The Best Convertible Car Seat for Small Cars You Need to See

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Looking for a parking spot makes you feel honestly grateful for your compact car; they fit almost anywhere. Right?

Yet, as the kids come along, you realize you haven't thought it all through.

The car seat your cousin gave you does not fit, the convertible seat you found is too big, and where to put the stroller, bags, toys, diapers? It can turn into a real nightmare.

But, hear me out: The industry works for us.

Once a particular problem occurs, they look for a solution that would bring them an increase in sales. Hence, convertible cars seats for small cars.

You heard it well; there are car seat models specially designed to fit your small car without compromising the device's safety or functionality.

However, choosing the highest-quality car seat does require a bit of experience, trial and error method, or friendly advice.

That's why we're here.

We consulted parent's reviews, customer ratings, detailed descriptions, and manufacturer's advice to compose the ultimate list of the best convertible car seat for small cars.

So, what do you say, are you on board, or you're buying a new car?

Table of Contents

3 Top-Notch Recommendations

We selected the 11 best models on the market, but we gave a slight advance to the 3 top-notch recommendations.

So, check out the comparison table we made before you dive deep into the reviews.

Best Narrow Convertible Car Seats for Small Cars: My Top 11 Favorites!

Now we proceed to the main content - the reviews!

Here we present accurate descriptions, comments, and remarks of the top 11 compact convertible car seats, from reliable manufacturers only, we found.

Pay close attention and purchase wisely!

Graco Extend2Fit Convertible Car Seat - The Best Convertible Car Seat for Small Car

There is definitely a reason why Graco absolutely dominates the car seat market.

Their car seats are the most frequently both car seats on Amazon, with this particular model having more than 20000 reviews.

What pushed them to the top of corporate ladders is the proven quality and functional design that parents simply love.

To my mind, Graco Extend2Fit is the best convertible car seat for compact cars because it features high adjustability, compact dimensions, and functional design that allows your kid to ride in a rear facing position longer while providing extra leg space to you in the front.

It has been tested in compact and midsize cars, so it will most probably fit your small car as well.

The car seat measures 22.1 inches in depth, 19.2 inches in width, and 25.2 inches in height. It can be installed in a rear facing mode and forward facing mode (RF 4- 50 pounds, FF 22-65 pounds).

What is more, this exquisite car seat features a four-position extension panel that enables your kid to ride in a rear facing direction longer with five inches of extra space.

Plus, with six recline positions and ten headrest positions, your little one will experience perfect comfort every time.

Finally, the seat has a one-second In-right LATCH system, harness compartment, and no-rethread harness. Therefore, it is pretty easy to install and use. 

Also, ProtectPlus engineering makes sure your child is perfectly safe in the side rear, frontal, and even rollover crashes.

The most important thing is that the seat meets the Federal Safety Standards and is approved for aircraft use.

Pros
  • Two positions
  • Can be used rear facing longer
  • Perfectly safe car seat
  • Six recline positions
  • Tested for small cars
  • No-rethread harness
  • Quite affordable for a Graco seat
Cons
  • No booster mode

 Graco SlimFit 3 in 1 - The Best Three-in-one Convertible Compact Car Seat

Graco strikes again

With so many fantastic models, this brand is simply unavoidable. I had to include another one of theirs, but this time a three-in-one car seat version.

Three-in-one convertibles are very rare among compact car seats mainly because they are usually bulkier, as they accommodate kids up to 4-7 years.

The seat is 16.25 inches deep, 25.5 inches high, and 19.75 inches wide when it comes to dimensions. It includes three modes: the infant car seat, forward facing, and belt positioning booster.

Rear facing accommodates kids from five to 40 pounds, front facing from twenty-two to 65 pounds, and the booster from 50 pounds to 100pounds.

This Graco SlimFit 3 in 1 car seat exceeds the FMVSS 213 US Safety Standard and features side impact protection with a five-point harness system.

It also includes ProtectPlus engineering for crash protection and extreme temperature conditions.

As for the installment, it is a piece of cake with the In-right latch system, one-second attachment, and four-position reclines.

Plus, the unique rotating cup holders move inwards to save more space and make the entire seat slimmer.

