Best toddler car seat reviews

Last Updated on March 21, 2019

Best toddler car seat review

As your baby grows into a toddler, the need for safety while traveling in the car does not wane. The good news is there are many toddler car seats to choose from. They come with different features and in different patterns and colors, and all are designed to the strictest safety standards.

There are many trusted brands, including Graco, Baby Trend, The First Years, and Britax.. It’s important to do your homework when shopping for car seats. You need to make sure they are suitable for your child’s age and weight.  Here are some of the best toddler car seats to consider:

Maxi-Cosi Pria 70 with Tiny Fit Convertible Car Seat

Intended for kids from nine months to five years (rear facing 4 to 40 lbs, front facing 22 to 70 lbs). It offers awesome accident assurance from the side and front, with its Flextech construction system. Any impacts have their force removed as the system releases air.

This toddler car seat is priced around $280.

Pros:

  • Flextech system
  • Impact reduction
  • Cup holder
  • Comfortable
  • One click latch system

Cons:

  • Hand wash only
  • Hard to install

Summary:

A solid contender, this car seat has great safety features, but it is complex to install and only allows handwashing of the covers.

Cosco Scenera Convertible Car Seat

The Cosco Scenera Convertible Car Seat gives you two car seats in one. Beginning as a rear facing car seat, it effortlessly changes over to a forward-facing car seat as your youngster grows. It has a five point harness and can cater a child 22 to 40 lbs. in the forward facing position. The approximate price for this product is $90.

Pros:

  • No assembly required and it is latch equipped
  • Lightweight
  • Meets the standards for child protection
  • Removable cup holder for easy access
  • Cover removes easily for cleaning

Cons:

  • Not very comfortable
  • Straps twist easily
  • LATCH anchors difficult to unclip

Summary:

This product is well made and for general use. It is narrow enough for travel on planes and in taxis, which means it lacks some comfort. However, it is a great extra car seat to have if you’re always on the go or for grandma’s car.

Graco Nautilus 3-in-1 Car Seat, Matrix

The Graco Nautilus 3-in-1 Multiuse Car Seat is perfect for children from 20 to 100 lbs., which means it will last for pretty much all of their car-seat sitting years.  It has a steel reinforced frame for durability and features a 5-point harness. This car seat sells for around $145.

Pros:

  • Exceeds the USA standards for safety
  • Cushions are machine washable too
  • Fully adjustable headrest
  • Really nice padding

Cons:

  • Shoulder height strap not easy to adjust
  • Straps feel a bit flimsier than competitor’s models
  • Lacks third crotch strap location

Summary:

The Graco Nautilus has a long life span, exceeds crash tests and is loved by parents and children alike. As the child gets older, they can even buckle themselves in because of the open loops at the top of the seat.

Conclusion

The best toddler car seat among this list of three is the Graco Nautilus 3-in-1 Car Seat, Matrix. It is competitively priced, lasts for years and has all the bells and whistles you are looking for in a toddler car seat.

The Maxi-Cosi Pria 70 is a great second choice because it offers pretty much everything you need: comfort, safety and style. However, it’s priced a bit higher than the Graco, and is complex to install.

If you’re looking for a budget by that meets all your basic needs and is affordable, go for the Cosco Scenera Convertible Car Seat.

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