make sure that the all-in-one seat is worth your money:
Ease of Use
A high-quality car seat should be the one that does not need you to break a sweat over the installation. The LATCH connectors should have a simple push-in or another easy system that eliminates the possibility of going in a tug-of-war battle with the seat. Also, there should be reclining positions and levels indicator to help you make sure that you have set the seat at the correct angle in the rear- and forward-facing positions.
The sleeker, narrower the seat is, the better. A slim profile allows you maximizing the backseat space. Some units have such a slimline silhouette that you can stash three of them side by side in the passenger cabin.
Performance & Comfort
An all-one-one seat has to be generously padded along with extra padding around the bottom and head areas to be
considered as comfortable. There should be several harness and headrest adjustment options so that finding the best fit for the kid is not a hassle anymore.
An extra tall unit with an extendable calf rest is likely to be a dream come true since it can keep the baby rear-facing for a long time and extra legroom for the older children to stretch their legs.
Kids are messy and they also tend to become car-sick or have a diaper blowout. So, it will be great if the seat cover and some paddings are machine-washable. Also, using the same set for a long time is likely to take a toll on the fabric and the overall hygiene. Replacing the cover and pads in a few areas will restore the initial comfort and unstained state.
Safety Features
Baby car seats have to be equipped with standard safety features. You should not make any compromise with this aspect. Fortunately, all current models in the market meet the standard federal safety benchmarks.
So, what makes the difference is the addition of some innovative safety measures. Some models offer it in the form of double layers of side-impact protection or a uniquely-designed cushioning for protecting the head. However, you should look for an all-in-one car seat that comes with a strong steel frame, impact-absorbing base, shock-absorbing foam, and side-impact protection to minimize the force in the event of a collision.
For safety reasons, you should not purchase a used all-in-one car seat. But, if the budget is tight, follow these precautions:
- Never purchase a seat that survives a crash.
- It has to be less than 10 years old
- Don’t spend your money on a seat that has a visible damage or missing a few parts.
- The instruction manual should not be missing.
Once, all-in-one car seats were known as something that would help you to just get by. But, the brands are now more committed to this niche. They have become somewhat successful in designing products that work for all age groups. If you are looking for a better than average all-in-one car seat, check this list of 15 products:
TOP 15 BEST ALL IN ONE CAR SEATS IN 2022
1. Graco 4Ever 4-in-1 Convertible Car Seat
The Graco 4Ever 4-in-1 is one of the most expensive models in this list. It’s our top pick because of its ability to 
operate as a true multi-functional seat that literally grows with your child. Let’s see if it’s worth all the excitement and hype.
Ease of Use
The 4Ever 4-in-1 converts into four different modes – rear-facing, forward-facing, high-back booster, and backless booster – and excels in all of them. Babies from 4 to 40 pounds can seat rear-facing, which means that you can keep them in the safest position until they are 2 years old. Toddlers from 20 to 65 pounds can sit forward-facing.
The seatbelt fit high-back booster is suitable for children weighing 30 to 100 pounds while the backless belt-positioning mode can accommodate 40 to 120 pounds.
The hook-type Universal Anchorage System (UAS) connectors allow you to literally staple up the seat to the surface. There is a red push button for easy release. The seatbelt installation is also possible in both rear- and forward-facing positions.
You can use the UAS and tether combo for the high-back booster but the seatbelt is the best option for both booster modes. However, using the seatbelt could be tricky as the opening for threading the strap is narrow and can scratch the hand.
There are 6 recline angles with an adjustment handle at the front of the seat. Apply the 1 to 3 angles for the rear-facing, 4 and 5 for forward-facing, and the 6th position for the booster modes.
Performance & Comfort
The 4Ever can accommodate 4-pound newborns that becomes possible due to the inclusion of the body and head support pillows. Remove the support cushions when your baby grows up and starts sitting forward-facing.
The no-rethread harness can be adjusted into 10 different positions and there is no need to thread it again and again at every stage of your child’s growth. The headrest position is also adjustable.
