Quick List: Best 4 in 1 Car Seat
Very few real 4 in 1 car seats that support 4 modes are for sale on the market. After comparing the car seat 4 in 1 and the other models with the word ‘4-in-1’ in the name, we can reveal that the best 4 in 1 car seats (ordered by rating) are:
1. Best 4 in 1 car seat: Graco 4Ever DLX 4 in 1 Car Seat – $329.99 (Get it on Amazon), 120 pounds, backless mode, easy-to-remove seat pad.
2. Cheapest 4 in 1 car seat: Evenflo EveryFit – $199.99 (Get it on Amazon), 120 pounds.
3. Affordable Graco 4 in 1 car seat: Graco Grows4Me – $279.99 (Get it on Amazon), 120 pounds weight limit.
4. Safest 4 in 1 car seat: Evenflo All4One DLX – $279.99 (Get it on Amazon), SensorSafe, Quick Clean Cover, GREENGUARD® Gold Certified.
Are you trying to find the best 4 in 1 car seat to ride your little one for 8-10 years? You’ve come to the right place. 4-in-1 car seats are designed with the longest usable life to grow with your child from day one to the day when he or she is big enough and mature enough to get out of a car seat.
However, 4-in-1 car seats may vary between different brands or models. For us, a real 4-in-1 car seat should include a smart design to turn a high-back booster into a backless booster. Only very few 4-in-1 car seats include a backless booster. If you are finding this type, check the icon of 4 in 1 with backless.
Some 4-in-1 car seats have 4-in-1 in their name and description. They are playing word games, by dividing the extended rear-facing into two stages advertised: baby rear-facing and toddler rear-facing.
The Maxi Cosi Magellan XP is even ‘smarter’. It boasts a 5-in-1 car seat, dividing the rear-facing and forward-facing into two separate ‘stages’, along with a high back booster.
As a matter of fact, all the 4-in-1 car seats that are actually all-in-one car seats have an extendable rear-facing to toddler age around 2 or 3 years old. They are good for tall babies and toddlers.
Right now on the market, only Graco and Evenflo have real 4 in one car seats, so we categorize them based on the brands – Graco 4 in 1 car seat and Evenflo 4 in 1 car seat. Also, we list all the 4 in one car seats from both brands. You can click the icon below for a quick view.
Graco 4 in 1 Car Seat
Best Graco 4 in 1 car seat and all
Evenflo 4 in 1 Car Seat
Best Evenflo 4 in 1 Car Seat
Alternatives
Best Alternative for 4 in 1 Car Seat
We also rank the best 4-in-1 car seat with their performance (weight/height limits), price, and bonus features like a narrow design to fit 3 across.
By Weight Limit
See Our Top Picks Organized by Size Limits from up to 120 lb
By Height Limit
Best Choices Organized by Height Limits from up to 63 inches
By Price
See Car Seats Organized by Price (Prices Start at $179.99)
By Bonus
See Car Seats by Bonus features (e.g. fit 3 across etc)
Best Graco 4 in 1 Car Seat and List
Graco 4Ever DLX
Best Overall 4 in 1 Car Seat
Key Features
- Weight range (lb): 5-40 (RF): 22-65 (FF); 40-120 (Booster)
- Height limits: ~49"(RF&FF); 57"(Booster)
- Stage: 1st, 2nd, 3rd
- Lifespan: 10 years
- Suitable: Birth to 8 years or older
The Good
- Up to 120 lb weight limit for big kids
- Going through the first three car seat stages
- Extension panel for more leg room
- Comparatively easy to install
- No rethread harness
- Fuss-free harness storage compartment
- A place to store the buckle
- Rapid Remove Pad for easy taking off
- Belt lock-off
- Two cup holders on both sides
- 10 years of lifespan
The Bad
- A bit pricey
- Heavy and bulky
- Not fit 3 across in small cars
$329.99
Graco 4Ever DLX is the best overall 4-in-1 car seat. It’s a real 4 in 1 car seat and you can use it as a backless booster when your little boy or girl grows bigger.
The size limit (120lbs/57″) is great enough to accommodate a child from birth to toddler in rear-facing, toddler to a preschooler in forward-facing, and preschooler to big kids in booster.
