10 Best Reclining Car Seats in 2024 (Safe & Roomy)

There is nothing worse than seeing your LO sleeping uncomfortably in her car seat and being worried if she can breathe properly.

That is why a reclining car seat is a great option because you can find the right angle that allows your baby to sleep safely and comfortably.

Our Favorites

clek liing infant car seat

Best for Newborns
Clek Liing

best cybex convertible seat

Best Rotating Option
Cybex Sirona S

clek foonf

Best Convertible Seat
Clek Foonf

Reclining Car Seat

1. Clek Liing 2021/2022 Infant Car Seat

With 7 recline positions, the Clek Liing is a car seat that reclines for sleeping at a safe angle for your newborn.

An angle of between 40-45 degrees is needed to keep your newborn’s airways open. The Liing has a bubble indicator that ensures you have the safest angle to support your baby’s developing neck muscles.

You can also recline the seat while it is installed, which is very convenient.

A simple squeeze of the handle allows you to slide the Recline Sled into position based on the weight of your baby.
Removing the seat from the base does take some coordination, but it is worth it for the best reclining car seat.

What We Liked

  • Machine washable cover for quick cleaning
  • 2-stage insert system to keep your baby snug and secure
  • Safe and lightweight
  • A narrow seat that works with 3 across
  • It is compatible with multiple strollers

What Can Be Improved

  • Canopy doesn’t have a smooth transition
  • Only comes in gray and black options
  • It doesn’t have a no-rethread harness

Type: Rear-Facing
Reclining Positions: 7 positions when the seat is in use
Child Age: Up to 2 years on average
Child Height: Up to 32 in (81 cm)
Child Weight: 4-35 lbs (1.8-16 kg)
Dimensions: 26.8 H x 17 W x 27.7 L in

2. Cybex Sirona S 360° Rotational SensorSafe Reclinable Car Seat

best cybex convertible seat

With 12 recline positions, extended rear-facing up to 50 lbs is safe and comfortable.  It also helps to prevent head droop when your baby is small.

The Cybex Sirona 360 is a reclining toddler car seat that allows you to adjust the recline position while your child is in the seat. This is ideal if your baby has fallen asleep in the car.

The recline feature is easy to use with a simple handle. The bubble indicator should be in the blue zone for rear-facing and the red zone for forward-facing.

The indicator means you get the correct angle every time. This reclinable car seat is difficult to clean.

What We Liked

  • Extended rear-facing up to 50 lbs
  • Magnetic buckle holders
  • The cover is machine washable
  • Linear side impact protection
  • EasyLock bar for a secure installation

What Can Be Improved

  • Quite bulky and heavy
  • Tricky to tighten
  • Chest clip can be awkward

Type: Rear-Facing + Forward-Facing
Reclining Positions: 12 positions when the seat is in use
Child Age: Up to 4 years on average
Child Height: Up to 49 in (124.4cm)
Child Weight: 4-65 lbs (1.8-29.5 kg))
Dimensions: 25.5 H x 20 W x 25.3 L in

3. Clek Foonf Convertible Reclining Car Seat

The Clek Foonf is a car seat that reclines, keeping your child safe and comfortable as they grow. 

The Foonf has 3 recline options, and the helpful indicators ensure you have adjusted the seat correctly. You should recline the seat before you start driving to ensure the straps are adequately secure.

This reclining car seat for 5-year-old children uses a nifty recline handle that is easy to adjust. Simply pull the handle and rotate the seat to the angle you want. Then release the handle to lock the recline position into place.

This recline option works well with the extra legroom provided by the anti-rebound bar, giving your growing child more space. Unfortunately, it has less padding than other seats.

What We Liked

  • New colors and fabrics that are free of halogenated flame retardants
  • Narrow design for putting 3 seats across
  • Steel anti-rebound bar for added safety
  • Extended rear-facing up to 50 lbs
  • Easy access to the belt path when rear-facing

What Can Be Improved

  • Doesn’t have a no-rethread harness
  • It is high on the base when rear-facing
  • A heavy seat at 33 lbs

Type: Rear-Facing + Forward-Facing
Reclining Positions: 3 positions when the seat is in use
Child Age: Up to 8 years on average
Child Height: Up to 49 in (124.5cm)
Child Weight: 14-65 lbs (6.4-29.5)
Dimensions: 28 H x 17 W x 16 L in

4. Clek Oobr Full Back Booster Seat

The 2-position recline on the Clek Oobr can be tricky to get the hang of, but it definitely makes the seat more comfortable for your child.

It is one of the best reclining toddler car seat options with impressive crash test scores, quality fabric, and durable seat foam that will wear well over time.

The headrest side wings are ideal for napping and, combined with the recline feature, will allow your child to have a power nap after school.

