10 Best Travel Car Seats 2023

Driving a vehicle with a baby on your thighs or putting the baby on the seat next to you is dangerous and very risky. This usually prevents parents from going out with their baby, but today we present you the best travel car seat with which going out with your baby will become a pleasure.

However, choosing the right travel car seat can be complicated and is often at the heart of parenting discussions, because choosing the safety of your child is paramount.

Best Travel Car Seat

How to Choose the Best Travel Car Seat

Car seats should not be chosen at random because the safety of your children depends on them. In general, it is good to know that they are used up to a height of 150 cm and that they are divided according to weight or size, depending on how they are approved. When children exceed the indicated height, it is possible to use the seat belt.

Depending on the weight/age, the swivel car seats are divided into groups: group 0 and 0+ baby seats for 9 and 13 kg, respectively, group 1,2,3 seats are suitable for 9 to 36 kg. The FAA approval is very important for air travel and must be indicated on a special label on the back or base of the seat.

The choice must also be made taking into account the type of car because sometimes seat belts are not long enough, or not suitable, to fix the swivel car seat, which must be considered before buying. In addition, it is necessary to take into account children’s preferences.

Top 10 Best Travel Car Seat

ModelRating
Cybex Aton M Infant Car Seat, Lavastone Black4.6
Chicco KeyFit 30 Infant Car Seat, Papyrus4.9
Britax Marathon ClickTight Convertible Car Seat, Verve4.6
Maxi-Cosi Pria 85 Max Convertible Car Seat, Night Black, One Size4.7
Graco Nautilus 65 LX 3-In-1 Harness Booster Car Seat, Matrix4.6
Safety 1st TrioFit 3-in-1 Convertible Car Seat, Cool Grey4.6
Graco Extend2Fit Convertible Car Seat, Gotham
4.9
Evenflo Maestro Sport Harness Booster Car Seat, Granite4.7
Graco 4Ever Extend2Fit All-in-One Convertible Car Seat, Clove4.8
Safety 1st onBoard 35 LT Comfort Cool Infant Car Seat, Pebble Beach4.8

1. Cybex Aton M Infant Car Seat, Lavastone Black

The Cybex Aton M Infant Car Seat is ​​in first place in our ranking and we consider it the best travel car seat for the children of Group 0/0+. It obtained excellent marks in all the tests carried out by the most important independent European organizations such as ADAC.

The Cybex product is characterized by the use of SafeLock Base features instead of the traditional seat belts. In the event of an impact, the Integrated Linear Side Impact Protection System (L.S.P.) saves the child, limiting excessive movement of the seat, otherwise, there might be an injury to the most vulnerable parts of your baby, such as the head, neck, and spine.

Another very important feature is European belt routing with which you can install the seat without needing the base. It also keeps the child’s head always in the safety zone of the car seat, avoiding hanging the head of the child during sleep. The Cybex seat can easily be tilted with one hand.

The quality of construction is at the highest level, as are the materials. The fabrics are of excellent manufacturing quality and machine washable. Installation is also very easy thanks to ISOFIX connections. In addition, it is possible to install the Cybex seat in cars not equipped with the ISOFIX system.

Pros

Excellent marks in independent quality tests

Very safe

Linear Side Impact Protection System

Easy to assemble

ISOFIX connection

Mounting possible without ISOFIX also.

Excellent coating fabric.

Easy cleaning.

Excellent work.

Cons

Removal of the treated coating

Lack of cup holder

Lack of headrest

2. Chicco KeyFit 30 Infant Car Seat, Papyrus

Chicco is a known and recognized manufacturer and the Chicco KeyFit 30 Infant Car Seat has secured second place in our list. The company provides excellent product quality for travel car seats. The black color is beautiful and is liked by everyone. The price of the product is justified and Chicco does not disappoint us with this travel car seat for children.

Nevertheless, the weight of the seat can be quite heavy (17.15 pounds). It’s not always easy to move it. However, it is not an object that we will move every day. The maximum weight of the child that the seat will be able to support is 30 pounds.

