BMW X1, the second smallest SUV of the German marque BMW, is a subcompact luxury crossover, measuring a meager 55.1″, shoulder room, second row.
NB: from the image below, you can see the full seat width (blue line), door-to-door is way smaller
This is a small car and requires thorough research to find the best convertible car seat for the BMW X1. However, the stress of searching and deciding for yourself has been taken away.
One major worry about the BMW X1 is if you can fit 3 car seats in this vehicle. The good news is that you can fit 3 car seats across in your X1, both rear-facing and forward-facing.
This article covers the best convertible car seats and infant and booster seats for your X1. It is based on my experience researching and writing about child seats over time and real-life recommendations from parents using the X1 and their child seats.
Here are best car seats for other BMW models – BMW X3, BMW X5.
Convertible Car Seat in a BMW X1
The convertible car seat is considered more because of its multiple mode usage and price economy. In so doing, the following factors are considered in making recommendations for your BMW X1:
- Front-to-back compatibility (when rear-facing) – the most important factor
- Side-to-side compatibility (3 car seats across)
- Combination with other car seats
Recommended Practice of Fitting Car Seats in BMW X1
This is a peculiar recommendation for car seat combinations in your BMW X1.
- If you are a first-time parent expecting or have a newborn, start with an infant seat installed in the middle seat.
- If you are expecting twins, go with two convertible car seats installed on the middle seat and behind the front passenger seat.
- If you already have two seats (either infant or convertible) and need a third seat, install the infant seat in the middle and the convertibles on the outboard seats, either rear- or forward-facing.
- If you already have two infant seats and need a third seat as a convertible or booster, install the infant seats in the middle seat, behind the front passenger seat, and the third seat behind the driver.
- Depending on the height of who the driver may be, either wife or husband, and the height of the spouse on the passenger seat, you may alternate the recommended installation positions above.
- The above recommendation holds if the driver is taller (≥ 5′ 4″ ). If the passenger seat occupant is taller, the reverse can be made. (5′ 3″ – 5′ 8″ will be able to manage in the front seat with a rear-facing seat behind (which will touch the front seat)).
- If both parents are tall and there must be two rear-facing car seats, the second parent should sit behind the driver while the 2nd seat can be installed behind the front passenger seat.
Based on these recommendations, the perfect choice seats follow below:
Convertible Car Seats:
- Graco SlimFit3 LX 3-in-1 – 20.7″D x 24.5″H x 16.7″W – fits 3 across
- Graco Extend2Fit 3-in-1 20.75″D X 24.5″H X 19.0″W
- Clek Foonf 2-in-1 – 17.5″D x 28″H x 16.9″W – fits 3 across
Infant Car Seats:
- Chicco KeyFit 35 – 28″D x 24″H x 16.5″W – fits 3 across
- Peg Perego Primio Viaggio 4-35 – 29″D x 25.25″H x 17.25″W
Belt-positioning Booster Seats:
- Chicco KidFit 2-in-1 Booster Seat – 17″D x 26″H x 17″W – fits 3 across
- Peg Perego Viaggio Flex 120 – 22″D x 26.75″H x 17.25″W
At A Glance, The Top Convertible, Infant, & Booster Seats For BMW X1
Top Convertible Car Seat
Based on the above factors earlier, two different car seats contend for position 1, but one takes the lead based on the most important factor and winning majority factors.
The Graco SlimFit3 LX takes the top spot as the best convertible car seat for a BMW X1 due to its low height clearance, which allows for convenient use when rear-facing without affecting either of the front seats (front-to-back compatibility). The SlimFit3 LX (review), also, is super slim at 16.7″ and will fit three across in the rear seat (side-to-side compatibility).
The Graco Extend2Fit, on the other hand, as the closest contender, gives an edge to taller babies because of the extended usage of up to 50 lbs and an adjustable extension panel when rear-facing. However, due to its width, the Extend2Fit (review) wouldn’t fit 3 across. Due to its height, the front seat will also be affected, but not enough to inconvenience either occupant, depending on their height.
The Graco Extend2Fit, on the other hand, as the closest contender, gives an edge to taller babies because of the extended usage of up to 50 lbs and an adjustable extension panel when rear-facing. However, due to its width, the Extend2Fit (review) wouldn’t fit 3 across. Due to its height, the front seat will also be affected, but not enough to inconvenience either occupant, depending on their height.
Important Decision-making Factors Behind These Recommendations
While having a newborn is one easy phase of parenting, protecting them through that delicate period of growth can be overwhelming.
