12 Best Rear-Facing Convertible Car Seats (2024)

Designed as a 3-in-1 rear-facing convertible car seat, the Nuna Exec is one of the best rear face convertible car seats.

With the addition of allowing your child to remain in the rear-facing position for longer, you have the choice of when to move your child to the front-facing position.

Upgraded to include the improvement from the previous model, the Nuna is slim in design, allowing for 3 to fit across the rear seats.

The Nuna Exec could be improved and made even better if it was made lighter in weight. Currently, the size and weight combination makes this car seat difficult to maneuver better vehicles.

What We Liked

Narrow, slim design, supports 3 car seats across on the rear vehicle seat.
Can be used in extended rear-facing position, giving increased travel safety.
Can be used from birth until your child no longer needs a car or booster seat.
A good selection of color designs available.
It is easy to fit and secure in your vehicle.

What Can Be Improved

The seat is heavy and tall, making it difficult to move between vehicles.
You have to reinstall the seat when moving from rear to front facing.
When using the cup holders you are unable to fit 3 seats across the rear seats.

Infant Insert: Yes, 5-11 lbs
Child Height: Up to 47 in (144 cm)
Child Weight: 5-120 lbs (2.2-54.4 kg)
Dimensions: 22.5″L 18.5″W 26
Expiration Date: 10 years from the manufacturing date
Lowest Harness Position: 4.5 in

2. Diono Radian 3QXT+ All-in-One Rear Facing Convertible Car Seat

The Diono Radian 3QXT+ is one of the best convertible car seat for rear-facing position due to the additional safety measures inbuilt in its design.

The inclusion of the anti-rebound bar not only increases your child’s protection, but it also gives your child increased comfort when rear-facing due to increased keg room.

This model now includes the upgrade from the past version of 12 different headrest positions. Allowing maximum head and neck protection and increased comfort for your child as they grow.

A disadvantage of this rear-facing convertible seat is that when your child is moved into the front-facing position, there is no option to recline the seat.

What We Liked

Suitable for use with very small babies through to booster.
Slim design, allowing it to be used with 3 across in the rear of your vehicle.
Offers extended rear-facing usage up to 50lbs.
The steel frame makes the seat sturdy.
Mesh panels ensure that the seat is breathable and your little one doesn’t get too hot.

What Can Be Improved

The base seat is narrow which may cause discomfort for some children.
In the front-facing position, the seat does not recline in varying angles.
Re-applying the covers after washing is challenging.

Infant Insert: Yes, 4-12 lbs
Child Height: Up to 57 in (144 cm)
Child Weight: 4-120 lbs (1.8-54.4 kg)
Dimensions: ‎16 x 17 x 28.5 inches
Expiration Date: 10 years from the manufacturing date
Lowest Harness Position: 3.5 in

3. Nuna Revv Rotating Convertible Car Seat

Including the feature of being able to 360 degrees, the Nuna REVV is one of the best rotational rear-facing car seats.

Without the need to be refitted for both rear or front facing positions. The swiveling ability makes this ideal of parents. Not only making it easy to fasten your child in place, it also saves you the difficulty of getting your child lifted each time.

With the inclusion of reinforced steel, this improvement from the prior model makes this seat even more robust.

However, a disadvantage of this seat is its overall size and weight. This can make installation more challenging and the seat less easily transferable between vehicles.

What We Liked

Rotates 360 degrees, making it easy to switch from rear to front facing.
The seat can be used completely in the rear-facing position for increased protection.
Ventilated panels keep airflow and your child cool.
One-hand adjustable headrest makes it easy to adjust as your child grows.
The seat does not require rethreading as your child grows.

What Can Be Improved

The seat is large and its design does not support 3 across.
It is a heavier car seat than others.
The seat lasts until your child is approximately 4; after that a new car seat is required.

