9 Best Car Seats for Tesla Model Y - Baby, Convertible & Booster Seats
Table of Contents
Overview of Tesla Model Y and Seat Dimension
Choosing a car seat for a specific car model becomes very tricky and quite difficult because of the specification of your need. Not to mention the amount of research you will have to put in to make a choice.
Well, the heavy duty has been taken off you, and the work done for you. Many hours was put in to do this research to help you pick the best car seats for Tesla model Y.
The Tesla model Y, a 5-door electric vehicle unveiled in 2019, is a compact SUV that gives you few options regarding space and the types of car seats that can fit in.
The second-row seat (back seat) of the Tesla model Y measures 51.2 inches from door to door.
While the third-row measures 36.5 inches.
That means you need three super slim car seats that measure at most 51 inches (17 inches each) to fit 3 in the back seat or reasonably narrow seats to fit two and still have space for a third passenger.
A similar article on the best car seats for Tesla model 3 is covered here with 17 car seats recommended.
And here, you will find more recommended best car seats for Tesla Model X and Model S.
Key Decision-making Factors to arrive at a Recommendation
In writing this best convertible car seats for Tesla model Y article, the following factors were considered to help you arrive at a decision:
- Safety of car seats
- Ease of installation
- Family size
- Car seat features (ease of use)
- Weight of the car seats
- Dimensions of car seats to fit 3 across the back seat
- Car seat expiration
Going through with all of those factors, the convertible car seat that meets all conditions was chosen as the best car seat for Tesla model Y.
For a quick insight, here are the best car seats for the Tesla model Y (Infant, Convertible & Booster):
Infant Car Seats:
- Doona Infant Car Seat & Stroller
- Safety 1st Air 360 Infant Car Seat
- Clek Liing Infant Car Seat
Convertible Car Seats:
- Graco SlimFit3 LX 3-in-1 – fits 3 across
- Diono Radian 3QXT – fits 3 across
- Graco Extend2Fit 3-in-1 – fits 2 with little space left.
- Clek Foonf – fits 3 across
- Cybex Sirona S – fits 2 with little space left
- Evenflo Revolve 360 – fits 2 with little space left
Belt-positioning Booster Seats:
- Graco TurboBooster LX 2-in-1 – fits 3 across
- Chicco KidFit 2-in-1 – fits 2 with little space left
- Britax Highpoint 2-Stage Booster – fits 2 with little space left
At A Glance, The Top Infant, Convertible, & Booster Seat For Tesla Model Y
Best Infant Seat
- Infant car seat & stroller combo
- For use in rear-facing only
- Recommended weight range: 4-35 lbs.
- Height limit: 32 in.
- Expiration: 6 years from the date of manufacture
- FAA Approved
- Highest safety and quality standards (meets the strictest US & EU standards for car seats, strollers, and hand-held carriers)
Best Convertible Seat
- Fits 3 across
- 3-in-1 convertible car seat
- Recommended weight range: 5-100 lbs.
- Height limit: 57 in.
- Dimension: 20.7Dx24.5H x16.7W (inches)
- Weight: 19.2 lbs.
- Expiration: 10 years from the date of manufacture
- FAA Approved
Best BoosterSeat
- Fits 3 across
- 2-in-1 booster seat
- Recommended weight range: 40-100 lbs.
- Height limit: 57 in.
- Dimension:15.5D x26.5Hx16.2W (inches)
- Weight: 9.13 lbs
- Expiration: 10 years from the date of manufacture
The SlimFit3 LX wins the top spot as the best car seat for Tesla model Y for the following reasons:
- It is super slim – measuring 16.7 inches against its closest rival, the Radian 3QXT, which measures 17 inches. Even though this seems like a close call, it makes a marginal difference (almost an inch) when you need to install three seats in a compact vehicle.