As a new upgraded 4 in 1 car seat, 4Ever DLX has the highest weight limit of Graco car seats – up to 120 pounds, beating its siblings like the Grows4Me (110 pounds) and Graco SlimFit3 LX (100 pounds).
It’s a pity that the maximum height does not upgrade but is the same as other models – up to 57 inches, which is top-ranked indeed, but not as good as the Britax One4Life’s 63-inch.
Graco 4Ever DLX 4 in 1 car seat is a bit pricey, over $300 if without any sale discount. But we think it is worth the expensive price.
It’s one of the safest 4 in 1 car seats. Manufactured with the company’s advanced ProtectPlus technology, the 4Ever DLX is capable of protecting your child from every direction, frontal, side, rear, and even in rollover crashes. Decent padding and energy-absorbing foam reduce the risk of injury.
It’s one of the most parent-friendly car seats. Featuring machine washable fabrics is just the first step. What we love about this 4 in 1 car seat is that it comes with a ‘Rapid Remove cover, which allows you to easily take the seat cover off in seconds. This feature is really beneficial for busy parents.
That’s really an amazing and impressive bonus. As for most moms like you and me, removing the seat pad for cleaning can be as challenging as installing a car seat. Now with the Rapid Remove Cover, it’s just a piece of cake.
The ‘Rapid Remove Cover’ is the major difference between the 4Ever DLX and Grows4Me. Both are real 4-in-1 car seats with backless mode and boast ProtectPlus Engineered. But the latter one is cheaper for lacking this feature.
Graco Grows4Me
Budget Graco 4 in 1 Car Seat
Key Features
- Weight range (lb): 5-40 (RF): 22-65 (FF); 40-120 (Booster)
- Height limits: ~49"(RF&FF); 57"(Booster)
- Stage: 1st, 2nd, 3rd
- Lifespan: 10 years
- Suitable: Birth to 7-8 years old
The Good
- Up to 120 lb weight limit for big kids
- Real 4 in 1 car seat with backless mode
- Rapid Remove Pad for easy taking off
- A good money saver for a backless booster
The Bad
- A bit pricey
- Heavy and bulky
- Not fit 3 across in small cars
$279.99
The Grows4Me is another 4 in 1 car seat from Graco, but it’s less competitive than the Graco 4Ever DLX, even though it’s lower priced, a few bucks cheaper.
Let me explain why we prefer a 4Ever DLX over the Grows4Me.
It is indeed as safe as the former one. Both are ProtectPous engineered to offer the little passenger optimal protection in frontal, side, rear, and rollover crashes. Okay, this might be the only reason a few parents choose this car seat. After all, it’s cheap but really a safe 4 in 1 car seat as 4Ever DLX.
But it has a smaller range for the size of a child you can put in the car seat, starting from 5 pounds in rear-facing and ending to 110 pounds in a backless booster.
We don’t think it is as good as the Graco 4Ever DLX 4 in 1 car seat and would be a good alternative. We like Evenflo All4One DLX more than Grows4Me as well. They are in the same price range – Grows4Me ($279.99) vs Evenflo All4One DLX ($279.99).
However, Grows4Me seems more popular than the latter Evenflo 4 in 1 car seat. Graco has a good reputation over Evenflo.
Graco has released a lot of 4 in 1 car seats in various series and product lines. This might be the company’s strategy – having different car seats with minor discrepancies to dominate the car seat. We just found this print when doing the car seat lists for Graco.
You can’t believe what we have been through. Picking up the best fit from Graco for your child and family can be a challenge for most parents like you and me. However, most parents give their reviews on Amazon and that helps us a lot.
Graco 4 in 1 Car Seats
In the post introducing all Graco car seats, we have compiled a full list of Graco 4 in 1 car seats and their manual.
Till this post was published, there are actually eight Graco 4 in 1 car seats listed on the official website. Some belong to the same group (from its name) and are slightly different from the siblings.