You don't have to worry about skin irritations and allergies since this seat incorporates high-quality materials, plush cushions, and EPS foam. When the seat is no longer clean, you can take the pads off and wash them in the washing machine, simple as that!

This seat is excellent for small cars; the customer's claim they were able to fit three across their compact vehicle with ease. In this case, make sure the other seats are compact as well.

It is better to opt for at least one infant car seat as they are smaller, and once your kid outgrows it, use the convertible your other kid used to drive in.

However, as cool as it is, there is one downside of this car seat: it is not approved for airplane use.

Pros
  • Slimfit car seat
  • Safe
  • Machine washable
  • Side impact protection
  • Easy to install
  • Three-in-one
  • Five-point harness
Cons
  • Not FAA-approved

Britax One4Life ClickTight - The Best One-For-Life Compact Convertible Car Seat

Britax brings another all-in-one compact car seat, designed to follow your child's growth until he/she is ready to use a safety belt only.

What makes it unique is its high adjustability and practical design embodied in a pretty compact car seat that fits even the smallest cars.

The seat measures 20.5 x 19.5 x 25 inches and accommodates infants from five to twenty pounds, toddlers from twenty to fifty pounds, preschoolers from twenty-two to 65 pounds, and big kids from 40 pounds to a hundred and twenty pounds in weight.

I guess you are mostly concerned about safety, so you'd be thrilled to know that there are two layers of impact protection on both sides.

Plus, the unique SafeCell technology crumples to absorb the energy during crashes, and the V-shaped tether prevents the seat's movement of the seat in crashes.

As for the materials, this incredible One4Life ClickTight seat has a reinforced steel structure and air-ventilated mesh with built-in cooling channels, so your child feels comfortable.

The adjustability is honestly fantastic, the headrest can be adjusted among fifteen different positions, and the seat reclines in nine positions with simple, quick push technology.

I have to admit that the Britax One4Life seat is a bit expensive; some parents may not be able to pay more than $300 for a car seat

Yet if you think about it, it pays off in the long run. You will be using the seat for more than ten years; it is perfectly safe, federally approved, and can be used on aircraft.

I genuinely believe this seat to be an excellent choice.

Pros
  • Includes a booster seat
  • One for life
  • Safe
  • Super-adjustable
  • Easy installment
  • Breathable
  • FAA-approved
Cons
  • Pricey

Diono Radian 3RXT - The Best Compact Convertible With European Design

Diono, one of the best car seat brands, has its representative among compact car seats as well.

In fact, It designed quite a challenging device with an extraordinary slim design and upgraded comfort. We give you the incredible Diono Radian 3RXT.

First of all, the seat measures 16.14 x 16.93 x 28.35 inches and features a unique sleek design, allowing you to fit three across with no fuss. What is more, it can be folded flat for more comfortable carrying and travel convenience.

The seat follows the growth of your child. 

You can use it in a rear facing mode from standard five to forty-five pounds, forward facing mode from twenty to 65 pounds, and in a booster mode from fifty to one hundred and twenty pounds.

When it comes to the materials, the seat imitates the exquisite European design, with reinforced automotive-grade steel construction and particular nest insert that helps your little one snug in safely and comfortably.

Plus, the bottom memory foam and energy absorbing foam lines keep everything super-soft and gentle for the sensitive skin of your child.

Moreover, the SuperLatch system allows easy installment, yet super secure. And, the side impact protection keeps your child safe and sound in the case of an accident.

At last, the seat meets federal safety standards and is FAA-approved; therefore, you can use it on an airplane. This is very important for infants, since the safest place for them on aircraft is in a rear facing car seat, despite the law that allows holding your baby in a lap.

All in all, this is one heavy-duty, honestly compact, and functional car seat that will serve you for more than ten years.

It is comfortable, safe, and specially-designed to fit three across, so it honestly could be a good investment.

Pros
  • Safe
  • Ultra-comfortable
  • Sleek
  • Memory foam
  • Longer rear facing use
  • All three modes
  • FAA-approved
Cons
  • A bit over the budget

Britax Allegiance 3 Stage Convertible - Best Safety Features

Why should you opt for the Britax narrow car seat?

