Are you trying to find travel car seats among various brands on the market but aren’t sure where to begin? To assist you in finding the right one, we’ve put together a list of the 7 best to help you pick the perfect one!
We investigated and evaluated a number of the top-selling travel car seats on the market in order to create our list of the best. Making a decision among the many options available is never simple. There are an infinite number of models available, each with a distinct price. And as you’ll find out, the best options aren’t usually the ones you imagine! This comparison is rich and relevant because of the numerous factors that were employed. You will find products featured in this ranking not only based on their pricing but also on their features and other customers reviews. To write this review, we completed 10 hours of research and did 31 travel car seats tests. You won’t need to pick products at random any more. If you’re unsure of what to look for, browse our list and consult the buying guide!
An overview of our top picks
Table of contents
The best travel car seats you can buy today
- IT IS UNCONVENTIONAL and INNOVATIVE. This is a vest type Child Restraint System and uses a revolutionary technology to increase safety for the little traveler by optimizing the adult seat belt fit for their body.
- IT IS SAFE AND LEGAL. This is certified for use in motor vehicles, meets or exceeds all applicable FMVSS 213 requirements so is legal to use in all US states.
- IT IS COMPACT, ULTRA-LIGHTWEIGHT, AND PORTABLE. This is perfect for a family travel, fits 3-children in the same row of a vehicle with comfort and ease; ridesharing, taxi, or rental car. Great for grandparents and caregivers because it’s lightweight and easy to install and use.
- IT CAN BE USED WITH OR WITHOUT TETHER. This is to use with a vehicle lap belt and top tether by securing the vest with a top tether anchor in the vehicle. Also, this can be used with a lap and shoulder belt only without a tether strap.
- WHO CAN USE IT? The small size is recommended to use 3 years and above and a weight between 30 lbs. and 60 lbs.
- To keep little ones safe, returned car seats with open boxes must be destroyed (per industry standards). So, before you unbox your Pico, please make sure it's the exact item you intended to purchase and wanted for your on-the-go needs. Thanks for doing your part to keep car seats out of landfills and on to new adventures with your family!
- ANYWHERE YOU GO: Pico travel car seat is ideal for kids ages 2+ and within the range of 22-50 lbs. and 30-45 inches. Whether you’re ridesharing or road-tripping, Pico’s 5-point safety harness has you and your little ones covered. Each bundle comes with a Carry Bag where Pico can be stored and carried as a backpack, with the carrying handle, or slipped on the handle of rolling luggage.
- DESIGNED FOR SAFETY: Pico meets all U.S. safety standards regulated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Federal Aviation Administration, so it’s ready for road or air travel. FAA approved sticker is located on the bottom of the seat (see image for detail).
- LIGHTWEIGHT DESIGN: Weighing just 8 pounds, the Pico travel car seat makes it easy to travel light. Our AeroWing aerospace-grade aluminum frame offers lightweight strength, and the AstroKnit performance wool/polyester mesh fabric cover keeps kids cool and comfortable. The Pico Carry Bag is responsibly made with 100% bluesign certified recycled polyester; no PU, EVA, or EPS foams
- FOLD & GO: Pico is easy to carry and stow! Folding down to a compact 11.6" L x 14.5" W x 18.9" H, the Pico car seat can fit into overhead bins and is easily carried while walking through the airport or to-and-from the car
- MEET THE HIGHLY REVIEWED CAR SEAT WITH UNBEATABLE VALUE: This fan- favorite offers a budget-friendly choice without sacrificing safety, comfort or ease
- TRAVEL SLEEK AND LIGHT: Compact design offers an ideal fit for smaller vehicles, while lightweight design makes this a popular car seat for family travel
- GROW WITH IT: With use from 5 to 40 lb (19 to 40 in. tall), offers rear-facing and forward- facing modes, 5-point harness, plus 4-position shoulder harness
- SECURE YOUR CHILD WITH EASE: Upfront harness adjust makes it easy to get an accurate, snug fit for your child as they grow
- KEEP DRINKS AND SNACKS WITHIN REACH: Removable cup holder is dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning
- KEEP IT LOOKING FRESH: Durable, stain-resistant polyester fabrics remove easily for machine-washing and tumble-drying
- MEET THE RE-CERTIFIED PICO: The car seat that’s actually portable! Returned Pico seats can have another certified life thanks to 360 degree quality review and inspection.