Besides the above two, there are six models and we’d like to list the key features and specs of the other six Graco 4 in 1 car seats here.
| Graco 4 in 1 Car Seat | Price | Weight Limits | Height Limits | Width/ Dimensions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4Ever® DLX SnugLock® 4-in-1 Car Seat | $329.99 | RF: 4-40 lb | FF: 22-65 lb | High-back booster: 40-100 lb | Backless booster: 40-120 lb | RF: head 1" below top edge of headrest | FF: under 49" | booster: 43-57" | 19" / 19" (W) x 24.5" (H) x 21" (D) |
| 4Ever® DLX Grad 5-in-1 Slim Car Seat | $399.99 | RF: 4-40 lb | FF: 22-65 lb | High-back booster: 40-100 lb | Backless booster: 40-120 lb; | seat belt trainer: 50-120 lb | RF: head 1" below top edge of headrest | FF: under 49" | booster: 43-57" | seat belt trainer: 43-60" | 18" / 18" (W) x 26.2" (H) x 19.8" (D) |
| 4Ever® DLX SnugLock® Grow™ 4-in-1 Car Seat | $399.99 | RF: 4-40 lb | FF: 22-65 lb | High-back booster: 40-100 lb | Backless booster: 40-120 lb | RF: head 1" below top edge of headrest | FF: under 49" | booster: 43-57" | 19" / 19" (W) x 26" (H) x 20.3" (D) |
| Graco® Premier 4Ever® DLX Extend2Fit® 4-in-1 Car Seat featuring ARB | $419.99 | RF: 4-50 lb | FF: 22-65 lb | High-back booster: 40-100 lb | Backless booster: 40-120 lb | RF: head 1" below top edge of headrest | FF: under 49" | booster: 43-57" | 19" / 19" (W) x 23.5" (H) x 28.5" (D) |
| 4Ever 4-in-1 Convertible Car Seat featuring TrueShield | $369.99 | RF: 4-40 lb | FF: 22-65 lb | High-back booster: 40-100 lb | Backless booster: 40-120 lb | RF: head 1" below top edge of headrest | FF: under 49" | booster: 43-57" | 21.5" / 21.5" (W) x 24" (H) x 20" (D) |
| Premier 4Ever® DLX Extend2Fit® SnugLock® 4-in-1 Car Seat featuring ARB | $449.99 | RF: 4-50 lb | FF: 22-65 lb | High-back booster: 40-100 lb | Backless booster: 40-120 lb | RF: head 1" below top edge of headrest | FF: under 49" | booster: 43-57" | 19" / 19" (W) x 23.5" (H) x 28.5" (D) |
Best Evenflo 4 in 1 Car Seat and List
Evenflo EveryFit
Best Budget 4 in 1 Convertible Car Seat
Key Features
- Weight range (lb): 4-40 (RF): 22-65 (FF); 40-120 (Booster)
- Height limits: 17-40"(RF); 28-49"(FF); 44-57"(Booster)
- Stage: 1st, 2nd, 3rd
- Lifespan: 10 years
- Suitable: Birth to 7-8 years old
The Good
- Ultra budget price under $200
- Up to 120 lb weight limit for big kids
- Real 4-in-1 car seat with no back mode
- US car seat
The Bad
- Lack premium features
- A bit hard to install
$199.99
Want a 4-in-1 car seat at a cheap price? Check the Evenflo EveryFit. It’s the best budget 4 in 1 car seat, under $200 (price may change due to promotion).
The low price does not compromise the size limit: 40lbs/40” for rear-facing; 65lbs/49” for forward-facing, and 120lbs/57” for booster. These are as impressive as those premium models. Our best recommendation – Graco 4Ever DLX, features the same weight and height limits.
But there should be something different between these two 4 in 1 car seats and resulting in a price discrepancy. You can’t say this by the eyes, as we see all 4-in-1 car seats might be very similar to each other, only Baby Trend Cover Me has a big canopy.
After comparing these two real 4 in 1 car seats, you’ll find the Evenflo EveryFit lacks a few advanced safety features. But this does not mean it’s not safe.
It passes the crash tests that meet the federal safety standards, meaning the EveryFit at least ensures basic protection, like the side impact protection with a 5-point harness in rear-facing and forward-facing.