- Dimension – the SlimFit3 LX measures 20.7D x 24.5H x 16.7W as against Diono Radian 3QXT at 16D x 28.5H x 17W (inches). At the height difference, the SlimFit3 LX saves up more space when rear-facing, unlike the Diono, which may affect the front passenger seat.
- Weight – The SlimFit3 LX is way lighter than the Diono with a difference of 12.8 lbs. (19.2 lbs. and 32 lbs. respectively). This is significant when you consider lifting a bulky seat between cars when switching.
- Pricing – Graco seats are more budget-friendly when it comes to quality and pricing, while Diono is more about luxury. Diono costs way more than the SlimFit3 LX. You can check out their current prices on Amazon (SlimFit and Radian 3QXT)
- Seat modes – being a 3-in-1 convertible car seat, you can use it as rear-facing for your newborn through to a booster seat as they grow. As a matter of fact, it grows with your child.
Nonetheless, you should still read on and make a decision based on your conviction.
Now in Detail
Before giving details about each car seat, you should have an insight into what makes a car seat fit for a car, your child, and you as a parent. You need to know all these before buying a car seat and not rush into making a decision.
You can skip to the sections you want here:
Safety of Car Seat
This is the most considered factor of a car seat. Of course, it is because that is what a car seat is made for in the first place.
However, one fact is that all car seats are SAFE.
Yes, all car seats are. Every car seat sold in the United States is made to pass through very stringent federal safety standards before being sold in the market.
Many car seat manufacturers, however, go overboard to add more safety features to give customers extra confidence in their products.
Nonetheless, the most important thing to make a car seat truly serve its purpose in the event of an accident is to ensure it is properly and securely installed from the set go.
That brings us to the next factor to consider in choosing a convertible car seat.
Installation features
How car seats are installed makes the most significant difference in whether a car seat will be safe or not. According to NHSTA, 59% of car seats are not installed correctly. This leads to car seat injuries or even death in a car crash.
Many car seat manufacturers include special features to make installation super easy to ease the installation process. However, these types of car seats are usually pricier than others.
Irrespective, you can install a car seat tightly with a little more effort. Otherwise, visit a car seat inspection clinic (or a CPST) in your city to help you.
You can find one in your city from this states’ car seat laws. Choose your state and scroll to the bottom of the page.
Family size
Depending on the size of your family, you want to consider the size of the car seat, the space available, and how many car seats you may want to fit in your back seat.
If you have a kid or two and don’t plan to get more anytime soon, you can go for a regular seat size that will fit at least 2.
If you have up to 3 kids, you need three car seats that will fit perfectly in your model Y.
Car seat features
While this is a secondary factor to consider, it is equally vital but may not influence your buying decision.
For example, you need a car seat that is easy to clean, with a machine-washable seat cover, easy to adjust the harness, recline, and lots more.
Weight and Dimensions of the Car Seat
Weight
If you are often switching between cars, you want a car seat that isn’t bulky so you can conveniently lift between vehicles.
Not to worry, most of the slim car seats are relatively lightweight. You may just want something super light as much as possible.
Dimension
This goes in line with fitting three car seats in a row in the back seat. The slimmer the design, the lesser space it will take in your model Y. The longer the height dimension, the more likely it will take up space and affect the front passenger seat when rear-facing.
Expiration
This is another critical factor. Car seats expire. Oh yes, they do.
Some car seat models last as long as ten years, while some way less. Longer is better, so you don’t have to worry about buying another car seat anytime soon.
You can read on how to check if your car seat is expired and the expiration dates for the following car seat brands (all models):
- Britax expiration
- Cosco expiration
- Diono expiration
- Evenflo expiration
- Graco expiration
- Safety 1st expiration
This article comprehensively reviews the best baby (infant), convertible, and booster car seats for Tesla model Y.
You can skip to the sections you want here:
Best Baby Car Seats for Tesla Model Y
1. Doona Infant Car Seat & Stroller
This may be the best infant car seat & stroller you will ever need for your Tesla Model Y. It converts straight from an infant seat to a stroller and back again in seconds and is lightweight.
