travel car seat pico

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With over 1,000 5-Star reviews the Pico TM is the perfect portable car seat for everyday & travel convenience

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"Great for everyday use or traveling. Liked the ease of installation. It is light and comfortable, easy to carry on trips and for daily use. It is perfect, and deserves 5 stars."

"It's the best travel car seat! We flew 20k+ miles with ours in 2021! Plus rental cars, ride share, and carpool! Worth every penny!"

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My Son’s Travel Car Seat Fits in a Backpack

I learned about the WAYB Pico travel car seat last spring while trying to sort out a car seat for a three-month stay in Sicily. My husband was working in Taormina for several months and our 20-month-old toddler and I were flying over to join him. After spending nearly a decade traversing the globe for my former job as a travel editor, the trip was unnerving me in a way that felt surprising. My son was born at the beginning of the pandemic, so our adventures had been limited to places we could drive. Flying long-distance on my own with such a young child felt like entirely new territory; I wanted to make sure we had the proper gear .

I’m a big researcher to begin with but tend to go the extra mile when it comes to travel or parenting , so I spent quite a few hours online trying to suss out my options. My initial takeaway: the more obvious travel-friendly car seats were not going to work. My son was tall and slim for his age and too long for the now-ubiquitous Doona . He didn’t weigh enough for the RideSafer vest , a conveniently compact option that lets young kids safely use a regular seat belt but has a 30-pound minimum. The widely beloved and gloriously inexpensive Cosco Scenera Next hit the “lightweight” criteria at just under ten pounds, but it isn’t especially compact, and I worried it would be a hassle to carry. We weren’t renting a vehicle, so booking a car seat through an agency wouldn’t be an option. And I didn’t want to lug our wonderful but extremely heavy Nuna Rava through the airport, let alone install it in the occasional taxi once we arrived. At 27 pounds, it literally weighed more than my child.

Looking for advice, I turned to women I’d met through Mysha , a platform where mothers-to-be can join “pods” with others who are delivering around the same time. A few folks in my pod swore by the WAYB. It seemed ideal: lightweight at only eight pounds, compact, fits in an overhead compartment, has a five-point harness, and most important, passes all U.S. safety standards for motor vehicles and planes . I was sold, until I saw that the WAYB is recommended for kids aged 2 years and up who weigh between 22 and 50 pounds and are between 30 and 45 inches tall. My son wasn’t big enough, so I mentally filed it away for future travels and reluctantly made plans to buy a car seat in Sicily.

Fast-forward a few months and the WAYB was an obvious purchase as my family prepared to fly to France for a wedding. Our journey from Connecticut to Provence and back would include Ubers, airplanes , taxis, trains, and a car rental. Having a car seat that I knew was safe, comfortable for my son, and easy to carry and install was really important to me. Not only was I drawn to the sleek design and quality materials — the WAYB is made of aerospace-grade aluminum and a responsibly sourced poly-wool mesh — I didn’t want to worry about booking car services with car seats or wonder what we’d do if our luggage got lost along the way.

At $380, the WAYB car seat isn’t cheap, but one of the key differences between it and other travel car seats is that it folds in half, making for an extremely compact piece of equipment. The brand’s marketing photos even show parents toting it around on the handles of their carry-on . With more solo mother-son trips in my not-too-distant future, I knew additional carry-on items would need to be small and light enough for me to manage on my own, so I decided to also spring for the Deluxe Pico Travel Bag . It costs an additional $80 but lets you wear the seat like a backpack and keeps it neatly tucked away from airport germs. There’s extra space inside, too — enough to fit my son’s mini Fjällräven . The two items combined were an investment for sure, but we travel frequently and the price-per-use ratio would ultimately be less expensive, and provide way more peace of mind, than renting a car seat.

Before we left, I practiced installing the WAYB in our car. I also had my son try out the seat so I could size the straps to his body. An instruction manual is helpfully placed in the back pocket, but I prefer this installation video and bookmarked it on my phone for easy access. The process was relatively easy; the most difficult part was installing the side connectors to the LATCH system in our car, but I find that to be hard with standard car seats too. Once we set out on our trip, the WAYB established itself as a game-changer. I installed it in our Uber to the airport in a matter of minutes. My son was happy and content in his new seat and I felt a sense of ease knowing that he would have a safe car seat for the duration of our trip. At the airport, the WAYB was so light that I was easily able to chase him through the hallways of JFK with it strapped on my back.  

Car seats are free to carry on, so we didn’t have to pay extra to keep it with us on our flight. (We stashed it in the overhead bin, but it’s also FAA-approved for use in an airplane seat.) Once we arrived in Paris, I loved that we could take an airport taxi to the train station and didn’t need to pre-book a car service with a car seat. Both the taxi in Paris and our car rental in Provence had the LATCH system, but should you find yourself in a vehicle that does not have this feature, the car seat can also be installed using a lap and shoulder belt or a lap-only seat belt .

We’ve now used the WAYB several times since that first trip — while visiting my in-laws in Michigan and on another visit to Paris. It’s also become a great backup car seat to use locally: My 2-year-old niece was able to borrow it when my brother brought her to visit over the summer. This spring, we will be taking it to Thailand, where my husband is working on another months-long project. Knowing that I have a safe and reliable car seat for my now 3½-year-old son to use while we’re there feels like a full-circle moment.

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WAYB Pico Forward-Facing Car Seat

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Customer Reviews

It is a stellar choice for families prioritizing safety and convenience. Its lightweight yet sturdy construction, coupled with easy installation and compact design, make it ideal for travel and everyday use.

We traveled with this for the first time using the carrying backpack and it was so easy! Gate checked the backpack and used the car seat in a rental car for a week. Lightweight, easy to place and remove from car quickly!

Small and compact but sturdy and solid

I bought this product during the Black Friday sale. The color I chose was on back order until January. Customer service reached out proactively and offered to swap colors for earlier shipment and matching the sale price of the color that I chose. Although I prefer the original color that I selected, but I rather get the product asap. The new color is actually more expensive than the one I selected.

I love this car seat for travel. It’s compact and lightweight. It easily hooks to the back of my suitcase and wheels through the airport with ease. I do keep it in and travel with it in the bag it originally came in. The bag has held up great. Installation is simple either on the plane or car. I do wish they had a rear facing seat, just from a safety standpoint. This seat will last quite awhile for my petite 3 year old. For taller children this seat won’t last as long. We travel cross country every 6 to 12 weeks and I love this seat.

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Wayb Pico review: an expert and traveling parents weigh in (2024)

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This review of the WAYB Pico car seat is written by certified Child Passenger Safety Technician Melissa Conn and may contain affiliate links.

There are some amazing folding car seat options for older kids that make long-term travel and taxi-hopping a breeze. But until recently, parents of young kids who were too big for an infant car seat and still too small for a Ride Safer travel vest were mostly left out in the cold.

Enter: the Wayb Pico car seat . A team of parents with backgrounds in designing highly technical outdoor gear put their talents to work to design an innovative solution to this pain in the ass problem. You can see the fruits of their labor here :

You can see my quick video review of the WAYB Pico here:

Thanks to the marketing team’s prolific use of social media ads for the crowdfunding campaign, basically every traveling family in the US has seen a picture of this contraption. But with a steep price tag and some very real limitations, lots of parents have asked: is the Wayb Pico worth it? This is the most comprehensive Wayb Pico review you’ll find, so hopefully by the end you’ll be able to answer that question for yourself.

Pro tip: This is the cheapest place to buy the WAYB Pico. If you’re thinking about buying elsewhere, be sure to check the price first. Also read over my legit tips for getting a WAYB Pico discount .

Big thanks to Child Passenger Safety Technician – Instructor Courtney Levesque for providing some of her insights in this review! She’s mom to two lovely girls, who were kind enough to model for a way b car seat photo shoot. You’ll find some of Courtney’s feedback and photos as well as my own in the in-depth review of the Pico portable car seat below, followed by some  amazing real-world feedback  and Wayb Pico reviews from some of our parents who have been traveling with the  Wayb Pico  and covering a wide range of situations.

Is the Wayb Pico safe? The  Wayb Pico passes all federal safety testing , just like traditional car seats. But there are always subjective elements to car seats that may be in the eye of the beholder (whether kid or grown up): fit, ease of installation, price tag. Since every family has different kids and different needs, I also asked a few of our readers to weigh in with their thoughts after traveling with the Wayb Pico – you can find their reviews at the end of the article.

Check out our detailed expert Wayb Pico car seat review below:

What is the Wayb Pico car seat? 

The Wayb Pico car seat is a forward-facing foldable 5-point harness carseat. It’s currently certified for use in the USA and conforms to FMVSS213 – despite its small form factor, the Wayb Pico car seat safety standards are the same as traditional car seats sold in this country. It can be installed and used in both cars and airplanes. It retails for $380 USD and there’s a new-and-improved for 2023 carry bag available that costs an extra $95. Reader Annie uses this bag for her Pico and says it works great!

It’s about as light as other lightweight car seats for 3 year olds and 4 year olds , but its super power is that it folds in half for easy transportation.

Just how compact is the WAYB Pico? This lovely girl from our Facebook group is 40″ tall and you can see how tiny the Pico is next to her.