However, the legroom, when the seat is rear-facing, is very limited. The child can still sit there comfortably buy getting him in and out will be a chore.
The seat and harness covers are removable and machine-washable. There are two cupholders for holding the drinks.
Safety Features
The 4Ever is designed and tested for US standard FMVSS 213. It is also side-impact tested and the steel-reinforced frame and the EPS energy-absorbing foam further helps with protection from the impact of crashes.
The seat has a 10-year of lifespan.
Pros
- Straightforward installation
- UAS connectors ensure a simple, quick setup
- 10-position harness system
- 10-year-lifespan
Cons
- Narrow opening for seatbelt threading
- Limited legroom
- Undetachable cupholders
2. Safety 1st Grow and Go 3-in-1 Convertible Car Seat
The Safety 1st Grow and Go 3-in-1 literally grows with your kid while being a reliable companion that survives 
numerous rides. Compared with the Graco 4Ever, it is less expensive and takes less space in the backseat. The front-row riders get a couple of inches extra legroom.
Ease of Use
The Grow and Go will support your child through three stages – from 5 to 40 pounds in rear-facing, 22 to 65 pounds in forward-facing, and 40 to 100 pounds in the belt-positioning booster.
The J-hook style lower anchor connectors make the installation very easy. The LATCH’s weight limit is 40 pounds, which means you can use it the entire time your child is rear-facing. The seatbelt is compatible with all the modes.
There are 3 recline positions – 2 and 3 are for rear-facing and 1 is for forward-facing. These adjustments help the seat to fit into the back seat of most vehicles.
Converting the Grow and Go into the booster mode is easy. You have to thread the harness through the designated slots after unsnapping the crotch buckle and pad. The harness strap will slide up behind the head support when you need to tighten or loosen it.
Performance & Comfort
Cleaning becomes easier when the seat pad and cover are machine-washable. You can also dry them in the dryer. The Grow and Go is well-padded to provide additional support for the little children.
The QuickFit harness has an easy system to fine-tune both the harness strap and headrest. But, threading the strap to the lowest slot is somewhat challenging because you have to dig into a lot of padding.
However, the harness webbing stays out of the way because of the buckle holder, making it easier to get the baby in and out of the seat.
Safety Features
The Grow and Go meets all the safety standards for federal and side-impact tests. It has a 10-year life and FAA-approved, although only the harness mode is compatible with the plane seat.
Pros
- J-hook style LATCH connectors
- Seatbelt installation
- QuickFit Harness
- Extra legroom for front-seat riders
- Machine washable seat pad
Cons
- Harness threading to the lowest strap is challenging
3. Evenflo Every Stage DLX All-in-One Car Seat
Evenflo Every Stage DLX is an all-one-car seat that every parent will want to have. It is expensive (more than $200),
unlike the Safety 1st Grow and Go, but the presence of some innovative features justify the price.
Ease of Use
The Every Stage DLX converts to rear-facing, forward-facing, and belt-positioning booster, accommodating children from infancy to until they are 120 pounds. The rear-facing weight limit is 50 pounds, which means the baby can stay rear-facing for a long time.
However, the highest strap height is 17 inches. Many children will grow out of the rear-facing ad forward-facing mode before they hit the 50-pound weight limit.
Evenflo promoted a 60-second installation with the help of the Easy Click LATCH system that can snap three-time tighter than the previous models. There is also an option for seatbelt installation for every mode. The red tether catches attention and reminds everyone that it has to be used when the seat is positioned forward-facing.
The in-seat recline option is one of the most innovative features of Every Stage DLX. You can increase the recline angle internally and ensure the most fitting and comfortable position for young babies.
Performance & Comfort
The seat pad and cover are machine-washable, relieving you from the burden of hand-washing everything. The seat is surely comfortable and the extra pillow inserts and cushion provide newborns with extra comfort and perfect fitting. The cupholders are also dishwasher-safe.