There is no difficulty in handling it. On the other hand, it does not have any rotation, whether it is at 90 ° or at 180 °. The fixing system is basic, it is the ISOFIX that we know very well. In other words, this is one of the best products in this price range and we highly recommend it.

Pros

Extremely safe

ISOFIX connection

Exceptional coating fabric

Easy cleaning

EPS Energy Absorbing foam

Excellent work

5-point harness with one-pull tightened

Multi position canopy

A little cumbersome

Cons

Lack of Linear Side Impact Protection System

A little cumbersome

3. Britax Marathon ClickTight Convertible Car Seat, Verve

The Britax Marathon ClickTight Convertible Car Seat is the third car seat for children weighing 5 to 65 pounds. This swivel car seat has also passed the FAA tests and thus confirms to be one of the safest seats in its category. The main feature of this seat is ClickTight which makes the installation very easy.

The seat uses 2 position buckle for the comfort of your child. In the event of an accident, the steel frame, a layer of side impact protection, and impact absorbing base distributes the impact forces in 5 areas (shoulders, hips and where the loop is inserted between the legs) thus reducing the risk of damage to the child.

Britax Marathon ClickTight Convertible Car Seat has 7 recline positions which take care of the comfort of your child. In addition, seat belts are fitted with bearings that reduce the forward movement of the child in the event of a frontal impact. Seat belts must always be used for seat installation. If ISOFIX hooks are present, the mounting security can be increased by using ISOFIX Soft Latch hooks. The Britax’s seat is lightweight and space-saving.

Pros

No rethreading

FAA approved

Easy Installation due to ClickTight

Extremely Comfortable

ISOFIX installation

Seven recline positions

Side Impact Protection System

Very Safe

Cons

Lacks cup holder

Lacks Headrest

No rotating function

4. Maxi-Cosi Pria 85 Max Convertible Car Seat, Night Black, One Size

The Maxi-Cosi Pria 85 Max Convertible Car Seat is in the fourth place in our special ranking. This seat proves to be one of the safest seats in its category. For younger children, the seat also uses a ClipQuik auto-magnetic chest clip as a protection system. In the event of an accident, the special shape of the seat helps dissipate impact forces and relieves tension on the weakest structures of the child, such as the head, neck, and spine.

The Maxi-Cosi Pria 85 Max Convertible Car Seat also implements other important features such as side impact protection, which reduces the energy discharged from the vehicle’s three-point belt in the event of a collision or sudden braking. The quality of construction is exceptional. It can be easily installed using ISOFIX hooks and can also be mounted on cars without ISOFIX, using traditional car seat belts. Only negative point: the seat is quite bulky.

The seat has also been approved for air travel. This way, your child will have the opportunity to use his seat during the flight. Once at your destination, if you rent a car, you can use the same travel car seat. You will have the safest solution for your child and you will save tens of dollars by avoiding the rental of a travel car seat.

Pros

Handy harness holders

Extended weight range

Auto-magnetic chest clip

Cupholder

Very easy to use

Lifetime warranty

Easy Installation

Safe to use

Cons

Lacks headrest

Lacks Side Impact Protection System

5. Graco Nautilus 65 LX 3-In-1 Harness Booster Car Seat, Matrix

The Graco is a company that is proficient in making travel car seats for children. This product has a 3-in-1 harness booster that safeguards your child. It is equipped with a relatively efficient mechanism. Based on this system, it is very easy to install or take the child out of the car. Indeed, thanks to this travel car seat, everything is easily done. The seat can be easily turned towards the door. It’s simple, it’s fast, it’s reliable. What more do you need in a travel car seat?

You will not encounter any major difficulties while installing it. With the ISOFIX system that has already been found on other child car seats, the installation of the seat is simple and provides real security. The harness system is there to provide true support to the seat.

The seat can carry children between 22 and 65 pounds for those who will be facing the road and up to 100 pounds for children with the high back booster. We are fully satisfied and we recommend it.

