Are you planning a long car trip with your family and wondering what the comfortable car seat options are? Travelling with young children can be stressful enough without having to worry about finding the right child safety seat while on the road. Fortunately, there are now many different types of travel-friendly car seats that make it easier than ever to keep your kiddos safe while providing convenience and peace of mind during the journey. In this blog post, FriendlyySmile will take an in-depth look at some of the top-rated options for travelling so you can find one that suits your needs perfectly.
What is a travel car seat?
Many parents want their children’s car seats to be as convenient and easily transported as possible. But regarding what makes a travel comfortable, there is more than one set answer; features like lightweight construction, compact design and portability are key factors for ensuring your child’s safety while on the go.
Do you need a travel car seat?
When taking your family on the go, investing in a car seat designed for travel can make life much more manageable. If you often get out and about, then having an easily portable option could be vital for success – no tinkering with bulky gear or struggling to keep everyone safe! But it may not be necessary if adventures are limited to local trips around town or using your vehicle. Either way, weighing up what fits best into your lifestyle will help you decide which route works better when travelling together as a team.
If you’re an urban family who does not own a car, want one for your grandparent or caregiver, or need to switch cars frequently – think there are other options than travel-friendly! Compact and flexible seats are excellent alternatives.
What should you look for in a travel car seat?
Shopping for the right option can be difficult when travelling with children. We carefully examined the installation procedure, weight ratings, and certification standing to identify the best options on the market right now. Be sure the age and weight restrictions are appropriate when choosing a travel car seat for your child. There are different seats on the market, to make sure you get a suitable one for your needs, keep an eye out for the features described below:
Weight:
Make sure your vacation is stress-free by skipping the struggle of lugging an unnecessarily heavy car seat. Choose one that fits your budget and provides just as much safety—your back will thank you.
Design:
If you’re looking for a seat to take on the go, opt for something slim and flexible. You won’t have to worry about lugging around excess size or weight during your travels.
Ease of installation:
Avoid the hassle of installation troubles when travelling, and opt for a car seat that will smoothly click into place in any vehicle. With just 40 minutes to spare, you can be focused on more important things during your journey!
FAA approved:
Traveling with children can be daunting, but it doesn’t have to be! The American Academy of Pediatrics encourages parents to utilize child safety seats while flying. Look for the label that reads “certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft” on your seat—this includes infant carriers, flexible car seats, forward-facing chairs and some harnessed boosters–to ensure you’re following all regulations properly.
Best Car Seats for Travel
Our top pick for a travel car seat that can be used for both traveling and at home is listed below.

Doona Infant Car Seat & Latch Base
What We Like
- Easy to convert from a car seat to a stroller
- FAA Approved
- It is not super heavy
What We Don’t Like
- Only in the rear-facing position
- Expensive pricing
Are you a parent looking for a safe and practical solution for your child? Look no further than the Doona Infant Car Seat & Latch Base! The world’s best child car seat and stroller in one provides a complete and fully integrated travel system that easily lets you go from car seat to stroller in seconds.
Doona Infant Car Seat & Latch Base offers six bold, on-trend colours, offering families the ideal solution for stylish yet safe transportation. A chic charcoal aluminium frame perfectly matches fashion and functionality. At the same time, an updated all-black inner seat cover offers additional modern flair with its full range of customization options — whether creating your own unique look or following the latest colour trends — the Doona continues to stand out in today’s parenting scene.
At Doona, we understand the needs of parents looking for convenience without sacrificing safety. The Doona child Car Seat & Latch Base is designed so your baby can travel safely in comfort and style! Every detail has been crafted carefully, providing peace of mind for parents who want their infants secure during journeys or errands around town. This product offers all you need for stress-free transitions for your next adventure.
Seating weight: 16.5 lbs.
Weight capacity: 4 – 35 pounds
Height limit: 32 inches