Firstly, the car seat will keep your child's safety in optimal condition and increase its stability and security.

As you can find, the narrow car seat contains the well-known Britax SafeCell Impact protection.

It's a system of safety benefits that provide additional and improved protection. It functions in a way that a foam-lined shall absorb the impact, external pressure, and forces in the case of a car crash.

Therefore, in general, the shell and the base keep your little ones stable, intact, and supported in a collision.

Of course, the frame is full of reinforced steel; hence it won't crack or damage too soon. Yet, it would help if you replaced your car seat after you had an accident.

Besides, the narrow car seat has a pretty straightforward installation, as you will find LATCH attachment points and connectors so that you can lock them with a click or release with the push-button.

So, the LATCH setup keeps the narrow car seat stable, fixed, and balanced while on the road.

Another great benefit is that the 5-point harness also offers extra security and protection for your kiddo.

Moreover, this harness is a no-rethreading one but hasten flexible points. Hence, you can moderate them and adjust them to your growing child. So, you don't have to remove and reinstall it again and again.

You will love it since the Britax narrow car seat offers to remove the cover, but not the harness. Therefore, you can clean and maintain it quickly, without any issues. So, it will be fresh and ready for more robust use.

And, since this is a narrow convertible seat, it fits children between 5 and 40 pounds in the rear-facing and 22 to 64 pounds in forward-facing mode.

Pros
  • Durable,
  • Comfortable
  • Quick setup
Cons
  • Not for airplane

Evenflo EveryStage DLX All-In-One - Best EasyClick LATCH System

You can have faith in Evenflo since the research in 2018 showed that the LATCH design tests helped achieve THREE TIMES tighter installation in car seats and getting more space.

Therefore, the narrow car seat is famous for its EasyClick LATCH System.

Since the narrow car seat is all-in-one, you can use it for all ages and weights of your children. So, you can apply it as a rear or forward-facing harness and a belt-positioning or high back booster, with a maximum weight limit of 120 pounds.

Consequently, you won't have to spend your money on three different seats when you can purchase only one and use it for an extended period.

But, its essential purpose is to keep your kiddo comfortable.

That's why it offers numerous reclining options to minimize head slumps, find the best body posture, and keep your little one cozy. Therefore, the seat keeps the airway open for ventilation and a custom cradled fit.

If you still feel insecure, you can make your kiddos use the seat rear-facing longer.

Namely, you can manage it to multiple positions, so babies don't invade other passengers' space. So, your babies can remain there, entirely comfortable up to 50 pounds.

If you're interested in the cleaning process, let me tell you that the narrow car seat comes with a removable, machine-washable, and wipeable pad that you can easily clean and maintain.

Don't worry about its safety features.

The Evenflo tests their car seats and energy levels twice the regulated safety standards. Therefore, the narrow convertible car seat also meets and exceeds double FMVSS and regulations. So, it's more than safe for more extended use.

And, you can find two removable cup holders for easy cleaning and more convenience during the rides.

Pros
  • Removable cup holders
  • Easy to clean
  • Comfortable
  • Safe
  • Flexible
Cons
  • Certain package issues

Diono 2020 Radian 3R - The Best Super-Slim Design

The next is another Diono Radian model, this time 3R pretty similar to the other Diono car seat we reviewed. Yet this model is around a hundred dollars cheaper from the Radian 3RXT and slightly different in design.

This model measures 16 x 17 x 28.25 inches, while the 3RXT measures 16.14 x 16.93 x 28.35 inches.

Diono Radian 3R can accommodate children in rear facing, forward facing, and booster seat mode (from five to a hundred and twenty pounds). Yet it allows kids to ride in a rear facing position longer until they gain 50 pounds.

Just like the Radian 3RXT, Radian 3R features automotive-grade steel construction, designed to shield and provide a stable base.

What is more, it also has a famous Diono Radian slim design enabling you to fit three across your back seat with ease.

The unique SuperLatch system enables easy installment with an audible "Click" that ensures you installed the seat correctly.

Furthermore, with air protection and memory foam comfort, your child is super-secure in the case of an accident or crash.

