How to Select the Best Travel Car Seats?

#1. Doona Infant Car Seat & Latch Base - Best for Safety Features

If you're planning a shorter or longer trip, I have something for you! It's the best travel car seat for toddler! Let me show you why.

The first advantage is a one-hand motion where you can convert the travel car seat into a stroller for better maneuverability in seconds.

No matter where you're going, this 2-in-1 best car seat for traveling will satisfy all your needs.

Speaking of needs, Doona rear-facing car seat contains the adjustable handlebar that works as an anti-rebound bar inside your motor vehicle.

Another big plus is the three layers of the side impact protection, with the highest quality and safety standards and regulations.

It is easy to clean concerning material since the content is machine washable and removable, and the fabric is breathable; therefore, your kids can freely breathe, relax, and enjoy the travel.

The content won't make your child feel the pressure since there are enough airflow and circulation for ultimate comfort.

Most vitally, the best traveling car seat is an FAA-approved car seat. It means that you can freely travel with this airplane seat without any obstacles. However, the rear-facing seat is TUV approved due to its safe materials.

Thanks to its proportions, our rear-facing travel car seat can withstand a child weighing from 4 to 35 pounds. Moreover, in a wide variety of options, you can choose the one that you like the most.

Not only does the package contain the Doona stroller seat, but also Doona bamboo infant insert, Doona base, infant vehicle seat protector, and bamboo head support. But you will also find breathable inner foams, a charcoal aluminum handle, and a two-year warranty period.

So, what else do you need when the Doona rear-facing travel car seat contains all the necessary elements to be the best?

#2. Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35 LX Infant Car Seat - Best for Protection

If the Doona seat didn't blow your mind, this one undoubtedly will!

Our next rear-facing traveler car seat has magnificent traveling features, so it's time we learned them together!

With only one quick and straightforward motion, you can effortlessly adjust the handle, leaving your other hand free. As you can see, our Graco rear-facing car seat for travel is easy to manage, but it contains other super features.

If your baby is sleeping, the canopy straightforwardly adjusts without disturbance since it's a silent shade canopy. Thus, you can protect your baby from rain, sun, wind, and other adverse weather conditions for ultimate protection and comfort.

The LATCH system installs in seconds with appropriate LATCH connectors and attachments. Thus, the baby won't slip away, but the child will move freely in the rear-facing travel car seat.

Of course, I need to mention the 5-point harness front adjustment that will add extra protection for the baby, and the 4-position adjustable base.

The base is crucial since you can manage and moderate your car's right position and the kiddo's needs. So, this is our best seat for cars and kids from 4 to 35 pounds.

Furthermore, the base passed rigorous tests run by FMVSS - Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards 213 and US standards.

Additionally, the rear-facing car seat is FAA approved car seat, and you can freely use it as an airplane seat.

Finally, our travel car seat is easy to install since you can read the level indicator placed on the seat's base. Hence, you can eliminate the setup guesswork and get to work straightforwardly.

There are various benefits, as I have told you previously. So, why don't you pick the best traveling car seat today, and see the advantages yourself?

#3. Safety 1st Onboard 35 LT Infant Car Seat - Best Affordable Pick

The Safety 1st is another affordable option for first-time parents. If you are short on money and need an infant car seat asap, this Safety 1st is a fantastic model.

Its weight limit capacity can support small passengers from 4 to 35 pounds in a rear-facing position.

Now, before I go any further, I need to mention this.

Safety 1st has a lot of infant models on their offer, and this one is not compatible with any of the original OnBoard models.

The "LT" line comes with a different and unique car seat base so keep that in mind.

You can't expect any of the fancy features you would otherwise have in price modes for this kind of price. For example, recline options are always good, especially in infant car seats. However, this one offers only two recline angles.

On the other hand, it does have four harness heights that ensure a proper fit for every infant. As the baby grows, you can adjust the harness to their new measurements.

You will love this infant car seat for traveling as it's super lightweight at only 14 lbs (including the car seat base). In addition, it's easy to carry from car to car as it has a convenient carry handle.

The installation gives you two options. You can install the car seat with the LATCH or use a car's seat belt. Whichever one you choose, you won't struggle so much with getting a secure fit.

Cleaning this car seat is a breeze!

It comes with a removable car seat cover that can be machine-washable and even dryer-friendly! Therefore, your little one always has a clean car seat to go back to.