Pros

5-point Harness System

3-in-1 harness booster

3-position recline

Side Impact Protection System

Easy to use

Safe to use

Reliable

ISOFIX installation

Cons

Doesn’t support children over 65 pounds

6. Safety 1st TrioFit 3-in-1 Convertible Car Seat, Cool Grey

This travel car seat will fit multiple ages of children weighing from 5 – 100 pounds. This is not a simple swivel car seat. It also serves as a booster seat. The product as a whole will weigh around 15 pounds. Parents, and especially moms, are concerned about the quality of a car seat for their child. Standards are scrupulously studied when the manufacturer provides such information. The car meets all the safety and FAA standards.

To facilitate the comfort of the baby, there are harness holders. Also, in this aspect of comfort, Side Impact Protection is an added advantage to limit the brutal movements that driving can bring, including bends and turns. For installation, the car seat trusts the ISOFIX system which is a good thing.

Overall it is a good product, we strongly urge you to purchase this seat for your child.

Pros

Suitable for multiple ages

Booster seat

FAA Approved

Harness holders

Side Impact Protection System

ISOFIX installation

Easy adjustment

Cons

Lacks recline positions

7. Graco Extend2Fit Convertible Car Seat, Gotham

This product is ideal for people who seek comfort and safety in the transport of their child. It is intended for infants and toddlers. The maximum weight it can bear is 65 pounds. The seat is convertible and can turn up to 90°. Thus, placing your child on the seat is relatively fun and easy. To ensure that the seat is properly positioned and fixed, parents have to be careful. The inner sides of the seat are equipped with side protections to better contain the child and prevent the child from having small unpleasant shocks.

To ensure good safety, the child will have a good adjustment at the harness and the headrest. The seat is reclining. This is an important criterion for many moms who want their child to sleep during long journeys. When you receive it, you will not have any difficulties to install the product.

And you will benefit from the InRight LATCH system for an easy and one-second LATCH attachment. It is the assurance of having optimal security.

Pros

Extremely Comfortable

Convertible

Easy to use

Side protection system

Safe to use

Headrest

Harness system

Reclining seat

InRight LATCH system

Cons

Suitable for toddlers and infants only

8. Evenflo Maestro Sport Harness Booster Car Seat, Granite

The seat suits all children who have a weight between 22 and 110 pounds. The installation and fixing system is ISOFIX. It’s solid, it’s good and it does not move. This prevents the child from shaking in the car seat. To limit the risk of hurting themselves against the walls of the seat, there are protection systems that will absorb the impacts so that the child stays comfortable.

The harness is available in 5 points. Safety and adjustment are easy, even in height to adapt to the growth of the child. The headrest is adjustable in height to allow the child to put his skull easily, during small trips to a little long. Finally, the seat has Dual Cup Holders which prevents the thirst of your children. For holiday trips, this is a parameter to take into account.

Pros

Easy to install

Reasonable price

ISOFIX installation

Impact Protection system

Comfortable

5 points harness system

Safe to use

Adjustable Headrest

Can be converted to booster

Dual Cupholder

Easily washable

Cons

Hard to tighten straps

Seats are light

9. Graco 4Ever Extend2Fit All-in-One Convertible Car Seat, Clove

The installation of this travel car seat is ISOFIX. You can attach it with the belt very easily. The child will be well maintained inside the car seat with its 5-point harness. The height of the headrest is perfectly adjustable. You will have 10 positions at your disposal to allow the child to find the comfort he deserves.

The seat itself is set to 4 different positions. The side walls have been reinforced with materials adapted to offer protection to the skull but also the shoulders of the baby. The car seat weighs 24 pounds. The weight of the supported child will be between 4 and 120 pounds, that is the children of groups 1, 2 and 3. This seat also contains 2 cup holders to provide water and drink to your children.

