travel car seat vs regular car seat

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The Best Travel Car Seats

Let’s face it: Traveling with little kids can be a slog. But a lightweight, compact, easy-to-install travel car seat is one tool that can make trips a bit easier.

We’ve tested 17 travel car seats for infants and up, and we examined how they performed in various circumstances, including during air travel and in rental cars. The Chicco KeyFit 35 , one of our picks for the best infant car seats , is an excellent choice for both travel and everyday use. For an affordable and easy-to-use convertible car seat for toddlers and preschoolers, we recommend traveling with the Cosco Scenera Next , which fits kids up to 40 inches tall for rear-facing or 43 inches for forward-facing. For kids bigger than that who still need a seat with a five-point harness, we recommend the Cosco Finale 2-in-1 , which also converts to a high-back booster. The backless, lightweight Cosco Rise is great for booster-age kids.

If you’ll be hopping in and out of taxis or ride shares with a baby, the Doona is a unique but expensive infant car seat that converts to a stroller. And instead of purchasing a dedicated convertible car seat for travel, another option is to bring yours along with the Britax Travel Cart .

Everything we recommend

Chicco KeyFit 35 ClearTex

The best infant car seat for travel.

If you’re a frequent traveler, the Chicco KeyFit 35 is easier than most infant car seats to install securely without its base.

Buying Options

An infant car seat and stroller in one

This unusual car seat has integrated wheels that pop out to turn it into a stroller. It’s best for parents who frequently need to move their car seat in and out of different vehicles.

Cosco Scenera Next

The best convertible car seat for travel.

This affordable and easy-to-use car seat weighs 6.8 pounds and can be used rear- and forward-facing. But kids can outgrow it quickly.

Cosco Finale 2-in-1 Booster Car Seat

The best harness booster car seat for travel.

This no-frills seat converts from a forward-facing five-point harness to a high-back booster. It weighs just 12 pounds.

Britax Travel Cart

A travel cart for lugging your own seat through the airport.

This sturdy, smooth-rolling travel cart helps you transport your own convertible car seat—and avoid buying a standalone travel seat. You can even strap your child into their seat and use it like a stroller.

The best backless booster seat for travel

This basic booster seat weighs only 2.2 pounds and can work for children as small as 40 pounds. But it has a rather large footprint and will be too big to fit in most carry-ons.

How we picked

A seat that’s lightweight is more manageable to carry between multiple locations. A more compact seat is also easier to pack.

We considered the seat’s comfort and ability to adjust straps and buckles.

Ease of installation is paramount, as the easier it is to do, the more likely it will be done properly.

We looked at crash-testing scores and ease-of-use ratings. Our infant, convertible, and harness booster picks are FAA-approved for use on a plane.

The Chicco KeyFit 35 is a great all-around infant car seat—and one of the ones we recommend for everyday use. But for travel it stands out: It has a European belt path that makes it easier to get a secure install without the base than for many car seats, and it’s cheaper than other seats that have this belt routing option.

Weight of seat: 10 pounds Orientation: rear-facing only Weight range: 4 to 35 pounds Height limit: 32 inches

Parents who can’t leave their infant seat base installed in a specific car but instead need to travel by taxi or rideshare frequently may find the innovative Doona to be a convenient option. This sleek infant car seat has integrated wheels and converts to a stroller that maneuvers easily, plus the seat is FAA-approved for use on an airplane. But the versatile Doona is much heavier and more expensive than a regular infant car seat.

Weight of seat: 14.3 pounds Orientation: rear-facing only Weight range: 4 to 35 pounds Height limit: 32 inches

The Cosco Scenera Next is a notably lightweight, affordable convertible car seat that is simple to install and carry on an airplane. It receives strong safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and is FAA-approved for use on a plane. But many kids will outgrow it before they reach the height or weight limit because of the low position of the shoulder straps.

Weight of seat: 6.8 pounds Orientation: rear- or forward-facing Weight range: 5 to 40 pounds rear-facing; 22-40 pounds forward-facing Height range: 19-40 inches rear-facing; 29-43 inches forward-facing

For children using a forward-facing five-point harness, the Cosco Finale 2-in-1 is a lightweight and affordable travel option that is FAA-approved for use on a plane (in harness mode only). It also converts to a high-back booster. However, it has lower height limits than some boosters, so kids may not get as many years of use from it, in comparison with pricier options.

Weight of seat: 12 pounds Orientation: forward-facing only Weight range: 30 to 65 pounds for harness mode; 40 to 100 pounds for high-back mode Height range: 32 to 49 inches for harness mode; 43 to 52 inches for high-back mode

Bringing your own car seat to the airport has one big advantage—you don’t have to learn how to install yet another seat. But your own convertible car seat is likely to be heavy (our picks in our guide to convertible car seats range from 19 to 33 pounds). The Britax Travel Cart is compatible with most convertible seats, and when your car seat is secured to it with LATCH, you can use it like a stroller to push your toddler through the airport. The cart can then be stored in an overhead bin during your flight.

Weight of cart: 7.6 pounds

If you need a cheap, no-frills booster seat, we recommend the Cosco Rise . It’s a bit too large to fit into a carry-on suitcase or backpack, but it’s easy to attach with a bungee cord to a carry-on for plane travel. It’s also a great option if you just need a spare booster for carpools or to order ahead for use at the grandparents' house.

Weight of seat: 2.2 pounds Weight range: 40 to 100 pounds Height range: 43 to 57 inches

The research

Why you should trust us, who should get this, the best infant car seat for travel: chicco keyfit 35, an infant seat and stroller in one: doona, the best convertible car seat for travel: cosco scenera next, the best harness booster seat for travel: cosco finale 2-in-1, a great car seat caddy: britax travel cart, the best booster seat for travel: cosco rise, other good travel car seats, should a kid sit in a car seat on the airplane, what about checking a car seat, the competition, care, use, and maintenance.

The authors of this guide have collectively interviewed 40 industry experts, safety authorities, and physicians. Among them were certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians (CPSTs) such as Lani Harrison, who installs more than 300 car seats each year; Dr. Aditya Belwadi, a biomechanics research scientist who previously led the child passenger safety research team at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and now works at Tesla in Crash, Safety, and Occupant Protection/Biomechanics; and Bill Horn, head sled testing engineer at Calspan , one of the country’s top crash-testing facilities. The authors also talked with dozens of parents and representatives from leading car seat manufacturers.

The original version of this guide was written by Rebecca Gale, whose reporting on policy and parenting has appeared in outlets including The New York Times, Slate, and The Washington Post. Rebecca has also been certified as a CPST, completing a 40-hour training program through the Safe Kids Worldwide organization.

In 2022 and 2023, this guide was updated by Christina Szalinski, a science writer whose reporting on health and parenting has appeared in The Atlantic and Kaiser Health News . In addition to writing the most recent versions of Wirecutter’s infant and convertible car seat guides, Christina is responsible for Wirecutter’s guides to the Best Baby Formula and kids face masks .

Few people strictly need a separate car seat for travel as you can gate- or baggage-check any car seat for free with most airlines. But lugging your regular (likely heavy and bulky) seat in and out of the car and through the airport can be a major hassle. Investing in a smaller, lighter-weight option may be worthwhile, especially if you fly or use ridesharing services or taxis frequently.

Infant car seats for travel

If you’re traveling with an infant or baby, bringing along your usual infant car seat without its base (to cut down on weight and heft) is typically the best option. Our top infant car seat pick, the Graco SnugRide SnugFit 35 DLX , is relatively lightweight and, like other infant car seats, can be safely strapped in with a seatbelt only and no base.

There are two possible ways to install an infant car seat without a base: either with the belt directly across the top, called “American routing,” or with the shoulder belt placed around the back of the seat in addition to the top, called “European routing.” It’s easier to get a secure fit with European routing, and two seats we recommend in our guide to infant car seats, the Chicco KeyFit 35 and the Clek Liing , are designed to allow for that type of install. If you know you’ll be traveling with your infant often, it may be worthwhile to choose one of these as your baby’s first car seat.

Many infant car seats are compatible with easy-to-fold stroller frames, such as the Chicco KeyFit Caddy , which turns an infant car seat into a stroller and can be convenient for travel. Most infant seats are FAA-approved for airplane use, should you decide to purchase an airplane seat for your infant.

Convertible car seats for travel

When your child has outgrown their infant car seat, deciding on a car seat for travel can be trickier. Alisa Baer, a pediatrician, CPST, and co-founder of the website The Car Seat Lady , recommends bringing your own convertible car seat and using a travel cart . That way you have a seat that you’re already comfortable installing. But some people will prefer a dedicated travel car seat, as they can be significantly lighter than regular seats—as little as 7 pounds versus 20 to 30 pounds.

If you do buy a dedicated travel seat, it’s a good idea to practice installing it before your trip—you don’t want to be figuring it out for the first time when you, and your kid, are potentially jet lagged and feeling extra cranky. Installation can be the most time-consuming and frustrating part of using a car seat—and particularly a convertible car seat—and is often the point of failure for using a car seat correctly.

Booster seats for travel

If your everyday booster seat has a removable back (as with our top pick and runner-up pick, the Chicco KidFit ClearTex Plus and the Graco TurboBooster LX ), you may prefer to simply bring that seat for travel, leaving the bulky back at home. But like with convertible seats, it’s also an option to get a dedicated travel booster that may be significantly lighter and smaller than the one you rely on every day.

Jessica Jermakian, vice president for vehicle research at the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, offered several tips for bringing along a backless booster, especially if it’s not one that’s compact: “I bungee cord them to my luggage while traversing the airport. On most flights, my kids could shove them under the seat in front of them and still have room to throw their backpack on top. On some flights, I’ve put them in a tote in the overhead compartment.”

Travel car seat alternatives

If you’re headed to a familiar destination, you could look into borrowing a seat from friends or relatives. Or, you may be able to rent one through a baby equipment rental service.

Many car rental companies also offer car seats for a daily fee, but it can cost up to $15 a day—adding up to much more than the cost of a travel car seat, which can be less than $50. And though you can reserve one in advance, rental car seats are subject to availability, so there’s no guarantee that one will be available when you arrive. The car seat provided may also be difficult to install properly, especially in an unfamiliar car. That said, you may be able to find discounts or other benefits through programs such as AAA, which offers one free car seat rental for members when they book a car through Hertz, Dollar, or Thrifty. Ridesharing and airport and town car services may also provide a car seat with advance reservations.

There are hundreds of travel car seat options for infants, toddlers, and older kids. We began the whittling down process by examining online customer reviews and existing media coverage, which included going to Car Seats for the Littles , Lucie’s List , and the Car Seat Lady . We found the travel car seat category to be sorely lacking in an abundance of great options, so we also considered some “regular” car seats and alternatives.

We knew from our expert interviews that proper installation is generally a far bigger problem than the level of protection that a seat inherently provides, so we searched the NHTSA ease-of-use installation database to help determine which seats offer easy installation and come with clear instructions. We also relied on the personal experience of Wirecutter staffers, volunteer testers, and car seat techs who had used the car seats in the past.

Our research led us to conclude that the ideal travel car seat should be:

Lightweight and compact: A travel car seat will likely need to be carried between multiple locations, sometimes with a baby inside (if we’re talking about an infant). The less the seat weighs, the easier it is to deal with when combined with children and carry-on items. A more compact seat can also fit more readily in a wide variety of vehicles.

FAA approved: For parents who want to use their infant seat, convertible car seat, or harness booster on a plane, FAA certification is crucial.

Easy to install: As with all of our car seat recommendations, ease of installation is paramount, as the easier it is to do, the more likely it is to be done properly.

Easy to use: Straps should be simple to adjust to get a snug but comfortable fit in a five-point harness. The buckles should be easy for parents to clip and unclip but difficult to impossible for children to mess with. We considered the experience of both parents and kids in using the seats, as well as how easy each seat was to clean.

Safe: When it comes to travel, convenience can trump a minor safety advantage; a seat that you can bring along with you is vastly superior to no seat at all. Still, we did take the relevant government safety data from NHTSA into consideration.

Over the past five years we’ve tested 17 car seats with travel specifically in mind.

If you’re shopping for an infant car seat with travel in mind, we recommend the FAA-approved Chicco KeyFit 35 , one of our picks in our guide to infant car seats . It is lightweight and easy to use, and it can be installed securely without its base using the European belt path, a method that generally provides a superior install. (Any infant seat can be installed without its base, so if you already have an infant seat, using what you already own is likely the easiest choice.)

You can save on weight and bulk by leaving a car seat base at home when traveling. There are two ways to install an infant seat without its base. The most common is American belt routing, in which the seat belt goes over the top of the infant seat and the baby’s knees. We’ve found that it can be very difficult to secure an infant seat in the car securely using this method.

A few seats also offer the option to rely on the European belt path, the method we prefer, in which the lap belt goes over the top of the infant seat and the shoulder belt goes around the back. It’s easier to get a secure install with the European belt path, but it’s only found on a few car seat models. Of the four infant car seats we recommend, only the Chicco KeyFit 35 and Clek Liing offer the option of using the European belt path.

Beyond the advantage of the European belt bath, the Chicco KeyFit 35 has everything we love about the more popular Chicco KeyFit 30 with a few bonus features, such as an anti-rebound base as an added safety option. The KeyFit 35 can also accommodate a slightly larger baby (up to 35 pounds) than the KeyFit 30.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

The KeyFit 35 is about $50 more than our top infant car seat choice, the Graco SnugRide SnugFit 35 DLX . It probably doesn’t make sense to buy this seat just for travel if you already own a similar infant car seat. But if you plan to be jet-setting with your baby, it may be worth the additional $50 or so to get a better on-the-go install from the start.

The Doona is an FAA-approved infant car seat (rear-facing only) with built-in wheels that allow it to convert to a stroller. For travel, this is about as convenient as it gets, allowing caregivers to rely on a single piece of equipment to accomplish two goals: avoid gate-checking a stroller—assuming an airline seat is purchased for the infant—and hop in and out of cabs without having to stow anything in the trunk.

Compared with a regular infant car seat, the Doona has some drawbacks. For one thing, it did not perform particularly well in Baby Gear Lab’s crash testing (there are no government crash tests available yet for this seat). For this reason, and because it’s tricky to install without its base (as most infant seats are), one of our car seat experts does not recommend this seat. At 14.3 pounds, it’s heavy and bulky to carry and maneuver when in car seat mode. The Doona also has the steepest price of any of the car seats (including infant, convertible, and boosters) that we’ve reviewed. It does come with a traditional infant car seat base that allows for an easy click in and out of a car, but the extra width means it could be impossible to fit three across in a backseat. And it would defeat the point to use that base for travel.

Switching the Doona from car seat mode to stroller mode and back requires “both hands and concentration,” said one tester, as well as “quite a bit of practice for me. It takes a rather specific, subtle motion to collapse it back and tuck the wheels.” It’s harder than taking a regular infant car seat off of a stroller with an infant seat attachment. Plus, once your child outgrows this seat, you’ll have to buy another stroller.

As a stroller, the Doona maneuvers easily, and the brake is intuitive and easy to use. But though it comes with an attached storage bag, the Doona lacks a storage basket.

The inexpensive Cosco Scenera Next weighs just 6.8 pounds, is relatively easy to carry and install, and can be used rear-facing from 5 to 40 pounds and forward-facing from 22 to 40 pounds. It’s FAA-certified and easy to install on an airplane (using the plane’s seatbelt).

The Cosco sells for $60, which is a bargain compared with many convertible car seats (the Graco Extend2Fit , our favorite convertible seat for everyday use, is a little over $200). The seat gets strong safety ratings from NHTSA, and given its low weight and heft and easy-enough install, we think it’s the best option available for an on-the-go or backup car seat. We strongly prefer the (heftier) Graco Extend2Fit for everyday use. That’s because it’s easier to get a safe, secure install with that seat and to adjust it to fit the child. Plus, it can be used forward-facing until a kid is 65 pounds and 49 inches tall—a much longer usable life than the Scenera Next.

Several Wirecutter staffers use or have used the Cosco Scenera Next, appreciating its low cost, low weight, and small size. They’ve found that the seat’s slim profile makes it a great option for smaller cars (specifically, a Prius or Renault Scenic). Senior editor Courtney Schley found that the Cosco allowed her to get three seats (two Coscos and one infant car seat) across in her family’s car.

The Scenera Next’s low shoulder straps mean that a child may outgrow this seat well before they are ready for a booster. ( Shoulder straps should hit at or below the shoulders when a child is rear-facing; when forward-facing the straps should hit at or above the shoulders.) The low straps mean that many 3-year-olds with longer torsos may outgrow the seat in forward-facing mode, even though the seat’s height and weight limits indicate that it should fit an average-size kid up to age 4. With a long torso, the straps end up hitting below the shoulders, a situation that can compromise safety.

Though the Scenera Next is simple to install compared with other lightweight convertible car seats we tested, some of our testers still found it difficult to get a tight, secure install. It has hook LATCH straps that aren’t particularly easy to use—you really have to tug on the LATCH straps to get a tight fit, and getting them off can be an even bigger challenge. We preferred installing the seat with a seat belt in unfamiliar cars, which was an easier way to get a tight install (try the inside/outside trick with the shoulder belt), and made it much easier to uninstall.

Our testers also found that the chest clip on the harness wasn’t as responsive or easy to use as those on more expensive seats. The Scenera Next also has less padding than many seats, though Baer points out that the padding on most seats is highly compressible, meaning that just because a seat looks fluffier doesn’t mean it provides much more cushion.

This seat also has a few downsides if you bring it on a plane. Like most convertible car seats, it’s wider than the aisle, so you have to carry it awkwardly down the plane to get to your seat, which can be quite a challenge if you’re on your own and have other carry-on items (plus your child). Additionally, the plane’s seat belt buckle is going to be pushing into your child’s back if the seat is oriented forward-facing. Alisa Baer, co-founder of The Car Seat Lady, recommends installing any seat with this issue rear-facing, even if a kid is used to forward-facing. Or you can put a diaper or other soft item over the buckle to make it a bit more comfortable.

The Cosco Finale 2-in-1 is a solid option for kids who are no longer rear-facing but still benefit from a five-point harness. It’s affordable, weighs just 12 pounds, and is relatively easy to install using the car’s seat belt while in harness mode (it also comes with LATCH straps, though we didn’t find these as easy to use). Like other boosters, when in booster mode, this seat relies on the car’s seat belt to secure the child, so there’s no need to install it.

This bigger-kid seat can see a growing child through years of travel: It can be used as a forward-facing five-point harness booster seat from 30 to 65 pounds and then as a regular (harness-free) booster from 40 to 100 pounds (up until a child is 52 inches tall).

As a five-point harness, it’s FAA-certified and easy to install on an airplane using the plane’s seatbelt. However, when it’s in booster mode, like all boosters, it cannot be used on an airplane.

In harness mode, the Cosco Finale 2-in-1 performed well in an NHTSA crash test. And several Wirecutter staffers use or have used the Cosco Finale 2-in-1 while traveling after their child outgrew the Cosco Scenera Next—they liked the price and straightforward install. Converting the seat to a booster is fairly straightforward , and the seat has storage for the harness, crotch buckle, and chest clip. Once the seat is in booster mode, your child can’t use it on an airplane, but many airlines will allow you to check a booster seat for free (you may wish to check with your airline in advance).

A more expensive version of the Cosco Finale 2-in-1, the Cosco Finale DX 2-in-1 , is also available. The only difference between the two is the fabric—the DX has a tiny bit more cushion and a slightly less slippery texture. We asked several children to try each seat and then report their favorite (they wore blindfolds, to remove color preference as a factor). There was no clear winner between the two seats, and our adult testers could hardly distinguish a difference in the cushioning. For this reason, we don’t think it’s worth the extra $20 for the DX.

When using the Finale 2-in-1 in harness mode, you first have to install it in the car, which you can do either with the seat’s LATCH straps or with the car’s seat belt. We found the Finale 2-in-1’s hook LATCH straps difficult to use—it’s hard to get a tight fit in the car, and getting them off can be a big challenge. As we did with the Cosco Scenera Next, we preferred installing the harnessed seat with a seat belt; this was an easier way to get a tight install (try the inside/outside trick with the shoulder belt) and also made it much easier to uninstall. (When the harness is removed and the seat is in booster mode, you do not need to install it in the car, since the car’s seat belt holds it in place and secures the child.)

Our testers also found that the chest clip on the harness was a bit more difficult to open compared to those on more expensive seats like the Graco Tranzitions 3-in-1 . The straps have to be manually threaded through the car seat, which isn’t particularly difficult or time consuming, but you have to remember to do it before you install the seat. It also has less padding than many seats, though our child testers didn’t complain (however, we didn’t take it on any long road trips).

This seat won’t have as many years of use as other travel options, like the Graco Tranzitions 3-in-1, because the Cosco has a maximum height of 52 inches (most boosters go to 57 inches) and does not convert to a backless booster.

If you need to travel with a convertible car seat, you can bring the one you already have to the airport and onto the airplane with the Britax Travel Cart . The main benefit of bringing your own is that you’ll have a seat that you (and your child) are comfortable with, and that you know how to install confidently.

There are a number of similar travel carts out there, but we think this one offers the most for the price. We like that when the car seat is strapped onto the cart using the car seat’s LATCH clips, you can use the whole thing like a stroller and push (or pull) your child through the airport. The frame is also studier than other models—it can hold a total of 100 pounds of car seat and child. Plus, when it’s time to get on the plane you can fold the cart to stow it in an overhead bin.

At about $100 for the cart, it is cheaper to purchase a budget convertible car seat like the Cosco Scenera Next. However, depending on your circumstances, the Britax Travel Cart may outlive the expiration of many car seats (which are between six and 10 years), and could be used for future car seats, or passed along without as much consideration as a used car seat.

For a cheap, no-frills booster seat, the Cosco Rise is a reliable option that weighs only 2.2 pounds. It’s simple to use: Like other backless booster seats, it does not need to be physically attached to the vehicle; a child simply sits in it and fastens the car’s lap belt over their knees (under the seat’s sides).

The Chicco GoFit Plus is our overall top pick for the best backless booster seat because it’s cushy, made with easy-to-clean materials, and includes two cup holders and a LATCH system to anchor the seat to the car. But it’s bulky, heavy, and not great for travel. The Cosco Rise has fewer bells and whistles, but it offers a key safety feature: Unlike many other boosters, this seat has a strap that attaches to a car’s shoulder belt to adjust the belt’s position for smaller riders (the shoulder belt should always rest on a child’s collarbone, and not against their neck).

The Cosco Rise can accommodate children as small as 40 pounds, as long as they are also 43 inches tall, meaning it will work for most kids 5 and up but may not accommodate some 4-year-olds.

This seat is a bit too large to fit easily into a carry-on suitcase or backpack (it takes up almost all the room top-to-bottom in a standard-sized carry-on, with only a little room left on the side). There is also almost no padding on this seat, merely a polyester cover, but for short rides, our testers didn’t complain.

If you want an upgraded infant seat that’s great for travel : We recommend the Clek Liing , one of our favorite infant seats . Like the Chicco KeyFit 35, the Clek Liing can be installed without its base using a European belt path, which is much easier to get secure than the standard American belt routing found on most infant car seats. And when you’re at home, we love how easy it is to install the Liing’s base, which includes an added safety feature: a load leg .

If you want a high-end infant seat and don’t own a car: The lightweight, easy-to-clean Clek Liingo is similar to the Clek Liing but without the base. In general, we think installing a seat with the base is an easier and more secure option with infant car seats. But if you don’t own a car, the Liingo can be installed without a base in several ways. It has the same European belt path that the Liing has, which routes the lap belt over the top and the shoulder belt around the back for more security than an install that just goes over the top of the seat. The Liingo also comes with a LATCH strap that routes in the same spot as the lap belt—though we found this was not nearly as secure as the European belt path routing.

If you want a longer-lasting five-point harness seat for older kids: The Graco Tranzitions 3-in-1 is a good choice. This forward-facing-only seat has a five-point harness that holds kids from 22 to 65 pounds and up to 49 inches tall, and it can be adjusted without rethreading it, so it is easier to modify as your child grows. When your child is ready for a regular booster, you can remove the harness and crotch buckle, converting the seat to a high-back booster that can hold a child from 40 to 100 pounds and up to 57 inches tall. Finally, you can remove the back and convert the seat to a lightweight backless booster that can also be used from 40 to 100 pounds and up to 57 inches tall.

First off, a car seat must be FAA-approved—as all of our recommended infant and convertible seats are—for a kid to ride in one on an airplane. (Booster seats are reserved for older children and not intended for use on airplane seats.)

Both the Federal Aviation Administration and CPSTs believe it is safer for kids under 2 to ride in a car seat aboard a plane rather than in their parents’ arms. In the event of turbulence or rough air, a child is much safer if strapped in. Being injured in turbulence , though very unlikely, does affect a handful of American flyers each year, and recent research indicates that turbulence is on the rise due to climate change.

Many parents find that air travel is easier when their child has their own seat (though of course you have to pay for that additional seat). Children are allowed to sit on caregivers’ laps on planes until age 2, but few toddlers can sit still for a long period of time, and that extra harness and recline (as well as familiarity) provided by the car seat may keep a child seated comfortably longer, especially once they are mobile but still too young to fully understand how to sit still in a lap belt.

There are a number of challenges to bringing a car seat, especially a convertible seat designed for a toddler, onto a plane. Some smaller planes may have seats that aren’t wide enough for many convertible car seats. And even if the car seat is narrow enough for the plane, not many seats are narrow enough to easily fit down the aisle. The Clek Foonf , one of our convertible car seat picks, is one of them, but it is pricey and heavy. (The Clek Fllo , Graco SlimFit3 LX , and Graco True3Fit also fit on an airplane seat, but we did not test them.) You’ll generally have to lift a car seat above the seats to carry it to the rear of a plane.

Finally, unlike a car seat buckle, which sits on your hip, a plane’s seat buckle sits right in the middle of your lap. That means for many car seats, once you install them on the plane, there’s going to be a large metal buckle below your child’s legs or behind their back (the Clek seats are among the few without this issue). Alisa Baer, co-founder of The Car Seat Lady, recommends using convertible seats with buckle-in-the-back issues rear-facing, even with a larger child—they’ll likely be more comfortable if their feet have a place to rest, plus they won’t be trying to rest their feet on the passenger’s seat in front of them. You can also put a diaper or spare T-shirt over the buckle to make it a bit more comfortable.

Some parents may find it simpler to use a CARES harness (Child Aviation Restraint System) to help keep kids in their seats on a plane (and their kids may prefer sitting in an airplane seat over a car seat); you install this four-point harness around the child’s seatback and under the tray behind it.

Most airlines allow at least one car seat to be checked for free but doing so has several potential problems . The luggage can be handled roughly and tossed, damaging the car seat in the process. Seats, like any piece of luggage, can also be lost or misplaced in transit. Ultimately, the main reason you may want to have your child use a car seat on the plane is so that you are absolutely confident you’ll have the car seat when you arrive at your destination.

For people who do check in their car seats, Harrison recommends—ideally—using the original box and styrofoam that the seat came with if they are available or using Bubble Wrap and a garbage bag if not. Examine the seat for visible damage when it comes out at baggage claim, and be prepared to replace the seat if it’s broken or bent.

Infant travel seats

The Chicco Fit2 can accommodate infants as small as 4 pounds and toddlers as large as 35 pounds or 35 inches. Like the Chicco KeyFit 35 we recommend as the best infant car seat for travel, it can be installed with a European belt path. But because of this seat’s large size, some seat belts are too short to route over the car seat securely.

