Best Extended Rear Facing Car Seat (2024 Update)
If you’re looking for a car seat option that can provide extra safety and comfort for your child, you might want to consider purchasing an extended rear-facing car seat. This type of car seat is designed to keep your child in a rear-facing position for longer periods of time than a traditional infant car seat. Studies have shown that extended rear-facing car seats can reduce the risk of injury by up to 75%, making them a popular choice among parents.
Before making a purchase, it’s important to consider the following factors: the weight and height limits of the car seat, the ease of installation, the level of comfort and safety features such as harness adjustability and side impact protection. Additionally, check the price and the brand reputation. Keep in mind that a high price doesn’t always guarantee the best product.
Do you want to make sure your child is fully protected while on the road? Are you worried that your child might outgrow their infant car seat too fast? Maybe you want to switch from their current seat to a more comfortable or practical one? If the answer is yes, an extended rear-facing car seat might be the right option for you. But Which brand is the best? What are the must-have safety features? Where is the best place to buy one? Keep reading to find out everything you need to make an informed decision.
10 Best Extended Rear Facing Car Seat
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The product is ideal for parents with children who vary in age and weight, as it can accommodate rear-facing, forward-facing, and booster modes.
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This convertible car seat is ideal for children of different ages and sizes, accommodating rear-facing from 4-40 pounds, forward-facing up to 65 pounds, and booster mode up to 100 pounds.
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The product is ideal for parents looking for a versatile car seat that can accommodate children from infancy to toddlerhood.
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4
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The product is ideal for parents looking for a convertible car seat that can last through their child's growth stages.
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5
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The product is ideal for parents looking for a long-lasting car seat that can be used from infant to toddler.
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6
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Ideal for parents who need a convertible car seat that accommodates children from 5 to 100 pounds in various modes.
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7
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This car seat is ideal for children from 5 to 65 lbs, with both rear- and forward-facing options.
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8
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This product is ideal for parents looking for a convertible car seat that grows with their child, accommodating various weight ranges.
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Graco Landmark 3 in 1 Car Seat is ideal for parents looking for a versatile car seat that can be used in different modes.
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10
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The product is ideal for parents looking for a car seat that can be adjusted and used throughout their child's growth.
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1. Minnie's All-In-One Car Seat: From Infancy To Toddlerhood.
Introducing the ultimate car seat that grows with your child through three stages, providing extended use and maximum comfort. Starting with rear facing, this seat accommodates infants weighing 5 to 40 pounds. As your child grows, simply transition to forward facing for weights between 22 to 65 pounds. Finally, use the belt positioning booster for children weighing between 40 to 100 pounds.
Safety is a top priority with this car seat, featuring side impact protection for maximum security. The harness holders keep the harness out of the way when getting your child in and out of the seat, making it a breeze to use.
This car seat also comes with grow with baby pillows, ensuring optimal comfort for your little one during long car rides. The quick fit harness allows for easy adjustment of both the harness and headrest in one simple step, making it easy to ensure a perfect fit for your growing child.
Invest in the best for your child with this versatile and reliable car seat. It's built to last and provides peace of mind knowing that your child is safe and comfortable during every car ride.
2. Maxi-Cosi All-In-One Car Seat: Grow With Me.
Introducing the 3-In-1 Convertible Car Seat, the perfect car seat to keep your child safe and secure. This car seat is designed to accommodate your child in three different modes – rear-facing from 4-40 pounds, forward-facing to 65 pounds, and up to 100 pounds in Booster mode. This means that you can use the same car seat for many years as your child grows.
The car seat features advanced Side Impact Protection technology with GCell, which provides additional protection to your child's head in the event of a side impact crash. This innovative technology ensures that your child's head is protected where it is needed the most.
The Clipquik auto-magnetic chest clip is another great feature of this car seat. It allows you to quickly and easily secure your child in the car seat, so you can be on your way in no time. The out-of-the-way spring assisted harness covers make it easy to board your child into the car seat, and the flip away buckle won't get in the way when you're getting in and out of the car seat.
3. Maxi-Cosi Convertible Car Seat: All-In-One, Versatile.
Introducing the versatile and reliable 3 in 1 seating system, perfect for parents who value safety and convenience. This innovative product offers three modes of use, providing a comfortable and secure ride for your child from infancy to toddlerhood and beyond. Rear-facing, the seat accommodates infants weighing 4-40 pounds, while forward-facing mode supports children up to 65 pounds. And when your little one outgrows the harness, the seat can be easily converted into a booster mode, supporting up to 100 pounds.