Unlike Radian 3RXT, this seat does not incorporate a cup holder and a newborn insert. Yet you can purchase it additionally for a newborn child.

This seat meets the federal regulations and can be used in an airplane. It folds flat for more convenience during travel and carrying.

Pros
  • Four stages (rear facing infant, rear facing toddler, forward facing toddler, and booster seat)
  • Safe
  • Comfortable
  • Foldable
  • Adjustable
  • Easy installment
Cons
  • No infant insert

Clek Fllo Convertible Car Seat - Best Energy Absorbing, Retardant-flame Content

If you want to place three narrow car seats at the back, then the Clek is an exceptional car model to do so!

As you will see, the narrow car seat comes with a maximum width under 17 inches; therefore, it conveniently fits challenging minor center seating positions.

Although you can use it as a convertible car seat, its design is predominantly for extended rear-facing uses. Thus, you can manipulate its design and extend it to keep your 50-pound children in rear-facing mode for as long as possible.

Besides, you will find the steel anti-rebound bar for enhanced and improved rear-facing safety standards and performance.

Of course, your kiddo will have maximum protection. As you might notice, the narrow car seat comes with a steel frame and shell, full of energy-absorbing foam.

In addition, the cover and base create layers and layers of side-impact protection, keeping your baby untouchable and stable in all kinds of car crashes.

Also, the adjustable deep headrest offers better support for the head and spine, keeping them optimal and balanced while in the car seat.

Regarding the material, the content is full of GREENGUARD fabrics - Gold Certified fluorine-free C-zero materials, flame-retardant-free materials, and stain, odor, and moisture-causing bacteria-free contents.

Therefore, it's both user and environment-friendly content, suitable for your kid's skin.

Thus, even in a car crash, the materials will also show their resistance to external pressure, impact and forces, and keep your baby safe and sound inside the car seat, not just the construction.

Concerning the energy-absorbing technology, it's a crumple system, full of aluminum honeycomb deformable cores, integrated into the narrow car seat shell and base, absorbing energy in a rash and keeping your child protected.

And, it has nine years of lifespan, plus a 3-year warranty.

Pros
  • Flexible
  • Safe
  • Durable
  • Solid
Cons
  • Tricky to install

Maxi-Cosi Magellan Xp - The Best Five-in-One Design

Now, I've seen many convertible car seats, but this is the first time I'm seeing a model that literally follows your kid's growth stage by stage.

It does not only include a rear facing, forward facing, and booster mode but allows adjustments between these major transitions so that you can accommodate your kid 100% accurately.

Let's see what this is all about.

Honestly, I am a bit skeptical about the dimension. Namely, in an upright position, Maxi-Cosi Magellan XP seat measures 19.5 x 24.5 x 24.13 inches (W x D x H), and when reclined, it measures 19.5 x 32 x 20 inches (W x D x H).

Hence, the seat is narrow when compared to other models, yet I would check the measurements carefully If I had a compact vehicle since it's not that small.

The seat features five modes, baby rear facing (five to twenty-five lbs), toddler rear facing (twenty-two to 40 pounds), toddler forward facing (from twenty-two to sixty-five pounds), child forward facing (from forty pounds to sixty-five pounds), and a belt positioning booster seat (from forty lbs to a hundred and twenty lbs).

Many modes are enabled with the vast diversity of adjustments, seven reclining positions, and fourteen headrest positions.

Aso, Maxi-Cosi Magellan XP seat features a unique torso side protection with three height positions and additional AirProtection technology.

The installment is a piece of cake since the seat has a one-click LATCH connector, hideaway harness, and integrated belt lock-offs.

Notably, the seat exceeds all federal regulations and is approved for use in an airplane with the internal harness.

Pros
  • Unique five-in-one design
  • Adjustable
  • Easy installment
  • Functional
  • Super-safe and comfortable
  • Easy to clean
  • Hideaway harness
Cons
  • /

Clek Foonf Convertible Car Seat - The Best Luxurious Compact Convertible Car Seat

Have you ever heard of the Clek Incorporation? 

This company produces luxurious yet ultra-safe car seats, designed according to strict European standards in Canada, yet for the American market.