It’s also so compact that it fit perfectly under the bed in a cruise ship stateroom! It’s the best harnessed car seat for a cruise if your child is 2+ years old for that reason alone.

The photo below should give you a sense for what it’s like to travel with the WAYB Pico. You can see my brother-in-law casually slinging it from one shoulder while carrying a bunch of other stuff and paying attention to a kid! It’s basically the size of a large daypack.

Who is the Wayb Pico meant for?

The Wayb Pico can be used by children who are 22-50 pounds and 30-45 inches tall. The child must be at least 1 year old, but Wayb recommends the child be at least 2 years old to use the Pico. The seat is 14.5 inches wide and only weighs 8 pounds ! Because it’s so narrow, this is also a good car seat for three-across situations.

Above you can see my petite 2 year old niece riding in the WAYB Pico. She fits perfectly and will use it for several years to come. As you can see, it’s an ideal car seat for 3 across in the back of my 2022 Toyota Sienna and even allowed the older kids to use full-sized booster seats with room to spare.

In general, she’s not a fan of riding in a car seat (nor modeling them for me). But as you can see above, the Pico was comfortable enough that she had a nice long nap during a shore excursion on our family cruise!

Courtney tried out the Pico with her 4.5 year old daughter who is small for her age at 39 inches and 30 pounds. She has outgrown the Cosco Scenera Next that she used to use for travel, but is not old enough to use a booster seat. Since the FAA recommends children under 40 pounds use a 5-point harness car seat on a plane , she wanted something light and compact like the Pico instead of using a bulkier traditional car seat. The Pico seat is mesh stretched around a metal frame. It reminds me of a fancy office chair. 

Here’s my favorite model testing out the WAYB Pico just after age 5. He’s average height and weight for his age but with a slightly long torso and you can see that he’s basically and the harness height limit. The crotch buckle position was also a little snug for him.

The harness height is non-adjustable and is approximately 16 inches from the seat bottom. For the high Wayb Pico price tag, it has a fairly low harness height and will be outgrown for most kids by height before weight.  For reference, the harness height is the same as the Cosco Onlook and 1″ shorter than the Cosco Mighty Fit 65 and the Cosco Finale DX .

It’s important to know that the WAYB Pico harness adjusts differently than most other car seats. Instead of a center adjuster strap between the feet, you tighten and loosen each side at your child’s hip. It’s really important that you raise the headrest to at least position 2 and tighten the harness properly.

The short crotch buckle is one of the disadvantages of the WAYB Pico. The crotch buckle sits approximately 4.5 inches from the back of the seat (this is the equivalent distance of the middle slot on the Cosco Scenera Next ). Courtney’s daughter found it uncomfortable to have the buckle that close to her. The edges of the buckle tongues would poke her legs if she sat with them straight. Crossing her legs made the fit a bit comfier, but she complained about it the entire time they were trying it out.

Wayb Pico  install details

The Pico is shipped fully assembled and folded into its compact state. To use the seat, you need to unfold it, lock the seat bottom in place with the red metal hook, and raise the headrest. It’s a very quick process and pretty simple.

The  Wayb Pico  forward facing car seat can be installed using LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children), or using the seatbelt and top tether. Since the Pico is a forward facing only car seat, there is only one belt path, marked by two red guides on the frame.

Wayb recommends  using LATCH whenever possible , since it tends to be an easier installation method. The lower anchor strap is permanently threaded through the frame and has a single adjuster on one side of the belt. The push-on lower anchors have handy storage spots right on the frame and are easy to disconnect and connect. Courtney didn’t have too much trouble installing the Pico in several different locations in my 2016 Honda Odyssey using LATCH. It even fit on the 2nd row center seat, which is only 14 inches wide. I have installed it easily with LATCH in my 2022 Toyota Sienna and even in a random tour van on St. Thomas!

Installation with the seatbelt can be a bit difficult depending on the seatbelt configuration. When installing with seat belt, only the lap portion of the belt goes into the guides, and the shoulder portion sits in front of them. The red belt guides are quite narrow. The seat belt tended to bunch and get caught in the guides when trying to tighten. Pulling the belt tight and then sliding it into one belt guide, then, while continuing to hold tension, sliding the belt into the second guide did help. It even took Courtney a few tries to get an acceptably tight install.

Watch this video to see a demonstration of how to install the Wayb Pico with a seatbelt:

In the Honda Odyssey, the captains chair seatbelts have an extra flap of webbing (to prevent the latch plate from falling all the way down), and that presented some challenges when Courtney attempted to install the Pico. The flap of webbing wanted to sit right where the belt guide was, and the opening in the belt guide was not big enough for it to fit through. She was able to slide the entire vehicle seat forward, which fixed the problem.

I pushed the WAYB Pico seatbelt installation to its limits when I installed it in the 3rd row center of my Toyota Sienna. The buckles back there are quite close to the vehicle seat and the one for the adjacent seat (not shown, but to the left in the photo below) rotates up and down for use/storage and has no flexibility at all – that really limits the position of the Pico. You can see below that I just managed to fit the seat in between the two buckles. There was some swearing involved for sure. Removing the LATCH connectors from their storage position gave me a few extra millimeters to work with but isn’t recommended. This installation may be ugly, but it worked for a near-impossible 3-across car seat situation and was safe.

Installing the WAYB Pico with the seatbelt in my captain’s chairs was a cake walk by comparison. Just watch for extra slack in the seatbelt.

Always remember to lock the seatbelt when installing a car seat with a seatbelt. For most North American vehicles, the belt will lock at the retractor or at the latch plate. For vehicles with non-locking belts, a locking clip will be needed – read all about locking clips (including when you do and don’t need them). The Pico manual does have tips on how to lock the belt.

Whether installing with the lower anchors or the seat belt, always use the top tether (if available). It’s always a good idea to test out a car seat and practice installing it at home before you travel!

Can the Wayb Pico be used on planes?  The Wayb Pico is  FAA approved , and can be used for all portions of flight on airlines that follow FAA regulations. Non-US airlines set their own rules, so you’ll need to check with your specific carrier to see if they allow forward-facing car seats.

My niece recently rode in the WAYB Pico on a plane and it was smooth sailing. Since planes have a lap belt, you simply put the airplane seatbelt into both guides and pull the tail of the seatbelt to tighten. A nice feature of the Pico car seat is the mesh seat fabric that sits in front of the frame. The buckle of the seatbelt would not poke the child in the back.  Woohoo!

See how easy it is to install the Wayb Pico on an airplane:

The  Wayb Pico  cannot be installed using an inflatable seat belt (in a vehicle or plane). In theory you’re allowed to disable the air bag using a seatbelt extender, but the bulk of the air bag in the seatbelt will be too much to get the belt through the guides. If you’re assigned to a seat with an inflatable seatbelt, you can always ask to be moved; however, most main cabin/economy seats should be fine since they usually have regular belts. It’s always a good idea to talk to the airline if you have any questions or concerns about the plane’s seating.

How does the Pico compare to two other popular travel seats?  

Here you can see the Cosco Finale on the left, Wayb Pico in the center, and Cosco Scenera Next on the right. (Please note that the harness covers on the Next are approved for use and were purchased directly from Cosco). All three seats are approximately the same weight. 

The Scenera is the only one of these three options that rear faces, which is the safest option for a 2 or 3 year old. But the Scenera is typically outgrown around 37-38″ in both directions . By contrast, the Pico and Finale are forward facing only seats that will last average kids to 5 and 6 years old respectfully.

Other thoughts and improvements

To improve longevity, it would be really helpful to position the crotch buckle even 0.5″ further forward on the seat.

I’d like to see a grab handle on the side of the frame. It would make it easier to carry. There isn’t a great place to grab the frame where you can put your fingers around it. Adding a grab handle would make it really easy to quickly grab the seat and carry it off of a plane.

It would be nice if there was an extra strap or fabric piece on the back of the seat to act as a luggage handle pass through. Thinking about the process of de-planing, it would be nice to just quickly slip it on top of a rolling carry on, and not have to fold it to its most compact form and put it in a bag or something. 

This is totally a personal preference, but I’d rather see the square IMMI buckle and square chest clip on the seat, instead of the circle button one. I find the square one easier to use.

Seatbelt installation would be easier in tight spaces if the lower anchors stored mid-way up the seat frame instead of at the bottom.

Wayb Pico reviews from traveling families

Since every family’s needs are different when it comes to travel car seats, I asked some members of our amazing Facebook community to tell us about their real-world experiences traveling with the Wayb Pico. Is it really as good as advertised? Or is the short crotch buckle a deal-breaker? Let’s see what real-world traveling families think in these Wayb reviews:

Wayb Pico car seat review from Leemor K., used WAYB car seat on a family gap year with three young kids:

I love the Wayb Pico but I also think my situation is unique. If I was taking the standard once-a-year vacation, I would not have bought it because it’s really pricey and it’s not the kind of car seat that I would use for every day (hard for a kid to nap in it). But for a round the world trip , it is a godsend.

It is so light, and incredibly easy to use, carry, and install , and my average size 2yo seems to be very comfortable in it. I also have an average size 4yo girl and she’s comfortable in it, too.