- ULTRA-LIGHTWEIGHT & PORTABLE: Weighing just 8 pounds, Pico’s aerospace-grade aluminum frame makes it perfect for travel. Easily carry it through airports, taxis, rideshares, or rental cars.
- DESIGNED FOR SAFETY: Re-certified seats pass all U.S. safety standards for motor vehicles and planes. All re-certified seats have a useful life of 7 years from the date of re-certification.
- EASY INSTALLATION: Installs in minutes with a 5-point safety harness and works with LATCH or a car’s seatbelt. Designed for kids 22-50 lbs and 30-45 inches tall.
- COMMITMENT TO SAFETY AND SUSTAINIBILITY: Safety is the top priority for WAYB and that is why each Re-Certified seat is held to the same high standards as a new Pico. While some may have cosmetic imperfections, every Re-Certified Pico comes with the same warranty as a new Pico. With the Re-Certified Pico Program, WAYB is protecting kiddos today while doing our part to keep Picos out of landfills.
- COMFORT & DURABILITY: Features a breathable mesh seatback for airflow, supportive padding, and non-toxic materials. Built to last for years of adventures.
- Leading Consumer-Rated: Top-rated by leading consumer magazines and publications
- Graco ProtectPlus Engineered: Provides robust protection in frontal, rear, and rollover crashes
- Height Adjustable: Comes with height-adjustable armrests for superior comfort levels
- Proper Seating Position: Helps to seat your growing child at the proper height for the seat belt
- Modern Design: Equipped with unique modern design elements and hide-away cup holders
- For Ages 4 -10: Safely transports your big kid from ages 4 -10, from 40 - 100 pounds and up to 57 inches tall
- Extreme Temperature Tested: Additional testing based on the New Car Assessment Program and for extreme car interior temperatures
- Engineered and crash tested to meet or exceed US standard FMVSS 213. Designed to be the kind of stylish, comfortable seat your child will actually want to ride in
- Booster seat is rigorously crash tested to meet or exceed US safety standards and reassure safety-conscious parents. Do not use bleach to clean
- This model comes without latches. A booster is no longer needed once the vehicle seat belt fits properly, typically when the child reaches 4 feet 9 inches tall and is between ages 8-12. Be sure to check your local and state laws, as well as AAP and NHTSA recommendations, for car seat usage
- PORTABLE AND PACKABLE | Car seats no longer have to be heavy, bulky and impractical. The hiccapop UberBoost portable car seat inflates with only a few breaths (takes less than 20 seconds), and installs easily and quickly. Deflates and rolls up tightly in its own travel bag for compact fit in suitcases, carry-ons, large purse or backpack.
- CERTIFIED SAFE FOR YOUR MOST PRECIOUS CARGO | Your child deserves a comfortable and safe car seat for those quick journeys in rental cars, taxis, Uber rides, on school trips or in car pools. Meets or exceeds all federal standards for car seat safety (FMVSS213 Federal Motor Safety Standard for USA).
- STURDY, STABLE, SECURE | Non-skid base is designed to sit firm and steady on leather, vinyl or cloth seats. Provides soothing stability while riding and limits movement in case of an accident. Gentle on your upholstery.
- PRACTICAL DIMENSIONS | Narrow yet roomy design allows you to fit 3 UberBoost inflatable car seats across the back seat of smaller vehicles, or fit 1 in between 2 traditional car seats. Perfectly accommodates large families, car poolers and busy soccer moms!
- SECURITY AND COMFORT | Buoyant and extra comfy for small bottoms. (Your little one will love the ultra cushiony design!) Positioning clips ensure that child’s belt fits properly and comfortably across the lap rather than dangerously digging into the stomach, preventing internal damage in the event of an accident.
- VERSATILE 2-IN-1 DESIGN: The Safety 1st Jive rear facing to forward facing convertible car seat accommodates your child rear-facing from 5-40 lbs 19"–40" and forward-facing from 22-65 lbs 29"–49", providing a comfy ride for different growth stages. 5-point harness. 3 buckle locations for comfort.