What makes it a perfect fit for your Tesla is the dimension and yet its sophistication. It measures just 17.3 inches in width; unfortunately, you can not fit three across the second or third row.
Notwithstanding, you can have a third convertible seat that fits just right, which can be the SlimFit3 LX or a Radian 3RXT.
Remember, the second-row measures 51.2 in.
The combination goes as follows:
- 2 SlimFit3 LX + 1 Doona Core = 3 fit across; 16.7 in. + 16.7 in. + 17.3 in. = 50.7 in.
- 2 Radian 3RXT + 1 Doona Core = 3 fit across; 17 in. + 17 in. + 17.3 in. = 51.3 in.
- 2 Doona Core + 1 SlimFit3 LX = 3 Fit across; 17.3 in. + 17.3 in. + 16.7 in. = 51.3 in.
Technically, the LATCH base is 16 in. wide and has a height of 9 in. That means three car seats will fit well at the base level and have that combined width above the base.
Overview Table:
| Doona Infant Seat & Stroller | Overview | Specifications | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
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PROS & CONS
- Perfect for newborns (tiny babies from 4lbs.)
- Perfect all-in-one travel system
- Perfect stroller (with brakes)
- Easy operation to convert to stroller and back to the infant seat
- Easy to install
- Easy to install infant seat base in car-sharing rides like Uber, Lyft, etc. (you may also not use the base – it's legal)
- Super lightweight – with the adjustable handlebar, it doesn't get any easier
- Compact – the wheels don't get in the way of others when strolling
- Ensure to pick the correct version – US or European (not a CON, really)
- Depending on the edition you buy, you may need to buy other accessories like shade and rain cover
- The handle extension may be too short for a tall parent (though it is adjustable)
2. Safety 1st Air 360 Infant Car Seat
The Safety 1st Air 360 car seat is a budget-friendly infant seat with extra safety features that do not compromise a child’s comfort.
Measuring 28D X 24.75H X 17W (inches) in dimension, the car seat is 17 inches wide and 24.75 inches in height, making it a perfect 3 across infant seat for a Tesla model Y that also offers extra room for the front passengers.
However, it weighs 18.48 lbs., which is quite heavy for an infant seat.
Nonetheless, the seat provides excellent ease-of-use features and is super comfortable.
Overview Table:
| Safety 1st Air 360 | Overview | Specifications | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
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PROS & CONS
- Fits 3 across and takes less front-to-back space
- Easy to install
- Crash tested – rear, front, side, and rollover impact tests
- Sturdy, super comfortable, and well-padded
- Removable newborn inserts
- Compatible with strollers with the QuickClick® feature
- Budget-friendly
- Relatively big/heavy for an infant seat
- The location of the label is not so fanciful
- The canopy/Sun visor may not stay up
- Straps may be uneven
3. Clek Liing Infant Car Seat
Clek Liing, a product of Clek, a Canadian-based child safety seat manufacturer, is the newest addition to their product line.
Featuring a 16.9 in. width infant seat and a 13.2 in. infant seat base, makes it a perfect infant seat for your Tesla model Y that fits 3 across in the second row.
The car seat is super lightweight, weighing 9 lbs. without the newborn insert, and is compatible with many stroller brands (with Click & Go feature), making it a perfect infant carrier.
Not neglecting the safety needs of parents for high-safety infant seats, this baby bucket features advanced side-impact protection with EPP foam to protect the head and body in the event of a crash.
Overview Table:
| Clek Liing Infant Seat | Overview | Specifications | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
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PROS & CONS
- Fits 3 across and takes less front-to-back space
- Easy to install with or without the LATCH using the belt-tensioning system
- Easy to install without the base when in car-sharing rides like Uber, Lyft, etc.