Pros

Easy to install

5-point harness system

Adjustable headrest

10 positions

Optimum security

Safe to use

2 Cup Holders

ISOFIX installation

Cons

Difficult to wash

10. Safety 1st onBoard 35 LT Comfort Cool Infant Car Seat, Pebble Beach

The Safety 1st onBoard 35 LT Comfort Cool Infant Car Seat is also ideal for your children. It will accompany your child if he weighs between 4 and 35 pounds. The comfort cool technology is best to keep your children dry, comfortable, and cool.

This is a universal car seat that will fit all types of vehicles (equipped with ISOFIX or not). Its headrest and adjustable harnesses will support your child’s growth. This car seat is for parents seeking comfort and safety. The benefits at a glance Optimum security, Optimal comfort, Side impact protection, comfort cool technology and lightweight.

Pros

Comfort Cool Technology

Comfortable

Universal car seat

Headrest

Harness system

Safe to use

Side impact protection

Cons

Not suitable for children heavier than 35 pounds

best Travel Car Seat

FAQs

What is a swivel car seat?

The swivel car seat is a seat that is placed in the car to safely transport a child. The swivel car seat has different specifications depending on the model. There are some who have a sort of 360° “turntable” function which works according to the position desired by the parents. Other models will have a 90 ° rotation. Some are called pivoting when it is simply a child car seat with a tilt height to provide comfort for the baby.

What types of car seats exist?

The most commonly used parameter that indicates the type of seat is the weight or body mass of the child, the main element that influences the reduction of risks in the event of a collision. In relation to this, the travel car seats are divided into five groups, as represented below:

1. Group 0 for children from 0 months up to a weight of 10 kg.

2. Group 0+, for children from birth to weighing less than 13 kg.

3. Group 1 for children weighing between 9 and 18 kg.

4. Group 2 for a weight of 15 and 25 kg.

5. Group 3 for a weight between 22 and 36 kg.

Why is the ISOFIX system considered safer?

The ISOFIX safety system is directly coupled to the car body – allowing the movement of the seat to be reduced during impact. The ergonomics of its structure allows greater containment of the body due to a more padded back, headrest and side coverings that perfectly embrace the child not only in the seat but in the entire structure of the vehicle. The seat is in fact anchored to the chassis of the car through a system of rigid connectors.

It has five anchor points to attach to the car seat with the vehicle’s safety belts or with ISOFIX devices arranged in the car. The system also allows the seat to be installed more easily, as everything is already set up, reducing the risk of installing errors.

Specifically, the ISOFIX system consists of two metal rings installed on the joint line between the backrest and the car seat. A third attachment point for fixing the upper part of the seat is a metal ring placed in the rear part of the front and rear seats.

The third ISOFIX point is particularly useful if you choose the type of seat with anti-rotation systems like the support leg.

How many years do I have to keep the seat?

Particularly important for the safety of the child is that it works as long as possible. As long as all of its functions are fully working, it is fine and must be used to travel your child. There is no security limitation if the child’s legs protrude beyond the back of the device, but the head must be completely embraced by the backrest, which must necessarily be adjusted according to the child’s height.

In relation to the laws of our country on the transport of children by car, it is important to remember, in addition to the safety factor and reduction of the risk of injury and exit from the car in the event of a collision, it is compulsory to provide a seat to child from birth and up to 36 kg or 150 cm in height, approximately around 4 years. In relation to this data, it is necessary to choose the type of seat according to the weight and comfort level of your child.

It is also important to remember that in our country, children travel by car with a height of 150 cm, but in other countries, the parameter may be different. Moreover, according to the new rules, the seats for groups 2 and 3 that previously consisted of only risers, boosters and backsplashes must also be equipped with an adjustable backrest in relation to the child’s growth.

Conclusion

Purchasing the travel car seat is an essential element to transport your child in good condition. The selection criteria are important to analyze in order to make the best choice for the needs of your children. These products have been reviewed on the basis of multiple factors such as the quality/price ratio, comfort level, protection, rotation, headrest, security, installation, and traveling time. But the other elements are not left behind!

With the 10 models reviewed, you’re in the right place to choose the best travel car seat for your child.

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