By being attached securely with the rigid LATCH system, the Oobr reclines safely with a handle at the front of the seat.

What We Liked

  • Lightweight at 10 lbs
  • Converts into a backless booster
  • A selection of fun colors and fabrics
  • Deep side wings for afternoon naps
  • Flame-retardant-free fabrics

What Can Be Improved

  • The seat rattles when empty
  • Could have a longer seat
  • Lower height and weight limit than other seats

Type: Forward-Facing
Reclining Positions: 2 positions when the seat is in use
Child Age: Up to 10 years on average
Child Height: Up to 57 in (145 cm)
Child Weight: 40-100 lbs (18.1-45.3 kg)
Dimensions: 22 H x 18 W x 14 L in

5. Cybex Solution Z-Fix Reclining Booster Seat

The Cybex Solution Z-Fix is a car seat that reclines with a child in it as it is the headrest that reclines. This is ideal for a quick nap or a sleep during a long trip.

This patented technology helps your child sleep comfortably and safely. By reclining the headrest, your child’s head is supported but also within the side impact protection zone.

The adjustable backrest perfectly adjusts to any vehicle seat making the Z-Fix a convenient reclining toddler car seat for multiple vehicles.

This seat doesn’t have a cupholder, but it does come in bright colors and takes up less space in the back of the car.

What We Liked

  • Automatic 12-position height and width adjustment
  • Spacious and comfortable
  • Machine washable cover
  • Air ventilation system
  • Optimized linear side impact protection

What Can Be Improved

  • Difficult to install in cars with recessed seat buckles
  • Isofix extenders come with a learning curve
  • The belt doesn’t retract properly through the positioner

Type: Forward-Facing
Reclining Positions: 3 positions when the seat is in use
Child Age: Up to 12 years on average
Child Height: Up to 60 in (152.4 cm)
Child Weight: 40-110 lbs (18.1-45.3 kg)
Dimensions: 22 H x 17 W x 28 L in

6. Cybex Solution B2-Fix + Lux Car Seat

This reclining forward-facing car seat has a 3-position reclining headrest. The patented design carefully cradles your child’s head, helping them sleep in a comfortable position that is also safe.

The headrest also keeps your child’s head within the linear side impact protection zone, making sure they are safe when awake and sleeping.

The lightweight design makes it ideal for use in multiple vehicles without sacrificing comfort and safety.

The fabric on the headrest is soft, and the padding is plush so your child can nap in comfort.
The low armrests on this reclining car seat for toddlers can make reaching the buckle challenging.

What We Liked

  • Lightweight design for use in multiple vehicles
  • Easy to install LATCH system
  • 12-position headrest grows with your child
  • Dishwasher-safe cupholders
  • Snug padding

What Can Be Improved

  • No backless booster option
  • It could do with better cushioning
  • Some children may not like the snug fit of the headrest

Type: Forward-Facing
Reclining Positions: 3 positions when the seat is in use
Child Age: Up to 12 years on average
Child Height: Up to 60 in (152.4 cm)
Child Weight: 40-120 lbs (18.1-54.4 kg)
Dimensions: 32.3 H x 22.5 W x 15.3 L in

7. Cybex Eternis S SensorSafe Car Seat

Not only does this reclining convertible car seat have 6 recline positions, but the headrest also reclines.

Combine these recline features with the 12 height positions of the headrest and you have a spacious seat that grows with your child.

The recline feature gives your baby more space and correct positioning when rear-facing. It also provides good leg support and comfort when forward-facing.

With SensorSafe technology, large cupholders, and customizable recline options, this is one of the best reclining convertible car seat options.

Unlike other car seats that recline back, the cover can’t be easily washed.

What We Liked

  • Comfortable padding and fabric
  • Easy to adjust straps
  • Magnetic buckle clip
  • Very sleek and stylish
  • It is a birth-to-booster seat, making it economical

What Can Be Improved

  • No cupholders
  • Difficult to clean
  • Very wide and heavy

Type: Rear-Facing + Forward-Facing
Reclining Positions: 6 positions when the seat is in use
Child Age: Up to 12 years on average
Child Height: Up to 57 in (145cm)
Child Weight: 4-120 lbs (1.8-54 kg))
Dimensions: 25.3 H x 20 W x 25.5 L in

8. Nuna Pipa Lite RX Infant Car Seat

nuna car seat

The Nuna Pipa Lite RX is a recliner car seat that has 4 recline options to choose from. 

It is vital that your baby’s neck gets the support it needs, and having the right recline will keep them safe and comfortable.

Car seats that recline also ensure that your baby can breathe properly as the correct seat angle helps keep their airways open, particularly when sleeping.

The seat can easily be reclined using one hand, and you don’t need to uninstall the seat to adjust the position.

