Traveled with your little one? If so, you know that finding a safe and comfortable car seat for travel can be a challenge.
Not to worry – we’ve got you covered! We’ve rounded up the top five best travel car seats on the market. Each one is lightweight and easy to install, so you can relax and enjoy your journey.
Keep reading for reviews of our favorites!
How We Choose The Best travel car seat
To find the best travel car seat, we took into account several factors. First, we considered safety. All of the seats on our list are certified by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), so you can rest assured that your child is in good hands.
Next, we looked at ease of use. We only included seats that are easy to install and remove, so you won’t have any trouble getting them in and out of the car.
We also considered comfort. After all, if your child is uncomfortable, the whole trip will be a nightmare. All of the seats on our list have padded seats and adjustable straps to ensure a comfortable ride.
Finally, we considered the price. We know that parents are on a budget, so we only included seats that are reasonably priced.
1. Maxi-Cosi Pria Max All-in-One Convertible Car Seat
The Maxi-Cosi Pria Max All-in-One Convertible infant car seats is a safe and comfortable option for travel. It is certified by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and features side impact protection technology with GCell.
The ClipQuik auto-magnetic chest clip makes it easy to get in and out of the seat, and the Out-of-the-Way spring-assisted harness covers make it easy to board. The Flip Away Buckle won’t get in the way while getting in and out of the car, and the seat is reasonably priced.
Why We Love It
- It has a versatile design.
- You can use it as a rear-facing car seat.
- It has superior side impact protection.
- It is equipped with cell technology.
- The harness system is easy to use.
- It has a Flip Away Buckle design.
What You Need to Know
- It’s easy to install and uninstall
- The car seat is comfortable for long rides
- It has a 5-point harness system
- It comes with a cup holder
- It is also a convertible car seat
- The car seat is machine-washable
2. Graco Contender 65 Convertible Car Seat
The Graco Contender 65 are convertible car seats that can be covered to booster seats and used as rear-facing for infants from 5 to 40 pounds and forward-facing for toddlers from 22 to 65 pounds. It features the Simply Safe Adjust Harness System, which allows you to adjust the harness and headrest height together with one easy motion.
The Graco ProtectPlus Engineered system includes a combination of the most rigorous crash tests to help protect your child in frontal, side, rear, and rollover crashes. The 8-position headrest is adjustable using one hand and easily adapts to your growing child's needs.
Why We Love It
- It has a great weight and is easy to install
- The harness system is very adjustable.
- The car seat is comfortable for the child.
- It has a great design.
- This car seat is easy to clean.
- It is durable.
- Converts to a booster seat.
What You Need to Know
- It comes with an 8-position headrest.
- The harness system is adjustable.
- Its dimensions are 20.75"D x 27"W x 26"H.
- It comes with a one-year limited warranty.
3. Evenflo Tribute LX Convertible Car Seat
Evenflo's Tribute LX Convertible Car Seat is a great option for travel, as it is lightweight and easy to install.
In addition, the up-front harness adjuster provides an easy way to ensure a snug, accurate fit for your child. The Tribute LX also features four shoulder harness positions and a removable cup holder.
Why We Love It
- The cup holder is removable
- It has a removable pillow
- Easy buckle release
- The two modes of harness use are very handy
- The up-front harness adjustment is a great feature.
- It allows you to easily adjust the child's harness
What You Need to Know
- The car seat should be easy to install
- It should be lightweight and easy to carry
- The seat should be comfortable for your child
- The seat should be adjustable to fit your child's size
- The seat should have a cup holder for drinks and snacks
Best Lightweight Design
WAYB Pico Travel Car Seat with Standard Carrying Bag
4. WAYB Pico Travel Car Seat
If you're looking for a safe, comfortable and portable car seat for travel, the WAYB Pico is a great option. It's lightweight and easy to install, making it perfect for road trips or flying with your little one.
The seat is made from durable materials and has a five-point safety harness to keep your child secure. It also comes with a carrying bag for easy transport and regular seat belt. Reviewers love the WAYB Pico for its safety and ease of use.
Why We Love It
- Easy to use
- Pico is easy to carry and stow
- Lightweight design
- The Pico car seat can fit into overhead bins and is easily carried
- Meets all U.S. safety standards and regulations
What You Need to Know
- Expensive
- Only for children 22-50 lbs and 30-45 inches tall
- They are regular car seats
- Made with rugged materials for safety
- Lightweight design
- Easy to transport and store
5. Cosco Finale Dx 2-In-1 Combination Booster Car Seat
Looking for an easy and lightweight car seat that's perfect for travel? Look no further than the Cosco Finale Dx 2-In-1 Combination Booster Car Seat! Designed to fit 3 across in most vehicles, this seat is perfect for growing families and carpools. With a padded seat and detachable cup holder, your little one will stay comfortable and secure on every trip. Plus, with an IIHS Best Bet rating for use in booster mode, you can feel confident that your child is safe and secure at all times.
Why We Love It
- Easy to clean
- It is lightweight
- Easy to move from one car to another
- Deluxe fabric provides a comfortable ride
- A dishwasher-safe cup holder makes it easy to keep the seat clean
What You Need to Know
- Its Durability complaints.
- It is easy to move from car to car.
- Not good for a rental car
- It has a no-rethread harness
- This model features an extra-deep cup holder
- Its a limited 1-year warranty.
Frequently Asked Questions
Now that you know about the best travel car seats, let's answer some of the common questions.
Why are American car seats illegal in Europe?
This is a common question, as many American parents travel with their little ones to European countries. Unfortunately, many infant car seat that are certified for use in the United States are not always legal in Europe. This is due to a variety of strict regulations and safety standards that vary from country to country.
Can I use a forward-facing car seat on an airplane?
Yes, it is possible to use a forward-facing car seat on an airplane seats. However, it is important to check with your airline first to make sure that you are following any specific regulations or requirements.
Bottom Line
With most car seats on the market, it can be hard to determine which one is best for your needs. We’ve summarized the top five best car seats for travel and provided a buying guide to help you make the most informed decision possible.
Whether you’re looking for a seat that will keep your child safe during long road trips or one that is easy to install and take with you on vacation, we have a recommendation that will fit your needs.
Thanks for reading and happy travels!