WAYB Pico Travel Car Seat
What We Like
- Lightweight with a small fold
- The travel case can also be worn as a backpack.
- FAA Approved
What We Don’t Like
- The crotch strap is too short, according to parents.
- Expensive pricing
Get ready to hit the road with WAYB’s Pico Travel Car Seat! Perfect for families on the go, this car seat offers your little one all the comfort and safety of a standard car seat but in a foldable design that makes hitting the road quickly. Built with a light aluminum frame, this car seat can easily be transported in the included premium carrying bag. And if you’re travelling by plane, don’t worry – Pico is officially approved and even fits in most airplane overhead bins.
Whether you’re going on an exciting road trip or running errands around town, the five-point safety harness ensures that your child stays tight wherever you go. So leave home with it – experience the convenience and safety of WAYB’s Pico Travel Car Seat today.
Seating weight: 8 lbs
Weight capacity: 22 – 50 pounds
Height limit: 45 inches

Evenflo LiteMax 35 Infant Car Seat
What We Like
- Lightweight and Safe
- Comfortable with car base
- Easy to clean
What We Don’t Like
- The cover does not come off
- It gets easily stained
Hey parents, we’ve got your back. Introducing the Evenflo LiteMax 35 Infant Car Seat – designed to make your life on the go with your baby a little easier. This flexible and easy-to-carry car seat is perfect for bringing babies along as they grow from 4 lbs to 35 lbs in their first few months. And when you choose Evenflo, you can rest assured knowing that we go above and beyond federal safety standards to provide that extra bit of comfort and security, so you can focus on the really important things – like snuggling up with those precious moments you have together. The LiteMax 35 meets all applicable federal safety standards and exceeds expectations in rollover testing, temperature testing, and structural integrity testing at energy levels approximately 2X the federal crash test standard. Plus, if you need help installing this car seat with its secure base, our ParentLink Customer Support team has your back! With Evenflo’s LiteMax 35 child Car Seat, start confidently exploring the world with your growing family today.
Seating weight: 8.17 pounds
Weight Capacity: 35 pounds
Height limit: 32 inches

Safety 1st Guide 65 Convertible Car Seat
What We Like
- A wide weight range
- Elegant style
What We Don’t Like
- Installation-related complaints
Safety 1st’s Guide 65 flexible Car Seat offers convenience and comfort for parents on the go. It weighs just 14 pounds, making it flexible enough to transport without hassle yet sturdy enough for everyday use – ideal if you have a larger family or need something compact that fits three in the back of your car (for when renting small European cars). Plus, its affordable price tag makes this budget-friendly pick long-lasting since it can be used by children between 5 and 40 lbs rear-facing and 22 to 65 lbs forward facing.
With five adjustable harnesses and impact-absorbing side panels, this car seat is designed to keep your little one safe and secure while on the move. The LATCH connector system makes installation a breeze, and there are three buckle locations and an easily adjustable headrest for added comfort. And no worries if spills occur – remove both cushioning layers quickly or remove the cup holder easily! Plus, it’s available in multiple colours to choose the right shade for your tot’s travels.
Seating weight: 15 pounds
Weight Capacity: Up to 65 pounds
Height limit: 52 inches

Maxi-Cosi Pria Max All-in-One Convertible Car Seat
What We Like
- Warm and fuzzy
- Simple to fix
- Simple to clean
What We Don’t Like
- Expensive pricing
- Heavy
The Pria Max 3-in-1 Convertible Car Seat is an excellent option for parents looking for a long-term car seat solution. Made by luxury brand Cosco, it doubles as both infant and toddler seating – comfortably supporting children from birth to 10 years old! Its spring assist harness system offers convenience, so straps don’t get tangled; one-hand magnetic chest clip fastening that makes buckling your child in easier than ever before. Integrated headrest and adjustable height settings allow you to adjust fitment requirements without having to rethread the harness again later on. Additionally, the fabric can be machine washed – making cleaning easy too! The only downside? You will need deep pockets for this high-end seat due to its hefty price tag plus heavier weight compared to other models.
Seating weight: 22.7 pounds
Weight Capacity: Up to 65 pounds
Height limit: 52 inches

Gold Revolve Moonstone Convertible Car Seat
What We Like
- Comfortable design
- Largest weight range
What We Don’t Like
- Not suitable for infant carrier
The Evenflo Gold Revolve360 is a must-have convertible car seat for families on the go! This innovative design offers convenience and support to infants, toddlers, and even school-age children weighing up to 120 pounds. Unlike many infant seats that double as carriers with built-in handles, this superior model has an adjustable 360-degree swivel base, allowing parents to spin it around for easy access when buckling kids into their seats. With its comfortable fit & sleek design -it’s no surprise why the Revolve 360 stands out from all other brands.
Easily install your car seat using the bead level indicator! Whether you choose a rear-facing or forward-facing option, this helpful feature helps ensure that your child is in the correct recline position for maximum safety.
Seating weight: 29.6 pounds
Weight Capacity: Up to 120 pounds
Height limit: 57 inches