The fabric seems to wear quite quickly, though.

What We Liked

  • The Aeroflex foam is shock-absorbing and flexible
  • UPF50+ canopy for sun protection
  • It is GREENGUARD GOLD certified
  • GOTS organic cotton insert as a bonus
  • Naturally flame-retardant merino wool insert

What Can Be Improved

  • The shape can make it awkward to carry
  • It is tricky to assemble
  • It doesn’t fit well with other seats in the car

Type: Rear-Facing
Reclining Positions: 4 positions when the seat is in use
Child Age: Up to 18 months on average
Child Height: Up to 32 in (81 cm)
Child Weight: 4-32 lbs (2-14.5  kg)
Dimensions: 23 H x 17.5 W x 27.25 L in

9. Nuna REVV Rotating Convertible Car Seat

nuna car seat

The Nuna REVV is a reclining baby car seat that offers recline options when rear and forward-facing.

Although it has a low weight and height limit, the REVV is ideal for new moms who don’t want to struggle to get their babies in and out of their seats.

You don’t have to uninstall the seat to use the recline feature, which is very convenient, and the swivel feature works in any recline position.

You can’t get the angle wrong with a Nuna REVV, and the recline feature allows your baby to nap comfortably.
This is a car seat for 4-year-olds that reclines and keeps them safe and comfortable.

What We Liked

  • Perfect for grandparents with different age grandkids
  • The integrated rebound bar doubles as a handy carry handle 
  • The head support is easily adjusted with one hand
  • Ventilation panels in the shell to keep your baby cool
  • The magnetic buckle holder is convenient

What Can Be Improved

  • Tends to rattle when driving without your baby in the seat
  • Heavy and not easy to maneuver 
  • The crotch buckle cover moves and doesn’t stay in the seat

Type: Rear-Facing + Forward-Facing
Reclining Positions: 10 positions when the seat is in use
Child Age: Up to 4 years on average
Child Height: Up to 43 in (109 cm)
Child Weight: 5 – 40 lbs (2.3-18 kg)
Dimensions: 21.5-22.5 L x 18.5 W x 22.5-29.5 H in

10. Nuna Aace Reclining Booster Seat

nuna car seat

Finding a reclining booster seat is tricky, and that is why the Nuna Aace is so popular.

The 3D growth system makes this a great reclining car seat for 4-year-old kids ready to transition to forward-facing. 

The recline feature offers neck support during nap time and keeps your child comfortable during long trips. 

With 8 recline options, this seat grows with your child in high-back booster mode, allowing them to stretch out while being safe. It also gives a better installation on different shaped seats.

The Aace doesn’t have a steel frame, but the side impact pods, belt positioner, and easy-to-install LATCH connectors make this a safe reclining car seat for toddlers.

What We Liked

  • The breathable, knit fabric keeps your baby cool
  • Offers longevity as your child grows
  • The high-back booster can transition to a no-back booster
  • Naturally flame-resistant fabric
  • The shoulder system adjusts simultaneously with the headrest

What Can Be Improved

  • The height of this booster is not compatible with all vehicles
  • This seat is quite bulky
  • Difficult to put the cover back on after washing

Type: Forward-Facing
Reclining Positions: 8 positions when the seat is in use
Child Age: Up to 12 years on average
Child Height: Up to 60 in (152.4 cm)
Child Weight: 40-120 lbs (18.1-54.4 kg)
Dimensions: 33 H x 22.5 W x 15 L in

FAQ

Is it safe to recline a car seat? 

Yes, it is safe to recline a car seat according to the manufacturer’s instructions and indicators.

How long can a baby stay in a reclining car seat? 

Some booster seats recline so your child can be in a reclining car seat until 12 years old.

Should infant car seat be reclined? 

Yes, an infant car seat should be reclined to allow for proper neck support and to keep their airways open while sleeping.

Can you recline the forward-facing car seat? 

Yes, some forward-facing car seats have a recline feature.

Can you recline a toddler car seat? 

Yes, you can recline some toddler car seats like the Cybex Sirona 360, Nuna Aace, and Clek Oobr.

Can you recline a convertible car seat? 

Yes, you can recline a convertible car seat like the Clek Foonf and Nuna REVV.

Caitlin van Wyk

Caitlin van Wyk is a Parenting Writer and mother of two. With a background in psychology and teaching, she is passionate about offering support and educational content for parents as they navigate the highs and lows of raising kids. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and Psychology from the University of South Africa. Caitlin also has a Level 5 TEFL Certificate and enjoys helping people get better at English. This experience lets her connect with people from different cultures, which adds depth to her writing. She managed Glengarry Holiday Farm for 10 years, emphasizing the importance of good communication and strong relationships in business and content creation.

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