Best Convertible Car Seats of 2025

Snuggle Bugz | October 12, 2021 | Comments 0

Jump to Section

Has the time come to transition your baby out of their infant bucket seat and into the next stage seat? If you are approaching the maximum height or weight limit set out by the manufacturer OR their head is getting close to 1” of the top of their infant seat, then it is time! If you have more questions about transitioning to the next stage, check out our article Transitioning From an Infant Car Seat!

Now the research phase for your convertible [AKA “second stage”] car seat begins! For some excellent pointers on what you should be keeping an eye out for, check out our Ultimate Convertible Car Seat Buying Guide.

To get you started on your shopping journey, we're here to break down the best convertible car seats available on the Canadian market.

Let's get to it!

Nuna RAVA

Let's begin with the Nuna RAVA – which came to the Canadian market a few years back and has taken the market by storm. Parents everywhere rushed to get their hands on this stunning convertible car seat… and for good reason!

A few of our favourite features include the double cup holders, “buckle tongue holders” to keep your harness out of the way when putting baby in the car, no re-thread harness, and bubble-free installation.

We absolutely love Nuna's commitment to protecting your little one and cover all the features that make the RAVA so safe in this article and in our full in-depth review, here.

THE SPECS:

Use From: 5-65 lbs
Rear-Face to: 40 lbs
Forward-Face to: 65 lbs
Highest Harness Height: 17”
No Re-Thread Harness: Yes
Crotch strap positions: 2
Load Leg or Anti-Rebound Bar: Anti-rebound bar
Recline Positions & Indicator: 1 rear-facing position, 5 forward-facing positions
Seat Width: 19”
Preferred install method: Seatbelt

BIGGEST PROS:

Has a no re-thread harness
One of the most compact front-back seats on the market due to just one recline position in rear-facing mode
Thickly padded seat for added comfort
Complete steel frame
Buckle tongue holders keep harness out of the way when loading your child in and out of the car seat [it’s the little things]
All fabrics are naturally flame retardant without the use of added chemicals

BIGGEST CONS:

Only one recline position in rear-facing mode can make it sit a bit too upright for smaller infants. We recommend this compact car seat once baby has head control.
A bit of a complicated install – read your manuals carefully and make sure to lock off your seatbelt when using the True Tension door/seatbelt installation method!

UPPAbaby Knox

The UPPAbaby Knox Convertible Car Seat is gaining momentum over here in Canada. It does things a bit different than some of the other car seats on the market – for example, you might notice the multi-directional tether that attaches to your vehicle seat back even when used in rear-facing mode! This tether acts like a load leg or anti-rebound bar would without adding additional cost, and is also manufactured using Koroyd technology.

To learn more about Koroyd technology and other top features about the UPPAbaby Knox, click here.

THE SPECS:

Use From: 14-65 lbs
Rear-Face to: 40 lbs
Forward-Face to: 65 lbs
Highest Harness Height: 17.5”
No Re-Thread Harness: Yes
Crotch strap positions: 1
Load Leg or Anti-Rebound Bar: Neither – the multi-directional tether is used in place of either of these options
Recline Positions & Indicator: 2 rear-facing positions & 2 forward-facing positions using a rolling ball level indicator located on both sides of the seat at the top
Seat Width: 18.75”
Preferred install method: Seatbelt

BIGGEST PROS:

No re-thread harness
Koroyd is a proven technology used in action sports helmets already, so you can rest assured that it will absorb crash forces away from your child in case of a collision
Jordan fabric is naturally flame retardant without the added use of chemicals
Included cup holder can be attached to either side of the car seat
Base fabric easily zips off for machine washing [the base of the seat is where there are most likely to be big accidents/spills]

BIGGEST CONS:

The multi-directional tether that is used in rear-facing mode can prompt children to play with it or pull on it – do NOT hang toys from this tether

Clek Foonf & Fllo

Let's get into these best sellers from Clek! Both the Foonf and the Fllo are made right here in Canada and the brand is family-owned…which we love. Chris and Jen, the owners of Clek, have a background in automotive engineering and brought their years of knowledge to the car seat space when they had their own children.

