Are you looking for the best convertible car seat for your tall toddler? I’ve been there. My first has been off the charts for height since birth (my second, not so much)! I know when I started my car seat search, I was overwhelmed because of all the options. I also have learned with personal experience and tons of research that there is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all, perfect car seat. But in this post, I hope to help you find the best option for your family!
In this blog post, I hope to help remove the stress of searching for a car seat for your tall toddler and make it as easy on you as possible to find the best one for you. So I’ve compiled a list of the 10 best convertible car seats for tall toddlers in 2023.
The items in this post are affiliate links. You don’t get charged any extra, but my family receives a small commission when you shop via one of my affiliate links & we are grateful for your support!
But if you can’t wait, my pick for the best overall car seat for tall toddlers is the Diono Radian 3RXT Safe Plus, due to the combination of price, safety features, slimness, and of course, its impressive maximum height. Did I mention it’s a cool fold for air travel? That’s just an added bonus!
In This Post
Car Seat Shopping Checklist
When I was shopping for a car seat with my oldest, I made a checklist of the most important factors to consider:
Height and weight limits
Make sure to check the height and weight limits of the car seat to ensure that it will fit your child properly. Trust me, you don’t want to have to replace the seat every few years because it doesn’t fit your growing child. An adjustable headrest with a no-rethread harness is a must for me and I love that more and more car seat manufacturers are doing this.
Car seat weight
If you plan to move the car seat between vehicles or use it for travel, consider choosing one that is lightweight and easy to install.
Side-impact protection
Safety should always be our top priority as moms, and side-impact protection is a very important feature. I would not buy a car seat without it.
Installation
Installation is essential to your child’s safety so, while you may not be moving a convertible car seat from car to car frequently, there’s nothing more frustrating than struggling to install a car seat. Especially if you’re running late for a date when grandma or grandpa comes over to watch the kids!
Materials and Chemicals
When I am car seat shopping, I am very conscious of the chemicals present in the materials. Look for a seat that is made without toxic dyes and inks, flame retardants, phthalates, PVC, formaldehyde, or PFAS. GreenGuard Gold-certified car seats are a good indicator that the car seat is made with the best possible materials.
Longevity
Some convertibles last longer than others based on height and weight limit – just something to keep that in mind!
Features & Accessories
Some car seats come with additional features and accessories such as cup holders, storage compartments, extendable footrest, and removable padding. These can be convenient for long car trips and can make the seat more comfortable for your child.
Removable covers for easy cleaning
Consider choosing a car seat with removable covers that can be easily washed. This will make it easy to keep the seat clean, especially if your child is prone to spills or accidents.
Price
Car seats vary in price, so consider how much you’re willing to spend. Keep in mind that safety should be your top priority, but you don’t have to break the bank to get a safe car seat. As moms, we all know how quickly expenses can add up, so finding a balance between safety and budget is important.
By keeping these factors in mind, you’ll be able to choose a car seat that provides a good fit and maximum safety for your tall baby or toddler. In the recommendations portion of the post, I tried to call out the different factors listed above to make it easier to find which one is best for your family!
The Best Infant Car Seats for Tall Babies
Since my daughter has been off the charts for height since birth, I started noticing her getting a little too tall for her infant car seat, and after a little research on the best infant car seats for tall babies. I quickly discovered that all infant car seats max out at 32 inches. So really, your only option is to move from an infant car seat to an all-in-one or a convertible car seat sooner rather than later.
That said, here are a few of my favorite car seats for infants:
Good Affordable Car Seat for Tall Babies: Chicco KeyFit 35
This Chicco Keyfit 35 Baby Car Seat is a great choice for moms who are looking for safety and convenience at an affordable price. Many of my friends have decided to purchase this car seat because it doesn’t break the bank, it’s safe, and has some convenient features (like the ease of installation!).
Though I will say, what you save in money, you sacrifice in features. This car seat’s material feels somewhat cheap compared to others. The hood doesn’t provide great sun protection. It is also heavy compared to other infant car seats.