- FITS 3 ACROSS: The slim car seat design is great for small cars, allowing you to fit three of these rear-facing baby car seats to forward-facing convertible car seats across the back seat of most vehicles.
- EASY MAINTENANCE: Features machine washable and dryer-safe fabric, keeping it simple to clean up any messes your baby toddler big kid makes in the car seat rear facing or forward facing.
- SIMPLE TO INSTALL: The Guide convertible carseat for babies and toddlers is LATCH equipped for easy and fast installation. This convertible carseat for use in rear-facing and forward-facing meets or exceeds Federal safety standards.
- TRAVEL-FRIENDLY CAR SEAT: Certified for use on aircraft and compact enough to easily maneuver through airport security, offering convenience for your travel car seat.
- Exceeds safety expectations: Other inflatable booster seats "boast" safety, Bubble Bum proves it. Independently crash tested beyond the basics by babygearlab to protect your child from 40–100 lbs.
- The perfect choice for travel and carpooling: This travel car seat inflates in seconds and fits in any bag - ideal for taxis, rentals & everyday rides as a travel booster car seat for kids 4-10.
- Fits 3 across with ease: This narrow booster seat is a lightweight, slim, backless booster car seat that saves space without compromising safety—great for children in small or shared backseats.
- Easy setup: This blow up booster seat for kids for travel installs in seconds and makes a reliable car booster seat for ubers, rideshares, grandparents, or quickly switching cars on the go.
- Lightweight portable car seat for everyday use: Folds small to fit in backpack or glove box. Certified safe and meets all US federal & state standards for all child safety booster car seats.
- 2-IN-1 FUNCTIONALITY: This harness booster car seat adapts as your child grows, transforming from a forward-facing car seat with a harness for 30-65 pounds to a belt-positioning booster car seat with back for 40-100 pounds.
- FITS 3 ACROSS: Great for large families or carpools, this 2-in-1 booster car seat for forward-facing with harness and belt-positioning booster with high back is designed to fit three across in the back seat of most vehicles.
- LIGHTWEIGHT & PORTABLE: Easily move this booster car seat from car to car, thanks to its lightweight design, making it ideal for busy, on-the-go families needing versatile booster seats for children 30–100 pounds.
- CUSTOMIZABLE SUPPORT: The adjustable headrest allows for tailored support as your child grows, providing comfort during every ride in this 2-in-booster car seat with a 5-point harness that converts to a belt-positioning high back booster seat.
- EASY TO CLEAN: 2-in-1 booster car seat for forward-facing with harness and belt-positioning booster with high back has a seat pad that is machine washable and dryer safe; two removable cup holders are dishwasher safe.
- MEET THE HIGHLY REVIEWED CAR SEAT WITH UNBEATABLE VALUE: This fan- favorite offers a budget-friendly choice without sacrificing safety, comfort or ease
- TRAVEL SLEEK AND LIGHT: Compact design offers an ideal fit for smaller vehicles, while lightweight design makes this a popular car seat for family travel
- GROW WITH IT: With use from 5 to 40 lb (19 to 40 in. tall), offers rear-facing and forward- facing modes, 5-point harness, plus 4-position shoulder harness
- SECURE YOUR CHILD WITH EASE: Upfront harness adjust makes it easy to get an accurate, snug fit for your child as they grow
- KEEP DRINKS AND SNACKS WITHIN REACH: Removable cup holder is dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning
- KEEP IT LOOKING FRESH: Durable, stain-resistant polyester fabrics remove easily for machine-washing and tumble-drying
- 3-in-1 harness booster helps protect your child, from toddler to youth
- Grows with your child from forward-facing harness (22-65 lb) to highback booster (40-100 lb*) to backless booster (40-100 lb) *To continue to meet industry standards, we have increased the weight minimum from 30 to 40 lb
- No-Rethread Simply Safe Adjust Harness System allows the headrest and harness to adjust together in one motion
- Lightweight, portable seat is ideal for busy, active parents
- One-hand, 8-position adjustable headrest grows with your child
- 2 easy-to-clean cup holders keep your child's drinks and snacks close at hand
- Open-loop belt guides help properly position your vehicle’s seat belt
- Seat pad, body support, and harness covers are comfortable and machine washable
- Graco ProtectPlus Engineered: a combination of the most rigorous crash tests that helps to protect your little one in frontal, side, rear & rollover crashes
- Meets or exceeds the child restraint criteria for a frontal crash test under the US FMVSS 213
- VERSATILE USE: The car seat booster transitions from forward-facing harness booster (30–65 lbs., 32"-49") to belt-positioning booster (40–100 lbs., 43"-52").
