Welcome to our review of the best grandparent car seat. When my kids were young I was extremely careful to make sure they had the right car seat for their size and weight and that it was in the car securely.

The difference now though is me. I’m older. It can be more challenging at times to lift the seat in to the car as well as bending over to secure it in place. That’s why finding a great, safe car seat that is lightweight and easy to secure has become an issue for me.

Our Top Picks:

OUR OVERALL TOP PICK: Evenflo EveryFit 4-in-1 Convertible Car Seat On Walmart and Amazon

TOP PICK FOR INFANT : Graco SnugFit 35 Infant Car Seat On Walmart and Amazon

BEST FOR EASY INSTALLATION PICK: Britax Boulevard Clicktight Convertible Car Seat On Amazon

TOP PICK – BEST FOR GRANDPARENTS : Chicco KeyFit 30 Infant Car Seat and Base On Walmart and Amazon

BEST ROTATING TOP PICK: Evenflo Gold Revolve360 Extend All-in-One Rotational Car Car Seat On Walmart and Amazon

TOP BUDGET PICK: Safety 1st Grow and Go Sprint All-in-1 Convertible Car Seat On Walmart and Amazon

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It’s nice to have my own car seat for the grandkids. Much easier to just keep it in my own car so it’s there when I need it. Also, if something unexpected comes up and I need to pick up my grandkids I don’t have to worry about not having a car seat available.

As with all our reviews, we don’t put prices in our article since prices change often and we only want to include the most up to date and accurate information.

But we do include link(s) to buying options so finding the best deal currently available is fast and easy. And, we try to give you 2 buying options so you can compare and get the best deal.

So, on to our review of the best grandparent car seat!

More Details On Our Top Picks:

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Evenflo EveryFit 4-in-1 Convertible Car Seat

We chose the Evenflo Everyfit as our top pick due to it’s many features, but primarily how easy it is to install into your car. Even for young parents, bending and lifting to install a car seat can be a pain, for us (slightly!!!) older folks, it’s even less fun. Evenflo has something they call their SureSafe installation which means the whole installation process has been streamlined so you’ll be sure the seat is safely and securely installed but you won’t end up with a broken back!

This car seat will last for years. It works for infants up to becoming a booster safety seat for older kids up to 120 lbs. It has a removable, machine washable cover so it can stay clean no matter what your grandkid throws at it, maybe literally! Plushly padded so it’s comfortable for kids even on long trips. It has cushions that ensure even the tiniest infant is supported and will help keep their head from hanging down.

Two of our criteria for the best grandparent car seat was that the seat was easy to install, this one is, and that the car seat is lightweight, this one isn’t. That is the drawback with this seat. Every other feature makes it a great option, but it is a little on the heavy side which is one downside.

If you’ll be keeping this car seat in your car all the time, it’s not big deal. But if you’ll be moving it from one car to another fairly often, this is something to keep in mind.

PROS

• Easy to install
• Will grow with your grandkids, no need to buy multiple car seats
• Easy installation

CONS

• Heavy, not good for moving from car to car
• Fairly large, a hassle if you have a small car

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Graco SnugFit 35 Infant Car Seat

Our next pick is the Graco SnugFit 35 Infant Car Seat. This car seat hits all the marks for a car seat for grandparents: it’s easy to install, reasonably priced and lightweight. Since it’s a little smaller in the back to front measurement, it fits behind either front seat easier. This seat will work for children from 4lbs. up to 35 lbs. While not as long lasting as the Evenflo we reviewed above, this seat will work for longer than many infant car seats.

It also has a nice safety feature, what they call an Anti-Rebound Bar this is what will keep the seat safer during a crash since it stops the seat from rotating.

Despite it’s overall smaller size, it still offers a roomy ride for your grandchild so they don’t feel like they’re crammed in.

The features that we really liked about this car seat are: it is very light weight, less that 9 lbs. It’s easy to move from car to car and it can also be used as a carrier and strapped in a stroller. It works with all models of the Graco Click Connect Strollers.