I commented in some social media groups that I chose the Wayb over the Immi Go car seat because a top tether is not required for installation, and a car seat lady gave me a whole shpiel about why a top tether is important. I get it, it’s important. The Wayb has it. But as you know, when you travel in countries where car seats are optional, you don’t get the benefit of top tethers in taxis/cars/shuttles. So at least I am able to put my 2 year old in a device that keeps him far safer than the alternative (my lap). I could not do that with the Immi Go. If you’re debating Immi Go vs Wayb Pico for your family, think hard about what types of destinations you’ll be visiting with your kids.

The bag that it comes with is very roomy and I can fit a lot in it in addition to the car seat.

Wayb review rom Candace H.-S., semi-full-time traveler at The World School :

My son is almost 4 (he had just turned 3 when I bought the seat) and is right about 50% in both height and weight (about 39 inches and 32 pounds). After watching how my checked car-seat was treated (and seeing the damage to the padded backpack it was traveling in), and a few scares of arriving at my destination and thinking that my car seat had been among the lost luggage, I am now really hesitant to check a car seat when I fly, and that was one of the deciding factors in purchasing this seat.

We do slow travel, and last year we traveled for more than 6 months of the year. I had used the Cosco Scenera Next and also the Cosco Apt 50 seats previously on travels, along with the JL Childress padded car seat backpack . While it’s great for single-destination trips, I did NOT want to travel on trains with that thing.

This year I had planned a pretty involved 3-month trip through Italy , France , and Spain , and so I ordered the WayB Pico during their crowdfunding campaign back in November of 2018. After anxiously getting every update on delayed shipping, contacting the company and begging to be among the first seats sent, and waiting and tracking it’s progress across the ocean on the slowest freight ship ever to see if it would arrive here in Dominican Republic in time for our trip, it arrived literally as we were getting on the bus to go the the airport. I was pretty stoked to be getting it but I had NO time to prepare, read instructions, etc.

We unpacked it, stuck it in the backpack it came with, and were off! I was relieved, because we had already gifted our Cosco car seat to another family member, and our backup plan was the Ride Safer vest .

The Wayb travel car seat is really lightweight and it fits in a nice backpack . It is easy to transport. The backpack has a strap that allows it to attach to the handle of your rolling luggage. It is really handy. I had no problems taking it as carry-on on multiple flights, it is easy to store in the overhead bin on even budget carriers.

I did get some questions about our Pico carseat at checkin at the airports. My child did not sit in it on any flight. We used it in rental cars in Italy, France , and Spain using the built-in lower anchors with no problem. I think maybe in older vehicles it may be harder to install, but we had only new vehicles and had no problems. I did not use the seatbelt installation. It was a little challenging to get it tight but still easier than other seats. I do feel like the tightening process could be improved upon.

The seat seems well-designed. We don’t usually travel by car at home and so my child is not accustomed to riding in car seats for long durations, always previously with other seats (Cosco and others) after a while he would complain and I’ve never seen him sleep well in another seat. This seat seems less like a ‘contraption’ and more like an extension of the regular seat (maybe because of the fabric, the low profile, the black color, same as the car seats) and so he readily climbed in.

It was easy enough to tighten the straps. Some others have said that the WAYB carseat crotch strap is kind of short, and it is, but it didn’t seem to bother my child but I found it a bit of a challenge to buckle/unbuckle without ‘smashing him’ unless I loosened the straps first (and in reverse, loosened the straps before I put him in, buckle the buckle, then tighten them).

My son found it comfortable, the shoulder straps appeared kind of high up on the seat, but he was secure in them with no wiggle room. I thought he might be uncomfortable from the straps but he fell asleep several times and the higher straps seemed to hold him/his head in place better than any other seat. He fell asleep in this seat much more than in any other seat we’ve used. We used it on short and long drives, up to about 3 hours at a time.

I’d say that this is my favorite seat to travel with by far of any that we’ve used. It takes a bit of ‘figuring out’ to get it back together and back in the bag. I think a novice traveler might find it overwhelming if they didn’t practice ahead of time.

Wayb Pico travel car seat review from Becca C., casual vacationer:

My daughter is 3.5 and small for her age at about 29 lbs. We’ve used the Way b Pico on short drives (2 hours or less). When she first used it, she had trouble sleeping in it but then figured out to tip her head back and now sleeps in it fine.

I like it because my daughter is a bit small for the Ride Safer vest and I prefer a more rigid device than the vest. I’d prefer if it could rear face as well, but for limited travel use, I will deal with forward facing. My husband greatly prefers its size and portability to our previous travel seat . We have not yet used it as a child restraint on a plane, but intend to do so on our next trip. We have also tried the CARES harness ( full review here ), but she slides out of that one and basically ends up waking up when it rides up so far it chokes her a bit.

Wayb car seat review from Natalie H., business travel family:

I really like the Way B Pico car seat . My daughter is 2 years old I think around 35″ tall and weighs 26 lbs.

Pros: it’s super lightweight and the backpack makes it easy to bring with us on trips. Super quick to set up in taxis/Uber’s on the go which is nice. The video and directions are easy to follow.

We went to Germany and needed the locking clip , the company will send them to you if you request them and the turnaround time is super fast. Their customer service is texted based which I actually like since it’s a quick reply from them.

The biggest con, besides the WAYB Pico recall, is my daughter doesn’t sleep comfortably in it since it is a low profile it doesn’t have cozy head rest for her but we also only used it for small trip so I can prop her head with a small blanket if she falls asleep with no problem (she gets motion sick so we give her meds sometimes that make her drowsy) .

WAYB review from Inza M. of SinCityMama :

We love our Pico travel car seat by WAYB. We use it during flights and in rideshares / rental cars. Super easy to transport. My 4yo daughter doesn’t complain about it being uncomfortable or anything and naps in it just fine.

Conclusion: is the Wayb Pico worth buying?

The Wayb Pico is revolutionary, but it might not be right for every family. If your typical family vacation pattern involves traveling for a week or two per year within the US to places where you’ll rent a car, you might be better served by sticking with one of these awesome lightweight convertible car seats for a younger child or a Ride Safer travel vest for an older one.

But if one of these describes your family, the Pico WAYB car seat could be an amazing option for you: -You live in (or frequently visit) an urban area and need to take Ubers/taxis often -You’re planning on extended travel like a family gap year, especially with time in the developing world -You don’t mind the price for the sake of convenience (or have more kids/cousins to pass it down to)

If the Wayb Pico had been available when our kids were 3 years old, I would absolutely have purchased it for our family’s trip around the world!

Where to get your own Wayb Pico

There aren’t many WAYB Pico car seat stores out there, and it’s been popular enough that sometimes stock runs low. Check these places to find one for your family:

• Albeebaby (generous rewards program)
• Pish Posh Baby
• Nordstrom (best return policy)
• Amazon (this is usually the most expensive)

WAYB accessories

WAYB has broadened their line of innovative family travel accessories. Some of them are specifically for the Pico, while others are awesome for families even if they’re using a different car seat solution.

WAYB Pico accessories:

• WAYB Pico Carry Bag (this is the latest, updated version)
• Deluxe Pico Travel Bag (slightly more basic than the one above)
• Vehicle Seat Protector (approved for use with the Pico + attaches to the Pico and folds with it)
• Cup holder (helpful if you’re flying with the Pico and then taking a long road trip)

WAYB Read to Roam series:

• Ready to Roam tote
• Ready to Roam catchall (attached to the discontinued backpack above, but I also sometimes use it as a belt bag on its own)
• Ready to Roam mini cooler

Key stats: -Weight 8lbs -Max harness height 16.5″ -Forward-facing size limits: 22-50lbs, 30-45″, recommended 2+ years old minimum

Pros: ✔ Compact ✔ Easy to install ✔ Keeps kids harnessed ✔ FAA-approved to use on flights ✔ Can install without top tether ✔ Narrowest car seat on the market

Cons: ✘ High price ✘ Low height limit ✘ Crotch strap too short for some kids ✘ Top tether strap too short for some cars (can request an extension)

WAYB Pico FAQs

Yes. The WAYB Pico passes all required FMVSS 213 testing for use in the United States. Individual car seat crash test results are not public information in the US.

Folding the WAYB Pico only takes about thirty seconds! You’ll lower the headrest back to the storage position and then pull the little latch at the back of the seating area to fold the seat behind the back. If you’re a visual learner, check out this helpful video of folding the WAYB Pico .

Since the WAYB Pico fabric is integrated with the frame of the car seat, you’ll spot clean and let it air dry. You can towel off any excess water from the metal frame.

In fall 2019, WAYB voluntarily recalled some of the earliest production WAYB Pico carseat model numbers. The WAYB recall was focused on headrest support tubes that broke in a small number of cases. There have been no subsequent issues with the Pico facing forward car seat.

At this time the WAYB Pico is only approved in the USA.

Yes, the WAYB Pico is FAA approved and makes an ideal airplane car seat.