- LIGHTWEIGHT AND CONVENIENT: Easy to move from car to car, this car seat harness booster seat for cars belt-positioning booster is great for on-the-go families and offers the flexibility of a travel car seat.
- SPACE-SAVING NARROW DESIGN: The narrow car seat design fits 3 across the back seat in most vehicles, great for families needing booster for car pools.
- TRAVEL CONFIDENTLY: This 2-in-1 forward facing booster car seats and belt-positioning booster with a slim profile meets or exceeds Federal safety standards.
- ADDITIONAL FEATURES YOU'LL LOVE: Removable, dishwasher-safe cup holders and removable machine-washable and dryer-safe seat pads.
- COMPACT AND NARROW BOOSTER SEAT - the world’s most compact and narrow, backless booster. Designed for kids, aged 4 and up, 40 to 100 lbs. and 40 to 59 inches tall, mifold is more than 10x smaller than a traditional booster, and just as safe
- PORTABLE BOOSTER SEAT IDEAL FOR TRAVEL – the mifold comfort booster fits into a child’s backpack, glove box or parent’s handbag, making it perfect for carpooling, as a travel booster, for ride sharing, three across and more
- NEW VERSION INCLUDES EXTRA PADDED “COMPACT COMFORT” SEAT CUSHION – The new mifold includes a super comfortable padded seat, updated shell design, anti-slip pads and easy to fit shoulder guide
- SAFETY TESTED AND GLOBALLY REGULATED – This toddler’s booster seat meets or exceeds NHTSA standard FMVSS 213 in the USA and is regulated for use in every country worldwide except Australia and Taiwan.
- KEEPS CHILD SECURE – mifold ensures optimal seat belt fit. Instead of lifting the child up, the grab-and-go car seat adjusts the adult seat belt by pulling it down to fit the child safely and securely
- GIVE YOUR CHILD A LIFT: The booster seat for kids 40-100 lbs provides extra height to keep seatbelts properly positioned. The car seat booster is comfortable for children measuring 43.4"-57".
- MADE FOR GROWING KIDS: Designed for children weighing 40-100 lbs and measuring 43.4"-57", this child booster seat for car is a versatile kids booster seat for children 40-100 lbs and measuring 43.4"-57".
- LIGHTWEIGHT, COMPACT DESIGN: Our booster carseat is easy to move between vehicles, perfect for families needing a portable car booster seat. Ideal as a travel booster seat for convenient use on the go.
- MAKE CAR RIDES MORE COMFORTABLE: This booster car seat features extra-plush padding, making for a happier ride. The fabric cover of the travel booster seat is hand-wash only.
- SEAT FRIENDLY DESIGN: This car booster seat helps keep your vehicle seats unmarked.
- An extra-comfortable ride that lasts for years: Rear-facing 5-40 pounds and Forward-facing 22-65 pounds
- Fits 3 across in the back seat of most vehicles
- Side Impact Protection
- 5-point harness with easy up-front adjustment
- BOOSTER CAR SEAT FOR 40 LBS AND UP – GoFit Plus is designed for children who are at least 4 years old, between 40-110 lbs. and 38-57 inches tall and who can sit relatively still in the same seated position throughout the car ride.
- GRAB & GO CONVENIENCE — The GoFit Plus backless booster is equipped with LATCH to help stabilize the seat while the child gets in and out. An innovative quick-release design means one-hand removal with a simple pull of the release handle.
- CONTOURED SEAT — The ErgoBoost contoured seat with double foam padding provides support in all the right places for big kid comfort. A built-in carry handle makes it easy to transfer the child booster seat from vehicle to vehicle.
- BELT-POSITIONING BOOSTER — Integrated lap belt guides and a shoulder belt clip ensure proper fit for your child and secure installation of the booster seat.