Choosing a car seat is just about one of those ways you keep your precious one safe.
Coming to these recommendations, many critical factors were considered before arriving at this list. Beyond these recommendations, it is crucial to understand what to look out for in a car seat just if you choose from something other than this list.
- Safety of car seat (crash test rating)
- Ease of installation
- Car seat features (ease-of-use rating)
- Car seat weight and dimensions
- Car seat expiration
You may skip to the sections you want here:
Safety of Car Seat (crash test rating)
The primary purpose of a car seat is to keep a child safe in the event of a car accident.
In the United States, stringent regulations are made to see the production of car seats meets high federal standards.
Notwithstanding, several manufacturers go overboard to include extra safety features to improve car seat general safety.
As a matter of fact, several tests are carried out on each car seat after production to ensure they meet standards before being sold.
Beyond this, individual tests are made by some establishments (like BabyGearLab) to further assess their safety in different aspects.
Here are some standard test reports to look out for in a car seat, depending on the seat mode:
- IIHS rating (Booster seats)
- Crash test ratings (BabyGearLab)
- NHTSA rating (ease-of-use)
Beyond this, and as my position is always on this website, every car seat sold in the US market is SAFE. Only individual biases and preferences make people too specific about this factor.
Ease of Installation
This is a significant factor that truly determines if a car seat will be safe or not.
For a car seat to perform its purpose in a car accident, you must have properly and securely installed your child seat.
According to NHSTA, over 50% of car seats are installed incorrectly. Therefore, you must ensure to install your car seat correctly.
Many car seat manufacturers include features that enhance easy installations, while some may include such features as a premium, depending on the model.
Nonetheless, ensure that there are such easy features or reported ratings about a car seat before settling for it.
Car seat features (ease-of-use rating)
The stress of taking care of a baby is enough to include another of handling a car seat.
Buckling in and out of your child, cleaning the seat cover, adjusting the harness straps, and many more can make a car seat either frustrating or pleasant to use.
Many car seat models come with different ease-of-use features, and most parents consider this significantly when choosing a car seat. I can’t blame anyone.
However, some brands are peculiar with general ease-of-use features across their models, while some make it a premium in their more expensive models.
Car Seat Weight and Dimensions
This is a peculiar factor when considering a car seat based on vehicle make and model.
While you will consider the car seat weight if you will often be switching between vehicles or making use of your infant seat as a carrier, you would consider the dimensions for two reasons – front-to-back compatibility (when rear-facing), and side-to-side compatibility (when you need two or three car seats).
Some car seats are wide but with low height clearance, while others are compact but with higher heights.
However, it is not uncommon to find a compact seat that also has a low height clearance. This type of car seat is the best for your BMW X1.
Car Seat Expiration
Car seats have expiry dates.
Some child seats expire after six years, while some are usable for as long as 12 years. But, most convertible car seats of different brands will give you ten years of usable life.
A convertible car seat is more economical than an infant seat. However, depending on personal preference and choice, you may start with an infant seat because of the need for a stroller and later get a convertible seat.
Do not use a car seat after the expiry date. You should dispose of an expired seat and not gift it out.
Expiration dates for the following car seat brands (all models):
- Britax expiration
- Cosco expiration
- Diono expiration
- Evenflo expiration
- Graco expiration
- Safety 1st expiration
Best Convertible Car Seats for BMW X1
1. Graco SlimFit3 LX 3-in-1 Car Seat – Fits 3 Across
For the BMX X1, a small or subcompact crossover SUV, the Graco SlimFit3 LX is the best convertible car seat for BMW X1.
The car seat is the slimmest convertible car seat on the market, has a low height clearance which gives the front passenger reasonable leg room when rear-facing, and ultimately, is packed with superb safety features with high crash ratings, ease-of-use rating and IIHS rating (BEST BET) for the booster seat mode, and is super easy to install.
The slim design measuring 16.7″ in width allows you to fit 3 across in the rear row. The low height clearance of 24.5″H provides yet another advantage of using it as rear-facing while even installing 3 across.
The SlimFit3 LX also features InRight LATCH and Integrated Belt Lock-off (for safety belt) installation mechanisms which are super easy installation features.