Be be sure to check out this article for the differences between the two seats if you’re stuck. You can also check out the individual reviews for the Foonf and Fllo.

THE SPECS:

Use From: 14-65 lbs
Rear-Face to: 50 lbs
Forward-Face to: 65 lbs
Highest Harness Height: 17”
No Re-Thread Harness: No
Crotch strap positions: 2
Load Leg or Anti-Rebound Bar: Anti-rebound bar
Recline Positions & Indicator: 1 – level line on the base of the seat
Seat Width: 16.9”
Preferred install method: Seatbelt

BIGGEST PROS:

Sleek, narrow design
Built in lock-offs for a secure install every time
Rear-faces to 50 lbs
Designed to provide maximum leg room for extended rear-facing
Complete steel frame
Merino wool options are naturally flame retardant without the use of added chemicals
Made in Canada!

BIGGEST CONS:

Not a no re-thread harness

Peg Perego Primo Viaggio SIP 5-65

Now you can have Primo Viaggio at any stage. This popular car seat has become available as a convertible! The Primo Viaggio SIP 65 follows your child all the way from infancy to toddlerhood. This stylish and secure car seat is made of the highest quality of materials with no expense spared in safety features, including an adjustable Side Impact Protection (SIP), a Shock Absorbing Foam Element (SAFE) device, Expanded Poly Styrene (EPS) energy-absorbing foam and an anti-rebound bar. That’s safety at its finest.

Your little one is sure to be snug as a bug in this ride. The Viaggio SIP 65 uses the best of the best with the Alcantara technology interior for maximum comfort, plus they are washable and super easy to remove. Style, comfort, and safety this car seat checks all the boxes!

For more details, check out our Peg Perego Primo Viaggio SIP 5-65 Convertible Car Seat Review.

THE SPECS:

Use From: 5-65 lbs 
Rear-Face to: 5-45lbs
Forward-Face to: 22-65 lbs
Highest Harness Height: 17”
No Re-Thread Harness: Yes
Crotch Strap Positions: 2
Load Leg or Anti-Rebound Bar: Anti-Rebound
Recline Positions & Indicator: 10 different positions
Seat Width: 19” 
Preferred install method: Seatbelt

BIGGEST PROS:

Maximum Comfort with the Alcantara interior technology.
Removable cushion and cover for easy cleaning
Quick-Release Five-Point Safety Harness 
Side Impact Protection (SID)
Shock Absorbing Foam Element (SAFE)
Expanded Poly Styrene (EPS) energy-absorbing foam
Anti-rebound bar.
Easy to adjust
Allows your child to sit in rear-facing mode until 45 lbs. (which is more than most convertible seats).

BIGGEST CONS:

Straps may get easily twisted

Cybex Sirona S

The Sirona S SensorSafe Convertible Car Seat by Cybex sets a new standard for child safety and convenience. This tech savvy seat offers an innovative design and flexibility to ensure your child's optimal safety and comfort as they grow.

If you are looking for next generation features, you've come to the right place. This seat has an impressive 360° rotatable seat that allow you to switch the seat from rear-facing to front-facing at record-breaking speed and even turn the seat to face the car door to get your baby in and out easily. The seat also features SensorSafe technology that provids real-time alerts to your smartphone. Read more about about SensorSafe, here.

Safety is the top priority with advanced Side Impact Protection, an energy-absorbing shell, and customizable headrest and harness for a snug fit.

Overall, the Sirona S SensorSafe Convertible Car Seat boasts a perfect blend of safety, comfort, and versatility, making it the ideal choice for safety-conscious parents.

Learn all the details in our full review here.

THE SPECS:

Use From: 4-65 lbs
Rear-Face to: 4-50 lbs
Forward-Face to: 22-65 lbs
Highest Harness Height: 16.5”
No Re-Thread Harness: Yes
Crotch strap positions: 3
Load Leg or Anti-Rebound Bar: Load Leg
Recline Positions & Indicator: 12-position recline adjustment even while the seat is in use
Seat Width: 20.1”
Preferred install method: Seatbelt

BIGGEST PROS:

Features SensorSafe technology with real-time alerts
360° rotatable seat
Side Impact Protection (SID)
Energy-absorbing shell.
Moisture-wicking fabrics
Steel-reinforced frame
Easy-to-adjust LATCH system
Machine-washable cover
Load leg
360° rotatable seat
Allows child to sit in rear-facing up to 50 lbs!

