Best Convertible Car Seat

Sarah - posted on 06/07/2009

I do some work as a part-time baby planner and the recommendations I generally give based on what's on the market in the US right now are as follows: Britax Marathon or Roundabout 50 (maybe a Boulevard if you have the space in your vehicle and are okay with the price), First Years TrueFit, Evenflo Triumph Advance, Sunshine Kids Radian, Graco MyRide65, or Cosco Scenera. Those are the only seats I feel like are even worth considering. Straight up I tell people to skip anything that's a convertible and marketed as a "3-in-1". I've looked at the reviews in various books (keep in mind though, that some of the Consumer Reports reviews have been retracted because of problems with the extra tests they conducted) and sites and based on reviews provided by other parents and my own experiences with the products. All of the seats on the market have passed the safety tests (of course, unfortunately they do not publish the information about who passed with flying colors and who just barely squeaked by).

For our son, we have a Marathon and a TrueFit. I'm very pleased with both seats. If I were in the market for a seat right now though, I'd be taking a very close look at the MyRide65 since it has the highest RF weight limit on the market right now.

If you're wanting a more specific recommendation, it would help to know a little more about your situation. How old is your LO? What size and build is she/he? What kind of car are you putting the seat into? Will you be putting in more than one seat (i.e. will you need 3 seats across or anything like that)?

Jenifer - posted on 06/07/2009

I really like the Britax Marathon as well. To be honest, I don't think there's much difference in the safety of convertible car seats, but there is a huge difference in how convenient and easy to use they are (since so many people install their seat incorrectly, I suppose this affects safety, too). Britax seats are incredible easy to install, they have a high rear-facing weight limit, and are pretty versatile (mine is installed RF in a small coupe).

Krista - posted on 06/07/2009

We have the Britax Boulevard - it's more $$ than most, but we love it and our little girl loves it too. It's good till 65lbs too, so it'll last a while.
Likely the safest seat on the market, and aren't our kids worth it?

Heather - posted on 06/07/2009

Comfort, safety, ratings, fitting, and ease of use.... Britax Boulevard. It has true side impact protection. I have chronic arm pain from ulnar nerve damage so I need a seat that I can put on the side seat not the middle (we have a honda pilot) without compromising our sons safety... this one does that. I also need one that I can operate with limited hand stregnth and ease... We love this seat. I have been through many carseats. We have a 14yr old, twin 11yr olds, a 6yr old and our son is 10 months. So I have used many carseats... my sister just had her son in April and while we were visiting before her birth she let me borrow her brand new Alpha Omega Elite...the top choice in consumer reports (for the class and price) and it was horrible. It was hard to use, difficult to put my son in, hard to put in the car, and was really hard (not as comfy for my son).

So yes you pay a bit more for the Britax seats, but it is so worth it. The old saying you get what you pay for... it is very true here. And this is not a place you want to pinch pennies... the safety of your child is very important!

Good Luck!

Kelly - posted on 06/07/2009

i have heard alot of good things about the britax marathon seat....i don't have one but have read on here alot of good things and they can stay harnessed up to 65 pounds

http://www.britaxusa.com/car-seats/marat... there is a link to the web site for it......good luck carseat shopping

Kathleen - posted on 06/07/2009

My recommendation is getting an all in one. It will save you money in the long run and they run you about the same about you are going to spend. I have a cosco alpha omega it's ok...my son seems to fit in it better than the convertible one we have in our other car that we don't use as often. I've been told Eddie Bauer ones are ok. The new Graco 32 I think has had some good reviews, but don't take my word on that. Also, defiantly get it pretty new as carseats do have an exp date to them.

Stephenie - posted on 06/07/2009

eddie bauer(spelling??) at target around $100

Alyssa - posted on 06/07/2009

My 2 youngest children are in Britax Multi-Techs. Great seat, and rear faces till 55 lbs.