Unfortunately the IMMI Go has been discontinued. But for the sake of posterity since some people still ask me… The IMMI Go and WAYB Pico weight about the same amount and fold down to similar sizes. The IMMI Go has the advantages that it fits somewhat larger kids and eventually converts to a backless booster seat (though that’s not a crucial feature since travel booster seats are light and portable). However, the IMMI Go requires a top tether ; it won’t function without one, which makes it useless in developing countries where top tethers are hard to come by and it’s also not FAA-approved.

What do you think of the Wayb Pico? Feel free to share your experiences in the comments!

21 thoughts on “Wayb Pico review: an expert and traveling parents weigh in (2024)”

There is a recall for some of the WayB Pico seats right now. Their customer service team is slow to respond, which is unfortunate.

Hi Laura, Thanks for stopping by! The recall occurred in fall of 2019, but fortunately the newly redesigned product has been available since mid-December 🙂 If you’re having trouble getting in touch with the company, try their Facebook page. I’ve found them very responsive on that channel.

Best, Melissa

This looks like such a great product. Unfortunately for me, my son is too big for it. We need the 5 point but are looking for the low profile design like this. Any recommendations for a next-size up item?

Thanks for stopping by! How old is your son and what are his height and weight? I’m happy to help you pick 🙂

Does it recline?

Hi Jennifer,

The WAYB Pico does not recline. Unfortunately (off the top of my head) all of the seats that are under 10-12lbs just have a single position for forward facing.

Safe travels, Melissa

Hi – your discount code does not work on their website, I’m receiving an error, has it expired? Loved the detail of the review.

Hi Jacqueline,

Thanks for stopping by! The updated coupon code is ‘VOYAGE10’ and it’s good for a 10% discount site-wide. Sorry for any confusion, I just swapped them yesterday and it looks like I had missed a few spots.

What travel seat would you recommend for a 39 pound 43” 6yo? She’s very petite! 🙂

Sorry, I’m just seeing your question! Here are some great travel car seats for 6 year olds to consider. I would stick with the first few, as she’s under the weight minimum for safe booster riding. In particular, you may want to check out the Ride Safer Travel Vest – full review here .

Hi Melissa,

Thanks for this super useful post!

I understand that the seat doesn’t recline itself. But if the plane seat reclines, does Pico recline with it? I’m planning to take a car seat in a 10 hour night flight and really need something that my 2 year old can sleep on comfortably.

I’m sorry, I’m just seeing your question! No the Pico doesn’t recline unfortunately. I’d recommend a rear-facing seat for more comfortable sleeping in-flight. If you haven’t already, check out these travel car seats for 2 year olds . Unfortunately they don’t fold. Don’t worry, I’ve started pestering my friends at WAYB to create a rear-facing folding option. I think there’s a big market for it!

Safe travels,

I think this is the only reason why I am not purchasing this, I constantly travel cross country with my 20 month old and NEED something comfy for him to sleep in. It would be game changer if they can figure this out

Hi Carolina,

Thanks for stopping by! Ideally before 2 years old your son will still be rear facing – that’ll give him a comfy recline, and he can continue rear facing on the plane until he hits the manufacturer’s limit for his seat. A recline mechanism for the Pico would definitely add to the weight and bulk. I also found that by the time they were 3-4 my kids didn’t sleep nearly as much on planes (unfortunately).

Let me know if you need a different suggestion for your little globetrotter!

Thank you so much for this write up, I’ve been looking at the Pico for a while now and I’m finally going to give it a try because of your reviews. Does the 10% discount still work? I’m trying to enter “VOYAGE10” into their site (I got there by way of your link) and it’s not allowing me to use it.

Thanks for stopping by. Unfortunately we had to end that promotion a few days ago 🙁 We’ve been discussing a new promotion to start sometime in July, so if you aren’t in too much of a rush you can wait and take advantage of that. So sorry!

Hi Melissa, Did you ever get a new code for the wayb? I’m considering it for my 2.5 yr old son (37″, and 30lbs currently, will be 1 month shy of 3yrs at trip). Still trying to figure out what to get for my daughter for travel since we won’t uninstall her convertible seat – she will be 8 months for our trip (currently 4months, just turned 12lbs, 24″. Trip to Maui, Hawaii but another trip planned 6 months later to Mexico….so ideally seats that would work for travel for both.

Hi! I’m seriously considering this seat for an upcoming international flight with my 2 year old. This not her first flight but now that she is no longer a lap infant and more wiggly/energized, I have a couple minor hesitations that make me a little concerned with the price point. It would be AWESOME if there was another promotion that was going on to shave a little off and help me make the decision. Any such promotion going on now?

Thanks for your informative article! M

I wish I could help you out but WAYB has stopped running discounts due to heavy demand. They offer freebies with purchase now and then (like Black Friday ) but otherwise you’ll generally just get the best deal by shopping direct .

My family will be taking an Alaska Cruise Tour this year and we are trying to decide which seat to buy. Our daughter will be 3 1/2 years old and 39 inches tall and weigh 37 lbs. We plan on doing some excursions and will be in Denali on the bus tour. I have read your blog on Alaska’s requirements and am torn between the WAYB Pico and the Ride Safer Travel Vest. We would like to keep the seat small and these 2 seem to fit the bill the best. What would you recommend?

Thanks, Jeff

Thanks for stopping by! What is the transportation for the land portion of the cruise tour? If it’s bus or train, I’d consider the Ride Safer – in this review you can grab a discount and see some comparisons between XS and S. Since one of you will always be next to her on excursions, you can ensure fit and positioning plus it’ll be easier to carry around.

If you’ll be riding in cars or vans around Alaska, at that age I think the WAYB Pico is the better choice. It’s more supportive and you don’t have to worry constantly about your kiddo staying in position. It’s generally cheapest if you buy direct , and families love the newer deluxe backpack to carry it around.

Have an amazing trip!

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This Travel Car Seat Is Completely Worth the Splurge

Afar parents, tired of schlepping giant car seats on trips, say the compact wayb pico travel car seat is a game changer..

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The eight-pound WAYB Pico Portable Car Seat folds into a compact unit for easy carrying.

Courtesy of WAYB

Welcome to AFAR Approved: a deep dive into the travel items that we’re totally obsessed with, never leave behind, and can’t stop telling our friends about.

As challenging as traveling with babies and toddlers can be, the benefits and rewards of bringing our mini voyagers along with us on the road are undeniable. The tantrums, while brutal, are short lived, and the memories last forever. Like so many families, we have missed our flight-fueled adventures, and the people and places they brought us to, enormously throughout the pandemic.

But there is one thing we didn’t miss—the car seat dilemma. Ugh .

For families just starting to get back into the skies or who are planning future travels, two AFAR staffers who moonlight as moms reveal there’s a better way to go than strapping a behemoth car seat to your back. Meet the WAYB Pico travel car seat .

WAYB Pico Portable Car Seat Review

Buy Now: WAYB Pico Portable Car Seat, $380, wayb.com (and backpack carrier, $50, wayb.com )

Michelle Baran, AFAR’s senior travel news editor: Earlier this summer, we were overjoyed to finally get back into the air, flying from California to visit much-missed family in North Carolina. But with two kids under the age of six in tow, we had to find a better way to keep them safe than bringing their enormous day-to-day car seats with us. We have been down that road—with a 25-pound Chicco NextFit Zip Convertible Car Seat strapped to our backs and a 9.6-pound Chicco Bravo Travel System car seat (plus a 7-pound base) clicked into a stroller. Never again. Carrying those monsters (the car seats, not the kids) in addition to everything else we’re schlepping while traveling with small kids (who are no help with said schlepping) is the straw that breaks the parents’ backs.

Don’t let the smile fool you. AFAR’s Michelle Baran used to travel with a 25-pound car seat—never again, she says.

Photo by Jonathan Baran

The good news is that our tall-for-his-age son Niko (age five) was in the clear with only a booster seat—we just detached the backless booster from his Graco TurboBooster Highback booster car seat . (Even these can be kind of a pain to bring along, but when compared to an entire car seat it is hard to complain.) But for our two-year-old daughter, Catalina, we needed to find a solution. First, we looked into the option of renting one through the Enterprise car rental agency in Raleigh, North Carolina, or from an independent baby and toddler gear rental outfit such as Baby’s Away . Both were a bust. There just weren’t any available for our dates (we traveled over Fourth of July week). It’s hard enough to nab a rental car at all this summer , let alone find a rental car company with decent available car seats.

After a few late nights spent researching travel car seats until I was bleary eyed, I zeroed in on—and admittedly became obsessed with—the 8-pound WAYB Pico Portable Car Seat . Many car seats weigh double or triple that. It folds into a compact 11.6 x 14.5 x 18.9-inch unit, basically the size of a medium camping backpack, that’s easy enough to lift on its own, and better still when stowed in a backpack carrier you can buy for an additional $50. As someone who has traveled alone with the kids and had to mount a full-sized car seat on my back, this is life altering.

The WAYB Pico Portable Car Seat (far left) is a lightweight game changer for traveling families.