#1. Chicco Bravo Trio Travel System - Best Travel System

If you need the ultimate travel system that includes an infant car seat and a stroller, I recommend the Chicco Bravo Trio.

Unfortunately, the price is a bit high, but for this reason, I have included another budget-friendly option you will find below.

Okay, so we need to talk about the car seat first.

One of Chicco's most respected car seats is included in this travel system. The KeyFit 30 is a top-notch infant car seat with excellent safety features and a user-friendly design.

The infant car seat suits children between 4-30 pounds, and it's a fantastic investment, especially for traveling. But, if you are road-tripping with a child, you need to put their comfort first.

All children do not handle long trips, so comfort is the key in this situation.

There are many other features you will love in the KeyFit30, such as the bubble level indicator for easy installation and LATCH connectors that make the process even more manageable.

The seat itself weighs only 9 pounds, so it's super lightweight. However, with the base, the total weight of the seat is 17 pounds.

When you think about it, this is not so heavy, considering there are other car seats way more serious and not worth the hype. Nevertheless, the Chicco KeyFit30 is worth every mention.

The stroller folds within a few seconds! It features the well-known one-hand folding mechanism that is great if your hands are often busy.

The system works best if you find yourself hailing for a cab or an Uber, and you need to fold the stroller before going it quickly.

You can also navigate it with one hand, so it's great for city dwellers.

#2. Baby Trend EZ Ride 35 Travel System - Best Budget-friendly Car Seat Stroller Combo

This is one of the most inexpensive travel systems on the market. So even though you have planned out your entire baby gear purchase, you still have one thing left - a stroller!

It's inevitable for daily walks with your little one, so why not get an infant seat with the stroller while you are at it?

It's a great deal for parents who have yet to get an infant car seat and want to create their very own travel system on a budget.

But, let's see if the quality matches the price.

For starters, the Baby Trend EZ Ride comes with the Ally 35 infant car seat. Thanks to the FlexLoc system, you can quickly connect the car seat to the vehicle.

In addition, the seat includes a car seat base that is installed with a LATCH, so you won't have to deal with challenging installations.

Once you connect the car seat to the stroller, you can choose the rear-facing installation. That is, your baby will face you. But once the little one gets older and is ready to use the stroller, their curious minds can face the world.

In addition, the stroller features a peek-a-boo window, so you can always check on them.

If you asked me what the feature that makes this duo perfect for traveling was, I would say it's the one-hand folding mechanism. It makes the process of folding the stroller so easy, especially if you are carrying the car seat on the other hand.

However, the mechanism does take some time to get used to. It's not so effortless, but it still helps.

Lastly, it features typical features every parent loves, such as a snack tray, dual cupholders, and a height-adjustable handle.

#1. Britax One4Life ClickTight - Best All in One Car Seat

Next up, we have the well-known Britax One4Life car seat. If you asked me what the one car seat model you can purchase and not have to repurchase one is, I would choose Britax.

It offers the perfect combination of design, style, price, and multi-stage construction. The durable car seat can last you up to 10 years as it accommodates four different stages.

That being said, you can use the Britax car seat in rear-facing infant and toddler mode and forward-facing preschool and big-kid booster car seat mode.

Many models on the market promote the convertible all-in-one car seats, but nothing comes even close to Britax. However, as you know, this is a good car seat brand, and this model is one of their best productions.

The One4Life model features the SafeCell technology that includes EPS foam and the steel frame construction that keeps the entire car seat durable and sturdy.

All of the crash forces are brought to a minimum thanks to the anti-rebound bar.

In addition, when installing the car seat in the rear-facing position, the bar will stabilize the seat and make it as safe as possible.

Furthermore, Britax has an excellent weight limit that supports kids between 5-120 pounds! Along with the ClickTight mechanism, the Britax car seat is installed effortlessly and in under 5 minutes.

Many of these all-in-one car seats are not always suitable for infants. They have a spacious design that follows the kid's growth but often does not correctly support small babies.

Well, the Britax One4Life includes an infant insert that keeps babies under 20 pounds snug and supported in their early life stages.

#2. Graco SlimFit 3 in 1 Car Seat - Best for Three Across Installations

Along with the Britax One4Life ClickTight, the Graco SlimFit is one of the top options if you want more than one mode of use. In addition, this Graco car seat is a 3-in-1 design every parent loves!