Graco Slimfit 3 in 1 Car Seat
What We Like
- Slim & durable design
- 10-position adjustable headrest
What We Don’t Like
- The handle is missing for carrying infants
The Graco SlimFit is a popular choice among parents and carpoolers due to its slim design – perfect for smaller vehicles. This 3-in-1 convertible seat has all the features you need, including an adjustable headrest that grows with your child and easy installation options depending on the vehicle’s capabilities. You can use either a safety belt or LATCH system while transitioning from five-point harnesses to single waist straps to ensure custom fitment and maximum comfort.
With the Graco SlimFit, you don’t get a handle for carrying it around like with the Evenflo Revolve360. However, its impressive weight range of 5-100 pounds makes up for this feature at an attractive price point—perfect if budget is your priority, but longevity isn’t.
Seating weight: 19.47 pounds
Weight Capacity: Up to 100 pounds
Height limit: 57 inches

MESA Infant Car Seat
What We Like
- Equipped with a handle for carrying infants
- Superior side impact protection
What We Don’t Like
- Expensive pricing
If you’re looking for a car seat designed for infants, the UPPAbaby MESA should be at the top of your list. It offers an enjoyable and secure ride from birth to 35 pounds, with extra padding on its headrest that provides superior side-impact protection. The detachable base adds versatility; remove it when transitioning from vehicle to carrier mode! However, this is not flexible– weighing about 20 lbs without your little one inside – so moving around may require some elbow grease. Fortunately, plenty of comforts are built into every functionality, like adjustable handle positions and hidden canopies that settle snugly over the baby’s body during transportation – all part of ensuring those treasured moments don’t get tiring quickly.
Seating weight: 20 pounds
Weight Capacity: Up to 35 pounds
Height limit: 32 inches
What makes a car seat suitable for travel?
Are you worried about having to lug the heavy car seat of your family minivan through airports and train stations during travel? You won’t have to dread it with our selection of lightweight, compact baby seats that provide total security. With these intelligent solutions, you’ll connect seamlessly from Heathrow Airport up the east or west coast! But hurry – they might just be what you need before jetting off on your next adventure! You can use the seat for many years because of the large weight limit. This flexible option is a travel car seat that has received official certification.
Should you bring a car seat on the plane?
Travelling with children can be a rewarding but nerve-wracking experience – parents may consider using an aircraft-approved car seat while flying. This is actively recommended by the Federal Aviation Administration and American Academy of Pediatrics for younger kids, as it provides greater security than just relying on the plane’s lap belt alone. Before packing that car seat in your luggage, though, check out each airline’s policies about installing them onboard. Ensure you have a sticker signifying its approval and your manual so installation will go smoothly.
How do you carry a car seat when travelling?
When travelling with a car seat, it is essential to ensure that the seat is transported safely and securely. To do this, it is advisable to use a stroller frame or wheeled cart explicitly designed for carrying car seats. These devices allow you to wheel the car seat around instead of lifting and taking it, thus reducing the risk of injury from strain. Additionally, some airlines offer unique cart straps that can be used with these devices to secure the car seat in place further while transporting through the airport. Furthermore, when storing your car seat during flights, it is best practice to remove it from its base and keep it in an overhead bin or checked baggage if your airline’s policies allow it. This helps avoid any potential damage due to rough handling that may occur otherwise. Finally, always ensure your car seat abides by all applicable laws and regulations when travelling domestically and internationally. Many parents naturally believe they need a car seat when they travel, but this isn’t necessarily true; it depends on your plans and the location. The seat pad may be simply removed and machine washed because spills are inevitable when traveling with children. The seat pad may be quickly removed and machine washed because spills are a part of traveling with kids. Keep in mind that in order to use the car seat on another seat, you would also need to buy another seat.
How do you travel with kids who need car seats?
