As a parent, choosing the best car seat for your child can be a daunting task. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to decide which one is the best fit for your family. One important consideration when choosing a car seat is whether to opt for an extended rear-facing car seat. This type of car seat is designed to keep your child in a rear-facing position for an extended period of time, which is considered safer by many experts.
So, what should you look for when searching for the best extended rear-facing car seat? Here are five key points to consider:
1. Weight and height limits: Make sure the car seat you choose has weight and height limits that will accommodate your child for as long as possible. Look for seats with high weight and height limits, as these will allow your child to stay rear-facing for longer.
2. Ease of installation: A car seat that is easy to install will save you time and frustration. Look for car seats that have clear instructions and are easy to install correctly.
3. Safety features: Look for car seats that have a five-point harness, side-impact protection, and other safety features that will keep your child safe in the event of an accident.
4. Comfort: Your child will be spending a lot of time in their car seat, so it's important to choose one that is comfortable for them. Look for seats with plush padding and adjustable headrests.
5. Price: Car seats can be expensive, but it's important to invest in a high-quality one that will keep your child safe. Look for car seats that fit within your budget but still meet all of the above criteria.
By considering these key points, you can find the best extended rear-facing car seat for your child and have peace of mind knowing that they are traveling safely.
10 Best Extended Rear Facing Car Seat
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1. Graco Extend2fit 2-In-1 Car Seat, Kenzie
The Graco Extend2Fit 2-in-1 Car Seat, Kenzie is a convertible car seat designed to grow with your child. It can be used as a rear-facing harness for children weighing between 4-50 pounds, and as a forward-facing harness for children weighing between 22-65 pounds. Made of steel reinforcement, this car seat is built to last.
Measuring 21.5 inches in depth, 19.5 inches in width, and 23.5 inches in height, this car seat is compact yet spacious enough to accommodate your growing child. It weighs 19.25 pounds, making it easy to move from one vehicle to another.
One of the standout features of the Graco Extend2Fit 2-in-1 Car Seat, Kenzie is its ability to accommodate children up to 50 pounds in the rear-facing position. This means that your child can safely ride rear-facing for longer, providing added safety and peace of mind for parents.
The car seat is also equipped with Graco ProtectPlus Engineered technology, which includes a simply safe adjust no-rethread headrest and a harness adjust that work together to ensure that your child is always securely and comfortably fastened. The Extend2Fit 4-position adjustable extension panel provides up to 5 inches of additional legroom, enabling your child to ride rear-facing for longer.
The Graco Extend2Fit 2-in-1 Car Seat, Kenzie is easy to clean and maintain. It is recommended to not use bleach when cleaning it. Instead, it can be wiped down with a damp cloth and mild soap.
In conclusion, the Graco Extend2Fit 2-in-1 Car Seat, Kenzie is a versatile and durable car seat that can be used from infancy to toddlerhood. Its ability to accommodate children up to 50 pounds in the rear-facing position, coupled with its Graco ProtectPlus Engineered technology, make it a safe and secure option for parents. Its compact design and ease of cleaning make it a convenient option for families on-the-go.
2. Extendable Convertible Car Seat With Footrest For Extra Leg Room In Rear-Facing Mode
The Safety 1st Grow and Go Extend 'n Ride LX Convertible Car Seat is a versatile and durable car seat designed to grow with your child. It can be used in three different stages, accommodating children from 5 to 100 pounds. The first stage is rear-facing for infants weighing 5-40 pounds, followed by forward-facing for toddlers weighing 22-65 pounds, and finally, belt-positioning booster for big kids weighing 40-100 pounds.
One of the standout features of this car seat is the ComfortPlus footrest, which provides up to 7 inches of additional legroom in rear-facing mode. This allows children to ride more comfortably up to the maximum rear-facing limit. The footrest works in all three positions, including rear-facing, forward-facing, and big kid mode. For toddlers sitting forward-facing, the footrest helps them sit more comfortably and supports shorter, dangling legs. For big kids, the footrest lowers down to act as a comfortable footrest.
The car seat also features a Spring Assist EZ Out Harness system, which keeps floppy straps propped up, making it easy to get your child in and out of the seat. The QuickFit Harness allows for easy adjustment of both the harness and headrest in one simple step, and the 5-point harness has up-front adjustment for added convenience.
The seat pad is removable and machine washable, making it easy to clean up messes. Additionally, there are two removable and machine washable cup holders, one of which can accommodate a two-handle sippy cup and your child's favorite snacks.
