Comparison Table
| Make and model | Product Information and Characteristics | Features |
|---|---|---|
Graco Nautilus Elite   |
||
Maxi Cosi Pria 70   |
Babies form 9 to 70 lbs 9lbs to 40lbs RF 22 to 70lbs FF Integrated cup holder 3-position recline Item weight: 18.4 lbs |
"Self-wicking" fabric deodorizes and draws liquid away from baby's skin to keep them dry and comfortable Machine washable, dryer safe deodorizing fabric Comfortable padded seat Easy adjustment |
Evenflo Tribute LX   |
Babies from 5 to 40 lbs : 5lbs to 35lbs RF 20 to 40lbs FF Removable cup holder 1 position recline Available in 4 colors Item weight : 9.1 lbs |
Extremely affordable Ultra lightweight ideal for travelling or changing between cars front of seat harness adjustment 4 shoulder level harness heights and 2 buckle positions Machine washable seat pad and extra head pillow |
Graco Extend2Fit   |
Babies from 5 to 65 lbs : RF 5 - 50lbs Forward facingF 22 - 65lbs 6 positions recline Available in 5 colors Item weight : 23.5 lbs |
One-hand harness and headrest height adjustment (without re-threading the straps) 5 inches extra legroom - extendable base allows more room to grow and stay in the safe rear-facing position for longer, up to 50lbs or 45 inches tall Buckle moves completely out of the way to get baby in/out with no fuss |
Britax Marathon Click Tight   |
Babies from 5 to 65 lbs : RF 5 - 40lbs FF 20 - 65lbs 7 recline positions available in 17 colors and patterns Item weight : 28.5 lbs |
easy ClickTight installation seat height adjusstment with the push of a button easy and quick adjust harness has 12 positons to grow along with your child |
Chicco NextFit iX Zip   |
Babies from 5 to 65 lbs : RF 5 - 40 lbs FF 22 - 65 lbs item weight 25 lbs 9 recline positions 9 headrest heights |
Dual bubble level indicators SuperCinch LATCH tightener LockSure seat belt tightener Zip-off seat pad for easy washing machine washable fabric removable infant support easy pull harness tightener harness strap flex system holds straps out of the way |
Safety 1st Grow and Go 3-in-1   |
Babies from 5 to 100 lbs : RF 5 - 40 lbs FF 22 - 65 lbs Belt-positioning booster 40 - 100 lbs Item weight 18.25 lbs 3 position recline 2 cup holders 9 colors and patterns |
Quick Fit one-step harness and headrest adjustment Harness holders to easily get baby in and out 7 inches more leg room for parents Easy to remove seat pad is machine washable and dryer safe |
RF: Rear-facing
FF: Forward facing
Note: Every seat here has passed the necessary safety tests. All car seats these days have thorough side impact protection, but some better than others, I have only pointed out additional safety features which make each seat stand out from the others.
What is a convertible car seat?
A convertible car seat is a car seat which can be used from birth as a rear facing car seat, then later as a forward facing car seat up to around 18 months, although there are many seats which exist nowadays which can be used way beyond that age, into childhood. Convertible car seats are great because yo don’t have to buy a different seat when your newborn outgrows their infant car seat. They have a few varying features, such as cup holders, adjustable harness straps and buckle, varying degrees of padding and reclining positons. Most seats must be recline out of the car and then installed, but one yo find the best position for your baby you won’t need to change the position often (unless using for multiple babies.)
What parents think
The pros and cons of each seat according to unbiased parents who have tried and tested them
Graco Nautilus Elite Harnessed booster seat
+
Maxi-Cosi Pria 70 Convertible Car Seat
+ Removable seat cover and harness pads without uninstalling the seat or re-threading the harness straps.
+ One-hand harness and headrest adjustment
+ Seat covers are easy to remove
+/- Very well padded so comfortable but child gets too hot in warmer climates
– Buckle is hard to click
– Straps can be hard to adjust
Evenflo Tribute LX Convertible Car Seat
+ Affordable
+ Extremely lightweight (less than 10 lbs!)
+ Easy to change between two cars
+ Safe car seat which does it’s job of protecting baby, just with less frills and fancy features
+ Easy to adjust straps and crotch buckle
+ Narrow enough to take on flights
– Only one recline position
– Flimsy cup holder is unpractical
– Must re-thread straps when adjusting
– Comes with a basic head support but not a full infant insert so wouldn’t be good for a tiny infant
– No comfort padding on the straps and a few sharp plastic edges, you get what you pay for.
Extend2Fit Convertible Car Seat,
+ Can stay rear facing for a long time (up to 50lbs)
+ Lots of legroom
+ Padded and comfortable, even for bigger babies
+ Several recline positions
– Difficult to get the harness tight enough
– Button to loosen harness is somewhat hidden and hard to access
– Hard to remove seat cover for washing
Britax Marathon ClickTight Convertible Car Seat
+ Auto-level indicators for saf einstallation
+ Easy to use with a seat belt
+ Very sturdy when correctly installed
+ Several recline positions
– Extremely heavy
– Click-tight system is hard to get the hang of
– Child can reach the buckle release button
Note: There is a lot of confusion among parents regarding the tightness of the buckle at their baby’s crotch Britax have tried to be clear that when the seat is forward facing you must use the buckle in the outer position, therefore it should not be too tight. In rear-facing positon there are several options to find the most comfortable fit for your baby.
Chicco NextFit iX Zip
+ High quality and durable materials
+ Very sturdy
+ Comfortable
+ Easy to clean with very easy seat cover removable
+ Simple care instructions
+ 9 recline positions is more than most car seats
– Very heavy and bulky so not recommend for parents changing between two cars
– No integrated cup holder (can be bought separately and fixed to the side but is hard for child to reach)
To see the slightly more simple version of this seat, click here: Chicco NextFit.
Safety 1st Grow and Go 3-in-1
+ Long use; from infant up to 100 lb with booster seat
+ Takes up very little space when rear-facing so parents have more leg room
+ Easy to put the straps aside
+ Light weight
+ Soft material
– Fewer headrest heights than similar products
– Only 3 recline positions
– Difficult to get a tight fit (instructions aren’t helpful, most parents needed help from someone else or a video guide)
– Both installation and harness adjustment are difficult
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