12 Car Seats for 2-Year-Olds (Rear-Facing, Comfy & Safe)

The last thing you want is for your little one not to be safe in case you ever get into an accident.

The best car seats for 2-year-olds are rear-facing, comfortable, and provide maximum safety.

Our Favorites

diono car seats

Best for 2yr olds
Diono Radian 3QXT+

clek foonf

Best Non-Toxic
Clek Foonf

best cybex convertible seat

Best 360 Rotating
Cybex Sirona S

Car Seats for 2-Year-Olds

1. Diono Radian 3QXT+ All-in-One Convertible Car Seat

The Diono Radian 3QXT+ All in One car seat is the ideal car seat for two years old and up.

Providing the perfect combination of safety and independence for your child. Including the side cup holders, your child can snack and drink independently and be the ‘big’ boy/girl they are. 

For Moms, however, the extended rear-facing option, suitable for approximately 4, is by far one of the best features.

With the improvement from the previous model of the anti-rebound bar has illuminated the need for added straps and made installation easier.

A disadvantage to be aware of is that it isn’t the easiest car seat to fit, making it not ideal as a portable car seat for a 2-year-old.

What We Liked

  • The car seat grows with your child, saving the need to replace it every few years. 
  • Offers an extended rear-facing option to approximately 4 years of age. 
  • Slim fit car seat allows 2 to be next to each other in your vehicle. 
  • Adjustable calf support makes the seat comfier for long journeys. 
  • Thickly padded to keep your little one comfortable.

What Can Be Improved

  • The seat isn’t easily transferable between multiple vehicles. 
  • Although the covers are washable, it is hard to reattach them. 
  • It can be tricky to install into your vehicle due to its overall larger size.

Seat Weight: 34.2 lbs (15.5 kg)
Dimensions: ‎16 x 17 x 28.5 inches
Height Limit: Up to 57.1 in (145cm)
Rear-Facing Weight: 4-50 lbs (1.8-25 kg)
Forward-Facing Weight: 22-120 lbs (2-25 kg)
Expiration Date: 10 years from the manufacturing date

2. Clek Foonf Convertible Car Seat

At 2 years old, your child wants to be independent. The Foonf car seats’ simplistic design supports this child’s mentality. The grown-up-looking seat is one that your child will want to hop into. 

For moms, this car seat for 2 year old and up is great as it has built-in rigid latches, making it easy to install and extremely secure when front facing. 

The main upgrade from the past version is purely in the fashion design, material, and colors available. The core structure and design of the seat have not changed. 

The main con to this car seat is that you need to buy extra inserts depending on the size of your child.

What We Liked

  • Simple design makes children feel more grown up. 
  • A rigid latch system ensures the seat is secure and won’t move about. 
  • Narrow fit allows for up to 3 to fit across the rear seats in most vehicles. 
  • Offers the choice to use extended rear-facing up to 4 years of age. 
  • Rigid design and steel reinforcements make the seat extremely safe.

What Can Be Improved

  • It doesn’t include different paddings and this may need to be purchased separately. 
  • It is not machine washable or machine dryable. 
  • The padded seat isn’t as plush as other car seats available.

Seat Weight: 38 lbs (17.2 kg)
Dimensions: 17.5 x 16.9 x 28 inches
Height Limit: Up to 49 in (124cm)
Rear-Facing Weight: 14-50 lbs (6.3-25 kg)
Forward-Facing Weight: 22-65 lbs (9.9-29.4 kg)
Expiration Date: 9 years from the manufacturing date

3. Cybex Sirona S 360° Rotational SensorSafe Convertible Car Seat

From 2 children become curious. This Cybex model is the best rotating car seat for 2-year-olds due to sensor features.

If your child manages to unclip themselves, you are notified immediately, making each car journey safer. Having a rotating seat makes it even easier to get your child in or for them to climb in independently.

Then secure and twist to the rear or front-facing position. Saving you the need to bend and twist in unnatural positions. 

A disadvantage to this seat, however, is its size. Being quite wide, it is bulky to lift into a vehicle, and this may be problematic for some people.