BIGGEST CONS:

Comes with a higher price tag
SensorSafe technology requires use with smart phone/device

Britax Poplar

Next up on our list is the Poplar Convertible Car Seat from Britax — a great go-to for safe, comfortable, and hassle-free travel with your growing child!

A few standout features of the Poplar include its 10-year lifespan, super easy ClickTight installation, and ability to fit three across in most vehicles, thanks to Britax’s SpaceSaver design.

Britax prioritizes safety with a steel frame, a rebound-reducing stability bar for rear-facing mode, and a V-shaped tether for crash impact reduction. It also features SafeCell Technology for added energy absorption. Plus, the no-rethread harness adjusts effortlessly with 14 positions, ensuring perfect fit and ease of use.

To learn more, check out our in-depth review, here.

If you like the Poplar, but want a few extra bells and whistles, the Poplar S is also an option. It boasts all the features we love in the Poplar, plus a few extra premium inserts, more padding, contrast stitching, and an all-black fashion option called Onyx.

THE SPECS:

Use From: 5–65 lbs
Rear-Face to: 40 lbs or 49”
Forward-Face to: 65 lbs or 49”
Highest Harness Height: 17”
No Re-Thread Harness: Yes (Quick-Adjust Headrest)
Crotch strap positioning: 3
Load Leg or Anti-Rebound Bar: Anti-rebound bar
Recline Positions: 6 adjustable positions (both rear- and forward-facing)
Seat Width: 17" W
Preferred Install Method: ClickTight

BIGGEST PROS:

ClickTight Installation for a simple, secure, and stress-free in just three steps
Rebound Reduce Bar for extra protection for rear-facing mode
SpaceSaver Design that fits three across in most vehicles without compromising comfort
10-Year Lifespan: Accommodates multiple children throughout their car seat stage
Naturally Flame-Retardant Fabrics

BIGGEST CONS:

Only can be in rear-facing mode for up to 40 lbs (less than some of our other options)

Baby Jogger City Turn

If you liked the Cybex Sirona S, you may also be a fan of Baby Jogger’s new City Turn Rotating Convertible Car Seat. Combining innovation, comfort, and safety, this 180° rotating seat makes getting your child in and out of the car a breeze in rear-facing mode.

In addition, we also love the super-simple RAPIDLOCK installation system, the no-rethread harness for quick adjustments, and the premium padding and infant insert.

Learn more about how Baby Jogger truly focuses on ease of use while keeping your little one safe and secure in our full in-depth product review of the City Turn, here.

THE SPECS:

Use From: 4–65 lbs
Rear-Face to: 40 lbs
Forward-Face to: 65 lbs
Highest Harness Height:17”
No Re-Thread Harness: Yes
Crotch strap positions: 2
Load Leg or Anti-Rebound Bar: No
Recline Positions: 5
Seat Width: 19" W
Recline Positions: 5
Preferred install method: RAPIDLOCK installation system with seatbelt

BIGGEST PROS:

180° Rotation makes it easier to place your child in the seat and take them out while in rear-facing mode
RAPIDLOCK Installation is secure and stress-free with push-button LATCH and belt-tensioning technology
COOLMAX fabric keeps your little one cool and comfortable
Steel-Reinforced Frame is robust and durable for added safety

BIGGEST CONS:

Heavier than some competitors at 32.5 lbs, which might be cumbersome for frequent moves between vehicles.
The recline handle is difficult to access once installed in forward-facing mode
Cup holder placement is a bit bulky and positioned only on one side, limiting installation flexibility

Get Going

We hope this article has been helpful in breaking down the basics of these fantastic convertible car seats. For more great options, head on over to our Learning Centre, we have a whole section of reviews on convertible car seat articles plus reviews on lots of other baby gear you may have your eye on. You can also explore our round-up on our Top All-In-One Convertible Car Seats for more great options that will take your child even further in their car seat journey.