Planning a road trip for a 1 year old can be a tough one. Apart from their usual cries and screams, you need to make sure that they will be fully strapped and secure during the journey.
Of course, the best course of action in this regard is to get a car seat. Choosing the best car seat for 1 year old can be a challenging task. This is where this article will help you.
I will be listing seven of the top ones available on the market for you to buy right now. So, without any further ado, let’s get straight into it!
Table of Contents
- 1 7 Top Rated 1 Year Old Car Seats Comparisons
- 1.1 1. Graco Extend2Fit Convertible Car Seat
- 1.2 2. Safety 1st Grow And Go All-In-One Convertible Car Seat
- 1.3 3. Disney Baby 3-In-1 Convertible Car Seat
- 1.4 4. Chicco NextFit Sport Convertible Car Seat
- 1.5 5. KidsEmbrace 2-In-1 Harness Booster Car Seat
- 1.6 6. Cosco Mighty Fit 65 DX Convertible Car Seat
- 1.7 7. Baby Trend Trooper 3-In-1 Convertible Car Seat
- 2 Frequently Asked Questions
- 3 Conclusion
7 Top Rated 1 Year Old Car Seats Comparisons
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | EDITOR'S RATING | PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|
TOP PICK  | 9.7 | CHECK ON AMAZON | |
 | 9.5 | CHECK ON AMAZON | |
 | 9.1 | CHECK ON AMAZON | |
 | 8.8 | CHECK ON AMAZON | |
 | 8.6 | CHECK ON AMAZON | |
BEST BUDGET  | 8.2 | CHECK ON AMAZON | |
 | 8 | CHECK ON AMAZON |
1. Graco Extend2Fit Convertible Car Seat
Oh, you are in a treat with this product. With over 50000 happy buyers, there is no doubt that this Car Seat, Designed by Graco, is the number one choice for all parents.
Available in a plethora of color options, I can guarantee that you will love this car seat.
So, let’s see what it has to offer!
You may be wondering, why a rear-facing car seat?
According to studies, such seats absorb most of the forces in case there is an accident and support the head and the spine.
Front-facing seats are thrown forward, which has a significant impact on toddlers. So, this design is better in the most important way possible.
The 4-position extension panel allows you to adjust the seat to give the toddler an added 5 inches of legroom. This ensures that safety is improved.
The car seat has been engineered with the ProtectPlus test in mind. This test consists of many rigorous tests that help prove if the seat is usable in everyday scenarios.
So, if there is an unfortunate collision, the seat will protect the toddler from the front, the side, and the rear. It even accounts for rollover crashes.
Overall, you can be sure that nothing will protect your kid more than this car seat.
The 6-position recline feature allows you to adjust the car seat to the toddler’s liking and comfort level.
The recline position also allows you to fit the car seat in tight places if there is such a situation.
The most probable reason for that is they received faulty units. There is a reason that more than 50000 people were more than happy with their purchase.
- Rear-facing design for maximum protection
- 4-position extension panel
- 6-position recline feature
- ProtectPlus test passed
- May have fitment issues in some units
Thanks to great return and refund policies, you don’t have to risk anything with this car seat.
If you do receive a unit that does not tighten up properly, you can get a replacement unit without any additional cost.
2. Safety 1st Grow And Go All-In-One Convertible Car Seat
What is the main purpose of a car seat?
It is to protect your toddler from all sorts of unforeseen scenarios in a car while also keeping him/her comfortable. Well, this next product is from a brand whose name is Safety 1st.
Yes, that is right! This Grown And Go All-In-One Convertible Car Seat is an example of a high-quality product that does not compromise on anything.
So, let’s see what it has to offer!
This car seat is available in eight distinct color options. So, whether you want it to go with the color of your car or want a different choice, there is nothing better than this one.
This car seat has a built-to-grow design. Some of you may be confused as to what this means.
Let me explain! The car seat can be used in three stages. It can be used in a rear-facing position when the toddler is anywhere between 5 to 40 pounds.
There are other options too, but we will be focusing on this one only. The side impact protection feature allows this car seat to keep your precious child completely safe and secure.
You don’t know when a driver can lose control. So, you need to make sure that you are prepared for all sorts of circumstances. The easy in, easy out design is a fantastic addition too.
The harness holders always keep the harness in an open position. This helps you in always sliding the kid in and out of the seat.
The quick-fit harness can also be adjusted, along with the headrest.
Others said that they could not tighten the seat enough so it would not move.
- Eight distinct color options
- Three-stage design for maximum usage
- Side impact protection
- Easy in, easy out design
- Straps require too much force to tighten up
- Fitment issues
Although very few buyers complained about this issue, it is something Safety 1st must investigate to ensure that there will be no compromises on buyers’ children’s safety.
3. Disney Baby 3-In-1 Convertible Car Seat
Arriving in the third place is yet Another Product from the Safety 1st Store. With almost 3000 positive ratings, it is a popular choice among users.