Infant Insert: Yes, 4-11 lbs
Child Height: Up to 32 in (81 cm)
Child Weight: 5-35 lbs (2.2-15.8 kg)
Dimensions: L x 18.5” W x 22.5 to 29.5“H
Expiration Date: 10 years from the manufacturing date
Lowest Harness Position: 6.5 in

4. Baby Jogger City Turn Rear Face Rotating Convertible Car Seat

Being able to move this car seat with one hand from rear-facing to the vehicle door, makes this a great rear-facing rotational car seat.

Importantly to support the rotational car seat for rear-facing use, there is an audible click. Giving parents the certainty of knowing their child is secure each time they are strapped in.

This Baby Jogger car seat includes the upgrade since the earlier model of moisture-wicking material. Working to keep your child cool and aid in them overheating.

A disadvantage of this car seat is that when rotated, it can overhang outside of your vehicle. Meaning that when you have taken your child out the seat needs swiveling back to its rear-facing position.

What We Liked

Supports the ability to be used in extended rear-facing position.
The rotating feature of the seat makes it easier for parents to secure their child.
The moisture-wicking material keeps your child dry and cool.
Includes built in cup holders for your child.
You can rotate the seat one-handed, ideal when holding your baby.

What Can Be Improved

You have to uninstall the seat in order to change the recline positions.
Does not include magnets or hooks to keep the straps out of the way when placing your child in.
You have to reinstall when wanting to use the front-facing position.

Infant Insert: Yes, 4-11 lbs
Child Height: Up to 49 in (124 cm)
Child Weight: 4-65 lbs (1.8-29.4 kg)
Dimensions: ‎21.75 x 19 x 23.5 inches
Expiration Date: 10 years from the manufacturing date
Lowest Harness Position: 6 in

5. Nuna Rava Rotational Rear Facing Car Seat

Easily compatible with the seat belt, the Nuna Rava is one of the top-rated rear-facing convertible car seat. Supporting children in the rear-facing position, you can keep your child in this position until 50lbs.

Importantly to make this extended rear-facing position comfortable for your child, it includes additional leg room. Without the need to reinstall, the seat can be interchanged from rear to front facing when needed.

Incorporating a change since the last version, this seat contains no added chemicals to make it fire retardant.

A notable disadvantage of this seat, however, is that in the rear-facing position the seat takes up a lot of room. Resulting in the front passenger having less room.

What We Liked

Includes a 360-degree rotation, so the seat doesn’t need reinstalling when moving to front facing.
Magnetic buckle holders make it easy to place your child in the seat.
Offers additional space when rear facing.
The anti-rebound bar doubles as a handle when moving the seat.
Generously padded to keep your little one comfortable.

What Can Be Improved

In the rear-facing position, the seat takes up a lot of room.
The seat is heavy, which can make it challenging to be moved.
The built-in cup holders make this seat wider than other car seats.

Infant Insert: Yes, 5-11 lbs
Child Height: Up to 49 in (124 cm)
Child Weight: 4-65 lbs (1.8-29.4 kg)
Dimensions: 16″ x 19″ x 25.2-31″
Expiration Date: 7 years from the manufacturing date
Lowest Harness Position: 6.5 in

6. Diono Radian 3RXT Safe+ Convertible Car Seat

Being slim in design this all-in-one rear-facing convertible seat allows the ability to place 3 across with other slimline car seats. Whilst ensuring that your child has comprehensive protection when out and about in your vehicle.

Importantly to ensure your little one has maximum comfort and safety on their travels, this top rear-facing convertible car seat has 12 headrest positions.

When compared to the previous version, the new design includes additional side protection, to keep your child safe in the event of a side collision.

A disadvantage of this car seat, however, is that due to its size it isn’t easily transferable between multiple vehicles.

What We Liked

Its slim design supports the ability to fit 3 seats next to each other in the majority of vehicles.
The seat can be used from birth through to booster.
Being narrow ensures that it fits even in the narrowest of vehicles.
Provides spacious leg room for your growing little one.
Can be used for extended rear-facing for additional safety.

