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Convertible and Toddler Car Seats
Convertible and toddler car seats are the next stage after the infant car seat—though all convertible car seats can be used from birth when set to the proper recline and used with the included infant support inserts. The main tradeoff is convenience: unlike infant seats, convertibles stay installed in your vehicle and don’t click onto strollers.
These seats begin in rear-facing mode (the safest position for babies and toddlers), then convert to forward-facing mode as your child grows. Most last until age 5–7, making them one of the longest-lasting car seat types you’ll buy.
Aside from Orbit Baby’s modular rotating system, convertibles do not attach to strollers and aren't designed to be used for carrying a sleeping child outside the car.
FAQs About Convertible & Toddler Car Seats
Can all convertible car seats be used from birth?
Yes. Every convertible car seat sold in the U.S. is approved for newborn use when it’s reclined properly and used with the infant inserts. The fit can vary from seat to seat, but they’re all designed to keep even tiny babies safe from day one.
Do convertible car seats attach to strollers?
No—convertible car seats aren’t built to click onto strollers, and there aren’t adapters that make it possible. (The only exception is the Orbit Baby system, which is its own unique setup.) If you want a travel system, an infant car seat is the way to go.
How long will a convertible car seat last?
Most convertible and toddler car seats take your child from newborn to about age 5–7, depending on the seat’s height and weight limits. They’re one of the longest-lasting pieces of baby gear you’ll buy.
When should I switch from rear-facing to forward-facing?
Keep your child rear-facing as long as the seat allows—it’s the safest position in a crash. Many convertible car seats let kids stay rear-facing until 50 pounds, which often gets you well past toddlerhood.
Is a convertible car seat better than an infant car seat?
They just have different pros and cons. An infant car seat gives you portability and stroller compatibility, while a convertible seat stays installed in your car and lasts for years. Many parents start with an infant seat for convenience, then move to a convertible when their baby outgrows it.
What’s the deal with rotating convertible car seats?
Rotating car seats—like models from Nuna, Cybex, and Joie—turn toward the door so you can lift your child in and out without the shoulder acrobatics. They don’t work with strollers, but they’re a big win for everyday comfort.