The 5-recline options allow for improved comfort and safety. You can achieve the right angle at every stage to make sure that the baby experiences the minimal head slump.
Safety Features
The Every Stage DLX meets or exceeds all safety standards. It passes all tests for front, rollover, and side-impact. Also, the energy-absorbing foam absorbs much of the impact in the event of a jolt or crash.
Pros
- 60-second installation with the Easy Click LATCH system
- 50 pounds weight limit for rear-facing
- Machine-washable seat pad and cover
- Passed for all the safety standards
Cons
- The height limit is a bit disappointing
- Expensive
4. Graco Extend2Fit 3-in-1 Car Seat Featuring TrueShield Side-Impact Protection
A car seat can make or break a car ride. It’s safe to say that the Extend2Fit 3-in-1 from Graco help you to enjoy a quality time on the road by keeping your child safe and comfy. It has great safety features, a long lifespan, and 
extended rear-facing option. The 3-in-1 car seat is a great option for families that are always on the move.
Ease of Use
The Extend2Fit functions in three modes – rear-facing for 4 to 50 pounds babies, forward-facing for 22 to 65 pounds toddlers, and belt-positioning high-back booster for 40 to 100 pounds older children. The rear-facing weight limit (50 pounds) is truly admirable as even a 4-year-old can sit in that position.
The InRight LATCH system makes the installation process a matter of few seconds. You can also choose the seatbelt installation for all positions.
The 6-position recline helps to find the right angle for a position so that children can enjoy a snug ride. An audible click will confirm that the seat is set to the right angle but making it flush to the indicator level.
Performance & Comfort
The fabric offers breathing room for your little one during hot conditions. There might be a little sweat on the back during hot days but nothing more. However, the big disappointments are the warning labels in the cushions. They are not fabric labels but some kind of painting that can burn the baby’s skin if the car gets too hot. Just feel it with your hand before putting the child there.
There is a 4-position extension panel that offers 5-inch of extra legroom in the rear-facing mode.
The 5-point harness system and 10-position headrest make it easier to modify the seat with the growth of your child. The harness storage keeps the straps out of the way, allowing you to get the baby in and out without any trouble.
Safety Features
The TrueShield Technology acts like a shield in the event of a crash by providing impact-protection to the baby from head to hips. The steel reinforced frame adds strength to the structure and enhances its capacity of absorbing impact. The seat also meets all the standards for the US safety crash tests.
The Extend2Fit boasts a 10-year expiry date.
Pros
- Simple InRight LATCH system
- 5-inch extra legroom
- Rear-facing weight limit is 50 pounds
- TrueShield Technology absorbs impact
Cons
- The painted labels can burn the skin
- Setting it flush with the recline angle is challenging
5. Baby Jogger City View Space Saving All-in-One Car Seat
The City View all-in-one was Baby Jogger’s first ever car seat. It has a narrow-design and comes with plenty of useful 
features, helping the parents to modify it with the growth of their children. Whether you are traveling in the city or out for a long holiday trip, the City View will ensure that your child is safe and comfortable.
Ease of Use
The City View converts into three modes – rear-facing for babies 5 to 40 pounds, forward-facing for toddlers 22 to 65 pounds, and booster for children 40 to 100 pounds. Converting between the modes is a cinch. For example, you just have to uncouple the rebound bar and turn the seat around to switch from the rear-facing to forward-facing. Turning it into a booster does not require anything more than removing the extra padding and harness.
There is no need to pinch your hand when installing the seat because the push-button LATCH system makes it a matter of just a click. The booster mode installation is so easy that even your kid can do it himself. You just have to secure the seat with the LATCH straps and then thread the lap and shoulder straps through the color-coded belt paths.
The 4-recline levels allow slanting the seat in a comfortable position. There is an air bubble indicator to help you with achieving the right angle.
Performance & Comfort
The no-rethread harness and 10-position headrest make your life much easier whenever you need to change their position for a better fit. The padded harness straps are comfy and they buckle well but tightening them is a bit challenging.