Convertible travel seats

We previously recommended the lightweight, foldable, forward-facing WAYB Pico (rhymes with “baby”) as a good travel car seat for kids who are too big for the Cosco Scenera Next but still need a five-point harness. Its adjustable seat back allows it to accommodate taller kids, and its slim design means it takes up less room in the backseat than other car seats. The 8-pound seat is exceptionally convenient to install, uninstall, and carry around, including through airports and onto a plane. In September 2019, however, WAYB announced it was recalling 4,558 Pico car seats manufactured between March 1 and May 12, 2019, due to reports of breakage in the aluminum tube connecting the headrest to the seat. You can read NHSTA’s report (PDF)  for details about the recall, how to identify your car seat’s date of manufacture, and how to inspect your car seat for damage. Since the recall, there have not been further reports of problems. Like all car seats sold in the US, the Pico was self-certified by WAYB to pass NHTSA standards (PDF) for safety testing.

The EvenFlo Tribute is a lightweight seat (9 pounds) similar to the Cosco Scenera Next and also has a weight limit of 40 pounds, but as our convertible car seat guide testing showed us, it’s not as easy to get a good install with this seat. CPSTs like Harrison recommend using a towel or pool noodle when using the Tribute to address this. It’s also more expensive than the Cosco Scenera Next.

Booster travel seats

We previously recommended the BubbleBum , an inflatable, portable backless booster seat for older kids. However, in February 2022, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety raised concerns about the safety of inflatable boosters. A study using a computerized model determined that an inflatable booster may not have the stiffness required to keep a child from sliding out from under the lap belt upon impact in a car crash.

The backless Cosco Topside is too large to fit into a carry-on or a backpack. Unlike the Cosco Rise , our favorite backless booster for travel, this booster seat also doesn’t have a belt-positioning clip, which can help the shoulder belt fit better on a smaller rider.

We liked the Graco RightGuide booster seat because it was small enough to fit inside a carry-on or backpack. But it was recently discontinued.

The Immi Go is a booster car seat with a five-point harness that folds conveniently into its own carrying bag. Due to low sales, it is no longer for sale in the US, but you may see this seat if you travel abroad.

The MiFold backless booster seat (currently unavailable) is small enough to fit into the back pocket of some pants and weighs less than 2 pounds. It works by moving the seat belt down to fit the kid (as opposed to raising the kid to fit the belt, as other boosters do). However, our testers found its hard plastic shell uncomfortable to sit on for long periods of time and said that the seat was complicated and unintuitive to set up. Also, a car seat safety expert we consulted noted that the design of the seat may encourage a child to use bad posture while they’re sitting in it—in an effort to find a more comfortable position, the child may tend to scoot forward, moving the slick-bottomed seat along with them, which could pose a safety concern.

Travel carts

The Torevsior Car Seat Travel Cart is about $25 less than the Britax Travel Cart we recommend, but it’s also less robust—the frame just doesn’t feel as sturdy. The weight limit is also lower than the Britax’s, at 70 pounds versus Britax’s 100 pounds. Like the Britax travel cart, the Torevsior cart has hooks for LATCH straps, to secure a car seat onto the cart so that your child can ride in it as you’re moving through the airport. It’s 6.4 pounds (Britax is 7.6 pounds), and extends up to 46 inches (Britax to 42 inches).

All of the guidelines for car seat care, use, and maintenance in our other car seat guides apply to travel car seats as well.

This guide was edited by Ellen Lee, Amy Miller Kravetz and Kalee Thompson.

Jessica Jermakian, vice president for vehicle research at the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety , email exchange , August 1, 2022

Alisa Baer, pediatrician, nationally certified child passenger safety instructor, and co-founder of The Car Seat Lady , phone interview, July 15, 2022 and January 9, 2023

Lani Harrison, CPST, Car Seats for the Littles , email interview , January 28, 2019

Meet your guides

Christina Szalinski

Christina Szalinski is a freelance science writer with a PhD in cell biology.

Rebecca Gale

Further reading

The Best Travel Strollers

by Elise Czajkowski

After testing seven travel strollers on various trips and excursions, we’re confident that the Uppababy Minu V2 is the one to get.

The Best Booster Car Seats

by Rebecca Gale

After researching over 50 booster car seats and testing 13, we’ve concluded that the convenient Chicco KidFit ClearTex Plus is the best overall choice.

Traveling With Little Kids Can Be Tough. The Right Gear Can Help.

by Kerry Davis McGuinness

From compact car seats and cribs to portable blackout shades and white noise machines, the right tools for travel can lead to less fuss—and more fun.

The Best Infant Car Seats

by Christina Szalinski

After extensive research and field testing, we found that the Graco SnugRide SnugFit 35 DLX is the best infant car seat for most families.

Car Bike Racks

Getting Your Car Ready

Preparing for the Weather

8 Helpful Apps for a Road Trip

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Taking a Road Trip With Kids

Planning a Solo Road Trip

How to Plan a Camping Road Trip

Planning a Stargazing Road Trip

10 Helpful Budget Tips

Calculating the Cost of Gas

Budget for a 3-Day Road Trip

Best Road Trip Route By Interest

Mississippi River Road Trip

Atlantic Coast Road Trip

Southern US Road Trip

Northern US Road Trip

Pacific Coast Road Trip

US Route 12

Northeastern US Routes

Rocky Mountain Destinations

Warm-Weather Road Trip

The Longest Highway in the US

Car Rental Companies

Best Audio Books

Must-Have Emergency Supplies

Family Road Trip Toys and Games

The 7 Best Travel Car Seats of 2024

These top picks combine convenience and peace of mind

Jordi is a freelance contributor to TripSavvy. Her personal passions gravitate toward wellness and adventure, leading her to frequently plan trips that blend zen relaxation with urban and rugged exploration.

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

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Traveling with small children is a great way to make memories. You expose little ones to new experiences and see the world through their eyes. But there are still everyday tasks to worry about on the road, from meal times to naps. Safety is the top priority, of course, and this means ensuring your kids have a good car seat.

If you're flying with small children or frequently switching cars, the thought of lugging around the car seat you have perfectly installed in your vehicle can seem daunting. Luckily, many companies make travel car seats lighter and easier to install on the go. These models also emphasize portability and legroom for your child to grow into.

To find the best choice for you, we looked closely at the installation process, weight ratings, and certification status of some of the most popular options on the market today.

Final Verdict

• What to Look For

Why Trust TripSavvy

Best overall, cosco scenera next convertible car seat.

 Amazon

Easy to carry

Budget friendly

Sizing issues for older childen

The Cosco Scenera Next Convertible Car Seat receives excellent marks for lightness and simplicity. This affordable car seat is a great choice for those who already have a regular car seat but need a second option for traveling. Safety features include side-impact protection built into the headrest and a five-point harness that adjusts to accommodate your growing child. The car seat can be used rear-facing for kiddos 5 to 40 pounds and 19 to 40 inches tall or front-facing for those 22 to 40 pounds or 29 to 43 inches tall. The car seat will last from infancy through toddlerhood.

Use the LATCH connectors or a seat belt to secure the car seat in any rental car or taxi. It's also designed with air travel in mind: It's FAA-approved and lightweight at just 7 pounds. Additionally, its 17.5-inch width makes it a good fit for most airline seats. Other highlights include a removable, machine-washable, and dryer-safe car seat pad and a dishwasher-safe cup holder. Colors range from Moon Mist Grey to Ocean Breeze.

Dimensions: 17.6 x 15.8 x 30.3 inches | Weight Rating: Up to 40 pounds | Installation Type: LATCH

Best Lightweight

Wayb pico travel car seat.

Very compact

Includes a travel bag

Only for toddlers and older

Car seats are a hassle to travel with because they're bulky, heavy, and unwieldy. Luckily, this travel car seat by Wayb won't add much extra weight to your suitcase. Weighing under 8 pounds, the FAA-approved Pico Travel Car Seat is easy to transport everywhere you go. It's front-facing and can hold kids between 22 to 55 pounds or measuring 30 to 45 inches tall. It has an AeroWing aluminum frame that is durable yet lightweight, and the AstroKnit performance mesh lining will keep your kids comfortable throughout their journey. Best of all, this car seat folds into a small enough package to store in overhead bins and comes with a carrying bag that can slip onto your suitcase.

Dimensions: 15 x 11 x 20 inches | Weight Rating: Up to 50 pounds | Installation Type: LATCH or car/airplane seat belt

Most Compact

Safety 1st guide 65 convertible car seat.

Supports a variety of sizes and ages

Sleek design

Machine-washable cover

Complaints about installation

Safety 1st's Guide 65 Convertible Car Seat weighs 14 pounds; it's sturdy enough for everyday use yet light enough for travel. This car seat's frame is so compact that you could place three in the back of your car, making it an excellent option for larger families or smaller European rental cars. Plus, it can accommodate a wide range of weights, making it a budget-friendly pick that can last for years. It's for children who weigh between 5 and 40 pounds to use in a rear-facing position and children 22 to 65 pounds to use in a front-facing position.

Side-impact protection and five harnesses that adjust in the center ensure your child stays secure throughout their ride and help deflect impact away from their head, neck, and spine in the event of an accident. Other safety features include three buckle locations and an adjustable headrest. This car seat also has a LATCH connector system, making it easy to take the seat in and out of the car quickly. Both the cushion and cup holder are removable for easy cleanup. It's available in multiple colors.

Dimensions: 27.3 x 18.5 x 20.3 inches | Weight Rating: Up to 65 pounds | Installation Type: LATCH

Best for Bigger Kids

Graco extend2fit convertible car seat.

Harness storage makes loading and unloading easy

Rigorously crash tested

Several customizable features

Most of the car seats on this list are appropriate for children up to 40 pounds, but the Graco Extend2Fit is rated for up to 65 pounds. It also allows children up to 50 pounds to ride rear-facing and provides an extra 5 inches of legroom. This, plus a headrest that can also be adjusted to 10 different positions, ensures the child is comfortable and secure as they grow.

Two integrated cup holders keep juice bottles within easy reach and help to prevent spills. While there are multiple ways to install this model, it is easy to remember after the first time. Although this seat is designed with car travel in mind , it is FAA-approved. If you're flying economy class, consider calling ahead to check that the restraint is compatible with the airline seat.

Dimensions: 21.5 x 19.5 x 23.5 inches | Weight Rating: Up to 65 pounds | Installation Type: InRight LATCH

Best Booster Combo

Cosco finale dx 2-in-1 booster car seat.

Can fit three across

Easy to clean

Accommodates older children

Durability complaints

If you're shopping for a child aged 12 months or older, the Cosco Finale DX 2-in-1 Booster Car Seat will last from toddlerhood until after they start school. It has a 10-year lifespan and can be used as a forward-facing car seat or as a high-back booster seat. As a car seat, it's appropriate for kids between 30 to 65 pounds and 32 to 49 inches in height. The five-point harness has three different height settings, and the LATCH connectors can be used until your child reaches 50 pounds. In addition, the FAA approves the Cosco Finale for aircraft use in its car seat capacity.

It suits kids between 40 to 100 pounds and 43 to 52 inches in height as a booster seat. Its 17-inch width and 9-pound weight make it ideal for quick transfers between rental cars, taxis, and family cars back home. Other useful features include a removable cup holder and a machine-washable cover in colors that range from gray to pale pink. Lastly, thrifty families will appreciate this seat's affordable price tag.

Dimensions: 18.3 x 19 x 29.8 inches | Weight Rating: Up to 100 pounds | Installation Type: LATCH or seat belt

Most Innovative

Maxi-cosi pria max 3-in-1 convertible car seat.

Easy to buckle

Not the lightest pick

If you don't want to invest in multiple car seats, the Pria Max 3-in-1 Convertible Car Seat is your best bet. It can handle children from birth to 10 years old, making it one of the most versatile options on the market. Plus, the high-end brand makes each stage supremely comfortable for your child and easy for adults to use. It has a spring-assist harness system, so the straps don't get tangled; a one-hand magnetic chest clip; a simple integrated headrest and harness system, so you don't have to rethread as your tot grows; and machine-washable fabric. Keep in mind it comes with a hefty price tag and heavier weight.

Dimensions: 25.3 x 24 x 19.9 inches | Weight Rating: Up to 100 pounds | Installation Type: LATCH or seat belt

Best For Road Trips

Chicco keyfit 35 cleartex infant car seat.

FAA-approved

Eco-friendly textiles

UPF 50+ canopy

Rear-facing only

This car seat is a great option for road trips —or as your primary car seat that occasionally travels—as the stay-in-car base is a breeze to install correctly and the carrier itself clicks into place in one motion. When it's time to stretch your legs and explore simply detach the seat and click it into any Chicco stroller base for a lightning-fast travel combo. The base has an anti-rebound bar for added stability and extra legroom for a rider up to 32 inches tall, and the headrest has five different positions to accommodate an infant's growth.

If your plans include air travel, this is still a solid pick. The best thing about this carrier is that it can be installed in an aircraft or rental vehicle without the base, using the European or American routing method. The base and carrier together weigh 18 pounds but you'll only have to manage 10 pounds if you go baseless. It comes with removable newborn positioners so little ones from 4 pounds are ready to roll.

Dimensions: 28 x 16.5 x 24 inches | Weight Rating: 4 to 35 pounds | Installation Type: LATCH or seat belt

The Cosco Scenera Next Convertible Car Seat is light, FAA-approved, and supports young travelers up to 40 pounds. We love the accessible price point and easy-to-clean cover. If you're shopping for a toddler or older but still want to prioritize portability, go for the Wayb Pico Travel Car Seat .

What to Look For in Travel Car Seats

Installation.

All models on our list use LATCH systems and some can also be installed using the vehicle's seat belt, but you should never use both anchoring methods together. LATCH, also known as Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children, is an alternative way of securing the car seat to the vehicle without using the seat belt. Both the vehicle and the car seat must have LATCH parts to install the seat properly, but most car seats (and vehicles manufactured after 2002) will do so. The car seat has straps that come from the bottom and a tether at the top. These attach to the lower anchors in the car, found in the space between the rear back seat and seat cushion, and to the top anchor, which could be near the rear window or on the car ceiling. When in doubt, check the vehicle manual and seat instructions.

Weight Rating

Like their everyday counterparts, travel car seats include maximum weight ratings that must be adhered to. Additionally, your decision to install the car seat front- or rear-facing is based on the weight and height of your child. Most models can transition from rear- to front-facing as your tot grows, or even from front-facing to a booster seat like the Cosco Finale DX . Consider the kid's age, weight, height, and the manufacturer's notes to choose a travel seat that will give you the longest practical use.

Certification Status

Most importantly, the car seat you buy should meet all safety standards. If you're flying, look for an FAA-approved or similarly aircraft-approved seat.

"All legal car seats must meet the same crash test criteria, or safety standards, and be properly labeled," said Amie Durocher, a CPS Tech at SafeRide4Kids.com. "If you are worried about counterfeit car seats, check the label. Certified seats in the U.S. are required to have very specific language on the labels. Beware if it doesn't mention federal motor vehicle safety standards or FMVSS213 or if it lacks a model name or number or manufacture date."

Yes, you can travel with a car seat on the plane —and it's actually recommended. "We recommend that parents purchase a seat even for children under 2 who could be 'lap babies' and use the FAA-approved child restraint on the airplane," said Durocher. "This makes it safer for the child—and the parent—in case of an incident during takeoff or landing and in case of turbulence during the flight."

The hardest part of traveling with a car seat is figuring out the logistics through the airport. “Infant car seats that click onto a compatible stroller are easy, but travelers might need a car seat cart, luggage strap, or bungee cords to lug a convertible car seat through the airport,” said Michelle Pratt, founder and owner of Safe in the Seat. “Some people prefer to check their stroller with their luggage and use a car seat cart to get their child and seat through the airport easily. Others babywear or let their toddler walk and load up their stroller with all their gear, then gate check the stroller planeside.”

“Rear-facing is the safest way for kids to ride in the car, but it’s not always possible on planes due to the tighter space,” added Pratt. “If the car seat fits rear-facing on the plane, that’s best. But kids who rear-face in the car can forward-face on the plane if they are at least 1 year old and meet their car seat’s forward-facing requirements. Then they seamlessly go back to rear-facing in the car at the destination.”

Author Jordi Lippe-McGraw has researched and written about travel and lifestyle products for nearly a decade. She is also the mom of a 3-year-old. When making this list, she researched dozens of products, looking at key specs like dimensions and weight rating and the number of positive and negative reviews. While researching the best travel car seats, we spoke with Amie Durocher , a CPS Tech at SafeRide4Kids.com, and Michelle Pratt , founder and owner of Safe in the Seat.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. " Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) Restraint System ." Accessed Feb 6th, 2023.

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Best Travel Car Seats of 2024

Traveling with kids? Whether an extended road trip or airplane ride is on the agenda, your little one needs a travel car seat to stay safe on the journey. Travel car seats are a bit different from everyday ones, as they’re typically lighter in weight, easier to move and set up from car to car, and approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to take in the air.

A travel car seat also comes in handy if you find yourself in ride-shares or taxis regularly. Many models don’t require a base, so it’s simple to strap the unit in without spending half the afternoon figuring out which piece goes where. The best travel car seats are so convenient, in fact, that you might stick to them altogether.

Table of Contents

• Best Travel Car Seats
• Things To Consider When Buying
• How We Chose

Chicco KeyFit 35 ClearTex Infant Car Seat  »

Various features for correct installation

Can be installed without a base via European belt routing

Five height positions and six recline positions

Includes base and newborn positioner

Extendable canopy with UPF 50+ sun protection

JPMA certified and GreenGuard Gold Certified

Not super light

Travel bag sold separately

There’s no need to worry about properly installing the Chicco KeyFit 35 ClearTex Infant Car Seat. It comes with multiple features to ensure you do it correctly, including LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) connectors, a SuperCinch force-multiplying tightener, and RideRight bubble level indicators to make sure it’s at the right angle.

This best travel car seat comes with ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) 50+ sun protection. It also comes with a base, but doesn’t require one in order to use. That means you can keep the base in your car for regular use and still be able to install it in other vehicles, thanks to its European belt routing system. It only weighs 10 pounds and is FAA approved, so it’s ready to bring on an aircraft. The Chicco Car Seat Travel Bag , however, is sold separately. But with the five height positions and six recline positions, your baby is bound to be comfortable no matter how you choose to travel. And once you reach your destination, keep the car seat looking fresh by tossing the fabrics in the washing machine.

They KeyFit 35 is certified by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA), meaning it meets minimum government requirements based on safety and use, and GreenGuard Gold Certified, meaning it’s built to contribute to safer, healthier air and has been screened for more than 15,000 volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

Cosco Kids Scenera Next Convertible Car Seat  »

Affordable price point

Aircraft certified and TSA-friendly designed

No additional base needed

Side Impact Protection

Machine-washable and dryer-safe seat pad

Installation may be tricky with some seat belts

May fit snugly on older babies

If you’re looking for a secondary car seat, chances are that you’re hoping to keep the cost low. With the Cosco Kids Scenera Next Convertible Car Seat, you’ll save money without losing the factors that make a travel car seat desirable. At just 6.8 pounds, this is one unit you won’t struggle to carry through the airport. Plus, you’ll have peace of mind knowing it has built-in Side Impact Protection.

This model can carry a child up to 40 pounds and 43 inches tall. It has five harness heights and three buckle locations, so it’ll grow with your baby from infancy to toddlerhood. This affordable car seat comes in seven designs with black details. And Cosco Kids makes it easy to clean with its machine-washable and dryer-safe seat pad and dishwasher-safe removable cup holder.

While this may not be the ideal pick for everyday use, the no-base, lightweight design makes it a smart pick for upcoming vacations or times when you need to move it between cars often. Just use the LATCH connectors to safely secure it in place.

Diono Radian 3RXT SafePlus  »

Only 17 inches wide

Seats folds up

FAA approved

Supports kids up to 120 pounds

12 headrest positions

Available in five colors

Heavy at 30.6 pounds

Booster mode can’t be used on a plane

LATCH connectors not available for all weights

At just 17 inches wide, the Diono Radian 3RXT SafePlus comfortably fits in even the most compact cars. If you have a full backseat, three of these models can fit across the backseat. Don’t let its compact size fool you, though. This travel car seat was designed to grow with your child from 4 to 120 pounds, in rear-facing position, forward-facing position, and booster mode.

This unit comes with a detachable rear-facing base, which Diono recommends using, but it can be used without it. The base shouldn’t be used in the forward-facing position or in booster mode. To make sure your little one is happy, the Radian boasts a 12-position headrest that you can adjust with just one hand. The covers are machine washable, and the shell and components on the rest of the car seat can be spot cleaned.

This convertible car seat folds to make travel easier, and its FAA-approved status means it’ll be your airplane companion. Just keep in mind that it can only be taken on a plane in rear-facing and forward-facing positions, not booster mode.

Doona + Car Seat & Stroller  »

Converts from car seat to stroller in seconds

Comes fully assembled

FAA approved and can be pushed down airplane aisle

Available in seven colors

UPF 50+ sun protection and water-repellant canopy

Includes LATCH base, infant insert, head support, and vehicle seat protector

Can only be used up to 35 pounds

The Doona + Car Seat & Stroller can be used with or without the included base, but the real magic comes in when you’re using it in between car and airplane rides. Within a matter of seconds, this innovative model goes from car seat to stroller with the push of a button. Plus, it comes fully assembled, so you can use it the moment it arrives.

The water-repellent canopy provides UPF 50+ sun protection, and comes in seven bold colors, including Racing Green, Flame Red, and Blush Pink. The adjustable handle is a nice touch, too, for a more comfortable gliding experience for adults.

Not only is the Doona approved by the FAA, but at just 17.4 inches wide, it can easily be pushed down an airplane aisle so you can get in your seat easily. Although it’s pricey, the fact that it acts as both a travel car seat and stroller means that it’s a great value. Consider this the all-in-one travel system that makes navigating the world with a baby so much simpler. Megan Wood, Senior Editor at U.S. News 360 Reviews, uses the Doona as her family’s main car seat and loves how easy it makes running errands and travel without having to pack a separate stroller.

Wayb Pico Portable Car Seat  »

Fits in most airplane overheads bins

Only weighs 8 pounds

Installs via LATCH or car or plane seat belt

Folds down to 11.6 inches long by 14.5 inches wide by 18.9 inches tall

Made with space-grade aluminum alloy and Responsible Wool Standard (RWS)-certified wool

On the pricier side

Can’t be used until child is 22 pounds

Make your next flight with your child as easy as possible with the Wayb Pico Portable Car Seat. With a compact design that folds up—so much so that it fits in most airplane overhead bins—this FAA-approved model goes wherever you do. Weighing just 8 pounds, this travel car seat is installed via LATCH connectors or using the car or airplane seat belt.

Unlike the other best travel car seats on our list, the Pico is a forward-facing option that’s designed for children 22 to 50 pounds and 30 to 45 inches tall. Wayb recommends it for ages 2 years old and up. While you can’t use it for a newborn, it’ll be your little one’s travel companion once they grow a bit.

The Pico is available in five colors, and an optional carry bag, vehicle seat protector, and cup holder are sold separately. If you have multiple children, you can snag a few of these and three can fit in a row in the backseat of most vehicles.

Nuna Pipa RX x Pipa Relx Base  »

Five-second installation

Can be used with or without the included base

Removable UPF 50+ canopy

GreenGuard Gold Certified and fire retardant-free materials

Connects with all Nuna strollers

Doesn’t fold

If installing a car seat isn’t something you’re looking forward to, make it easy on yourself with the Nuna Pipa RX. It comes with Pipa Relx Base, but you don’t need it in order to put it to use in a car or on an airplane. If you do decide to use it, however, the base features a stability leg that absorbs impact to prevent motion from transferring to your baby. Plus, installation takes just five seconds.

At 7.6 pounds (not including the canopy or infant insert), it’s one of the lightest options on our list. This travel car seat has a four-position recline, and you don’t have to reinstall it to change the position. It features an infant insert that can be removed when your little one grows. But no matter what age they are, you’ll want to take advantage of the removable, full-coverage UPF 50+ canopy.

This unit has the green light to be part of air travel, and you can feel good knowing that it’s GreenGuard Gold Certified and made with fire retardant-free materials.

Britax Emblem 3-Stage Convertible Car Seat  »

High-strength steel frame and SafeCell technology to absorb crash energy

Accommodates children up to 65 pounds

Aircraft approved

10-position harness and headrest adjust together

Machine-washable and dryer-friendly fabrics

On the heavier side

Any piece of baby gear you put your child in needs to be sturdy and durable. The Britax Emblem 3-Stage Convertible Car Seat was built to last. Its frame is made of high-strength steel, and it features SafeCell technology to absorb crash energy, so you can feel confident that your little one is protected. Its fabric is tough and can be tossed in the washing machine and dryer to refresh it after a spill or accident.

This best travel model is designed to grow with your child, as it accommodates them from 5 pounds all the way up to 65 pounds. As they get bigger, you can adjust the harness and headrest, which move together in 10 different positions.

The Emblem is on the heavier side at just under 20 pounds, but it’s still reasonable enough to bring with you in a ride-share or carry it on for aircraft use. Just utilize its installation features, including LATCH connectors and level indicators, to ensure that it’s correctly set up.

Graco Century Carry On 35 Lightweight Infant Car Seat  »

Only weighs 6.8 pounds

Four-position carry handle

Machine-washable seat pad and canopy

Doesn’t convert to front facing

Graco refers to its Century Carry On 35 Lightweight Infant Car Seat as “The Weightless Wonder,” and it’s clear why. This lightweight car seat only weighs 6.8 pounds. If you count the base, it only goes up to 10.4 pounds. It’s the lightest carrier on our list, so it’ll truly become a travel must-have when vacation is calling.

Approved to take on an airplane, the Graco Century has a carry handle with four adjustable positions, so both you and your baby will be comfortable. It comes with a base that can be installed via LATCH connectors. However, it can be used without one for even quicker installation with a vehicle or airplane seat belt. And if an in-flight spill dirties the seat pad or canopy, both are machine washable.

The Century is designed for babies up to 35 pounds. Even though it won’t go the long haul, it’s a budget-friendly option that does its job well while it can. Plus, it’s compatible with all Century strollers and car seat bases from Graco that can be purchased separately.

The Bottom Line

The market is far from short on car seat options, and that rings true for travel car seats, too. To choose the best one for your child, consider how often you plan to use it. If it’s a secondary car seat that you’re planning to only break out a couple times of year for vacation, then you may want to keep your budget low. But if you’re looking forward to road trips and airplane rides on the regular, better quality and durability may be more important. Once you see how much use you’ll get out of it, you can focus on what features are necessities in your book. Does it need to fold? Does its weight need to stay super low? But if you’re not totally sure what you need in a travel car seat, the Chicco KeyFit 35 ClearTex Infant Car Seat, our Best Overall pick, is FAA approved, weighs just 10 pounds, comes with a UPF 50+ canopy, and comes with a base but doesn’t need it in order to install.

Things To Consider When Buying Travel Car Seats

Safety Certification and Compliance

The good news is that if you’re buying a new travel car seat from a reputable retailer in the United States, you’re probably in good shape.

“All car seats sold in the U.S. must meet stringent safety regulations, following the requirements set by the NHTSA,” says Joe Colella, JPMA director of Child Passenger Safety and 2020 Child Passenger Safety Hall of Fame Inductee. “A car seat that meets these standards is required to be labeled with, ‘This child restraint system conforms to all applicable Federal motor vehicle safety standards.’”

