7 Best Car Seats For A 2-Year-Old In 2023

If you are on the lookout for the best car seat for a 2-year-old, you have come to the right place. Car seats are essential to keep your child safe while on the go. Hence parents must pay importance to its features before buying one. A good car seat should have all the materials and features required to secure your child tightly. Check out our list below to find the ideal car seat for your child.

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7 Best Car Seats For A 2-Year-Old

1.Best Four-In-One:Graco 4Ever DLX Four-In-One Car Seat

The Graco 4Ever DLX four-in-one car seat can transition into four styles as your child grows. It can be converted from a rear-facing harness car seat to a forward-facing one.It can also change into a high-back belt-positioning booster and a backless belt-positioning booster to suit your child’s needs.This safety-tested car seat offers a six-position recline and a ten-position height adjustment for optimal comfort. It includes an integrated belt lock-off mechanism for easy seat belt installation and is Graco ProtectPlus engineered for crash protection. Clickhereto check out a detailed review of this product.

Color: Black/Brown/White |Item Weight: ‎22.8 pounds |Product Dimensions: ‎27 x 21 x 28 inches

Pros

  • Load capacity of up to 120lb
  • Features a fuss-free harness storage system
  • Quick-release buckle
  • Includes a rapid-remove cover
  • Seat is machine-washable

Cons

  • Strap may fray over time
  • May not be easy to clean
Why It's Worth Buying:The product has earned its stripes, with over 26,536 reviews on Amazon.
Price at the time of publication: $329.97

2.Best Versatile:Cosco Finale DX Two-In-One Booster Car Seat

Cosco’s forward-facing seat can transform into a belt-positioning booster to protect your child as they grow.Suitable for most cars, the seat is convenient, and the seat cover is easy to clean and machine-washable.Its cupholder is detachable and dishwasher-friendly.Here’s a review videoto help you get a better understanding of the product.

Color: Dusk |Material: Fabric |Item Weight: ‎11.5 pounds |Product Dimensions: ‎18.25 x 19 x 29.75 inches

Pros

  • Lightweight and easy to move
  • Suitable for four-to-eight-year-olds
  • Load capacity of up to 100lb
  • Includes reversible cup holders
  • Exceeds Federal Safety Standards

Cons

  • Padding may not be soft enough
  • Straps may be shorter than expected

protip_icon Did You Know?
Some states may have a rule requiring babies to sit rear-facing in the car until they are two years of age or until they cross the maximum height or weight limit specified by the car seat manufacturer (5).

Price at the time of publication: $59.99

3.Best Certified:KidsEmbrace Two-In-One Harness Booster Car Seat

Courtesy of KidsEmbrace

The forward-facing car seat transforms into a belt-positioning booster as your child grows older. With a five-point harness system and three harness positions, the mom-approved car seat gives your child optimal protection and comfort.Its three-position headrest with energy-absorbing EPS foam allows you to adjust the height to match your child’s needs.This safety-tested seat is certified by the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS 213) and rated “Best Bet” by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, making it one of the most reliable and safest car seats for 2-year-olds. Need more information? Watchthis review videoto make an informed decision about the product.

Color: Spider-Man |Material: Polyester |Item Weight: ‎15 pounds |Product Dimensions: ‎19.5 x 22.5 x 29 inches

Pros

  • Load capacity of up to 100lb
  • Cup holder for storing snacks and toys
  • Energy absorbing EPS foam
  • Easy to install
  • Adjustable headrest
  • Available in different themes

Cons

  • May not be easy to tighten the harness
  • May have a peculiar smell
Why It's Worth Buying:More than 20,937 independent reviewers on Amazon have acknowledged the product's durability and functionality.
Price at the time of publication: $199.99
Product Image
Best Four-In-One
Best Versatile
Best Certified
Product Name Graco 4Ever DLX Four-In-One Car Seat Cosco Finale DX Two-In-One Booster Car Seat KidsEmbrace Two-In-One Harness Booster Car Seat
Machine-Washable Cover Yes No No
RapidRemove Cover Yes; Remove the cover in 60 sec without uninstalling the seat No No
Forward-Facing Weight Range 22-65lb 30-65lb 22-65lb
Belt-positioning weight range 40 -100lb 40-100lb 40-100lb
Harness Type 5-Point 5-Point 5-Point
Installation Type Belt lock-off Seat belt Latch
Dimensions 21 x 27 x 28in 18.25 x 19 x 29.75in ‎19.5 x 19 x 29.5in
Amazon Ratings 4.9 4.7 4.8
Amazon Reviews 28,894 8,784 23,234
Buy Now Check Price Check Price Check Price