SlimFit3 LX Car Seat Ratings
| Tests | Ratings |
|---|---|
| Crash Test rating | 6.0/10 (according to BabyGearLab) |
| Crash Test HIC Score (max. of 1000) | 680 (according to BabyGearLab) |
| Crash Test Chest G Clip (max. of 60) | 43 (according to BabyGearLab) |
| NHTSA rating (ease-of-use): | Rear-facing mode: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Forward-facing mode: ⭐⭐⭐ Booster mode: ⭐⭐⭐⭐IIHS rating (Booster mode)BEST BET |
The table below shows a single-glance overview of the Graco SlimFit3 LX:
| Graco SlimFit3 LX 3-in-1 | Overview | Specifications | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
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BENEFITS & DRAWBACKS
PROS
- Fits 3 across
- High crash test and ease-of-use ratings
- Super easy to install
- Very comfortable
- LATCH supports up to 45 lbs. limit before you need to switch to seat belt
- Easy to remove seat cover (RapidRemove Cover)
- Easy to clean
- 2 newborn inserts
- 2 removable cups (can be used in 3 across)
CONS
- The level indicator is on the opposite side of the tension strap, which can be inconveniencing to read while tightening the strap at the same time
- ONLY certified for use in the USA
2. Graco Extend2Fit 3-in-1 Car Seat
Graco Extend2Fit 3-in-1 from the same makers as the SlimFit3 LX is another comfortable convertible car seat that factors in extendable usage when rear-facing; up to 50 lbs is additionally preemie-friendly min. weight of 4 lbs.
An additional feature that expands on the name, Extend2Fit, is the adjustable extension panel that offers more leg room for your tall baby, at up to 5″.
At 24.5″ H, the car seat is compatible with your BMW X1 when rear-facing. If you may use the extension panel, however, the front passenger (> 5ft 3) seat will have to be pushed further to accommodate more space in the rear.
On the other hand, at 19″ W, the Extend2Fit will not fit 3 across.
Extend2Fit Car Seat Ratings
| Tests | Ratings |
|---|---|
| Crash Test rating | 8.5/10 (according to BabyGearLab) |
| Crash Test HIC Score (max. of 1000) | 786 (according to BabyGearLab) |
| Crash Test Chest G Clip (max. of 60) | 40 (according to BabyGearLab) |
| NHTSA rating (ease-of-use): | Rear-facing mode: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Forward-facing mode: ⭐⭐⭐ Booster mode: ⭐⭐⭐⭐IIHS rating (Booster mode)BEST BET |
The table below shows a single-glance overview of the Graco Extend2Fit:
| Extend2Fit 3-in-1 | Overview | Specifications | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
|
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|
BENEFITS & DRAWBACKS
PROS
- Has the highest crash test rating (8.5/10)
- High ease-of-use rating
- Extended usage in rear-facing – up to 50 lbs.
- Extra legroom (only in RF) – up to 5 inches.
- Very comfortable
- Super easy to install (the level indicator is easy to read)
- LATCH supports up to 45 lbs. limit before switching to seat belt
- 6 recline positions (SlimFit3 LX has 4)
- 2 removable cups
CONS
- The seat has to be uninstalled before removing the seat cover
- The seat cover can be challenging to fix back
- Straps may be challenging to tighten
- The cup holders are square shaped
- ONLY certified for use in the USA
3. Clek Foonf 2-in-1 Convertible Car Seat
Clek Foonf, a Canadian car seat brand, is a convertible car seat that can be used in only two seat modes – rear-facing and forward-facing.
The convertible car seat is a bulky seat that wouldn’t offer you the luxury of switching between vehicles, but its sturdy feel gives you that confidence of a ‘safe’ car seat.
Not only its sturdy appearance, but the car seat is also slim, easy to install, is preemie friendly at a min. weight of 4 lbs., and with extended usage in rear-facing of up to 50 lbs. However, at the seat height of 28″ H, a tall front-seat passenger may not be comfortable when the seat is rear-facing in a BMW X1.
Notwithstanding, the Clek Foonf will fit three across conveniently in the back seat when forward-facing.
The car seat is quite expensive, and for a 2-in-1 convertible, it’s not a great deal.
Clek Foonf Car Seat Ratings
| Tests | Ratings |
|---|---|
| Crash Test rating | 6.5/10 (according to BabyGearLab) |
| Crash Test HIC Score (max. of 1000) | 500 (according to BabyGearLab) |
| Crash Test Chest G Clip (max. of 60) | 33.4 (according to BabyGearLab) |
| NHTSA rating (ease-of-use): | Rear-facing mode: ⭐⭐ Forward-facing mode: ⭐⭐⭐ |
The table below shows a single-glance overview of the Clek Foonf:
| Clek Foonf | Overview | Specifications | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
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BENEFITS & DRAWBACKS
PROS
- Fits 3 across (better as ff)
- Extended usage in rf (up to 50 lbs.)