Don’t forget that car seats also have expiration dates, and when they hit it, toss them, reminds Samora Coles, founder and executive director of The Alex House Project , an organization that supports low-income families and young mothers with their transition to parenthood. While this is one piece of baby gear you’re likely to want to buy new, if you’re using a secondhand model, it’s even more imperative that you check its expiration date and look up if any recalls or malfunctions have been reported.

Size and Weight Suitability

Most—but not all—travel car seats can be used right from birth, so keep in mind when you plan on using it and if your little one is big enough to be safely strapped in. Some options have one mode while others convert to various positions, including rear facing, forward facing, and booster to grow with your child. Each mode has its own weight and height limits, and those numbers vary depending on the brand and model. It’s important to read through and follow those instructions for safety.

“Car seats, when not used according to the manufacturer’s instructions, could be less likely to protect a child from injury,” says Colella. “Car seats are safety devices that are designed and tested to protect children when used as directed by the manufacturer.”

Many travel car seats have an adjustable headrest that you can raise as your child grows. If longevity is important to your buying decision, check to make sure it has this capability so you’re not stuck getting a new one in a year’s time.

Ease of Installation and Compatibility

The first time you put a typical car seat in your vehicle may have taken a while. That kind of time isn’t provided when you’re on the tarmac, so the best travel car seats need to be easy to install. It’s a smart idea to do a test run in a car so you can feel confident in its setup.

Even though many travel car seats come with a base, they’re typically not a must-use on the road. Some models just need a vehicle’s or airplane’s seat belt to safely strap in. Others also offer LATCH connectors that provide a super-secure installation.

“Most travel car seats are compatible with any vehicle, but parents want to research car seat company manuals and reviews from other parents,” says Coles. To assure parents that they did it correctly, some units have colored indicators that give the thumbs up when it’s ready to use or level indicators that confirm it’s not tilted. If you’re concerned about always setting it up and taking it out, look for a model that eases your worries.

Portability for Frequent Travel

Whether you’re hurrying to your gate or rushing to the taxi stand, the last thing you want is a bulky, heavy travel car seat weighing you down. Even if you don’t plan to carry it around while your baby is in it most of the time, you want the unit to be built for portability. That starts with looking at the car seat’s weight. The lowest on this list is 6.8 pounds, and it goes up quite a bit from there. It’s also helpful if the travel car seat folds down — not only so that it fits in the overhead bin on an airplane, but so it’s convenient to carry along with your weekender bag.

“When considering portability factors, parents should consider dual abilities in a travel car seat,” explains Coles. “Seats that can act as strollers can help parents limit necessary items they must carry while traveling.”

Don’t forget to check out the handle, too. Even if it’s lightweight, if the handle doesn’t boast an ergonomic design, parents can feel quite uncomfortable.

Convertibility as the Child Grows

Some travel car seats grow with your child, so they’ll go from rear facing to forward facing to even booster. Each of these stages have their own weight and height limits. However, things can get tricky depending on where you’re traveling to.

“Every U.S. state and territory has a law that defines how a child must be restrained in a vehicle and also requires car seat compliance with the aforementioned safety regulations. State laws vary significantly, and travelers must follow the law for the state in which they are traveling,” says Colella. “For example, 19 states and the District of Columbia require that children ride in rear-facing car seats until at least age 2, while other states use age 1 or do not specify a rear-facing age requirement. Most states also require the use of car booster seats, though the maximum age for those requirements varies from 5 to 10 years old.

How We Chose the Best Travel Car Seats

Nothing is more important than safety when we’re talking about baby gear. U.S. News 360 Reviews kept it at the top of mind when hunting down the best travel car seats, but we also considered price, weight of the carrier, weight and height limits, and installation. To ensure we had the must-know information, we consulted the director of Child Passenger Safety at JPMA and the founder and executive director of an organization that helps young mothers with their transition to parenthood. They provided insight on which key components to understand before landing on the travel car seat for your personal lifestyle. Before adding to cart, think about when and where you’ll use it and what features truly matter to you.

WHY SHOULD YOU TRUST US?

Caitlyn Fitzpatrick , the author of this piece, has been researching, testing, and reviewing products since 2017. This means she has years of experience honing in on what’s important when shopping for a product, including baby gear. Fitzpatrick is a mom herself and has done her own personal deep dive on what makes one car seat better than another. That’s why she concentrated on safety as the top priority when choosing the best travel car seats. Megan Wood , Senior Editor at U.S. News 360 Reviews, focuses on baby gear and recommends the Doona Car Seat + Stroller for traveling families.

“While the FAA does not require the use of car seats on airplanes for children, and those under the age of 2 are allowed to ride on their parents’ lap, this is not considered best practice,” says Colella. “Turbulence can happen with little or no warning, and appropriate car seats provide the safest way for children to travel on airplanes.”

Most travel car seats are certified to use on aircrafts, but be sure to check that it’s the case with your specific model. It can also make a difference which airline you fly and if you’re traveling domestically or internationally. Booster car seats and child restraint harnesses are generally not supposed to be used on an airplane. All of the recommendations on this list are approved for airplane use.

As far as adjustability, many models feature adjustable straps, height/headrest positions, and recline positions.

The best travel car seats are typically easy to install. After all, they’re expected to be moved between vehicles or on and off airplanes regularly. Some of these models come with a base, but don’t necessarily require it for the unit to be secured. Many travel car seats come with LATCH connectors. “This system is compatible with vehicles with anchors located at the lower and upper tether of their seats where the car seat can be secured,” explains Coles. “Since all vehicles must have seat belts, all car seats have a space to secure car seats using the seat belt.”

Two of the most important factors when shopping for the best travel car seat are installation and portability. You want it to be easy to secure on an airplane and in a ride-share, and simple to carry it with you wherever your adventures lead.

“Additionally, factors such as the age, weight, height, and overall condition of the seat should be considered as they can help determine the overall value of the car seat, especially for those with limited resources and busy lifestyles,” says Coles.

About Our Team

Caitlyn Fitzpatrick

Contributor

Senior Editor

U.S. News 360 Reviews takes an unbiased approach to our recommendations. When you use our links to buy products, we may earn a commission but that in no way affects our editorial independence.

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The 8 Best Travel Car Seats of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

We rounded up the best travel-friendly car seats to keep your kids safe wherever you go.

In This Article

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• Our top picks
• Others We Liked

Our Testing Process

• Tips for Buying
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Travel + Leisure / Cassie Aulie

Traveling with children can be a gratifying and enriching experience, but family vacations are also challenging because of the extra items you need to pack (and carry), including a car seat, which adds quite a lot of bulk to your luggage. That's why we set out to find the most compact, travel-friendly, lightweight, and easy-to-install car seats on the market right now.

We combed through results and feedback from three different real-world car seat tests in which we tested a total of 57 car seats, looking specifically for portable, travel-friendly options. We rating each of our picks on several factors like design, features, ease of cleaning, value, and — most importantly — safety. Below, we rounded up eight of the best travel car seats to consider for your next family getaway.

Best Overall

Graco contender slim convertible car seat.

• Design 4.7 /5
• Ease of Installation 4.8 /5
• Durability 5 /5
• Safety 4.6 /5

It is an excellent fit for compact cars.

The chest buckle is large and bulky.

Lugging around a heavy car seat in addition to your luggage is not pleasant, but this car seat will make your life so much easier. Not only is it the lightest car seat on our list, but it is also the slimmest, making it an excellent choice for both compact and larger vehicles (or for larger families who need to fit more than one car seat in the backseat). Installation took us about 15 minutes, and then it was pretty intuitive to use. It has several inserts that help you customize it for your child, including an infant insert with extra padding, eight headrest heights, and two reclining positions.

It also has a removable cup for snacks and drinks that you can place on either side of the seat. And while we only had to spot-clean it, if you need to wash the entire cover, you can take it off and throw it in the washing machine. The fabric is breathable and has held up exceptionally well after over a month of use.

The Details: Weighs 16 pounds; holds 65 pounds | 24.75 x 18.9 x 21.5 inches | Rear and forward modes | Belt- and latch-compatible

Travel + Leisure

Best Rotating

Evenflo gold revolve360 convertible car seat.

• Design 5 /5
• Ease of Installation 5 /5
• Safety 5 /5

It’s easy to install and rotates 360 degrees.

It would be nice if it had a built-in sunshade.

Four minutes: that's exactly how much time it took us to install this Evenflo car seat after watching the instructional video. It was an incredibly easy-to-follow process, and we found the audible click and level indicator super helpful. But the most impressive feature of this convertible car seat is its ability to rotate 360 degrees, which is a complete game-changer for parents (seriously, our team member who tested this car seat said it spoiled them into "never using a car seat that doesn't have this feature"). This means that the seat can transform into rear- or forward-facing in seconds without the need to uninstall the entire seat and base. Just pull one of the two levers on either side and start rotating it. This feature also makes it super convenient to place your child in the seat and buckle them because you no longer have to bend at an awkward angle. 

Comfort is also a standout feature, and the upholstery fabric of this car seat felt soft, breathable, and very high-quality (cleaning it is also a breeze). The overall padding of the car seat and the generous recline positions also contribute to a more comfortable trip. And finally, while this is not the lightest car seat at 40.6 pounds, its design is quite compact, and even if you install it in a smaller vehicle, you will be left with a good amount of legroom and recline space for the seat in front. 

Shoppers should also note that the Office of Vehicle Safety Compliance (OVSC) is currently evaluating this car seat .

The Details: Weighs 40.6 pounds; holds up to 120 pounds | 25.9 x 19.8 x 21 inches | Rear, forward, and booster modes | Belt- and latch-compatible

Best for Compact Cars

Diono radian 3rxt convertible car seat.

 Amazon

• Design 4.8 /5
• Ease of Installation 4.5 /5
• Durability 4.9 /5

The seat folds, making it easy to carry.

The initial installation takes more time than some of the other options on this list.

When renting a large car is not always possible, this Diono car seat is the way to go. First, it's much easier to carry (and store) because of its slim, foldable design. And while the installation took us a while compared to others on this list (about 45 minutes to an hour), we found it to be a perfect match for a smaller vehicle similar to a Fiat 500. 

Second, buckling and unbuckling is super intuitive, and the straps never get tangled up. And even after a year of constant use, the fabric is in excellent condition with few signs of wear and tear other than some light fading. You can also remove the cover and machine-wash it, another very convenient feature. 

Third, we love that even though the seat is about 17 inches wide, it features additional padding and side protection without compromising comfort. Lastly, this car seat is also FAA-approved, so feel free to fly with it.

The Details: Weights 30.6 pounds; holds up to 120 pounds | 17 x 28.5 x 16 inches | Rear, forward, and booster modes | Latch

Best With Stroller

Doona car seat and stroller.

• Assembly 4 /5
• Portability 5 /5
• Maneuverability 4.8 /5

The wheels fold up and attach to the seat.

There is no storage space, and you need to purchase the base separately. 

There is a reason the Doona car seat is a best-seller and an all-time parent favorite. It's all in the smart design that combines a car seat and a stroller in one compact product. Unlike other models, the wheels of this car seat collapse under it so you can latch it into its base (sold separately). Basically, you can bid adieu to lugging a stroller and a car seat. This is the ultimate travel-friendly stroller/car seat combo for infants and toddlers up to 35 pounds. We recommend you take your time to read the folding and unfolding instructions before you use it. It took us some time to figure out what each button was for and how to attach it to the base correctly, but it was smooth sailing once we got the hang of it.

The Doona is upholstered in a cooling bamboo fabric for added comfort, and it has a canopy for shade. The car seat also scored an almost perfect rating in our maneuverability category during testing — it was a breeze pushing it even with one hand. The brake was easy to engage and disengage, so this is the perfect option for a city vacation or a road trip that requires you to quickly transport your baby in and out of the car.

The Details: Weights 16.5 pounds; holds up to 35 pounds | 26 x 17.4 x 22.4 inches (folded) | Rear-facing | Latch and belt

Most Durable

Graco extend2fit 3-in-1 car seat.

• Safety 4.8 /5

An extendable panel provides extra legroom.

The shoulder straps are difficult to adjust.

We tested this car seat for over two years, and it has held up exceptionally well against wear and tear, spills, and everything a toddler can (literally) throw at it. Graco makes some of the sturdiest, most durable car seats by focusing on quality and safety, and this is exactly why we included the Extend2Fit model in this list.

The car seat is easy to install (it took us about 20 minutes), and even if you're setting it up in a smaller vehicle, it leaves plenty of legroom and recline space. We appreciated the two deep cup holders that are perfect for holding sippy cups and snacks (and bonus points for how easy they are to clean). This car seat has a unique feature that accommodates growing kids — a retractable panel provides five extra inches of legroom, making it safer for taller infants and toddlers to ride in a rear-facing position.

The Details: Weighs 19 pounds; holds up to 65 pounds | 24.5 x 20.75 x 19 inches | Rear and forward modes | Latch

Most Comfortable

Safety 1st grow and go lx convertible car seat.

• Ease of Installation 4 /5

You can use the footrest in both rear- and forward-facing positions.

 It is a bit tricky to install.

Looking for a car seat to keep your little one comfortable during long road trips? This one scored perfect ratings in almost all categories thanks to its easy use, design, durability, and overall value. Its size is generous (so it may not be a great fit for compact vehicles) and provides ample space for kids to grow into without compromising on padding and safety.

Safety 1st updated this model with a footrest that really impressed us because you can use it in rear-facing, forward-facing, and booster positions so your child's feet will not dangle for hours. We also love that the removable cups are dishwasher-safe and come with convenient lids to prevent messes (but in any case, the cover is removable and machine-washable). The car seat we tested still looks new, and the fabric seems spill-resistant.

The Details: Weighs 20 pounds; holds up to 100 pounds | 23.5 x 19 x 25 inches | Rear, forward, and booster modes | Latch and belt

Best for Multiple Age Groups

Graco 3-in-1 rotating car seat.

It is super easy to install and accommodates various age groups.

This rotating car seat works better in larger cars and may be a tight squeeze in smaller vehicles.

Your child should be all set for years to come with Graco's convertible car seat, which accommodates children up to 100 pounds. It rotates in a rear-facing position so you can get your baby in and out of it more easily. As for securing your child, the buckles are extremely easy to use, and the straps stay in sync — meaning that if you loosen one, the other will loosen automatically, too. And with four reclining positions, your child will be comfortable whether they are taking a nap, eating a snack, or playing.

We tested this car seat in a mid-size SUV, and it left plenty of reclining space for the seat in front. However, if you install it in a smaller vehicle, it might be a much tighter situation. And speaking of the installation, it only took us 17 minutes to read the instructions, watch the YouTube video, and install it. Finally, this seat grows with your child as it can accommodate kids weighing from four to 100 pounds. 

The Details: Weighs 30 pounds; holds up to 100 pounds | 19.1 x 24.4 x 20.8 inches | Rear, forward, and booster modes | Latch

Easiest Installation

Britax emblem 3-stage convertible car seat.

• Design 4.5 /5
• Safety 4 /5
• Value 4.5 /5

This no-fuss car seat is quick to install, and it only weighs 19 pounds.

There are no extra features such as cup holders or sensors.

If you're in the market for a no-fuss, easy-to-use car seat, this is it. Installation is standard (although you will still have to read the instructions to do it), and once you've practiced a couple of times, you will be able to install it pretty fast in any vehicle. We tested it in a sedan and an SUV, and it fits well in both (although the SUV was a slightly better fit). Thanks to the excellent design, using it is a breeze. Buckling your child, adjusting the harness, and reclining is intuitive and stress-free, which is exactly what you need when you're on the road. And while it may not have many bells and whistles, it provides excellent padding, and the fabric is soft and pillowy without feeling scratchy. 

The Details: Weighs 19.5 pounds; holds up to 65 pounds | 21 x 18.3 x 26 inches | Rear and forward modes | Latch

Other Car Seats We Liked

We tested so many car seats that we think there are a few more worth mentioning, although we didn't love them quite as much as the others on our main list.

Baby Jogger City Sights Travel System: This stroller and car seat combo is a good option for parents looking for a two-in-one. The stroller is easy to maneuver and collapses into a pretty compact and travel-friendly size. The car seat has a weight capacity of 35 pounds, so it can only be used in a rear-facing position.

Nuna Rava Convertible Car Seat : This rear-facing car seat can accommodate children up to 50 pounds, which is impressive (however, keep in mind that the seat itself is almost 28 pounds). The straps and the buckles are very easy to use and don't get in the way when you place your child in and out of the seat.

We used results from three real-world tests in which we reviewed convertible car seats, rotating convertible car seats, and car seat stroller combos to find our favorite travel-friendly options. We sorted through feedback from 57 car seats we tested, looking at weight, size, and performance. Each car seat on our list was rated on a scale from one to five according to its performance in multiple categories, including ease of installation, ease of use, design, features, safety, value, and more.

We also consulted Ben Hoffman, MD, a pediatrician and nationally recognized expert in child injury prevention and education, to ensure the safety of the products we chose for real-life tests. In addition, every car seat meets the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) standards.

Tips for Buying a Travel Car Seat

Look for portability.

Portability is one of the major factors differentiating a standard car seat from one you'll mostly use while traveling. Consider its weight and size: opt for lighter and more compact car seats that you can carry without compromising safety features. Some car seats fold or feature collapsible stroller wheels — all features that come in handy when you're on the road or in transit. 

Consider ease of installation

When you're just getting off a long-haul flight and need to get in the car and drive for hours, the last thing you want is to waste time installing a car seat. That's why your travel car seat should be simple to install and use. Check if the vehicle you are setting it up in accommodates a latch or belt car seat, and make sure that yours can comfortably fit in the back seat of whatever size car you may be renting. Then, read through the installation instructions or watch the video, and make sure you don't need another adult to help you safely install it. 

Pay attention to your child's weight and height

Every car seat has strict weight and height limits to ensure your child's safety. Some might also have age restrictions, but they are not as important as children are different and grow at their own pace.Make sure you weigh and measure your child before purchasing a travel car seat. The good thing about convertible car seats is that you can use them in both rear- and forward-facing positions as your child grows so you don't have to invest in a new car seat every few years.

Some car seats come with travel bags with handles to make carrying easier. If yours doesn't have one, you can probably purchase it from the maker's website or find one that accommodates its size on Amazon. Certain bags even feature wheels to roll the car seat through the airport. If your car seat is oversized, you will be asked to check it in at the airport, so it's essential to place it in a protective bag and inspect it for damage as soon as you get it back.

Yes, but you must first ensure the car seat is FAA-approved (it will say so on the car seat). In fact, while using a car seat on a plane is not required, the FAA recommends it to ensure your little one's safety in case of turbulence, for example. If traveling on an international airline outside the U.S., check with that airline's policies, size limitations, and guidelines before your trip, as some international airlines do not allow car seats on board. Usually, using a booster seat during a flight is not an issue with airlines, and it doesn't count toward your carry-on luggage allowance.

The short answer is yes. Airlines will usually check in a car seat, stroller, or a child restraint system for free (one per child). However, the tricky part is that if you're not traveling with a child, you might have to pay to check in the car seat, so in this case, it's always best to contact the airline before your trip.

Most car rental companies offer car seats as an add-on for a fee, so if you don't want to invest in one or carry it with you, you can always rent one. U.S. car rental companies must offer car seats that comply with state and federal laws. However, if you're traveling internationally, the risk is that you don't know if the car seat has been stored and cleaned properly or if it’s ever been in an accident. It also means you have to install it yourself, which can be challenging and time-consuming if you're unfamiliar with that particular brand or car seat model. 

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

For this article, Dobrina Zhekova worked with T+L editors to round up the safest and most comfortable travel car seats for kids of all ages from real-world tests. As a mother, she has also tested several car seats in the past five years and has extensive knowledge of airline policies and regulations about traveling with car seats. She also referenced customer reviews and expert recommendations in this article.

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6 Best FAA Approved Travel Car Seats With Pros & Cons

• 6 Best FAA Approved Travel…

Disclosure: Some of the links in this article may be affiliate links, which provide small compensation for FidisTravel at no extra cost to you if you decide to purchase/book something

Keeping your child properly secured in a car seat is one of the most important steps a parent can take to ensure the safety of their child while on the road and in the air. If you are looking for the best travel car seat to help keep your kid safe, we’ve compiled a list of the top twelve child safety seats to find just the right one for you and your family.

Table of Contents

Top Picks for the Best Travel Car Seat:

Read below to find more details about the car seats, especially about the pros and cons. Some of them don’t get into the “best x” categories but are also highly recommended and might suit your needs more. Note that this is also an FAA approved car seat list (with the exception of booster car seats)

1. Cosco Scenera Next Convertible Car Seat (Best Overall)

Price : $59.99 (Best Budget) FAA Approved: Yes Child Weight: 5-40 lb for rear-facing; 22-40 lb for forward facing Child Height: 19-40 in for rear facing; 29-43 in for forward facing

When it comes to affordability, ease of travel, and safety we found the Cosco Scenera Next Convertible Car Seat to be the best overall. For under $100, users can enjoy many of the other features found with more expensive car seats at just a fraction of the price.

For families looking for a high-quality, budget-friendly car seat that will serve them for many years, this convertible car seat is an ideal option. Designed to accommodate children from 5-40 pounds, this car seat can be used throughout many phases of childhood making it a worthwhile investment for families.

This car seat has been rigorously tested and certified to offer the highest level of safety for children with side impact protection as well as meeting all of the federal safety criteria. For parents looking for travel-friendly features, this car seat is TSA compliant and approved for airlines travel.

Pros and Cons:

• Coming in at under $100, this car seat is one of the most affordable on the market
• Designed for children 5-40 pounds, users can enjoy the relative longevity of this convertible car seat throughout many stages of life
• Approved for airline travel and meets TSA requirements
• Machine washable cover
• Other convertible car seats can accommodate children over 40 pounds

2. Doona Infant Car Seat and Latch Base (Best Integrative Design)

Price : $550 FAA Approved: Yes Child Weight: up to 35 lbs, rear facing only (infant only) For busy parents on the go, having a travel car seat that fits their active lifestyle is extremely important. If you are looking for the best integrative design, the Doona Infant Car Seat and Latch Base offers the easiest and most streamlined way to keep kids safe with their all-in-one travel system.

The Doona Infant Car Seat and Latch Base is an integrative, modern design that allows users to easily transition from a rolling stroller to a car safety seat in seconds. With the simple push of a button, this stroller folds down into a car seat that easily attaches to the included latch base which can be mounted in any model vehicle.

Every product from the Doona company undergoes rigorous safety testing and certification processes to bring parents the highest level of safety when it comes to their child’s car seat. This car seat comes fully assembled so there’s no guesswork when it comes to set up and parents can ensure their child is protected on the road.

Pros & Cons

• Lightweight, integrative design makes it perfect for busy parents on the go
• This product has some of the highest safety ratings when it comes to safety testing and certification
• Comes in a variety of stylish color options for a personalized touch
• The high price tag of this car seat may make it inaccessible for many families
• Designed as a car seat for children under one year of age, the lifespan of this product is quite short
• Users report no recline options and minimal storage capabilities

3. Evenflo LiteMax DLX Infant Car Seat (Best Lightweight Car Seat)

Price : $224.99 FAA Approved: Yes (carrier only) Child Weight: 4-35 lb for both rear facing and forward facing Child Height: 17-32 in for both rear facing and forward facing If you are looking for the best option for a lightweight car seat, the Evenflo LiteMax DLX Infant Car Seat may be just what you are looking for. Weighing in at just 8.7 pounds, this car seat is one of the lightest on the market making traveling with kids a breeze.

For nearly 100 years, the Evenflo company has been a leader in the child safety industry. With the addition of the LiteMax DLX car seat, parents can rest assured they are receiving the highest level of safety for their child that comes with the Evenflo name.

This car seat features a lightweight design that is easy to carry and perfect for parents on the go. This versatile car seat offers both forward-facing and rear-facing options and is collapsible and compact, giving parents the freedom to travel anywhere with their child. This seat is designed to comfortably accommodate infants weighing between 4-35 pounds and measuring 17-32 inches and parents can have peace of mind knowing this product meets all the federal guidelines for car seat safety certification.

• In business for more than 100 years, Evenflo has a proven track record of making durable, high-quality products that last
• The lightweight, compact design makes this car seat easy to transport and travel with
• This car seat features a no-rethread harness design that makes seat adjustment a breeze
• The relatively high price of this car seat may make it inaccessible for some families
• Users report that this car seat is bulkier and takes up more space than other traditional car seat designs, making it difficult to use in smaller vehicles

4. Safety 1st Guide 65 2-in-1 Convertible Car Seat (Most Compact Car Seat)

Price : $99.99 FAA Approved: Yes Child Weight: 5-40 lb for rear facing; 22-65 lb for forward facing Child Height: 19-40 in for rear facing; 29-49 in for forward facing

Designed specifically for smaller cars, the Safety 1st Guide 65 2-in-1 Convertible Car Seat is the ideal affordable, space-saving car seat for families. With added comfort and safety features, this car seat provides plenty of support for infants and children alike.

For parents looking for a safe, compact convertible car seat this Safety 1st product is guaranteed to deliver. With one of the most compact designs on the market, the measurements for this car seat are 27.25X 22.75X 19W.

As a convertible option, this car seat provides two modes of use including a rear-facing option for children between 5-40 pounds or a forward-facing option for children 22-65 pounds. This car seat has added comfort features like removable body pillows, a cup holder, and premium washable fabrics. Safety features include side impact protection, compliance with federal safety standards, and an adjustable headrest.

Pros and Cons

• Compact, lightweight design is perfect for smaller vehicles
• At under $100, this car seat is one of the more affordable options on the market
• With a maximum weight limit of 65 pounds, this convertible car seat can be used throughout many stages of life
• Machine washable fabric
• Users report complications with harness and LATCH systems
• Only available in one color; not customizable

5. Pria Max All-in-One Convertible Car Seat (Most Versatile Car Seat)

Price : $349.99 FAA Approved: Yes (in harness mode) Child Weight: 4-40 lb for rear facing; 22-65 lb for forward facing Child Height: 19-40 in for rear facing; 29-49 in for forward facing

For families looking for the most versatile option for car seat safety, the Pria Max All-in-One Convertible Car Seat has everything you’ll need to ensure your child’s safety while on the road.

With dozens of added features, this car seat offers users a comfortable, personalized experience for everyone.

As one of the most versatile car seats on the market, this all-in-one product is designed to safeguard children from birth up to 10 years, making it one of the longest-lasting investments a parent can make. The car seat features a variety of tried and true comfort options including a unique easy-to-use magnetic harness system, auto-adjusting headrest, and more.

This car seat has been tested to meet the federal guidelines for car seat safety and provides important safety features like side impact protection and a QuickFit shoulder harness that automatically adjusts to the appropriate fit for your child. Their unique PureCosi material does not require the use of fire-retardant chemicals and each car seat is made using premium fabrics that come in a variety of color options.

• Longevity; this convertible car seat is designed to hold children weighing from 4 up to 100 pounds that can be used from birth up to 10 years of age
• Added convenience features like auto-adjusting headrests and magnetic shoulder straps make this car seat user friendly
• Comes in a variety of color options and patterns for a personalized feel
• Users have the option of purchasing additional products like seat covers, travel changing pads, and more
• This car seat comes with a higher price tag than some others
• Users have reported that this car seat is heavy and difficult to travel with

6. WAYB Pico Portable Car Seat (Best Portable Travel Car Seat)

Price : $380 FAA Approved: Yes Child Weight: 22-50 lb (for forward facing only) Child Height: 30-45 in (for forward facing only) Child Age: 2+

Being a parent often means being able to juggle multiple tasks all at once and for parents traveling with kids, this car seat is the perfect way to cut down on the stress of traveling. The WAYB Pico Portable Car Seat is a compact, foldable car seat that is the perfect option for parents on the go.

