Graco ComfortSport

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Fisher Price Safe Voyage Deluxe Convertible

Why we recommend it:

Value and weight. Modeled on the popular Marathon with help from Britax, this convertible car seat offers many of the same great features. Like the Marathon: it's very easy to install with either seat belts or LATCH, it features deep sides with EPS foam for great side-impact protection, and it features an easy reclining mechanism. The biggest difference from the Marathon is that this seat does not accommodate as high of an upper weight limit, though at 55 lbs it is still more accommodating than most car seats in its category. Also unlike the Marathon: no Velcro to hold the straps aside, no push-button lower anchor connector (flexible LATCH system instead), and no built-in locking clips. However, the Safe Voyage Deluxe weighs 4.5 lbs less than the Marathon! Measures 19" x 27.5" x 18". Rear-facing from 5-33 lbs, forward-facing up to 55 lbs. Weighs 13lbs.

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Fisher Price Safe Voyage Convertible

Why we recommend it:

It reminds us of the Britax Roundabout--and with good reason. Britax teamed up with Fisher price to create this more affordable version of its popular infant and toddler car seat. Like the Roundabout: it's very easy to install with either seat belts or LATCH, it features deep sides with EPS foam for great side-impact protection, and it features an easy reclining mechanism. Unlike the Roundabout: no Velcro to hold the straps aside, no push-button lower anchor connector (flexible LATCH system instead), and no built-in locking clips. It also weighs about 1.5 lbs more than the Roundabout. 26.5" x 18.5". All things considered, you might prefer to pay the extra $20 - $30 to get the Deluxe (above), which weighs 2 lbs. less and is slightly narrower for an easier fit in the airplane seat--and might last your child up to 55 lbs, whereas this model is rated to 40 lbs. Weighs 15 lbs.

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Sit 'n Stroll Car Seat + Stroller in one

Why we recommend it:

Check your stroller with your suitcases and roll this car seat to your gate instead. On your cruise, enjoy the space-savings of this stroller, car seat, and dining booster in one, and the convenience of it when taking taxis in port. With its flat bottom, it can also serve as a dining booster when needed (and the cover is washable). When you're ready to roll, pop out the retractable wheels and lift the foam-grip handle--it will even roll down the aisle of most large(st) airplanes. On  737s and smaller planes, take advantage of the built-in carrying handles to carry your child already in buckled into her seat if you like. Just ask for a seatbelt extension from the flight attendant as you board, then buckle the belt right around the car seat, instead of fishing it through a path in the back or bottom like other convertible car seats. This "ease of belting" also makes it a breeze getting in and out of taxis and shuttle vans. What's more, the sun canopy can be very helpful in the car as well as on the sidewalk. Note: While it offers obvious advantages as a stroller, you may prefer to use a travel stroller for extended sightseeing, especially where there may be lots of curbs to negotiate (you are advised to back it up and down curbs, though we've gotten away with it ourselves). On the other hand, you may also find this helpful at home when running errands with your child--just keep her buckled and snoozing in her seat as you go. Stroller handle adjusts from 33" to 37".  LATCH-equipped, and FAA-certified for use in aircraft. Sometimes sold with canopy included, sometimes as an extra. An organization bag is also available. Rear-facing from 5 to 30 lbs, forward-facing up to 40 lbs. Weighs 16.5 lbs.

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Britax Roundabout Convertible Car Seat

Why we recommend it:

The Britax Roundabout is streamlined for travel, with no bulky armrests to compete with those on the airplane, and a lightweight frame that's easier to carry than many in its category--all without sacrificing comfort or safety features. It's also very easy to install and remove using seatbelts, and includes its own seatbelt lock-offs for extra stability without the need for additional locking clips. It is also LATCH-equipped. It measures 26.25" x 18.25" x 21.62". Rear facing from 5 to 33 lbs, forward-facing up to 40 lbs. Weighs 14 lbs.

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Britax Marathon Convertible Car Seat

Why we recommend it:

COMFORT. While you may curse a blue streak carrying it through the airport, and it is not always the best fit for coach seats, the Marathon is hard to beat for comfort in the car, and if you have many lengthy road trips in your future, the higher price of this car seat may be worth it. In addition to extra padding, plush fabrics, and a 2-position recline (great for snoozing): it offers the widest width for any harnessed child up to 65 lbs., and may be used longer than may forward-facing car seats--up to 65 lbs. (see following car seats, too). It's also very easy to install and remove using traditional lap and shoulder seatbelts, and includes its own seatbelt lock-offs for extra stability without the need for additional locking clips. It is also LATCH-equipped. It measures 19.5"W x 25"D x 28"H. Rear-facing from 5 to 30 lbs, forward-facing up to 65 lbs. Weighs 17.5 lbs.

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Radian 65 Folding Car Seat

Why we recommend it:

It folds to 6 1/2 inches thick and is narrow enough to sit triplets across the back seat of most cars, making it a dream for use in airplanes and small European rental cars. When overnighting on the train, just fold it and slip it under your sleeping berth. And safety? How about a full, steel alloy frame for strength and four panels of EPS foam for impact--including side impact? It also features a tether for use when rear-facing (as do the Britax seats below) and exceeds U.S. safety standards. Other perks include 3" more shoulder room than most other seats, with a higher upper-end weight limit than many convertibles (same as the Britax Marathon below). But be aware, for all its travel-friendly features, it's far from lightweight. FAA-approved for use in aircraft. Measures 28" x 17” x 16" open, folds to 28" x 17" x 6.5". A car seat carrying case with shoulder strap is also available. Rear-facing from 5 to 33 lbs, forward-facing to 65 lbs. Weighs 20 lbs.

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Radian 80 Folding Car Seat

Why we recommend it:

Safety, size, and storage. Like the Radian 65 above, the 80 is also narrow enough to fit three across the back seat of most cars--an impossibility with other car seats that meet this higher weight limit (compare with the bulky Britax Regent), and at 17" wide you can also use it in airplanes with confidence. When you check in for your cruise, you can simply fold it and store it away in your closet. Its safety features also exceed U.S. standards with a full, steel alloy frame for strength and four panels of EPS foam for impact (including side impact). And it also features a tether for use when rear-facing for enhanced safety and stability. Again, it is not the lightest-weight car seat for travel, but you may feel the safety, size, and convenient storage features "outweigh" this one drawback. FAA-approved for use in aircraft. Measures 28.5" x 17” x 16" open, folds to 28.5" x 17" x 7". A car seat carrying case with shoulder strap is also available.Rear-facing from 5 to 33 lbs, forward-facing to 80 lbs. Weighs 20.5 lbs.

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