The narrow profile of the seat (17.4 inches wide) is a relief for the parents who have a small car. But, the polyester seat cover is a huge disappointment since you cannot remove it for washing. You wipe it with a damp cloth but that is not enough to clean a poop explosion.
Safety Features
The steel reinforcement frame and EPP foam safeguard the baby from all the bumps and jerks. It meets or exceeds all federal safety standards and the booster mode is also highly safe.
The SecureStop Anti-Rebound Bar makes the rear-facing position extremely secure. This feature cuts the rearward movement by 45%, which means that it pretty much stays in place during a front collision.
Pros
- Easy installation
- Converting to different modes is a breeze
- Narrow structure
- Extra security for rear-facing position
Cons
- Harness tightening is tough
- Irremovable seat cover
6. Diono Radian 3RXT All-in-One Convertible Car Seat
The Diono Radian 3RXT is an expensive option (just shy of $300) but you will get lots of extra features. Also, the
seat supports children from their infancy until they grow up and lasts for a long time with its 10-year lifespan.
Ease of Use
The Radian 3RXT carries children from 5 to 120 pounds in three modes – rear-facing, forward-facing, and booster. The rear-facing capacity is 45 pounds compared to many competitors where the limit is only 40 pounds. You can keep the child rear-facing for a long time, providing the safest possible position for him.
Although the Radian 3RXT weighs 28 lbs, it is portable due to the slim structure and the ability to fold flat. Keep it on-hand by storing somewhere in the car and use whenever necessary.
Attaching the seat to the car is a cinch due to the SuperLATCH system. It is quick and easy, and you will hear an audible click when the connectors get locked into the anchors. There is also an option for seatbelt installation. The rubber bottom holds the seat in a tight grip, facilitating the no-slip installation.
There are several shoulder and buckle positions for adjusting the straps according to the height and weight and of the kids. The baby will get proper leg support too because of the extended bottom part.
Performance & Comfort
The narrow silhouette (16.14 x 16.93 x 28.35 inches dimensions) of the Radian 3RXT is a blessing for the parents who have a small car. Three of them can stay side by side in most mid-sized vehicles.
The use of memory foam cradles the body of the kid with the utmost comfort while the removable body support cushions provide infants a snug fit. The headrest can be adjusted into 12 different positions.
The seat cover is premium-quality interlock knit fabric that makes sure that the baby feels cozy during the ride every day. Cleaning is not a chore since you can remove it and wash in a washing machine.
Safety Features
The internal steel structure is framed with a specially designed plastic shell. The frame along with the aluminum-reinforced sidewalls absorbs most of the force in the event of a collision. The energy-absorbing EPS foam and the thickly cushioned head support offer an additional protective layer.
When the seat is rear-facing, the tether reduces the rate of rotation during an impact, offering more security for the little one. You can take the seat to air traveling because it is FAA approved.
Pros
- Slim structure
- Memory foam
- Rear-facing tether cuts rotation
- Easy LATCH setup
- Folds flat for storage
Cons
- Heavy
- Expensive
7. Graco SlimFit All-in-One Convertible Car Seat
Graco SlimFit gained much popularity in the year 2017. It shares lots of features with the previous model – Graco 
Extend2Fit. However, it has its own selling points and is less expensive than its older mate.
Ease of Use
The SlimFit is an all-in-one unit, which means it can accommodate from a 5-pound baby to a 100-pound kid. It converts to rear-facing (5 to 40 pounds), forward-facing (22 to 65 pounds), and high-back belt-positioning booster (30 to 100 pounds).
Get a secure and fast installation with the InRight LATCH connectors. If there are LATCH anchors in your car, you just have to push the connectors to the slots and wait for the click sound, which indicates that the setup process is complete.
Unfortunately, we cannot say the same about the seatbelt installation. The openings are so narrow that threading the belts seems impossible unless you have really small hands.
The 4-position recline allows the seat to bend to a comfortable angle in both rear- and forward-facing directions. But, you cannot change the recline position once it is installed rear-facing.