PROS

• Extra safety with their Anti – Rebound feature
• Very light weight
• Easy installation
• Inexpensive so a great option for grandparents

CONS

• Big for very small infants
• Padding could be improved

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Britax Boulevard Clicktight Convertible Car Seat

Next up we have the Britax Boulevard Clicktight Convertible Car Seat which we picked as the top for ease of installation. This car seat was actually a controversial choice, it’s a great seat overall but not necessarily the best for grandparents. It is easy to install and easy to use in general, but it is heavy, weighing it at almost 30lbs.

We decided to include it because of it’s great features and if you aren’t moving it from car to car, the weight really won’t matter that much.

In addition to it’s heavy weight, it’s overall dimensions are pretty big too. Even if you’re not moving it from car to car this seat may not work for you if you have a small car.

The Britax Clicktight features means it can be in your car and securely attached within about 30 seconds!

PROS

• Very sturdy, safe build – side impact and steel frame
• Incredibly easy to install

CONS

• Heavy
• Rear facing is a little short

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Chicco KeyFit 30 Infant Car Seat and Base

Our next pick, the Chicco Keyfit 30 is a carrier and a base style car seat. The base is installed and left in your car, but you can then easily remove the carrier which you can carry or put in a stroller.

This is a heavier option compared to some, weighing in at about 16 lbs. This seat is very highly rated buy users. With very comfortable padding and the ability to use it for a 4lb. infant up to 30lbs. toddlers you will be covered for several years with this one seat. The fabric in this car seat isn’t the usual polyester but rather a chemical free fabric so your baby isn’t inhaling potentially toxic chemicals.

PROS

• Base is fairly easy to install
• Removing the carrier is a snape, literally
• Relatively lightweight

CONS

• Only goes up to 30lbs.
• Not as lightweight as other brands of carrier / car seats

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Safety 1st Grow and Go Sprint All-in-1 Convertible Car Seat

Our top budget pick is the Safety 1st Grow and Go Sprint All-in-1 Convertible Car Seat. This is a great option for young families who want to give their parents a second car seat in order to eliminate the hassle of constantly switching seats back and forth, but may have a more limited budget.

Full featured and very safe with side impact protection and an anti-rebound feature as well as very well cushioned seat and head rest, this car seat doesn’t skimp out where it matter just to lower the price.

Another great feature of this seat is that it is made to accommodate your kids and grandkids right up until the time they don’t need a car seat at all.  This seat goes from rear facing which is good for infants and toddlers from 4lbs. up to 40 lbs., to forward facing for kids in the 22 lbs. to 65 lbs. range to booster seat with a seatbelt from 40 lbs. up to 100lbs.

This means you don’t have to buy multiple car seats over the years, that is a huge money saver. Combine that one feature with the lower price point of this car seat and you can see why we rated it a great budget option.

A nice feature is the harness holder which keeps the harness out of the way so you can easily get your grandchild out of the seat, or back into it, without them getting tangled in the harness. This is really great too when they want to do it themselves!

The seat has 3 different levels of recline and it also comes with what they call a QuickFit for easy adjustments of the harness.

PROS

• Easy to install and use
• Safety features like side impact protection
• Great budget option

CONS

• Heavy
• Installation is challenging, not great for moving from one car to another

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Evenflo Gold Revolve360 Rotational Car Seat

Out of all the car seats we reviewed for this article, this is the one I wish was around when my kids were small (or if it was, I wish I had known about it!). I can understand why this seat has so many great reviews. Of course it’s safe, Evenflo has a good reputation for that, but the ability to rotate the seat to put kids in and take them out…mind blown!

As a grandparent who can sometimes find it challenging just to lift my grandkids up let alone have to lean into the car to put them in the seat, I think this is a great design for the best grandparent car seat.

This car seat revolves all the way around which means you don’t have to change it from front facing to rear facing once it’s installed. If you have more than one grandchild and they’re different ages, this can be a lifesaver, not to mention it can save your back.

Most revolving car seats on the market only rotate 180 degrees as opposed to the full 360 like this one.

This Evenflo car seat will work for your grandkids from the time they’re infants up until they are out of a car seat altogether, which is a money saver. Offering a rear facing option for infants and babies up to 40 lbs. it can also be used forward facing for kids up to 65 lbs. From there, you can use it as a backless, seatbelt booster seat until you grandkids are up to 120 lbs.