- Free of Halogenated flame retardants (safe alternatives are used) (70% Merino wool, 30% Tencel)
- Pricey
Best Convertible Car Seats for Tesla Model Y
Convertible car seats are safety seats that can be used in two or more modes.
They can be used in rear-facing and then converted to forward-facing, hence the name.
However, there are all-in-one convertible car seats with additional highback booster seat mode and, in some cases, a fourth mode, backless booster seat.
This section covers convertible car seats that fit 3 across model Y and regular convertibles.
1. Graco SlimFit3 LX 3-in-1 – Fits 3 Across Perfectly
The Graco SlimFit 3-in-1 car seat (review), specifically the SlimFit3 LX 3-in-1, is a space-saving car seat that perfectly fits 3 across the back seat. Measuring 20.7D x 24.5H x 16.7W (inches) in dimension, the SlimFit3 LX is 16.7 inches wide and weighs 19.2 lbs.
The SlimFit3 LX can be used in 3 seat modes – rear-facing (min. 5 lbs.; max. 40 lbs.), forward-facing (min. 22 lbs.; max. 65 lbs.), highback booster seat (min. 40 lbs.; max. 100 lbs.)
Overview Table:
| Graco SlimFit3 LX 3-in-1 | Overview | Specifications | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
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PROS & CONS
- Fits 3 across
- 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)
- 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. Diono Radian 3QXT – Fits 3 Across, But Heavy and Takes Space
The Diono Radian car seat series can be confusing as there are many of them. The Radian series is the first of 3 across models from the Diono brand.
However, their dimensions are the same. One of the differences across the models is the weight. The least weight is 29.5 lbs., and the heaviest is 34.2 lbs.
Since all the Radian R and Q series are of the same dimension, any of them will fit 3 across in your Tesla model Y.
This 3QXT is chosen from the Radian series because it is the most advanced model, packed with thorough safety features and rigorous tests.
The next in the series to this, the 3QXT+, is a luxury model with extra features that are relatively inconsequential, like premium fabrics and an additional cup holder (making 2). Nonetheless, it is the heaviest in the series.
Overview Table:
| Diono Radian 3QXT | Overview | Specifications | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
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PROS & CONS
- Fits 3 across
- Easy to install
- Extended usage in rear-facing – up to 50 lbs.
- Very comfortable
- Packed with lots of safety features and testing
- Can be folded into a compact size for easy travel (depth becomes 11 inches)
- 2 newborn protection and support inserts
- Very heavy (32 lbs.)
- Does not have recline angles (need to purchase an angle adjuster)
- It takes up a lot of room space when rear-facing (the angle adjuster helps correct this)
- It is difficult to remove the seat cover and fit back
- When rear-facing, the car seat has to be uninstalled to take off the seat cover
- Comes with 1 cup holder, which has to be detached to fit 3 across
3. Graco Extend2Fit 3-in-1 – Fits 2 but with Extended Panel and Usage in RF
The Extend2Fit is another model from Graco with a slim design, extended rear-facing usage, and an extended panel for extra legroom for your child.
This car seat measures 19 inches in width. Therefore, it will not fit three across the back. However, it weighs (20.61 lbs.) less than Diono and saves more space when rear-facing.
Overview Table:
| Extend2Fit 3-in-1 | Overview | Specifications | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
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PROS & CONS
- 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
- 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
4. Clek Foonf 2-in-1 Convertible Car Seat - Fits 3 Across
Like the Liing from Clek, this is another of their product, this time a 2-in-1 convertible car seat that can be used in rear-facing and forward-facing, with an extended usage when RF, up to 50 lbs.
Measuring 16.9 in. wide, the Clek Foonf is a perfect fit for 3 across in a Tesla model Y. However, it weighs 33 lbs., which is very heavy, though that is because of its metal-tank build (solid metal substructure).