For parents planning on traveling with kids, the WAYB Pico Portable Car Seat is the ideal travel option to provide protection for children even on the go. Weighing in at just 8 pounds, this compact car seat easily folds down to a small storage size of 11.6” L x 14.5” W x 18.9” H.

Parents using this car seat do not have to sacrifice safety for convenience as the WAYB Pico Portable Car Seat meets all of the federal safety requirements for both highway and airway travel. This forward-facing car seat can accommodate children between 22-50 pounds and 30-45 inches in height.

• Compact, lightweight design makes it easy to transport and use for travel
• This car seat meets all the requirements for highway and airline safety when traveling
• Affordable financing options are available when purchasing directly from the manufacturer
• The high price of this car seat may be prohibitive for some families
• Due to the design of this car seat, the seat is only able to be used in a forward-facing capacity

7. CARES Child Aviation Restraint System (Best Travel Harness)

Price : $72.99 FAA Approved: Yes

Although only available for use on airplanes, this child restraint system makes flying with kids stress free. Designed for us as an alternative to car seats for airline travel and approved for use by the e Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), this portable and easy to use harness is perfect for keeping kids safe and seated during a flight.

The CARES Child Aviation Restraint System is designed for use with kids 22-45 pounds and can easily be used in combination with any airline seatbelt to provide the same level of protection as a car seat would.

• Weighing just one pound, this lightweight travel harness is ideal for use when flying
• At under $100, this restraint system is an affordable option for most families
• The only FAA approved child safety restraint system on the market
• Ideal for use with kids who have special needs
• Simple, easy to use design installs in under one minute
• This travel harness is only approved for children between 22-45 pounds
• This restraint system is compatible only with airlines seats and cannot be used for car travel

Best Travel Car Seat: the FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Do you need to bring a car seat base when traveling.

If you plan on bringing a car seat with you when traveling with kids, you may want to bring the car seat base too. Car seat bases provide extra security that keeps the car seat from sliding around or dislodging in case of an accident.

It is possible to use a car seat without a base while traveling by installing the seat using the car’s seat belt. However, it is much safer for your child if you use the car seat base.

What do you do with a car seat base when flying?

Most car seat bases are not allowed to be used when flying. The car seat will just be directly strapped onto the airplane seat. There are several thing you can do with you car seat base while flying:

• Stow the car seat base in the overhead bin on the plane
• Gate check the car seat base
• Check the car seat base with the rest of your luggage

How do you bring a car seat on a plane?

In order to bring a car seat on a plane, it must be FAA approved. To know if a car seat is FAA approved, check the sticker located on the back or side of the car seat.

If you want your child to use a car seat on the plane, you must purchase a separate ticket for them. Once you get to your gate, you can also ask the flight crew if there are any open seats. If there are no extra seats and your child does not have its own ticket, you may gate check the car seat.

How do you carry a car seat in the airport?

It can be difficult to carry a car seat and luggage around the airport. There are several great ways you can make carrying a car seat in the airport easier.

• Strap the car seat to your luggage with a car seat luggage strap
• Put the car seat inside of your child’s stroller
• Use a car seat backpack or travel carrying case
• Bring a collapsible wagon to pull the car seat in
• Rent a luggage carrying trolley at the airport

Can you check car seats for free?

Yes, most airlines will allow you to check a car seat for free. For example, you can check at Delta car seat policy. You can either check the car seat with your luggage or gate-check it. Strollers and booster seats can also be checked for free.

Verify with your specific airline ahead of time to make sure they will check your car seat for free.

Do car seats count as checked baggage?

No, car seats do not count towards your checked baggage allowance. Car seats can be checked for free and do not lower the checked baggage allowance included in your ticket.

Are car seats required on airplanes?

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) strongly recommends that car seats are used on planes. However, children are not required to use car seats on planes. This decision is up to the parents but it is safer for children to be in their car seats while flying. This protects them from any turbulence that may occur.

Children under the age of 2 are permitted to fly while sitting in the lap of an adult.

Will car seats get damaged on a plane?

You can never know for sure if your car seat will get damaged on a plane. Especially if you check the car seat as luggage, you can never control how it will be handled. Airlines are usually not liable if a car seat comes out damaged on baggage claim.

If you are worried about damage, avoid checking your car seat with luggage. Or gate-check the car seat to minimize the amount of time the airline handles it. You can use the car seat on the plane or maybe store it in the overhead bin.

Do I need a car seat cover on an airplane?

It is not required that you bring a car seat cover on an airplane. However, it may be nice to bring one if you choose. A car seat cover may help block your child from the light and noise of the plane.

How do you put a car seat in an airplane seat?

Putting a car seat on an airplane seat can be a little different as you are not always permitted to use a car seat base. Here is how to put a car seat on an airplane seat:

• Find the correct belt-path on your front-facing and rear-facing car seat
• Loosen the airplane seat belt
• Thread the adjustable side of the airplane seat belt through the belt-path
• Buckle the seat belt on the other side
• Tighten the seat belt strap as needed.

If you need help, ask the flight crew for assistance.

How do you pack a car seat for a flight?

If you are checking your car seat with checked luggage, it is important to pack it securely. Here are a few things you should do.

• Put the car seat inside a protective car seat carrying bag
• Wrap the car seat bag with plastic film or packing tape for extra protection
• Put an identifying luggage tag on the bag

If you are bringing the car seat onto the plane with you, you do not need to pack it in a special way. However, putting the car seat in a car seat carrying bag may make carrying the seat around the airport easier.

We know that vacation is supposed to be a time when parents (and kids) let loose and have some fun, but just because your vacation is carefree does not mean your child’s safety should be! Ensuring that you have chosen the best travel car seat for your child can help keep them safe and ensure many more years of family vacations and fun in the sun.

Related Articles

• Travel With A Car Seat: Flying, Renting, Regulation, & More
• Delta Car Seat Policy: 8 Most Asked Questions
• When Is It Safe to Travel with a Newborn? All You Need to Know
• 9 Best Travel Strollers for Different Needs
• American Airlines Car Seat Policy

Author:  Carrie Alspaugh

Carrie is an animal lover currently living in the Caribbean with her two chihuahuas, Slim and Penelope. Her pups accompany her on trips spent traveling while volunteering at animal hospitals and rescues across the world. In her free time she enjoys snorkeling, scuba diving, and hanging out with her dogs at the beach.

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The Best Travel Car Seats to Keep Your Little One Safe on the Go

‘Tis the season for going over the river and through the woods to Grandmother’s house. But what to do when you have a little one in tow and Grandmother’s house is 2,000 miles away? Your full-featured, miniature La-Z-Boy-style car seat may be exactly the right tool for the job in day-to-day travels, however you’ll quickly find it’s impractical for planes, trains, and (rental) automobiles.

For long-distance travel you need a car seat that can safely transport your infant, toddler, or school age kiddo while being eminently luggable along with your rollaboards and diaper bag accoutrement. It needs to be easy to set up and break down while Uber drivers tap their fingers and fellow airplane passengers pile up behind you. Extra-soft cushions, sturdy cupholders, and cute patterns? These things are all gravy.

Here’s a selection of travel car seats to fit your budget and specific age-range needs. We’ve pulled a few with some nice-to-have bells and whistles as well as some innovative options that will have you thinking outside the standard car seat box.

For more information on the best travel car seats, refer to our table of contents.

Table of contents

1. editor’s pick: combi coccoro convertible car seat, 2. budget pick: cosco apt 50 convertible car seat, 3. luxury pick: doona infant car seat and stroller, 4. toddler and older pick: wayb pico travel car seat, 5. graco admiral 65 convertible car seat, 6. safety 1st guide 65 convertible car seat, 7. evenflo tribute 5 convertible car seat, 8. evenflo maestro sport booster car seat, 9. evenflo sonus convertible car seat, 10. bubblebum inflatable backless booster car seat, what is a travel car seat, what to expect when you’re choosing a travel car seat, how to install a travel car seat.

Our favorite travel car seat is a well-rounded pick with what we think is just the right mix of necessary features, quality construction, and simplicity. The Combi Coccoro is a travel car seat that is convertible, meaning that it can be mounted in either forward-facing or rear-facing modes depending on the age range and size of your child.

When positioned to be rear facing, the Coccoro accommodates kids from 3 to 33 pounds. In forward mode, the seat is rated for 20 to 40 pounds, and overall whether facing to the front or back, it’s made for a minimum height of 19 inches and maxes out at 40 inches.

The seat itself is especially lightweight at only 11 pounds, meaning transporting the Coccoro in and out of shuttles and through the airport is a breeze, even if you have to hand hold it. At a mere 15.5-inches wide, this seat has a notably slim footprint meaning not only is it less unwieldy to haul around, but also that it will mount in those ever-shrinking Economy Class seats with no problem. It’s compact enough that some parents report they can drop it into their stroller seat, kid and all, for even easier conveyance through the concourse. One more benefit of its skinny build is that you can easily fit three of these seats across the average automotive bench seat, a boon for parents with a passel of children who want to employ the Coccoro year-round.

Other features include a removable infant insert and machine-washable cover. It also has one-touch height adjustment of the five-point harness. As all good seats should have, this offering from Combi has side-impact protection and a thick layer of energy-absorbing foam. It’s FAA approved, and it has a buckle with a visual cue so you know when it is securely in place.

Buyers of the Coccoro report that it’s easy to mount in an airplane seat due to its small stature and curved bottom, allowing you to fine-tune its angle in tight quarters. These same qualities make it ideal for small rental cars outside of North America. As with most of our picks, this seat mounts securely using the LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system or via seatbelt in older or non-American cars.

Of course, a simplified and compact car seat is not without its downsides. You won’t find any cupholders here, and its small size limits the kinds of kids that will fit comfortably within its confines. Average-sized kids are likely to max this car seat out at around four and a half years old while faster growers are going to find themselves in a squeeze.

A few customers have also struggled with rear-facing installations in certain vehicle models, and one reviewer took issue with the tricky crotch buckle. There also appear to be isolated incidents of the shock-absorbing Styrofoam cracking under the strains of normal use within a year.

For budget conscious shoppers, the Cosco Apt 50 provides a stripped down convertible car seat that gets the job done. Even lighter weight than our top pick, this model clocks in at a svelte 8 pounds, yet is rated for a wider range of occupants.

In rear-facing mode, the Apt 50 accommodates kids from 5 to 40 pounds and a maximum of 50 pounds while in the forward position. The seat’s five-point harness can be adjusted to six heights and three front buckle locations as children grow, and its seat pad is machine washable and tumble dry safe.

The gains in capability at a lower price point are achieved in part through the features it doesn’t have. Infant inserts and other niceties like strap pads must be purchased as separate accessories. Meanwhile, strap height adjustment is a manual affair unlike the one-touch operation of our top pick. Each time the height has to be adjusted, it requires rethreading the straps through one set of six pre-determined slots.

Still, this cost-effective model sports a pair of cupholders, has side impact protection and is certified for use on aircraft. James L. says the Cosco Apt 50 is “incredibly easy to install and take out, since there's a tension release button on the latch strap, which not all car seats have.”

It’s additionally worth noting that while owners report that it mounts fine to airplane seats in either forward or rear positions, the seatbelt can be felt beneath the padding and is uncomfortable to lay against without extra cushioning. Some reviewers also have encountered difficulty achieving a safe mount of any sort in a car, even when utilizing professional help.

If money is no object, and ultimate convenience is what you’re after, look no further than the Doona Infant Car Seat. When it’s in a vehicle, it’s a rear-facing car seat, but once outside, in one smooth motion, it’s a stroller. True, this option has a much more limited lifespan, being limited to infants 4 to 35 pounds and maxing out at 32 inches in height, but during that time it would be hard to find a carrier offering a more seamless experience.

The Doona features a five-point harness, adjustable handlebar, washable fabric cover, and side-impact protection. It includes an infant insert, head support, vehicle seat protector, and a base. The carrier is FAA approved and weighs a not insignificant 16.5 pounds.

Buyers say that while it is heavy, you’re rarely carrying it around as the burden of the weight is borne by the wheels. According to reviews, converting it can take a bit of practice, but if you try it a few times at home, you’ll quickly be ready to use it out in the real world. The Doona fits perfectly in an airplane seat or in the back of a two-door vehicle, and while it’s more secure on the base, which weighs an additional 10 pounds, it’s unnecessary while traveling. Getting it through airport security is simple too; just flip it upside down in car seat mode and it fits right through the scanner.

As for downsides, some taller customers mention needing to hunch down to push the carrier in stroller mode. On the flip side, more petite owners explain that getting the heavy car seat out of a tall SUV or crossover can be a bit of a struggle. Also, considering its steep price tag, reviewers wish it came with accessories such as a storage bag or shade extender.

Most buyers agree that it’s expensive, but worth the convenience it provides. NelWa lays it out this way, “We call this the marriage saver! We had a long distance trip with 6 flights and 10+ cabs and Uber’s [sic] and this saved us a ton of hassle and we got a lot of compliments on it!”

For toddler-age kids and up, WAYB has a unique solution that keeps children safely harnessed and also packs up easily when not in use. The Pico is a travel car seat recommended for kids two years and older in the 22- to 50-pound range who are between 30 and 45 inches tall. Unlike standard one-piece, shell-style seats, this product cleverly folds up into a compact eight-pound package that’s easy to lug around or stow away when not needed.

The WAYB Pico’s frame is sheathed in a responsibly sourced wool-polyester mesh fabric, which helps keep kids cool and is devoid of flame retardant chemicals and foams. The Pico is a forward-facing only design and is FAA approved. It can mount via the LATCH standard or via car or airplane belt. Children are secured by a five-point harness, and the design is slim enough to fit three Pico seats across most car bench seats.

The manufacturer recommends the fabric be spot cleaned and air dried, though it can be removed for more extensive cleaning. One buyer warns that the mesh can tear easily and is not easy to clean as any sort of liquid food becomes embedded in the covering. While the WAYB meets all NHTSA safety standards, some owners express concern over its impact protection compared to conventional seats.

Overall, reviewers agree that while not ideal as an everyday seat—armrests would be a welcome addition, for instance—the WAYB Pico serves well as a solution while traveling. It’s very convenient to install in a rush, and quite comfortable despite its skeletal appearance.

Accommodating the widest range of ages yet in this list of travel car seats is a convertible offering from Graco, the Admiral 65, whose name comes bearing a strong hint at its maximum weight rating.

In rear-facing configuration, the Admiral 65 seats kids from 5 to 40 pounds. When facing forward, the range is 22 to 65 pounds. The seat includes removable body supports for infants and has been tested to meet or exceed impact standards for front, side, rear, and rollover collisions. Additionally, it has been tested for structural integrity under extreme hot and cold temperatures.

This FAA-approved car seat mounts using the LATCH system and has a five-point harness and headrest that move in concert without the need to rethread the straps as kids grow or as differently sized siblings swap seats. The design also includes an integrated cupholder.

Owners praise its cozy padding, though they admit the seat is on the heavier side to travel with. A few find it challenging to loosen the straps and some wish it came with shoulder pads to protect the occupant’s neck. Several reviewers also complain of the difficult-to-release latch, which can be almost impossible to access when the seat is in rear-facing mode.

Another travel car seat that’s intent on giving the game away in its name is the Safety 1st Guide 65. As you might have guessed, it’s rated to carry children 5 to 40 pounds in rear-facing mode and 22 to 65 pounds in forward-facing configuration. Safety 1st specifies a minimum height of 19 inches and between 34 and 52 inches for each mode, respectively.

The Guide 65 utilizes a five-point harness, which must be threaded manually through one of five preset heights and one of three lower buckle positions. The head support is also adjustable, and the body pillows are removable, as is the cupholder, which can be placed on either the right or left side. The seat pad can be removed for handwashing.

Making it great for travel, this car seat has a diminutive profile and is FAA approved. It fits well in small cars, though reviewers warn that it can be a tight squeeze in airplane seats. Speaking of tight squeeze, bulkier or fast-growing kids may be better suited to a different seat as this one can be a bit of a pinch. It’s not a great fit for newborns either since the lowest shoulder strap setting is not quite low enough to be safe.

Also of note, some parents have found it a challenge to safely install, saying it requires multiple pool noodles or towels to shim it up. A couple of buyers have also spotted a manufacturing defect wherein screws were missing in a critical location.

Keeping costs in check, the Evenflo Tribute 5 convertible car seat offers up a no-frills solution that gets the job done. Weight ranges are 5 to 40 pounds when pointed rearward and 22 to 40 pounds when forward facing. The acceptable height range is 19 to 37 inches.

The Tribute 5 is engineered with side-impact protection which meets or exceeds all federal safety standards and is FAA certified. It features a removable head pillow and integrated body cushions. The seat pad can be removed and is machine washable on the cold cycle and safe to tumble dry on low heat. The five-point harness can be adjusted to multiple positions, and the seat itself is installed via the LATCH standard, though recline will need to be fine-tuned by using towels or pool noodles.

The seat includes a detachable cupholder, and overall, only weighs 9.3 pounds. Be advised however, that the cupholder does not match the one in the photo and has garnered poor reviews. Similarly, the placement of the airplane belt buckle can be felt through the modest seat padding and can be uncomfortable for little ones. Also, make sure you know the location of the hard-to-find FAA statement on this seat before the flight attendant puts you on the spot.

On the plus side, reviewers praise its lightweight, travel-friendly design saying it even squeezes into tiny budget airline seats *cough* Spirit *cough* . The cover holds up well to the rigors of cleaning up after car sick toddlers, and though it lacks many creature comforts, it delivers where it matters. Jim A. gets down to the brass tacks of what a car seat is for: “My daughter and my 2 year old were in horrible crash... the car flipped over, (sliding) across the highway landing upside down! The car seat saved her life! Just some red marks from the straps!”

For kids that have transitioned beyond the infant stage, the Evenflo Maestro Sport is a travel car seat that offers two front facing modes. One configuration is for smaller kids, 22 to 50 pounds and up to 50 inches in height, and it utilizes a standard five-point harness. When the kids have graduated beyond that stage, this seat converts to a belt-positioning booster that uses the car’s own safety restraints. Its top capacity is 110 pounds and 57 inches in height.

It features dual cupholders, a machine washable pad, and removable head pillow. It weighs less than 10 pounds and is FAA approved when used with the five-point harness. It’s manufactured with side-impact and rollover protection and can be mounted using the LATCH system or seatbelts. Perhaps most interesting, each purchase includes live video installation support.

Owners of the Maestro Sport report that it’s great for airplane use but can be a bit unwieldy to haul around. For that reason, a strap that can attach the seat to your roller bag is highly recommended. As with many travel car seats, parents tend to dislike this model for day-to-day use. It’s not as padded as more expensive models, tightening the top tether in trucks can be very difficult, and the upright seating position means kids’ heads tend to nod forward, unsupported, when they doze off. The cupholders also detach with frustrating ease, leaving one mom to worry that they will one day become toddler-powered projectiles while driving.

One last entry from the folks at Evenflo is the Sonus convertible car seat. Rated for children five to 40 pounds while rear facing and 22 to 50 pounds when aimed at the front, this travel car seat accommodates kids up to 50 inches tall.

In addition to rollover and side-impact protection, FAA approval, and a five-point harness adjustable to five height positions, the Sonus also touts ventilation built into the frame for better temperature regulation. And, to prevent unintentional “ouchies,” this seat has buckle storage pockets to keep hot metal clasps away from little fingers. The head pillow is removable, as are the seat pads for machine washing and tumble drying. There are two cupholders that fit both standard sippy cups as well as non-round objects like juice boxes due to the addition of elastic bands.

Parents report that this seat works well on airplanes and isn’t too heavy at just 11 pounds. Reviews indicate that this is a particularly good pick for taller toddlers and the kickstand allows the seat to recline both in forward- and rear-facing modes.

As to the bad, the crotch buckle is unpadded and is a potential pinch hazard, and despite efforts to the contrary, the black neoprene material gets very hot during the summer months. The seat is also quite tall making it problematic in rear-facing configurations since it needs a very deep back seat for proper installation. Finally, multiple buyers complain of the elastic breaking on the cupholders.

And finally for a completely different approach. With a cheeky, memorable name, the BubbleBum is a backless booster seat for toddlers and school age kids that may not need a full car seat but still need a boost for proper belt positioning.

Geared toward kids between four and 11 years old and weighing between 40 and 100 pounds, the BubbleBum is foldable for travel, easily squeezing into a purse or backpack. This booster gets its name from the fact that it has to be inflated by mouth using a nozzle in the rear, and when it’s time to pack it away, the air is squeezed out for a compact footprint. It takes about 10 seconds to inflate according to its manufacturer, but even when deflated, it meets federal safety regulations due to an adequate amount of memory foam that comprises its construction.

The BubbleBum includes seatbelt guides for proper routing of the vehicle’s safety restraints and a travel bag for storage. The booster can be cleaned by spraying and wiping the exterior and weighs a mere 1.2 pounds. The company advises that the seat should not be exposed to extreme temperatures while inflated because the internal bladder can expand and split, compromising its function. This includes leaving the booster in a hot car. Similarly, the BubbleBum is susceptible to great changes in altitude and may deflate when going from low to high. For this reason, it should never be inflated while at high altitude and then taken to a lower altitude. When flying, the booster should always be deflated.

While the manufacturer touts this product as an everyday solution, most reviewers agree it works better as a stopgap for situations where proper boosters with backs are unavailable. While it’s reportedly softer and more comfortable than standard boosters, it’s not as effective for a wiggly or sleepy kid who might slide off the seat. Finally, there’s a bit of an “ick” factor which is perhaps more pronounced in the COVID era. The only way to inflate the BubbleBum is to put the nozzle between your lips. The same nozzle that might have just been touching the seat of a well-used taxicab. Just sayin’.

Photo credit: mathom / Shutterstock.com

All the shiny bells and whistles are great when your kid’s car seat is practically a permanent fixture of your vehicle, but when it’s time to traverse the country—or the world—a lighter, more travel-friendly alternative is practically a must. Standard car seats fall in the 25- to 30-pound range while the kind of car seat you’ll want to haul through the airport is more like eight to 15 pounds.

The perfect travel car seat has all of the essentials and none of the overkill. That seat is going to go with you from home to shuttle to security to plane to shuttle number two to rental car and then the same sequence in reverse (and that’s assuming a direct flight!). Lightweight and easy-to-carry is the name of the game. Oh, and one more thing: approval from the FAA. Any car seat that you plan to install on an airplane must have explicit documentation stating that it’s safe to fly.

Travel car seats come in the same flavors as normal car seats: infant, convertible, booster, etc. In fact there aren’t really travel car seats so much as there are car seats that are better for travel. That is, there’s no reason you can’t use a travel car seat as your everyday car seat, just that a car seat ideal for travel is probably not the one you want to take the kids to school in day to day, if you can help it. They tend to be a bit flimsier, have a few less cupholders, and a little less room to spread out.

When choosing a travel car seat, consider how you want to use it and the child who will be using it. Ask yourself, how do I want to transport this through the airport? Will you have a cart at the ready, or do you plan to carry it?

While smaller is generally better, you’re ultimately limited by the size of your ever-growing passenger. Get a seat that’s made for an infant, and by the next time you go on vacation you may find you’re shopping for travel car seat number two. In fact, if you already have an infant carrier, a seat specifically for travel is probably unnecessary as your everyday car carrier can just be removed from its base and installed in the plane or in the car directly via seatbelt routing.

So, make sure you choose the right size for your needs according to how long you reasonably expect to use the same seat. You’ll get a lot more life out of a convertible car seat that can start out being mounted in rear-facing mode for infants and transition to forward-facing mode for toddlers and older kids. Just remember that do-it-all seats have their drawbacks, notably cramped installation in rear-facing mode.

And that’s one of the other major considerations. The seat you choose to travel with should be able to install in a shuttle, taxi, Uber, rental car, and airplane with minimal rigamarole. Some seats require shims like rolled up towels or pool noodles to achieve a safe and secure install. Do you really want to travel across the country with pool noodles in your diaper bag?

Other considerations include comfort. The amount of padding should be directly related to how long you expect your little one to stay in their seat. In poorly padded seats, the airplane buckle can often be felt through the cushion, poking into the child’s back. Verify also that the seat you choose is FAA approved. Know where the sticker stating its certification is located. It is always printed in red, and you may be asked by a flight attendant to show it.

Is your kid four or older? A traditional car seat may not even be necessary. Other solutions exist such as travel boosters, backless or not, or a travel vest. Just remember, a booster seat is only for a car. On the airplane they need to be stowed away.

Proper installation of a car seat is an important safety concern. Always refer to your specific seat’s instruction manual and other accompanying documentation such as video demonstrations. It is often helpful to look for other customers’ how-to videos as well, but remember that your car seat manufacturer is the ultimate resource.

In general, every American car seat can be installed one of two ways: either using the LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system or by using the automobile’s seat belt. Most cars manufactured after September 2002 are required to have the LATCH system, and it’s generally considered the safest way to install a child seat.

Before traveling, learn and practice installing your travel car seat using both methods. Once you’re in another city, state, or country, you will be in an unfamiliar vehicle with all of the pressures of family travel in tow. While almost any car you encounter will be child seat-ready, there’s still the chance you’ll find yourself in an outdated or foreign vehicle that doesn’t adhere to the American standard. Note the fact that while some child seats are equipped with top tethers, not all vehicles come equipped with top tether hooks, and not all top tether hooks are located in the same place. Some are closer to the floor than they are to the top of the seat.

We are committed to finding, researching, and recommending the best products. We earn commissions from purchases you make using the retail links in our product reviews. Learn more about how this works .

Main photo credit: TierneyMJ / Shutterstock.com

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The 7 Best Travel Car Seats

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

Verywell Family / Danie Drankwalter

Car seats are not optional for babies and kids who are riding in vehicles, which makes this already difficult but essential purchase all the more daunting for families who like to travel a lot. If you’re frequently switching cars, boarding airplanes, or getting into taxis, you need a car seat that is lightweight, easy to install and uninstall, comfortable for your child, and somewhat compact.

When shopping for a car seat, you'll want to decide if it's rear- or forward-facing . According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, rear-facing seats are the safest for all kids under 2 years old and most kids under 4 years old. For forward-facing seats, they recommend following the car seat's weight and length limits. Other important features to look for include a LATCH system, a five-point harness system, ease of cleaning, and more. We researched a variety of options from trusted brands with these features in mind. A physician from our Review Board also reviewed this article for medical accuracy and integrity surrounding travel car seats, safety features, and size and weight limitations.

Here are some of the best travel car seats available now.

• What to Look for

Why Trust Verywell Family?

Best overall, graco slimfit 3-in-1 car seat.

 Amazon

Convertible

Base is attached for easy traveling

Straps can't be removed to clean

We like this Graco option because it will take your baby from infancy into toddlerhood. It converts from a rear-facing car seat to a forward-facing car seat to a high-back booster seat. It has a slimmer frame than other similar models, making it more versatile if you’re changing vehicles often.

The seat uses the LATCH system, which makes installation a breeze. It also has a five-point harness (with the option to tuck away behind the child's back for a booster seat ) and an adjustable headrest to grow with your child. The rear-facing harness holds children weighing between 5 to 40 pounds, while the forward-facing harness holds children weighing between 22 and 65 pounds. When used as a booster seat, it can accommodate children weighing between 40 to 100 pounds. The seat itself measures ‎21.5 x 19.9 x 25.5 inches and weighs around 20 pounds. Reviewers note that it's easy to carry around, especially in airports. It is FAA certified as well.