Easy installation, safe, use it for years, and ease of getting kids in and out are why we think this is a great addition to our list.

PROS

• Rotating for easy use
• Easy installation
• Can use until grandchild doesn’t need a car seat

CONS

• First installation can be a challenge
• Not great for moving from car to car due to it’s bulkiness

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Top Features To Look For In A Car Seat

As a grandparent, you are going to do everything you can to keep your kids and grandkids safe. The kids may be a bit old for a car seat but your grandkids have very specific needs depending on their age, weight and height.

Here are the general features you want look for before you buy the best grandparent car seat:

1. Safety

Obviously, this is the top thing to look for in car seat. Look for features like steel reinforced frame along with side impact protection. Also, look for an energy absorbing foam to lessens impact on your grandchild if there ever is an accident.

Also look for an anti-rebound bar that keeps the car seat more stable if there ever is a collision.

A five point harness to keep your grandchild safely in their seat with minimal movement during a collision is a common, and needed, safety feature.

Make sure the car seat meets, or exceeds, all current safety standards established by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) as well as Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.

2. Versatility

The ability to use the car seat for multiple stages of your grandchild’s life is a money saver. Instead of buying a rear facing car seat, a front facing car seat when your grandchild gets older and a front facing booster seat, a 3 – in -1 gives you all three options so it grows with your grandchild.

Rear-Facing Mode Requirements:

• Usually accommodates babies from 4 lbs. up to 40 lbs.
• Fully supports an infants head and neck to keep them safe even if you get in an accident.
• The ability to recline the car seat to ensure the proper positioning for an infant
• An easy to use, very secure harness system

Front- Facing Mode Requirements

• Strong harness
• Adjustable recline positions
• Can be used as a backless booster when your grandchild gets older

3. Comfort

No one wants their grandchild to be miserable every time they get in the car. While this may happen regardless of the car seat you use, ensuring the car seat is comfortable may help alleviate it. When my granddaughter was about 2 she started really having a hard time in he car. I don’t know why but she’d get so upset we really hated to go anywhere with her. She was unhappy, we were unhappy, not a great way to go for a car ride. She did eventually outgrow it, and I don’t think it had anything to do wither her car seat, still the more conformable the better!

Here are a few things to look for:

• Plenty of padding and cushioning. the younger the child the more they need cushioning to ensure their head, shoulders and spine are kept properly aligned.
• The ability to adjust the height of the harness so it doesn’t get too tight for your grandchild
• Different levels of recline so you can adjust the seat for maximum comfort
• Washable and breathable fabrics so they stay cool and their seat always smells fresh…no matter what they spill on it!

4. Easy Installation

This can be a pain no matter what car seat you have. Some seats, like the ones we reviewed above, are easier to install than others, but overall this is a chore. Seats that have the InRight Latch system ensures the car seat is properly installed for complete protection. LATCH connecters can attach to the anchors in your car so the car seat is in there good an tight. Some models of car seats actually have a built in level so you can visually see that the seat is level.

• One-hand adjustable harness and headrest
• No complicated rethreading required
• Multiple height positions for a perfect fit
• Adjustments can be made on the go
• Ensures a safe and comfortable ride

5. Easy To Clean

The more time your grandchild spends in their car seat the messier it’s going to get. The ability to quickly remove the covers and cushions and toss them in the washing machine is a lifesaver.

Look for these features:

1. Removable and machine washable seat pad
2. Dishwasher safe cup holder
3. Easy cleaning without much effort
4. Easy to keep a clean, non stinky care seat
5. No need for hand washing

6. Travel-Friendly Design

Whether you’re just getting groceries or going across the country to visit family, different designs can help make the trip more pleasant for everyone.

Some features to keep in mind:

• Lightweight and compact for easy transport
• Easy to move from one vehicle to another while on a trip
• FAA approved for use in a plane if you plan on flying

7. Longevity

Car seats can be expensive, the only thing worse than the expense is having to buy a new car seat every few years as your grandchildren grow. Getting a car seat that can grow with them, we have several models listed above in our review, will save you money over the long term.

FAQ’s On the Best Grandparent Car Seat

What are the different types of car seats available?