- Easy to install
- Free of Halogenated flame retardants (safe alternatives are used) (70% Merino wool, 30% Tencel)
CONS
- Pricey
- Very heavy
- You need to buy an infant-thingy insert sold separately
- May take up front-to-back space when rear-facing (28 in. height)
Best Baby Car Seats for BMW X1
1. Chicco KeyFit 35 Infant Car Seat
The Chicco KeyFit 35 infant seat is a member of the Chicco KeyFit product line series, among which are the basic KeyFit, and KeyFit 30 with a standard assembled dimension of 16.5” in width.
The KeyFit 35 has the highest configuration amongst the series, with a maximum weight limit of 35 lbs. and an extended height usage of 32“.
With a 24″ H, the infant seat is compatible with your BMW X1 and would not affect the front passenger seat. However, an infant seat is best installed in the middle seat.
At 16.5” W, the infant seat will fit 3 across. The infant seat will also allow other convertible car seats if you need a combination of seats in your X1.
The Chicco KeyFit 35 is often rated the best infant seat for its high crash test rating, ease of installation by LATCH or seat belt, and general ease of use. Not far from the reason, it ranks as the best baby car seat for BMW X1 with its compatibility factors.
Related: Chicco KeyFit 30 vs 35.
Chicco KeyFit 35 Infant Seat Rating
| Tests | Ratings |
|---|---|
| Crash Test rating | 7.5/10 (according to BabyGearLab) |
| Crash Test HIC Score (max. of 1000) | 658 (according to BabyGearLab) |
| Crash Test Chest G Clip (max. of 60) | 51 (according to BabyGearLab) |
| NHTSA rating (ease-of-use): | Rear-facing mode: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
The table below shows a single-glance overview of the Chicco KeyFit 35:
| Chicco KeyFit 35 | Overview | Specifications | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
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BENEFITS & DRAWBACKS
PROS
- Fits 3 across
- Very high crash test ratings
- Easy to install w/wo base + belt or latch
CONS
- Quite heavy for an infant seat – 18.5 lbs.
- Limited compatibility with other strollers other than Chicco’s
- Difficulty locating the straps when the baby is in the seat
- Straps may be uneven
2. Peg Perego Primio Viaggio 4-35 Infant Seat
Peg Perego Primo Viaggio 4-35 infant seat is an Italian-made child seat that offers super premium features, albeit pricey.
Among the features include a built-in anti-rebound bar, load-leg, 6-position recline and adjustable headrest, and yet, lightweight.
The infant seat measures 17.25” in width, making it a good fit to combine with other compact convertible seats. At 26.5″ H, a tall front passenger occupant may not sit comfortably. Nonetheless, this baby seat should be installed in the middle seat.
A good takeaway is that the Peg Perego Primio Viaggio has a high crash test rating and is easy to install with/without the base and with the seat belt.
Check Viaggio 4-35 on Amazon
#CommissionsEarned
Peg Perego Primio Viaggio 4-35 Infant Seat Rating
| Tests | Ratings |
|---|---|
| Crash Test rating | 7.5/10 (according to BabyGearLab) |
| Crash Test HIC Score (max. of 1000) | 509 (according to BabyGearLab) |
| Crash Test Chest G Clip (max. of 60) | 46 (according to BabyGearLab) |
| NHTSA rating (ease-of-use): | Rear-facing mode: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
The table below shows a single-glance overview of the Peg Perego Primio Viaggio 4-35:
| Peg Perego Primo Viaggio 4-35 | Overview | Specifications | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
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Check Viaggio 4-35 on Amazon
#CommissionsEarned
BENEFITS & DRAWBACKS
PROS
- Adaptable to a variety of strollers including UPPABaby VISTA and CRUZ
- Super lightweight at 9.5 lbs. for the carrier
- Easy to install
- Easy to change the recline angle
- The canopy covers most of the seat, though not 100%, but you would not be needing a blanket
- Its 7 years expiration gives you window to use it for coming newborns
CONS
- A bit pricey
Check Viaggio 4-35 on Amazon
#CommissionsEarned
Best Booster Seats for BMW X1
1. Chicco KidFit 2-in-1 Booster Seat
The Chicco KidFit 2-in-1 booster seat is another product from Chicco, like the Chicco KeyFit 35, making the list of best car seats for BMW X1, this time as a booster seat.