Performance & Comfort
The SlimFit has a slightly narrower profile than the Extend2Fit and the rotating cupholders cut the width by another 10%. However, it still takes a considerable space in the backseat.
Both the harness and the headrest can be adjusted into several positions, allowing the seat to snugly fit the body contour of your growing child. The harness storage keeps the straps out of the way in the booster mode. However, the short length of the harness buckle is a disappointment.
There are infant cushion inserts along with plush, thick padding all across the seat. You can take the seat cover off and put into a washing machine. The buckles are suitable for spot cleaning.
Safety Features
The steel-reinforced frame adds to the structure’s durability and strength. The frame along with the EPS foam takes in much of the force during a collision or road bump.
The seat is tested for side-impact protection and the US standard FMVSS 213.
Pros
- Easy LATCH installation
- Machine washable seat cover
- No-rethread harness
- 10-position headrest
Cons
- Threading the seatbelt is tough
- No option for rear-facing recline adjustment
- Short harness buckle
8. Evenflo Symphony Elite All-In-One Convertible Car Seat
Evenflo’s Symphony model has been in the market for several years. The Symphony Elite is a balance of performance
and price. With some good safety features, the model can be a good all-in-one option for your growing child.
Ease of Use
The Symphony Elite functions as a rear-facing (for 5 to 40 pounds), forward-facing (for 22 to 65 pounds) and high-back booster seat (for 40 to 110 pounds).
The auto-retracting SureLATCH system allows attaching the seat to the car within a minute. Tightening the straps in many LATCH systems could be tricky but not in this one. The seatbelt setup is not complicated either and you will have an excellent fit in the booster mode.
There are multiple forward-facing recline positions, allowing the child to ride with a comfortable posture. But, the rear-facing recline does not have the adequate slant and it keeps the baby in a more upright posture.
Performance & Comfort
The Symphony Elite is soft and comfortable and it has additional head and body inserts for better fitting the newborns. The seat cover is machine washable and there are two cupholders for holding their snacks, drinks, or toys.
The 5-point Infinite Slide harness and the adjustable headrest allow you to achieve the better fit when your child grows. The no-rethread harness just needs squeezing a handle at the top and setting to the desired height. The same technique is also applicable to changing the headrest position.
Safety Features
The Symphony Elite is secure and it passes the federal safety standards. The E3 side-impact protection has an expanded protective zone that reduces the force in a crash by 50%.
The additional head support makes it really challenging to secure the car seat in the rear-facing position. The head insert takes up a considerable portion of the available space, leaving little room to put the baby and thread the belts.
Pros
- SureLATCH installation takes just a minute
- Harness and headrest adjustment is a breeze
- E3 side-impact protection
- Machine washable seat cover
Cons
- Rear-facing recline is rather upright
- The extra head support consumes much space
9. Maxi-Cosi Magellan 5-in-1 Convertible Car Seat
There is no need to waste money on several car seats when you have the Maxi-Cosi Magellan 5-in-1. It supports your kid at every stage of his growth and be the trusted companion from his birth to until he is 10 years! It has a high price
tag (just shy of $300) but it is a convenient piece of family gear that ultimately saves money.
Ease of Use
The Magellan functions as rear-facing, forward-facing, and booster seats and accommodates children from 5 to 120 pounds. A newborn can comfortably fit into the seat and you can also modify it for a 10-year old!
The 40-inch height limit for forward-facing is a bummer though. Many kids will outgrow this limit before they reach 120 pounds.
One-Click LATCH connectors make installing the seat a breeze. You can also get a secure installation with the car’s seatbelt as it has built-in belt lock-offs, a feature that is not available in many car seats. You cannot use the LATCH in booster mode, making you buckle the seat every time.
The 7-position recline is a blessing because you can slant the seat at many angles, ensuring a comfy ride for the kid. There is a leveling ball that will tell if you have set it to the correct position.
Performance & Comfort
The Magellan is a plush seat that features plenty of padding and a cozy, machine-washable cover. There are two detachable cupholders that are dishwasher safe.