The Safety 1st Grow and Go Extend 'n Ride LX Convertible Car Seat is rigorously tested to meet or exceed federal safety standards. It features side-impact protection, ensuring your child is safe in the event of a collision. The car seat is also easy to install, with easy-to-read level indicators and one-click LATCH installation.
Overall, the Safety 1st Grow and Go Extend 'n Ride LX Convertible Car Seat offers exceptional value, with its multiple stages of use, ComfortPlus footrest, and convenient features. Parents can trust this car seat to keep their child safe and comfortable on every journey.
3. Cosco Empire All-In-One Convertible Car Seat, Spring Petals – Rear-Facing 5-40lbs, Forward-Facing Harness 22-50lbs, Belt-Positioning 40-80lbs.
The Cosco Empire All-in-One Convertible Car Seat is an extended use car seat that is designed to accommodate children from infancy through to their toddler and preschool years. With the ability to be used in three different modes, this car seat can be used as a rear-facing infant seat, a forward-facing harness seat, and a belt-positioning booster seat, making it a versatile choice for parents who are looking for a long-term car seat solution.
Suitable for children weighing between 5-80 pounds, the Cosco Empire All-in-One Convertible Car Seat provides the necessary protection to keep your child safe on the road. The car seat features Side Impact Protection, which provides a layer of protection to keep your child safe in the event of a side impact collision.
One of the standout features of this car seat is its 5-point harness system, which is designed to keep your child secure and comfortable as they grow. The harness is adjustable and can be easily moved up and down to accommodate your child's size.
Furthermore, the headrest and harness can be adjusted with one simple movement, allowing you to quickly and easily adjust the car seat to your child's height and weight. This feature ensures that the car seat will continue to provide optimal protection as your child grows and develops.
The Cosco Empire All-in-One Convertible Car Seat is also designed with convenience in mind. It is compact and lightweight, making it easy to move from one car to another. Additionally, it is designed to fit three across the back seat in most cars, making it a great choice for families with multiple children.
Moreover, the car seat's fabric is easy to clean and maintain, ensuring that it stays looking great for years to come. The Spring Petals design is a fun and colorful choice that children will love.
In conclusion, the Cosco Empire All-in-One Convertible Car Seat is an excellent choice for parents who want a car seat that will grow with their child. It is versatile, convenient, and safe, providing the necessary protection to keep your child safe on the road.
4. Disney Baby Grow And Go 3-In-1 Car Seat, Simply Minnie
The Disney Baby Grow and Go All-in-One Convertible Car Seat is a versatile and durable car seat that is designed to grow with your child through three stages of use. It is suitable for children who weigh between 5 and 100 pounds, and it can be used as a rear-facing car seat for infants, a forward-facing car seat for toddlers, and a belt-positioning booster for older children.
One of the key features of this car seat is its side impact protection, which helps to keep your child safe in the event of a collision. The car seat also has harness holders that make it easy to get your child in and out of the seat, even when they are wiggly or uncooperative.
To ensure that your child is comfortable during long car rides, the Disney Baby Grow and Go All-in-One Convertible Car Seat comes with grow-with-baby pillows that provide additional support and cushioning. The car seat also has a quick fit harness that allows you to adjust both the harness and the headrest in one simple step, without having to rethread the straps.
When using the car seat as a rear-facing seat, it can accommodate children who weigh between 5 and 40 pounds. The seat has multiple recline positions to ensure that your child is comfortable and supported at all times. When your child outgrows the rear-facing position, the car seat can be used as a forward-facing seat for children who weigh between 22 and 65 pounds.
As your child grows even bigger, the car seat can be used as a belt-positioning booster for children who weigh between 40 and 100 pounds. The car seat has a height-adjustable headrest and a 3-position recline to ensure that your child is comfortable and properly positioned at all times.
In addition to its safety and comfort features, the Disney Baby Grow and Go All-in-One Convertible Car Seat also has a stylish design that is sure to appeal to both parents and children. The Simply Minnie pattern features Minnie Mouse and her iconic polka dots, making it a fun and playful addition to any car.
Overall, the Disney Baby Grow and Go All-in-One Convertible Car Seat is a high-quality and versatile car seat that is designed to provide your child with the safety and comfort they need as they grow and develop. With its multiple stages of use, convenient features, and stylish design, it is a great choice for parents who want a car seat that can grow with their child.
5. Chicco Nextfit Max Cleartex Convertible Car Seat For Infants And Toddlers.
The Chicco NextFit Max ClearTex Convertible Car Seat is a versatile and practical car seat designed to grow with your child. With a weight limit of up to 50 pounds in the rear-facing position and up to 65 pounds in the forward-facing position, this car seat is perfect for infants and toddlers.