The origin of the Evenflo EveryFit 4 in 1 car seat is the United Stages. So if you prefer a made-in-us 4 in 1 car seat, it’s a good choice.
The EveryFit boasts of its fabrics, which are not only machine washable, but also air flow meshed for max comfort. Other 4 in 1 car seats do not have a clear statement in the product description. But parents do not have a negative reviews on the fabrics.
Evenflo All4One DLX
Safest 4 In 1 Car Seat
Key Features
- Weight range (lb): 4-40 (RF): 22-65 (FF); 40-120 (Booster)
- Height limits: 17-40"(RF); 28-49"(FF); 44-57"(Booster)
- Stage: 1st, 2nd, 3rd
- Lifespan: 10 years
- Suitable: Birth to 7-8 years old
The Good
- Ultra budget price under $200
- Up to 120 lb weight limit for big kids
- Real 4-in-1 car seat with no back mode
- US car seat
The Bad
- Lack premium features
- A bit hard to install
$279.99
This is an upgrade to Evenflo EveryFit. So you can imagine that the Evenflo All4One DLX 4 in 1 car seat will have a few great features, along with a more expensive price (even though it’s only a few bucks more expensive).
Let’s see what are the improvements in the All4One DLX.
First, it features a rigid LATCH. The Evenflo boasts that the EasyClick LATCH system will triple the tightness for installing the car seat more than other competitions. Rigid LATCH connectors are approved to perform better for a tight installation by Consumer Search. Evenflo also applies this advanced technique to another Evenflo 4 in 1 car seat –EveryStage LX.
Second, it comes with SensorSafe which can work with your phone and will send real-time messages and reminders to your phone. This is a very lovely smart design. It’s a last-step confirmation that your precious baby is sitting in the car seat with maximum protection and comfort.
According to Evenflo, the SensorSafe will alert parents about potentially unsafe conditions, like the unexpected chest click unbuckling, and unsafe temperature in the car (this is helpful in hot summer days or extremely cold cities). If the child is unattended or seated too long, it gives you a tip as well.
The SensorSafe makes Evenflo All4One DLX the only smart 4 in 1 car seat like a smartphone.
I love the third upgrade. The Evenflo All4One DLX has a Quick Clean Cover and you can easily remove the cover in seconds for cleaning. This feature is the same as the Rapid Remove Cover of Graco 4Ever DLX, which I guess might be the benchmark 4 in 1 car seat for Evenflo to launch the All4One DLX. It’s even cheaper in price, beating its competitor from this point.
It seems that these amazing boosts are good reasons for you to get an Evenflo All4One DLX 4 in 1 car seat.
4 in 1 Car Seats in Name
This list includes the 4-in-1 car seats that divide the rear-facing into two-said stages: baby rear-facing and toddler rear-facing. I want to say that the four real 4-in-1 car seats we talked about above also support extended rear-facing for toddlers around 2 or 3 years old up to 40 pounds.
Diono Radian 3RXT 4-in-1 Car Seat - Best to Fit 3 Across
Diono Radian 3RXT
Key Features
- Weight range (lb): 5-40 (RF): 22-65 (FF); 40-120 (Booster)
- Height limits: ~49" (RF&FF); ~57” (Booster)
- Stage: 1st, 2nd, 3rd
- Lifespan: 10 years
The Good
- Slim design to fit 3 across
- FAA approved foldable seat with great portability
- Extended warranty up to 36 months
The Bad
- Less reclines
- Not fit well in small car seats in rear facing
$329.99
The Diono Radian 3RXT is the higher-end sibling of the Diono Radian 3R and they feature the same size limits.
When used rear-facing, it accommodates 5-lbs newborns to 50-lb toddlers (this is even good for big toddlers up to 4 years old). After turning the front to the 5-point forward-facing, the Radian 3RXT is as good as other car seats in size: 65 lbs/49”; The best part is the booster weight limit. It is up to 120 pounds.
It’s a pity that the height limit does go up a bit more, only 57 inches, not as high as the 63 inches of Britax One4Life, but still good for big kids between 8-10 years old. That’s enough for your little boy or girl to grow to fit the vehicle seat belt. After all, the laws on child safety seats in most states don’t require a child to use a car seat after they’re 57 inches or taller.
