Convertible Car Seat Recommendations
What to do when baby has outgrown the infant car seat?
Disclaimer: I am not a car seat expert or certified car seat technician (CPST), but I am a mama of two and previous Nanny who has shopped and installed and used car seats for many years! As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
I love following Car Seats for Littles and Safe in the Seat for the most up-to-date information and education regarding car seat safety.
I would always encourage you to read your manual that comes with the car seat to understand how to install, specifications for safety and car seat limits associated with each individual seat. Also, always be sure to check expiration dates and replace car seat if the car has been in any sort of accident.
Even though my boys did not outgrow the infant seat at this time, around one year old, carrying the infant in and out of the car with 20+ pound babies was pretty taxing. I switched both around that time to convertible car seats for both of our comfort!
I wanted to share some favorite car seats from my research, from reputable brands, and ones that I’ve used firsthand.
To start, both of my kids are in swivel car seats in my SUV. I really love the swivel feature for us, as I have a large vehicle and I’m pretty short. It helps me not have to stand halfway in the car to get them in and out! My husband‘s truck has different car seats, as he has less space and I’ll share that below too!
For my older son, we use the Cybex Sirona S. I really love this car seat, and we’ve had it for about two years now. I will be transparent that if your kid likes to eat snacks in the car, it’s not the easiest to clean, and the crackers, sometimes inhibit thus swivel function. This one needs a lot of love in terms of cleaning!
For my younger son, we just installed the Baby Jogger City Turn, which is really great. Unlike the Cybex, you do need to reinstall for rear facing and forward facing. The Cybex can just swivel from front to back! I bought both on sale, so had a pretty good saving on one of the more expensive baby-gear items.
For a recognizable and reputable car seat brand, Nuna just recently came out with a swivel car seat (#affiliatelink) that looks super comfortable and has great reviews. I haven’t personally used it, but the Nuna car seat, good reputation for safety and comfort. The other recommendations with Nuna would be the Exec (#affiliatelink) and Rava. (#affiliatelink and currently on sale in Rose color)
In my husband‘s car, we have the Graco extend-to-fit as one of the car seats and Uppababy Knox as the other! Our spare car seat is the Clek Foonf, but I find it takes up a bit too much space in rear facing in his truck. We use this in family or other car and are looking forward to using when we switch to forward facing!
Lastly, I want to be sure to mention again that I am not a car seat expert, these are just my personal opinions and preferences. Definitely check out Safe in the Seat and Car Seats for Littles (links above) for more specific suggestions or questions!