Besides being budget-friendly, the Graco can accommodate children riding rear-facing, forward-facing, and even highback booster rides. In addition, it has a weight limit capacity of 5-100 pounds which is fantastic for this price.

One of the features that make so many people opt for this exact car seat is the slim design. The SlimFit model fits perfectly into everyone's vehicle and allows for three across installations.

Not only is it great for traveling with multiple kids, but it also serves well in everyday carpool rides. But did you know that the Graco also features rotatable cup holders that save up to 10% more space? Pretty cool, right?

You no longer have to compromise convenience! Now, I want to talk a bit about safety. Along with Chicco and Britax, Graco is known as one of the top-notch brands that strictly follow all safety regulations.

Such is the case with this car seat. The Graco car seat follows the ProtectPlus engineering process, which passes all the rigorous car crash tests, including frontal, rear, side, and rollover crashes.

It also has a self-adjust harness which I value the most! There is nothing worse than having a perfect car seat and then going through hell trying to adjust the harness.

If you value easy adjustments like this one, you will also like the fact that the headrest is also adjustable in 10 different positions, all fit to follow the child's growth.

#3. Tribute LX Convertible Car Seat - Accent on Children's Development

Moving on, we have another excellent travel car seat! Believe me, and you're going to love it as much as I do!

The Evenflo Tribute LX convertible car seat keeps safe and protects the kids between 5 and 40 pounds, serving as a rear-facing car seat. But, it serves as a forward-facing car seat for kids who are between 22 and 40 pounds, and at least two years old.

Another reason I love it is the applicability to the Evenflo side impact test standard for structural integrity and Federal Safety Standards.

As the convertible car seat passed all these tests, you can rest assured that it will provide the best possible protection to your little ones wherever you go. Perfect!

When you use it as a forward-facing seat, the top of the children's ears is below or at the top of the child restraint seat. When you use it as a rear-facing travel car seat, the top of the kids' heads is one inch below the car seat's top.

The Evenflo Tribute LX follows the kids' development and provides enough space for their growth thanks to its 5-point harness system with front adjustment and 4-position adjustable base. The kids can use our seat for an extended period.

Being a lightweight and compact, Evenflo Tribute LX is ideal for smaller cars, transport between various vehicles, and airplanes since this is another FAA-approved car seat for travel.

Our convertible (forward-facing/rear-facing) seat for travel is easy to clean as it contains the machine washable and removable parts.

Of course, with a removable cup holder, the plastic and metal parts you can wash with a bar of mild soap and water. But you shouldn't use solvents or abrasive cleaners.

#4. Safety 1st Guide 65 Convertible Car Seat - The Most Convenient One

We finish the first half of the collection with our next convertible car seat that won our hearts for many reasons.

Want to learn more? Read below.

Our Safety 1st Guide 65 travel car seat is convenient for smaller motor vehicles and helps you protect your kiddos in the form of a forward-facing or a rear-facing car seat.

If your little ones weigh between 5 and 40 pounds and 19 inches, you can use this seat as a rear-facing one. However, if they weigh between 22 to 65 pounds and are 34-52 inches tall, you can use it as a forward-facing car seat.

Another big plus is the additional space for growing children, and that is why children can use the convertible seat in two ways. Thus, no matter how you use it, the Safety 1st convertible car seat will provide extra legroom for extended use.

You can effortlessly wash the seat pad since it is hand-washable and removable. The bolsters are anti-rebound, and on the side, you can find a cup holder for the perfect storage for snacks or drinks and a more convenient journey.

But what is the most powerful feature?

Indeed, that's the fact that our Safety 1st Guide 65 seat for travel is FAA approved car seat; hence, you can install it in airplanes as well if you travel across the country, continent, or ocean. Impressive, right?

Being a 5-point harness convertible car seat, our guide 65 rear-facing/forward-facing travel car seat has five different heights for a more comfortable ride, and three buckle positions for proper fits and convenience.

Why don't you pick it now and make your child happy during the whole travel? It's high time you did so. 

#5. Cosco Onlook 2-in-1 Convertible Car Seat - The Most Durable Seat

For more than 70 years, the Cosco company always has the best products!

From swings to strollers, bouncers to car seats, high chairs to play yards, their products are famous for smart design and solid values. They won't let you down this time as well.

So, let's learn together about their best travel car seat!