The ability to fit three across is the same as Radian 3R. Both are 17 inches wide in the hip section when installed. Like the Radian 3R, the 3RXT is also foldable and portable.
As an upgraded model, the Radian 3RXT has an obvious improvement – it features additional accessories called the travel high wedge. This is used to support your baby’s back and keep them steady in the car seat for safe riding.
The Diono boasts that this wedge will help to secure a life-flat travel position for more fresh air around your baby. It can be removable as your child grows older and bigger.
That’s the only advantage we found in Radian 3RXT over 3R. But if you do really like a Diono car seat for newborns, you may give it a try. Just keep an eye on the product height when placing rear-facing. According to many parents’ experience, a Diono car seat does need a bit more space from the front driver or passenger.
However, we don’t think it’s worth it to pay more than $100 to get an additional infant insert and head support.
| Car Seats Comparison | Radian 3R | Radian 3RX | Raidan 3RXT | Raidan 3QX | Radian 3QXT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $199 | $269 | $329 | $369 | $399 |
| Weight limits (lb) | RF:5-50 / FF: 22-120 | RF: 5-50 FF: 22-120 | RF: 5-50 FF: 22-120 | RF: 4-50 FF: 22-120 | RF: 4-50 FF: 22-120 |
| Rear Facing Weights | Up to 50lb | Up to 50lb | Up to 50lb | Up to 50lb | Up to 50lb |
| Newborn Protection | - | - | 2-in-1 | Advanced 3-in-1 | Advanced 4-in-1 |
| Safe+ Engineering | - | - | - | ✓ | ✓ |
| Head Support | - | 12 Positions | 12 Positions | Safe+ 12 Positions | Safe+ 12 Positions |
| Cup Holder | - | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Fit 3-across | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Width (in.) | 17 | 17 | 17 | 17 | 17 |
Baby Trend Cover Me 4 in 1- Best Budget Car Seat with Canopy
Baby Trend Cover Me
Key Features
- Weight range (lb): 4-40 (RF): 22-65 (FF); 40-100 (Booster)
- Height limits: ~49" (RF&FF); ~57” (Booster)
- Stage: 1st, 2nd, 3rd
- Lifespan: 10 years
The Good
- Very budget price
- Pink color for girls
- Large canopy for UV protection
The Bad
- Lack premium safety features
- Less headrest and recline
$149.99
You won’t believe this: the Baby Trend Cover Me beats the budget Evenflo EveryFit in price, even though only a few bucks cheaper.
The Baby Trend Cover Me is the best budget all-in-one car seat on this list, but it’s not a real 4 in 1 car seat. Like the Diono Radian 3RXT, it splits the rear-facing into two: one is called rear facing infant mode for newborns and small infants from 4 to 18 lbs; the other is called rear facing toddler mode for small toddlers from 18 to 40 lbs.
Along with the forward-facing and booster modes, the Baby Trend Cover Me is a self-proclaimed 4 in 1 car seat. It is not as crazy as the Maxi Cosi Magellan XP, which should be the craziest one and I would like to keep it in suspense here and talk about how crazy it is in the next part.
There are several reasons for the low price of Baby Trend Cover Me.
The top height of a booster is only 50 inches tall. That’s not as good as other 4 in 1 car seats on the list with at least a 57-inch maximum height limit. That’s just one inch more than the 49” of most 5-point harness forward facing car seats like the Graco Extend2Fit.
However, the Cover Me is the only toddler car seat with a canopy (most infant car seats will have this). It works as a sun shield to offer a cool place for your kids in the car seat. That’s really a brilliant design. But some big toddlers may dislike this because it will prevent them from viewing sights outside the window.
The Cover Me boasts of its narrow width for three across fitting. Measuring 18.25 inches at its widest, this 4 in 1 car seat is narrow but not as narrow as the Diono Radian 3RXT (17-inch). If you have small cars, you may find it difficult to fit the Cover Me in three across as expected.