The HideAway harness and the 14-position headrest help you to achieve a customized fit when the child grows up. Releasing the harness straps is difficult because the dedicated red button is tough to push down.
Safety Features
The Magellan meets or exceeds all tests for federal safety standards and FMVSS 213. The headrest features the patented Air Protect technology that provides extra cushioning for the child’s head. Also, it is the first seat to have the option of adjusting the torso up and down, enhancing the side-impact protection.
Pros
- One-Click LATCH connectors
- 7-position recline
- The headrest has Air Protect technology
- Torso adjusting option
Cons
- Not suitable for taller kids
- Harness release is tough
- Booster mode does not support LATCH
10. Evenflo SafeMax Platinum All-in-One Convertible Car Seat
The Evenflo SafeMax Platinum is probably the only car seat that you will ever want to purchase! The all-in-one unit
fits children from 5 to 120 pounds. It will keep your baby safe from birth to until he no longer has to sit in a car seat. With innovative safety features, the SafeMax Platinum earns the trust of numerous parents.
Ease of Use
The SafeMax Platinum functions at three stages. The rear-facing is for babies weighing 5 to 40 pounds, forward-facing holds toddlers from 22 to 5 pounds, and the high-back booster is for those kids whose weight is between 40 and 120 pounds.
You can install the car seat at the first try because the Quick Connector LATCH and user manual make the job that much easier. However, the rear-facing installation could be a challenge since the default position is forward-facing. Especially, tightening the straps in the rear-facing is the most difficult. You have to use pool noodles, probably several of them, as a wedge between the seat and the car’s seat so that it does not slip from its position.
Performance & Comfort
The SafeMax Premium boasts of OUTLAST Performance fabric that keeps the child comfortable by balancing out the temperature. It will feel warm during cold days and comfy in the summer. The seat pads are also cushy and the cover is removable for easy cleaning.
The shoulder strap pads are small and could pinch on the neck of the baby. Buying extra strap pads is the only way to tackle the issue.
The buckle pockets are a cool addition as they keep all the straps out of the way, saving the baby from suffering hot belt burn. There are removable cupholders but their huge size is a problem in putting or lifting the child out of the seat when rear-facing.
Safety Features
The SafeMax Premium boasts of being the first car seat tested for rollover impact. The integrated steel frame, SafeZone headrest, and energy-absorbing foam work together in dissipating crash forces.
Also, the seat is tested for all the federal safety standards.
Pros
- Easy installation with Quick Connector LATCH
- Premium-quality seat cover
- Rollover tested
- SafeZone headrest
- Pockets for storing the buckles
Cons
- Rear-facing tightening is challenging
- Huge cupholders make lifting the child tricky
11. Diono Radian 3R All-in-One Convertible Car Seat
The Diono Radian 3R is an expensive car seat (just shy of $200) but it’s always practical to spend money on a car 
seat rather than on a new car. If you have more than one kid, you should definitely go for this seat due to its super sleek profile. It may not have plenty of bells and whistles but you can squeeze three of these seats into one row!
Ease of Use
The Radian 3R can hold children from 5 to 100 pounds. It does not have a booster mode but you are unlikely to miss it since the forward-facing capacity is up to 100 pounds.
The SuperLATCH system allows for quick and secure installation. You will hear an audible click when the connectors are securely inserted and locked into the anchors. There is a rubber bottom that firmly holds the seat and does not let it slip at any point.
Your kid will enjoy a fun ride because the five shoulder and three buckle adjustment options will keep him secure while the long seat bottom keeps the legs properly rested. The low-sitting profile is good for older children as there is no way their head is going to bump into the car’s roof.
However, the rear-facing angle is the real bummer as you have to use an inexpensive foam block (sold separately) to get the right angle.
Performance & Comfort
The seat has enough padding and adjustable wings that stretch a couple of inches to the sides. The memory foam cushioning cradles the soft body of the little ones. The seat cover is also premium-quality that feels soft to the skin. You can take the cover off and clean in a washing machine.