Safety is of utmost importance, and the 3 in 1 seating system offers advanced features to keep your child protected. The side impact protection with cell technology provides crucial support for your child's head in the event of a side impact crash, ensuring maximum safety. Additionally, the in and out harness holders keep the straps out of the way when buckling your child in, making the process quick and hassle-free.
Installation is made easy with the 1-click latch system, which allows for a simple and secure installation with just one click. This ensures that your child's seat is always properly installed and safe for use. The quick fit shoulder harness is another convenient feature, automatically raising the harness and headrest height to accommodate your growing child, without the need for manual adjustments.
4. Chicco Fit4 4-In-1 Convertible Car Seat – Onyx | Black/grey
The Fit4 4-in-1 car seat is a reliable and easy-to-install car seat that is designed to support your child's safety and comfort throughout their developmental stages. With its premium LATCH connectors, SuperCinch Force Multiplying LATCH Tightener, RideRight Bubble Level-Indicators, and 9-position ReclineSure Leveling System, this car seat is the easiest to install correctly.
This convertible car seat is designed to accommodate your child's growth from birth to 10 years of age. It features a 4-Stage FitKit System that provides optimal fit and comfort through multi-staged construction and easy-to-remove layers. From rear-facing harness (4-40 lbs.) to forward-facing harness (25-65 lbs.) to booster (40-100 lbs.), this car seat delivers premier child fit and comfort at each unique stage.
The Fit4 4-in-1 car seat also boasts DuoGuard, a protection system that offers two layers of protection with a steel-reinforced frame and EPS energy-absorbing foam to surround the head and torso. This convertible car seat features 10-position headrest height adjustments to provide added head and torso protection to your growing child.
This car seat is designed with a space-saving feature that takes up less space in your vehicle without compromising on comfort. Its slim design includes CupFolders that are perfect for travel with multiple children. The Fit4 4-in-1 car seat is a great investment that will keep your child safe and comfortable throughout their developmental stages.
5. 10-Year Toddler Haven: Graco 4ever Car Seat
The 4 in 1 car seat is the only car seat you'll ever need, providing 10 years of use from infancy to pre-teen. The seamlessly transforming design allows you to use it as a rear facing harness car seat for infants weighing 4-40 pounds, a forward facing harness car seat for toddlers weighing 22-65 pounds, a high back belt positioning booster for children weighing 40-100 pounds, and a backless belt positioning booster for pre-teens weighing 40-120 pounds.
The Graco Protect Plus Engineered technology ensures that your little one is protected in the event of a frontal, side, rear or rollover crash. The Simply Safe Adjust Harness System allows you to adjust the height of the harness and headrest to 10 positions in one motion, ensuring that your child is always properly secured. It is important to note that bleach should not be used to clean the car seat.
The 6 position recline feature helps to keep your growing child comfortable on long journeys. The Graco exclusive InRight LATCH attachment system provides an easy, one-second attachment with an audible click to help ensure secure installation. Additionally, the integrated belt lock-off makes it easy to install the car seat using your vehicle's seat belt.
The machine-washable RapidRemove cover can be removed in just 60 seconds without uninstalling the seat, making it easy to clean up any spills or accidents. To clean the metal and plastic parts of the car seat, simply use mild soap and cool water.
6. Tickled Pink All-In-One Car Seat
The Safety 1st Crosstown All-in-One Convertible Car Seat is designed to grow with your child through 3 stages: Rear-facing (5-40 pounds), Forward-facing (22-65 pounds), and Belt-positioning booster seat (40-100 pounds). This versatile car seat is built to last and provides excellent value for money.
The Crosstown features side impact protection, which helps to keep your child safe through all of the All-in-One convertible car seat’s stages. This safety feature is essential for parents who want to ensure their child is protected in the event of a crash.
One of the standout features of this car seat is the Spring Assist EZ Out harness system. This system keeps floppy straps propped up, making it easy for parents to get their child in and out of the seat. This is a great feature for parents who struggle with wriggly toddlers or babies who don't like being in the car seat.
The QuickFit Harness is another feature that makes the Crosstown All-in-One Convertible Car Seat stand out from other car seats on the market. It allows parents to easily adjust both the harness and headrest in one simple step. This is a handy feature that saves time and hassle when adjusting the car seat as your child grows.