Maxi-Cosi Magellan XP 5-in-1 - Craziest 4 in 1 Car Seat
Maxi-Cosi Magellan Xp
Key Features
- Weight range (lb): 5-40 (RF): 22-65 (FF); 40-100 (Booster)
- Height limits: ~49" (RF&FF); ~57” (Booster)
- Stage: 1st, 2nd, 3rd
- Lifespan: 12 years
The Good
- Decent padding for max comfort
- Multiple fashionable color options
- 12 years of lifespan
The Bad
- Less headrest and recline
- Discontinued from the manufacturer
$279.99
Okay, coming to the craziest car seat part (actually I’m a bit excited). A 5-in-1 car seat? Can you imagine that? Maxi Cosi gives us an answer. It launched the Magellan Xp and called it a 5-in-1 car seat.
Let me explain where this 5-in-1 car seat comes from.
First is the baby rear-facing from 5 to 22 pounds, next is the toddler rear-facing from 22 to 40 pounds, then is the toddler forward-facing from 22 to 65 pounds, the fourth is the child forward-facing from 40 to 65 pounds, and the last is belt-positioning booster from 40 to 120 pounds.
Have you noticed it? These ‘five’ stages are just based on the real 3 stages – rear-facing, forward-facing, and booster, not even including backless mode.
If you consider the Magellan XP as an all-in-one car seat, you’ll find it’s very similar to the Pria, from the design and appearance, even the size limits. The only difference between these two Maxi Cosi car seats is the booster weight and height limits (120 lb. vs 100 lb. and 57″ vs 52″).
The Magellan XP is able to accommodate a child up to 120 pounds in weight while the Pria allows a 100-pound maximum weight.
Emm, after checking the user manual of the two, I found that the lifespan is different too. The Magellan Xp has a longer 12-year car seat expiry date after the date of manufacture, while the Pria expires 10 years after the DOM.
Both are priced in the same range between $250 and $300. If you love its colorful seat cover, like pink and purple for little girls, the Pria would be a better choice.
Maxi Cosi Magellan XP vs Magellan XP MAX vs Maxi Cosi Pria vs Pria MAX
| Car Seats Comparison | Maxi Cosi Megallan XP | Maxi Cosi Megallan XP MAX | Maxi Cosi Pria | Maxi Cosi Pria MAX | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $279.99 | $399.99 | $299.99 | $349.99 | |
| Weight limits (lb) | RF:5-40 / FF: 22-120 | RF: 5-40 FF: 22-120 | RF: 4-40 FF: 22-100 | RF: 4-40 FF: 22-100 | |
| Height limits | Up to 57 in. | Up to 57 in. | Up to 52 in. | Up to 52 in. | |
| Newborn Protection | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| One-Click Fastening System | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Adjustable Harness/Head | 14 Positions | 14 Positions | 5 Positions | 5 Positions | |
| Cup Holder | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Machine Washable Seat Pad | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Chicco Fit4 4-In-1 Convertible Car Seat - Most Expensive
Chicco Fit4 4-in-1
Key Features
- Weight range (lb): 5-40 (RF): 22-65 (FF); 40-100 (Booster)
- Height limits: ~49" (RF&FF); ~57” (Booster)
- Stage: 1st, 2nd, 3rd
- Lifespan: 10 years
The Good
- Easy to install tightly
- Scan QR code to get guide tips
- Ergonomic designed
- Solid build
The Bad
- Less headrest and recline
- Lower height limit for booster (only 52")
- Not fit 3 across in small cars
$379.99
Chicco Fit4 is another 4 in 1 car seat that divides the rear-facing into two: newborn rear-facing (4-16 lbs) and toddler rear-facing (12-40 lbs). Adding the forward-facing and booster, Chicco calls it a 4 in 1 car seat.
The good point is that this car seat will last a few good years to grow with your child. The 100-pound maximum weight limit and 57-inch maximum height limit make this 4 in 1 car seat outgrown when your boy or girl is as big as 7 or 8 years old.
However, big kids may prefer a no-back booster when they want to be adult-like and are eager to use the seat belt without a car seat backrest. That’s why real 4 in 1 car seats with backless mode are top selling.