Your child gets two cup holders with this seat, and they rotate away when not in use to create a slimmer profile for the chair. If there’s a spill you can easily clean it up because the seat cover is removable and machine washable.

Key Specs: Item Weight: 25 pounds | Weight Limits: 5-100 pounds | Height Limits: Up to 57 inches | Age Range: N/A | Convertible: Yes

Best Convertible

Evenflo tribute 5 convertible car seat.

Lightweight

Machine washable seat pads

Thin padding

Continuous loop harness causes twisting

Available in several colors, this car seat can be either rear or forward-facing and can safely transport newborn babies . It has a five-point harness with four shoulder strap positions to accommodate growing kids.

The seat is also very lightweight, making it great for transporting during travel. The cup holder is removable, the seat pads are machine washable, and the seat is designed with a slim frame so that you can safely install three of them across most backseats.

Key Specs: Item Weight: 9.29 pounds | Weight Limits: 5-40 pounds | Height Limits: 19 to 40 inches | Age Range: N/A | Convertible: Yes

Best for Toddlers

Diono radian 3r 3-in-1 convertible car seat.

Slim, three across frame

Learning curve for installation

While this seat is safe for babies as small as 5 pounds, it’s also a great option for a toddler as it can be installed both rear-facing and forward-facing with a five-point harness. Once they've grown out of those positions, your kiddo can sit in the seat as a highback booster.

It has a slim design that doesn’t have a lot of bells and whistles but is great for traveling in compact cars. The cover comes in several color options and is removable and machine washable.

Key Specs: Item Weight: 26 pounds | Weight Limits: 5-120 pounds | Height Limits: Up to 57 inches | Age Range: N/A | Convertible: Yes

Best Budget

Cosco scenera next convertible car seat.

Aircraft certified

Low weight maximum

Super lightweight, this Cosco convertible car seat can accommodate your little one in a rear or forward-facing position. As your tot grows, you can adjust the straps using the five different height positions and three buckle locations. If you have a family vacay on your wishlist, this convertible car seat is the perfect companion as it is certified for use on an aircraft. The removable cover is available in several cute designs and can be tossed in the wash.

Key Specs: Item Weight: 10.40 pounds | Weight Limits: 5-40 pounds | Height Limits: 19 to 43 inches | Age Range: N/A | Convertible: Yes

Best with Stroller

Doona car seat and stroller.

All-in-one design

Quick installation

Not ideal for tall parents

Seat isn't convertible

For easy travel with an infant, this is about as simple and compact as it gets. This infant car seat easily snaps in and out of a car seat base and can also convert into a stroller. When it’s set up as a stroller, the infant seat carrying handle extends out to make it easy to push and the car seat base can be quickly installed and removed using the LATCH attachment. This travel car seat is especially great for families who are frequently in and out of taxis. 

Key Specs: Item Weight: 16 pound seat/stroller, 17 pound base | Weight Limits: 4-35 pounds | Height Limits: Up to 32 inches | Age Range: Infant | Convertible: No

Best Forward Facing

Wayb pico travel car seat.

Under 10 pounds

Folds down for overhead storage

Not suitable for kids under 2 years old

Can be difficult to install

It’s hard to believe a car seat could be so small and easy to use, but this one weighs under 10 pounds and uses the LATCH system for quick and simple installation and removal. Kids as young as 2 years old (and minimum of 22 pounds) can use the forward-facing seat which features a five-point harness and has a slim design suitable for air travel or three-across car travel.

When it’s not in use, this seat folds down for easy carrying and can fit into most airplanes’ overhead compartments. 

Key Specs: Item Weight: 9.7 pounds | Weight Limits: 22-50 pounds | Height Limits: 30 to 45 inches | Age Range: 2 years | Convertible: No

Best Highback Booster

Evenflo chase plus booster.

Plane-friendly

Adjustable buckles

Headrest is not adjustable

This lightweight seat can be used as a front-facing car seat with a five-point harness or a highback booster seat. When it’s being used as a booster, it features a seatbelt guide to ensure your child is safely buckled in. With an easy-to-install LATCH system, the seat features two adjustable buckles that secure between your child's legs to allow them to sit comfortably as they grow.

Your kiddo will have a place to store their snacks and sippy cups with the two handy integrated cup holders. For the adventurous family, this car seat is FAA Inversion compliant so you can bring it with you on a plane.

Key Specs: Item Weight: 11 pounds | Weight Limits: 22-110 pounds | Height Limits: 28 to 57 inches | Age Range: Booster 4 years+ | Convertible: Yes

Final Verdict

There are a lot of factors to consider when choosing the best travel car seat for your family, but in general, we think the Graco SlimFit 3-in-1 Car Seat ( view at Amazon ) is the best because of its convertibility, ease of use, and size.

What to Look for When Buying a Travel Car Seat

Safety is always the most important thing to look for when purchasing a car seat. Make sure you’re familiar with the American Academy of Pediatrics’ car seat guidelines to ensure you’re getting a seat that meets all safety requirements.  

Size and Weight

Since you will be using this car seat while traveling, be mindful of size to ensure it will easily fit into a variety of car seats and that it’s not too heavy to carry through an airport or city if necessary. If you have plans on taking the car seat on a flight, check with your airline before you make a purchase to ensure you're choosing one that is compliant with their guidelines. While most car seat brands are designed to comply with the Federal Aviation Administration , it is important that you double-check with your specific airline.

Ease of Installation & Removal

Travel for your family could mean hopping on a plane or jumping in and out of taxis. Depending on your travel needs, you'll want to prioritize finding a seat that installs and removes easily. To avoid the frustration of having to go through a complicated installation process over and over again, you can opt for a seat that doesn't need a base and utilizes a LATCH system.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re traveling by plane, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends children under 40 pounds sit in their own seat with an FAA-approved car seat. If your child is over 40 pounds, most airlines will allow you to check your child’s car seat as luggage free of charge. If you’re going on a road trip , install the seat into your car as you would any other time.

Stop frequently to let your kids stretch their legs and get some energy out, make sure you have plenty of snacks and entertainment, and ensure the car seat is comfortable enough for your child to stay in their seat when the car is moving.  

Most car seat manufacturers, health care professionals, and safety experts advise babies spend no longer than two hours in their car seat at a time (known as the two-hour rule) because the curve of those seats can create problems with a baby’s developing spine. Additionally, while the American Academy of Pediatrics notes that the safest place for a baby in a vehicle is in a car seat, they don’t recommend babies sleep in them for extended periods of time.  The exception to this rule is if you are on a long flight, which in this case the safest place for your baby is buckled up in their car seat.

Ashley Ziegler is a full-time parenting writer, mom to a 1 and a 4-year-old, and she has personal experience in researching and using infant carriers, rear-facing, and forward-facing car seats. Key considerations she focused on when selecting these products include personal experience, safety features, longevity, and user reviews.

Car seats: information for families . HealthyChildren.org.

Durbin DR, Hoffman BD, COUNCIL ON INJURY, VIOLENCE, AND POISON PREVENTION, et al. Child passenger safety .  Pediatrics . 2018;142(5):e20182460. doi:10.1542/peds.2018-2460

Flying with Children .

Travel safety tips . HealthyChildren.org.

Wyckoff AS. Large study sheds light on infant deaths in sitting devices . AAP News.

What is the best travel car seat? (2021)

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You’ve probably come here because you’re planning a big trip for your family and don’t want to lug your beast of a car seat for home. What are the best travel car seats for airplanes to pick for your situation? Every family and every trip is different so there’s no single right answer.

We have tons of experience traveling with a car seat and have used many different ones. As a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician, I also have the in-depth knowledge of what it takes to keep kids safe and familiarity with most car seats on the market. In this article you’ll find the honest pros and cons of the top traveling car seats available today as well as our favorite car seats for travel at each age.

Quick picks: Best travel car seat by age

Best car seat for airplane travel, best booster seat for travel, top picks: the best travel car seat for every age, best car seats for travel – wrapping up, you might also like….

Here are my top choices for the best portable car seat for travel at each stage:

• Doona – car seat stroller for birth to 1yo (also available here and here )
• Cosco Scenera Deluxe – travel convertible car seat for birth to 3 years old
• Evenflo Sonus 65 – long-lasting convertible car seat for birth to 6 years old ( check prices here too )
• Evenflo Maestro Sport – forward-facing travel car seat for ages 3 to 5 ( check prices here too )
• Ride Safer travel vest – car seat alternative for ages 4 to 6
• Bubblebum – inflatable booster seat for ages 5+

Want more info? We have full reviews of all of these best car seats for travel and other portable car seats further down. Remember: the best car seat for travel is the one that fits your child and that you actually use when you’re out in the world.

We’ve traveled with nearly a dozen different car seats over the years, and these are our favorites. The only one from this table we haven’t personally used is the Doona, which sadly came out after our kids had outgrown infant car seats.

Good news: nearly every seat sold in the US is an FAA-approved car seat! Just remember that you can’t use a booster seat (or the Ride Safer travel vest ) on an airplane.

Read more You’ll find an in-depth breakdown of what to look for, reviews and recommendations in these articles on the top travel car seats by age: – The best travel infant car seats – The best travel car seats for 1 year olds – The best travel car seats for 2 year olds – The best travel car seats for 3 year olds – The best travel car seats for 4 year olds – The best travel car seats for 5 year olds – The best travel car seats for 6 year olds – The best booster seats for travel

If your child is a frequent traveler, owning a lightweight car seat for travelling abroad is crucial for getting through the airport, hoisting it through the plane, rental car shuttles and taxis. We love our full-sized, full-features seats at home but would never dream of transporting 50lbs of car seats to the other side of the world. Here are our favorite travel-worthy car seats for kids of all ages, many of which we’ve owned over the years.

Best car seat for travel with an infant

You’re in luck! Usually you can just use your infant car seat – and if your little one isn’t too big yet, it makes a great travel car seat for a 1 year old. Our Chicco Keyfit served us well for many trips. A portable infant car seat is handy because you can click it into a matching stroller or carry it by the handle when you need to.

To save weight and bulk, leave the base at home and install with the seatbelt instead. In some countries, the seatbelts do not lock at the retractor so you’ll need to bring an old-school locking clip. If your car seat didn’t come with one, you can buy a locking clip here . Learn everything you wanted to know about locking clips (and more!).

If your infant will have more passport stamps than a flight crew or you live in a big city where you mostly take public transit check out the Doona car seat stroller combo, the infant car seat that magically becomes a stroller! I haven’t used one in a car but I did get a chance to play with it and I was impressed by this new-fangled travel car seat with wheels. Others who have used it say that it lives up to the hype as the best car seat for airplane travel with an infant. Stroll up to the taxi door, retract the handle and wheels, then install as you would any other infant seat. It makes a perfect portable car seat for taxi rides with an infant.

>>> Check prices on the Doona here

An awesome new infant car seat for travel in 2021 is the Century Carry On 35 , which weighs just 10 pounds for the car seat and base together . It’s the lightest infant car seat and base combination you can find. Since it’s a modified Graco SnugRide 35, it’s still easy to install and fits kids well from birth to 15-18 months. The best part? In addition to the light physical weight, it’s got one of the lightest price tags around: the base model is scant $72 when you use a coupon, while the upgraded Century Carry On 35 LX clocks in at $104.

Read more: MUST-HAVE travel baby gear to make your life easier

Travel toddler car seat options

Here are some choices for the best convertible car seat for travel. We look for light weight and ease of installation in portable car seats for toddlers. Every country we’ve visited in Europe has had lower anchors for LATCH/ISOFIX, though top tethers for forward-facing kids are not yet universal; if you’re traveling outside of the developed world you should bring a locking clip just in case and know how to use it .

Get more details on the best convertible car seats for travel

Here are several portable car seat reviews to start your search:

Cosco Scenera NEXT Review

*Our top pick for a travel car seat for a 1 year old

The Cosco Scenera NEXT is not designed specifically as a travel seat; rather, it’s designed as an affordable way for families to keep their children rear-facing until at least 2yo (as the AAP recommends) but as long as 4yo. Note that the forward-facing mode is outgrown before rear-facing because of the low top harness slots.

But it has quickly become an extremely popular travel car seat for preschoolers because of its light weight and shockingly low price tag . It’s the lightest toddler car seat currently on the market! If you’re an infrequent traveler but you want a portable car seat for travel or a backup for home, this is the car seat to buy.

Pro tip: the solid colors have much nicer, more cushioned covers than the patterns. Check Cosco travel car seat reviews and latest prices on Amazon – but you’ll often find the best deals on this seat at Walmart . There’s also now a Cosco Scenera Deluxe that offers a plush cover, padded head and body inserts and and harness covers.

For families on a budget, this is an excellent portable car seat for toddler travelers!

What we like:

• Ultra-low price tag for a functional seat
• Lightest convertible car seat – only 7lbs!
• Narrow convertible car seat is great for 3-across
• Rear-facing mode fits newborn until around 3-4yo

What we don’t like:

• Patterned cover has absolutely no padding – upgrade to the still-cheap Cosco Scenera Deluxe for more padding
• Taller shell makes it harder to install on planes with narrow seat pitch
• Car installation/removal isn’t always easy – cheaper hook-on LATCH connectors, and pull strap can be very stiff to tighten
• Continuous harness can be tough to use for a heavier child, especially forward facing; sometimes pulling the strap causes the entire seat to pivot when installed on leather seats

>>> Check prices on the Cosco Scenera NEXT here

Evenflo Sonus 65 Review

*Our top pick for a travel car seat for a 2 year old

We’ve been satisfied Evenflo customers for the last six years and are impressed by their latest lightweight convertible car seat offerings, including the travel-worthy Evenflo Sonus 65 . Unlike the Scenera NEXT, the Sonus 65 has a 25″ shell height that can keep average kids rear-facing until their 4th birthday – and then keep them forward-facing for several years after that!

This is one of the best traveling car seat options if your child will appreciate using the tray table one she turns forward-facing. Unlike some other seats, the front is low-profile enough to let the tray table fold all the way down. That also makes it a great car seat for travelling abroad since international flights typically involve meal service.

There are several other seats in the new Evenflo family (the Sonus and Stratos), but the middle-of-the road Sonus 65 strikes the right balance of travel features like light weight (around 11lbs) and two different recline options – it’s a solid portable toddler car seat option. Check reviews and latest prices on Amazon and be sure to compare the price with Walmart .

• Light convertible car seat
• Two re cline options should help fitting in an economy class seat
• Rear-facing mode fits an average 4yo
• Low profile allows tray table use when forward facing
• Decent padding, cupholders and ventilation make this a comfortable convertible car seat
• Taller shell makes it harder to install on planes with narrow seat pitch if you have a young infant
• Be careful not to pinch thighs when you’re buckling!
• Installation can be tricky in some cars

>>> Check prices on the Evenflo Sonus 65 here

Safety 1st Guide 65 Review

We haven’t tried the Safety First Guide 65 (also now available as the Cosco Mighty Fit 65 ), but we’ve heard that it can be a good choice for travel with older infants and toddlers. It’s almost as affordable as the Cosco Scenera Next! It offers more room forward-facing and a higher weight limit, but isn’t as ideally suited for youngest travelers. It weighs a moderate 13lbs, but probably wouldn’t be my top choice as a car seat to install in unfamiliar rental cars. Even so, it’s probably the best lightweight car seat for travel if you want just one travel car seat to last for many years. Check the latest prices on Amazon and Walmart .

• Affordable price tag
• Compact front-to-back for kids over 22lbs
• Relatively light weight
• Fits older infants through Kindergarteners!

What we don’t like:

• Doesn’t fit average babies until 6mo – don’t buy this for a newborn or young infant!
• Required recline position for babies under 22lbs is very reclined and takes up a lot of space, not ideal for smaller cars found in many countries
• Installation can be tricky and might require a pool noodle

>>> Check prices on the Safety 1st Guide 65 here

WAYB Pico foldable car seat review

If you’ve been anywhere on social media over the last year, you’ve surely heard of the WAYB Pico foldable toddler car seat. This lightweight aluminum foldable car seat for travel has the potential to be a real game-changer for kids who are old enough to forward-face (minimum age 2, but ideally closer to 4yo). It weighs a scant 8lbs and integrates a full five-point harness, making this a solid contender as your child’s travel car seat. But does it stand up to the hype?

There are still very few Picos in the wild and we haven’t managed to get our hands on one yet. However, a few of our Tiny Globetrotters families were early adopters through the crowdfunding process and have shared their feedback. Read our in-depth Wayb Pico expert review here.

• 8lb weight and easy folding make it perfect for city travels when you’ll need to use a taxi
• Optional carry backpack makes transporting it a breeze
• FAA approved car seat
• Easy LATCH install
• Max 50lbs and 44 inches gives a limited lifespan (around 5yo for average size kids)
• Seatbelt install can be tricky
• Short crotch strap
• Short tether strap for some cars (WAYB will send an extender upon request)
• High price tag for a seat that’s unlikely to be used as a daily ride

Save 15% on your WAYB Pico with coupon VOYAGE15

Best travel car seats for older preschoolers and early elementary

Once your child is ready to turn forward-facing, around 3 or 4yo, a combination seat (forward-facing harness that changes into a high-back booster) is a great light-weight option if you choose the right one. There are even some specialized car seats for travel for this age group that you may never have heard of!

Evenflo Maestro Review

*Our top pick for a travel car seat for a 3 year old

Evenflo’s combination seats are a great choice for travel thanks to their light weight and ease of use. We use the Maestro’s cousin every day, and it will last kids for several years as a harness and then well into booster age. It’s light enough for travel and easy to install. The newer Maestro Sport version has a little more padding than the original too. Check the latest prices here.

• Lasts from age 3 (as a forward-facing harness) until roughly age 9 (as a high-back booster seat)
• Easy to install in a range of cars
• No built-in lock-off
• 50 lb harness weight limit
• No harness strap covers and straps are somewhat narrow at the shoulders

>>> Check prices on the Evenflo Maestro here

Graco Tranzitions Review

While Graco redefined the market more than a decade ago with their Nautilus combination seat, it was always far too heavy and bulky to be a good travel booster seat or travel combination seat. They’ve now upped the ante with a new offering that’s vying for the best travel combination seat title – the Graco Tranzitions and Graco Wayz seats (same seat, different names). These three-mode harnessed booster seats for travel are narrower, cheaper and lighter than the Nautilus! There’s certainly a lot to like with this new Graco car seat platform.  Check the latest reviews and prices here.

In summer 2020, Graco addressed one of the biggest complaints about the Tranzitions: it can sometimes be a pain to install with the seatbelt. Obviously that’s an important factor for families traveling to countries that may not offer LATCH in cars and for kids who have exceeded the LATCH limit. Their new version is the Graco Tranzitions SnugLock , which adds a little weight and a few dollars but offers a much easier seatbelt installation. This is the version I’d pick!

• Reasonable price tag (though more than the Maestro)
• Lasts from age 3 (as a forward-facing harness) until age 10+ (as a backless booster seat)
• Only 17.5″ wide when the cupholders are folded in
• Lightweight 12.5lbs
• Works as a forward-facing harness, high-back booster seat and backless booster seat
• No built-in lock-off on the base version
• The seat itself has sparse padding, and for travel it may be inconvenient to bring the optional pad

>>> Check prices on the Graco Tranzitions here >>> Check prices on the Graco Wayz here >>> Check prices on the Graco Tranzitions SnugLock here

Ride Safer travel vest (Ride Safer Delight) Review

*Our top pick for a travel car seat for a 4 year old

The Ride Safer Travel Vest is one of the only safe, legal car seat alternatives. It’s a wearable booster seat, but when used with the top tether it passes US crash testing as a forward-facing harnessed booster. It weighs about 2 pounds and rolls up to the size of a 2L soda bottle. This folding car seat for travel beats any other portable carseat on size, hands down!

Check out our full review of the latest Ride Safer travel vest, the Gen 5. It’s now an indispensable piece of travel gear for our family and we’ve been so glad to have it for our year-long trip around the world. The Ride Safer travel vest is truly a game-changer in that it provides a safe restraint for kids 3 and up (though we feel more comfortable using it for age 4 and up, especially if there’s no top tether and/or parent sitting in back). 

Note: The Ride Safer Delight is not certified for use on airplanes, but pairs perfectly with the CARES harness for kids under 40lbs who still need extra protection in-flight – read my full review here . 

Get yours here – use coupon VOYAGE for a great discount!

• Extremely portable – it worked great on our trip to Paris with kids  and subsequent Croatia adventure and then for our round-the-world family gap year
• Provides better support and protection than a traditional booster seat, especially for sleeping kids
• Works in any car with a lap-shoulder belt – no worries about compatibility with an unfamiliar rental car
• Only as big as your child, perfect for tiny rental cars abroad
• Great car seat for taxi rides with a preschooler
• Not as easy to use as a car seat
• Can get uncomfortable after several hours of driving
• No view out the window
• Not a great fit for smaller kids

Read our full review of the Ride Safer travel vest (including video demos!)

>>> Check prices on the Ride Safer Delight here

When your child is old enough and mature enough (usually around age 5) you can move on to a portable booster seat to make your travels even lighter – keep reading to find the best travel booster car seat. Note that  you can’t use any booster seat on an airplane because they all require a lap-shoulder belt.

Bubblebum travel booster car seat

*Our top pick for best travel booster seat

We started using the Bubblebum as backup for our older one at 6 years old and then used it full-time during our gap year. We love it! It’s an inflatable cushion that has a positioning clip on each side to keep the lap belt in place and an optional clip to position the shoulder belt at the right spot.

It’s an awesome portable travel car seat! It folds up into a small stuff sack, about the size of a very compact sleeping bag. Inflating is a breeze and our son can get himself in and out.  Note: not for use on airplanes. Read our full review   or  check prices here.

• Extremely portable
• Easy to set up and use
• Kids can still see out the window
• Comfortable
• Very narrow
• Great car seat for taxi rides with an older child
• Adjusting the optional shoulder clip to the right height takes a little practice
• Need to make sure your child is sitting in the middle of the seat so that they don’t slide
• No support for sleeping kids

>>> Check prices on the Bubblebum here

Cosco Topside

If you want an extremely affordable booster seat that’s light enough for your child to carry, the simple-but-functional Cosco Topside may fit the bill. Unlike most other backless booster seats,  it doesn’t have a shoulder belt guide – that makes it more likely to fit slightly older kids (indeed, the minimum height is 43″ unlike the usual 40″). But at just 2.5lbs and less than $20, it may be a great choice for some families! Check the latest prices here.

• One of the lightest booster seats for travel
• Extremely low price
• Narrow enough to fit 3-across
• Shorter kids may not get a great fit due to the absence of a shoulder belt guide

>>> Check prices on the Cosco Topside here

Chicco GoFit

The Chicco GoFit isn’t technically a travel booster seat, but it could be a great pick for many families on the go! It’s reasonably priced, fairly light, extremely comfortable for kids, narrow enough to fit in even the tiniest rental cars and… drum roll please… it has a built-in carrying handle! Our 7yo has carried his through the airport without issue.

The belt fit is consistent, so you won’t have to worry about weird issues in different cars. The minimum height is just 38″, so if you have a tiny kid who’s mature enough to ride in a booster seat and stay in the correct position all the time, the Chicco GoFit is an awesome choice for travel. When we’re going on a long trip that doesn’t require multiple flights, we bring our GoFit. The latest version even has LATCH to keep it from shifting around. Check the latest price and read more reviews.

• Comfortable for kids
• Easy to use
• Carry handle for easy transportation
• Fits kids for many years (and it has an 8 year expiration, so multiple kids can use it)
• The price tag, though we’re willing to forgive that since it’s a wonderful choice for full-time use

>>> Check prices on the Chicco GoFit here

Which car seats are approved for air travel? Nearly all car seat in the US are FAA-approved!

Best portable car seat for baby:

The best travel car seat for 1 year old and younger – Doona infant car seat ( click here for reviews and latest prices )

Best portable car seat for 1 year old:

Cosco Scenera Deluxe portable toddler car seat ( click here for reviews and latest prices )

Best portable car seat for 2 year old:

Evenflo Sonus 65 lightweight convertible car seat ( click here for reviews and latest prices )

Best portable car seat for 3 year old:

Evenflo Maestro ( click here for reviews and latest prices )

Best portable car seat for 4 year old:

Ride Safer Delight travel vest ( click here for reviews and latest prices or buy directly from SafeRide4Kids )

Best travel booster seat:

Bubblebum inflatable travel booster seat ( click here for reviews and latest prices )

There are plenty of great lightweight car seats for travel available now! Hopefully you can find one from this list that makes your family’s travels easier and safer.

• Choosing the most comfortable booster seat for long trips (2021 reviews)
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What to read next

12 thoughts on “what is the best travel car seat (2021)”.

wow thats alot of info! right now, my kids are 6 and 8 so we have been through all the stages and are now at the point where they are both in a backless booster. We check those with the luggage and its all good. easy to use on the cab to and from airport and they are fine with the lap belt on the plane. BUT we have been through the snap and go with the infant seat, and then I had a Britax Boulevard – the smallest Britax of the line (I bought it in 09) and it fit in the airplane seat. I had a JJ Childress backpack to transport it. At one point we had two kids in big car seats and had two of the backpacks. those were great. I even did an CARES harness rental one time for my son. When he really didnt need the big car seat on the plane BUT I didnt trust him to keep the lap belt closed ( I think he was about 3.5) great wrap up

This is an essential read for parents. We always travel with ours

Great post. We have rented a car seat on a few occasions but always turned out more stressful than needed. So now we travel with our own car seats. So much easier! #fearlessfamtrav

This is really helpful, I never would have thought about needing a car seat in a plane. I just had my little girl on my lap when I travelled with her as a baby, I can see having read this that a car seat would have been saver. Lots of brilliant tips, thanks for linking up to #familytraveltips Nat.x

Wow, what a brilliant and comprehensive post. A great post for families who travel with young children. It gives clear options for most stages and alternative ideas to rent-a-car seats. Thanks for linking up to #wanderlustkids

Thank you for your great post, yours was the only I could find informing about flying with a car-seat in the plane. It is really very detailed and helpful. I hope I will keep my cool since it will be our first flight with our little one and it will be a 10 hour flight to the US.

Awwwww thanks! It’s comments like yours that make all the work worthwhile. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions!

We have our first trip after having a second child coming up. We will bring the car seat for our toddler in his purchased seat. But what to do for infant/newborn car seat since we didn’t buy a seat for her? Do you recommend checking it at the check in counter? Use it in the airport and then gate check it? For either option, any recommendations for how to securely pack/check it? We do have a layover if that matters.

A few options: 1) If you’re set on bringing one convertible and one infant seat, I’d bring the infant seat to the gate. If there’s an empty seat, many agents will shuffle sets to let your baby use it. There are also fewer opportunities for your seat to be lost or mishandled if you’re bringing it to the gate yourself. From there is put it in a padded bag like the one linked above. Not my top choice, but better than counter check with the baggage.

2) If you’re frequent travelers and your older one will be at least 3 (bigger is better), you can buy a Ride Safer Delight Vest for him or her. You can’t use it on board, but you’d use the convertible on-board for the big one and then once you get to the rental car adjust the straps down and put the baby in the convertible while the older one uses the vest for car rides. https://www.thefamilyvoyage.com/ride-safer-travel-vest-review/

What a magnificent blog this is! Bookmarked this & love this. Thanks a lot for your great info.

Thank so much The family voyage for this great content and information. I appreciate your efforts.

Happy to help!

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The Factual Fairytale

Should I Buy a Travel System or Separate Car Seat and Stroller?