The Lowdown on the Chicco KeyFit 35:
- Easy to install
- Removable newborn insert for extra support
- Compatible with most strollers using KeyFit Caddy accessory
- Somewhat heavy
- Harness is difficult to adjust
- Straps get twisted frequently
- Doesn’t have a no-rethread harness
Price: $269.99 on Amazon
Chico KeyFit 35 Specifications:
- Child Maximum: 32 inches
- Child Weight Limit: 35 pounds
- Car Seat Measurements: 24” Height x 16.5” Width x 28” Depth
- Car Seat Weight: 10 pounds without the base
Chicco KeyFit 35 Safety Features:
- Meets or exceeds federal safety standards
- Side-impact tested
- Energy-absorbing base
- EPS energy-absorbing foam for impact protection
Installation: The installation process is relatively easy with the included base and level indicator. The base can be installed with either the built-in locking clip or the vehicle’s seat belt.
Comfort for your child: The seat has a removable newborn insert for added support and comfort. The canopy provides shade and protection from the sun.
Care and Maintenance: The seat cover can be removed and machine-washed, and the seat itself can be wiped down with a damp cloth.
Good Luxury Infant Car Seat for Tall Babies: Nuna PIPA RX
If you have been following me for a while, then you know, I love Nuna car seats. The Nuna PIPA RX Infant Car Seat with RELX Base is the perfect car seat for moms looking for a chemical-free (GreeGuard Gold Certified), safe, and secure car seat for their little ones. The RELX Base makes installation one of the fastest and easiest on the market.
The Sky Drape completely protects your baby from the sun – it’s one of the best features.
This is the infant car seat I purchased because it is safe, non-toxic, lightweight, and has so many incredible features. I would highly recommend it to anyone who can afford it.
The Lowdown on the Nuna PIPA RX:
- Incredibly lightweight and easy to carry
- Made with high-quality, non-toxic materials (GreenGuard Gold)
- Amazing base making it easy to get in and out of the car
- Sky drape that is breathable and fully covers your baby from the sun – great for naps
- Very comfortable
- Easy to clean
- Doesn’t have a no-rethread harness
Price: $400 on Nuna
Nuna PIPA RX Specifications:
- Child Maximum: 32 inches
- Child Weight Limit: 32 pounds
- Car Seat Measurements: 23” Height x 17.5” Width x 25.2” Depth
- Car Seat Weight: 7.6 pounds without the base
Nuna PIPA RX Safety Features:
- Side impact protection
- True lock install that’s steel reinforced
- Anti-rebound panel
- Stability leg
Installation: The base latches in easily and then the car seat goes into the base in a click (5 seconds or less)
Comfort for your child: Very comfortable seat for your child – made with the highest quality materials
Care and Maintenance: Easy to remove all the fabrics, wash them, and reassemble. Check out my post on how to wash the Nuna PIPA Car Seat to see just how easy it is.
The Best Convertible Car Seats for Tall Toddlers
Best Overall Convertible Car Seat for Tall Toddlers Diono Radian 3RXT Safe Plus
The Diono Radian is a highly versatile and safe car seat that is designed to grow with your child from birth up to 120 pounds. If I had two words to describe this car seat they would be safe and slim.
This seat can be used in 3 modes: rear-facing, forward-facing, and as a booster seat. With a steel-reinforced frame, an energy-absorbing base, adjustable head support, and a 5-point harness, it provides superior safety for your child.
Its compact design, fold for travel, safety features, and affordable price is what makes it the best overall pick for me.
The Lowdown on the Diono Radian 3RXT:
- Impressive height limit
- Versatile
- Base can fold into the car seat for easier storage and is great for air travel
- Many amazing safety features (see below)
- 12 head positions
- Compact design for 3-across seating
- Removable infant body support
Price: $280 on Amazon
Diono Radian 3RXT Specifications:
- Child Height Limit: 57 inches
- Child Weight Range: 5-120 pounds
- Car Seat Measurements: 28” Height x 17” Width x 16” Depth
- Car Seat Weight: 24 pounds
Diono Radian 3RXT Safety Features:
- Steel-reinforced frame
- Anti-rebound bar
- Energy-absorbing base
- Side-impact protection
- 5-point harness
- Adjustable head support
Installation: Relatively easy, with a color-coded belt path and a bubble level indicator to ensure the seat is at the proper angle.
