Top Convertible Car Seats of 2023

Has the time come to transition your baby out of their infant bucket seat and into the next stage seat? [hint: if they have hit the maximum height or weight limit set out by the manufacturer OR their head is within 1” of the top of their seat, then it is time!] 

Now the research phase for your convertible [AKA “second stage”] car seat begins!

We’re here to break down the best convertible car seats available on the Canadian market heading into 2023 and, for all frequently asked questions about transitioning to the next stage, check out our article Transitioning From an Infant Car Seat!

Let's begin with the Nuna RAVA – which came to the Canadian market a few years back and took the market by STORM. Parents everywhere rushed to get their hands on this stunning convertible car seat… and for good reason! For our detailed product review of the RAVA, check out this article before diving into the rest of our top convertible car seat picks. As for a few of our favourite features – 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 & bubble-free installation are just a few convenience factors that set this seat apart from the rest. 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 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:

• 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!

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 that are 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.

Read the full product review on the UPPAbaby KNOX, here, and learn more about Koroyd technology!

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
  

The Britax Boulevard ClickTight Convertible Car Seat is definitely up there on the list of easiest to install car seats available on the market. The Britax patented ClickTight technology is a-m-a-z-i-n-g and makes caregivers’ lives less stressful and gives you peace of mind that your car seat is installed correctly every single time. For more info on the ClickTight technology, check out this article. One of the main reasons we love this seat is the ease of us, from the install, to the no re-thread harness, to the ability to be able to use it from birth this seat checks all the boxes! For more information on the Boulevard, check out this review.

THE SPECS:

• Use From:  5-65 lbs
• Rear-Face to: 40 lbs
• Forward-Face to: 65 lbs
• Highest Harness Height: 18.65”
• No Re-Thread Harness: Yes
• Crotch strap positions: 2
• Load Leg or Anti-Rebound Bar: Anti-rebound bar
• Recline Positions & Indicator: 7-position bubble level indicator
• Seat Width: 18.5”
• Preferred install method: Seatbelt

BIGGEST PROS:

• Ease of install for peace of mind
• No re-thread harness
• Multiple recline positions to fit in a variety of vehicles & for a variety of ages and stages [nice recline for newborns with no head control if using from birth!]
• High harness height in forward-facing mode for longevity of the seat [child is less likely to outgrow it by “fit” requirements – AKA when the shoulder straps no longer come from at or above your forward-facing child’s shoulders]
  
  

BIGGEST CONS:

• Anti-rebound bar can be finicky to install in rear-facing mode
  

Let's get into these best sellers from a Canadian brand – Clek! Both of these convertible car seats 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

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
  

BRITAX ADVOCATE CLICKTIGHT

Britax has done it again with their Advocate ClickTight Convertible Car Seat. This seat will grow with your child while keeping them as safe and comfortable as possible. The Advocate ClickTight boasts quality with its impressive safety features, including an anti-rebound bar, SafeCell Impact technology, and an easy-to-use Slick & Safe Snug Harness indicator that ensures the best installation and fit for your child.

Baby will be nice and cozy surrounded by plush foam padding and the EZ-Buckle System that keeps buckles and straps out of the way! Plus, if your bundle of joy makes a bit of a mess, the cover is super easy to remove without having to uninstall the car seat or remove the harness! It’s the little details, right? Be confident that your little one is in good hands with this accomplished car seat. For more details, check out our Britax Convertible Car Seat Comparison.

THE SPECS:

• Use From: 5-65 lbs
• Rear-Face to: 5-40 lbs
• Forward-Face to: 22-65 lbs
• Highest Harness Height: 19.4”
• No Re-Thread Harness: Yes
• Crotch Strap Positions: 2
• Load Leg or Anti-Rebound Bar: Anti-Rebound
• Recline Positions & Indicator: 7-position recline with automatic level indicator
• Seat Width: 18.5”
• Preferred install method: Seatbelt

BIGGEST PROS:

• SafeCell Impact technology
• No Re-Thread Harness
• SafeCell Impact Stabilizing Steel Frame
• Click & Safe Snug Harness Indicator
• Easy to adjust 7-Position Recline
• Anti-Rebound Bar
• Easy-remove cover for cleaning
• EX-Buckle System
  
  

BIGGEST CONS:

• Pricier than some of its competitors
• Its weight is heavier than most of its competitors
  

Let us introduce to you the Pria Max 3-in-1 Convertible Car Seat. Maxi-Cosi has parents and baby in mind with their premium details of this cozy ride. Surround your little one with comfort and safety from birth all the way to 100 pounds! That's 35 pounds more than most of the convertible seats on this list! The Pria Max is able to do this by converting to a booster seat once your child outgrows their forward facing seat. Talk about one and done car seats!

In addition, this seat features 5 headrest heights, a QuickFit shoulder harness, and soft to the touch fabric and padding, ensuring your babe will be snug as a bug in this secure ride. The Pria Max really is everything you need in a single seat.

THE SPECS:

• Use From: 4-100lbs
• Rear-Face: 4-40 lbs
• Forward-Face: 6-65 lbs
• Booster: 40-100 lbs
• No Re-Thread Harness: Yes
• Crotch strap positions: 3
• Load Leg or Anti-Rebound Bar: Padded Anti-Rebound Bar
• Recline Positions & Indicator: 3-position recline, 5 headrest heights along with QuickFit shoulder harness
• Seat Width: 18.5”
• Preferred install method: Seatbelt

BIGGEST PROS:

• Easy to adjust the harness as your child grows
• ClipQuik™ auto-magnetic chest clip gets you on your way quickly. Kids won’t be able to unclip.
• QuickFit auto-rethread shoulder harness automatically raises the harness and headrest height together.
• Side impact protection with GCell® HX Foam protects your child’s head whe
• re it’s needed most in a side impact crash
• Padded Anti-Rebound Bar
• Easy to clean with removable fabrics and cup holders
• Converts into a booster seat, allowing use until 10 years of age (or 100 lbs)
• Removable infant head pillow and lumbar cushion provide extra support

BIGGEST CONS:

• Some parents find the LATCH install confusing and the instructions unclear.
• Uses a line indicator, not a bubble level
• Doesn’t have a steel-reinforced frame
  

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.