Photo by Michelle Baran

Laura Dannen Redman, AFAR’s digital content director: Michelle and I practically had to arm wrestle to decide who would write this WAYB Pico review. Ever since I interviewed the founders back in 2018 when their patent was pending, I’ve been marveling at how handy my WAYB—which stands for “Way Better”—has been. Living up to the hype, indeed. This front-facing car seat was created by Michael Crooke, Patagonia’s former CEO from 1999 to 2005; I.S. Jung, a South Korean manufacturer who helped Crooke revolutionize Patagonia’s backpacks; and CEO Tio Jung. They used aluminum and mesh fabric instead of the more common filler, polyurethane foam, so it’s somewhat more sustainable. It all feels a little space-agey, in a good way. It’s an actual U.S.-safety and FAA-approved innovation in car seats. And as Michelle says, it changes the way parents can travel with their kids.

MB: Here’s the thing, though: The WAYB is not cheap—it’s more than six times the cost of a more affordable simple car seat such as the Cosco Scenera Next Convertible Car Seat and more than three times the price of the slightly more sophisticated Evenflo Sonus 65 Convertible Car Seat , both popular options for traveling fams. I hate spending a lot on gear like this because these life phases are so fleeting, but after comparing and mulling (and comparing and mulling), I decided to conquer my analysis paralysis with a purchase.

Best. Decision. Ever.

WAYB stands for “Way Better” and it’s true.

Obviously, a car seat is about much more than your ability to carry it. So, how did the WAYB Pico fare on a trip?

Ease of installation

MB: Car seat installation is among the biggest headaches for overtired traveling parents. After arriving at a destination totally burnt out from the flight (with the kids either fully melting down or bouncing off the walls after being cooped up on the aircraft), then struggling for 20 minutes to install the dang car seats . . . well, there is no drink too strong. Full disclosure: When I travel with my husband, I hand this part entirely and shamelessly over to him—this is where he shines. Based on his observations, there were some pros and cons to installing the WAYB.

• It’s lightweight, so less cumbersome than its Graco/Chicco/insert your favorite car seat brand here counterpart.
• It folds and unfolds easily.
• It has click-in/click-out anchors on each side, as well as a hook that you attach to the anchor on the back of the seat (so you’ll need to do some seat climbing/body contorting).
• While tightening the straps is pretty easy, loosening them isn’t as seamless as with larger car seats that have convenient release buttons. There are release buttons but they’re a bit tougher to engage. All told, the WAYB is relatively simple to install once you get the hang of it (there are easy-to-follow pictographs on the actual car seat itself).

Comfort and fit

MB: What the WAYB gains in compact size and ease of transportation, it loses a bit in comfort. The seat base (where kids put their rump) is minimal and almost flat—a unique combination of a mesh fabric and aluminum frame makes it soft and springy without the bulk—so that means your kids will be very low. Our daughter was totally cool with her new low-riding position and actually thought it was kind of funny, but I could see how some kids might get frustrated when they lose their vantage point out the window. There are also no cup holders if that’s of importance to you.

Two-year-old Catalina Baran wakes up from a car nap in the WAYB Pico car seat.

Our daughter was able to nap in the WAYB just fine, though it was clearly not as cozy as her usual ride (a Chicco NextFit Zip Convertible Car Seat , which we highly recommend for around town and longer road trips), where she is in more of a cradle position. In the WAYB she did the neck-slumped-forward thing (versus fully leaning back or to the side) and could sleep that way rather well for up to an hour or two, but it wasn’t the fully knocked-out sleep she gets in the Chicco.

The bottom line

LDR: We went from using the WAYB Pico when we take big trips to now throwing it in the back of Ubers to get around New York City regularly. We now have two Picos, for our two-year-old and four-year-old.

MB: The WAYB changed how we pack and fly with the kids, especially when we’re going to a destination where we’ll need to drive once we land. (Honestly, when we’re with the kids, that’s basically everywhere.) For an extra $50, we bought the lightweight backpack carrier for the WAYB. While it’s still one more thing to carry, it’s at least a much lighter option than the vast majority of car seats. We will happily take the WAYB with us on all flights going forward for as long as our daughter needs to be in a car seat. The one caveat is that if you’re flying somewhere where you will then be road tripping—so driving for hours on end—the WAYB may not be the most comfortable option. For us, we’re usually either road tripping from home (and can head out with our comfy bulky car seats) or we’re flying somewhere where we’ll drive a bit but not for countless hours—for that kind of travel, the WAYB is ideal.

WAYB Pico Review: Why This Car Seat is Game-Changing for Family Travelers

By: Author Leslie Harvey

Posted on Published: September 12, 2022

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Since having my first child over 13 years ago, I began my love/hate relationship with car seats. While they do an important job in keeping my children safe, they are also a major hassle for frequent travelers like me. If you’ve ever lugged a heavy car seat down an airplane aisle or struggled with what to do when you needed to take an Uber or Lyft with a toddler , I’m sure you feel my pain.

I’ve been on a mission the last decade to find the most compact travel car seat products to make my family’s travel logistics easier. While there have been compact travel boosters like the BubbleBum and mifold, until a few years ago, there was no truly travel-friendly car seat on the market with a 5 point harness that worked for younger children.

So when I saw a Google ad in 2018 that a company named WAYB was working on a super-compact 5 point harness car seat for kids ages 2-5, I might have gotten irrationally excited. I immediately emailed the company to get all the details.

(Trips With Tykes uses affiliate links which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through links in this post. See our full disclosure policy linked in the menu at the bottom of this site.)

The new seat – called the WAYB Pico – was released in spring 2019. Due my ridiculous enthusiasm at the time, I was able to get one of the first car seats off the manufacturing line (thanks WAYB for sending me a complimentary sample). I used it with my own then 5 year old to test it out at home in a variety of vehicles and circumstances. I also took it on some travels to Hawaii on Southwest , bringing it aboard for storage in the airplane overhead bin and use in our ground transportation between our hotel and the airport.

Since that time, I’ve heard from dozens of friends and readers who have used the WAYB Pico in the years that have followed. In fact, Trips With Tykes contributor Joe Cheung uses it regularly with his youngest child as well. So, I now have a lot of reports and experience with the WAYB Pico at this stage.

The verdict? The WAYB Pico  is game-changing for family travelers. I only wish it had been around earlier so I could have started using it sooner with my youngest because he outgrew it (but thankfully has graduated to an even more compact booster). The only real downside to the WAYB Pico is the high price, but since the product has many non-travel uses, it can make sense to invest in one even if you don’t travel as much as my family does.

Here are all the details parents need to know about whether the WAYB Pico is the right car seat for traveling with your child.

Essential Facts about the WAYB Pico

Weight : 8 pounds

Dimensions (when folded): 11.6” deep x 14.5” wide x 18.9” tall

Age : Children ages 2-5, forward-facing only. (The seat can be used for 1 year olds as well, but WAYB recommends a minimum age of 2.)

Weight Limits : 22-50 pounds

Height Limits : 30-45 inches tall (or whenever the shoulder straps are above the level of your child’s shoulders)

Install Method : LATCH or seatbelt path

Colors : Earth, Jet, Golden Hour, Midnight Sky, Slate

Price : $380

Optional extras : Pico Travel bag – $50, Deluxe Travel Bag – $80, Vehicle seat protector – $45, Pico cup holder – $35 (NEW)

WAYB Pico Car Seat Set Up & Installation

What makes the WAYB Pico unique is that it folds up for significant space savings. The seat is constructed of aluminum and mesh to keep it lightweight too. The bottom part of the car seat (on which your child sits) flips around behind the back of the seat and locks into place for a more compact size.

To use the car seat, you flip the bottom around and lock it into place with a red clip. You can then adjust the headrest to the proper height for your child. Once the bottom is locked into place and headrest is set, the rest of the installation process will pretty familiar for parents used to installing other forward facing car seats. There is a top tether and LATCH straps on either side that you use to strap the car seat into the car. (Seat belt installation is also possible but a little more complex.)

Getting a snug fit took me a little longer than some of the premium car seats on the market that have special features to tighten them easily. But it certainly took me no longer on average than it might with a very basic lightweight travel car seat like the Cosco Scenera NEXT .

Strapping your child into the Pico is mostly the same as with any other car seat – but with one important difference. The chest clip is the same, but to tighten the straps, you don’t pull on a single strap between your child’s legs. Instead, there are cinch pulls on either side of your child’s hips. Pull each of those to take out the slack (check out my video below for a demo).

My son complained a bit that the padded strap covers irritated his neck – they aren’t as soft as the ones on many other car seat models.

We had only one real challenge when we used the WAYB in our travels – we found that the top tether strap wasn’t quite long enough to be able to install it in a minivan bucket seat. Newer models have a longer tether so this is no longer an issue (and if you have an older one, WAYB made a top tether extender available at product launch so hopefully you have that already).

Want to see the WAYB Pico in action? Check out the demonstration and installation in this video:

What Ages and Sizes are Right for the WAYB Pico

WAYB recommends the product for ages 2-5, so you should be able to at least use it during those years. When we first tested the WAYB Pico, my son was a 5.5 year old of average height, and he still could very comfortably fit in the Pico. The recommended height maximum is 45 inches and he’s was 42.5 inches at the time. The straps were just above the level of his shoulders. As he passed his 6th birthday, he began to outgrow the seat.