Travelling with kids who need car seats can be stressful for parents. It is essential to ensure your child’s safety and that their car seat is installed correctly in a vehicle or an aircraft. To make this process easier, it is recommended to have the correct type of car seat for the appropriate age and size of your child and choose a model that fits correctly into your vehicle. Ensure it meets all applicable standards for safety and carries the proper weight rating for your child. Some airlines will allow you to check a car seat with your luggage, but some require it to fit correctly in an aircraft seat, so double-check before booking flights. Always check the owner’s manual and abide by specific guidelines to get the best performance from the car seat. Properly securing your child in their car seat is also essential; use the shoulder straps, lower anchors, and tethers as intended. Finally, when travelling long distances with kids who need car seats, plan regular stops to help keep everyone comfortable and safe. The backless booster car seat is a type of car seat designed for children who have outgrown the traditional forward-facing car seat with a harness. They are typically used for children between the ages of 4 and 12 or weighing between 40 to 100 pounds. Best travel car seat for your baby is necessary to find.
Do you bring car seat base when travelling?
When travelling with a car seat, it is important to bring this along to ensure your child’s safety and security. This offers several advantages compared to simply clipping the seat into place without it. This provides added stability, reducing the risk of the seat becoming loose or unsteady during travel. It also helps keep your child securely strapped in, eliminating any potential “wiggle room” that could cause them to slip out from under their harness straps. Additionally, installing the car seat with a base can reduce installation time and ease some of the stress associated with setting up a secure seating arrangement for your child. Ultimately, bringing this when travelling is highly recommended for optimal safety and peace of mind for parents everywhere. In many countries, using a baby car seat is not only recommended but is also mandatory by law. It means if you’re renting a car and traveling with a baby or infant, you will need to install a baby car seat in your rental car.
Do convertible car seats take up less space?
Flexible car seats are a great way to save space in your vehicle. These car seats are designed to accommodate infants and children up to 65 pounds, so you don’t have to purchase multiple car seat types. They transition from rear-facing newborns to forward-facing toddlers and can even be used as booster seats for older children. Convertible car booster seats typically take up less space than separate infant and toddler car seats because they are a one-seat solution that covers the entire lifespan of a child’s use in the car. They also feature secured latch attachment points that help ensure secure installation and reduce the risk of installation error, which allows them to fit more snugly into smaller spaces. This car seats also provide optimal safety, with additional side impact protection, adjustable headrests and shoulder harnesses, allowing parents peace of mind when their little ones hit the road. travel bag can help you in this case. To select a travel seat that will serve you practically for the longest time, take into account the child’s age, weight, height, and the manufacturer’s notes.
How do I know if my car seat can fly?
Determining whether or not your car seat is flight-capable can be done in several ways. First, check the label on the seat for any information about air travel. Some car seats may have a sticker or other markings indicating that it is FAA approved for use on aircraft. Additionally, contact the manufacturer to ensure that your model meets all the requirements for aeroplane travel. In terms of installation, you may also consult with a professional installer to ensure that you understand how best to install your car seat in an airplane, as many aircraft have different regulations and guidelines regarding installing child restraint systems. If you need clarification on any aspect of your car seat’s air travel capabilities, contact the airline before booking tickets so they can advise you on what type of safety equipment will be needed for your particular flight. When taking a plane with kids, use a car seat. Although children can use seat belts on airplanes, most parents keep their children in car seats until they are around 4 years old. Moreover, be sure the car seat has official approval. Not all car seat can be used on airplane.
Can you use a regular car seat on a plane?
Using a regular car seat on a plane is generally not recommended, as most airlines do not allow standard car seats onboard their flights. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) states that all approved car seats must meet the FAA’s Aircraft Safety Seat certification program requirements. This certification ensures the car seat has passed stringent tests to ensure its safety in an aircraft environment. Furthermore, even if a car seat is FAA-approved, it still may not fit correctly in some airplane seating configurations, potentially compromising its safety effectiveness. Thus, it is important to check with specific airlines regarding regulations governing the use of approved car seats aboard their planes before travel. Infants must never be placed in an adult lap during flight; instead, they should always be restrained in an FAA-approved child safety device like a CARES harness or CARES infant/child restraint system for safe and secure travel. When a child exceeds the weight restrictions of their forward-facing car seat, it’s time to transfer to a booster seat.
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