Overview Table:
| Clek Foonf | Overview | Specifications | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
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PROS & CONS
- Fits 3 across
- Easy to install
- Free of Halogenated flame retardants (safe alternatives are used) (70% Merino wool, 30% Tencel)
- 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)
5. Cybex Sirona S 360° Rotating Convertible Car Seat
The Cybex Sirona S is a 2-in-1 convertible car seat that features the luxury of switching between the two seat modes by just rotating the car seat.
While this may seem like an innovative and convenient feature, it may not be the best for you, depending on your state and the car seat laws therein.
While some states are not strict on car seat mode requirements, others are not flexible.
Therefore, you want to be familiar with your state laws, so you don’t forget you were supposed to be rear-facing and you’re forward-facing instead.
Beyond that, it is a great feature that eases the convenience of quickly getting your child out of the seat by just rotating the seat in your direction.
On the other hand, the seat measures 20 inches in width, an inch wider than the Extend2Fit 3-in-1. This does not make it a perfect match if you want a three-seat seat. It’s only ideal as a convertible car seat that has extra convenience and fits the luxury of your vehicle.
Other features that make this car seat a good fit for a Tesla model Y include the following:
- Dimension: the seat height of 25.5 inches means it will not take up much space like the Radian 3QXT (28.5H inches).
- EasyLock Bar: a super easy way to install the car seat securely with less effort from you and an additional dual-level indicator that makes you sure it is installed at the correct recline angle.
- SensorSafe: this is a luxurious ease-of-use feature that enhances your child’s safety in the car seat by alerting you through a phone app:
- When your baby unbuckles themselves,
- If the back seat temperature is extreme (too warm or too cold),
- If your child has been seated for too long, and
- If you are leaving your child unattended.
Overview Table:
| Cybex Sirona S | Overview | Specifications | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
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| Features:
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PROS & CONS
- Super easy to install and secure
- Easy to get a child in and out of the seat
- Easy to convert from rear-facing to forward-facing
- The rotating feature gives you a lot of convenience in accessing your child
- The connection with phone app is innovative esp. for the vital alerts it provides
- Features reinforced steel frame and an anti-rebound bar
- Dual level indicator – easy to read
- Easy to clean
- Very comfortable
- Pricey for a convertible car seat (2-in-1)
- For the amount of money, better to buy a 3-in-1, except you love the rotating feature
- It is heavy (30.4 lbs.)
- It does not fit 3 across
- Installing the car seat is not so straightforward and the manual may not do much help. There are YT videos though.
6. Evenflo Gold Revolve 360 Extend with SensorSafe
Next to the innovative design like Cybex Sirona S, in terms of the rotational design, is the Evenflo Gold Revolve 360 series. An all-in-1 convertible car seat suitable for rear-facing, forward-facing, and booster seat modes.
However, it measures 19.8 inches in width and will not fit 3 across. Nonetheless, its height of 25.9 inches gives it an edge when installed in rear-facing.
There is also the Evenflo Gold Revolve360 Slim 2-in-1 which measures 16.75″W and will fit 3 across in your Tesla Model Y. This model can only be used as RF and FF; there is no booster seat mode.
The Evenflo Gold Revolve360 with SensorSafe (the Extend & Slim variants) comes with a special technology, called SensorSafe, that sends alerts on potential unsafe conditions around your child to your smartphone. You can read a comparison article on the different models and variants of the Revolve360 series here – Evenflo Revolve 360 vs Gold; Revolve vs Extend vs Slim.
Overview Table:
| Evenflo Gold Revolve360 Extend | Overview | Specifications | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
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| Features:
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PROS & CONS
- It is easy to get your child in and out of the seat
- Easy to switch from RF to FF by rotating
- The rotating feature is so much to enjoy about this car seat (helps manage back issue)
- You can recline the seat even after installation
- Very comfortable
- You only need to install once (not recommended for switching cars)
- Pricey (worth it for the rotating feature)
- The car seat cover is not very easy to take off
Comparison of These Convertible Seats
With this list of recommended convertible car seats for Tesla Model Y, it may be difficult to make a choice.