They strive to create the ultimate car seat that would be a perfect blend of comfort, safety, and beautiful appearance.

Among their broad palette of products, we found this one - Clek Foonf Convertible Car Seat, the perfect compact seat for small cars.

As they themselves claim, the Foonf convertible car seat is built like a tank.

It features solid metal under construction with a unique REACT safety system. This system uses the energy absorbing crumple technology to protect your child in the case of a frontal collision. The same technology is used in cars generally.

The safety is reinforced with a steel anti-rebound bar in the front of the seat, limiting the seat's rotation in the case of a collision, protecting your child, once again.

This car seat can be used in the rear facing and forward facing positions. The weight limits are 14 - 50 lbs RF, and 22 - 65 lbs FF.

Thanks to the rigid LATCH-system, it easily converts to a forward-facing car seat and includes three smooth recline positions.

I guess you'd be glad to know that the seat is entirely tailored in 100% Merino wool, which is fantastic insulation, keeping your child cold in summer and warm in winter. It has no brominated and chlorinated flame retardants.

The seat is less than seventeen inches wide and has superior side impact protection with energy absorbing foam layers. So you can easily fit this seat in whatever small car you own.

Importantly, this exquisite piece of baby equipment can be used in an airplane as well and meets the national safety standard.

Pros
  • Luxurious materials
  • No flame retardants
  • Easy to install
  • Incredibly safe
  • 100% Merino wool
  • Two modes
Cons
  • Very expensive

Baby Trend Trooper 3-in-1 - The Most Comfortable

Finally, the Baby Trend narrow car seat is an excellent choice for all of you who have younger children and toddlers. Thus, you can adjust three modes of the narrow convertible seat:

  • rear-facing infant method (4-18 pounds)
  • rear-facing toddler method (18-40 pounds), and
  • forward-facing toddler method (22-65 pounds).

As you can see, there is no booster method, which some of you might find as a lack. 

Still, since this is the narrow convertible seat that easily fits three narrow convertible car seats in the back, it's pretty noticeable that it cannot work as a booster due to its slim construction.

However, a big plus is that you can install this narrow convertible car seat pretty straightforwardly.

As you will see, there is the rear-facing recline flip foot, allowing numerous installation angles with an effortless process.

Therefore, the built-in bubble level indicator will guide you to find the proper angle for your baby and keep them comfortable. So, the seat cannot move around, and your baby is more stable.

Another great benefit is that the car seat has safe head protection.

Namely, the head part offers deeper side wings for better and more improved side-impact protection.

Thus, even in the case of a car accident, your kid's head, spine and back will remain intact, stable, secure, and safe. The external forces, pressure, and impact cannot harm them, and they will be protected.

But, for additional protection and stability, you will find the crotch buckle and shoulder adjustment.

Thus, the 5-position shoulder and 3-position crotch buckle adjustment allow you to find the best body posture and tighten, lose the straps, and adapt them to your growing child's needs.

So, you can keep your child comfortable and accessible yet safe and sound inside the seat.

Pros
  • Durable
  • Flexible
  • Safe
  • Comfortable
Cons
  • Recline control issues

How to Choose The Best Convertible Car Seat For Small Cars? - Buyer's Guide

As always, we prepared a buyer's guide with useful tips and tricks that will transform you into a car seat master.

Yet, this time the manual is more special since we are dealing with small cars specifically, and therefore the tips are adequately adapted.

Before we start with tips, I would like to give a few pre words.

Car seats, convertible ones at least, usually include a booster seat mode.

Because the booster seat is designed to accommodate a child up to seven years, it can be pretty bulky, so the car seat, convertible one, can be too big for small cars.

Many of the seats we included in our list are designed to fit most compact cars, yet if you have a too-small model, I would look for the options that have only rear and forward facing mode.

Now, the tips!

1. Check the Dimensions of Your Car and the Seat

best convertible car seat for small cars 2021

This is an essential and crucial tip! 

You cannot buy an adequate convertible seat if you haven't measured the back seat of your car. 

Now, the measurement you should care for the most is the width. Yet, beware that for a convertible seat, sixteen inches is the narrowest it can go.