Comfort for your child: The seat is comfortable for children, with plush padding and removable infant body support.
Care and Maintenance: The cover and harness pads can be removed and machine washed. The seat also has a fold-down cup holder and a removable cup holder for added convenience.
Honorable Mention for the Best Overall Convertible Car Seat for Tall Toddlers: Britax One4Life ClickTight All-In-One
The Britax One4Life Clicktight All-In-One Car Seat is a convertible car seat designed for children from 5-120 lbs. This car seat is incredibly easy to install and you’ll have it for life (as the name states). It’s highly adjustable and easily grows with your child.
As a downside, it’s rather bulky and heavy, so take that into account if you have a small car or plan to transfer it frequently between cars. Also, it is pricey compared to some of the other options, which is why it’s the runner-up and not the winner.
The Lowdown on the Britax One4Life:
- ClickTight Installation System makes it easy to install the car seat securely
- Versatile
- 15-position adjustable headrest
- No-rethread harness that makes adjusting the straps seamless as your baby grows
- Multi-position recline allows your child to be comfortable
- Heavy and bulky, making it difficult to move between vehicles
- Somewhat expensive for a convertible car seat
Price: $400 on Amazon
Britax One4Life Specifications:
- Child Height Limit: 49 inches
- Child Weight Range: 5-120 pounds
- Car Seat Measurements: 25” Height x 20.5” Width x 19.5” Depth
- Car Seat Weight: 27 pounds
Britax One4Life Safety Features:
- Side impact protection,
- Impact-absorbing base
- Integrated steel frame
- Energy-absorbing foam
- The V-Shaped tether reduces forward movement during a crash
Installation: The installation process is easy with the Clicktight Installation System. All you have to do is open the front of the seat, buckle the seat belt, and then close the seat.
Comfort for your child: It’s designed for comfort with a 7-position recline, a no-rethread, a 15-position harness and 2-position buckle, and energy-absorbing foam for added comfort. It also has cooling channels to help regulate your child’s temperature.
Care and Maintenance: It has a removable and washable cover, and the seat cushions are also easy to wipe down. It also has removable, dishwasher-safe cup holders.
Best Rotating Convertible Car Seat for Tall Toddlers: Evenflo Gold Revolve360
A new trend that’s been taking the car seat market by storm is the ability to rotate the seat 360 degrees. As your children get bigger and heavier, struggling to awkwardly lift them into a non-rotating car seat becomes a reality, and that’s where this trend is coming from.
I had the opportunity to test out this Evenflo car seat, and I was very impressed. It is easy to install, has two great cup holders, comfortable for your kids, and is highly adjustable.
One thing I really don’t like is the material quality. Based on the “new car seat smell,” it would seem that many unfriendly chemicals were used in the making of the car seat. It is also quite bulky and not great for smaller vehicles.
The Lowdown on the Evenflo Gold Revolve360:
- 360-degree rotation helps you easily put your toddler in the car and get them buckled
- The base and the car seat are two separate pieces, which makes cleaning a breeze
- Goes all the way up to 57 inches
- Two large cup holders that are removable (the downside is your toddler may throw them)
- Shoulder pads do not come off, which is unfortunate from a cleaning perspective
- The button to loosen straps is deep, which means your child won’t be able to easily loosen his or her straps without you knowing
- It’s bulky and not suitable for small cars or air travel
Price: $399.99 on Amazon
Evenflo Gold Revolve360 Specifications:
- Child Height Limit: 57 inches
- Child Weight Range: 4-120 pounds
- Car Seat Measurements: 25.90” Height x 19.80” Width x 21” Depth
- Car Seat Weight: 29.6 pounds
Evenflo Gold Revolve360 Safety Features:
- Upfront harness adjustment for easy installation
- Five-point harness system for a secure fit
- Side impact tested shell for superior protection
- No-rethread harness that makes adjusting the straps seamless as your baby grows
- Meets or exceeds all applicable federal safety standards and is certified for air travel.
