· convertible · 15 min read
7 Best Rear Facing Car Seats | Ultimate Car Seats for Baby's Safety
Find the best rear facing car seats reviewed & illustrated for 2024. Discover top picks in each category, from infant to toddler, to ensure your little one's safety and comfort.
Rear-facing car seats are designed to keep your baby safe in the event of a collision. By distributing the force of impact over a larger area, the car seat helps to protect your baby's head, neck, and spine from serious injury. All babies and toddlers should ride in a rear-facing car seat until they are at least 2 years old or have reached the maximum height and weight limits for their car seat. In this article, we will review and illustrate the 7 best rear-facing car seats in the market, ensuring your little one's safety and comfort during every ride.
Overview
PROS
- Offers extended rear-facing use for a safer and more comfortable journey for your baby.
- Adjustable extension panel provides ample legroom, allowing your child to ride comfortably even as they grow.
- 4-position extension panel ensures a snug fit for your child as they grow, providing optimal safety and support.
CONS
- May not fit in all vehicles due to its extended length.
- Heavier than some other car seats, making it less portable.
Experience peace of mind with the Graco Extend2Fit Convertible Baby Car Seat, designed for extended rear-facing use. This car seat boasts an adjustable extension panel that grants your child the extra legroom they need, offering comfort and convenience throughout their journey. The 4-position extension panel ensures a perfect fit as your child grows, guaranteeing both safety and support.
Crafted with Gotham textile, this car seat not only provides exceptional comfort but also ensures durability and easy maintenance. Its plush padding and breathable fabrics keep your little one cozy and content, while the effortless cleaning process saves you time and hassle. Invest in the Graco Extend2Fit Convertible Baby Car Seat, a wise choice for your child's safety and well-being on every car ride.
PROS
- Ultraslim design effortlessly fits 3 across in most vehicles
- Flexible usage as a rear-facing car seat, forward-facing car seat, and highback booster
- Plush cushioning and breathable fabrics provide a cozy ride for your little one
- Hassle-free installation with EZ-Tight LATCH system and InRight LATCH indicators ensure secure fit
- Adjustable 10-position headrest accommodates growing children
CONS
- May be too narrow for some larger toddlers
- Harness straps can be challenging to adjust
The Graco SlimFit 3-in-1 Convertible Car Seat is the ultimate solution for space-conscious parents seeking a safe and comfortable car seat for their growing child. With its ultra-slim design, it fits effortlessly three across in most vehicles, making it ideal for families with multiple children. The convertible design allows for extended use from rear-facing to forward-facing and eventually as a highback booster, providing years of reliable protection.
The car seat boasts plush cushioning and breathable fabrics, ensuring a cozy ride for your little one. It features an adjustable 10-position headrest to accommodate growing children and an EZ-Tight LATCH system with InRight LATCH indicators for a secure and hassle-free installation. However, some parents may find the seat too narrow for larger toddlers, and adjusting the harness straps can be a bit challenging.
PROS
- Versatile 3-in-1 design grows with your child from infant to toddler
- Rear-facing up to 40 pounds for extended protection
- Plush cushioning and adjustable features ensure comfort and safety
CONS
- Installation can be challenging, requiring careful alignment
- Limited color options may not suit all tastes
The Baby Trend Trooper 3-in-1 Convertible Car Seat offers a reliable and versatile solution for parents seeking a rear-facing car seat. Its ability to accommodate infants up to 40 pounds provides peace of mind during those early years. The plush cushioning and adjustable features ensure a comfortable ride for your precious little one.
The 3-in-1 design allows the car seat to adapt as your child grows, transitioning from rear-facing to forward-facing and eventually to a booster seat. This eliminates the need for multiple car seats, saving you money in the long run. However, installation can be a bit tricky, requiring careful alignment to ensure proper fit and safety.
PROS
- Versatile and durable convertible design adapts from rear-facing to forward-facing as your child grows.
- Enhanced comfort for extended journeys with breathable fabrics and plush cushioning.
- Quick and effortless installation with click-in Latch system, ensuring a secure fit in your vehicle.
CONS
- Limited reclining positions might not accommodate all children's preferences.
- Some users have reported difficulty adjusting the harness.
The Safety 1st Guide 65 rear facing carseat is the perfect choice for growing toddlers. It effortlessly transitions from rear-facing to forward-facing, accommodating your child's changing needs. The advanced Side Impact Protection ensures optimal safety, giving you peace of mind during every journey.