Car seats are generally divided by age of child they’re made for or, some of them, are made to be used over a period of years and will grow as your grandchild grows.

• Infant car seats – rear facing for infants and babies
• Convertible car seats – can be used as rear facing or forward facing for older kids
• Booster seats – for older kids backless seats that ensure proper placement of the seat belt.
• All-in-one car seats – can take your child from rear facing infant mode through front facing toddler mode all the way up to booster seat for older kids. One seat will be all your grandchild will need.

How do I choose the right car seat for my grandchild?

The more options available, and there are a lot, the harder it is to choose the right car seat for your grandchild. Any of the car seats we reviewed above will provide a safe seat for your grandchild. Here are other some things to keep in mind:

• The weight, height and age of your grandchild so you can choose the proper seat for their needs
• The safety features as well as validation from the federal agencies as listed above
• The ease of installation and use – this is a big one and we tried to cover this in detail with each of our reviewed car seats above.
• Your budget

When should I transition my child to a different car seat?

It depends on the weight and height of your grandchild. This was a challenge for me when my kids were young because I had two very large babies. So, they were too young to move up to a different seat but they were too big to fit in the one for their age!

Really the best thing is to read what the car seat manufacturer recommends.

Can I use a second-hand car seat?

Yes, if you know for sure that it has never been damaged. But, if you can’t be sure whether or not the seat has sustained any damage, it’s best to get new. A damaged car seat might fail in a collision, that could put your grandchild at risk.

How do I install a car seat correctly?

This is very important. If the car seat isn’t installed correctly it may not protect your grandchild the way it was built to do. Make sure you read the owners manual for whatever car seat you buy. Don’t expect to do this 5 minutes before you’re planning on heading out the door, it’s likely to take some time, especially the first time.

The LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system is newer and if you have an older car it may not have this feature. It is a U – shaped hook that you can attach the car seat to for added stability

What should I do if I’m not sure about the installation?

Many areas have events where experts will examine your car seat and ensure not only that it’s installed properly but that it’s in good condition and the right type for your grandchild.

What do I do if my car seat is damaged?

The first thing you should do is try to contact the manufacturer. No one knows your specific make and model of car seat better than the company that built it. Hopefully they can provide guidance.

Is 7 years old too big for a car seat?

Maybe, maybe not. It depends as much as the childs height and weight as it does on the age. If your grandchild is fairly small and doesn’t weigh much, than they’ll probably be safer in a car seat than with just a seatbelt. On the other hand, if your grandchild is like my children and they’re tall they might be ready for a booster, or just a seat belt.

More than likely you can get more input from the owners manual of your car seat and / or your childs pediatrician.

Best Grandparent Car Seat – The Bottom Line

Keeping the kids in our lives safe and happy is our number one responsibility. Getting the right car seat for your grandchild means finding the one that fits their size and their age. However, for older people, like me!, lifting and bending to install a car seat, or to install a kid in a car seat, can be painful and hard.

So, we kept that in mind when we choose our top picks above. All the car seats on our list are from quality brands. All of these car seats meet all safety standards.

We chose models that are easy to install both due to their lighter weight as well as the system they use for installation.

Beyond that, it’s up to you to choose the right one based on the age and weight of your grandchild as well as how often you’ll have to move the seat to another vehicle.

Even the heavier seats we reviewed above may work for you if you don’t have to be constantly relocating them to another car. One and done!

Our Top Picks:

OUR OVERALL TOP PICK: Evenflo EveryFit 4-in-1 Convertible Car Seat On Walmart and Amazon

FOR INFANT TOP PICK : Graco SnugFit 35 Infant Car Seat On Walmart and Amazon

BEST FOR EASY INSTALLATION PICK: Britax Boulevard Clicktight Convertible Car Seat On Amazon

EASY INSTALL –BEST FOR GRANDPARENTS: Chicco KeyFit 30 Infant Car Seat and Base On Walmart and Amazon

BEST ROTATING TOP PICK: Evenflo Gold Revolve360 Extend All-in-One Rotational Car Car Seat On Walmart and Amazon

TOP BUDGET PICK: Safety 1st Grow and Go Sprint All-in-1 Convertible Car Seat On Walmart and Amazon