- Additionally, the seat is equipped with a removable infant pillow for smaller babies and an adjustable headrest for larger ones.
Installation: It’s easy to install with a seat belt and tether.
Comfort for your child: It’s an average car seat when it comes to comfort.
Care and Maintenance: The seat pad and harness covers can be removed and machine washed, and the car seat can be wiped clean with a damp cloth. One major downside is the inability to remove the shoulder pads.
Runner-Up Rotating Convertible Car Seat for Tall Toddlers: Baby Jogger City Turn
As I mentioned under the Evenflo Gold 360 Car Seat, the rotating car seat trend is upon us. Every company is working on its version, and this is BabyJogger’s attempt.
This car seat is very easy to install, and the turning mechanism can be executed with one hand. The built-in cup holder actually fits your child’s cup (unlike other car seats, looking at you Nuna!). The material feels nicer than the Evenflo Gold 360.
One MAJOR downside with this car seat: it turns from the back and swings out over the door, meaning some cars would not be able to close the door when it’s rotated. Another thing I dislike is the short seatbelts. They make it quite challenging when buckling your child in.
The Lowdown on the Baby Jogger City Turn:
- 360-degree rotation helps you easily put your toddler in the car and get them buckled
- Soft and lightweight fabrics to keep your child cool and comfortable
- No-rethread harness that makes adjusting the straps seamless as your baby grows
- Bulky and not easy to transfer
- Very pricey compared to other rotating convertible car seats
- Only grows up to 65 pounds, whereas others in this category support your child up to 120 pounds
Price: $549.99 on Amazon
Baby Jogger City Turn Specifications:
- Child Height Limit: 49 inches
- Child Weight Range: 4-65 pounds
- Car Seat Measurements: 23.5” Height x 19” Width x 21.75” Depth
- Car Seat Weight: 28 pounds
Baby Jogger City Turn Safety Features:
- 5-point harness with padded shoulder and waist straps
- Reinforced adjustable headrest
- Side impact protection
Installation: Designed with a LATCH system and push-button release for easy installation. The built-in belt lock-off and adjustable headrest make it easier to get a secure fit every time. The car seat also features rotating armrests for easy in and out, making installation a breeze.
Comfort for your child: It features a 5-point harness with padded shoulder and waist straps, a contoured shell and base, and an adjustable headrest. It also has cooling technology to keep your child cool and comfortable.
Care and Maintenance: Removable cup holder that’s dishwasher safe. The rest of the cleaning process is a bit complicated compared to other convertible car seats.
Best Luxury Convertible Car Seat for Tall Toddlers: Nuna RAVA
This is the car seat I got for my tall toddler a few years ago, and I absolutely love it. It even has an extended foot for child comfort and has a high weight limit or rear facing. One thing I dislike about it is the cup holders are too small to fit most cups. Otherwise, it met all my car seat dreams with high quality, non-toxic materials, and incredible safety standards.
Another issue for most parents is the cost, which is $550! It is a lot even with all the features. If this is really the car seat you want, I would wait to purchase it until the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale (usually in the summer). It often goes on sale for $100-$150 off.
The Lowdown on the Nuna RAVA:
- Incredibly easy to install – I love it!
- Made with high-quality, non-toxic materials (GreenGuard Gold)
- Can stay rear-facing up to 50 pounds and has an extended foot for child comfort
- Very comfortable for your child
- Too bulky to be used in a 3-across setup
- Cup holders are too small for most cups rendering them useless
- Very heavy – Not ideal for frequent air travel
- Pricey compared to most other convertible car seats
Price: $550 on Nuna
Nuna RAVA Specifications:
- Child Height Limit: 49 inches
- Child Weight Range: 5-65 pounds (50 lbs. rear facing!)
- Car Seat Measurements: 31” Height x 19” Width x 16” Depth
- Car Seat Weight: 27.2 pounds
Nuna RAVA Safety Features:
- Exceeds American safety standards
- Side impact protection pods
- Steel frame for superior strength
- No-rethread harness
- The 10-position adjustable headrest and 10-position recline help ensure a proper fit
Installation: Trademarked install method using the seatbelt and true tension doors to get a secure fit every time. One of the easiest car seats on the market to install.