What We Liked

  • The rotating seat makes it easy to get your child in and out of the vehicle. 
  • Uses one-time belt installation for both front and rear facing. 
  • One-hand adjustable headrest makes it easy to adapt with your child. 
  • Includes a loaded leg to keep the seat established in the event of a crash. 
  • The cup holder is machine washable.

What Can Be Improved

  • It is a large car seat to lift and secure in your car. 
  • It is not the easiest car seat to secure in your vehicle to require tightness. 
  • The material attracts dust and crumbs, making it tricky to keep clean.

Seat Weight: 30.4 lbs (13.7 kg)
Dimensions: ‎25.3 x 20 x 25.5 inches
Height Limit: Up to 49 in (124cm)
Rear-Facing Weight: 4-50 lbs (1.8-22.6 kg)
Forward-Facing Weight: 22-65 lbs (9.9-29.4 kg)
Expiration Date: 10 years from the manufacturing date

4. Diono Radian 3RXT Safe+ Convertible Car Seat

2-year-olds come in a variety of heights and sizes. What makes this one of the best rated car seats for 2 year old is it offers 12 headrest positions. Giving you the confidence that the headrest is always at the optimum height and your child’s head and neck have maximum support. 

For parents having the added side protection gives you even more peace of mind. Knowing that your child is receiving the best protection from any and all angles. 

Including the 12-position headrest and the increased side protection upgrade since the earlier model. The only disadvantage is that the catch to release the harnesses is small, sometimes making it tricky to locate.

What We Liked

  • The car seat can be folded to make it easy to transport between vehicles.
  • Includes 12 different headrest positions. 
  • This car seat can be used for extended rear facing up to 50lbs.
  • It comes in a variety of different fabric colors for you to choose from. 
  • It is a slim car seat, ideal if you need multiple seats next to each other.

What Can Be Improved

  • The harness release button is small and not the easiest to find. 
  • The cup holder doesn’t lock in place and can be removed by your child. 
  • In forward-facing positions, there are no recline positions available.

Seat Weight: 28 lbs (12.7 kg)
Dimensions: 16 x 17 x 28.5 inches
Height Limit: Up to 57 in (145cm)
Rear-Facing Weight: 5-50 lbs (2-22 kg)
Forward-Facing Weight: 22-120 lbs (9.9-54.4 kg)
Expiration Date: 10 years from the manufacturing date

Also, check out the best car seats for 3-year-olds, which are super comfy and provide maximum security for your LO.

5. Diono Radian 3RX Convertible Car Seat

What makes this a recommended car seat for a 2-year-old is the XL anti-slip harness pads. Keeping the harness correctly in place is what makes the safest car seat for a 2-year-old.

With the inclusion of the anti-slip design, this car seat achieves that. Prevent your little wiggling one from releasing their arms and not be secure. 

Additionally, another important feature is that the seat material is machine washable. Making it easier and quicker to clean. 

The main change since the last version is that it now offers extended rear-facing for a longer timescale. 

A disadvantage is when rear-facing, it takes a lot of room and can require the front seats to be pulled forward.

What We Liked

  • The car seat is foldable, making it easily transportable and movable between vehicles. 
  • Offers extended rear-facing options for parents to use. 
  • Machine washable covers make it easier to keep the seat clean. 
  • Anti-slip harness prevents the straps from falling off the shoulders and keeps them correctly in place. 
  • Memory foam cushions make it comfortable for your little one.

What Can Be Improved

  • When rear-facing, it is wide, and front car seats may need to be pulled forward. 
  • You have to rethread the harness to grow with your child. 
  • Limited color or design choices available, unlike other car seats.

Seat Weight: 25.9 lbs (11.7 kg)
Dimensions: ‎16 x 17 x 28.5 inches
Height Limit: Up to 57 in (145cm)
Rear-Facing Weight: 5-50 lbs (2-22 kg)
Forward-Facing Weight: 22-120 lbs (9.9-54.4 kg)
Expiration Date: 10 years from the manufacturing date

6. Nuna Rava Convertible Car Seat

Opting for extended rear-facing is great not only for safety but also for your child’s comfort. With the flip-up leg extender, the Rava is a great car seat for 24 months old, giving them additional comfort whilst on the road. 

For parents, one of the most favored features of this car seat for one-year-old plus is the ability to adjust the size without needing to rethread the harness. The one-handed adjustment makes it easy for this seat to grow with your little one. 