June 15, 2017 13 Comments

I started shopping for baby products basically the moment I found out I was pregnant. I was SO excited. I love researching products and online shopping so this was the ultimate excuse for a major shopping (and registering) spree! One of the big dilemmas new parents face is travel system vs. separate car seat and stroller. I spent a lot of time looking at the best stroller travel systems and the best separate stroller and car seat options. I knew nothing about car seats, strollers, or travel systems so I spent countless hours researching what makes them safe, easy to use, and what to look for. My main question was should I buy a travel system or separate car seat and stroller? From there I needed to know what to look for in a travel system, car seat, and stroller as well as what various stroller styles are good for and what was necessary for our lifestyle. Gosh, so many things to think about when you’re looking for the best stroller travel system! And just like that the chaos of baby life began 😉

Here’s your cut to the chase link to the best stroller travel system, the Graco Modes Click Connect Stroller Travel System

Should I buy a travel system or separate car seat and stroller?

So, for us, this was the first big question. Travel system vs. separate car seat and stroller. I knew I wanted a stroller that would allow me to take the rear facing infant car seat out and attach it right to the stroller frame. I mean, who wants to wake up a sleeping baby to get them from the car to the stroller?! NOT ME. Ideally, I also didn’t want to have to disassemble the stroller to get the infant car seat in it. I really wanted to be able to leave the stroller seat in while the infant seat was in. You just never really know what you’ll need when you’re out and why make extra work and store extra parts for later. I just didn’t like that idea.

Now, the stroller would be lighter without the stroller seat in it but for me, this really isn’t an issue. The stroller isn’t that heavy all together and aside from taking it in and out of our SUV and the occasional stair lift; I didn’t need to be that concerned with weight. I mean, I wasn’t going to benching it or anything. I find it to be a practical weight even when it’s all put together and I’m not a big person and my arms have yet to reach the coveted “mom of a toddler” stage where they’re ripped simply from picking up a too-large-to-carry child.

Stroller Car Seat Combo Travel System vs. Separate Car Seat and Stroller

Pros and cons of a travel system.

Stroller car seat combos, called travel systems, come with everything you need from infancy to toddler and pre-school.  The infant car seat will take you up to 25-35 lbs and then you can transition to the flat bassinet style seat and progress to the standard upright seat for toddlers and pre-schoolers. The downside is they tend to be a bit larger. If you live in the city or need to navigate a lot of stairs or tight places you might not want a stroller travel system. You also commit to your toddler stroller before you have a toddler so do research on what you need in a stroller before picking your travel system.

Shop Travel Systems on Amazon >>

Pros and Cons of an Infant Car Seat and Stroller Frame

The other option is to buy a separate car seat and stroller. You can get either a stroller frame that will hold your car seat or something completely independent that will not hold an infant car seat. There are several stroller frames that work with various car seats which does give you some options but almost all of them require you to buy extra parts to attach the infant car seat to the stroller frame. This tends to be cheaper initially because frames are inexpensive. Thdownsidede to stroller frames is they become obsolete after you child gets to about 25-35lbs (9-12 months) when most babies transition out of their infant car seats.

Shop Infant Car Seats on Amazon >>

Shop Stroller Frames on Amazon >>

Pros and Cons of a Separate Infant Car Seat and Stroller

You can also find standard strollers with attached seats that will adapt to hold an infant car seat giving you similar usability to a travel system. This gives you a build your own travel system basically. The main issue with this is you may also need an attachment kit for the infant car seat and you are limited by which car seats and strollers work together. This can be a tedious task and end up limiting your combinations pretty quickly.

Shop Strollers on Amazon >>

So, should I buy a travel system or separate car seat and stroller?

Travel system vs. separate car seat and stroller… for me buying a separate car seat and stroller was just too much work. I want quick, easy, and convenient. This is why I narrowed my search down to just the best stroller travel system pretty early on. Everything comes together. No extra parts are required. You can use it all in one piece or take it apart as needed. Easy peasy. Now to determine WHICH is the best stroller travel system…

What to Look for in a Stroller Car Seat Combo Travel System

The safest travel systems.

With a travel system, safety is #1 priority. You’re getting your car seat and stroll all at once so you want each part to be safe for their purposes. My biggest concern was the car seat safety because you could potentially have no control over when something terrible might happen. Stroller accidents seem more user error or freak accident. So I started by looking for a highly rated car seat and using that to narrow my search.  Car seats are highly regulated and tested so you will have a lot of safe options. Next, you should consider the price. There are TONS of travel systems in all price points. Narrow your search to what’s reasonable for you.

3 Wheel vs. 4 Wheel Stroller Travel Systems

Next, determine the type of stroller you want. Are you a jogger, shopper, traveler? Will you be using it on pavement and smooth floors or are you often on uneven, unstable ground (like in the country)? This will help you determine if you need 3 or 4 wheels. 3 wheels strollers are good for jogging but can be tippy on the front. On the flip side, 4 wheel strollers are more stable but not good for jogging. Large rubber tires are good for uneven ground, where plastic tires will work for solid, smooth ground.

I’m a 4-wheeler. Not like the ATV, I like 4 wheels on my strollers. They have more stability and I actually think they handle better in tight quarters. I also NEVER run. Like, never ever. And if I did, it would be in the privacy of my own home on our treadmill (or as my husband likes to call it, our clothes drying rack). At no point in my life will I need a jogger. I did, however, want nice wheels that would last. We live in the suburbs but on a river and we have 2 cabins in the family. We will need to take the stroller on gravel roads. This meant I narrowed my search down to a travel system with high safety ratings, 4 wheels, and large rubber tires. From there I needed to determine what extras I needed and wanted in a travel system.

Positioning Options for the Best Stroller Travel System

I wanted to be able to have baby facing me while he’s young. The Graco Travel System we went with ( here ) has a ton of positions with and without the infant car seat. This picture shows the positioning options as an infant car seat carrier (the third is how we use it), as an infant stroller facing you or facing out, and as a toddler stroller facing you or facing out, reclined, and adjusted for child size.

What do I need in a travel system stroller?

Everything else is basically for convenience. A big must is easy one-handed folding and set up. For convenience and safety, you want good wheel locks. You’ll also want a large basket under the stroller for carrying your massive diaper bag, shopping bags, food, beverages, coats, and basically anything else you could ever think of. Cup holders for you and eventually your toddler are a must. A small covered compartment for things like a garage door opener, keys, etc. is nice to have when you don’t have pockets and are going for a walk without all the baby gear.

Some people like hooks for their diaper bag to hang it from the handle. I don’t find that necessary or practical (who wants to walk with a big huge bag hitting them in the thighs and making the stroller back heavy) but to each their own. Another thing to think about is how many cars you’ll need to work with the car seat. We have 2 cars and planned to use both for baby. We purchased an extra car seat base  for out Graco SnugRide Click Connect Infant Car Seat.

The Best Stroller Travel System 2017

Keeping all of this in mind I choose the Graco Modes Click Connect Travel System Stroller as the best stroller travel system for 2017. It has ever feature listed above (except the handle hook for the diaper bag but you can purchase that separately) plus high safety ratings at a super affordable price. It also comes in the 3 wheel Graco Modes Travel System style or the 4 wheel Graco Modes Travel System style which we have. Plus, both styles come in tons of color options, we have the Downton color.

When we purchased ours I went to a Babies ‘R’ Us to test it out in store and make sure I liked the maneuverability and the ease of use (taking the car seat in and out, folding it down, adjusting the seat back, etc.) I also tried a 3 wheel stroller and the 4 wheel stroller and a few other brands. I then went online and found it for the cheapest price in the color we wanted. Amazon is generally $50-$100 cheaper than baby stores. Plus some colors you can get on deep discount when they are retired!! Regardless, the Grace Travel System was hands down the winner. We still use it regularly and love it to this day!

In the travel system vs. separate car seat and stroller debate, the winner is stroller car seat combos, or “travel systems.” They truly make the most sense unless you live in the city or take public transportation often with your child. They might cost a bit more upfront but end up being more affordable in the end because they last you longer. As long as you do research on the best stroller travel system (and I’ve basically done the work for you 😉 ) you’ll love your pick for the long haul! This Graco travel system stroller and car seat combo has all the key features you look for in the best stroller travel system! Just pick from the 3 or 4 wheel options, select your color, and you’re good to go!

What did you look for when selecting the best stroller travel system or separate car seat and stroller?

Share your tips in the comments below!

Until next time,

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This is my outlet for all things creative and informative (and sometimes just what's on my mind). As a new mom, wife, and creative woman, I spend a lot of time (my husband might say too much) on Amazon, Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook, and Google looking for tips, advice, design ideas, and everything else under the sun.

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July 26, 2017 at 6:38 am

You should have both for your kids

August 15, 2017 at 1:07 pm

Interesting take, Maria! You have 2 strollers and an infant car seat for your baby? What made you decide to buy both? XO, Meg

August 3, 2017 at 1:29 pm

Great post! Thank you for sharing. It’s so difficult for new parents to figure that and a million other things out. That was very helpful!

August 15, 2017 at 1:05 pm

Hi, Veronica! Thanks for much for stopping by. I’m glad you enjoyed the post! Preparing for baby is such an overwhelming time. I’m happy to help others sift through their options and make the best decision for their lifestyle! Hope you enjoy the blog. Feel free to subscribe (on the right side) to get alerts when my new posts are up! XO, Meg

September 1, 2017 at 3:56 am

A baby stroller can keep your baby safe, offer a comfortable seat to take naps or play with toys. Generally, baby strollers come in different sizes, styles, variations and features. I have A stroller and a car seat for my baby. Thanks for sharing..!!

September 30, 2017 at 12:53 pm

Very informative article. My only question is, how do you like the Snugride carseat? We are having our first baby and I am torn between the Chicco Bravo/Keyfit carseat and the Graco modes/Snugride. I love all the features and different position of Modes, but I feel like the Chicco car seat has better reviews than the Snugride. What are your thoughts?

October 3, 2017 at 2:21 pm

Hi, Bailey! Thanks for your question. They both have high safety ratings with is most important but we really like the Graco Snugride Infant Carseat. It’s lighter than the Chicco, and can be used longer (32″ vs. 30″ and 35lbs vs 30lbs). It’s also super easy to install (took my husband no more than 10 minutes), easy to tighten and loosen while in the base (and out), and best of all… my son likes it, even on long trips! I have no negatives after 9 months of use. Either is a good choice but I prefer the Graco! XO, Meg

April 3, 2018 at 10:08 am

Awesome post. Much obliged to you for sharing. It’s so troublesome for unseasoned parents to assume that and a million different things out. That was extremely useful..!

April 27, 2018 at 9:40 pm

Thanks for the article – this is one of my biggest questions so far (12 weeks pregnant)!

For me the only reason I wouldn’t but a travel system (I think!) is that the car seat itself is only good up to 30-35 lbs, right? Then presumably you have to buy a new car seat for your toddler that can grow/expand as they do?

May 4, 2018 at 12:25 am

I would like to ask the same question from above

May 25, 2018 at 9:03 am

Hi Genevieve! Thanks for the question. Yes, you would need to buy a second car seat after they outgrow the infant one that comes with a travel system. We made the switch at about 11 months but we could have used it longer. The reason we made the switch when we did is a convertible sits up a little higher and offers a better view for older babies. We have this one because it transitions to a forward facing, and booster seat. We won’t need to buy anything else. this one . For us, it was 100% worth it to have an infant car seat because you can move them while they are sleeping without waking them. It’s also so much easier to take them places in the car seat when they are really little. In the winter it felt safer carrying the baby in the car seat in case of a slip and it also kept him warmer. At about 7 months I started letting him sit in carts because he could easily do so on his own but up until then, I used the car seat in a cart. If you didn’t have an infant car seat you would need a baby carrier to do your shopping. It really comes down to personal preference there. Would you rather use a car seat in a cart or wear the baby? We do have a baby carrier as well but we only used it at festivals, fairs, and now for hiking on our backs because he is older. So many options! I hope this helped you out a little bit. XO Meg

December 4, 2018 at 2:50 am

Thank you for sharing your experience, your comments have set me on a path to shopping for a travel system.

[…] of all, let’s discuss the benefits and drawbacks of travel system strollers and why they may or may not be a good choice for you and your […]

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8 top car seats for travel

There comes a point in every pre-trip packing session when my husband and I look at each other and ask, " Do we bring the car seats ?" Several factors come into play when deciding: Are we renting a car at our destination? Are we going to a place where we can mostly get around on foot or rely on public transportation? Can we survive a 10-hour overnight flight with our squirmy 19-month-old not tethered into the familiar cocoon of her Cosco Scenera?

More often than not, the car seats come along on our family travels — even when we know we'll likely only use them on the cab ride to and from the airport. After all, car seats are free to check on nearly every airline, the quality and condition of rental-car seats at your destination can't be guaranteed, and you'll feel more secure installing a car seat you've used before, rather than one that's brand new to you and your baby.

Get the latest points, miles and travel news by signing up for TPG's free daily newsletter .

What makes a car seat good for travel?

When it comes to travel, not all car seats are created equal. That super-heavy, cup-holder-accented, rock-star ride that's become a fixture in your minivan back home is going to look a lot less attractive when you're pushing two suitcases and a few carry-ons through London Heathrow while trying to figure out how to balance the car seat atop it all and make a connection at Gatwick.

That is when you need a compact car seat that travels like a pro and keeps your baby safe. And that's where we've got you covered with our best suggestions for travel car seats that won't have you dreading the logistics of lugging them along.

Related: The best cards to use for Amazon purchases

DOONA INFANT CAR SEAT AND STROLLER

Why it's great: The Doona converts from a car seat to a stroller and back again with the push of a button.

Photo courtesy of Doona

One thing to know, however, is that this is an infant car seat and not a system that's going to grow with your baby. The Doona is rated for babies up to 35 pounds and 32 inches long, and is a tight squeeze when you get close to those numbers. Your baby may surpass the height limits even before the weight limits. It should work well for about the first year, but possibly not much beyond.

COSCO SCENERA NEXT

Why it's great: The Cosco Scenera Next is as lightweight and affordable as car seats come and has a safety sticker for airplane use.

Here's a car seat with a deserved cult following among traveling families. The Cosco Scenera Next wins on so many levels and is the perfect car seat when you get to toddler age. It can be used rear- or forward-facing for kids up to 40 pounds. At less than seven pounds, the seat is super light to carry. I've often put it atop the canopy of my stroller to push it through the airport when I've wanted to have it on board during a flight.

The seat has the mandatory sticker on the side that lets flight attendants and ground crew know that it's certified for use on airplanes (I've been asked to show this sticker on more than one occasion, both at check-in and once inside the plane). Safety features include side-impact protection built into the headrest and a five-point harness system that's a cinch to get on and off. Win, win, win all around. You can find this affordable seat on Amazon, but walmart.com often has more selection when it comes to colors and patterns, as well as lower prices.

CHICCO KEYFIT 30 INFANT CAR SEAT

Why it's great: Bubble indicators let you know it's in perfect position and easy installation are among the features we love.

Chicco makes some great all-around car seats. And if you're planning to hit the road a bunch with your infant, it's worth investing in a Chicco stroller to go along with the highly rated Chicco KeyFit30 Infant Car Seat . Car seat installation can be befuddling, but this one is super easy to install securely and has spring-assisted leveling footing and a bubble indicator you can reference to be sure it's in the right position. After all, a car seat works most effectively when it's properly installed. Infants from four to 30 pounds and up to 30 inches long can be accommodated and the car seat is designed to click in and out easily into Chicco strollers, so you can transfer smoothly from the back seat of the car to the street. Together with the car seat base, the system weighs around 17 pounds. Not exactly feather-light, but still easy enough to get around with.

COMBI COCCORO

Why it's great: The narrow body leaves extra space for siblings alongside and we love that this one can be used rear- and forward-facing.

Another good contender in the convertible car seat category, the Combi Coccoro is a bit bulkier than the Cosco Scenera Next but still a good choice. It weighs less than 15 pounds and can be used rear- and forward-facing for kids up to 40 pounds. The car seat has a nice narrow build that makes it far less cumbersome than many others for use as a kiddie straitjacket, er, safety device inside an airplane. It's also FAA approved, with the sticker to prove it.

EVENFLO TRIBUTE CONVERTIBLE CAR SEAT

Why it's great: Super lightweight and super affordable make this one an all-around winner.

Weighing in at a hair over nine pounds, here's another good lightweight option with plenty of safety features that can be used rear- and forward- facing as your child grows. There are four shoulder harness positions that make it easy to adjust comfort as your needs change from newborn to the toddler years. And the Tribute 's 100% polyester seat pad and backing is easy to remove and toss into the washing machine between trips. You can use this seat for kids up to 40 pounds and 40 inches long. And you really can't beat the price point, right around the $50 mark and available in different colors on Amazon and Evenflo websites.

PICO TRAVEL CAR SEAT BY WAYB

Why it's great: For ease of portability, it's hard to beat this forward-facing option that can fold down to nearly flat.

This extremely portable car seat looks like a total game changer for moving swiftly through airports and cities while carrying lots of luggage. I've heard good things about it from traveling parents, although I have yet to try it myself. The Pico Travel Car Seat by WAYB is just eight pounds. But more importantly, it folds down to nearly flat, yet has a full-size back seat portion that makes it safe for use as a forward-facing car seat for kids between 22 and 50 pounds and 30 to 45 inches tall.

It couldn't be easier to bring along as a carry-on, or even to pack inside a suitcase. The seat is made from aerospace-grade aluminum, which is to say it's extremely strong and light at the same time. Kids must be at least a year old to use it but it's best suited for those who are 2 years old and up. This one's going on my holiday wish list, for sure.

Approximate price: $234

Why it's great: Its lightweight (just 10 pounds) and small size makes it easy to bring along and stow in the overhead compartment.

Uber uses this harness-style car seat in its uberFAMILY rides. If you're in the market for a portable car seat that will grow with your child from 22 to 55 pounds, this might be a great choice for your family. The IMMI GO folds for easy storage in the overhead bin on an airplane or in the trunk of a car. It also comes with a handy carrying case that makes it easy to tote along on city shopping trips before you jump back in a cab.

BubbleBum Inflatable Backless Car Seat

Why it's great: A seriously portable booster seat for kids between 40 and 100 pounds that you can stash in a backpack or oversized purse to take on the go.

This is the little miracle worker of a booster seat to bring along when traveling with kids between the ages of four and 11, who weigh between 40 and 100 pounds. A few puffs of breath is all it takes to blow up the inflatable BubbleBum , which is 13 inches wide and packs down to nearly flat when you're ready to toss it back into your handbag and go. Three kids can sit on the booster seats next to each other with room to spare in the back seat of a car. What could be easier to pop open and install for a cab ride or something longer? We just wish we had thought of this brilliant idea first.

Bottom line

It's a bit of a pain, but we'll continue to bring a car seat along whenever we travel -- for as long as our kids need them. But, the right car seat certainly depends on a lot of different factors and what's perfect for us may not work as well for you. What's your go-to travel car seat? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments section below.

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The best travel car seats for your next trip

Traveling with young kids takes a good deal of planning—and usually involves some heavy-duty packing to ensure you have everything you need while away from home. Whether you are flying somewhere or taking a road trip, your stress levels will hinge on your littles ones being safe and feeling comfortable for long periods of time. For that you’ll need a high quality travel car seat.

My husband and I took our first out-of-state trip with our daughter last fall when she was just over a year old. Our vacation to North Carolina involved a plane ride and then a rental car when we arrived at our destination. Initially, we considered bringing our Nuna Rava car seat, but at 27.2 pounds, we decided it would be too heavy to lug around with us as we navigated the airport and car rental office. So, we bought the Cosco Scenera Next DLX Convertible Car Seat , a lightweight travel car seat that was easy to carry through the airport while also managing our carry-on luggage and our daughter.

SKIP AHEAD The best travel car seats | How to

Travel car seats, compared to regular car seats, are designed to be more portable while on the go. To help you shop for the right travel car seat for your needs, we consulted experts about what to look for and compiled recommendations based on their advice and high ratings.

How we picked the best travel car seats

We interviewed car seat experts to get their tips on what to look for in a travel car seat. Based on their guidance, we kept the following in mind when sourcing highly-rated options:

Portability : We looked for car seats that weighed under 15 pounds to ensure they’d be easy enough to carry and move around. For this reason, we also prioritized slimmer designs over wider options.

Ease of Installation : Car seat safety hinges on proper installation. Since you’ll likely have to install and uninstall the car seat multiple times during the course of a trip, we made sure our picks make that process simple.

Certification Status : In the United States, car seats must meet specific safety standards like the use of flame-retardant materials and restraints that can withstand a crash—all of our recommendations do that. In addition to meeting those standards, the car seats on this list are also approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) so that they can be installed in a plane seat.

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The best travel car seats.

To help you find the best travel car seat for your child, we considered recommendations from certified child passenger safety technicians and highly rated options from brands like Evenflo, Safety 1st and more.

Cosco Scenera Next DLX Convertible Car Seat

I bought this lightweight car seat (just over 6 pounds) for my 2-year-old daughter and found it was easy to carry through the airport and its slim profile fit nicely in the narrow plane seat. It can be used for both infants and toddlers and be placed in the car rear-facing (for kids from 5 to 40 pounds) or forward-facing (for kids between 22 and 40 pounds who are at least a year old). This car seat is FAA-approved for use on aircrafts. It has a 5-point, adjustable harness to secure your child safely and the cover is machine washable. You can either use lower anchors to install it or a seatbelt.

Product Weight : 6.4 pounds | Child Size Guidelines : Up to 40 pounds and 43 inches tall | Installation Type : Seatbelt, Latch equipped

Doona Infant Car Seat and Latch Base

If you are looking for an infant car seat (suitable for babies who are up to 35 pounds and 32 inches tall) that is good for everyday use (as well as on trips), this pick is worth considering. Select contributor Jo Piazza says she recommends the Doona car seat and stroller to every expectant parent she knows. It can be installed in your car via its base, or simply secured with a seatbelt. When taking it out of the car, you simply press a button and wheels unfold that allow you to push the seat as a stroller. At 17.2 pounds, this car seat is heavier than other options on this list but makes transitioning to a stroller a breeze. It has been approved by the FAA for use on planes.

Product Weight : 17.2 pounds | Child Size Guidelines : Up to 35 pounds and 32 inches tall | Installation Type : Seatbelt, Base is latch equipped

Evenflo Tribute 5 Convertible Car Seat

This car seat costs under $100 and has a 4.5-average star rating from 5,861 reviews on Amazon. It is designed and tested for structural integrity at energy levels approximately twice the Federal crash test standard, according to the brand. It weighs 9.29 pounds, can be used rear or front facing and can be installed using latches or a seatbelt. This seat also has a removable head pillow and the cover is machine washable.

Product Weight : 9.29 pounds | Child Size Guidelines : Up to 40 pounds and 40 inches tall | Installation Type : Seatbelt, Latch equipped

Safety 1st Jive 2-in-1 Convertible Car Seat

“If you want the most bang for your buck out of your travel car seat, this is a great option,” says Michelle Pratt, a certified child passenger safety technician, car seat expert and founder of Safe in the Seat . She likes that the lightweight car seat has a long life span, as it’s suitable for children from 5 pounds to 65 pounds. This convertible car seat has a 5-point harness that can be adjusted to 5 different heights to grow with your child and is approved by the FAA.

Product Weight: 14.25 pounds | Child Size Guidelines : Up to 65 pounds | Installation Type : Seatbelt, Latch equipped

WayB Pico Forward Facing Car Seat

This seat was recommended by both Pratt and Amie Durocher, a certified child passenger safety technician and creative director of Safe Ride 4 Kids , an advocacy group that aims to help parents make safe choices when it comes to car seats. It weighs only 8 pounds and is approved by the FAA for use on planes. This car seat can only be installed forward-facing, meaning that it is best for children over the age of 2. When not in use, the WayB Pico can be folded in half for portability or, for an additional cost, you can store it in the brand’s padded backpack .

BubbleBum Inflatable Travel Booster Seat

This booster is intended for kids between the ages of 4 and 11 and can be blown up when you need to use it, then deflated to easily store it in your bag. It has a 4.3-average star rating from 5,410 reviews on Amazon and meets both U.S. Federal car seat regulations, as well as those in Europe. One thing to note: It is not approved by the FAA for use on a plane. However, most children old enough to use this should fit comfortably in an airplane seat, anyway.

Product Weight : 1 pound | Child Size Guidelines : 40 to 100 pounds and up to 57 inches tall | Installation Type : Seatbelt

select Planning a short weekend trip? These bags can keep your travel essentials in one place.

How to shop for the best travel car seats.

When it comes to purchasing a travel car seat, here are the key factors our experts recommend you keep in mind:

Portability : Your everyday car seat may be FAA-approved for use on a plane, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s ideal for travel: “It may be too darn heavy,” says Pratt. “If you fly often, we recommend having a lighter car seat for travel. This way you have a lighter, less-expensive car seat to travel the world with without the hassle or risk of lugging around your top-of-the-line seat.” Sticking to a travel car seat that is under 20 pounds will make it easier to carry it through an airport.

Ease of Installation : Since you’ll likely have to install and uninstall a car seat at least once during a trip, you’ll want that process to be as smooth as possible. There are two ways to install a car seat—most employ a latch system, says Durocher—which stands for lower anchors and tethers for children. Essentially, small buckles near the base are locked into corresponding receptors that live in the crease between the seat and back of your car. Otherwise, car seats use a seatbelt system, which may be your only option in an older rental car, says Durocher.

Certification Status : Any car seat you use should meet Federal safety standards. These include restraints that hold up in a crash, flame-retardant fabric and buckle release pressure. You should be able to find this information on the packaging. There are a lot of knockoffs being sold online that say they are travel car seats but are not safe or legal to use,” says Durocher, so checking for this classification is especially important. Then, if you want to bring it on an airplane to use it as a seat (rather than checking it), it needs to have another certification. “Make sure it is FAA-approved and labeled as such,” adds Durocher. “Some airline employees will check the stickers on the seat to make sure it is FAA approved.”

What’s the difference between a regular car seat and a travel car seat?

The biggest difference between a car seat you’d use every day and one for travel is size and weight. Most people leave the car seat they use regularly installed in their car, so it doesn’t really matter if it’s heavier. Heavier, wider car seats can be better for constant use because it usually means they’re a bit more comfortable for your child and may have some nice features—like attached cup holders and extra padding. But those extras weigh more and may mean the seat is not narrow enough for those 18-inch airplane seats, says Pratt. Finally, a normal car seat doesn’t need FAA approval, which you will need if you plan to bring a car seat on a plane.

Should you check your travel car seat or bring it on the plane?

If air travel is part of your trip, you have the option of either checking your car seat (which airlines typically offer for free) or carrying it on the plane and installing it in a seat, so long as it’s FAA-approved. “However, the FAA and the American Academy of Pediatrics highly recommend flying with your child safely strapped into their car seat,” says Pratt. “During severe turbulence or a potential runway collision, your child is not safe in your arms. Your car seat kiddo can safely ride just like they do in the car. Whether they’re rear-facing or front-facing.” Plus, they may feel more comfortable:if they fall asleep, they can rest their head against the side of the car seat for support—something that they won’t have in a plane seat.

Meet our experts

At Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.

Michelle Pratt is a certified child passenger safety technician, a car seat expert and the founder of the website, Safe in the Seat .

Amie Durocher is a certified child passenger safety technician and creative director of Safe Ride 4 Kids .

Why trust Select?

Bethany Heitman is a contributor at NBC Select and a journalist who regularly covers topics like travel, home and lifestyle. She is also a frequent traveler herself and has been to more than 30 countries. For this story, she interviewed two experts to gather their guidance and researched highly-rated travel car seats based on their advice.