4.Best High-Density Plastic:Diono Radian 3R Three-In-One Convertible Car Seat

Diono Radian 3R 3-In-1 Convertible Car Seat

Image: Courtesy of Diono

Diono弧度3 r的汽车座椅,幼儿年龄两个c万博体育手机官方网站登录an transform from a rear-facing car seat to a high-back booster, thus effectively growing with your child. This baby-friendly seat has a reinforced steel core and is made of automotive-grade high-density plastic and steel and is mechanically engineered to provide optimal protection to your child.Its aluminum-strengthened sidewalls and thick energy-absorption foam helps distribute crash forces to provide complete protection during a side collision.

Color: Pink Blossom |Material: Alloy Steel, Polypropylene, Plastic, Polystyrene |Item Weight: ‎25.9 pounds |Product Dimensions: ‎16 x 17 x 28.5 inches

Pros

  • Features expandable side wings
  • Offers five harness positions
  • Can hold a maximum weight of 120lb
  • Comes with machine-washable covers
  • FAA-approved for safety

Cons

  • 可能没有年代uit rear-facing seats
  • Some may find the seat to be heavy

protip_icon Quick fact
In general, rear-facingcar seatsshould only be used in the back seats and not the front seat for the child’s safety. One of the reasons is that the airbags can cause serious harm to the baby.

Why It's Worth Buying:Over 2,517 satisfied customers have left positive reviews about the product on Amazon.
Price at the time of publication: $189.99

5.Best Steel-Reinforced Frame:Chicco MyFit Harness + Booster Car Seat

Chicco MyFit Harness + Booster Car Seat

Image: Courtesy of Chicco

As your child grows, Chicco’s car seat for toddlers age 2 transforms from a five-point harness seat to a belt-positioning booster. Featuring a steel-reinforced frame, the car seat is sturdy and long-lasting, qualifying all safety tests, and can protect your child from side impact, making it a trusted choice for parents.The deep ergo-boost padding and EPS energy-absorbing foam make the seat comfortable and reliable.The added latch connectors and the LockSure belt-tightening system ensure easy installation and maneuverability. The cupholders are dishwasher-friendly and have a push-button removal feature.

Color: Canyon |Material: Fabric |Item Weight: ‎25 pounds |Product Dimensions: ‎21 x 18 x 27 inches

Pros

  • Four-position recline and nine-position headrest
  • Two layers of protection with rigid shell
  • Machine-washable fabrics
  • 3D mesh for smooth airflow and good ventilation
  • Comes with user-friendly touch points

Cons

  • May not be easy to secure tightly
  • Cup holders may not be highly durable
Price at the time of publication: $209.99

6.Best 360-Degree Rotating:Cybex Sirona S With SensorSafe Convertible Car Seat

Courtesy of Cybex

Cybex’s unique 360-degree rotating seat enables a quick and easy transition from rear-facing to forward-facing positions with 12 different headrest settings. Its linear side-impact protection (LSP) system absorbs up to 25% more force in a collision, while the anti-rebound design decreases car seat rebound movement, making it a safe and effective seat.The dual-level indicators ensure that your car seat is at the proper recline angle, while the load leg can minimize rotation by up to 30% in some accidents.Its sensor-safe technology comes with an app to indicate if the buckle comes undone, a temperature change occurs, or your child has been left behind.

Color: Manhattan Grey |Material: Polyester |Item Weight: ‎30.4 pounds |Product Dimensions: ‎31.3 x 20.08 x 22.64 inches.

Pros

  • Can rotate 360 degrees
  • Easy to switch positions
  • Easylock bar for easy installation
  • Compatible with SensorSafe app
  • Available in four colors

Cons

  • May be slightly wobbly
  • Clips may not be highly effective

protip_icon Quick tip
Do the shake test to ensure the car seat has been appropriately secured. Additionally, the seat shouldn’t move more than one inch in any direction from its place.

Price at the time of publication: $449.95

7.Best Side-Impact Protection:Britax Grow With You ClickTight Plus Car Seat

Courtesy of Britax

The car seat with ClickTight technology can transform from a forward-facing harness to a booster seat efficiently. With three-layer side impact protection, the car seat for toddlers age 2 provides an optimal crash shield. According to reviewers’ experiences, its four-way stretch athleisure fabric provides a clean and modern look and is easy to clean. A trusted choice of many parents, the back panel features a high-strength steel frame for sturdy support, and it has a 5-point harness and 2 recline positions.