What Can Be Improved

The strap release lever is narrow and hard to locate.
The shoulder straps are close and this may pinch your child.
It isn’t the easiest seat to clean and reapply to the covers. Not ideal if your baby has a blowout.

Infant Insert: Yes
Child Height: Up to 57 in (144 cm)
Child Weight: 5-120 lbs (2.2-54.4 kg)
Dimensions: ‎16 x 17 x 28.5 inches
Expiration Date: 10 years from the manufacturing date
Lowest Harness Position: 8 in

7. Peg Perego Kinetic Rotational Car Seat for Rear Facing

The Peg Perego convertible rear-facing car seat is a combination of a stylish car seat with optimal safety measures in place.

Supporting the ability to keep your child rear-facing until 45lbs, the seat is also plush and comfortable, seeing your little one through toddlerhood.

Including a top tether, when you do decide to move to the front-facing position, you have the confidence of knowing that not only the base is secured but the top of the seat as well.

In comparison to other models, this car seat boasts 10 different positions to ensure maximum comfort for your child.

A disadvantage, however, of this seat is that changing the recline positions isn’t very easy.

What We Liked

It offers good spacing around the thighs and doesn’t pinch.
It can be used in extended rear facing for approximately 4 years.
The covers are made from breathable fabric, preventing your LO from overheating.
The seat is easy to install into your vehicle.
Easily adjusted to change with your growing child.

What Can Be Improved

The recline positions are as obvious as other car seats.
The harness release button is not very easily located.
There are limited color designs available that may not appeal to everyone.

Infant Insert: Yes, up to 13 lbs
Child Height: Up to 49 in (124 cm)
Child Weight: 5-65 lbs (2.2-29.4 kg)
Dimensions: 26 1/4″ x 18 3/4″ x 25 3/4″
Expiration Date: 7 years from the manufacturing date
Lowest Harness Position: 7.5 in

8. Britax Advocate Clicktight Convertible Rear Face Car Seat

Britax’s clicktight technology makes the installation of this seat easy. Taking away the pressure to tighten and secure, the technology ensures that the seat is correctly fitted and your child is safe.

Recommended for your child to be rear-facing as long as possible, this is one of the safest rear-facing convertible car seats. Allowing your child to be rear-facing well past their 2nd birthday and up to 40 lbs.

Another great feature is that all of the covers are machine wash and dryable. Making it even easier to deal with blowouts, spills and spit-ups.

A negative of this set, however, is that the seat is heavy and bulky, which may make it difficult to lift into your vehicle.

What We Liked

Well padded, making the seat comfortable for your little one.
Covers are both machine washable and dryable.
Can be secured with both latch or seatbelt fasteners.
It is easy to install into your vehicle with self-tightening technology.
14 positions to ensure the perfect fit and comfort for your child.

What Can Be Improved

It is large and bulky, which can make lifting into your vehicle difficult.
The crotch straps are short, which may cause pinching as your child grows.
Does not include a cup holder.

Infant Insert: Yes
Child Height: Up to 49 in (124 cm)
Child Weight:5-65 lbs (2.2-29.4 kg)
Dimensions: ‎23 x 20.5 x 23.5 inches
Expiration Date: 10 years from the manufacturing date
Lowest Harness Position: 7.5 in

9. Clek Foonf Convertible Car Seat

Designed as a convertible car seat that is rear-facing up until your child is 4. The Clek Foonf provides comfortable rear-facing travel through extended leg room as your child grows.

In order to use this seat from newborn, a separate infant insert needs to be purchased. However, the seat will then last you through until your child is 65lbs.

In addition to supporting extended rear facing, this car seats narrow design supports 3 across. Making it ideal for parents of multiple children or owners of smaller vehicles.

A disadvantage for this convertible car seat for rear-facing use is the product’s weight. It is heavy, which can make moving it between vehicles difficult.