Compared to the previous version, the new Nuna is now made from naturally flame retardant free and has reduced the number of chemicals included. 

A notable disadvantage to this seat is that it is heavy, which makes it not ideal for switching between vehicles or travel.

What We Liked

  • Steel reinforced structure makes it more sturdy and safe in the event of an accident. 
  • Plush and well-padded ensures the seat is comfortable for your little one. 
  • The flip-for-leg extender makes it more comfortable in the rear-facing position. 
  • Compatible to be secured with both the latch feature or seatbelt. 
  • Head and body pads can be removed to support your growing child.

What Can Be Improved

  • Due to its weight, it isn’t easily transferable between vehicles. 
  • It is wider than other models and won’t support 3 across the back vehicle seats. 
  • As heavily padded, your child may get warm when in this seat.

Seat Weight: 27.2 lbs (12.3 kg)
Dimensions: 16″ x 19″ x 31″ inch
Height Limit: Up to 49 in (124cm)
Rear-Facing Weight: 5-50 lbs (2-22.6 kg)
Forward-Facing Weight: 25-65 lbs (11.3-29.5 kg)
Expiration Date: 10 years from the manufacturing date

7. Cybex Eternis S SensorSafe Car Seat

At 2, children may not be able to articulate if they are too hot, cold, or if they have become unclasped.

This is why the inclusion of the SensorSafe feature makes this one of the best car seats for two-year-olds. Directly sending an alert to your phone, you will be notified if your child becomes in an unsafe position. 

Another key feature to be aware of is the reclining headrest. Kids love to nap and this headrest ensures that when they doze off in your vehicle, their head remains upright and continues to be in the safest position. 

A disadvantage of this car seat is that it is hard to remove and refit the covers after cleaning.

What We Liked

  • Offers the choice to use extended rear-facing until approximately 4 years. 
  • The same car seat can be used from birth to booster.
  • SensorSafe notifies you if the seat becomes unclipped, hot, cold or dangerous. 
  • The magnetic buckle holders keep the buckles out the way as your little one gets in and out. 
  • Cup holders are removable and machine washable.

What Can Be Improved

  • The material is as breathable as others and children can get hot.
  • Not easily maneuvered between vehicles due to its size. 
  • The padded seat isn’t as plush as other car seats available.

Seat Weight: 26 lbs (11.7 kg)
Dimensions: 25.3 x 20 x 25.5 inches
Height Limit: Up to 57 in (145cm)
Rear-Facing Weight: 4-50 lbs (1.8-22.6 kg)
Forward-Facing Weight: 22-120 lbs (9.9-54.4 kg)
Expiration Date: 10 years from the manufacturing date

8. Clek Fllo Convertible Car Seat

Not having the same strength in their neck as an adult. Keeping your child in a rear-facing position for longer timescales can reduce significant injury in the event of an accident. 

Importantly, with its slim design, this seat is popular amongst parents.

This safety seat for 2-year-olds is narrow enough that you can fit three of them within your car with ease. Ideal for parents with multiple children or who need space in the back of their vehicle and shopping for a small car seat for 2 year old.

The improvement from the prior model is within the material colors used. The seat and features remain the same, but there are new color designs available. 

The disadvantage to this seat is that it is very high and may not fit in all smaller vehicles.

What We Liked

  • Very easy to install and correctly fit in vehicles.
  • Makes toddlers feel like a big kids in their ‘grown-up chair’. 
  • Easy to keep clean due to water-resistant fabric being used. 
  • Narrow design allows multiple seats to fit comfortably in the rear of your car. 
  • Offers the choice to use extended rear-facing up to 4 years of age.

What Can Be Improved

  • The seat is very high and can impact the viability and not fit in all vehicles.
  • It doesn’t include different paddings and this may need to be purchased separately. 
  • It isn’t as padded as other seats.

Seat Weight: 25 lbs (11.3 kg)
Dimensions: ‎24 x 16.9 x 26 inches
Height Limit: Up to 49 in (124cm)
Rear-Facing Weight: 14-50 lbs (6.3-25 kg)
Forward-Facing Weight: 22-65 lbs (9.9-29.4 kg)
Expiration Date: 9 years from the manufacturing date

9. Peg Perego Convertible Kinetic Car Seat for 2yr Old

Prone to wanting to press buttons and attempt to wiggle free. The design of the harness makes this one of the best car seat for a 24-month-old.

