Car seats for one-year-olds
Now that you have a one-year-old, it’s time to transition out of the convenient infant car seat. Purchasing a car seat at this age is a tricky task — an infant carrier is too small, yet your child is not quite big enough for a forward-facing car seat. In this instance, a convertible car seat is the perfect solution.
Convertible car seats are versatile enough to accommodate a child from baby to big kid and every stage in between. This includes rear-facing, forward-facing and converts to a booster seat.
Take a look at our car seat recommendations for a growing one-year-old below.
What to know before you buy a car seat for a one-year-old
How long should a child be in a rear-facing car seat?
After your child has outgrown their infant car seat, a one-year-old should move to a rear-facing convertible car seat. Both the American Academy of Pediatrics and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recommend keeping children rear-facing until they reach the maximum height and weight limit for their car seat. This can be anywhere between two to five years old.
Car seat convertibility
Convertible car seats are best known for their versatility. But convertibility can vary, depending on the specific car seat or brand.
All convertible car seats are rear-facing and forward-facing. Some seats only change from rear to forward-facing and do not offer the option of a booster. This type of car seat will usually suit a child until age five.
When a child outgrows forward-facing, the next step is to move to a high-back booster. Many convertible car seats will include this option, but it’s essential to check the specifications before choosing a car seat.
The last step is a backless booster. Not many convertible car seats have this option. Carefully consider whether you want one car seat for the rest of your child’s life or prefer to have a separate booster seat down the road.
Children are required to use a booster until they are about 80 pounds and 4-feet-9-inches in height.
Extended rear-facing car seat
Since rear-facing is the safest option for a child, it’s recommended to keep a child rear-facing for as long as possible. To ensure your child doesn’t outgrow the rear-facing weight and height dimensions, choose your car seat carefully.
Pay special attention to rear-facing weight limits. Some seats have a limit of 35 pounds, while others can accommodate rear-facing up to 50 pounds. A higher weight limit could give you an additional year of extended rear-facing.
Size of your vehicle
Car seats come in all shapes and sizes, but don’t assume every car seat will fit in your vehicle. With a compact car, it’s smart to pay attention to dimensions when choosing a new car seat. If unsure whether a car seat will fit in a vehicle, measure your back seat to ensure there won’t be issues.
What features should a car seat for a one-year-old have?
LATCH system
All five-point harness car seats utilize the LATCH system, which stands for lower anchors and tethers for children. It’s a way to install a car seat safely without using the car’s seat belt. All U.S. vehicles newer than 2003 models are required to have lower anchors and tethers.
Easy installation
Even with the LATCH system, some car seats are more difficult to install than others. If a car seat will be transferred between vehicles, be sure to choose a car seat with a straightforward installation.
Recline positions
Most convertible car seats come with several recline positions for rear and forward-facing. Babies should be able to recline further than toddlers. Recline positions are especially important if you have a vehicle with a smaller back seat, since car seats with bigger reclines may not fit.
Car seat cost
Convertible car seats can accommodate a wide range of children and include a plethora of features. Safe car seats range from $75-$500.
The best car seats for one-year-olds of 2021
Most affordable
Best of the best: Graco Extend2Fit Convertible Car Seat
Our take: An exceptional budget choice that doesn’t sacrifice safety or additional features.
What we like: High rear-facing weight limit allows for extended rear-facing. Owners have reported installation to be simple.
What we dislike: This large car seat might not fit comfortably into small vehicles.
Best bang for your buck: Cosco Mighty Fit 65 DX Convertible Car Seat
Our take: One of the most affordable convertible car seats on the market. The pad is completely removable and machine washable.
What we like: The slim fit makes this car seat an ideal choice for small car owners. It boasts the ability to fit three across in some vehicles.
What we dislike: The top harness slot is pretty low, which means a child could outgrow the seat before reaching the weight limit.
Third pick: Safety 1st Grow and Go 3-in-1 Convertible Car Seat
Our take: This affordable, yet straightforward convertible car seat transitions into rear-facing, forward-facing and a high-back booster.
What we like: The quick fit harness allows the user to easily adjust the harness and headrest in one step.
What we dislike: The headrest doesn’t go up very high. Tall children could potentially outgrow this seat.