Chicco Fit4 4-in-1 is a pricey car seat, more expensive than Graco 4Ever DLX, and very comparable with the Britax One4Life. However, we do recommend the other all-in-one car seats. The Fit4 is not always our first and best recommendation.
This does not mean it’s not a good car seat. It really has a few great features, like the ergonomic design to offer room for growth, the SuperCinch LATCH tightener, and the LockSure belt-tightening system for an easy and tight installation.
However, you’ll know that these features are very standard for those high-end all-in-one car seats priced over $250.
The conclusion is that Chicco Fit4 is not competitive between these 4 in 1 car seats for price and features.
Best 4 in 1 Car Seat Alternative
Britax One4Life is the best alternative for a 4 in 1 car seat. It’s an all-in-one car seat without the backless mode. But I’m sure you’ll be impressed with its size limits, which is friendly for tall babies and toddlers.
The 50-lb rear facing limit and 120-lb booster limit are competitive to those top-rated 4 in 1 car seats. The 63-inch booster height limit is unbeatable.
The Britax One4Life is also one of the safest car seats. It comes with the ClickTight technique which is famous for its easy and tight installation.
But it’s also an expensive car seat, priced over $350. But it lasts for 10 years after the date of manufacture.
4 in 1 Car Seat vs 3-in-1 vs all-in-one
No matter 4 in 1 or 3 in 1, keep this rule in mind and you know if it’s an all-in-one car seat or not: if it is able to last three car seat stages: rear-facing, forward-facing, and booster.
Let me explain more details on this question so that you can make the best choice.
Going through three stages defined by the NHTSA: rear-facing, forward-facing, and booster. Most 3 in 1 car seats are in this group except for some harness booster seats, like the Graco Tranzitions. All 4-in-1 car seats should be typed into an all-in-one.
3 in 1
Mostly the same as the all in one. But some brands add 3 in 1 in the name of their harness 2 booster seats, because the booster stage will have two classic modes – high back and backless. You can easily distinguish a real 3-in-1 (all-in-one) from a fake 3-in-1 (harnessed booster) by checking if it supports rear-facing position or not.
4 in 1
Divide any one of the three stages and call 4 in 1. Some divide the booster into high back booster and backless booster, this is better to be a real 4 in 1 because you really save the money to purchase another cheap but possibly needed backless car seat. For example, the Graco 4Ever DLX and Evenflo EveryFit belong to this type of 4 in 1 car seat.
Some 4-in-1 car seats partition the rear-facing into baby rear-facing and toddler rear-facing. A few 4-in-1 car seats are included in this group, like the Diono Radian 3RXT, Chicco Fit4, and Baby Trend Cover Me. However, the other real 4-in-1 car seats with backless mode are good at this partition as well.
FAQs on 4 in 1 Car Seat
What is the safest 4 in 1 car seat?
Evenflo All4One should be the safest 4 in 1 car seat on this list. It was designed with advanced safety features, plus two layers of side impact protection and energy-absorbing foam, and a steel-reinforced frame.
But if you don’t mind the no-back mode much, the Britax One4Life is a good option as well. It’s solidly built and features the ClickTight technique. This Britax-exclusively technology ensures a tight and proper installation that will increase the chance of survival in case of any crashes.
What is the best all in one car seat?
The best all in one car seat is the Graco 4Ever DLX 4 in 1 convertible car seat.
It offers a fourth mode to be a backless booster for big kids between 6-8 years old. Kids around this age would prefer a backless mode (But it’s strongly recommended to persuade your kids to stay in the high back booster for as long as possible).
It’s a parent-friendly all in one car seat. The fabrics are machine washable and the seat cover can be effortlessly taken off for cleaning, thanks to its ‘Rapid Remove Cover’ design.
It’s affordable, priced over $300 but a few bucks cheaper than Britax One4Life and Diono Radian 3QXT (both are high-end all-in-one car seats).
Is the 4 in 1 car seat the same as the all in one?
Yes, some brands call it 4 in 1 others call it all in one. Some may categorize their 3 in 1 car seat as all in one too. Check the question and answer about the difference between 4 in 1, 3 in 1, and all in one above.