One of the standout features of this car seat is its 25% more legroom compared to other NextFit car seats. This extra legroom ensures that your child can comfortably stay in the rear-facing position for longer, maximizing their safety.
The NextFit Max ClearTex also features the exclusive ClearTex fabric, which contains no added chemicals. This material has been GREENGUARD Gold Certified for low chemical emissions, making it an ideal choice for parents who prioritize healthy air quality for their children.
Installing the NextFit Max ClearTex is easy thanks to its premium LATCH connectors, SuperCinch force-multiplying tightener, RideRightTM bubble levels, and 9-position leveling system. These features ensure that the car seat is securely installed in your vehicle, giving you peace of mind while on the road.
The car seat also boasts superior head and torso protection with the DuoGuard deep rigid shell, EPS energy-absorbing foam, and steel-reinforced frame. The padded no-rethread 5-point harness accommodates infants, toddlers, and beyond, ensuring a comfortable and secure fit as your child grows.
Finally, the NextFit Max ClearTex is designed for seamless transitions from vehicle to vehicle or between modes. The premium LATCH connectors with click-on attachment and push-button release make it easy to switch the car seat from one car to another or from rear-facing to forward-facing mode.
Overall, the Chicco NextFit Max ClearTex Convertible Car Seat is a smart and practical choice for parents looking for a car seat that grows with their child and prioritizes safety and comfort.
6. Maxi-Cosi Pria Sport Max Convertible Car Seat With Extended Weight Range For Longer Harness Usage: 5-40 Lbs Rear-Facing And 22-65 Lbs Forward-Facing, Night Black.
The Maxi-Cosi Pria Sport Max Convertible Car Seat is designed to keep children safe and comfortable during car rides. With an extended weight range, this car seat can safely harness children from 5-40 pounds in the rear-facing position and 22-65 pounds in the forward-facing position.
One of the standout features of this car seat is the ClipQuik auto-magnetic chest clip, which allows for quick and easy buckling. Additionally, the handy harness holders keep the harness straps out of the way for easy boarding, while the Flip Away Buckle ensures that the buckle won't get in the way when getting in and out of the seat.
The Maxi-Cosi Pria Sport Max Convertible Car Seat also includes patented Air Protect technology, which is built into the headrest to cushion impacts and protect your child's head in the event of a side impact crash. This innovative technology is designed to provide added peace of mind for parents and caregivers.
Overall, the Maxi-Cosi Pria Sport Max Convertible Car Seat is a top-of-the-line option for families looking for a safe and comfortable car seat that can grow with their child. With its extended weight range, easy-to-use features, and advanced safety technology, this car seat is sure to provide a secure and comfortable ride for years to come.
7. Diono Radian 3qxt 4-In-1 Car Seat With Safe Plus Engineering, 10-Year Lifespan, Slim Fit 3 Across, Red Cherry.
The Diono Radian 3QXT 4-in-1 Rear and Forward Facing Convertible Car Seat is the ultimate solution for parents who want a car seat that can adapt as their child grows. With a lifespan of up to 10 years and a weight capacity of 4 – 120 lb (1.8 – 54 kg), this car seat can be used from infancy all the way through to booster seat age.
Designed to provide 4-in-1 newborn protection, the Radian 3QXT is built with Safe plus inserts and a Safe plus steel anti-rebound bar that reduces rebound rotation by 50%. This ensures that your baby is safe and secure during rear-facing travel from 4 – 50 lb (1.8 – 22.7 kg).
Safety is the top priority for Diono, and their Safe plus engineering ensures that the Radian 3QXT is the most rigorously tested all-in-one convertible car seat on the market. Featuring a steel-reinforced frame, advanced side-impact protection, and a steel rear-facing anti-rebound bar, you can have peace of mind that your child is protected.
The one-hand easy adjust 12 position headrest is contoured to improve child head containment and provides a 22% increase in occupancy range from the radian R series. This means that your child will be comfortable and supported as they grow and develop.
The Radian 3QXT is also built with Diono's famous Radian slim-fit convertible design, which allows for a 3-across option without compromising on child or passenger comfort. This makes it easy for families with multiple children to travel safely and comfortably in the backseat.
Overall, the Diono Radian 3QXT 4-in-1 Rear and Forward Facing Convertible Car Seat is the ultimate solution for parents who want a car seat that can grow with their child and provide maximum safety and comfort.
