A car seat is the one piece of baby gear that no family should have to be without, even if you don’t have a car! There are a few different styles of car seats depending on your child’s age and weight and over time the cost of having to replace them can add up fairly quickly. Newborns will always start out in a rear facing seat, which is the safest and then will eventually move up to a “big kid” booster seat.
This is bad news for families who are on a tight budget or ones who are looking to save money. Luckily for you there is another option other than constantly buying car seats that will not only save you stress but money as well! These fantastic products are called convertible car seats.
What is a Convertible Car Seat?
Convertible car seats are special seats that were designed to adjust and transform to your child’s needs at that time. They start out as a typical rear facing car seat. Rear facing car seats are the only type of seats that should be used with newborns because it is the safest and will protect them not only in case of an impact but also will keep them out of harm’s way when it comes to airbags
Once your child grows out of the rear facing seat position, these convertible car seats are easy enough to switch around to a front facing car seat. Front facing car seats sit a little more upright than rear facing ones and are a great position for budding toddlers who are starting to be more mobile.
The best part about convertible car seats is that some even come as a 3-in-1 option which will save you even more money! Some convertible car sears allow you to transform their front facing seat easily into a booster seat which is perfect for school aged children. This means that when you buy one of the 3-in-1 convertible car seats you are literally purchasing the only car seat that your child will ever need.
What to Look for in a Convertible Car Seat?
When it comes to features that you should look for when searching for a great convertible car seat, they really are the basic car seat guidelines that you should be following. Here are some things to keep in mind:
- Top of your list should always be safety. The harness system of your convertible car seat should be the safest. Look for a seat that features either a five point harness system or something better. Also make sure that the car seat has passed standard safety tests like side impact testing.
- Your convertible car seat should be durable and long lasting. Because you will be using the same seat for most of your child’s earlier years, it is important to find one that can truly hold up so that you don’t have to ever worry about replacing it.
- The seat should be comfortable. Children are sensitive, so find a car seat that is padded enough so that they feel comfortable to easily drift off to sleep on long car rides. Padding will naturally break down overtime so keep that in mind while shopping around for a convertible car seat.
- Lastly you should consider cost. While convertible car seats will save you big money in the long run, some can be a big expense. This is especially true for a onetime fee. Do some research because there are plenty of quality brand convertible car seats that would break your budget but will still offer top notch safety and features.
If you’ve decided to make the wallet saving switch to a convertible car seat but are worried about spending too much money, don’t worry. You’re covered! Finding the best affordable convertible car seat is easier than you may think. Here are some of the top rated ones available today.
List of 5 Best Affordable Convertible Car Seats Reviews
1. Evenflo Symphony DLX All-In-One Convertible Car Seat
The Evenflo baby gear brand has always been a great option for families who are on a budget. They have constantly been able to develop some pretty amazing baby items that are affordable to the average family while also never skimping on quality and features. The Evenflo Symphony DLX All-IN-One Convertible Car Seat is no exception to this standard which makes it the best affordable convertible car seat by far.
This is a three in one deal which starts out as a rear facing child seat. The rear facing seat itself is worth the price tag. The seat can support any infant up to 40lbs which is one of the highest limits which will guarantee to keep your little one safer longer. The front facing seat will support toddlers up to 65lbs and once your child is ready to roll, simply switch it to a booster.
The high back booster on the Evenflo Symphony is a great booster seat because it not only offers amazing back and neck support but will also hold your kid up all the way up to 110lbs. This means that this convertible car seat will literally be the only car seat you will ever need. Safety is at the top of the list with this car seat as well because it comes fitted with a five point harness system as well as comfort padding.
The base of the car seat will be a perfect match to any car you own because of the auto-retracting sure LATCH connectors that guarantee a perfect fit each time you use it. All of the harnesses and buckle are completely adjustable so that your child will always be comfortable and safe no matter what their size may be!
Why you Should Buy It?
- Infinite slide harness
- Sure LATCH system
- 3-in-1 model
- High back booster seat
- Adorable color selections
- Budget friendly
- Adjustable harness
- Supports up to 110lbs
- The only car seat you will need
- Side impact tested
2. Graco My Ride 65 LX Convertible Car Seat
The Graco My Ride 65 LX Convertible Car Seat is a great option for 2-in-1 convertible car seats. While this car seat does not transform into a booster seat, you are getting an amazing product all for around $150. The rear facing option will safely hold any newborn and infant up to 40lbs while the front facing position will support your child up to 65lbs.
Whether your child is in the rear facing or front facing position you can ride easy knowing that they are safely protected by the five point harness system as well as a highly tested car seat. Not only was this Graco car seat tested for impact safety, the structure integrity was tested at both high and low temperatures. This means that this convertible car seat is durable to hold up throughout all weather and accident conditions while also keeping your child safe and happy.
The seat on the Graco My Ride Convertible Car Seat was designed to grow and expand with your child but also designed to be a breeze to install. This car seat also comes along with the preferred LATCH system that will guarantee and straight and proper installation for you every time. Often times a car seat is deemed unsafe because it is improperly installed.
