Graco ComfortSport Convertible Car Seat $90-$140

This convertible 5 point harness car seat that can be used up to 30 pounds rear facing and 40 pounds and 40” tall forward facing. This can be convenient since the AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics) recommends keeping your child in the rear facing position as long as possible, (minimum 20 pound and 1 year). So once you’re child has outgrown your traditional rear facing infant car seat, you can use this one rear facing then turn it around when your toddler reaches 30 pounds.

There are several different models of this car seat. You can get everything from bare bones to nice padding, cup holders, and lots of extras if you invest a few extra dollars. Even if you’re purchasing a less expensive one for Grandma’s car, make sure you buy one of the models with a 5 point harness.

It has EPS energy absorbing foam lining, a front adjusting harness straps and deep side wings. This seat only weighs 11 pounds and the base is 17” wide (smaller base than the Evenflo) so it fits nicely into smaller cars and is certified for use on an airplane.

Parents find the straps don’t twist and they’re easy to work with, but the harness adjuster is tough to reach when the seat is in its forward facing position.

The ComfortSport Convertible has received a good rating from the NHTSA and an average rating in the crash test from Consumer Reports. So if you’re looking for the simplest of convertible car seats, this one might just be for you.