Cleaning the Crosstown All-in-One Convertible Car Seat is a breeze thanks to its machine washable and dryer safe car seat pad. The snaps on the pad make it simple to take off of the seat, and there's no fuss for truly easy cleaning. This is a great feature for parents who want a car seat that is easy to maintain.
7. Peg Perego Kinetic Reversible Car Seat – Mon Amour
This car seat, proudly made in Italy, is a versatile and reliable option for parents on the go. It can be used in a rear-facing position for children weighing between 5 to 45 pounds, and in a forward-facing position for children between 22 to 65 pounds.
The car seat features a SIP (Side Impact Protection) system that adjusts to ten different height positions, even with the child in the seat. The kinetic pods help move forces away from the baby in the event of a side collision. The shell is also equipped with energy-absorbing foam, EPS, while the head panel utilizes EPP to protect the child's body from impact forces.
In addition, this car seat boasts an Anti-Rebound bar that minimizes forces and reduces rotation in case of a front or rear collision. The ARB is integrated and stowable, and the ARB spacer provides an extra 2 inches of leg room to extend rear-facing use.
The easy tight latch system makes installation a breeze, while the tri-stage cushion system provides comfort and support for a newborn's neck and bottom. As the child grows, the cushions can be sequentially removed to keep the baby properly positioned.
8. Grow With Safety 1st Car Seat
The Safety 1st Grow and Go Convertible Car Seat is a versatile car seat designed to grow with your child. It features three stages of use: rear-facing for infants weighing 5-40 pounds, forward-facing for toddlers weighing 22-65 pounds, and a belt-positioning booster seat for children weighing 40-100 pounds. This car seat is built to keep your child safe throughout all stages of their growth.
One of the key safety features of the Grow and Go car seat is its side impact protection. This feature provides additional support and protection for your child in the event of a collision, keeping them safe and secure.
Parents will appreciate the easy in, easy out design of the Grow and Go car seat. The harness holders keep the harness in an open position, making it easy to get your child in and out of the car seat quickly and easily. Plus, the QuickFit Harness allows you to adjust both the harness and headrest in one simple step, ensuring a perfect fit for your child every time.
Cleaning the Grow and Go car seat is a breeze, thanks to its machine washable and dryer safe car seat pad. The snaps make it simple to take off of the seat, so you can clean up any messes quickly and easily without any fuss.
9. Graco Landmark Car Seat: 3-In-1 Versatility
Introducing the versatile 3-in-1 car seat that grows with your child, starting from a rear-facing harness (5-40 lb), transitioning to a forward-facing harness (22-65 lb), and finally to a highback booster (40-100 lb). The Graco ProtectPlus Engineered technology is designed to provide optimum safety for your little one, with a combination of the most rigorous crash tests that help protect your child in frontal, side, rear, and rollover crashes.
The No-Rethread Simply Safe Adjust Harness System allows for easy adjustments of the headrest and harness with just one motion, ensuring a perfect fit for your child as they grow. With ten headrest height positions to choose from, you can rest assured that your child will always have the safest fit.
The 4-position recline feature makes sure that your child is comfortable during long journeys and also helps with a better installation. With this car seat, you can keep your child safe and secure whilst also ensuring their comfort.
10. Graco Grows4me 4 In 1 Car Seat, Infant To Toddler Car Seat With 4 Modes, West Point
Introducing the 4-in-1 Graco car seat that offers 4 seats in 1, providing you with 10 years of use for your child. Its seamless transformation from a rear-facing harness (5-40 lb), to a forward-facing harness (22-65 lb), to a highback booster (40-100 lb), and finally to a backless booster (40-110 lb) makes it a versatile choice for parents who want a long-lasting investment.
The Simply Safe Adjust Harness System allows you to easily adjust the height of the harness and headrest to 10 different positions in one motion, ensuring that your child is always properly secured. The 10-position adjustable headrest is designed to fit your growing child, providing maximum comfort and safety.
The 6-position recline feature helps keep your child comfortable on long journeys, allowing them to rest and relax. The latch-equipped system ensures an easy installation process, making it convenient for busy parents.
Graco ProtectPlus Engineered adds an extra layer of safety to this already impressive car seat, with a combination of the most rigorous crash tests that help protect your child in frontal, side, rear, and rollover crashes. It has also undergone additional testing based on the New Car Assessment Program and for extreme car interior temperatures, ensuring that your child is safe even in the most challenging driving conditions.