The primary feature the Cosco convertible car seat contains is the two modes of use:

Thanks to the LATCH seat belt system and LATCH connectors, this convertible car seat with the 5-point harness has the six adjustable positions of the height and the frontal part, as well as three buckle positions.

Being a 5-point harness seat, your child will buckle up with two shoulder straps, two hips straps, and a crotch for the ultimate protection and stability.

No matter whether you use the travel seat as a rear-facing or a forward-facing one, the side impact protection with the foam paddings and side walls will keep your child untouchable if a car collision occurs.

Having the removable pads, the convertible car seat is easy to clean in the washing machine and dry it for the next use.

Moreover, the two cup holders on both sides provide the storage for the children's favorite food and drinks, letting a driver stay focused on the road.

But what if you decide to travel by plane? 

It is possible since the seat is FAA approved and tested, but that's not all. The travel car seat passed ASTM and Federal Safety standards and regulations.

Finally, Cosco provides a one-year warranty period for their travel car seat. Will it be your choice?

#1. BubbleBum Inflatable Booster Car Seat - Best Inflatable Booster Car Seat

There is no chance you have not come across the fantastic BubbleBum inflatable booster car seat! This is a revolutionary product for traveling and everyday use! So let's check it out.

For starters, the booster car seat is an excellent solution for those who don't want to carry a big and bulky booster car seat anywhere they go!

It's so small it will fit in your handbag or carry-on, so you don't have to worry about the lack of space.

It weighs less than one pound when it's deflated and packed up. Its compact size makes it a perfect buddy for carpooling, vacations, or even for use in rentals.

Currently, this is the only inflatable booster on the market that has a patented stability system.

Many parents wonder whether this type of booster is safe for their child; it's great to know that the United Nations ECE Regulation has approved the BubbleBum.

It's safe to use, but I would recommend it better for occasional use. Often, it does not allow for three across installations, but it's still a tremendous temporary booster for when you're traveling.

It has a massive weight limit of 40-100 pounds, but be careful.

You know that backless boosters are only suitable for older kids in the transition phase of using a car seat belt. Only use this booster if your kid is ready for forward-faced installations.

So, how do you use the Bubble Bum car seat? It's relatively easy, to be honest.

All you should do is untwist the valve and inflate it. The process is done in less than 20 seconds, and then the seat is ready to use!

Just make sure you don't overinflate the seat, as it can become pretty unstable.

#2. hiccapop UberBoost Inflatable Booster Car Seat - For All Travel Types

Are your travel car seats bulky, impractical, and sober? If your answer is "YES," I have something special for you; just stay tuned!

Well, this is our packable and portable backless booster seat! 

The very name tells you that our booster seat inflates in less than 20 seconds and sets up effortlessly and straightforwardly.

It's a perfect choice for travel since it easily folds up and rolls in the travel bag so that you can carry the booster seat into a backpack, large purse, carryon, or a suitcase.

As your child deserves the best conditions on your trips, the booster seat is an excellent option for taxis, rented cars, school trips in various carpools or Uber rides. This is possible thanks to strict tests by FMVSS and USA standards and regulations.

However, the backless booster seat is not appropriate for plane travels since it isn't FAA approved and doesn't follow the air traffic regulations and standards.

Your motor vehicle's seat will be secure and protected from any damage since the booster seat fits all vinyl, cloth, and leather seats.

It won't leave any stain or ruin the vehicle's seat since the non-skin material matches the vehicle's seat firmly and steadily. So, it's gentle to your vehicle's upholstery.

Concerning protection, I must tell you that the booster seat remains stable and immovable while on the road, and keeps the same stability and fixation even in the case of a car crash.

As the proportions are excellent, the seat holds up the kids 40 pounds to 100 pounds.

Your little ones will adore cushiony paddings and the most comfortable rides that our seat creates!

And the seat belt system attaches to the vehicle's seat belt correctly - it covers upper thighs, shoulder, and chest parts, as it should.

#3. hifold fit-and-fold High Back Booster Seat - The Most Adjustable Seat

When you think of adjustability, think of this car seat. You may ask why. Here is the answer!

This is the world's most adjustable booster seat with more than 243 individual settings that are part of the famous "multi-fit" technology. This booster car seat is everything!

It withstands all children from 33 to 100 pounds, and 35 to 59 inches tall. Therefore, it's an ideal choice for toddlers, for a forward-facing use, and other services. You get all-in-one!