- EASY CARE — The GoFit Plus portable booster seat features 2 dishwasher-safe, fold-away cup holders, removable machine-washable seat pad and pop-out armrest covers for easy cleaning. The foam insert may be hand rinsed and hung to dry.
- TRUST THE ORIGINAL: First invented by J.L. Childress in 2007, the Car Seat Gate Check Bag has protected car seats for over 15 years. Your purchase supports an American family business and our dedicated team. From our family to yours, Travel Happy!
- NEW AIRTAG HOLDER: Includes a silicone AirTag holder to help in tracking your valuable car seat during travel (AirTag not included). PROTECTS infant carriers, convertible car seats and booster seats from dirt, scuffs, grease & moisture that comes with luggage handling. AIRLINE CERTIFIED. Check the Compatibility Guide in the Product Guides section to ensure fit.
- BRIGHT COLOR FOR PEACE OF MIND - Bright, red color and large GATE CHECK logo identify your car seat and ensure safe return to you at the airplane gate. ID box to write name. Webbing handle for easy lifting. NOT RECOMMENDED FOR BAGGAGE CHECK
- DURABLE MATERIAL - Made of durable, yet lightweight material that is specially formulated to resist tears and scuffs. Double-stitched seams ensure strength
- COMPACT - Stuffs quickly into attached pouch. Compact size easily fits in diaper bag, backpack, stroller basket or carry-on bag. Lockable drawstring closure
- With two modes of use, this extra-comfortable LATCH-equipped Cosco Kids car seat accommodates infants from 5 pounds up to toddlers weighing 40 pounds in rear-facing mode and kids up to 65 pounds in forward-facing mode.
- The five-point harness adjusts easily from the front of the seat and features five heights and three buckle locations.
- Built-in side-impact protection keeps your little one extra secure. Designed to be just the right size, the seat takes up less space while rear-facing so parents can have more leg room.
- Three of these seats can fit side-by-side in the back seat of most cars, perfect for growing families.
- With plush padding and premium fabric, this seat gives your child an extra-comfy ride. Easy to clean, the fabric car seat cover is machine-washable and dryer-safe.
- This car seat meets or exceeds federal, ASTM, and JPMA safety standards and includes a one-year limited warranty.
- For more than 70 years, Cosco Kids has been a leading children’s products brand recognized for its dedication to safety and value. From bouncers to car seats, swings to strollers, and high chairs to play yards, Cosco Kids's essential baby products feature solid value and smart design.
- FITS 3 ACROSS: The slim car seat design is great for small cars, allowing you to fit three of these baby car seats to big kid forward-facing seat across in the back seat of most vehicles with ease.
- CAR SEAT FOR BABY TO BIG KID: Enjoy longevity of use with this 2-in-1 rear-facing to forward-facing convertible car seat. Use rear-facing for babies from 5–40 lbs. and 19'–40'.and forward-facing for toddlers to big kids 22–65 pounds and 34'–52'.
- EASY TO INSTALL: The Guide convertible carseat for babies and toddlers is LATCH equipped for easy and fast installation. This convertible carseat for use in rear-facing and forward-facing meets or exceeds Federal safety standards
- COMFORT FOR BABY IN EVERY CAR SEAT MODE: Muti-position adjustable headrest, 5 harness heights, 3 buckle locations and a multi-position headrest keep baby comfortable in this convertible car seat rear facing to forward facing
- CONVENIENT CAR SEAT DESIGN DETAILS: Parents love that these carseats include a removable cup holder for on-the-go convenience.
- 10 Years One Car Seat - from Birth to Booster (5 - 120 lb) it's all you will need. Grows with your child, ultimate protection on every road trip. 4 modes in 1 seat!
- Rear Facing for Longer - lovingly engineered to keep your child rear-facing up to 50 lb.
- Fits 3-Across - our famous slim-fit design with zero compromises to safety, space, or comfort.
- Mechanically engineered from reinforced automotive grade high-strength steel, our unique core shell shields and protects your child.
- High-quality ComfortPlus Memory Foam, always included.
- The original and only all-in-one convertible car seat that folds for travel or compact storage. FAA approved for airline use.