2. Check the Weight Limitations of the Seat

Always check the weight limitations, and opt for the car seat that allows your kid to remain in the rear facing direction the longest (RF mode should be allowed for at least 40 pounds).

3. Choose the Narrow Editions

Manufacturers are aware that small car seats are in demand due to increased sales of narrow cars and the need to fit more than one car seat in one car.

Therefore, many brands produce special SlimFit editions that indicate that the car seat is mainly designed for small vehicles.

Hence, it's best to choose these ones.

4. Check the Positions the Car Seat Can Be Used in

As I previously explained, if your car is really compact, then go for a conversion car seat that can be used in the rear and forward facing direction.

But if the seat's dimensions allow it, the best car seat would include a booster too.

5. Additional Features

As the car industry advanced, the best car seats have evolved appropriately.

That is why the best car seats nowadays have many advanced features such as no-rethread harness, one-click installments, LATCH systems, reinforced materials, etc

Hence, if you're looking for an honestly best car seat, check these out.

FAQs

Do all baby car seats fit all cars?

Sadly no. Baby car seats are not a universal fit for all types of vehicles.

One of the most common sizing issues that make a car seat incompatible with a car is the installation of other car seats, dimensions, ISOFIX availability, and top tether installation.

Before you decide to invest in a car seat, make sure you check out all the points of installation as well as its dimensions to make sure it fits in your vehicle.

Are compact convertible car seats safe?

Compact convertible car seats are safe for use! Although some of them are smaller, you should not question their safety.

All car seats need to follow Federal Safety Regulations and pass crash tests before they are released on the market.

Convertible car seats for smaller cars have the majority of features your kiddo would need.

These include a five-point harness, adjustable headrest and recline positions, lower anchors, and others.

Is the compact convertible car seat less durable?

top rated convertible car seats for small cars

No, not necessarily. Compact convertible car seats are no less durable than regular convertible car seats.

In addition, many car seats on the market have the same life expectancy of approximately 10-12 years.

After this period, car seats are no longer considered safe for use.

Are compact convertible car seats less comfortable for kids?

No, compact convertible car seats are no less comfortable than the rest of the models on the market. Some manufacturers will design a cumbersome car seat with minimal comfort to it.

Therefore, the size of the car seat should not be a representative of comfort.

You can always check the convertible car seat in person and see what kind of fabric, padding, and recline options it offers.

What is the difference between a compact convertible car seat vs. a regular convertible one?

The only difference between a compact convertible car seat and a regular convertible one is the dimensions and the overall size.

Regular convertible car seats are often considered bulky and not fit for every vehicle. They can be 2-in-1 or even 3-in-1 car seats, making larger sizes inevitable!

However, compact convertible car seats are smaller in size while still containing the most beneficial features. Additionally, they are suitable for three installations.

Are convertible car seats smaller than infant car seats?

No, convertible car seats are not smaller than infant car seats. Convertible car seats are rather bulky and oversized compared to infant car seats and others.

Most parents tend to avoid convertible car seats if they plan on installing more than one car seat in the back of the car.

However, you can still find some of the best compact car seats for smaller cars that fit the three across installations.

How do I know if a convertible car seat will fit in my car?

One of the safest ways of determining whether a convertible car seat will fit in your car is to test it out in person.

You can do this by visiting a local car seat store and asking to install a floor model in your vehicle. Then, later on, you can purchase it online for a bigger discount.

However, if this option is unavailable, check the installations and the dimensions of the car seat. 

Usually, every manufacturer lists them so you can get a clear picture of the fit.

Do I need an all in one car seat for my small car?

All-in-one car seats offer a vast array of benefits for all parents. However, some models may be too bulky for small cars.

Because all-in-one car seats offer up to 4 modes of use, you can expect them to be larger.

If you are unsure whether an all-in-one car seat will fit in your automobile, you can visit your local car seat store and see the model you like.

Some will even let you test out a floor model in your car, so you can see how much room a rear-facing and forward-facing installation takes.

What is the most space-saving convertible car seat?

I would give this title to the fantastic Diono 2019 Radian 3RXT since it was intentionally designed to fit three across, which is the ultimate test of functionality.