The seat is foldable for easy storage and carrying. Also, there are separate storage slots for all the straps and clips. There is no cupholder though, which could be a nice addition to this excellent car seat.
Safety Features
The steel frame wrapped up in a specially engineered plastic shell along with energy-absorbing EPS foam and reinforced sidewalls will give your child the maximum protection by sucking up most of the force in a severe crash.
The rear-facing tether keeps the seat glued to its base, significantly cutting the rate of rotation during an impact.
Pros
- SecureLATCH system
- Memory foam padding
- Low-profile sitting
- Tether reduces seat rotation
- Folding design for easy storage
Cons
- Rear-facing right angle needs a foam block
- No cupholder
- Heavy
12. Evenflo SafeMax All-in-One Car Seat with SensorSafe
The Evenflo SafeMax does take a bit of room in the back seat and it does not have a low price tag (nearly $300). But,
you should consider it for its easy installation and loads of comfort and safety features.
Ease of Use
The SafeMax functions at three modes – rear-facing, forward-facing, and booster – and is suitable for holding children from 5 to 120 pounds.
The SureSafe system makes installing with the LATCH connectors quite easy. You can also use the car’s seatbelt and it won’t give you much pain either. The model is equipped with the SensorSafe technology but it may not fit into the OBD receptacles of some vehicles.
Positioning the headrest in the forward-facing mode is very challenging. There is a handle on the back of the seat. You have to squeeze it quite hard to change the stance while rear-facing. For the forward-facing direction, you will need to push the handle after squeezing your hand in between the headrest and the back of the seat.
Performance & Comfort
The SafeMax has ample padding and the seat cover is comfortable. However, it does not have the OUTLAST Performance fabric, which is only available in the Premium models. However, the cover is still comfortable and ensures that the baby has a peaceful ride.
The buckle pockets are a nice addition where you can tuck away the straps. It saves the kids from having burns from hot belts.
The cupholders can keep your toddler’s drinks and trinkets safe. But, they are easily detachable, so taking them off and tossing away could end up being your child’s favorite game in the car.
Safety Features
The steel frame sucks up much of the force in the event of a collision. The SafeZone headrest has 4 protective layers to absorb extreme forces.
All the models in the SafeMax line are rollover tested. This model also meets or exceeds the federal safety standards.
Pros
- SensorSafe technology
- SureSafe LATCH connectors
- Buckle pockets
- SafeZone headrest
- Rollover tested
Cons
- Headrest adjustment in forward-facing is tough
- SensorSafe may not work in some vehicles
13. Safety 1st Continuum 3-in-1 Convertible Car Seat
The collection of all-in-one units was very limited at one time. Now, the situation has changed and there is a broad 
range of products in the market. But, finding a good-quality unit at a budget price is still a challenge. The Continuum 3-in-1 from Safety 1st is one of the few models that excel in that niche. You can describe it a budget version of the same brand’s Grow and Go.
Ease of Use
The Continuum works as a rear-facing (from 5 to 40 pounds), forward-facing (from 22 to 50 pounds), and belt-positioning booster (from 40 to 80 pounds) seat. You can use it from the child’s birth to until he is quite big but it won’t be his last car seat because the maximum weight limit is pretty low – only 80 pounds.
The seat will fit like a puzzle in the backseat of a car when you use the LATCH system. The seatbelt setup is a bit challenging because is quite narrow to reach in.
There are three recline points and you can use them all in the rear-facing direction. The booster and forward-facing modes must use the fully upright (number 1) position. Remember that the level line on the seat must be flush with the ground when you are putting a baby who cannot sit upright.
Performance & Comfort
The QuickFit harness allows adjusting the height and position of the harness and headrest in one simple step. It is a no re-thread harness, so there is no need to thread it every time you need to change its position. Use the lowest harness slot along with the body pillow insert for newborns.
The bare harness straps can cut into the child’s neck. You can purchase separate belt pads to solve this issue.