Best Extended Rear Facing Car Seat FAQs
Are extended rear facing car seats more expensive than forward-facing car seats?
Extended rear-facing car seats can be more expensive than forward-facing car seats in some cases. The reason for this is that extended rear-facing car seats require additional features such as a taller seat back, additional legroom, and a higher weight limit. These features add to the overall cost of the car seat.
However, it is important to consider the long-term benefits of extended rear-facing car seats. They provide added safety for children and allow them to ride rear-facing for longer, which is recommended by safety experts. This means parents may not have to purchase a forward-facing car seat as soon as they would with a standard car seat, which could save money in the long run.
Ultimately, the cost of a car seat should not be the deciding factor when it comes to the safety of children. Parents should prioritize the safety features and benefits of a car seat over the cost.
Can extended rear facing car seats fit in all types of cars?
Extended rear facing car seats can fit in most types of cars, but it ultimately depends on the size and design of the car seat and the interior of the car. Most car seats are designed to fit in standard cars, but some may not fit properly in smaller or compact cars. It's important to check the measurements and weight requirements of the car seat before purchasing to ensure it will fit in your car. Additionally, some cars may have unique seat designs or safety features that could impact the installation of the car seat. It's recommended to consult with a certified car seat technician or the car seat manufacturer to ensure proper installation and safety. Overall, while most extended rear facing car seats can fit in a variety of cars, it's important to do your research and double-check compatibility before making a purchase.
How do extended rear facing car seats compare to forward-facing car seats in terms of safety?
Extended rear-facing car seats are considered safer than forward-facing car seats, especially for young children. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, children should remain rear-facing in their car seats until they reach the highest weight or height allowed by the car seat manufacturer. This is because in a crash, the force is distributed evenly across the back of the car seat, which supports the child's head, neck and spine. This reduces the risk of serious injuries, such as head and spinal cord injuries, which can occur when a child is forward-facing.
In contrast, forward-facing car seats rely on the harness system to protect the child, which can put more stress on the child's head and neck in the event of a crash. While forward-facing car seats are still considered safe, studies have shown that extended rear-facing car seats can reduce the risk of injury by up to 75%. Therefore, it is recommended that parents keep their children rear-facing for as long as possible, following the guidelines set by the car seat manufacturer and their pediatrician.
How do you install an extended rear facing car seat properly?
Installing an extended rear facing car seat properly is crucial for ensuring the safety of your child while traveling. Firstly, you need to ensure that the car seat is appropriate for your child's weight and height. Then, you need to install the car seat in the back seat of your vehicle according to the manufacturer's instructions. Make sure the car seat is level with the ground and tightly secured to the vehicle using either the LATCH system or the seat belt. Check the car seat's manual to see which installation method is recommended. Next, adjust the harness straps to fit snugly over your child's shoulders and chest, making sure there is no slack in the straps. The chest clip should be at armpit level. Finally, check that the car seat is secured properly by giving it a gentle tug at the base and the top. The car seat should not move more than an inch in any direction. Remember to always follow the manufacturer's instructions and consult a certified technician if you are unsure about the installation process.
How long can a child stay in an extended rear facing car seat?
As per the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), children should ride in a rear-facing car seat until they reach the maximum height or weight limit allowed by the car seat's manufacturer. This is because rear-facing car seats provide the best protection for a child's head, neck, and spine in the event of a crash.
Previously, it was recommended that children should be turned forward-facing when they turned two years old, but this has changed in recent years. The AAP now recommends that children should remain in a rear-facing car seat until they reach the highest height or weight allowed by the car seat manufacturer, which typically ranges from 35 to 50 pounds. This means that some children may remain rear-facing until they are four years old or even longer.
It is important to always read the car seat manufacturer's instructions and guidelines carefully and follow them accordingly. It is also important to ensure that the car seat is installed correctly and securely every time the child is in the car.
What are the benefits of extended rear facing car seats?
Extended rear facing car seats have become increasingly popular in recent years, and for good reason. The benefits of these seats are numerous, and they can make a big difference in the safety and comfort of young children while traveling in a vehicle.