The Chicco KidFit is a 2-in-1 booster seat that can be used in two booster modes. It can transition from a highback booster seat to a backless booster, making it an excellent choice for your growing child.
The slim design of this booster seat, super ease of use, high crash test rating, BEST BET IIHS rating, and high NHSTA booster rating give it the top spot as the best booster seat for your BMW X1.
This booster seat can be combined with the Graco SlimFit3 LX convertible seat and Chicco KeyFit 35 infant seat as a third seat in your X1.
Check KidFit 2-in-1 on Amazon
#CommissionsEarned
Chicco KidFit 2-in-1 Booster Seat Rating
| Tests | Ratings |
|---|---|
| Crash Test rating | 7.0/10 (according to BabyGearLab) |
| Crash Test HIC Score (max. of 1000) | 443 (according to BabyGearLab) |
| Crash Test Chest G Clip (max. of 60) | 46 (according to BabyGearLab) |
| NHTSA rating (ease-of-use): | Booster mode: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| IIHS rating (Booster mode) | BEST BET |
The table below shows a single-glance overview of the Chicco KidFit 2-in-1 Booster Seat:
| Chicco KidFit 2-in-1 Booster | Overview | Specifications | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
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Check KidFit 2-in-1 on Amazon
#CommissionsEarned
BENEFITS & DRAWBACKS
PROS
- High crash test rating
- BEST BET rating by IIHS
- Easy to install
- Easy LATCH release system (very important safety feature)
- Easy to convert to backless booster from highback
- Easy to remove seat cover ad fit back
- Lightweight
- Double cupholder
- Affordable pricing
CONS
- Not self-buckling
Check KidFit 2-in-1 on Amazon
#CommissionsEarned
2. Peg Perego Viaggio Flex 120 Booster Seat
Yet another Italian-made car seat from Peg Perego, this time a booster seat, the Viaggio Flex 120 is a highback booster seat.
Unlike the Chicco KidFit 2-in-1, the Viaggio Flex has no dual mode. It lacks the backless seat mode.
For the pricing and the limited seat mode, you may need a better deal.
However, its narrower design, compatibility, sturdy feel, comfy structure, ease-of-use features, and longer usable life gives it its edge and a place in this list.
Check Viaggio Flex 120 on Amazon
#CommissionsEarned
Peg Perego Viaggio Flex 120 Booster Seat Rating
| Tests | Ratings |
|---|---|
| Crash Test rating | 6.0/10 (according to BabyGearLab) |
| Crash Test HIC Score (max. of 1000) | 243 (according to BabyGearLab) |
| Crash Test Chest G Clip (max. of 60) | 39 (according to BabyGearLab) |
| NHTSA rating (ease-of-use): | Booster mode: ⭐⭐⭐ |
| IIHS rating (Booster mode) | not available |
The table below shows a single-glance overview of the Peg Perego Viaggio Flex 120 Booster Seat:
| Viaggio 2-3 Shuttle Plus | Overview | Specifications | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
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|
Check Viaggio Flex 120 on Amazon
#CommissionsEarned
BENEFITS & DRAWBACKS
PROS
- It fits 3 across
- Packed with numerous features
- Super comfortable
- Super easy to install
- Very long lifespan – 12 years
CONS
- Relatively bulky for a booster seat (at 14lbs.)
- Very expensive for a booster seat (single mode for the matter)
Check Viaggio Flex 120 on Amazon
#CommissionsEarned
Final Thoughts and Recommendations
Going through these recommended car seats for your BMW X1, making a choice becomes way easier than you’d have imagined.
Helping you make that final choice comes down to your need and car seat combinations if necessary, according to the recommendation earlier in this article.
If you are a first-time parent expecting or have a newborn, go with the Chicco KeyFit 35 and install it in the middle seat.
If you are expecting twins, go with two convertible car seats installed on the middle seat and behind the front passenger seat. These seats can be either the Graco SlimFit3 LX 3-in-1 or Extend2Fit 3-in-1.
If you already have two seats (either infant or convertible) and need a third seat, install the infant seat in the middle and the convertibles on the outboard seats, either rear- or forward-facing. This third seat may be a booster seat. Go for the Chicco KidFit 2-in-1 booster seat.
These car seats have the highest crash test ratings and other car seat safety and ease-of-use ratings making them your best choice for your BMW X1.