Catch up on Select's in-depth coverage of personal finance , tech and tools , wellness and more, and follow us on Facebook , Instagram and Twitter to stay up to date.

Bethany Heitman is a contributing editor at NBC Select.

10 Best Travel Car Seats [For Toddlers & Infants]

Whether you’re taking a family trip somewhere or planning to travel, chances are you’ve dealt with lugging around a heavy car seat .

There are literally hundreds of car seats on the market for both toddlers and infants. Some are lighter than others and some have different characteristics than others, but which one do you choose?

The FAA website states that Child Restraint Systems (CRS) are hard-backed child safety seats that are approved by the government. CRS’s are for use in both vehicles and on airplanes, but not all of them are approved for both.

Below we provided a detailed review of the best travel car seats approved by the FAA currently on the market. They have shown to exceed in the areas of safety ratings, durability, ease of use, and value.

The best travel car seat for an infant is the Graco SnugRide 35 Lite because it can be installed without the base and feels stable in most cars. Additionally, it weighs a mere 7.2 pounds and it’s super budget-friendly. Another great option is the Evenflo Sonus 65 due to its comfortability, higher weight and height limit, and the ability to fit in most cars.  

Top Travel Car Seats

1. the evenflo sonus convertible car seat – best all around.

I chose the Evenflo Sonus as the best travel car seat because not only is it lightweight, but it has an acceptable weight and height range and is FFA Inversion approved. It’s an affordable product with an expiration of 6-years and has been rated by the NHTSA doe ease of use. 

Even though the Evenflo Sonus is a new model, I enjoyed using it and getting to know how it works. It’s a fantastic travel car seat and affordable to boot. It’s FAA approved so I was able ot use it on an airplanee easily. Installation was simple with the LATCH system and the car seat remained secure. 

I thought that the seat itself was well padded and my child seemed to be comfortable in it. It’s also narrow enough to fit three across in a vehicle.

The fabric is removable so I could toss it in the washing machine if needed. Additionally, the seat has an air fow ventilation system that regulates the temperature of the seat to keep my child cool. There are also two cup holders on the seat for

It is very affordable and safe car seat on the market! It is FAA approved and is suitable for infants to toddlers from 5-20 pounds. Thus, it allows the most use for the dollar spent. Its durability and comfortability will ease the duress of traveling.

• Lightweight (10 lbs)
• FAA approved
• Easy installation
• Well padded and comfortable
• Not suggested for forward facing under two
• Single strap harness

2. Cosco Scenera Next Convertible Car Seat – Most Affordable

One of the most affordable convertible car seats that can be used for traveling is the Cosco Scenera NEXT.

This was a very lightwe ight car seat and worked well for airplane and car travel.

It’s FAA approved and was easy to install with the LATCH system. Since it only goes up to 40-pounds, it’s best for infants and small toddlers. 

I loved how narrow this seat was. It fit well in my vehicle even with the handy cup holder on the side. Unfortunately the harness needs to be re-threaded when the child grows, so that’s kind of a downfall. Other than that, I was impressed by how portable and inexpensive it was.

It is FAA approved so using it on a plane will not be a problem.  It is less expensive than any other travel car seat on the market by at least $10!

• Easy to install
• Lightweight
• Inexpensive
• For infants and toddlers 5-20 pounds
• Easy to clean
• Only goes up to 13 inches
• 40-pound limit
• Awkward to carry

3. Chicco NextFit iX Zip Air Convertible – Great for Long Trips

If you’re a frequent traveler, then it may justify the steep price. I did enjoy this car seat, though. It’s roomy enough for every child and it’s comfortable.

It has an awesome 3D air mesh fabric that allows air flow to go through channels for improved ventilation.

This fabric certainly kept my child comfortable while we were traveling. There’s also a 9-position leveling system that ensured the seat fit in my car properly. 

I thought that the seat kept my child well-protected with the Super Cinch installation with the LATCH system. Additionally, the 9-position headrest and no-rethread harness made it much simpler to adjust to accommodate my child’s height.

The ComfortFlex harness also kept the waist belt out of the way when I put my child in and took them out of the car seat. My only concern was that it was heavy and bulky.

It is heavier than all of the other travel car seats on the list, but FAA approved and the most durable and long lasting. 

The Chicco Next Fit iX has the best design and functionality. It is extremely comfortable and air flow system will help keep baby’s temperature at a moderate level. 

• Design and functionality
• Comfortable
• Keeps baby’s temperature moderate
• Fits into a travel stroller
• On the heavier side

4. Evenflo Tribute LX Convertible Car Seat – Ultra Safe and Ultra Light

This was one of the easiest and lightest car seats I had the pleasure of traveling with. My child fit so well in it and seemed comfortable for my child.

There are multiple harness positions that accommodated to my child’s height and weight and the seat itself was simple to install with the LATCH system. 

While we were traveling my child had an accident and I needed to wash the seat cover. I was able to remove it and wash it at a laundromat. I appreciated how lightweight the car seat was as well. I was able to move it to a different vehicle with no effort since it weighs just 9.29 pounds.

Infants to toddlers will travel comfortably in the Evenflo Tribute LX . The Evenflo Tribute is an ideal travel car seat. It is one of the lightest on the market, weighing only 9 pounds.

• Cleans easily
• Easy to use
• High safety ratings
• Low durability
• Straps may tangle

5. Britax Marathon Convertible – The Most Durable

This would have been my top pick for best car seat for traveling , but I just couldn’t get past the fact that it was so heavy and expensive.

Aside from those two things, I loved the car seat. It was easy to install with the click tight technology. I knew from the start that it was installed correctly and that my child was safe. 

One of my favorite features was the 14-position harness and no-rethread buckles. If i needed to adjust the harness, all I had to do was pull the strap and it adjusted as one unit.

Additionally, I could recline my child in 7 different positions to ensure maximum comfort. It definitely seemed comfortable for them, but it was just too heavy for me to move from vehicle to vehicle.

The Britax Marathon is one of the safest travel car seats out there. The click-tight installation system and Safe Cell Impact Protection system give parents peace of mind. Little ones will be safe and sound wherever they are in the world.

• Extra safety features
• Long lasting 5-65 pounds

6. Combi Compact Coccoro Convertible Car Seat – The Smallest

The Combi Compact was designed to fit into very small cars, which should make installation on an airplane a breeze. At only 15.5 inches across, even the smallest airplanes will be able to accommodate this seat.

Besides being compact, the Combi Coccoro is ultra-comfortable. This car seat will make travel a breeze, keeping your little one snug for the entire trip!

• Ultra-narrow
• Long lasting (5-40 pounds)
• Can snap into a travel stroller
• Tricky installation
• Can be too small for bigger children

7. Graco Snug Ride 35 Infant Car Seat – The Lightest

The Snug Ride is a great choice for an infant travel car seat. It is lightweight and comes with a travel system or can easily latch on a travel cart.

For an infant seat, the Graco Snug Ride is perfect for travel. It easily latches into a travel stroller or system and is lightweight and narrow enough to fit in airplane seats.

• Ultra lightweight
• Easy to transport
• High safety standards
• Easily latches onto travel system or travel stroller
• Limited to infants up to 35 pounds

8. CARES Safety Restraint System – Most Convenient

The CARES Safety Restraint System is not a car seat, but rather a one-pound, 5 point harness restraint system. Although it is not a seat, it is an FAA approved travel restraint system . It simply keeps kids safe during travel with ease. CARES fits in a diaper bag, backpack or carry-on luggage.

The CARES Safety Restraint system is super light and compact. It does not require any added effort to take along on a trip.

• Lightweight (1 lb)
• The child must weigh between 22 and 44 pounds
• Wraps around seat
• The child can slide out through lap belt

9. Cosco Apt 50 Convertible Car Seat – Most Comfortable

This car seat has been said to have extra cushioning, making it very comfortable for travel. However, it may be too big for some airplanes.

The Cosco Apt 50 is easy to travel with. It is lightweight, so maneuvering through the airport is a breeze!

• Wider than average
• Tough to install
• Uncomfortable

Top Travel Systems 

Baby Trend EZ Ride 35

There are multiple ways you can install the base depending on the style of your vehicle’s seat. Additionally, the car seat has an expiration of 6-years. You can find the expiration sticker on the car seat, base, or stroller. 

The Baby Trend EZ Ride 35 was a great travel system to use. The infant seat base was simple to install with both the LATCH system and seat belt guides. It seemed tight, sturdy, and the seat clicked into it easily.

It was also easy to remove from the base and place in the stroller. Removeing the base from my vehicle seemed a little more difficult, but moreso with the LATCH system than the belt system. 

The stoller was smooth to push. I liked how the front wheel was centered like a jogger. This made maneuverability simple.

There is a multi-position recline to ensure my child was comfortable the whole time and a large head support as well. Additionally, I was able to adjust the height of the stroller handle for easier use. The stroller does have cup holders, but they were a bit narrow. 

Chicco Bravo Trio

The adjustable handle made it easy for taller individuals to push the stroller without needing to hunch over. Additionally, there was pretty decent storage space for the diaper bag and other necessities. 

I liked how the fabric could easily come off when it needed to be washed. There were also cup holders and a parent tray attached to the stroller. As far as the car seat goes, it was easy to install, but tough to latch to the stroller itself. You really need to listen for the “click” to ensure it’s properly latched. 

Graco FastAction  

The base can be installed with either the LATCH system or seat belt. I find that the seat belt method makes it easier to move the base to different vehicles. Additionally, the car seat clicks into the base and stroller audibly and simply. 

I liked the multi-recline function on the stroller. If my baby wasn’t placed in the carrier, they were in the stroller and I could recline them to make them more comfortable. I preferred placing them in the stroller without the car seat because the car seat handle is awkward to carry. 

Evenflo Pivot Xpand

The frame grows from a single to double and there are 22 configurations that you can utilize. The best part is that all the parts are there and no tools are needed for conversion. 

The infant seat has a SafeZone base that’s easy to install. The car seat is light enough for me to carry around without needing the stroller.

Sometimes the seat can be difficult to attach to the stroller. The large storage basket in the stroller can handle my diaper bag and other necessities. I wish the fabric was removable, but it can only be spot washed. 

Maxi-Cosi Zelia

It was ultra-comfortable for my child thanks to the posh cushions in the car seat. It’s also one of the lightest infant car seats and stroller combinations. 

The stroller is easy to push and the car seat can be adjustable to provide a smooth ride. The seat completely reclines to allow and my child enjoyed napping in that position.

The stroller folds and stands upright, but when unfolded, it doesn’t seem very sturdy. hThe car seat was also a little difficult to detach from the stroller.

Buyers Guide

The most important factors to look for when buying a travel car seat is safety, ease of use, durability, and pricing.

Getting your child safely secured must be quick and easy. The seat may be moved to multiple aircraft and/or cars throughout trips or may be checked with other luggage. Because of these factors, durability is essential.

The investment should withstand many adventures. This purchase is going to be an additional item that might be used infrequently, so the price should be considered.

A car seat’s safety rating should be one of the most important factors while shopping.  All car seats are required to pass a 30 mph crash test in order to be released to the market ( source ). Furthermore, most car seat manufacturers have added safety features to increase a seat’s safety level.

Therefore, before you travel with your child, make sure that the child seat has the best safety features for traveling.

Ease of Use

A travel car seat will be installed and removed frequently. Many transfers can take place during trips. The safety seat should not be something that is a struggle to install.

Traveling with a child requires many items. The travel car seat should be lightweight and not overbearing to get around the airport with. The width of the seat should also be narrow. This will avoid any trouble getting it to install correctly.

Safe installation is imperative, and if it is difficult, mistakes can occur. A simple and easy installation process is one that will ensure the child’s safety when traveling.

Travel car seats go through a lot of wear and tear. The in and out and up and down and occasional bag check may cause some bumps to the seat. If the child is using a convertible seat, it could last throughout their toddler years. Durability will ensure that the travel seat will tag along as long as the child needs it.

A travel car seat most likely will not be the primary car seat used. Since car seats are generally expensive, it may break the bank to buy another one just for travel. The price of a travel car seat should be practical and affordable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should i buy a travel car seat.

Traveling with an infant or toddler isn’t easy. Your regular car seat may not be FAA approved. Maybe it’s too bulky and wide to fit on the plane. It is best to check that your car seat is suitable for travel. A car seat should not cause additional stress while traveling.

Do I Have to Buy a Car Seat for 2-year-old?

The Federal Aviation Administration recommends for all the children to sit in FAA approved car seats for the duration of the flight.

Can a Car Seat Be Installed on a Plane in a Rear-Facing Position?

Yes, especially in the case of the infant seats. Those seats are not approved to be installed in a forward-facing position. Make sure your child is within the weight/height limits of the seat to be installed in a rear-facing position.

Traveling With Your Child Just Got Easier

Purchasing a travel car seat can assure that you can get from point A to point B safe and happy. If your child is going to be comfortable and safe, it is well worth the added purchase. Having peace of mind throughout the adventure is priceless.

Consequently, in the end, the most crucial factor, hands down, should be safety features! Check to make sure the seat meets both the FAA and other government guidelines. Furthermore, check for a tag that states that the restraint system is certified for use in aircraft.

Welcome to my car seat blog! As a mom of 3, I put together with other hard-working moms a highly informative one-stop car seat resource, full with many reviews and buyer guides. I hope you find it invaluable. Thank you for trusting me & my team! - Keren

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How to Decide Buying Travel System Vs Stroller and Car Seat?

Baby gear designed to make your travels with a little one easier is great! However, it can be confusing. There are strollers and car seats, and then there are travel systems (not to mention things called prams). A travel system looks exactly like a car seat that clicks into a stroller, so exactly what is a travel system?

This article breaks down the difference between a car seat and a stroller vs travel system. Wondering which one is best for your family? Is one more practical than the other? Are they actually the same thing?

All your questions will be answered with our helpful travel system vs stroller and car seat guide.

What is a Travel System?

Who are travel systems good for, what kinds of travel systems are there, what is the alternative to a travel system, who should buy a car seat and stroller, stroller vs travel system comparison, what to know before buying a travel system or a stroller and car seat separately, travel systems, strollers and car seats, travel system or stroller and car seat: which option is best for me, the basics of a travel system vs a stroller and car seat.

These things may look the same, but there are a few distinct differences. For most parents, at first glance, the dissimilarities may not seem like a big deal but as you travel with your baby they can become major advantages or disadvantages.

New parents may wonder, what is a travel system stroller? A travel system is everything you need to take your baby out and about. It includes a car seat, a car seat base, and a stroller.

All of these things are sold as a unit, it is great for parents who want a one-stop shopping experience. Instead of searching for a matching car seat and stroller, you can pick out a travel system and have a matching set of all three items.

Aside from matching, another great feature of a traveling stroller system is the adapters for the car seat to connect to the stroller. These adapters are commonly integrated or included. You don’t have to concern yourself with hunting for comparable adapters to allow your car seat to click on your stroller, this baby transport system has got you covered.

Who should purchase a carseat and stroller all in one? Travel systems are ideal for parents with an infant. An infant car seat is the only type of seat that can attach to a stroller, other than the child seat made for the stroller. Convertible car seats cannot connect to the stroller.

If your child is older and no longer uses an infant car seat, it wouldn’t make sense to buy a travel system. Your child is probably old enough and big enough to use the traditional child seat on any stroller model.

If you’re considering a travel system vs convertible car seat, think about your child’s age. Convertible car seats cannot connect to a stroller. If your little one is older than six months you probably don’t need to connect their infant car seat to the stroller, they can use the child seat.

In this case, you could get away with purchasing a convertible seat and stroller separately. However, if being able to transfer your sleeping newborn to a stroller without taking them out of their seat is important to you, opt for a travel system.

However, if you have an infant but already have an infant car seat or even a bassinet stroller seat, buying a complete system might not make sense. Instead of purchasing another seat, you would be better off finding a stroller that pairs with your existing seat or bassinet.

Travel systems come in many varieties. You can find a double stroller travel system or even a triple stroller travel system. There are budget-friendly travel systems and luxury models .

You may be happy to know they even produce user-specific travel systems, like joggers or travel-friendly. Some of the best strollers and seats are travel systems, like the Chicco stroller travel systems.

So, good news! If you are considering getting a jogging stroller vs travel system, you may not need to choose between the two. Or, if you are keeping an eye out for a cheap baby stroller and car seats set, you can probably easily find an affordable travel system.

However, we wouldn’t recommend used travel systems because you can never be sure of the accident history and care of the car seat and base.

• One-stop shopping
• You can be sure the infant car seat connects to the stroller and base
• A matching set
• Come in a variety of options (luxury, jogger, etc.)
• Not ideal if your child has outgrown an infant car seat
• The quality of individual parts can vary (ie the car seat is great but the stroller quality may be lacking)
• Not a great choice if you already own an infant car seat and base

If you don’t want to buy a complete set, then you can purchase a car seat and base separately from a stroller. As mentioned, a convertible car seat won’t connect to a stroller. However, you can purchase a different car seat and stroller and occasionally find adapters to make them connect.

Curious about a pram vs stroller ? They’re basically the same. Pram is the British term for a stroller, though sometimes American’s use it to refer to a stroller with a bassinet attachment . You can find adapters that will connect a bassinet to a stroller as well, though most bassinets are sold with strollers and not individually.

When you buy a car seat it will come with a base, in the case of convertible car seats the base is attached. Wondering when to put baby in stroller without car seat? When you purchase a stroller it includes a child seat. Most stroller child seats are rated six months and up but be sure to check the minimum weight limits.

If you’re thinking baby strollers and car seat sets aren’t for you, I would consider your little one’s age, your preferences, and your current baby gear.

If your kiddo doesn’t use an infant seat, buy a stroller separately. If you already have an infant seat or a convertible seat, buy a stroller separately. This works vice versa too if you already have a good stroller simply buy a car seat and base separately.

When it comes to your preferences, think about what matters most. If you are happy carrying around your infant seat and don’t want or need to connect it to a stroller, then you may not want a travel system. If you are okay with lifting your sleeping baby out of their seat and placing them in a stroller’s child seat (as long as they’re old enough) then you can probably skip the travel system.

An important thing to note with preferences too is stroller model availability. When debating travel system or stroller, know that there is generally a lot more variety with strollers sold separately. Travel systems have expanded to include quite a few different types, but individual strollers are far more diverse in offerings.

• More options and greater variety
• Good choice if you already own a piece of a travel system
• Great for families with older children who don’t use an infant car seat
• Can be more affordable (more budget options)
• Cannot always find adapters to work with your stroller and car seat
• More expensive if you have to purchase all three items (stroller, car seat, seat base)
• Can be difficult to find items that match

The bottom line is if you are having a baby, or have a baby, and want to buy everything you need to travel in a single purchase, opt for a travel system. If you already have components or have a child who has outgrown the infant car seat and fits a stroller child seat, forgo the travel system.

Nevertheless, the following table can help make the choice clearer.

Whether you are picking out a travel system or an individual stroller and car seat, here are important factors to keep in mind.

• Safety . You want to ensure that your choice is safe for your child. Make sure that each part meets quality and safety ratings, especially the car seat and base. Look over the parts of your gear, like seatbelts, buckles, and latches to check that they are secure and of high quality.
• Durability . Sometimes the quality of the products in a travel system can vary. This may be true too if you splurge on a car seat and then skimp on the stroller. Take a close look at each component to see how durable and sturdy it is. Check for things like tires that won’t deflate or warp and fabrics that won’t break down.
• Lifespan . Whether you are buying a travel system or a stroller and car seat, look at the minimum and maximum for weight, height, and age. Many strollers transition from infant riders to child riders, this is especially true with those that accept an infant car seat. Some strollers also accommodate additional riders via a riding board or rumble seat. Infant car seats have similarly upper weight limits, but some can accommodate a slightly larger child. To get the most out of your gear, make sure it will fit your baby for years to come.
• Extra Features . Look at the specific features for each component. Does your stroller have a parent’s tray and a child’s tray? Does the car seat include a canopy? You can usually find more features with individual seats and strollers than travel systems, but don’t forget to scope out the details of each separate item before you buy!
• Budget . Of course, don’t forget about your budget. Budgeting is easier with a travel system because you only have to make one purchase. If you are opting for individual items, don’t splurge on one thing and then have to buy cheap when it comes to the other necessary items!

Some of My Favorite Picks

Britax b-lively & b-safe 35 travel system.

Britax is known for its safety. This Britax B-Lively & B-Safe 35 Travel System car seat and stroller are sturdy and durable. They have just enough features to keep things comfortable and convenient.

However, the extra elements don’t make it heavy or bulky. The three-wheel stroller design is agile, even with the car seat attached via integrated adapters.

• The Britax travel system is a stroller and car seat combo including the B-lively stroller, B-safe 35 infant car seat base and adapters
• Surrounded in safety: 1 layer of side impact protection, steel frame and safe cell impact absorbing base. Easy-release harness button makes it simple to loosen harness straps.
• Convenient features: Lightweight stroller with one hand quick fold, XL storage basket, ventilated UV 50+ canopy, and no re-thread infant car seat harness

Chicco Bravo Trio Travel System

The Chicco Bravo is a long-standing parent favorite. The lightweight car seat is incredibly safe and connecting it to the stroller is a breeze.

The stroller can be used as a frame stroller, to carry the infant seat without having to keep the child seat attached. Then you can switch out the carrier for the spacious and plush child seat as your child gets bigger. Little details like an adjustable handlebar make this affordable stroller a steal!

• CAR SEAT AND STROLLER COMBO – The Chicco Bravo Quick-Fold Stroller paired with the Chicco KeyFit 30 Infant Car Seat creates a baby travel system.
• SEAMLESS TRANSITIONS – A removable seat and canopy transform the stroller to a lightweight infant car seat carrier and offers secure, click-in attachment via the child tray – no adapter needed.
• EASY TO USE | EASY TO STORE – With a compact, one-hand, smart fold design, the stroller stands independently without the push handle touching the ground. Large wheels with treaded tires and all-wheel suspension help navigate uneven terrain.

Graco® SnugRide® 35 Lite LX Infant Car Seat

Budget-friendly but also extremely protective, this seat doesn’t compromise. From the day you bring your baby home, the Graco SnugRide 35 Lite LX seat keeps them safe and secure.

It includes removable head and body support pillows as well as a four-position recline for proper fit. The base of the seat is both LATCH and seatbelt equipped. Another wonderful characteristic of Graco is that stroller adapters are usually easy to find!

• SNUGRIDE PERFORMANCE: Infant car seat helps protect rear-facing infants 4-35 lb and up to 32"
• LIGHTWEIGHT CARRIER: Lightweight infant car seat weighs only 7.2 lb, making it easy to carry baby from car to stroller
• 4-POSITION ADJUSTABLE BASE: Helps ensure an accurate install and helps keep baby comfortable as he or she grows

CRUZ® V2 Stroller by UPPAbaby

Though you can pair an infant seat or bassinet with this stroller, the UPPAbaby Cruz shines all on its own. Sleek and agile, it’s effortless to maneuver down busy streets. Inside, the seat is spacious and deep, covered by an expansive canopy. The no-rethread harness makes adjustments a breeze.

Parents will love that the seat is multi-directional, either parent-facing or forward-facing. The spacious lower basket and leather-covered handle don’t hurt either! A contender for the Cruz model is the Vista model, and if you cannot decide, be sure to check out comparison guide between UPPAbaby Cruz vs Vista !

• Suitable for children from 3 months to 50 pounds
• Dual action rear suspension (patent-pending) is designed with two varying springs that respond in unison to soften the ride no matter the child's weight
• Smaller folded size makes it easier to carry, tuck away or take up less trunk space

It all comes down to your baby’s age, your preferences, and what you already own. If you’re starting from scratch with a newborn, an all-in-one travel system is the way to go.

If you already have some gear or your child is older, go for a separate seat and stroller so you won’t get items that you don’t need. No matter your needs, there are a lot of wonderful models available in both categories!

We hope this article cleared up a few things for you and provided you with some awesome recommendations. Feel free to let us know your thoughts in the comments!

Last update on 2024-04-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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Car Seat VS Travel System

When you’re a new parent, there are so many decisions to make, and it’s hard to know which one is the right one. One of the biggest decisions you’ll have to make is buying a car seat or a travel system. Both have pros and cons, but which one should you choose for your baby?

We’ve done the research for you, and we’re here to help you decide. This blog post will compare the two options and help you decide which one is right for your family.

Infant Car Seat vs Travel System: Which One Should You Choose?

Some people think that car seats and travel systems are the same things, but they are different types of products. Car seats are designed to be used in cars, while travel systems are used in strollers . So, which one should you choose for your baby?

There are obvious differences between car seats and travel systems, but which one is better? That’s what we’re here to help you figure out.

Car seats are designed to protect babies in a car accident. They are required by law in most states, and they should be used whenever your baby is riding in a car. Travel systems are designed for comfort and convenience. They allow you to transfer your baby from the car to the stroller without removing them from the car seat.

Car Seat Features

Car seats come in many different sizes and shapes, but all car seats must meet specific safety standards. These safety standards include:

• A five-point harness that keeps your baby secure in the seat
• A rear-facing design that protects your baby’s head and neck in the event of a car accident
• Side impact protection

Most car seats also have a built-in handle that makes it easy to carry your baby in and out of the car. There are also convertible car seats that can be used in both the rear- and forward-facing positions.

When choosing between a convertible car seat vs travel system, parents who are on a budget may lean towards the car seat because it is a cheaper option. However, car seats can be heavy and bulky, making them difficult to carry around.

There are also all-in-one car seats that can be used as a car seat, booster seat, and even a high-back chair. These seats are usually more expensive than the other two options, but they offer the most flexibility. When choosing between an all-in-one-car-seat vs travel system, parents who do not mind spending a little extra money may prefer the all-in-one car seat because it will last longer and can be used in more situations.

What Is the Difference Between an Infant Car Seat and a Convertible Car Seat?

An infant car seat is designed for babies who weigh between five and 22 pounds and are up to 29 inches long. These seats are rear-facing only, which is the safest position for young babies to ride in.

How Long Can Newborns Be in a Car Seat?

Newborns should always ride in a rear-facing car seat. If possible, the car seat should be placed in the back seat in the middle seat. Newborns should be in a car seat for no more than two hours at a time to reduce the risk of flat head syndrome.

How Do You Clean a Car Seat?

You should always read the car seat manual before you clean a baby car seat . Most car seats can be spot cleaned with a mild soap and water solution. The car seat cover can usually be removed and washed in the washing machine. The same goes for a car seat’s foam .

When to Forward Face a Car Seat?

You can forward face a car seat when your baby is at least one year old and weighs 20 pounds or more. If possible, the car seat should be placed in the back seat. At best, it should be in the middle seat.

Are There Free Car Seats?

Since car seats are mandated by law, free car seats from Medicaid and other car seat assistance programs are available to low-income families. If you think you may qualify for a free car seat, check with your local car seat assistance program.

Do Car Seats Expire?

It is important to remember that car seats expire. The plastic and metal of the car seat break down over time and are less likely to protect your child . This is why services such as proper car seat strap replacements and other related services exist. Always check car seat expiration for Britax and all other car seat brands.

What Do I Do With Old Car Seats?

Many people donate them to car seat assistance programs or recycling centers when car seats expire. If you are unsure about what to do with your old car seat , check with your local car seat assistance program for proper disposal instructions.

Travel System Features

Travel systems are convenient because they have everything you need in one package. This includes the car seat, base, and stroller. Travel systems are easy to use because they snap into the car seat base and can be used as a stroller without removing the car seat. Travel systems are also relatively lightweight and easy to carry. However, the biggest downside to travel systems is that they are generally more expensive than car seats.