One of the main benefits of extended rear facing car seats is that they provide superior protection for young children in the event of a crash. Rear facing seats are designed to absorb the force of impact and distribute it evenly across the child's body, reducing the risk of injury to the head, neck, and spine. This is particularly important for infants and young children, whose bodies are still developing and are more vulnerable to injury.
Another benefit of extended rear facing car seats is that they allow young children to ride in a more comfortable and natural position. Rear facing seats provide better support for the child's head, neck, and back, and reduce the risk of motion sickness and discomfort during long car rides.
Finally, extended rear facing car seats can help parents and caregivers to keep children safe and secure in the car for longer periods of time. Many of these seats are designed to accommodate children up to 40 or 50 pounds, which means that children can remain rear facing for several years, rather than being switched to a forward-facing seat too soon. This can help to ensure that children are protected in the car for as long as possible, and can reduce the risk of injury or death in the event of a crash.
What are the recommendations for extended rear facing car seats from pediatricians and car seat safety experts?
Pediatricians and car seat safety experts typically recommend that children should ride in rear-facing car seats until at least the age of two or until they reach the highest weight or height allowed by the car seat manufacturer. This is because rear-facing car seats provide the best protection for a child's head, neck, and spine in the event of a crash.
It is also recommended that children remain in a car seat with a harness for as long as possible before transitioning to a booster seat. A booster seat should be used until a child is big enough to fit properly in a seat belt, which is typically when they are around 4'9" tall and between 8-12 years old.
It is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions when installing and using a car seat, and to have the seat checked by a certified child passenger safety technician to ensure proper installation. Additionally, it is recommended to replace a car seat after a moderate or severe crash, or if it is past its expiration date.
What are the safety features of extended rear facing car seats?
Extended rear-facing car seats are designed to provide additional safety to young children in the event of a car accident. These seats are built to hold children in a rear-facing position for a longer period of time, which is believed to be safer than a forward-facing position. Here are some of the safety features of extended rear-facing car seats:
1. Five-point harness: The five-point harness is designed to keep the child securely in place in the event of an accident. This harness includes shoulder straps, waist straps, and a crotch strap.
2. Impact-absorbing foam: Most extended rear-facing car seats are made with impact-absorbing foam, which helps to reduce the force of impact in a crash.
3. Steel frame: Many extended rear-facing car seats have a steel frame, which provides additional strength and stability.
4. Adjustable headrest: The adjustable headrest is designed to keep the child's head and neck in a safe position during a crash.
5. LATCH system: The LATCH system is a set of anchors and tethers that are used to secure the car seat to the vehicle. This system provides additional stability and safety.
Overall, extended rear-facing car seats are designed to provide maximum safety and protection for young children, and these safety features help to ensure that children are protected in the event of an accident.
What are the top-rated extended rear facing car seats on the market?
Extended rear facing car seats have become increasingly popular among parents, as they provide an added layer of safety for young children. There are several top-rated extended rear facing car seats available on the market, with different features and price points to suit various needs and budgets.
One of the most highly-rated options is the Graco Extend2Fit Convertible Car Seat, which can be used in the rear-facing position for children up to 50 pounds. It features a six-position recline and an adjustable headrest to ensure a comfortable fit.
Another popular choice is the Britax Boulevard ClickTight Convertible Car Seat, which also accommodates children up to 50 pounds in the rear-facing position. It boasts multiple layers of side impact protection and a steel frame for added safety.
The Chicco NextFit Zip Convertible Car Seat is another top-rated option, with a nine-position recline and a removable infant insert for smaller babies. It also has a SuperCinch LATCH tightener for easy installation.
Ultimately, the best extended rear facing car seat for your child will depend on your individual needs and preferences. It's important to do your research and choose a seat that is highly rated for safety and comfort.
What are the weight and height limits for extended rear facing car seats?
The weight and height limits for extended rear facing car seats vary depending on the brand and model of the car seat. However, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that children should remain rear facing until they reach the highest weight or height allowed by their car seat’s manufacturer. This is usually around 40-50 pounds and 40-49 inches tall.
It is important to note that extended rear facing is considered to be the safest position for children in car seats. This is because the rear facing position distributes the force of a crash across the child’s entire back, head, and neck, reducing the risk of injury or death in the event of a collision.
Parents and caregivers should always check the manufacturer’s instructions for their specific car seat to determine the weight and height limits for rear facing. It is also important to follow the instructions for proper installation and use of the car seat to ensure maximum safety for the child.