With the higher clasp and integrated button, it isn’t as easy for your child to independently unbuckle themselves and be at risk. 

For parents, what makes this two-year-old car seat great is how easy it is to tighten the latch system and get a secure fit. As car safety ultimately is down to fitting, the easy tight latch makes this more straightforward. 

Upgraded to include an anti-rebound bar, the seat is even safer. A disadvantage worth noting is that the incline positions are limited.

What We Liked

  • Easy to install with the use of the tight latch system. 
  • Includes top tether hook when in a forward-facing position to increase safety. 
  • Increased leg room for your child when in a rear-facing position. 
  • Children cannot unclip themselves from the harness easily. 
  • It is easy and simple to adjust the harness and height of the seat.

What Can Be Improved

  • The button to release the harness tightness isn’t easy to locate. 
  • It doesn’t recline as far as other car seats. 
  • The position of the cup holder isn’t easily reachable for little hands.

Seat Weight: 24.4 lbs (11 kg)
Dimensions: ‎26.25 x 18.75 x 25.75 inches
Height Limit: 1 inch below the headrest
Rear-Facing Weight: 5-45 lbs (2.2-20.4 kg)
Forward-Facing Weight: 22-65 lbs (9.9-29.4 kg)
Expiration Date: 7 years from the manufacturing date

10. Britax Advocate Clicktight Convertible Car Seat for 2-Year-Old

Rapidly growing at 2 years old, this proper car seat for a 2-year-old is ideal with 14 different headrest positions.

Enabling you to continually adjust it whether you use it for your 2-year-old at home or for longer journeys. 

Another feature that makes this seat stand out is that the covers for this 2-year-old car seat are machine washable and dryable. Making it easier to keep clean and looking its best. 

Now made from naturally flame retardant fabric and no added chemicals. This seat is gentle against young skin. 

A disadvantage is that this seat is on the heavy side.

What We Liked

  • Machine washable covers make it easy to keep clean. 
  • 14 headrest positions ensure that the seat grows in line with your child.
  • It is quick and easy to install in your vehicle. 
  • Compatible to be used with both latch and seat belt installation. 
  • The ‘click’ confirms when your child is securely fastened in correctly.

What Can Be Improved

  • There are no cup holders built-in with this seat design. 
  • The seat is heavy and this can make fitting in your vehicle challenging. 
  • The harness can become stiff and not easy to tighten. 

Seat Weight: 30.1lbs (13.6 kg)
Dimensions: ‎23 x 20.5 x 23.5 inches
Height Limit: Up to 49 in (124cm)
Rear-Facing Weight: 5-40 lbs (2.2-18 kg)
Forward-Facing Weight: 20-65 lbs (9-29.4 kg)
Expiration Date: 10 years from the manufacturing date

11. Britax One4Life Clicktight All-in-One Convertible Car Seat for 2 Year Plus

Having a seat that your child is comfortable in is a must. You want them to be happy and content on your travels. Including the built-in cooling system makes this one of the best convertible car seat for 2 year old.

Another feature that makes this car seat for two-year-old boys or girls great is the easy pull harness adjuster. Making it even easier to strap your little one in. 

A disadvantage of this seat, however, is that this seat is wide and does take a reasonable amount of space within your vehicle. Potentially not making it ideal for parents with multiple children.

What We Liked

  • The car seat will see your child through every stage until it is no longer needed. 
  • The cooling vents keep your little one from overheating. 
  • It is easy to tighten the harness in both the front and rear-facing positions. 
  • Its easy-read indicators make sure it is in the correct recline position. 
  • The covers are removable to make cleaning easier.

What Can Be Improved

  • The seat is large and bulky to lift into your vehicle. 
  • The seat is tall and can impact rear window visibility. 
  • The crotch strap is short and can press into chunky thighs.

