Best Travel Car Seats for Toddlers

Last Updated on Aug 25, 2024

If you’re like most parents, you want to keep your toddler safe during your travels. But what’s the best way to do that? A travel car seat, of course! With so many options on the market, how do you know which one is right for your child and convenient to use for travel as well? 

For parents with toddlers, choosing a car seat is all about finding the right balance of safety and convenience. You want a seat that will keep your little one safe in the event of an accident, but you also don’t want something that’s so bulky and heavy that it’s a pain to travel with.

Fortunately, there are plenty of great options out there for parents looking for the best travel car seat for their toddler. I’ll help you choose the right one for your needs as we travel with babies and toddlers all the time. We tried and used all these car seats!

Do you actually need to bring a car seat where you’re going?

Many parents automatically assume that they need a car seat to travel, but it’s not always the case – it depends on the destination and your plans.

For example, if you’re heading to Europe you might not need a car seat because public transport is better than taxis. Or if you think you need a car seat to get from the airport to your resort in Mexico you might simply ask for pre-booked transport with a car seat already installed when you get off your flight.

We survived many trips without a car seat, because we used public transportation a lot and if needed ordered a taxi with a car seat. This saved us a LOT of hassle on various occasions.

I’m not going to lie – we also had situations in which we dragged a car seat to a destination only to discover that it won’t work because it requires a top tether and many cars abroad don’t have it.

Do I Need a Car Seat to Fly with a 2 year old?

Absolutely not! Child safety seats are not required by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

While both the FAA and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) strongly encourage the use of a car seat or other child restraint system when flying, keep in mind that while you can install a car seat on the plane if you’re flying on US airlines (and if your child is under 2 you book a seat for them), it’s not always the case for non-US airplanes.

Many airlines prohibit the use of car seats on board at all or only allow front-facing ones, or allow them only if they’re under certain width (which often means Doona is NOT allowed).

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The Different Types of Travel Car Seats

You want to consider the type of car seat you want. There are four main types of car seats:

• Rear-facing car seats

These are the safest option for young children, as they protect the child’s head and neck in the event of a collision. However, they can be bulky and difficult to install, so they’re not always the most convenient option for traveling.

• Forward-facing car seats

These seats are less safe than rear-facing seats for younger children, but they’re easier to install and use. They’re a good option for older toddlers who have outgrown their rear-facing seats.

• Booster seats

These seats are for children who have outgrown their forward-facing seats but are still too small to use a regular seat belt. Booster seats raise the child up so that the seat belt fits properly. Rules to use a booster vary per country – the age is usually 3 or 4 years.

• Convertible car seats

A convertible car seat can be used in both rear- and forward-facing positions. This makes them a great option for parents who want to keep their child in a rear-facing position for as long as possible.

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The Best Travel Car Seats for Toddlers

I didn’t include various car seats, simply because they’re either too bulky, too tall to use on airplaces, or require top teether which isn’t available in many countries.

For example, I owned or tried some popular travel car seats choices like Graco Extend 2 Fit, Safety 1st Guide 65, and Tribute LX 5 and I would never recommend them for travel (they don’t fit many planes and cars).

Personally, I’ve also tried the most popular Doona car seat stroller and I don’t recommend it. On top of the fact that both my kids were uncomfortably too tall for it before they even became toddlers.

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How to Install a Travel Car Seat

Most car seats come with detailed instructions on how to install them, but you need to know how to install the car seat quickly. The last thing you want is being stuck somewhere after a long journey dealing with an instruction manual (been there, done that, unfortunately).

Different cars and countries will have different installation techniques. Some cars don’t have ISO fix, some might or might not offer a top teeter option, and others have different laws like toddlers ride in boosters earlier.

Be familiar with the local laws and regulations regarding car seats. As I explained in some other posts, for example, taxis are exempt from car seats regulations in France and many drivers might not let you install your own car seat.

FAQs about Travel Car Seats for Toddlers

Do I need a special car seat for my toddler?

No, you do not need a special car seat for your toddler. However, it is important to make sure that you are using the proper car seat for your child’s age, weight, and height.

How do I know if my child is ready to graduate to a regular seat?

A: Generally speaking, most children are ready to graduate to a regular seat when they reach the age of 4 or 5 and weigh 40 pounds or more. However, it is always best to consult with your child’s doctor before making any final decisions.

Q: What are the benefits of using a travel car seat?

A: Travel car seats offer a number of benefits, including convenience and portability. They are also typically lighter and easier to install than regular car seats.

Q: Are there any disadvantages to using a travel car seat?

A: The main disadvantage of using a travel car seat is that they are not as comfortable as regular seats. Additionally, they may not provide as much support for your child in the event of an accident.