So unless your child is just way off the top of the growth charts, I think it’s safe to say the Pico will work for almost all 4 year olds and many 5 year olds. That should be enough time for your child to be more mature and bigger and ready to use a travel booster instead. I certainly felt much more comfortable with my son at 6 being trusted to sit property in a booster than I did when he was age 4!

How the WAYB Pico is Amazing on Planes

So now that the basics are out of the way, here’s why I’ve been singing the praises of this car seat to traveling families for over 3 years now — the air travel possibilities. So many parents are rightfully fearful of checking their car seat with the airlines. You simply never know how the airlines will treat your car seat and whether it will sustain any damage or get lost.

On some trips, my family brought aboard our car seat for use during the flight to avoid checking it for just these reasons. But that is not without its issues too. On one trip a few years back, my son wanted nothing to do with the car seat and simply wanted to sleep on my lap. I found myself with an unused car seat taking up a ton of seat space when we needed to stretch out.

On another trip, I found the car seat positioned my son just perfectly to kick the seat in front of him repeatedly. That made for an incredibly stressful flight. There are just some times when having the car seat on board causes more hassle than it solves.

The Pico gives you so much more flexibility in dealing with both these airplane dilemmas. When packaged up in its travel bag, the seat is small enough to take onto the plane as a carry on. I had no problem fitting ours into the overhead bin of a Southwest Airlines 737-800. It’s about the same size as my usual roll-aboard suitcase.

But then if you feel you want to use the car seat on board, you have that option too. The Pico is FAA-approved for use on aircraft (several ultra-compact travel car seats are not because they have LATCH only). So if you feel your child needs the extra seat to stay restrained, you can always pull it out of the overhead bin and use it. Due to its slim size, it takes up even less space within the airplane seat than many other car seats you might bring.

Using the WAYB Pico for Uber & Lyft

The other game-changing use for the Pico is when taking ridesharing services like Lyft and Uber with kids. Except in a few select cities that have Uber Car Seat/Uber Family service , its impossible to ride in a Lyft or Uber without bringing your own car seat. It’s quite tough to do that, however, when you don’t have anywhere to store your car seat at your destination, such as when you are doing city touring.

When carried in either of the two optional backpack accessories, it’s conceivable that you can just take the Pico with you. It’s lightweight enough that you can carry it around on your back (or even hanging from some larger stable strollers) – no storage necessary. While I probably wouldn’t recommend this for a family out-and-about for a full day (as it would get tiring for many hours of carrying), it’s a significant improvement to the options for families with a ridesharing quandary.

Uses for the WAYB Pico at Home

Before you invest in an expensive car seat only for travel, most families want to make sure it has uses at home. The Pico does. I used it for two weeks in my normal routine at home. I found it was no more time-consuming to use than with the car seat we normally have installed.

The Pico revealed itself to be ideal for space-saving for anyone who has a tight fit in the back of their car. I have a small backseat in my car. Fitting two additional children in it when my son is in his normal mega-car seat is next to impossible. The middle seat is basically not usable, and certainly not usable when that another child in the back row needs to be in a booster too. When I have the Pico installed, it opens up the rest of the back seat for two children to sit because it is much more narrow.

The Pico is also a great car seat for grandma and grandpa or a babysitter who only transports your child occasionally. They can keep it in a trunk when not in use and it won’t take up a ton of space they otherwise would need.

Pros & Cons of the WAYB Pico

Ok, so that’s a lot of information. Here’s a brief overview of the pros and cons to help you make your choice.

• Incredibly lightweight.
• No other product like it for air travel – that can both fit in the overhead bin and be used on the plane.
• Kids ages 4-5 can ride more safely for longer in a 5 point harness instead of a booster on trips where bringing a standard car seat isn’t feasible.
• Narrow for tight back seats to enable three kids sitting across.
• Cost – at $380, the Pico is a premium product that may be out of the price range for many families, especially as a second or third car seat.
• A tad slow to install compared to premium car seats.

How Can You Get a WAYB Pico?

Last but certainly not least, where can you get a Pico? 

Now that the Pico has been out for a couple of years since this post was first published, it’s easier than ever to buy one. Look for the Pico available online the following places:

• Direct from WAYB (free shipping on all purchases over $100 + all color choices and accessories available)
• On PishPoshBaby (only in limited colors and not all accessories available)
• On Amazon (only available in a seat + backpack bundle)

Do you have questions about the WAYB Pico? Leave them here and I’ll answer them. And come back and comment if you buy the product and have insights to add .

Disclosure: WAYB sent me a complimentary Pico car seat and travel bag for review purposes. As always, all opinions are my own.

Editor’s Note : There was a voluntary recall on all Pico car seats manufactured between February 1-May 12, 2019. All seats that are sold November 2019 and later were re-engineered to fix the issue.

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Friday 21st of July 2023

Is this a Good option for every day car seat?

Leslie Harvey

Saturday 5th of August 2023

@Julia, I honestly don't think so. It's not as cushy and padded and I could see it being uncomfortable for something like a long road trip. It takes longer to tighten straps down accurately compared to the fancier mechanisms in bulkier car seat models. It's built for compactness - not comfort or speed.

Is this a Goodyear option for every day car seat?

Thursday 27th of January 2022

Would this work as a full time regular car seat? I’ve read some reviews that say it isn’t super comfortable.

Sunday 16th of August 2020

I'm really kind of upset that your review didn't highlight a major con many mom's like myself have with this car seat. That is the extremely short and unadjustable crotch buckle. The ingenuity of the design really failed with this misstep. My 3 year old is average sized and that crotch strap digs into him. I cannot believe they though of everything BUT this crotch strap. I'm very disappointed with this car seat. It just barely missed the mark for perfection, but this design flaw ruined it.

Thanks so much for highlighting your issue with the seat! I'm going to add this to the post. We didn't have any issues with the length and my son used it up until he was approaching 6 years old. But he is a tad on the slimmer side. So may just depend on how each kid is built!

Monday 9th of September 2019

Can you use it to strap on luggage and have the child seat on it while walking around the airport?

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Baby and Kids

Wayb pico portable travel car seat review (not sponsored).

After traveling with 2 convertible car seats, I vowed to make my recent trip to Los Angeles with my 3 and 5 year-olds easier. And I found one of the best new travel products that I am so excited about! My 5 year-old isn’t big enough for a booster seat …

After traveling with 2 convertible car seats, I vowed to make my recent trip to Los Angeles with my 3 and 5 year-olds easier. And I found one of the best new travel products that I am so excited about! My 5 year-old isn’t big enough for a booster seat yet, so I ended up purchasing the WAYB Pico seat for both girls. Traveling with a portable car seat made our travel days so much easier. I have a 9 month old, too, so we should get a decent amount of use out of both. This is not sponsored – I paid for these seats and wanted to share a review. 

WayB Pico Travel Car Seat Review

Flying with little travelers can feel like a lot of work, and the extra stuff really adds up. Safety is top priority, but I was really hoping to make navigating the airport easier. It’s such a pain getting through the airport with traditional car seats. I wanted to find a lightweight car seat that was easy to use. And I found the best travel car seat – getting through the airport was a breeze, it meets and exceeds U.S. safety standards, and it fits in the overhead bin. The WAYB Pico car seat is  great tor travel, but it’s not a car seat I would recommend for daily use since it cannot compare to a convertible seat. And children who haven’t yet maxed out in weight and height should be rear-facing. 

Travel Car Seat

Meet pico, the car seat that’s actually portable.

Pico is a forward-facing car seat for kids kids 22-50 pounds and 30-45 inches. It is not an infant car seat, and is recommended for ages 2 and older. I don’t know that I’d be comfortable with a 2 year-old forward facing, so I would say it’s a better choice for ages 3 and up. My younger daughter is 3.5, so I let her forward face, even though she’s still rear-facing in her convertible seat . 

The car seat weight is only 8 pounds and it has a much smaller footprint than a convertible seat. 

Headrest Lowest Use Position: 15.2” L x 14.5” W x 22.8” H. Headrest Highest Use Position: 15.2” L x 14.5” W x 27.8” H

Using the WAYB Pico

I did not want to spend $100 on a bulky car seat bag, so I just propped the car seat on the handle of my suitcase. Do not check your car seat! It is likely to be banged around or damaged, and then will no longer be safe for use. Either use your car seat on the plane or put it in the overhead bin. Since the Pico is so compact, I opted to put it in the overhead bin – had there not been room, I would have installed on the on plane since it is FAA approved. I decided to put it overhead and used this airplane harness instead since I thought my kids would be more comfortable on the plane.

Safety and testing

The safest car seat is installed properly, so if you need installation help, contact a certified passenger safety technician to help. I worked with the Car Seat Lady to choose the safest car seats for my kids and where/how to install each one. 

Pico meets all US standards regulated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). This means it is approved for use while flying with a plane seatbelt.  The Pico’s safety testing meets all FMVSS 213 and FMVSS 302 standards.

The Pico is made from aerospace-grade aluminum alloy which makes this car seat superior in strength, safety, durability, weight, and environmental footprint. 

The Pico car seat uses minimal plastic components. Fabric pads are made from polyester and responsibly sourced wool, and high-performance mesh keeps little travelers cool and comfortable.