Which is the best four in one car seat of them all?
The Graco 4Ever DLX is the best four in one car seat on this list. It’s a ‘real’ four in one car seat with four modes: rear-facing, forward-facing, high back booster, and no-back booster.
What is the weight limit for the best 4 in one car seat?
Graco 4Ever DLX 4 in 1 convertible car seat is picked up as the best 4 in one car seat and its weight limit is 120 pounds. That’s the highest of all 4 in one car seat.
The height limit is 57 inches. It’s a pity that the height limit is not as high as the Britax One4Life (63”).
From the best four in 1 car seat which is the easiest to install?
The easiest to install is the Evenflo All4One DLX 4 in 1 car seat because it has the EasyClick LATCH system, which was appraised by Consumer Search for its performance in installation.
What kind of safety standards can I expect from these top rated forward facing convertible car seats that are 4 in 1?
There’s no doubt that these convertible car seats have a ton of safety features, more than the mandatory ones.
First, all car seats, including the 4 in 1 convertible car seats, should pass the crash tests required by the federal safety standards.
Second, the 5-point harness should be tested and approved to provide side impact protection. That’s why child safety experts suggest keeping using a 5-point harness for as long as possible until the car seat is outgrown.
Energy absorbing foam is good to reduce the shock and potential injury.
How do you install a forward facing convertible car seat with the 4 in 1 option?
First of all make sure you read the product manual before starting an installation. Then follow the instructions in the user manual.
There may be a few steps, including:
Choose an appropriate spot: center or side.
Put the car seat in the right direction: rear-facing or forward-facing.
Secure the car seat with the seat belt or LATCH in the right position. A pro tip is that the car seat should not move more than one inch from left, right, front, and back. This is to make sure the car seat is installed tightly.
Adjust the recline to make it fit your child’s size;
Buckle the harnesses, neither too tight, nor too loosen. Put one finger between the harness/ straps and your baby to check.
Always check the car seat safety guidelines for your safety seat. A few manufacturers provide video installation guides.
What are the height and weight limits for the forward facing position of the 4 in 1 convertible car seats?
The weight and height limits for 4 in 1 car seats vary based on the models, with they are ranged in a certain scope.
Let’s list the weight and height limits of 4 in 1 car seats below for a simple and direct comparison:
Graco 4Ever DLX (rear-facing: 40lbs/49”; forward-facing:65lbs/49”; booster:120lbs/57”)
Evenflo EveryFit (rear-facing: 40lbs/40”; forward-facing:65lbs/49”; booster:120lbs/57”)
Graco Grows4Me (rear-facing: 40lbs/49”; forward-facing:65lbs/49”; booster:120lbs/57”)
Evenflo All4One DLX (rear-facing: 40lbs/40”; forward-facing:65lbs/49”; booster:120lbs/57”)
Diono Radian 3RXT (rear-facing: 50lbs/44”; forward-facing:65lbs/49”; booster:120lbs/57”)
Baby Trend Cover Me (rear-facing: 40lbs/40”; forward-facing:65lbs/49”; booster:100lbs/50”)
Maxi Cosi Magellan XP (rear-facing: 40lbs/40”; forward-facing:65lbs/49”; booster:100lbs/57”)
Chicco Fit4 (rear-facing: 40lbs/40”; forward-facing:65lbs/49”; booster:100lbs/57”)
Britax One4Life (rear-facing: 50lbs /49”; forward-facing:65lbs/49”; booster:120lbs/63”)
Can you fit three seats across with these 4 in 1 convertible car seats?
If you need to fit three across then look for those 4 in 1 car seats that have a narrow design. Diono Radian 3RXT and its siblings are the ideal options to fit three seats across in most vehicles.
However, if you want to install them in small cars, especially rear-facing, make sure the Diono car seats won’t take up much space.
How long these 4 in 1 car seats last?
As a money saver, the 4 in 1 car seats have the longest lifespan, lasting 10 years after the date of manufacture.
If you have purchased a car seat that has been recently made, it’s lucky to get it expired after your child doesn’t need a car seat anymore. That’s why the most reviewed car seats get more popular.
They usually have the latest manufacture date.