The fact that the brand could earn two consecutive spots on this highly picky list says a lot about the quality of its products and its dedication to making car seats that will keep your toddler safe and happy.
You will find a few similarities from the previous car seat because it is developed under the same roof.
Nevertheless, I will be going into detail about all of its offerings. It has a built to grow design, just like the previous one.
It can be used for babies that are up to 6 years old. This means that you will be using it for a long time. The seat can be used in a rear-facing fashion for kids who weigh 5 to 40 pounds.
For values higher than this, it can be used in the normal, forward-facing fashion. To ensure the safety of your kids, the brand has implemented a side protection system.
The car seat will absorb the majority of the impact if there is an unfortunate collision. The toddler will sustain minimal damage, making sure he or she will be safe and sound.
This is an excellent offering provided by Safety 1st. Many manufacturers fail to implement it.
As I said before, while talking about the previous product, the manufacturer does not compromise on anything.
The car seat also has an adjustable headrest and a harness holder, which allows you to slide the baby in and out without any pulling or tugging.
This makes the whole product extremely convenient to use and operate.
- Built to grow design
- Side protection system
- Adjustable headrest
- Harness holder for convenience
- Tilting issue
Although the majority of buyers were more than content with their purchase, the brand must still look into this issue and solve it as soon as possible.
4. Chicco NextFit Sport Convertible Car Seat
Taking up the fourth spot, with more than 400 positive buyers, is this Convertible Car Seat by Chicco. It has some impressive offerings which you and your toddler will definitely love.
Let’s dive into the details of this product and see if it is worth it!
The car seat is very easy to install. It has a nine position leveling system, called the ReclineSure leveling system.
It also features the brand’s very own SuperCinch Latch Tightener, which makes the car seat not only very convenient to own but makes it easy to operate.
Let’s talk about perhaps the most important feature and addition to this car seat!
The Superior DuoGuard protection system consists of a deep shell and energy-absorbing foam.
Combine this with the steel-reinforced frame, which Chicco has used, and you are getting a car seat with ultimate protection, which will make sure that your toddler will stay protected if there is an unfortunate accident.
And, just like the previous two car seats, this one has been designed for growing children.
This is possible, thanks to the padded no-threaded harness and a headrest that can be adjusted in 9 positions.
The car seat can also be converted from rear-facing to front-facing extremely easily.
Moreover, the soft padding is not soft, removable, and machine washable. This is a great addition because then you can keep the car seat clean and germ-free.
The brand has even included a removable cup holder, which is machine washable. The brand has really focused on making this car seat as convenient as possible.
Another one stated that the installation was very difficult. The comfort issue can be a personal opinion, but the installation can be owed to something defective.
- Recline Sure leveling system
- DuoGuard Protection System
- Steel reinforced frame
- Built to accommodate growing children
- May have difficulty installing
Although Chicco has, without any doubt, created a stunning seat, the fact that a user received a faulty unit is something it must look into.
Other than that, you can buy it right now and will be more than content with your purchase.
5. KidsEmbrace 2-In-1 Harness Booster Car Seat
If you are looking to add a bit of pizzazz into your child’s car seat, then I have got just the product for you. This Car Seat by KidsEmbrace is available in three distinct theme options.
You can either buy it in a Batman, Batgirl, or even a Superman design. The brand has really tried to do something different, and by the looks of it, they have achieved it.
The brand has not compromised on the design and security features of the car seat with this unique design. The five-point security system has two position points.
There are 2 points at the hips, and one is available between the legs for buckling. These five points ensure maximum security.
The seat can be used in a rear-facing position for kids that weigh a maximum of 40 pounds. For children with more than the range, it can be used as a booster seat.
The car seat has two use modes. It can be used for 22-65 pounds children. When the kid crosses this range gradually, the seat can be used as a booster seat.
The car seat exceeds all requirements of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. This alone should be more than enough to convince you of the product’s safety level.
The seat has also been tested for side impacts, but with the 5-point harness system in place. (Learn what a 5 point harness car seat is).
This is a serious matter which must be solved as soon as possible.
- Unique superhero design
- 5 point harness security system
- Two different modes
- Exceeds all professional requirements
- Latching issue
If you do receive a unit that has this latching issue, the chances of that happening are incredibly low. Most of you will receive a product you will love and use without any issues.
6. Cosco Mighty Fit 65 DX Convertible Car Seat
Arriving in sixth place is the first product on this article that does not have a perfect five-star rating.
With over 1700 happy buyers, this 65 DX Convertible Car Seat has earned a very respectable 4.5 stars. It is one of those products whose comfort level can be assessed just by looking at it.
Let’s see what it has to offer!
With a price tag of under $100, this Cosco car seat is a true bargain. The seat has two use modes.
For kids that weigh anywhere between 5 and 40 pounds, the seat can be used in its rear-facing mode.