8. Chicco Keyfit 30 Zip Infant Car Seat – Rear-Facing For Infants 4-30 Lbs. With Head And Body Support, Zip-Open Boot, And Base.
The Chicco KeyFit 30 Zip Infant Car Seat and Base is an excellent choice for parents who want safety, convenience, and style all in one. This car seat is designed for infants weighing between 4 to 30 pounds and up to 30 inches in height. It comes with a removable infant head and body support insert to provide maximum comfort and safety for newborns and smaller infants.
One of the key features of this infant car seat is how easy it is to install. The Chicco KeyFit 30 Zip Infant Car Seat and Base comes with two bubble-level indicators and a spring-loaded leveling foot for proper base angle. The SuperCinch Force-Multiplying LATCH Tightener ensures a secure fit every time. This means that parents can have peace of mind knowing their little one is safe and secure on every car trip.
The Chicco KeyFit 30 Zip Infant Car Seat and Base is compatible with Chicco strollers, so parents can easily create a travel system. The infant car seat clicks securely into the stay-in-car base, and compatible Chicco strollers, making it convenient for parents to move their baby from the car to the stroller without disturbing their sleep.
The car seat features a full-coverage canopy with a zip-open mesh extension panel, providing ventilation and keeping the baby cool and comfortable during hot weather. The zip-open boot offers a cozy environment and easy access for parents, giving them the ability to quickly access their child without disturbing their sleep.
The Chicco KeyFit 30 Zip Infant Car Seat and Base is designed for maximum convenience, especially when it comes to cleaning. The quick-remove seat pad is machine-washable and easy to clean, making it ideal for parents who are always on the go.
Overall, the Chicco KeyFit 30 Zip Infant Car Seat and Base is an excellent choice for parents who want a safe, convenient, and stylish car seat for their little one. With its easy installation, compatibility with Chicco strollers, and premium details, it is the perfect choice for parents who want the best for their baby.
9. Cybex Sirona S Convertible Car Seat With 360° Rotation, Rear-Facing/forward-Facing, Easy Install, Sensorsafe Chest Clip, Instant Safety Alerts, Urban Black.
The Cybex Sirona S Convertible Car Seat is a game-changer in the world of child safety. It is the first car seat in the United States to feature a 360° rotatable seat, making it easy to switch between rear-facing and forward-facing positions. The seat is designed to be easily installed and adjusted to fit your child's changing needs.
The EasyLock Bar reduces the force needed for installation up to 4x, ensuring that the car seat is securely fastened. Dual-level indicators confirm that the seat is at the correct recline angle, while the load leg reduces rotation in certain crashes by up to 30%. These features provide parents with peace of mind that their child is safely secured in the car.
The Sirona S also features SensorSafe technology, built into the chest clip. This provides instant safety alerts via an app if a child unbuckles themselves, if the back seat has become too warm or too cold, if a child has been seated for too long, or if the driver accidentally leaves the child behind. These alerts provide parents with real-time information and help to prevent potential safety issues before they occur.
The car seat is designed to provide superior protection to your child in the event of a crash. The Linear Side-Impact Protection (L.S.P.) system absorbs up to 25% more impact compared to the same car seat without it. The anti-rebound design reduces car seat rebound movement in the event of a crash, providing additional protection.
As your child grows, the Sirona S can be easily adjusted to ensure a perfect fit. The 12 different headrest positions and adjustable harness make it easy to adjust the height of the shoulder straps without re-threading. This is a great feature for parents who want to ensure that their child is always comfortable and safe.
In conclusion, the Cybex Sirona S Convertible Car Seat with 360° Rotating Seat, Rear-Facing or Forward-Facing Car Seat, Easy Installation, SensorSafe Chest Clip, Instant Safety Alerts, and Urban Black design is a great investment for parents who want the best for their child. It provides superior protection, is easy to install and adjust, and offers real-time safety alerts to ensure that your child is always safe and secure in the car.
10. The Everystage Dlx All-In-One Car Seat For Infants & Toddlers, Canyons Gray.
The Evenflo EveryStage DLX All-In-One Convertible Car Seat is an ideal solution for parents looking for a versatile and long-lasting car seat for their infants and toddlers. This product is designed to provide a safe and secure ride for up to 10 years of use, thanks to its rear-facing harness, forward-facing harness, and belt-positioning booster.
One of the standout features of this car seat is its ability to allow toddlers to stay rear-facing for longer, beyond 2 years, without the need to extend the seat or cramp other passengers. This is achieved through its adjustable positions, which can be customized to comfortably angle the child and minimize head slump, while keeping the airway open.