But there is more! As the car seat has the "multi-fold" system, it easily folds and packs into carrying bags; hence, the seat is compact and convenient for travel, storage, carpooling, and more. Plus, the seat contains the carry strap.

While your child grows, the all-in-one car seat follows the development providing more comfort and an optimal seat belt system; you can moderate the four-seat height positions: head height, head width, body, and seat. This way, the seat keeps your child safe and secure all the time.

As the car seat meets and passes all FMVSS and NHTSA regulations and standards, it is convenient for global use, and parents can use it everywhere, except in Australia.

Since it meets the European standards as well, if you're planning an overseas trip to the Old Continent, you can freely use this seat as your best option.

However, the booster seat is not FAA tested and approved; therefore, it's not convenient for airplanes and air traffic.

The experts say that children who use boosters are ready and old enough to fasten the airplane's seat belts, so they don't need booster travel car seats.

If you want the best travel experience and maximum safety and security, you should definitely opt for this high back booster seat! Believe me, your child is going to love it since it's so adjustable and user-friendly!

#4. Britax Skyline 2-Stage Belt-Positioning Booster - Best 2-in-1 Booster Car Seats

Is your child transitioning from a forward-facing car seat to a highback booster? Then you need this Britax Skyline in your life!

Not only is it a fantastic option for a highback big kid booster, but it also has a removable set backrest so that you can use it as a backless booster.

As you know, Britax is well-known for its safety features.

For instance, this booster car seat has two layers of side-impact protection. It offers a snug fit to big kids, and thanks to the headrest side support, your kid can nap in their booster without their head dropping.

In addition to the car seat's safety, the booster has a ten position adjustable headrest, so it follows the growth of your kid through the years.

Many parents tend to avoid Britax due to the high price point, but this is not the case with this 2-in-1 car seat. It's affordable and fits into everyone's budget range. Plus, the dual-use makes it even more attractive!

At just 16.5 inches in width, this narrow car seat fits easily into most vehicles. Not only does it work, but it allows for three across installations, which makes it a perfect travel buddy!

The looks of the Britax Skyline booster are nothing special. It features a standard design with the Teal or Dusk model, but I have to admit that the fabric is very comfortable and soft.

Along with the convenient dimensions, Britax includes removable cupholders that are perfect for long road trips. Of course, the back passengers can always sneak in a few snacks, toys, or their favorite drink.

Lastly, the 2-in-1 booster car seat has a few accessories available you can purchase separately. Those include the car seat caddy, View and Go organizer, and a kick mat.

1. Children, Planes, and Car Seats

According to the American FAA, all infants younger than two must be placed into the approved car seats. These seats are the safest and most comfortable means of transport by planes.

The most convenient car seats are convertible seats since they are both rear-facing and forward-facing, but if you have a baby, you will use a toddler seat, of course.

You are not legally demanded to use one; however, as your baby won't move around, it's a better option if you carry a car seat.

2. Car Seats That Contain the FAA Approval

To be allowed to travel by plane, parents must obtain the FAA approved car seats. You may ask which seats.

You have to look at the seat and find the approval stating that the car seat is approved for travel by motor vehicles or airplanes. 

However, if you live in Australia, you will have to search for an approved safety label that says, "Certified product, Australian standards AS/NZS 1754." That's the only way to take a seat into a plane.

3. Car Seat Weight

Since you're going to the airport, you will have to carry car seats with you; therefore, my recommendation is travel car seats that are 15 lbs or less - 10 lbs, for instance.

You will have to take and carry it out of the car/taxi/Uber, etc.place it on the trolleys, carry it to the airport, and place it on the plane. 

Pick a lightweight seat, believe me!

4. Car Seat Width

Just because car seats have the FAA approvals doesn't mean they'll fit airplane seats.

It's imperative that your car seats be in accordance with the airplane seats since they are between 16 and 22 inches wide.

You have to check car seats that are wide in this radius, or else you wouldn't be able to place them on the airplane seats effortlessly.

The other problem could be the security scanner - if your car seat doesn't fit the airport scanner control, the inspectors will have to check and inspect the car seat manually, which would slow down the checking in process.

5. Car Seat Convertibility

When you shop for the best car seat, bear in mind that the convertible seat is the best option.

It won't eat your budget since the seat will accommodate children from approximately 5 to 65 pounds comfortably, and you'll get two in one for the same price.