As I have told you at the start of this article, the rear-facing mode is a lot safer than the front one. For kids above the weight of 40 pounds, the seat can be used in the front-facing mode.
Just like the previous product, this car seat has a 5 point harness. It even features five heights and three different locations for the buckles.
All in all, you won’t have to worry about your kid being not comfortable.
The seat has been designed to not take too much space while not compromising on the comfort of the child.
The parents can have more legroom in the car. So, you won’t have to worry about cramming yourself in just to fit in this seat.
The car seat is very secure too. The built-in side protection feature ensures that your little one will stay safe and secure.
The plush padding and premium fabric are great additions to the product. Out of all the products in this article, I personally love this Onyx color the most.
This is something Cosco must look into as soon as possible. There is nothing more important than the safety of your child.
- The best product under $100
- 5 point harness
- Side protection feature
- Two modes for longer usage
- Build quality issue
Although some buyers were unhappy with the quality of the product they received, Cosco must improve it in newer iterations.
7. Baby Trend Trooper 3-In-1 Convertible Car Seat
Well, if you have a beautiful baby girl and wanted a car seat that will suit her, there is nothing better than this Cassis Pink Convertible Car Seat from the Brand Baby Trend.
With close to 400 positive buyers, it is definitely not the most popular option out there, but you will be surprised with what it has to offer.
This seat had three distinct modes. It has a rear-facing toddler mode, a rear-facing infant mode, and a front-facing toddler mode.
The first two are for kids that are in the 4 and 40 pounds range and for higher than 22 pounds, you can also use the front-facing mode.
This range is the best out of all the products we have seen yet. The car seat is also one of the easiest to install.
It has a right-angle installation, meaning you won’t have to worry about installing it on an angle.
The built-in bubble level indicator allows you to find the correct angle. This is another feature we have not seen yet. The shoulder buckle can be adjusted in 5 different positions.
As for the crotch buckles, it has three positions for you to choose from. This makes sure that the child will be comfortable when seated.
The head protection is safe, and the deep side wings are great for better side protection.
Other than that, some complained that the installation is very difficult, and it is very hard to level.
These are some serious issues and must be solved by the brand as soon as possible.
- 3-in-1 design
- Easy to install
- Various buckle adjustments
- Excellent safety features
- Color different than what is shown
- Difficult to level
If you are up for the task and can level this bad boy, you will be more than content with the purchase. But you will have to cope with it having the wrong color.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Which Mode Is Better, Rear-Facing Or Front-Facing?
Although I mentioned this more than once in the article, both modes have a quite large safety difference. Just to be clear, the rear-facing mode is better than the front one.
But why? Well, if there is an unfortunate accident, a rear-facing car seat will absorb most of the impact, and inertia will not have that much effect on the baby.
His or her neck will be supported by the headrest. This is not the case with a front-facing car seat. The child should ride in a rear-facing car seat until at least he is one year old.
Q2. How Long Should A One-Year-Old Be In A Car Seat?
This is the commonly accepted time by many healthcare professionals. Kids should not sit in a car seat for more than two hours.
No matter how comfortable they are, car seats are to be used for short periods of time only. Kids should be taken out at regular intervals, especially if you are on a long route.
Q3. How Can I Make My One-Year-Old’s Car Seat More Comfortable?
The best way to make a one-year-old’s car seat more comfortable is by covering it in blankets.
You can also use battery-operated fans that can be attached to the car seat. This ensures that the child will remain comfortable.
Q4. What Should I Do When A One-Year-Old Has To Travel Long Distances?
The answer coincides directly with the second question.
You must take breaks and ensure that the kid will be taken out of the car seat after a set interval. You can get in the backseat and play with the child to distract him.
Conclusion
With almost every single brand claiming that its product is the best car seat for 1 year old, you really need a guide that will help you avoid all the fake ones.
This article aims to do exactly that. With products that have thousands of content buyers, I can guarantee you that you won’t find better products than these ones on the market.
If I have to choose one as my recommendation for all of you guys, I will definitely pick the Graco Extend2Fit Convertible Car Seat for all of you.
You will be pleasantly surprised by what it has to offer. There is an FAQ above, which will answer some of the commonly asked questions.
I hope that this article helped you in choosing the right car seat for your baby.
I am Tahir Azam, and I have been writing amazing articles for TaxiHack for as long as I can remember. I know everything that is to know when it comes to automobiles and is always on top of industry news and developments. While I am not an expert by any means, I pride myself on knowing the ins and outs of many different problems and, of course, their solutions. The articles on our website are some of the best and well-researched content that you will find, and I spend countless hours making sure this remains to be true. This is why I ask you to take your time out and read some of my articles, especially if you find a topic that resonates with you or is something you are looking into. This way, you will find the perfect mix of information and tips on your desired topic. Learn more about Tahir.