Comfort for your child: This car seat is plush and comfortable for your child. My kids both love it!
Care and Maintenance: Incredibly easy to clean – check out my cleaning video here!
Best Slim Convertible Car Seat for Tall Toddlers (for small cars): Clek Foonf
If you are looking for a slim car seat for tall toddlers that can fit in a 3-across setup, this is the one for you.
The Clek Foonf is safe, stylish, and made with excellent materials (GreenGuard certified, meaning it is made with materials that are free of harmful chemicals and pollutants). It also has a high weight limit for rear-facing. The company says the car seat is “built like a tank,” showing safety is one of their top priorities.
One major thing to note: many people have complained about a restocking fee when purchasing this car seat. So please make sure this is the one you want by testing it in stores before pulling the trigger.
The Lowdown on the Clek Foonf:
- Designed to fit in a 3-across configuration
- “Built like a tank” – excellent safety features
- GreenGuard certified, meaning it is made with materials that are free of harmful chemicals and pollutants.
- Extended rear-facing weight limit of 50 lbs
- With a minimum weight of 14 pounds and a maximum weight of 65, it has a short shelf life with your child. Many other convertibles go up to 120 pounds.
- Pricier than many of the other options out there
- Very heavy compared to other convertible car seats
Price: $580 on Amazon
Clek Foonf Specifications:
- Child Height Limit: 49 inches
- Child Weight Range: 14-65 pounds
- Car Seat Measurements: 32.5” Height x 16.9” Width x 33” Depth
- Car Seat Weight: 38 pounds
Clek Foonf Safety Features:
- Foam-lined shell
- An anti-rebound bar
- A steel and magnesium sub-structure
- Extended rear-facing weight
- Advanced Side-Impact Protection System
Installation: Rigid-LATCH provides a super-simple, fast forward-facing car seat installation.
Comfort for your child: It is an average level of comfort for your child. Not too many bells and whistles, but it makes up for it with its safety features.
Care and Maintenance: Has unique technology that provides resistance to odor-causing bacteria and protects against water stains. The removable seat cushion makes the rear-facing belt path easy to access. The cushion can come off without having to uninstall the seat, so it’s easy to clean.
Best Affordable Convertible Car Seats for Tall Toddlers: Graco Extend2Fit 3 in 1
The Graco Extend2Fit 3-in-1 is an older car seat, but it still makes the list due to some of its timeless features.
First, the Extend2Fit feature adds up to five inches in length to allow your child to remain rear-facing for longer, making this a great car seat for your tall child. Second, it has a no-rethread harness, making it easy for you to adjust the height of your car seat.
That said, the overall appearance of this car seat is mediocre, as are the materials it was made with. It definitely is not GreenGuard Certified, so if you’re worried about chemicals, this is not the car seat for you. But if you’re looking for a great affordable car seat option that’s safe and practical, this may be the option for you.
The Lowdown on the Graco Extend2Fit:
- The Extend2Fit feature allows for extra legroom
- Multiple-position recline, making it great for all ages
- 10-position adjustable headrest and harness for a secure fit
- Easily converts from rear-facing to forward-facing and then to a belt-positioning booster
- Can be difficult to adjust headrest and harness
- Feels a little cheaply made
Price: $290 on Amazon
Graco Extend2Fit Specifications:
- Child Height Limit: 57 inches
- Child Weight Range: 4-100 pounds
- Car Seat Measurements: 24.5” Height x 19” Width x 26.75” Depth
- Car Seat Weight: 21.9 pounds
Graco Extend2Fit Safety Features:
- Tested and meets or exceeds all federal safety standards
- Equipped with a 5-point harness to keep your child secure
- Anti-Rebound Bar technology helps to minimize rebound movement in a collision
- Built-in level indicator to ensure proper installation
Installation: Easy to install using either the latch system or the vehicle’s seat belt – takes just a few minutes!
Comfort for your child: The seat is designed to be comfortable for children of all ages, with multiple recline positions and a removable infant body support.