How to choose a good travel car seats
Does the idea of finding a fantastic travel car seats make you anxious? When it comes to purchasing this product, specifically when deciding which model to select, has your head been spinning between options? You are not alone if that is the case. We are aware of the pressure involved in the purchasing process!
Your presence here indicates that you are interested in travel car seats. Before choosing which product would be the best for your needs after being inundated with information, locate a reliable source with genuine selections. You can get that information from a variety of sources, including buying guides and rating websites, word-of-mouth recommendations from friends and family, online discussion forums where users can share their own experiences, product reviews that can be found all over the internet, and YouTube channels. You can only get the right product through exhaustive analysis. But you realize that’s not always simple. In order to ease your concerns, we have taken the time to develop a list of the top travel car seats products available right now. You might be wondering how we came up with the list. How was this buying guide developed?
First, we used our algorithms to gather as much reliable data as we could about these products. To verify all the data gathered, we used both artificial intelligence and a lot of algorithms.
Then, our experts used criteria that are recognized in the business to evaluate them according to their quality to price ratio, allowing us to choose the top travel car seats on the market right now!
The selection of the goods is not arbitrary. Before creating a list, we take into account a number of factors. Below are some of the criteria discussed:
Brand Value: What happens if you choose a dubious brand just because it appears to be a good deal? So the likelihood of receiving a product with a short shelf life increases. That is due to the fact that well-known brands have a reputation to uphold, while others do not. Top travel car seats brands strive to provide some distinctive traits that set them apart from the competition. So, hopefully one or more of the items on our list will be perfect for you.
Features: Useful features are all you need, not tons of them. We consider the important aspects and select the top travel car seats based on those.
Specifications: Numbers always help you measure the quality of a product in a quantitative way. We try to find products with higher specifications, but with the right balance.
Quality: A product’s quality may always be quantified with the aid of numbers. We look for goods with better standards that strike the proper balance. The best quality product that gets highly appreciated and recommended by experienced users.
Customer ratings: Would it be accurate to suggest that the travel car seats were used by hundreds of customers before you? Superior ratings indicate that many customers had better service.
Customer Reviews: Like ratings, provide you with accurate and reliable information about the product from genuine customers. Customer ratings are very important to all of us because they contain accurate and reliable information about the customer service we received from several hundred customers.
Seller Rank: This is very intriguing! Not only do you need a good travel car seats, you also need a product with rising sales that is trendy. It accomplishes two goals. First, the expanding user base proves the quality of the product. Second, given that number, producers must be able to offer greater quality and after-sales support.
Value: You get what you pay for, they say, so consider the value. Cheap isn’t always good and expensive isn’t always bad. However, that does not imply that spending a lot of money on a product that is flashy but underwhelming is a good idea. Before adding them to the list, we make an effort to evaluate how much value you can get for your money from your travel car seats.
Durability: Durability and reliability are closely related concepts. You will benefit from a strong and long-lasting travel car seats for months and years to come.
Product availability: Products come and go, and new ones replace the old ones. Most likely, a few new features and required changes were made. What use is it to use a supposedly good product if the maker no longer supports it? We make an effort to highlight products that are current and offered by one or more trustworthy sellers, if not more.
Negative Reviews: Yes, we do take that into account as well! The goods with the majority of bad reviews are filtered out and disregarded when we choose the best-rated one on the market.
These are the standards by which we selected our travel car seats. Do we end our process there? Hell no. The most crucial fact about us that you should be aware of is that we regularly update our website with current and pertinent information. We have one more layer of filtration since we place the greatest importance on reader satisfaction. Please let us know if any product included here is incorrect, irrelevant, subpar, or simply out of date. We always value your opinions, and we’ll work hard to make any necessary corrections to our list in response to them.
Why should you believe us?
There are now thousands of possibilities for these products on Amazon, but choosing the best one can be difficult and time-consuming. And what travel car seats should you purchase in 2022?
This guide is the result of more than 10 years of experience in researching, testing and writing about many topics. Each member of our team is an authority in their area. We read every article we could find online and every consumer review on every retail website for seven hours. Additionally, we discovered a ton of websites that offered helpful resources, including buying tips and thorough information on travel car seats.
