The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Travel Car Seat for Your Toddler
Are you tired of lugging around a bulky and heavy car seat every time you travel with your toddler?
Yea me too… especially after my last trip with our old car seat.
Traveling with toddlers can be both exciting and challenging, especially when it comes to ensuring their safety on the go.
One essential item that parents need to consider is a reliable travel car seat. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to find the perfect one for your family’s adventures.
Fear not!
In this guide, we’ll explore the key factors to consider and highlight some of the best travel car seats for toddlers on the market.
As any parent knows, finding the right car seat for your little one can be a daunting task, and this is especially true when it comes to traveling.
We will explore the best travel car seats for toddlers that will make your next trip a breeze.
Not to scare anyone but for those considering skipping a car seat for your toddler.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, car crashes are the leading cause of death for children between the ages of 3 and 14. So, not only is choosing the right car seat crucial for your child’s safety, but it is also important for your peace of mind.
Car seat safety and seat belt safety especially when you travel is a nonnegotiable.
Get ready to hit the road with confidence and ease as we delve into the best travel car seats for toddlers and what makes them stand out.
Key Factors to Consider
When it comes to traveling with your little one, every parent wants the best for their child.
And that includes finding the best travel car seat for their toddler.
As we mentioned earlier there are so many options to consider it can be a daunting task.
That’s why it’s important to consider key factors while making your decision.
Safety should always be the top priority, followed by portability, versatility, comfort, and ease of cleaning.
By keeping these factors in mind, you can ensure that your child stays safe and comfortable while making your travels a little easier.
Let’s dive into each of these factors in more detail.
Safety
Look for car seats that meet or exceed safety standards, with features like side-impact protection, adjustable harness systems, and sturdy construction.
Portability
Opt for lightweight and compact designs that are easy to carry and install, especially if you’ll be navigating airports and rental cars during your travels.
Versatility
Consider whether you need a convertible car seat that can adapt as your child grows, or if a dedicated travel car seat suits your needs best.
Comfort
Your toddler’s comfort is paramount, so choose seats with plush padding, breathable fabrics, and adjustable recline options for those long journeys.
Ease of Cleaning
Let’s face it, spills and messes are inevitable with toddlers. Look for car seats with removable, machine-washable covers for hassle-free cleaning on the go.
Top Picks for Travel Car Seats
Now for the fun part! Where we talk about the best travel car seat for a toddler. Now, I want to share a little story with you before we jump into our list, and also share two car seats depending on how much you travel.
When it comes to the best travel car seat for toddler in terms of travel we have two on our list. The top pick for frequent travelers (over 4 times a year) is the PICO Portable Car Seat by WAYB, and for the traditional travel family (4 times or less), we love the Graco 3-in-1 as the best toddler car seat for travel.
We will talk more specifics shortly, but here is how we came to these two car seat types.
We’ve tried a LOT of car seats for travel and have fallen in love with the WAYB Pico Portable car seat.
Before we get to the top 6 best travel car seats for toddlers, I want to share a little photo and story about our last mommy and me adventure before we finally made the jump and bought the Pico Car seat.
Why We Switched Travel Car Seats after 3 Years
It was November, and we were headed to Disneyland for a little mommy-and-me adventure. This was our first time flying alone, just the two of us, and we were gone for 3 days.
When it comes to theme park trips, especially Disneyland, there are a lot of additional things we like to pack.
I had a roller bag, her car seat, a stroller, and a backpack.
In most travel scenarios, there are two of us to break up the items between.
This time, I didn’t have that luxury. The airline broke our car seat bag, and we were left to carry the car seat and not wheel it.
Unfortunately, this particular flight flew into LAX and not Long Beach, so the walk to both baggage claim and the ride shares lot was far.
It was a difficult trip when it came to managing everything.
But we got to the hotel, dropped everything, and made the best of our mommy and me Disney trip.
I was dreading having to carry everything at the end of our trip, but when we got back home, we immediately went online to research the best travel car seat for toddler so we never had to go through that again.
While the price point of the WAYB is a little on the high side, it’s important to know this is a car seat that can be used for longer than the Duna stroller car seat combo and can replace your car seat at home if you want it to.