The EveryStage DLX offers 10 total positions, allowing parents to accurately fit the seat to their growing child. This ensures that the child is always comfortable and secure, no matter their age or size. Additionally, the car seat provides three rear-facing leveling options for improved vehicle fit and two forward-facing recline options for added comfort.
The Canyons Gray color of the EveryStage DLX is neutral and stylish, making it a great addition to any car interior. The seat is also easy to install, thanks to its SureSafe installation system that provides a secure and simple way to install the seat in any vehicle.
Overall, the Evenflo EveryStage DLX All-In-One Convertible Car Seat is an excellent choice for parents looking for a durable and versatile car seat that will last for years. Its ability to stay rear-facing longer, custom fit options, and multiple recline positions make it an exceptional product that will provide peace of mind and comfort on every road trip.
Best Extended Rear Facing Car Seat FAQs
Are there any specific brands or models of extended rear facing car seats that are recommended by safety experts?
Yes, safety experts recommend specific brands and models of extended rear facing car seats for children. Some of the top brands include Clek, Diono, Graco, and Britax. Within these brands, there are specific models that are highly recommended, such as the Clek Foonf, Diono Radian 3RXT, Graco Extend2Fit, and Britax Boulevard ClickTight.
Experts recommend extended rear facing car seats for children as it provides the best protection in the event of a crash. This is because in a rear-facing position, the child's head, neck, and spine are all supported by the car seat, reducing the risk of injury. It is recommended that children remain in a rear-facing position until at least 2 years of age, and ideally until they outgrow the height and weight limits of their car seat.
How long can a child safely sit in an extended rear facing car seat?
A child can safely sit in an extended rear facing car seat until they reach the maximum weight and height limit specified by the manufacturer. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children remain rear facing in their car seat until at least two years of age or until they reach the highest weight or height allowed by the car seat manufacturer.
Extended rear facing car seats provide a safer position for a child in the event of a crash, as they distribute the crash forces over a larger area of the child’s body and reduce the risk of head and neck injuries. It is important for parents to check their car seat manual and ensure that they are using the appropriate car seat for their child’s age, weight, and height. As each child is different, it is also recommended that parents consult with a certified child passenger safety technician to ensure that their child is properly secured in their car seat.
What are the benefits of extended rear facing for children?
Extended rear facing allows children to ride in a rear-facing car seat for a longer period of time, which has several benefits. Firstly, it provides better protection for the child's head, neck, and spine in case of a crash, as the car seat absorbs more of the impact. Secondly, it reduces the risk of injury and death, as rear-facing car seats are much safer than forward-facing ones. Thirdly, it promotes better posture and comfort for the child, as it supports their natural spinal curve and reduces the strain on their neck and back. Finally, it allows the child to stay in a five-point harness for longer, which is the safest way to travel in a car. In summary, extended rear facing is a safe, comfortable, and practical way to protect children during car journeys.
What are the top-rated extended rear facing car seats on the market?
According to experts in the field of child safety, some of the top-rated extended rear-facing car seats on the market include the Graco Extend2Fit, the Chicco NextFit Zip Max, and the Britax Boulevard ClickTight. These car seats have been tested for safety and are designed to keep children in a rear-facing position for a longer period of time, which is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics. The Graco Extend2Fit has a unique extendable tray that provides extra legroom for taller children, while the Chicco NextFit Zip Max has a nine-position headrest and adjustable harness for a custom fit. The Britax Boulevard ClickTight has a patented ClickTight installation system that ensures a secure and easy installation. Ultimately, the best extended rear-facing car seat for your child will depend on their age, weight, and height, as well as your budget and personal preferences.
What features should I look for when choosing the best extended rear facing car seat for my child?
When choosing the best extended rear facing car seat for your child, you should consider the following features:
1. Weight and Height Limits: Ensure that the car seat is suitable for your child's weight and height and that it can be used for an extended period.
2. Safety Standards: Look for a car seat that meets the required safety standards, such as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) guidelines.
3. Comfort: Choose a car seat with comfortable padding, adjustable headrests, and harnesses to ensure your child's comfort during long journeys.
4. Installation: The car seat should be easy to install and secure in your car. Look for a car seat with a simple installation process and clear instructions.
5. Durability: Choose a car seat made from high-quality materials that can withstand wear and tear and keep your child safe for an extended period.
6. Additional Features: Some car seats come with extra features such as cup holders, removable covers, and recline positions, which can make your child's journey more comfortable.