With this Graco car seat the guess work has been done for you already so you can ride with some peace of mind. Parents who have used this convertible car seat love the addition of small cup holders for their little ones. This is a great feature to have a long car rides and also helps your child to feel like a big kid by being able to hydrate themselves. If they ever spill their drink, have no fear! The cushion on this convertible car seat is completely removable and machine washable for quick and easy clean up.
Why you Should Buy It?
- Five point harness system
- Rear seat supports up to 40lbs
- Front facing seat supports up to 65lbs
- Cup holders
- Removable padding
- Machine washable
- LATCH install system
- Side impact testing
- Extreme temperature tested
- Top Seller
- Budget friendly
- Trusted name brand
3. Safety 1st Grow and Go 3-in-1 Car Seat
If you’re looking for an amazing 3-in-1 car seat that will grow with your little one with ease without putting a dent in your wallet, then the Safety 1st Grow and Go Car Seat is just what you are looking for. This car seat extends and transforms like a dream to last through all of your little one’s stages. The rear facing car seat position will perfectly support your child from newborn age as low as 5lbs all the way up to 40lbs.
This is great news because the rear facing position is shown to be the safest for infants and it is recommended that you keep them in this position for as long as possible. Once your child’s legs get too long or they can no longer comfortably sit in a rear facing position, simply turn the Safety 1st car seat around and use it as a traditional front facing seat. The front facing seat will protect your child for up to 65lbs and offers the same harness system and side impact testing as the rear facing position.
The Safety 1st Grow and Go 3-in-1 Car Seat also transforms into an amazing booster seat. Having a great booster seat option is really important because that is a big independent stage for your curious child. Your big kid will be protected with the belt positioning booster as well as feel safe with the addition of a back harness that will help them stay comfortable in their seats.
This is perfect because big kids like to move around a lot and are very active, so having the extra security is a major plus. Best of all, the Safety 1st Grow and Go Car Seat comes with addition padded pillows that can be used in every stage of your little one’s life giving them just that extra bit of comfort. All of these features along with the addition cup and snack holders help to make this product the best affordable convertible car seat.
Why you Should Buy It?
- Safety harness holders
- 3 seats in 1
- Side impact protection
- Snack and cup holders
- Comfort padded pillows
- Two color options
- Budget friendly
- Seven inches of extra leg room
- Quick fit harness
- Machine washable seat pad
- Plush comfort padding
4. Britax USA Marathon ClickTight Convertible Car Seat
The Britax USA Marathon ClickTight Convertible Car Seat is topping out of list with the highest price tag at around $300. While this may seem like a hefty price to pay, once you consider the features you will see that you are actually saving money in the long run. The biggest selling point of this Britax car seat is that it comes standard with its own installation base.
This base is unlike any others because it is unique to this particular car seat. The ClickTight installation system has been proven to be the safest system yet as well as the easiest to use. Using simple technology, this base allows you to open up the front of the car seat and simply buckle your child in for a secure fit each and every time. Once the base is securely in place, buckle the seat belt across the seat and you are ready to go! It has never been simpler.
Your child will ride happy with the SafeCell Impact Protection system that has been tested and approved to keep your child safe and in place in case of an accident. This system also works to absorb any energy from an impact which is an extra added safety bonus. The one feature that makes the Britax Marathon Convertible Car Seat a best seller is the adjustable head and foot rest. There are up to 12 different position settings to choose from to insure that your child has the right fit. This is great for tiny infants all the way up to taller school aged children.
Why you Should Buy It?
- Adjustable headrest
- Comfort padding
- Energy absorbing
- Side impact tested
- Unique installation base
- Color and pattern options
- Tested number one in safety
- Durable steel frame
5. Cosco Comfy Convertible Car Seat
On the other side of the spectrum is the Cosco Comfy Convertible Car Seat which is the lowest on this list at just under $100. This is a great option for families on a budget that are still interested in investing in an amazing convertible car seat. The rear facing car seat will support your infant up to 40lbs while the front facing seat will support up to 50lbs. While this isn’t the highest weight limit on this list, it is still very respectable.
Your little one will be safe with the added five point harness system as well as the added side impact protection. Best of all you are getting some luxury features at a low cost as well! The Cosco Comfy Convertible Car Seat is covered in deluxe padding which is sure to keep your baby comfortable even throughout longer car trips. The secret is in the premium fabrics that this car seat is constructed with.
You don’t need to stress about this car seat not holding up either! This car seat is made with quality materials that have been stress tested to be just as durable as some luxury brands. Not only is it built to last but the padding is completely removable and washable for the easiest clean up ever. This Cosco car seat is a great example that you don’t always have to pay a fortune for a high quality product.
Why you Should Buy It?
- Five point harness system
- Trendy heather gray
- High quality fabric
- Supports rear facing up to 40lbs
- Supports front facing up to 50lbs
- Deluxe padding
- Machine washable
- Budget friendly
Conclusion
This just goes to show you that you don’t have to spend an arm and a leg to keep your child safe. When you buy the best affordable convertible car seat you are not only getting a high quality product but you are also doing your little one and your bank account a huge favor. Just remember to look for the features that are important to you and the rest will into place. Good luck and take care!