Airplane Harness

Installing the Pico

I love the ease of installation – it takes a minute to figure out so I’d recommend reading the owner’s manual and testing installation at home before your trip.

The car seat installation was pretty straightforward.

First, you’ll attach the tether.

The Pico can be installed with your car’s latch system, seatbelt, and top tether. Put the seatbelt between the seat back and Pico frame and attach the lower anchors. 

Put the lap belt through the red belt guides. 

Switch the retractor and tighten the tether, lap, and shoulder belts. 

The seat is safely and properly installed when it moves less than one inch. 

When you first open the Pico, the headrest will be in the lowest use position for storage. When installing the Pico, the headrest should always be in one of the notches in the headrest bar. I wouldn’t want to have to install it in Ubers or cabs all day, but I’d rather install and carry this than a convertible seat, so I suppose it’s the best option. 

The chest clip should sit tightly between the child’s armpits, and not above or below. 

Use and comfort

When researching the WAYB car seat, the issue of the crotch buckle kept coming up. I’m not sure why it was designed the way it is, but it’s a tight fit, so if your child is on the larger side, they may size out of this seat faster. Both of my girls are on the smaller side, so my 5 and-a-half year-old fit quite well. I imagine she will size out in height before she does fit or weight. 

I hope you found this review helpful. Safe travels! 

The Best Travel Gear to Buy This Year

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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 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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• Baby and kid

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.

Target’s car seat trade-in event starts soon. Here’s what you need to know

(Gray News) – Target has announced when people can trade in their old, expired or damaged car seats for discounts on new baby items.

Bring an old, expired or damaged car seat to Target from April 14-27 to receive a 20% coupon for a new car seat, stroller or select baby gear.

The coupon is only valid through May 11.

Target will have drop-off boxes for the unwanted car seats located near Guest Services.

Materials from the old car seats will be recycled by Target’s partner, Waste Management, to create new products such as plastic buckets, steel beams and carpet padding.

The retail giant said it has recycled 39 million pounds of car seat materials since the promotion began in 2016.

Copyright 2024 Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved.

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A History of Moscow in 13 Dishes

Featured city guides.

Travel Itinerary For One Week in Moscow: The Best of Moscow!

I just got back from one week in Moscow. And, as you might have already guessed, it was a mind-boggling experience. It was not my first trip to the Russian capital. But I hardly ever got enough time to explore this sprawling city. Visiting places for business rarely leaves enough time for sightseeing. I think that if you’ve got one week in Russia, you can also consider splitting your time between its largest cities (i.e. Saint Petersburg ) to get the most out of your trip. Seven days will let you see the majority of the main sights and go beyond just scratching the surface. In this post, I’m going to share with you my idea of the perfect travel itinerary for one week in Moscow.

Moscow is perhaps both the business and cultural hub of Russia. There is a lot more to see here than just the Kremlin and Saint Basil’s Cathedral. Centuries-old churches with onion-shaped domes dotted around the city are in stark contrast with newly completed impressive skyscrapers of Moscow City dominating the skyline. I spent a lot of time thinking about my Moscow itinerary before I left. And this city lived up to all of my expectations.

Travel Itinerary For One Week in Moscow

Day 1 – red square and the kremlin.

Metro Station: Okhotny Ryad on Red Line.

No trip to Moscow would be complete without seeing its main attraction. The Red Square is just a stone’s throw away from several metro stations. It is home to some of the most impressive architectural masterpieces in the city. The first thing you’ll probably notice after entering it and passing vendors selling weird fur hats is the fairytale-like looking Saint Basil’s Cathedral. It was built to commemorate one of the major victories of Ivan the Terrible. I once spent 20 minutes gazing at it, trying to find the perfect angle to snap it. It was easier said than done because of the hordes of locals and tourists.

As you continue strolling around Red Square, there’s no way you can miss Gum. It was widely known as the main department store during the Soviet Era. Now this large (yet historic) shopping mall is filled with expensive boutiques, pricey eateries, etc. During my trip to Moscow, I was on a tight budget. So I only took a retro-style stroll in Gum to get a rare glimpse of a place where Soviet leaders used to grocery shop and buy their stuff. In case you want some modern shopping experience, head to the Okhotny Ryad Shopping Center with stores like New Yorker, Zara, and Adidas.

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To continue this Moscow itinerary, next you may want to go inside the Kremlin walls. This is the center of Russian political power and the president’s official residence. If you’re planning to pay Kremlin a visit do your best to visit Ivan the Great Bell Tower as well. Go there as early as possible to avoid crowds and get an incredible bird’s-eye view. There are a couple of museums that are available during designated visiting hours. Make sure to book your ticket online and avoid lines.

Day 2 – Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, the Tretyakov Gallery, and the Arbat Street

Metro Station: Kropotkinskaya on Red Line

As soon as you start creating a Moscow itinerary for your second day, you’ll discover that there are plenty of metro stations that are much closer to certain sites. Depending on your route, take a closer look at the metro map to pick the closest.

The white marble walls of Christ the Saviour Cathedral are awe-inspiring. As you approach this tallest Orthodox Christian church, you may notice the bronze sculptures, magnificent arches, and cupolas that were created to commemorate Russia’s victory against Napoleon.

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Unfortunately, the current Cathedral is a replica, since original was blown to bits in 1931 by the Soviet government. The new cathedral basically follows the original design, but they have added some new elements such as marble high reliefs.

Home to some precious collection of artworks, in Tretyakov Gallery you can find more than 150,000 of works spanning centuries of artistic endeavor. Originally a privately owned gallery, it now has become one of the largest museums in Russia. The Gallery is often considered essential to visit. But I have encountered a lot of locals who have never been there.

Famous for its souvenirs, musicians, and theaters, Arbat street is among the few in Moscow that were turned into pedestrian zones. Arbat street is usually very busy with tourists and locals alike. My local friend once called it the oldest street in Moscow dating back to 1493. It is a kilometer long walking street filled with fancy gift shops, small cozy restaurants, lots of cute cafes, and street artists. It is closed to any vehicular traffic, so you can easily stroll it with kids.

Day 3 – Moscow River Boat Ride, Poklonnaya Hill Victory Park, the Moscow City

Metro Station: Kievskaya and Park Pobedy on Dark Blue Line / Vystavochnaya on Light Blue Line

Voyaging along the Moscow River is definitely one of the best ways to catch a glimpse of the city and see the attractions from a bit different perspective. Depending on your Moscow itinerary, travel budget and the time of the year, there are various types of boats available. In the summer there is no shortage of boats, and you’ll be spoiled for choice.

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If you find yourself in Moscow during the winter months, I’d recommend going with Radisson boat cruise. These are often more expensive (yet comfy). They offer refreshments like tea, coffee, hot chocolate, and, of course, alcoholic drinks. Prices may vary but mostly depend on your food and drink selection. Find their main pier near the opulent Ukraine hotel . The hotel is one of the “Seven Sisters”, so if you’re into the charm of Stalinist architecture don’t miss a chance to stay there.

The area near Poklonnaya Hill has the closest relation to the country’s recent past. The memorial complex was completed in the mid-1990s to commemorate the Victory and WW2 casualties. Also known as the Great Patriotic War Museum, activities here include indoor attractions while the grounds around host an open-air museum with old tanks and other vehicles used on the battlefield.

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The hallmark of the memorial complex and the first thing you see as you exit metro is the statue of Nike mounted to its column. This is a very impressive Obelisk with a statue of Saint George slaying the dragon at its base.

Maybe not as impressive as Shanghai’s Oriental Pearl Tower , the skyscrapers of the Moscow City (otherwise known as Moscow International Business Center) are so drastically different from dull Soviet architecture. With 239 meters and 60 floors, the Empire Tower is the seventh highest building in the business district.

The observation deck occupies 56 floor from where you have some panoramic views of the city. I loved the view in the direction of Moscow State University and Luzhniki stadium as well to the other side with residential quarters. The entrance fee is pricey, but if you’re want to get a bird’s eye view, the skyscraper is one of the best places for doing just that.

Day 4 – VDNKh, Worker and Collective Farm Woman Monument, The Ostankino TV Tower

Metro Station: VDNKh on Orange Line

VDNKh is one of my favorite attractions in Moscow. The weird abbreviation actually stands for Russian vystavka dostizheniy narodnogo khozyaystva (Exhibition of Achievements of the National Economy). With more than 200 buildings and 30 pavilions on the grounds, VDNKh serves as an open-air museum. You can easily spend a full day here since the park occupies a very large area.

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First, there are pavilions that used to showcase different cultures the USSR was made of. Additionally, there is a number of shopping pavilions, as well as Moskvarium (an Oceanarium) that features a variety of marine species. VDNKh is a popular venue for events and fairs. There is always something going on, so I’d recommend checking their website if you want to see some particular exhibition.

A stone’s throw away from VDNKh there is a very distinctive 25-meters high monument. Originally built in 1937 for the world fair in Paris, the hulking figures of men and women holding a hammer and a sickle represent the Soviet idea of united workers and farmers. It doesn’t take much time to see the monument, but visiting it gives some idea of the Soviet Union’s grandiose aspirations.