When choosing between a travel system and a convertible car seat, most parents would lean towards the car seat. This is because car seats are typically more affordable and can be used for a longer time. Car seats are also easier to install, which is vital for safety. However, travel systems have advantages that might make them the better choice for some parents. This will help in terms of choosing between a travel system or an infant car seat.

Are There Free Travel Systems?

At present, there are no free travel system car seat programs. However, some car seat manufacturers offer discounts on their travel systems when purchased with a car seat. Be sure to check with your chosen manufacturer to see if they offer any such discounts.

Do Travel Systems Expire?

No, travel systems do not have an expiration date. This is one of the reasons why travel systems are more expensive than car seats.

Car Seat Pros and Cons

So, which one is better? Is it a convertible car seat or a travel system? Here are some pros and cons to help you decide.

• Car seats are typically more affordable than travel systems.
• Car seats can be used for longer periods.
• Car seats are easier to install.
• Car seats are designed to protect your child in the event of a car accident.
• Car seats have variations such as the all-in-one car seat, which can be used as a car seat, booster seat, and high-back booster.
• If you have an infant, you will need to purchase a car seat base in addition to the car seat.
• Car seats can be heavy to carry.
• You will need to remove your child from the car seat when transferring them to their stroller.
• Car seats expire.

Travel System Pros and Cons

• Travel systems are all-in-one car seat and stroller combos.
• Travel systems are easy to use.
• Travel systems are great for travel.
• Travel systems can be expensive.
• Travel systems can be heavy and difficult to transport.
• Travel system car seats have a shorter lifespan than standalone car seats.

When deciding whether to purchase a car seat or travel system, consider your needs and budget. You should also consider the pros and cons of each option to make the best decision for you and your family. In the end, it all boils down to what will work best for you and provide the most safety for your little one. After all, that’s what’s most important.

Steph is a passionate mom who co-founded Wumblers to share her parenting journey with others. She graduated from Concordia University with a masters degree in Education Technology and worked as an advisor for many years. Steph loves being a mom and wants to have more kids.

Learn more about Steph and Wumblers here .

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Which Cosco Travel Car Seat Should You Pick? (2023)

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This article, written by certified Child Passenger Safety Technician Melissa Conn, is a detailed Cosco travel car seat comparison and may contain affiliate links.

Lots of families aren’t looking to spend a fortune on a travel car seat. They want a cheap, lightweight seat to take on the go so they won’t be upset if it gets lost or damaged along the way (which can be a very real issue if you check your car seat ).

So often other parents respond with “oh get the Cosco travel seat!” But which Cosco travel car seat is right for you? There are more options than you might think!

In this head-to-head comparison I’ll show you the important differences between the Cosco Scenera Next DLX and its cousins the Cosco Onlook and Cosco Mighty Fit convertible car seats, and later I’ll share some Cosco travel booster seats for older kids.

A quick note on where to buy Cosco car seats… Cosco has a semi-exclusive relationship with Walmart for some of their products, so that’s where you’ll often find the best prices on their car seats. But if you’re married to your Amazon Prime account (I don’t blame you), you can find some of the Cosco carseat options for around the same price or just a little more.

A second tip for you is that Cosco is manufactured by a company called Dorel Juvenile Group, which also manufactures mid-level Safety 1st car seats and the higher end Maxi-Cosi car seats. In many cases there are clones between the three brands, and which one is cheaper can vary. So you’ll see me call out those identical seats from time to time in case you’re able to get a better deal or more padded cover from Safety 1st or Maxi-Cosi.

Convertible Cosco travel car seat comparison

Cosco rise lx backless booster seat, lightweight cosco car seat faqs, convertible cosco travel car seat basic stats.

First, here’s a quick synopsis of each of the Cosco travel car seats you’re probably considering.

Cosco Scenera Next DLX convertible car seat

Key stats: -Weight 7lbs -Shell height 23” -Max harness height 13.5” -Rear-facing size limits 5-40lbs, 19-40” -Forward-facing size limits 22-40lbs, 29-43″

Pros: ✔ Compact ✔ Lightest convertible car seat ✔ Low price

Cons: ✘ Low size limits ✘ Hard to install in some cars ✘ Limited padding for patterned covers ✘ No extra protection in headwings ✘ Requires top tether for forward-facing

The most popular convertible car seat for travel is the Cosco Scenera Next DLX . What makes the Cosco Scenera car seat so insanely popular and one of the best car seat for travel options? It’s as easy on the scale as it is on the wallet! The Cosco Scenera Next is the lightest convertible car seat and the cheapest convertible car seat as well, making it an ideal toddler travel car seat.

You might also see the Cosco Scenera Next ( not DLX), which has patterned covers available. Don’t do it! Yes, you can save a few extra dollars and you might be drawn in by the cute patterns. But in the Cosco Scenera Next vs Cosco Scenera Next DLX there’s a clear winner: the DLX. Those solid colored covers offer much more padding than the regular Cosco Scenera Next convertible car seat and will keep your child more comfortable when you travel. There’s just no competition when it comes to Cosco Scenera Next vs DLX in terms of comfort.

If you want more comfort upgrades but aren’t concerned with the branding or the ultra-low price tag, Cosco now offers the Cosco Scenera Deluxe convertible car seat . What is the difference between Cosco Scenera Next and Deluxe? They’ve basically taken the Cosco Scenera DLX and added a head pillow, lower back pad and strap covers – plus an extra $10 on the price tag. These are good changes that will appeal to many parents who don’t like the idea of their precious cargo riding in such an unpadded seat. I’m sure that my kid who complained about his original (non-DLX) Cosco Scenera Next would have been pleased!

Another version available for 2023 is the Maxi-Cosi Romi . It uses the Cosco Scenera Next shell but adds Maxi-Cosi’s flame retardant free PureCosi cover in addition to a head pillow and harness covers. Be sure to grab the monthly coupon (three letter month and 20, like APR20 for April) to save 20% at one of my favorite stores . That puts the price tag around $100 for this version, plus you’ll accumulate valuable rewards towards future purchases. But if you’re comparing the Maxi-Cosi Romi vs Cosco Scenera Next, know that at their core they’re the same seat.

It’s good to know that the top harness slots are just 13.5” high, so some kids will outgrow the Scenera Next forward-facing even while they still have another year or two rear-facing. Remember, when your kid is forward-facing the straps need to come from above their shoulders. For rear facing, short shell means that very few kids will get to 40″ with the required 1″ above their heads.

Cosco Onlook/Safety 1st Getaway convertible car seat

Key stats: -Weight 8lbs -Shell height 24” -Max harness height 16” -Rear-facing size limits 5-40lbs, 19-40” -Forward-facing size limits 22-40lbs, 29-43” (the 43” limit may not be realistic depending on how long your child’s torso is)

Pros: ✔ Low price ✔ Compact front-to-back when installed more upright

Cons: ✘ Same size limits as Scenera but more expensive ✘ Extremely wide near the head ✘ Hard to install in some cars ✘ Limited padding for patterned covers ✘ No extra protection in headwings ✘ Requires top tether for forward-facing

Some of the newest members of the Cosco travel car seat family are the Cosco Onlook and the Safety 1st Getaway . They replaced the Cosco Apt 50, which has been discontinued.

The Cosco Onlook is much the same as its younger sibling, the Cosco Scenera Next. It’s one of the lightest weight convertible car seat options, well-priced and gets the job done with minimal frills. The shell height is similar to the Scenera Next so it won’t buy you any extra time rear-facing, but thanks to the higher harness height, skinny kids kids can comfortably forward face in the Cosco Onlook until at least 4 years old. It’s a solid choice if you want a convertible car seat for travel that allows for extended rear facing but you don’t have a big budget.

Keep in mind that the Onlook/Getaway is wider than other Cosco travel car seats so it won’t fit 3-across.

Cosco Mighty Fit 65/Safety 1st Jive/Safety 1st Guide 65 convertible car seat

Key stats: -Weight 11lbs -Shell height 24” -Max harness height 17” -Rear-facing size limits 5-40lbs, 19-40” -Forward-facing size limits 22-65lbs, 29-49”

Pros: ✔ First from infancy to elementary school ✔ Somewhat narrow convertible car seat

Cons: ✘ Tall shell won’t fit well rear-facing in compact cars and economy airplane seats ✘ Doesn’t last as long as the Evenflo Sureride ✘ Won’t fit newborns well ✘ Requires top tether for forward-facing

True to form, you can get multiple versions of the Mighty Fit 65 as well. You’ll see a lot more differences when you compare the Cosco Mighty Fit 65 vs Cosco Scenera Next. The most noticeable difference is that the Mighty Fit is actually a pretty long-lasting car seat thanks to its reasonable 17″ top harness slots and generous forward-facing size limits.

The same car seat shell has now been re-covered and turned into the Safety 1st Jive convertible car seat as well as the Disney Baby Jive . It has a different shape head pillow and adds a body support that should improve fit for young babies (but probably still isn’t enough for newborns). The Jive also comes with a second cup holder, which is a nice touch.

The Mighty Fit/Jive/Guide does require a substantial recline for babies up to 22lbs and the shell is taller than the seats listed above, so it’s not a great choice if you’re traveling with a small infant.

You probably came to this page to figure out which Cosco travel car seat you should buy. Take a look at this comparison table to understand the differences between the three Cosco convertible car seats:

Ok, so the numbers definitely help to paint a picture. But here are some additional comments that you should definitely read before you buy one of the Cosco convertible car seats for travel:

Cosco Scenera Next DLX: It’s the cheapest of the bunch but will also last the least amount of time. It’s often outgrown at the same time forward-facing and rear-facing. Here are the ways it can be outgrown, in order from most common to least common in my experience:

• Rear facing with less than 1″ of shell height (by far the most common)
• Forward facing with shoulders above the top harness slot (often at the same time as above)
• Rear facing at 40″
• Either direction at 40lbs
• Forward facing at 43″

But while it fits your child, it’s extremely light and extremely narrow – even in a European car you might be able to get three-across. If any car seat will fit in a budget airplane seat, it’s going to be the Scenera (or this one , which I like even better) since the Cosco Scenera Next width is just 17″. And there’s just no way to beat the Cosco Scenera Next weight – only 7 pounds! Find the best prices here.

Cosco Onlook: The biggest downside of the Cosco Onlook vs Scenera is the width. It’s SOOOOO wide – 5″ wider than the Scenera! It definitely isn’t going to fit on a budget airline line Spirit if you end up in a spot with fixed arm rests and it won’t work for 3-across in a small rental car.

The upside compared to the Scenera Next is that you can probably get another year of forward-facing out of it since the shell and harness slots are higher. However, if your child is heavier than she is tall then she may hit the 40lb weight limit before reaching the height limit. Personally, this would be my last choice of these three Cosco toddler travel car seats. Find the best prices here.

Cosco Mighty Fit 65 / Safety 1st Jive : If you’re comparing the Cosco Scenera Next vs Cosco Mighty Fit, you’ll really have to consider who’s going to be riding in the car seat. The Scenera Next fits a newborn or infant much better than the Mighty Fit 65, but the Mighty Fit 65 will last several years longer – often into early elementary school. I don’t recommend it for a baby under 22lbs , as you’d have to have the seat extremely reclined and it won’t fit well on planes or in small cars.

The other downside of the Mighty Fit is that it weighs 50% more, though it’s still light enough to be considered “travel worthy”. For the Mighty Fit 65, you’ll need to install the seat using the seatbelt (and top tether) once your child hits 40 pounds. The Cosco Onlook convertible car seat and Cosco Scenera both cap out at 40lbs anyway. Find the best prices here.

None of these Cosco car seats will give the same kind of fool-proof installation as the really fancy seats with built in lock-offs and tension panels (like Britax ClickTight and Graco SnugLock car seats). We found that Cosco car seat installation required a little more sweat, especially in rental cars with leather seats. But the trade-offs might be worth it to you since they’re all so light and so affordable!

It’s also worth noting that all Cosco car seats require you to use the top tether when you install forward-facing. That’s great for safety since it decreases head movement in a crash. If you’re traveling in the US, Canada, Western Europe, Australia or New Zealand you should always plan on using the top tether anyway. However , if you’re traveling outside of those areas you are unlikely to find a top tether in your rental car or taxi. If you’re in that position, you would have to make a judgement call on whether or not to install the car seat forward-facing without the top tether. If your child is still under 40 pounds, the best option in that situation is to move the harness straps down below the shoulders and install rear-facing.

Cosco travel car seats for big kids

I’d be a rich lady if I had a dollar for every time someone asked what car seat to buy after the Cosco Scenera Next! The right answer depends on how big and how old your child is – unfortunately there’s not a one-size-fits-all answer.

If your child has outgrown the Scenera or Onlook early because they’re tall or have a long torso/big head, you might want to scroll back up and read about the Cosco Mighty Fit 65 . It often lasts until a safe booster age (at least 5 years old and 40lbs).

Cosco and its sibling Safety 1st have a few more tricks up their sleeves for children who are big enough and ready to forward face.

Cosco Finale harness booster seat

Key stats: -Weight 8lbs -Max harness height 16.5” -Forward-facing size limits 30-65lbs, 32-49” -Highback booster size limits 40-100lbs, 43-52”

Pros: ✔ Lasts from age 3 to ~age 5-6 ✔ Extremely low price ✔ Very narrow ✔ 10 year expiration

Cons: ✘ Requires top tether , which may not be available in all countries ✘ Terrible booster mode ✘ LATCH not allowed in booster mode ✘ Sparse padding on the seat

The next lightweight Cosco car seat for travel is the Cosco Finale DX , also sold as the Safety 1st Grand . This is a forward facing car seat and it has a 30lbs minimum . Very few children use it until age 3, but some kids don’t weigh enough even then.

The Finale is just as affordable, lightweight and travel-friendly as the Scenera. The downside is that its realistic usage period is similarly short. The top harness slot is similar to the Cosco Mighty Fit above.

Even though the Finale offers a booster mode, it rarely fits kids properly. Cosco recently told buyers not to use the shoulder belt guide built into the shell because it causes the seatbelt to get stuck, and without the guide often the seatbelt hovers in front of the child. I recommend that you pretend the booster mode of this seat doesn’t exist as you’re evaluating the travel car seats by Cosco.

None of this means that the Cosco Finale travel car seat is a bad seat, particularly given the price point. You just need to understand and respect its limits.

While I generally recommend the Cosco Finale DX , there is a less padded Cosco Finale available as well that’ll save you $10. You can also step up a little to the Safety 1st Grand . What’s the difference between the Cosco Finale and the Safety 1st Grand? The Grand adds an optional, adjustable head pillow and a second cup holder.

Safety 1st Greener Baby Comfort Ride

Key stats: -Weight 10lbs -Max harness height 16.5” -Forward-facing size limits 30-65lbs, 32-49” -Highback booster size limits 40-100lbs -Backless booster size limits 40-100lbs

Pros: ✔ Lasts from age 3 to ~age 8 ✔ Value price point for 3-mode seat ✔ 10 year expiration

Cons: ✘ Requires top tether , which may not be available in all countries ✘ Sparse padding on the seat

There’s a new lightweight harness booster on the block from Cosco/Safety 1st! It’s more expensive than the Cosco Finale but will also last a lot longer. It’s called the (and I can’t make this up) Safety 1st Greener Baby Comfort Ride Booster Car Seat . But behind the too-long name there’s a lot of potential, though the seat is brand new to the market so there isn’t much information yet.

What we do know is that this seat starts at 30lbs like the Finale. The maximum harness height is similar, though it has a no-rethread harness that is adjusted by raising the headrest.

For its highback booster mode, the Greener Baby Comfort Ride Booster Car Seat has a shoulder belt guide attached to that adjustable headrest. That’s a huge improvement since it should make the booster mode function better and last much longer. Many kids will be able to use this seat as a highback booster seat until they’re around 7 years old!

Once the back is outgrown, parents should be able to remove it and use the seat as a lightweight backless booster for travel. It may not be wide enough to truly fit kids at the top of the stated weight range, but families who buy this seat at 3 years old can comfortably plan on at least 4 years of use. That’s great value compared with the Finale, and I won’t be surprised if we eventually see a less-fancy version of this new seat in the Cosco brand.

Key stats: -Weight 2 lbs -Backless booster size limit 40-100lbs, 43-57″

Pros: ✔ Extremely light ✔ Bargain price ✔ Good seatbelt fit ✔ Narrow enough for 3-across ✔ Updated LX version has more padding

Cons: ✘ Doesn’t fold

The Cosco Rise LX (and original ) are the booster seat in its simplest form: you put it down on the seat and then your kiddo buckles and runs the seatbelt under the arm rests to place it properly on her body. If your child is on the shorter side, there’s also an attached adjustable shoulder belt guide to bring the seatbelt down low enough to cross her collarbone.

That’s it. At 2 pounds it’s one of the lightest booster seats on the market. It’s also incredibly affordable, coming in right around $20. I’ve used it for multiple kids ranging from 6 to 10 and the fit is good on all of them. Even if you never plan to use it for travel, this is a great one to have on hand as a spare since it’s the cheapest booster seat you can buy.

The Cosco Rise is also one of the narrowest booster seats at just 15″. That makes it a viable booster seat for 3-across, especially since it’s narrower at the back where your child will need to reach the buckle. We managed to squeeze one into the middle seat of our old CR-V between another narrow booster seat and an adult!

The biggest downside of the original version is the sparse padding, including none on the arm rests. This isn’t the seat my kids typically want to ride in for more than about 30 minutes, and we probably wouldn’t choose it for a long road trip if we had another choice. I recommend that you spring for the LX for just an extra $3-5, as it has more padding including on the arm rests.

Note that the minimum height for this booster seat is 43″ – many kids won’t reach that until almost 6 years old. Our son didn’t get there until almost 7 years old, so parents of shorter kids may need to look elsewhere . On the other end of the spectrum, the Rise may not offer quite enough thigh support for the oldest booster riders since the seat is on the shallower side; at 11 years old, my son usually refuses it.

At 2 pounds, the Cosco Rise booster seat is one of the lightest booster seats available. It’s also extremely affordable ! If your child is ready for a backless booster and you don’t need one that folds, this Cosco booster seat for travel is hard to beat.

As with all booster seats, your child will store it on the plane rather than sitting on it. Check out these important tips for flying with a booster seat .

Yes. While Cosco car seats don’t have some of the fancy “extras” like side impact pods and anti-rebound bars, they still pass the same standardized Federal testing as car seats costing ten times as much.

You bet! And the Cosco Scenera car seat and Cosco Mighty Fit 65 will even fit in some of the smallest airplane seats. While the Cosco Apt 50 is FAA approved, it may be too wide for some planes (especially if the arm rests don’t move).

Cosco car seat expiration dates vary by model. Cosco Scenera Next expiration is 8 years, Cosco Onlook expiration is 8 years and the Cosco Mighty Fit 65 expiration is a whopping 10 years.

Cosco is a division of Dorel Juvenile, which also owns Safety 1st (and numerous other brands). That’s why you’ll see many Cosco and Safety 1st car seats that seem to differ only in name.

The Cosco Next car seat cover can be machine washed and dried . Hallelujah!

The Cosco Scenera Next weighs just 7 pounds.

Installing the Cosco Scenera Next on a plane is simple. Find the correct belt path for your child’s direction – under the knees for rear facing, behind the back for forward facing. Route the aircraft seatbelt through the holes in the shell on each side and buckle. Push your hand down in the seat and then pull the tail of the seatbelt like you would for yourself.

No, the Cosco Finale is a forward facing seat only.

Yes, the Cosco Finale is narrow and easy to use on a plane.

If these aren’t right for you, check out other lightweight convertible car seats or jump to the best travel car seats by age .

I hope this guide has helped you figure out which Cosco travel car seat is right for you! Please leave a comment below if you have any questions.

6 thoughts on “Which Cosco Travel Car Seat Should You Pick? (2023)”

That’s what I needed! Thank you!

Glad to help!

Great article! As a grandparent, I’d like a car seat that can be easily taken in & out & doesn’t weigh too much. We might use it once or twice a month & i don’t want it in the back seat the rest of the time. Do you have a recommendation? The car is a 2019 Honda CRV. Thanks for your help, Julie Babb

Thanks for stopping by! Could you tell me your grandchild’s age, weight and height? That’ll help determine the best choice for your needs 🙂

I am about to buy one of these and am so confused by the links. You say for comfort to get the DLX but the link doesn’t appear to be to the DLX help! I want the comfy one so I was to make sure I order the right one. Thanks!

Hi Calindy!

Thanks for stopping by. I know it’s super confusing – Walmart has the basic Cosco Scenera Next and the DLX sharing the same listing, and then the Deluxe (which sounds a heck of a lot like “DLX”) has its own listing 😛 In this listing , the DLX version has solid color padding rather than a print in the middle. The Cosco Scenera Deluxe is like the DLX but with optional additional pads for the back, head and shoulder straps. I hope this clarifies the differences for you!

Safe travels, Melissa

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Difference between travel system car seat & regular car seat

I'm absolutely overwhelmed with baby shopping.. Every single thing seems complicated. I'd appreciate your help in figuring out the difference between travel system car seats and regular car seats. 

We are set on getting a tree-wheel jogger stroller and were looking at travel systems. But we were also looking at car seats separately. And I think we got confused. 

Do travel system car seats get the same safety ratings as regular car seats? Is there a place to verify this? 

If we decide to get a stroller and car seat from different producers, do I understand right that we may have problems fitting the car seat onto the stroller, even if the stroller is a travel system stroller? We may have to buy additional parts to fit in the car seat? 

I want to get a good, safe car seat, and not sure if going the travel system direction is necessarily equal to the best safety standards. 

I'd be very grateful for any tips. 

21 comments

I'm not going to attempt to start delving into the subject of car seats, but wanted to give you this website, csftl.org, car seats for the littles. they also have a group on facebook you should check out. they have lots of great info on their website.

I will say however, all carseats pass the same safety standards, some are more expensive than others because of features like premium latch connectors, cupholders, etc. if used correctly, all carseats are safe.

I'm not going to attempt to start delving into the subject of car s…

travel systems: car seat, base, stroller are all meant to go together, you cant mix and match brands the car seat wont latch into the stroller.

travel systems are as safe as non-system oriented infant car seats.

I personally didn't get a stroller until my daughter was about 3 months old and just carried her when we went out or left her in the "baby bucket". I wasn't doing much outdoor exercise/activities since she was born in winter and didn't feel the need for a stroller.

ETA: convertible car seats are an entirely separate beast and aren't meant to leave your car. all of my post is referring to infant seats.

We did look at some car seats we liked that were not part of any travel system & on the other hand, watching a video of a one travel system, the part on using a car seat that is different brand, additional adjusters are needed to fit the car seat in the stroller (which means extra work/effort/possible issues). Initially I naively thought that any car seat will fit into any stroller that is a travel system stroller..

So I'm trying to figure out if it's better to just go with the travel system (one brand stroller and car seat) - though I don't want to compromise on safety, or whether getting a stroller and car seat of two different brands will actually work well..

travel systems: car seat, base, stroller are all meant to go togeth…

Thank you! And yes, I did mean infant seats only, not convertible ones. We want to be able to use the car seat in the car/carrying around/in the stroller on walks - without the worry of waking up the baby to transfer her between seats.

If all car seats fit the same safety standards (and they don't generally comply better or worse with those standards) I guess the only research would be on avoiding recalls.. ?

We did look at some car seats we liked that were …

If you want to buy a particular car seat brand but don't want to get a travel system or actual stroller right away you could get the Snap-n-go Universal Stroller Frame that is meant to hold Infant Car Seats. Most brands of car seats are compatible with it but you can always google to make sure. That is what I'm doing this time around.

https://www.target.com/p/baby-trend-snap-n-go-ex-universal-infant-car-seat-carrier/-/A-14216874 Opens a new window

Thank you! And yes, I did mean infant seats only, not convertible …

avoiding recalls and picking which system you like best

my SIL got this one because she's tall and it has a tray for the baby when they get bigger - her stroller had a defect (front tire stuck, nothing dangerous) but i know other women who have had no problems and love it also

Graco FastAction Fold Jogger Click Connect

I have have the graco car seat that fits this travel system but went with a joovy zoom stroller which i love. but like i said i didn't go the travel system route.

A travel system means a car seat that you can snap into a stroller. It is a common misconception that you can only use like-brand strollers and car seats together as a travel system. Many brands make adapters so that you can use almost any car seat with many different strollers. These adapters are normally not very expensive and are very easy to use.

For example, you can use a Chicco car seat with an UppaBaby stroller. Or a Cybex car seat with a Baby Jogger stroller. Or a Peg Parego Car seat with a Snap-and-Go. All you have to do is buy the adapter (which are listed on the stroller's website most of the time).

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Car hire at Moscow Vnukovo Airport

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To rent a car at Moscow Vnukovo Airport, you will need a valid driver’s license from your home country that has been valid for at least one year. You should provide an International Driving Permit for translation purposes. Most companies will also require your passport for additional proof of identity. A valid credit card with enough cash for deposit and payment must also be presented. Some companies will ask you to bring a printout of the booking confirmation voucher sent to your mail.

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You’ll have access to several amenities when you opt for a car rental at Moscow Vnukovo Airport, including showers in various lounges, ATMs, luggage carts, and free Wi-Fi. If you’re traveling with children, you can take advantage of the children’s playroom in Terminal A. There is a parenting room equipped with changing tables, baby cribs, and play areas for parents traveling with newborns. VKO is perfectly equipped for passengers with reduced mobility.

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The best way to pay for your Moscow Vnukovo Airport car rental is using a major credit card. It is a secure option for renters and the best security for rental companies during your rental period. Few car rental suppliers may let you pay using a debit card but with several limitations and requirements. They will restrict you to certain types of rental cars, and you may be asked to produce additional proof of identity or your return travel details.

Which car hire companies will pick you up at Moscow Vnukovo airport?

Car hire companies that offer shuttle or pick-up services from Moscow Vnukovo airport to off-airport locations include Avis, Rentmotors, Sixt, and TIS Car.

Moscow Vnukovo Airport car rental reviews and directory

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One location in Moscow Vnukovo Airport

Locations in Moscow Vnukovo Airport

Vnukovo Int Apt

Vnukovo Air Term A Meet N Greet

+7 495 640 82 82

Opening times not available

keddy by Europcar

3 locations in Moscow Vnukovo Airport

Poselok Vnukovo 2 Reysovaya Street

Vnukovo Airport Intl Arrival Zone- 2, 2Nd Reisovaya Str.

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2 locations in Moscow Vnukovo Airport

Mosco - Vnukovo Airport

+7 916 724 04 55

Terminal A, Counter 34

+7 962 967 8633

IDrive Rent-A-Car

+7 499 685 4725

Vnukovo airport

+7 495 921 3838

12, 1-Ya Reysovaya Ulitsa

Terminal. A,2 Ul.2-ja

+7 495 260 10 38

+7 495 788 6888

ul. 2-ja Rejssowaja, 2

+7 495 589 11 11

2 2nd Reisovaya str.

+7 926 279 2989

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• You’ll feel the lively spirit of bustling city life the minute you pull into Moscow. Some 35 mi from Elektrostal, it has loads of fantastic spots to visit, like Red Square.
• About 35 mi away, Ryazan is another location worth putting on your travel itinerary. Don’t forget to stop by Monument to Evpatiy Kolovrat during your visit.
• After all that time behind the wheel, treat yourself to a dose of nature at Nikola-Lenivets Art Park. It’s roughly 130 mi from Elektrostal.

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