What We Liked

Narrow design supports 3 across, making it ideal for parents of multiple children.
Includes a rigid latch system when the time comes to move to front facing.
The material is water resistant, making it easily wipeable.
A wide variety of color designs to suit all personal preferences.
Compatible to be used on air crafts.

What Can Be Improved

It is not very easy to remove the covers and refit them in the event of needing to wash them.
There is no inbuilt cup or snack holder.
The infant insert needs to be purchased separately.

Infant Insert: Yes (sold separately), 5-22 lbs
Child Height: Up to 49 in (124 cm)
Child Weight: 5-65 lbs (2.2-29.4 kg)
Dimensions: 28 x 17.5 x 16 in
Expiration Date: 9 years from the manufacturing date
Lowest Harness Position: 10 in

10. Britax One4Life Clicktight All-in-One Convertible Car Seat

Seeing your baby through from birth to booster, this Britax seat is one of the best convertible car seat that is rear-facing.

Including the ability for you to keep your child rear-facing up to 50lbs, your child will be comfortable whilst benefiting from these additional safety measures.

Another great feature of this seat is that it can see your baby through until they are a big kid. You won’t need to continue buying new seats as they grow, as this seat adapts and grows with them.

A notable disadvantage of this rear-facing convertible safety seat is its width. Measuring over 20 inches wide, may make it too large to comfortably fit in some smaller vehicles.

What We Liked

It is easy to adjust the seat to grow with your child.
Includes built-in cup holders.
It is easy to change the recline positions even when the seat is installed.
The max weight for rear-facing is higher than most other rear-facing seats.
The clicktight technology makes the installation of the seat easy.

What Can Be Improved

The seat is wide and may not comfortably fit in all vehicles.
The padding is not as plush and soft as other seats.
Not all of the covers are removable, which makes cleaning tricky.

Infant Insert: Yes, 5-20 lbs
Child Height: Up to 63 in (160 cm)
Child Weight: 5-120 lbs (2.2-54.4 kg)
Dimensions: ‎20.5 x 19.5 x 25 inches
Expiration Date: 10 years from the manufacturing date
Lowest Harness Position: 7.5 in

11. Cybex Sirona M Convertible Car Seat

What makes the Cybex Sirona M one of the best rear-facing convertible car seat, is the inclusion of the sensorsafe technology. Synced to your phone, it notifies you if your child isn’t correctly secured or at any risk.

Suitable until your child turns 4 years, approximately, this seat supports rear-facing until 40lbs. Enabling you the peace of mind of having additional years of increased car travel safety.

Another feature that makes this seat amazing is the magnetic belt holders. Keeping the straps out of the way when placing your child in and out of the vehicle.

A disadvantage of this seat, however, is once installed it isn’t very easy to adjust the recline positions.

What We Liked

No-rethread harness makes it easy to adjust with your growing child.
Magnetic buckle holders to make it easier to place your child in the seat.
Includes one-hand latch installation for easy and quick installation.
Include sensorsafe chest clip to notify your phone for safety measures.
Includes side impact protection built into the design.

What Can Be Improved

Difficult to recline the seat once installed in your vehicle.
The seat is wide and takes up a lot of room in your vehicle.
The harness straps can be adjusted unevenly.

Infant Insert: Yes, up to 11 lbs
Child Height: Up to 49 in (124 cm)
Child Weight: 0-65 lbs (0-29.4 kg)
Dimensions: 21.5” x 20” x 25”
Expiration Date: 8 years from the manufacturing date
Lowest Harness Position: 7.5 in

12. Maxi Cosi Pria Max All-in-One Convertible Car Seat

The Maxi Cosi Pria Max is one of the best convertible rear-facing car seat. Supporting your child from birth, right through to booster.

You can keep your child rear-facing until 40lbs if you choose. When they are ready to move to front-facing and then to booster, this seat is easily adjusted.

Another important feature of this seat is that the covers can be removed and machine washed and dried, so quick and easy washing.

A disadvantage of this car seat is that to tighten the straps you have to press a button and pull. Which is not as easy as other seats.