I have a thing for tall buildings. So to continue my travel itinerary for one week in Moscow I decided to climb the fourth highest TV tower in the world. This iconic 540m tower is a fixture of the skyline. You can see it virtually from everywhere in Moscow, and this is where you can get the best panoramic views (yep, even better than Empire skyscraper).

Parts of the floor are made of tempered glass, so it can be quite scary to exit the elevator. But trust me, as you start observing buildings and cars below, you won’t want to leave. There is only a limited number of tickets per day, so you may want to book online. Insider tip: the first tour is cheaper, you can save up to $10 if go there early.

Day 5 – A Tour To Moscow Manor Houses

Metro Station: Kolomenskoye, Tsaritsyno on Dark Green Line / Kuskovo on Purple Line

I love visiting the manor houses and palaces in Moscow. These opulent buildings were generally built to house Russian aristocratic families and monarchs. Houses tend to be rather grand affairs with impressive architecture. And, depending on the whims of the owners, some form of a landscaped garden.

During the early part of the 20th century though, many of Russia’s aristocratic families (including the family of the last emperor) ended up being killed or moving abroad . Their manor houses were nationalized. Some time later (after the fall of the USSR) these were open to the public. It means that today a great many of Moscow’s finest manor houses and palaces are open for touring.

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There are 20 manor houses scattered throughout the city and more than 25 in the area around. But not all of them easily accessible and exploring them often takes a lot of time. I’d recommend focusing on three most popular estates in Moscow that are some 30-minute metro ride away from Kremlin.

Sandwiched between the Moscow River and the Andropov Avenue, Kolomenskoye is a UNESCO site that became a public park in the 1920’s. Once a former royal estate, now it is one of the most tranquil parks in the city with gorgeous views. The Ascension Church, The White Column, and the grounds are a truly grand place to visit.

You could easily spend a full day here, exploring a traditional Russian village (that is, in fact, a market), picnicking by the river, enjoying the Eastern Orthodox church architecture, hiking the grounds as well as and wandering the park and gardens with wildflower meadows, apple orchards, and birch and maple groves. The estate museum showcases Russian nature at its finest year-round.

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If my travel itinerary for one week in Moscow was a family tree, Tsaritsyno Park would probably be the crazy uncle that no-one talks about. It’s a large park in the south of the city of mind-boggling proportions, unbelievable in so many ways, and yet most travelers have never heard of it.

The palace was supposed to be a summer home for Empress Catherine the Great. But since the construction didn’t meet with her approval the palace was abandoned. Since the early 1990’s the palace, the pond, and the grounds have been undergoing renovations. The entire complex is now looking brighter and more elaborately decorated than at possibly any other time during its history. Like most parks in Moscow, you can visit Tsaritsyno free of charge, but there is a small fee if you want to visit the palace.

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Last, but by no means least on my Moscow itinerary is Kuskovo Park . This is definitely an off-the-beaten-path place. While it is not easily accessible, you will be rewarded with a lack of crowds. This 18th-century summer country house of the Sheremetev family was one of the first summer country estates of the Russian nobility. And when you visit you’ll quickly realize why locals love this park.

Like many other estates, Kuskovo has just been renovated. So there are lovely French formal garden, a grotto, and the Dutch house to explore. Make sure to plan your itinerary well because the estate is some way from a metro station.

Day 6 – Explore the Golden Ring

Creating the Moscow itinerary may keep you busy for days with the seemingly endless amount of things to do. Visiting the so-called Golden Ring is like stepping back in time. Golden Ring is a “theme route” devised by promotion-minded journalist and writer Yuri Bychkov.

Having started in Moscow the route will take you through a number of historical cities. It now includes Suzdal, Vladimir, Kostroma, Yaroslavl and Sergiev Posad. All these awe-inspiring towns have their own smaller kremlins and feature dramatic churches with onion-shaped domes, tranquil residential areas, and other architectural landmarks.

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I only visited two out of eight cities included on the route. It is a no-brainer that Sergiev Posad is the nearest and the easiest city to see on a day trip from Moscow. That being said, you can explore its main attractions in just one day. Located some 70 km north-east of the Russian capital, this tiny and overlooked town is home to Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius, UNESCO Site.

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Sergiev Posad is often described as being at the heart of Russian spiritual life. So it is uncommon to see the crowds of Russian pilgrims showing a deep reverence for their religion. If you’re traveling independently and using public transport, you can reach Sergiev Posad by bus (departs from VDNKh) or by suburban commuter train from Yaroslavskaya Railway Station (Bahnhof). It takes about one and a half hours to reach the town.

Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius is a great place to get a glimpse of filling and warming Russian lunch, specifically at the “ Gostevaya Izba ” restaurant. Try the duck breast, hearty potato and vegetables, and the awesome Napoleon cake.

Day 7 – Gorky Park, Izmailovo Kremlin, Patriarch’s Ponds

Metro Station: Park Kultury or Oktyabrskaya on Circle Line / Partizanskaya on Dark Blue Line / Pushkinskaya on Dark Green Line

Gorky Park is in the heart of Moscow. It offers many different types of outdoor activities, such as dancing, cycling, skateboarding, walking, jogging, and anything else you can do in a park. Named after Maxim Gorky, this sprawling and lovely park is where locals go on a picnic, relax and enjoy free yoga classes. It’s a popular place to bike around, and there is a Muzeon Art Park not far from here. A dynamic location with a younger vibe. There is also a pier, so you can take a cruise along the river too.

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The Kremlin in Izmailovo is by no means like the one you can find near the Red Square. Originally built for decorative purposes, it now features the Vernissage flea market and a number of frequent fairs, exhibitions, and conferences. Every weekend, there’s a giant flea market in Izmailovo, where dozens of stalls sell Soviet propaganda crap, Russian nesting dolls, vinyl records, jewelry and just about any object you can imagine. Go early in the morning if you want to beat the crowds.

All the Bulgakov’s fans should pay a visit to Patriarch’s Ponds (yup, that is plural). With a lovely small city park and the only one (!) pond in the middle, the location is where the opening scene of Bulgakov’s novel Master and Margarita was set. The novel is centered around a visit by Devil to the atheistic Soviet Union is considered by many critics to be one of the best novels of the 20th century. I spent great two hours strolling the nearby streets and having lunch in the hipster cafe.

Conclusion and Recommendations

To conclude, Moscow is a safe city to visit. I have never had a problem with getting around and most locals are really friendly once they know you’re a foreigner. Moscow has undergone some serious reconstruction over the last few years. So you can expect some places to be completely different. I hope my one week Moscow itinerary was helpful! If you have less time, say 4 days or 5 days, I would cut out day 6 and day 7. You could save the Golden Ring for a separate trip entirely as there’s lots to see!

What are your thoughts on this one week Moscow itinerary? Are you excited about your first time in the city? Let me know in the comments below!

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24 comments.

Ann Snook-Moreau

Moscow looks so beautiful and historic! Thanks for including public transit information for those of us who don’t like to rent cars.

MindTheTravel

Yup, that is me 🙂 Rarely rent + stick to the metro = Full wallet!

Mariella Blago

Looks like you had loads of fun! Well done. Also great value post for travel lovers.

Thanks, Mariella!

I have always wanted to go to Russia, especially Moscow. These sights look absolutely beautiful to see and there is so much history there!

Agree! Moscow is a thousand-year-old city and there is definitely something for everyone.

Tara Pittman

Those are amazing buildings. Looks like a place that would be amazing to visit.

Adriana Lopez

Never been to Moscow or Russia but my family has. Many great spots and a lot of culture. Your itinerary sounds fantastic and covers a lot despite it is only a short period of time.

What was their favourite thing about Russia?

Gladys Parker

I know very little about Moscow or Russia for the\at matter. I do know I would have to see the Red Square and all of its exquisite architectural masterpieces. Also the CATHEDRAL OF CHRIST THE SAVIOUR. Thanks for shedding some light on visiting Moscow.

Thanks for swinging by! The Red Square is a great starting point, but there way too many places and things to discover aside from it!

Ruthy @ Percolate Kitchen

You are making me so jealous!! I’ve always wanted to see Russia.

Moscow is in my bucket list, I don’t know when I can visit there, your post is really useful. As a culture rich place we need to spend at least week.

DANA GUTKOWSKI

Looks like you had a great trip! Thanks for all the great info! I’ve never been in to Russia, but this post makes me wanna go now!

Wow this is amazing! Moscow is on my bucket list – such an amazing place to visit I can imagine! I can’t wait to go there one day!

The building on the second picture looks familiar. I keep seeing that on TV.

Reesa Lewandowski

What beautiful moments! I always wish I had the personality to travel more like this!

Perfect itinerary for spending a week in Moscow! So many places to visit and it looks like you had a wonderful time. I would love to climb that tower. The views I am sure must have been amazing!

I was lucky enough to see the skyline of Moscow from this TV Tower and it is definitely mind-blowing.

Chelsea Pearl

Moscow is definitely up there on my travel bucket list. So much history and iconic architecture!

Thumbs up! 🙂

Blair Villanueva

OMG I dream to visit Moscow someday! Hope the visa processing would be okay (and become more affordable) so I could pursue my dream trip!

Yup, visa processing is the major downside! Agree! Time and the money consuming process…

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