Comfort is key for little travelers, and the Guide 65 delivers. Its breathable fabrics and plush cushioning cradle your child in comfort, making even extended trips a breeze. The click-in Latch system makes installation a snap, ensuring a secure fit in your vehicle. Thanks to its meticulous design and dedication to safety, the Safety 1st Guide 65 Convertible Car Seat provides a seamless and secure travel experience for your precious little explorer.
PROS
- Rear-facing capability for enhanced infant protection
- Lightweight design for portability and effortless car transfers
- Versatile 2-in-1 functionality as both a rear-facing and forward-facing car seat
- Integrated seat belt lock-offs for secure vehicle installation
- Machine-washable fabrics for convenient maintenance
CONS
- Lower weight limit compared to some competitors
- Harness straps may require regular adjustments as baby grows
The Evenflo Tribute LX 2-in-1 Lightweight Convertible Car Seat offers a blend of safety, convenience, and affordability for parents seeking a reliable rear-facing car seat. Its lightweight design and travel-friendly features make it ideal for families on the go, while the integrated seat belt lock-offs ensure a secure installation in any vehicle. The machine-washable fabrics add to its practicality, allowing for effortless maintenance even with messy spills or accidents. However, it's worth noting the slightly lower weight limit and the need for frequent harness adjustments as your child grows, which may require additional attention.
Overall, the Evenflo Tribute LX 2-in-1 Convertible Car Seat is a solid choice for parents seeking a versatile and budget-friendly rear-facing car seat. Its combination of safety, portability, and convenience makes it a practical and dependable option for families with active lifestyles.
PROS
- Rear-facing installation for infants up to 40 lbs and forward-facing installation for toddlers up to 65 lbs
- Five-point harness with three height positions to accommodate growing children
- Adjustable headrest with four height positions for a custom fit
- Two cup holders for convenience
- Machine-washable seat pad for easy cleaning
CONS
- May be too narrow for some children
- Not suitable for children over 65 lbs
The Cosco MightyFit LX Convertible Car Seat is a great choice for parents looking for a safe, comfortable, and affordable car seat for their growing child. This car seat can be used rear-facing for infants up to 40 lbs and forward-facing for toddlers up to 65 lbs. It features a five-point harness with three height positions and an adjustable headrest with four height positions for a custom fit. The car seat also has two cup holders for convenience and a machine-washable seat pad for easy cleaning. Overall, the Cosco MightyFit LX Convertible Car Seat is a great value and a top pick for rear-facing car seats.
One potential downside of the Cosco MightyFit LX Convertible Car Seat is that it may be too narrow for some children. It is important to measure your child before purchasing this car seat to make sure it will be a good fit. Additionally, this car seat is not suitable for children over 65 lbs, so you will need to purchase a new car seat once your child reaches this weight limit.
PROS
- Suitable for infants and toddlers,Rear-facing from 5 to 40 pounds, Forward-facing from 22 to 40 pounds, Up to 43 inches tall
CONS
- Not suitable for children over 43 inches tall
The Cosco Onlook 2-in-1 Convertible Car Seat is a versatile and affordable option for parents looking for a rear-facing and forward-facing car seat. It's suitable for infants and toddlers, with a weight range of 5 to 40 pounds for rear-facing and 22 to 40 pounds for forward-facing. The height limit is 43 inches, so it can accommodate growing children.
The car seat is easy to install and use, with a 5-point harness system to keep your child secure. It also features a removable head and body support for added comfort. The seat pad is machine-washable for easy cleaning. Overall, the Cosco Onlook 2-in-1 Convertible Car Seat is a great value for parents looking for a safe and comfortable car seat for their little one.
PROS
- Versatile 3-in-1 design grows with your child from rear-facing infant to forward-facing toddler and belt-positioning booster
- Rear-facing up to 40 pounds and forward-facing from 22 to 65 pounds, ensuring optimal safety at every stage
- QuickFit Harness System makes adjusting the harness and headrest a breeze, saving you time and hassle
- InRight LATCH system simplifies installation and provides peace of mind that your car seat is securely fastened
- Plush cushioning and breathable fabrics provide a cozy and comfortable ride for your little one
CONS
- Some users have reported difficulty with the LATCH connectors fitting certain vehicle seats
- The seat may be bulky and take up more space than some other convertible car seats
The Safety 1st Grow and Go All-in-One Convertible Car Seat offers a comprehensive solution for your child's transportation needs from infancy to big kid. With its versatile 3-in-1 design, this car seat seamlessly transitions from rear-facing to forward-facing and finally to a belt-positioning booster, providing optimal protection and comfort every step of the way.