Seat Weight: 30 lbs (13.6 kg)
Dimensions: ‎20.5 x 19.5 x 25 inches
Height Limit: Up to 63 in (160cm)
Rear-Facing Weight: 5-50 lbs (2.2-22.6 k)
Forward-Facing Weight: 22-120 lbs (9.9-54.4 kg)
Expiration Date: 10 years from the manufacturing date

12. Chicco NextFit Max Zip Air Convertible 2yr Old Car Seat

Knowing that kids can be messy, with snacks, drinks, and inevitable blowouts, having easy removal zip-off pads makes clean-ups even easier. Paired with the ability to machine wash, it is easy to keep your seat clean in between messes. 

When choosing car seats for two-year-olds, easy installation is vital. With the latch connectors and tightening straps, it is simple to install time and time again. Making it compatible with being used in numerous vehicles. 

Upgraded to include an air mesh backrest, this car seat for two-year-old girls and boys will help keep your child cool. 

A con associated with this baby car seat for a 2-year-old is that the strap release button is hidden under a lot of fabric. Making it not very accessible.

What We Liked

  • It is easy to install and correctly secure the seat with a latch system. 
  • The backrest is ventilated to make it breathable, keeping your child cool. 
  • Offers the option to use extended rear facing. 
  • Covers can be zipped off and removed for washing. 
  • Cup holder is dishwashable and includes a space-saving design.

What Can Be Improved

  • The harness release button is not the most accessible, especially when in rear-facing. 
  • Due to its width, you can not fit 3 seats across your back vehicle seat. 
  • It doesn’t include extended leg room when in rear-facing.

Seat Weight: 26.7 lbs (12.1 kg)
Dimensions:‎22.75 x 19 x 29.2 inches
Height Limit: Up to 49 in (124cm)
Rear-Facing Weight: 4-50 lbs (1.8-22.6 kg)
Forward-Facing Weight: 22-65 lbs (9.9-29.4 kg)
Expiration Date: 8 years from the manufacturing date

What Car Seats Should a 2-Year-Old Be In?

Although many states are happy with you using any appropriate car seat for a 2-year-old. AAP recommends that a good car seat for 2-year-olds will allow them to remain rear-facing until a minimum of 2 years, if not longer. 

This is reconfirmed by NHTSA, advising children to be rear-facing as long as possible or until they outgrow their rear-facing seat. 

Once outgrown, they can go into a forward-facing car seat, The reasoning behind this is due to their muscle strength and evidence shown in crash tests.

Children incur less severe injuries when rear-facing due to the support on their neck and head. 

Choosing an Appropriate Car Seat for 2-Year-Old

The main feature when choosing a car seat for your 2-year-old is how long they can remain in the rear-facing position. 

Extended Rear-Facing Use 

Being able to keep your child rear-facing during those toddler years maximizes your child’s safety. 

Whether you are shopping for a cheap car seat for 2 year old or not, pick a seat that supports 50+lbs rear facing.

It will enable you to keep your child rear-facing well past their 2nd birthday and potentially until they turn 4 years old. 

High Weight and Height Limit

Whether you need a lightweight car seat for 2 year old or not, it is important to make sure the seat will support your child’s height and weight limits. 

As children grow at different speeds, it is vital that the seat you choose will give your specific child the protection they need.

With all seats, it is recommended that your child’s head never exceeds the headrest. 

Fabrics

Opting for a car seat that is flame-retardant-free and chemical-free also is a factor. 

Chemical-free car seats are gentler on the skin and can support your child’s delicate and sensitive skin, preventing irritation and rashing. 

The benefit of them being flame retardant supports your child’s safety in the event of the vehicle catching a light. 

Safety Features 

The best car seats for 2-year-olds are easy to install and include safety features to confirm this has been achieved.

They also include the ability for your child to remain in a rear-facing position for as long as possible to increase their safety.

And finally, the buckles aren’t too easy to press, allowing your child to remove their harness whilst in transit.

laurel

Laurel Davidson

Laurel brings her passion for parenting and years of problem-solving experiences to ParentingMode. She is the editor of ParentingMode, ensuring that the content is relevant and valuable to the readers. Laurel received her master’s degree in public administration with a certificate in economic development. She is a stay-at-home mom, raising two adorable kiddos, Aurora and Thomas. Laurel enjoys sharing her experience as a parent, traveling, and good food.

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