Or, maybe you’re stuck on two choices.
Don’t worry. Here are thorough comparison articles on different twos of these seats that can help you.
Graco SlimFit LX vs Diono Radian
Diono Radian vs Graco Extend2Fit
Diono Radian vs Clek Foonf
Best Booster Seats for Tesla Model Y
While getting an all-in-one convertible car seat is simply the best as it saves you money in the long run, with the option of using it as a booster seat later in the future, the need for a booster seat may arise anytime earlier, and that may be the time to get one.
The following are great booster seats for a Tesla model Y that may fit 3 across or will fit as a third car seat with other slim car seats already installed.
1. Graco TurboBooster LX Highback Booster Seat
The Graco TurboBooster LX is the slimmest 2-in-1 booster seat that fits 3 across at a go in a Tesla model Y. The slim design also gives it an advantage to be combined as a third seat with other car seats in the vehicle.
Measuring 16.2 in. wide, it is super slim and will fit 3 across. It can be used in highback booster seat mode and transformed into a backless booster seat as your child grows.
This wins it the best spot as a booster seat for Tesla model Y.
Overview Table:
| Graco TurboBooster LX | Overview | Specifications | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
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PROS & CONS
- Fits 3 across
- Easy to install and secure with the LATCH system (a very important safety feature)
- Easy to convert from highback to backless booster
- Easy to use the self-buckling feature by an 'independent' child
- Super lightweight
- Affordable pricing
- The cup holder is tucked away in a hidden manner on the bottom of the seat (easy to find eventually)
2. Chicco KidFit 2-in-1 Belt Positioning Booster Car Seat
The Chicco KidFit booster falls in another category of 2-in-1 booster seat that can transition from a highback to a backless booster seat and is just about fit for a Tesla model Y, only that it won’t fit 3 across and won’t accommodate a third passenger in the middle.
However, the safety, installation, and ease-of-use features make it a hit for your kid and your model y. It is also rated as BEST BET for a booster seat by IIHS.
Overview Table:
| Chicco KidFit 2-in-1 Booster | Overview | Specifications | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
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PROS & CONS
- 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
- Not self-buckling like the TurboBooster LX
3. Britax Highpoint 2-Stage Belt-Positioning Booster Car Seat - Highback and Backless Seat
Britax Highpoint 2-Stage booster seat also gives you the luxury of a highback and backless booster seat in one for a reasonably decent price.
Measuring 19.5 inches in width makes it a good fit as a booster seat for a Tesla model Y.
However, you can not fit 3 across, neither can you fit 2 and have a third seat or enough space for another passenger in the middle.
Overview Table:
| Britax Highpoint 2-Stage Booster | Overview | Specifications | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
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| Features:
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PROS & CONS
- Very sturdy and super comfortable
- Excellent safety features for a booster seat
- Relatively pricey for comparative booster seats
Final Thoughts and Recommendation
If you are getting your car seats for the first time and need them rear-facing from the get-go, you should go for the Graco SlimFit3 LX 3-in-1.
If you intend to use all three seats in forward-facing, you should go for Graco SlimFit3 LX 3-in-1. If you care very much about the fanciful safety features of Diono and don’t mind the extra bucks on the three seats, you can go for Diono 3QXT.
Suppose you have only two kids, don’t plan on getting more, and won’t be having a nanny or a family member traveling with you who needs to sit in the second row. In that case, you should go for the Extend2Fit 3-in-1 since it has extended rear-facing usage and an extended panel for extra legroom.
If you intend to use the third row, you can go for the Extend2Fit since it saves more space than the Diono 3QXT.
If you often switch between cars, you should go for the SlimFit or the Extend2Fit; They are comparatively lightweight.
If you care about an extra fancy in a car seat, such as rotating a car seat 180 degrees or 360 degrees, you can go for the Cybex Sirona S or Evenflo Revolve 360.