Grows with you
Best of the best: Britax One4Life ClickTight All-in-One Convertible Car Seat
Our take: It’s the only car seat parents will need from birth through 10 years old. It includes several additional features such as comfortable padding and removable cup holders.
What we like: ClickTight installation is straightforward and requires no pulling or tightening.
What we dislike: It’s a heavy seat. Owners have also claimed that tightening the harness is difficult when rear-facing.
Best bang for your buck: Graco SlimFit 3-in-1 Convertible Car Seat
Our take: This car seat accommodates children up to 100 pounds and is super easy to install.
What we like: The compact design is great for small vehicles or fitting side by side with other car seats.
What we dislike: The pads can be difficult to remove for washing.
Third pick: Maxi-Cosi Magellan Xp Convertible Car Seat
Our take: This luxury convertible car has five modes, so it really does grow with a child. The padding and fit make it extremely comfortable, even for long trips.
What we like: Fourteen height positions make it nearly impossible for a child to outgrow this seat, and it’s easy to adjust.
What we dislike: Not only is it heavy, but it’s also wide and may not be suitable for small vehicles. It’s also tricky to install.
Fourth pick: Graco 4Ever DLX 4-in-1 Convertible Car Seat
Our take: One of the few convertible car seats that transitions into a backless booster. It features six recline positions and 10 headrest positions.
What we like: The covers are easy to remove and are completely machine washable.
What we dislike: It can be challenging to fit this seat into smaller vehicles.
Superior safety features
Best of the best: Cybex Sirona S SensorSafe Convertible Car Seat
Our take: This innovative 360-degree rotating car seat allows owners to switch from rear to forward-facing with the touch of a button.
What we like: A sensor on the harness sends alerts to the users’ phone if the temperature gets too hot or the harness is unbuckled.
What we dislike: It’s pricey and the swiveling base makes it bulky.
Best bang for your buck: Britax Marathon ClickTight Convertible Car Seat
Our take: The steel frame and SafeCell technology prove safety was at the forefront when creating this car seat.
What we like: The ClickTight system makes it a breeze to install.
What we dislike: While this seat has a high forward-facing weight limit, it doesn’t convert to a booster.
Third pick: Chicco NextFit Zip Max Convertible Car Seat
Our take: This is a great choice for parents who want to rear-face for an extended amount of time since the weight limit is on the higher side at 50 pounds.
What we like: It’s easy to install, and the easy zip-off seat pads can be thrown in the wash.
What we dislike: The high sides can make it difficult to get children in and out of the car.
Fourth pick: Britax Boulevard ClickTight Convertible Car Seat
Our take: The foolproof installation and superior safety features provide parents peace of mind.
What we like: Having the no-rethread harness makes it simple to adjust the seat positions for a growing child.
What we dislike: It’s pricey, especially considering that it doesn’t transition to a booster.
Slim design
Best of the best: Clek foonf Convertible Car Seat
Our take: This car seat is designed for extended rear-facing. The forward-facing weight limit is also on the higher side, so parents can enjoy this seat for years.
What we like: It has a slim profile and fits well next to other car seats. The safety features are phenomenal.
What we dislike: Despite being a thin seat, it’s very heavy. It’s one of the pricier seats on the market.
Best bang for your buck: Chicco NextFit Sport Convertible Car Seat
Our take: This is a sturdy seat that can still fit into most small vehicles.
What we like: It’s easy to install and simple to adjust the headrest.
What we dislike: Some owners have reported difficulty getting children in and out.
Third pick: Diono Radian 3 RXT All-In-One Convertible Car Seat
Our take: This trendy car seat converts to a booster, accommodating children up to 120 pounds.
What we like: Fitting three across shouldn’t be a problem with its slim design.
What we dislike: In addition to being heavy, it’s also challenging to install.
Fourth pick: Maxi-Cosi Pria 85 Convertible Car Seat
Our take: Front-to-back dimensions are on the lower side, making it a great choice for parents with small vehicles and it allows for extra legroom in the vehicle’s first row.
What we like: Seat pad covers are removable without uninstalling the seat.
What we dislike: The straps can be difficult to tighten.
Bre Richey is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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