WAYB PICO Portable Car Seat
Also called the Wayb pico travel car seat is the best travel car seat for a toddler
- Pros: compact size fits well in small spaces and easily fits in the overhead bin. Light weight at only 8 pounds. It is a breathable, sleek design and is great for tall toddlers. Can be used for airplane travel as well.
- Cons: can be a little tricky to install the first few times. The lower anchors make it very convenient, but the back anchor can cause some difficulty with multiple car manufacturers. Manual adjustments for anchors and straps. More on the pricey side.
Graco SlimFit 3-in-1 Convertible Car Seat
This 3-in-1 car seat is the best lightweight car seat when it comes to travel. The sleek and easy to install carseat is really great for families that do not travel as often or do not want to spend hundreds of dollars on the best travel car seat for a toddler.
- Pros: Compact design fits well in small spaces, adjustable recline, easy installation.
- Cons: Slightly heavier compared to other travel car seats.
Cosco Scenera Next Convertible Car Seat
- Pros: Lightweight and budget-friendly, plane ride and airplane-approved, easy to clean.
- Cons: Limited padding, may not be as comfortable for long rides.
Cosco Finale 2-in-1 Booster Car Seat
- Pros: Lightweight, five-point harness, can fit three across in the car
- Cons: Little to no padding, may not be as comfortable for long rides, does not come with a cup holder
Britax One4Life ClickTight All-in-One Car Seat
- Pros: Superior safety features, easy installation with ClickTight technology, durable construction.
- Cons: Heavier and bulkier for travel, higher price point.
Evenflo Tribute LX Convertible Car Seat
- Pros: Affordable option, lightweight, portable, energy-absorbing foam for enhanced safety.
- Cons: Basic design may lack some convenience features.
Diono Radian 3RXT All-in-One Convertible Car Seat
- Pros: Slim profile fits three across in most vehicles, steel frame construction for added durability, fold-flat design for easy transport.
- Cons: Heavier than other options, may be challenging to install rear-facing in certain vehicles.
If you are on the hunt for an infant car seat for travel we only have one suggestion. The Doona car seat is the BEST option when it comes to infant travel. We used the Nuna Travel System and while it was easy for us, the Doona was released not long after we had out daughter and with its compact all in one design there really is no compotiniton when it comes to infant seat options.
With the five-point harness car seat and stroller combo, there is really no need to have any other travel seat for your infant.
Other Options that didn’t quite make the Top 6 Best Travel Car Seats
Ridesafer Vest
We’ve seen a few people use these the ride safer travel vest, and we aren’t completely sold yet for 3 and 4 year olds. This harness is good for international travel and big kids.
While we think this is a great option the weight limits for this car seat make it a little more restrictive. The company suggests the car seat be used for children at a minimum of 22 pounds
Sizing Chart:
Extra-small size for children 22 to 44 lbs.
Small size for children 30 to 60 lbs.
Large size for children 50 to 80 lbs.
Extra large size for children 80 to 110 lbs.
The first way is to use a tether belt. RideSafer® can be used with a vehicle lap belt and top tether by securing RideSafer® with a top tether anchor in the vehicle.
The other way is to use it without a tether belt. RideSafer® can also be used with a vehicle lap and shoulder belt with or without the tether.
Travel Booster Seat
While not a five-point-harness some parents are willing to make the jump to the booster seat at 40 pounds, the ease of installation, portability and
Safety 1st Jive
The Jive 2-in-1 Convertible Car Seat is just 14 pounds and airplane seat ready this car seat is great for toddlers up to 65 pounds.
Car Seats to Pass on
These have either terrible reviews or have been discontinued or replaced.
Evenflo Sonus
This car seat has terrible reviews and is not even sold by the company anymore.
Nuna Rava
We have this as our home car seat and love it! But would NEVER suggest it for air travel. At 28 pounds, it’s just as heavy as a child.
Car Seat Travel Bags
Did you know that more than 30 million families travel with young children in the United States every year? It’s a significant number of car seats to transport!
