Best Convertible Car Seats for Small Cars 2019
Hello hello! I figured I would start blogging here because I research baby products a lot when buying for our 7 month old son. Why not share what I've learned so that others can potentially benefit, too?
Our son (bigger kid - in 18 month clothing at 7 months) recently outgrew his infant car seat system, so we thought it time for a new car seat. When looking more into it, we realized it made financial sense to purchase a convertible car seat so he could use it from now until potentially up to/through some of elementary school.
CONVERTIBLE CAR SEAT FACTORS
When choosing a convertible car seat, here's what we thought was important:
TOP 4 CONVERTIBLE CAR SEATS for SMALL CARS
All this to be said, we found some good options out there. The first round of convertible car seats we found acceptable for small cars (when trying to maximize front passenger space) included:
All of these fit the bill for having a small footprint from front to back in rear-facing mode, they all seemed to be rated and reviewed well and were similar in terms of length of time used, safety, cleanability, etc.
OUR CHOICE
Because our son is larger and travels a lot, we found that the Chicco Nextfit Zip and Britax Boulevard were our top 2 choices in convertible car seats. They're both very comfortable, well-ranked for safety, and are an excellent size for our small cars.
Our son (bigger kid - in 18 month clothing at 7 months) recently outgrew his infant car seat system, so we thought it time for a new car seat. When looking more into it, we realized it made financial sense to purchase a convertible car seat so he could use it from now until potentially up to/through some of elementary school.
CONVERTIBLE CAR SEAT FACTORS
When choosing a convertible car seat, here's what we thought was important:
- Safety rating/Brand reputation
- Distance from front to back in rear-facing mode
- How long the car seat could be used for
- Whether it would be comfortable for our larger baby
- Ease of cleaning the car seat
- Not having to re-thread the harness
- Buckle staying put
TOP 4 CONVERTIBLE CAR SEATS for SMALL CARS
All this to be said, we found some good options out there. The first round of convertible car seats we found acceptable for small cars (when trying to maximize front passenger space) included:
- Maxi-Cosi Pria 70 Convertible Car Seat (9-70 lbs) - $199
-->31 inches front to back space used - Britax Boulevard ClickTight Convertible Car Seat (5-65 lbs) - $299
--> 32 inches front to back space used - Chicco Nextfit (Various models) - $249
--> 33 inches front to back space used
NOTE: The Chicco Nextfit Zip model has an easily removable zip-off car seat cover whereas the Nextfit Sport car seat cover is more complicated and takes a lot longer to remove. - Diono Radian RXT All-in-One Convertible Car Seat (Birth to 120 lbs) - $259
--> 33 inches from front to back with angle adjuster
All of these fit the bill for having a small footprint from front to back in rear-facing mode, they all seemed to be rated and reviewed well and were similar in terms of length of time used, safety, cleanability, etc.
OUR CHOICE
Because our son is larger and travels a lot, we found that the Chicco Nextfit Zip and Britax Boulevard were our top 2 choices in convertible car seats. They're both very comfortable, well-ranked for safety, and are an excellent size for our small cars.
We ended up going with the Chicco Nextfit Zip because the website had a promo for $50 off and we liked that it had:
- a Zip and Wash seat pad
- a 9-position recline leveling system, which makes it fit lots of different cars
- easy installation (SuperCinch LATCH tightening and LOCK SURE belt system)
- a no re-thread harness that tightens with one pull
- a space-saving cup folder
We are quite happy with our purchase thus far. And my husband (who is 6'1) is still able to fit in the front passenger seat with the seat reclined some. Win win!
I will miss the ease of being able to carry my son around in an infant car seat and pop it into our stroller, but I suppose it's time for a new change! Here's to change, new car seats, and cute kiddos!
Please feel free to comment below if you have any feedback on car seats you've loved, hated, considered, etc. I always love hearing what others have found to be true for their little ones.
Cheers!
Ellen
I will miss the ease of being able to carry my son around in an infant car seat and pop it into our stroller, but I suppose it's time for a new change! Here's to change, new car seats, and cute kiddos!
Please feel free to comment below if you have any feedback on car seats you've loved, hated, considered, etc. I always love hearing what others have found to be true for their little ones.
Cheers!
Ellen
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