Care and Maintenance: The seat cover can be removed and machine washed for easy cleaning. It can also be wiped down with a damp cloth for regular cleaning.
Runner-Up Affordable Car Seats for Tall Toddlers: Evenflo EveryFit 4-in-1 Convertible Car Seat
One of the two affordable options is the Evenflo EveryFit 4-in-1. This car seat does the most important thing well: safety.
One major drawback of this car seat is this: it doesn’t fit well in small cars. You have to move your seat up quite a bit to get the car seat to fit securely. Another thing to consider is how difficult it is to install. It’s fine you won’t be moving the seat around much, but if you plan to move it from car to car, I would avoid this car seat.
Overall, while this car seat isn’t the highest end, it is safe and fairly comfortable for your child, and best of all, it’s very affordable.
The Lowdown on the Evenflo EveryFit 4-in-1:
- Affordable – the price is excellent for what you get
- High weight capacity
- Reclines and adjusts to multiple positions
- No-rethread harness
- Lighter than many convertible car seats
- Straps may be difficult to adjust – many people have reported issues
- It’s not made with the highest quality materials
Price: $210 on Amazon
Evenflo EveryFit 4-in-1 Specifications:
- Child Height Limit: 57 inches
- Child Weight Range: 4-120 pounds
- Car Seat Measurements: 32.5” Height x 19” Width x 22.25” Depth
- Car Seat Weight: 19 pounds
Evenflo EveryFit 4-in-1 Safety Features:
- Meets or exceeds all safety standards
Installation: Installation is not an easy process, especially rear facing with a seat belt. It’s hard to get it snug.
Comfort for your child: Overall, it’s pretty average when it comes to comfort, but good for the price.
Care and Maintenance: Difficult to take apart and clean, but it can be done.
Conclusion
As a mom, I know there are so many options to choose from when car seat shopping and it can be overwhelming. I hope this guide has helped you to narrow down your choices and make the best possible choice for you and your tall toddler. Also, I know that tall kids often mean tall parents. If you’re a tall parent, check out this post on the best umbrella strollers for tall parents. Have questions on any of the ones above? I am happy to help with any questions you still have!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is a convertible car seat, and why is it important for tall babies and toddlers?
A convertible car seat is a type of car seat that can be used in both the rear-facing and forward-facing positions. It is important for tall babies and toddlers because it allows them to stay in the safer rear-facing position for a longer period of time (something recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics), and also provides a comfortable and secure fit as they grow taller.
What safety features should I look for when choosing a car seat for my tall child?
Some important safety features to look for when choosing a car seat for your tall child include:
- A steel frame
- Adjustable headrest
- Anti-rebound bar
- Side impact protection
- 5-point harness
- Check weight and height limits
What is the weight limit for rear-facing car seats and how long can my child stay in the rear-facing position?
The weight limit for rear-facing car seats varies by model, but many can accommodate children up to 50 pounds or more. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, children should stay rear-facing as long as possible (until they reach the weight/height limits set by their car seat).
What is the height limit for forward-facing car seats and how long can my child stay in the forward-facing position?
The height limit for forward-facing car seats varies by model, but many can accommodate children from 49-57 inches or more. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, children should stay rear-facing as long as possible (until they reach the weight/height limits set by their car seat).
Are there any car seats that are specifically designed for tall toddlers?
Yes, there are several car seats on the market that are specifically designed for tall babies and toddlers. Here is a list of those car seats broken down into different categories.
How do I ensure that the car seat is properly installed and that my child is securely fastened?
To ensure that the car seat is properly installed and that your child is securely fastened, it is important to read the instruction manual that comes with the car seat and to follow the guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. You can also have your car seat checked by a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST).
Can I use a convertible car seat for my newborn?
It depends on the weight and height limit of the convertible car seat. Some convertible car seats can be used for newborns, while others are not recommended for use until the child is at least 6 months old or has reached a certain weight. Personally, I prefer to have a newborn car seat and a convertible car seat. But many convertible car seats like the Nuna are great for birth+ if you want to only have one car seat for several years.