The seat cover is a cinch to remove since there is no need to detach the harness straps for that. Both the seat pad and cover are machine washable.
Safety Features
The Safety 1st Continuum meets or exceeds in the tests for all federal safety standards. It will keep your baby safe during a collision.
Pros
- LATCH installation
- Baby pillow insert
- QuickFit harness
- Machine washable seat pad and cover
- Inexpensive
Cons
- Seatbelt path is narrow
- Harness straps do not have padding
14. Evenflo Evolve Platinum 3-in-1 Combination Booster Seat
The Evenflo Platinum 3-in-1 is an excellent car seat that parents will just fall in love with it. It is snuggly and durable 
and provides some unique safety features. The seat will grow with your child and accompany him from his toddler days to until he is big enough to sit in a real car seat.
Ease of Use
The Evolve Platinum is versatile since it can operate in three modes – harness booster, high-back booster, and backless booster. Children from 22 to 120 pounds of weight can ride on it and the minimum age limit is one year.
The push-on style Quick LATCH connectors are amazing as they need nothing more than a push to be locked into the anchors. Releasing is even easier as it needs just the pulling on a red tab.
The belt installation is also simple because the belt-positioner is wide open, unlike some other models where the opening is so narrow that you have to scratch your hand. Threading and retracting the belt through the belt path are quick and easy.
The one position recline is disappointing, especially when your kids like to rest or sleep in the car.
Performance & Comfort
All the Platinum models are equipped with OUTLAST Performance fabric. It controls the temperature and keeps it comfortable based on the weather. The child will stay warm during winter and cool in summer.
The cover is machine washable so you don’t have to worry about the lingering urine or poop smell in the car. Also, it makes easier to clean up the drink spillage and food mess.
The harness and headrest are easily adjustable and you can tuck away all the straps into the buckle pockets when not in use. Harness needs rethreading when you have to reset it for your growing child.
Safety Features
The Evolve Platinum meets or exceeds all federal safety standards. It also passes Evenflo’s rollover and side-impact protection tests. The steel frame and E3 protection (featuring a 4-layer protective zone) significantly reduce the force in the event of a crash.
You can use the seat on the airplane but only with the harness mode on. It has a 6-year of lifespan.
Pros
- Quick LATCH connectors
- OUTLAST Performance fabric
- FAA certified
- Rollover tested
Cons
- One recline position
- Harness needs rethreading
15. Safety 1st All-in-One Convertible Car Seat
Traveling with kids can be stressful but the Safety 1st all-in-one car seat will make it a joyride with its several comfort 
and safety features. It is designed to accommodate your kids from their birth to the time they are grown enough to sit unassisted in the car.
Ease of Use
The Safety 1st all-in-one is designed for a growing child in mind. The weight and height limits for the rear-facing position are 5-40 pounds and 19-40 inches and 22-50 pounds and 34-45 inches for the forward-facing direction. The booster weight limit is a tad disappointing, only 80 pounds.
The LATCH connectors make installation a simple task. There is also the seatbelt option, which is the only way to install the booster seat.
The three reclining positions are fine for the forward-facing mode but the rear-facing does not incline as much as it should be. The user manual suggests using a towel or pool noodle under the base, which is frustrating for a product that prices more than 100 bucks.
Performance & Comfort
The Safety 1st all-in-one does not do a great job in the comfort section. It does have additional cushion inserts for infants but the overall padding is thin. Some kids may complain about the lack of plushy feeling. Also, the head of the small babies can slump over when they are asleep.
The removable and machine-washable seat cover is a plus point though, which makes dealing with a poop explosion much easier.
Adjusting the Quickfit harness straps and headrest position is a breeze because it involves just one simple step.
Safety Features
The Safety 1st all-in-one passes all the tests for federal safety standards but it receives a rather poor rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
Pros
- Simple LATCH installations
- Quickfit harness
- Machine washable seat cover
Cons
- Thin padding
- Rear-facing recline is inadequate
- Poor IIHS rating