Parents understand the importance of keeping their children safe while on the go, but carrying a car seat can be challenging, especially when traveling. Fortunately, car seat travel bags offer a solution. They provide a great ease of use and
These convenient accessories allow you to transport your child’s car seat while keeping it protected and easy to carry.
In this section, we’ll explore the world of car seat travel bags, including their benefits, types, and how to choose the best one for your family. By the end of the article, you’ll have all the information you need to make traveling with a car seat a breeze. Say goodbye to those bulky, awkward car seat struggles and get ready for a stress-free family trip!
Pico Portable Car Seat Backpack:
- The Pico Portable Car Seat Backpack is designed specifically for the Pico Carseat.
- This backpack is a sleek and compact design just big enough to fit the Pico Carseat folded up.
- The bag features an outside travel band to easily slide onto your luggage, as well as two straps for backpack use, a zip enclosed top, and a handle on the front for easy carrying.
Gate Check Pro Car Seat Travel Bag:
This is probably our favorite bag; it’s cheap, durable, and easy to lug a large car seat around.
- The Gate Check Pro Car Seat Travel Bag is designed specifically for gate checking during air travel, providing extra protection for your child’s car seat.
- Made from durable, water-resistant nylon, this bag guards against damage from rough handling and inclement weather.
- Its bright red color and “Handle Me With Care” label makes it easy for airport staff to identify and handle with care.
- The bag features a drawstring closure and adjustable lock for a secure fit around various car seat sizes.
- Additionally, it folds compactly into an included pouch for convenient storage when not in use.
VolkGo Durable Car Seat Travel Bag:
- The VolkGo Durable Car Seat Travel Bag is a heavy-duty option designed to withstand the rigors of travel.
- Crafted from tear-resistant ballistic nylon, this bag offers superior protection against scratches, dents, and dirt.
- Its large zipper opening and adjustable straps ensure easy loading and carrying of most car seat models.
- The bag also includes a convenient ID pocket for personalization and easy identification.
- With its padded backpack straps and reinforced stitching, the VolkGo Travel Bag provides comfortable and reliable transportation for your child’s car seat.
J.L. Childress Wheelie Car Seat Travel Bag
- The J.L. Childress Wheelie Car Seat Travel Bag combines the convenience of a wheeled suitcase with the protection of a car seat travel bag.
- Constructed from durable, water-resistant material, this bag offers excellent durability and protection during travel.
- Its built-in wheels and telescoping handle allow for easy maneuverability through airports, train stations, and other travel hubs.
- The bag features a large interior compartment with adjustable straps to secure the car seat in place.
- Additionally, it includes multiple carry handles and a padded shoulder strap for versatile carrying options.
Britax Car Seat Travel Bag:
- Designed specifically for Britax car seats, this travel bag offers tailored protection and convenience for Britax users.
- Made from heavy-duty, water-resistant material, the Britax Car Seat Travel Bag ensures that your car seat remains safe and dry during transit.
- Its large opening and drawstring closure makes it easy to load and unload the car seat quickly.
- The bag features padded backpack straps for comfortable carrying, along with a convenient ID window for easy identification at the airport or train station.
- Compatible with all Britax car seat models, this travel bag is a must-have for families who prioritize safety and convenience.
Zohzo Car Seat Travel Bag:
- The Zohzo Car Seat Travel Bag is a popular choice for its affordable price point and excellent features.
- Made from durable, tear-resistant material, this bag offers reliable protection for your child’s car seat during travel.
- Its adjustable straps accommodate a wide range of car seat sizes and styles, including infant carriers, convertible seats, and boosters.
- The bag features a spacious interior pocket for storing essentials such as diapers, wipes, and toys, keeping them easily accessible during transit.
- With its ergonomic design and padded shoulder straps, the Zohzo Car Seat Travel Bag ensures comfortable carrying for parents on the go.
Conclusion
Investing in the right travel car seat is essential for ensuring your toddler’s safety and comfort during your family adventures. Consider your specific needs and preferences, and weigh the pros and cons of each option carefully. With the right travel car seat, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing that your little one is secure wherever your travels take you. Safe travels!
