If you're a parent or caregiver, you know: driving around with your most precious cargo in the backseat is terrifying. And although you do get used to it as time goes on, the awareness (read: fear), never really goes away. So rather than just never go anywhere in a vehicle, the best thing you can do is to make sure that you've got the highest quality car seat available. And as far as safety goes, rear-facing is by far the safest choice. The longer your child is rear-facing, in fact, the better. So while infant seats are definitely convenient, the longevity of a convertible car seat can't be beaten. Typically ranging from 5 pounds to upwards of 100, convertible car seats are a must-have for every parent. Confused by all of the options out there? No need to be overwhelmed. With this list, you'll get the scoop on the best option out there for your needs. Graco Extend2Fit 3-in-1 A Long-Lasting OptionWith all the bells and whistles, this convertible car seat from Graco has everything you'll need to safely transport your little tyke for years to come. Best OverallFind on Amazon The Graco Extend2Fit is a favorite convertible car seat among newbie and seasoned parents alike. The beauty of a convertible car seat is that they typically go from birth weight all the way through booster seat height and weight. Often, this means all the way up to 100 pounds. And because rear-facing is by far the safest position to strap your child in the car, this convertible car seat can be used in the rear-facing position from 4–50 pounds. Although your child will be perfectly comfortable rear-facing for that long, there is a handy comfort mechanism that’s built-in. With a 4-position extension panel that adjusts to allow 5 inches of additional legroom, your little buddy can be rear-facing in comfort for a number of years. Other perks include an easy, no-rethread harness system, 10-position headrest, and a 6-position recline to help with obtaining the best installation in your car possible. Pros: Rigorous crash testing completed. Rear-facing 4–50 pounds, forward-facing 22–65 pounds, and a highback booster option from 40–100 pounds. Mid-range price point among comparable options. Two built-in cupholders. Cons: Tightening the latch so the car seat is secure enough can be a bit of a hassle. You’ll need to really work at it to get it just right. Safety 1st Grow and Go An Ultra Safe and Ultra Comfy RideSafety really is first with this convertible car seat.Runner UpFind on Amazon Very similar to the Graco Extend2Fit, Safety 1st’s Grow and Go features takes the cake in terms of price and round cupholders, among other notable differences (none of which are major). For rear-facing seats, Safety 1st’s Grow and Go comes in at second place for going up to 40 pounds, 10 pounds shy of Graco’s Extend2Fit. The other two positions, however, are the same. There isn’t an extension tray for extra legroom, either, but the installation seems to be a bit easier, and the Quickfit Harness system allows for an easy-adjust system for both the harnessing and the headrest. And whereas both car seat covers are fully removable, Safety 1st edges out Graco’s for being a bit easier to install back on the car seat once cleaned. Really, if you’re looking to spend a bit less for similar features, you can’t go wrong with this one. Pros: Multiple color options available in both muted and bright shades. Excellent side-impact protection. Cons: As is the case with many convertible car seats, this one is a bit on the bulkier side. When it’s in the rear-facing position, it can take up a lot of legroom from the front seat. If you have a more compact car, this can be an issue. Cosco Apt 50 Convertible Car Seat A Budget– (and Aircraft–) Friendly OptionAs a secondary, travel-friendly convertible car seat, this option from Cosco can't be beaten. Plus, it's budget-friendly. Best on a BudgetFind on Amazon If you’re looking for a quality, budget-friendly option for a convertible car seat, this multi-function one from Cosco meets the bill perfectly. With two different modes of use (rear- and forward-facing), your youngster will safely ride in style from 5 to 50 pounds. The 5-point harness easily adjusts, and the seat itself has 6 different height options to grow right along with your kiddo. If you’re looking for a super-safe car seat as a travel-friendly option, this convertible car seat is actually certified for use on aircraft, as well. Pros: Offered in two gender-neutral colors. Cover easily comes on and off so you can toss it in the washer and dryer. Supports up to 40 pounds as a rear-facing seat. Cons: Although padding can be seen as a safety issue, if you wanted a bit more cushion in your convertible car seat, you’ll be a bit disappointed. This car seat has the essential cushioning, but not much extra. Evenflo Tribute LX Convertible Car Seat, Saturn Smaller, but with Safety in MindThis narrow, compact-car-friendly car seat is a great option for those seeking a car seat that takes up less space.Best for Compact CarsFind on Amazon With this one you’ll get safety, comfort, and convenience at a price point that’s comparable to the Costco option above. Evenflo’s Tribute LX is a convertible car seat that has all the bonuses of a costlier one but without the price tag. With multiple shoulder harness positions that create a truly proper fit, an integrated body cushion for the tiniest travelers, and a comfy head pillow for older children, this convertible car seat is a fine option. There’s even a cupholder on the side – easily within reach for smaller arms. Pros: Easily adjustable straps. Designed and fully tested at 2x the federal crash test standard. Comes in four color options. Cons: This car seat is a bit on the narrower side. While this makes it an excellent choice for a compact car or for traveling, if you like roomier car seats for the comfort of your kiddo, you’ll want to find a different one for full-time use. Britax Marathon ClickTight Convertible Car Seat Excellent Safety Features and Convenience in OneCar seat installation got you down? This model from Britax has a whole system that makes installation easy.Easiest InstallationFind on Amazon Want to know what’s especially sweet about Britax’s convertible car seat? It has a 14-position harness, 2 position bucketloads, and yes – you never have to rethread it. Ever. If you’re a seasoned parent who has gone through the ordeal of threading a car seat before, you know that’s a big deal. Another feature we love? The seven positions for reclining, making optimal installation angling a breeze. It has all of the safety features, high-quality fabrics that hold up, and it fits your little love bug from 5 pounds to 65 pounds in both rear- and forward-facing positions. The car seat itself features Britax’s excellent safety standards, such as SafeCell Technology, a steel frame, and a V-shaped tether that helps to reduce movement during a crash. Pros: A wide variety of color options available – the largest variety on this list, in fact. Instructions are on the side of the car seat for easy installation and reference. Excellent safety features. Cons: Straps may be a bit short for some. Frequently Asked Questions How long can you use a convertible car seat? Typically, car seats last six years. Usually, this date is printed right on the seat, or in the instruction manual that came with the car seat. However, because convertible car seats often grow with a child beyond six years of age, these types of car seats can last up to 10 years. Again, the expiration date of your particular car seat model should be printed directly on your car seat or instruction manual. Can convertible car seats go directly next to each other? As long as both car seats are properly installed in the correct install position, two convertible car seats can go directly next to each other. In fact, if you have a smaller car and have more than two children in car seats, as long as you are able to properly install each car seat, you can have multiple car seats directly next to each other.