When your little one is ready to face the world, the Grow and Go has you covered with its extended rear-facing capacity of up to 40 pounds. As they grow and develop, simply adjust the seat to forward-facing mode and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing your child is secure and protected up to 65 pounds. The QuickFit Harness System takes the hassle out of adjusting the harness and headrest, ensuring a snug and comfortable fit with minimal effort.
PROS
- Provides versatile seating positions - rear-facing car seat, forward-facing car seat, and highback booster.
- Easy to adjust the headrest with a one-hand adjustment for the perfect fit as your child grows.
- Lends a peace of mind with the Simply Safe Adjust Harness System that ensures a snug fit every time.
- Offers convenience with the InRight LATCH system for a quick and secure installation.
- Ensures comfort during the journey with plush padding, a plush insert for infants, and a machine-washable seat pad.
CONS
- Some users may find the transitions between the different modes a bit tricky.
- The car seat may be on the heavier side for some parents.
The Graco TriRide 3-in-1 Rear and Forward Facing Car Seat is an excellent choice for parents who value safety, versatility, and comfort. Its comprehensive design seamlessly adapts to your child's growth, allowing you to transition between rear-facing, forward-facing, and highback booster modes with ease. Personalizing the fit is effortless with the adjustable headrest, and the Simply Safe Adjust Harness System assures proper security every time you buckle up your little one. Installation is a breeze, thanks to the InRight LATCH system, giving you peace of mind on the go.
To top it off, the TriRide is designed with comfort in mind. Its plush padding and machine-washable seat pad provide a cozy and clean environment for your child. The plush insert further enhances comfort for younger passengers. Whether you're embarking on a family road trip or your daily commute, the Graco TriRide 3-in-1 Rear and Forward Facing Car Seat has you covered, ensuring a safe and comfortable journey for your precious cargo.
PROS
- Versatile 4-in-1 design transitions from rear-facing infant car seat to forward-facing toddler seat, high-back booster, and backless booster.
- Rear-facing up to 40 pounds for extended rear-facing safety.
- Convenient one-hand adjustment for harness and headrest to accommodate growing child.
- Plush cushioning and breathable fabrics provide a comfortable ride for little travelers.
- Easy-clean fabrics and machine-washable seat pad for hassle-free maintenance.
CONS
- May not fit all vehicles, checking compatibility before purchase is recommended.
- Some users have reported difficulties with the harness mechanism.
The Baby Trend Cover Me 4-in-1 Convertible Car Seat is a versatile and convenient choice for parents. Its 4-in-1 design grows with your child from infancy to early childhood, providing safety and comfort every step of the way. The rear-facing mode offers extended safety up to 40 pounds, allowing you to keep your little one rear-facing for longer, which is recommended by experts for optimal protection. As your child grows, the seat easily transitions to forward-facing, high-back booster, and backless booster, ensuring a secure fit for your child throughout their development.
The Cover Me car seat is designed with comfort in mind. The plush cushioning and breathable fabrics provide a cozy and supportive environment, while the one-hand adjustment for the harness and headrest makes it easy to customize the fit as your child grows. Safety is paramount, and the Cover Me meets or exceeds all applicable safety standards. It has been side-impact tested for enhanced protection, and the 5-point harness system ensures a secure fit. The easy-clean fabrics and machine-washable seat pad make maintenance a breeze, so you can spend less time cleaning and more time enjoying the journey with your little one.
In this extensive guide, we have reviewed and presented the top 7 rear facing car seats available in the market. Each car seat has been carefully evaluated based on safety features, comfort, ease of use, and overall value. Whether you're searching for an infant seat, a convertible seat, or a toddler seat, our curated list offers something for every need. By choosing the right rear facing car seat, you can provide your precious little one with the utmost protection and peace of mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best rear facing car seat on the market?
The best rear facing car seat on the market is the Graco Extend2Fit Convertible Car Seat. It has a 4.7-star rating on Amazon, and it is known for its safety features, comfort, and ease of use.
How long should a child ride in a rear facing car seat?
All babies and toddlers should ride in a rear-facing car seat until they are at least 2 years old or have reached the maximum height and weight limits for their car seat.
What are the benefits of a rear facing car seat?
Rear-facing car seats are designed to keep your baby safe in the event of a collision. By distributing the force of impact over a larger area, the car seat helps to protect your baby's head, neck, and spine from serious injury.
What are the safety features to look for in a rear facing car seat?
When choosing a rear facing car seat, there are several important safety features to look for. These include a five-point harness, side impact protection, and a steel frame.
How do I install a rear facing car seat?
There are two ways to install a rear facing car seat: with a seat belt or with a LATCH system. Consult your car seat's manual for specific instructions.