Color: Jet |Material: Alloy Steel |Item Weight: ‎26.5 pounds |Product Dimensions: ‎21 x 23 x 25 inches

Pros

  • Cover is machine-washable and flame-retardant
  • Steel tensioner automatically tightens seat
  • Unique V-shaped tether
  • Soft and comfortable pads

Cons

  • Instruction manual may not be easy to follow
  • May not be easy to tighten the straps
Price at the time of publication: $399.99

How To Choose The Right Car Seats For A 2-Year-Old?

Consider the following factors to choose the right car seat for a two-year-old.

  1. Age, weight, and height:Consider your child’s age, weight, and height when choosing a suitable seat for them. While newborns and small children are better suited for rear-facing car seats, older and bigger children can comfortably use high-back or backless booster seats.
  1. Convenience:选择一个与一个容易可伸缩的汽车座椅,马赫ine-washable cover and dishwasher-friendly cup holders for easy cleaning and maintenance. In addition, opt for an easy installation car seat that fits securely in your vehicle.
  1. Safety:最安全的汽车座椅five-poin 2岁孩子t harness seat belts and a reinforced metal body for maximum protection from impact. Choose those which consist of such features.
  1. Durability:Ensure the car seat is made of durable materials like aluminum for long-lasting performance. It should be convertible, offering various seat positions to grow with your child.

Why Trust MomJunction?

Our experienced baby product reviewer, Vibha Navarathna, has compiled this list of the best car seats for 2-year-olds to ensure they have a safe ride. These car seats have high-end safety features and are comfortable, easy to install, and portable. Vibha has handpicked each product after analyzing several user reviews and product listings. In addition, she has described each product in detail and added a how-to-choose section to help you make the right choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What kind of car seat should a two-year-old be in?

A toddler should ride in the rear-facing seat until they outgrow the height and weight of the car seat as per manufacturer instructions (1). However, if they outgrow the car seat earlier than predicted, they can switch to a convertible seat for rear-facing use only.

2. Should a two-year-old be in a car or booster seat?

A two-year-old should be in a car seat only. Booster seats are specially designed for children who have outgrown forward-facing seats and are older than eight years (1).

3. Can a two-year-old be forward-facing?

Yes, a two-year-old can ride forward-facing only if they outgrow the rear-facing seat. However, they should ride forward-facing with a harness (2).

4. How long does the two-hour car seat rule apply?

The rule says that infants or toddlers should not continuously sit for more than two hours in a car seat in a span of 24 hours. Prolonged sitting may harm the baby’s sitting position and spine. Sometimes your little one may not get the desired amount of air to the lungs.

5. Can a two-year-old little one use a regular seatbelt?

No, a two-year-old should only use a car seat and harness. Your child should be eight years or older to use a regular seatbelt (3).

6. Does a car seat go behind the driver or passenger?

It is recommended to position the car seat on the rear seats where the car has a lap and shoulder belt. The seat behind the passengers is ideal as it is easier to access the child from the pavement side. However, you can install the car seat behind the driver on the rear seat, but you will have to access the child from the roadside (4).

7. How do I travel with a toddler in a car?

Always position the toddler car seat in the rear seat of the vehicle. Never position them in the front seat with an airbag. Try to install a removable sunshade to protect their skin and eyes.

The Bottom Line

Car seats ensure the safety of your child when you are busy driving. However, with a wide range of options available in the market, choosing the best car seat for 2-year-olds can be a challenging task. So, consider your child’s age, weight, and height before buying a car seat. For maximum safety, you can pick a car seat that offers all-over protection, such as theGraco 4Ever DLX Four-In-One Car Seat, or one with a five-point harness like theKidsEmbrace Two-In-One Harness Booster Car Seat. However, ensure the car seat is durable and sturdy enough to support your child.

Infographic: A Quick Buying Guide For Car Seats

Keeping your child safe while riding a car would be challenging, as a child may not sit in a place quietly. A car seat would help parents keep their children positioned in a car while protecting them from impacts. Check out the below infographics to learn more about the things to consider before buying a car seat.

Things To Check In A Car Seat For Children

Illustration: Momjunction Design Team

Get high-quality PDF version by clicking below.

Download Infographic in PDF version Download Infographic
Download Infographic in PDF version


References:

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