What is the best convertible car seat for a small car?

The best convertible car seat for a small car is the top pick we selected, Graco Extend2Fit Convertible Car Seat.

It features the incredible value per quality ratio and includes both rear facing and forward facing mode.

What is the smallest infant car seat?

Parents most frequently suggest Chicco KeyFit 30 Infant car seat as the smallest infant car seat.

Yet, this car seat cannot be used as a forward facing car seat.

What is the narrowest car seat?

Diono 2020 Radian 3R seems to be the narrowest convertible seat we found.

Which Britax convertible car seat is the slimmest?

That's our Britax Allegiance 3 Stage since it has miniature proportions - 26 x 18.5 x 21 inches.

What is the narrowest Graco convertible car seat?

The narrowest one is the Graco SlimFit 3 In 1, thanks to its SlimFit technology that saves up to 10% of the space when you install it, meanwhile offering enough room for your little ones to move freely.

How wide is the Graco SlimFit 3 LX?

The Graco SlimFit3 LX is considered one of the slimmest car seats, with a width of only 16.7 inches. This compact and versatile car seat has up to three models of use!

The Graco car seat can be installed as a rear-facing, forward-facing, and high-back booster.

Due to the narrow dimensions, the Graco SlimFit 3 LX is suitable for three across installations and an excellent pick for carpooling and travels!

How long are Graco SlimFit car seats good for?

what convertible car seat is best for small cars

Graco SlimFit car seat has a significant weight limit of 100 pounds. This means your kiddo can use it until they are ten years old.

However, like most car seats, Graco has a life expectancy of 10-12 years. Therefore, you will need to check the expiration date frequently and discontinue using the car seat if it’s expired.

Is the Nuna Rava compact?

The Nuna Rava is considered one of the most compact car seats on the market.

In addition, Nuna by itself is known for offering space-saving designs that every parent and kiddo can enjoy.

This particular car seat is relatively compact when installed in the rear-facing position.

Additionally, it features a legroom panel that offers commotion for the kiddo but does not compromise the space in the car.

The Nuna Rava profile is narrow from side to side, so you can even install more car seats in the back.

How much space do you need for three narrow convertible car seats?

It would be best to have a row of 45-60 inches of shoulder and hip room to fit three seats. So, your cars must have 55 - 66 inches of shoulder and hip space.

How to fit three narrow convertible car seats in one car, compactly?

Here are some helpful videos that may help you install three car seats in one car.

We intentionally included the video instructing how to install three Diono Radian convertible car seats; since, as we mentioned, they were specially designed for this purpose. See here and here.

Final Thoughts

I hope that this article will leave the compact car owners satisfied and relieved.

As you could see, there are many models you can fit in a small car perfectly.

Some of the best convertible car seat for small cars were even designed to help you fit three across, so no worries needed.

I believe all of the models on this list are high-quality car seats, safe and comfortable, and worthy of your money.

Yet, my favorite remains Graco Extend2Fit Convertible Car Seat.

Aside from being a reliable choice, the seat includes both rear facing and forward facing mode, adjustable features, reinforced safety, and the FAA-approval.

Graco Extend2Fit Convertible Car Seat, Rear-Facing and Forward-Facing, Extended Rear-Facing Seat...*
  • Adaptable Growth: Converts to suit your child from rear-facing harness (4-50lbs) to forward-facing harness (22-65 pounds)
  • Solid Build: Steel-reinforced with dimensions of 21.5 D x 19.5 W x 23.5 H inches, and weighing 19 lbs.
  • Extended Rear-facing: Offers up to 50 pounds rear facing, focusing on your child's safety
  • Top Safety Standards: Graco ProtectPlus Engineered, ensuring protection in frontal, side, rear, and rollover crashes
  • 4-Position Panel: The Extend2Fit 4-position adjustable extension panel provides up to 5 of additional legroom
 
Avatar of Kathy Warner

Kathy Warner

Kathy is a busy mother of two and a CPS technician for more than eight years. Her mission is to awaken parents to the importance of child passenger safety and show them the right practice. You can read more about her here

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