If you have a smaller car or multiple back-seat riders, you know how challenging it can be to find a car seat that will fit your car and keep all your riders happy and comfortable. We’ve experienced the joys of trying to jam three seats in a row and fasten them securely without pinching our fingers or having our kids so squished together that they’re practically on top of each other while in their car seats.
To save you this unpleasant experience and prevent you from buying a car seat that won’t work for your space, we’ve combined our own experiences with dozens of car seats and have researched many more to find the narrowest options on the market. We ranked these models based on their size, safety features, level of comfort, and ease of installation.
With our tips, insights, and detailed reviews of 12 outstanding options, you can trust that you’ll find the best narrow car seat to fit your travel needs, whatever they may be.
- Easy to clean
- Extra infant padding
- Comfortable for small children
- Slim footprint
- Robust safety features
- Comfortable memory foam
- Four options for harness protection
- Seriously safe
- Designed for growing children
- Convenient to use
- Easy to care for fabric
- Adjustable base
- Easy to install
- Comfortable for long rides
- Steel frame & impact-absorbing base
- 360-degree rotation
- Easy to care for
- Extended rear-facing
- SuperCinch latch system
- Includes cup holders
- Head & shoulder side-impact protection
- Extra safety features
- One-hand harness release
- Compatible with strollers
- Lightweight & great for traveling
- Offers built-in ventilation
- High safety standards
- Easy to install
- Slim footprint without sacrificing accessories
- Side impact protection
The Best Narrow Car Seats of 2024
Here are 12 excellent narrow car seats to consider.
Best Narrow Infant Car Seats
Safety 1st onBoard LT Infant Car Seat
Most Comfortable for Newborns
This Safety 1st product is intended for children who weigh between 4 and 35 pounds. It’s equipped with the LATCH system and can also be fastened with the seat belt.
Though narrow, the seat offers a deep seat that helps keep your little one cocooned during use. The cushioning provides plenty of comfort, which is great for encouraging naps. It also serves to absorb impact and provide additional protection.
This is a two-piece system where the car seat base remains in the car. The basket portion is easy to detach when needed and is lightweight enough to carry for long periods. It’s easy to clean and exceeds all required safety standards.
What We Like
Easy to Clean
The fabric and padding are easy to maintain on this product. When it’s dirty, you can remove the padded seat portion from the unit and place it in the washing machine. Once washed, it’s also safe to place in the dryer.
Comfortable for Small Children
This unit is designed for infants. The padding is comfortable and offers a great, supportive cushion. The seat is deep, giving a nestled space for your child to occupy.
The high comfort level can stop your little one from missing important naps while you’re on the go. If you know you’ll spend a lot of time in the car with your newborn, this can be a great feature.
What We Don't Like
The Seat Is Deep
Although the seat is narrow, it’s long. The deep basket that helps provide cushioning and comfort takes up extra room. If you need significant legroom upfront or your back seat offers little depth, you may need a different car seat.
Product Specs
| Product Weight | 15 pounds |
| Dimensions | 15.5 inches by 18 inches by 30.5 inches |
| Minimum Child Weight | 4 pounds |
| Maximum Child Weight | 35 pounds |
| Additional Features | Reinforced carrying handle, Air Protect side-impact protection, adjustable harness, and canopy |
Maxi-Cosi Mico Luxe Infant Car Seat
Great for Using With a Stroller
This seat is an excellent option if you’re looking for a narrow car seat that’s compatible with a stroller. This unit works well with many Maxi-Cosi strollers and other premium stroller lines. Using this seat and choosing the perfect stroller to suit your needs can be a great alternative to a traditional travel system.
This unit should be used by children who weigh between 4 and 30 pounds. Infants should be less than 32 inches in height. This unit is lightweight and offers a contoured arm that’s designed for your carrying comfort.
What We Like
Convenient to Use
This is a good pick if you spend a lot of time on the go. The basket is designed to be comfortable while you’re toting your little one around. You can pair this unit with approved strollers for a complete travel system.
This unit includes a stay-in-car base. However, you don’t need the base to install this seat safely. That can make it a good choice if you live or work in the city and frequently use hired drivers.
Comfortable, Easy to Care for Fabric
The fabric is designed to wick away moisture and help keep your little one comfortable. It’s also easy to care for and can be removed when needed for deep cleaning. It’s safe to place in both the washing machine and the dryer.
Adjustable Base That’s Easy to Install
The base of this model is intended to stay in your car. That allows you to create the perfect installation for your base without worrying about having to do it repeatedly. It also reduces the time it takes you to get your little one in and out of the car.
The base can be adjusted to change the angle of the basket. This can allow for a more comfortable ride and helps to make the most of your available space.
What We Don't Like
Determining Stroller Compatibility With Other Brands Can Be Difficult
This seat is designed to be compatible with Maxi-Cosi’s line of strollers. They also advertise as being compatible with upper-end stroller brands. Maxi-Cosi doesn’t, however, make it a point to test or keep track of which other strollers this unit works with.
If you question a specific brand, you’ll want to contact the stroller company directly. They may be able to tell you if the seat is compatible with the stroller. If it isn’t compatible, they can point you toward other models that are.
Product Specs
| Product Weight | 19.7 pounds |
| Dimensions | 12.2 inches by 19.7 inches by 10.2 inches |
| Minimum Child Weight | 4 pounds |
| Maximum Child Weight | 30 pounds |
| Additional Features | Contoured carrying handle, base or no-base installation, LATCH system, stroller compatible |
Britax B-Safe Gen2 Infant Car Seat
Best for Small Babies
This unit is a great narrow and compact car seat.
It has an easy-to-use LATCH system: a steel frame and side-impact protection work to keep your little one safe. The SafeCell technology in the car seat’s base is designed to crumple on impact, reducing crash energy to protect your baby in an accident.
It’s approved for children between 4 and 35 pounds and up to 32 inches.
What We Like
Extra Safety Features
The B-Safe Gen2 car seat includes a steel frame, side-impact protection, and SafeCell technology to protect your little passenger. Yet these features don’t take away from the seat’s comfort or add much in weight.
Easy to Install
This Britax model is equipped with a Safe Center LATCH system. It’s simple to install using the LATCH tethers. After they’re attached to the tether point, you can get a tight fit while adjusting from a single location.
You’ll want to situate your base before putting the car seat basket in. The seat can also be installed without the LATCH system if needed.
Compatible With Strollers
This model is designed to work with Britax strollers as part of a travel system. It’s also compatible with strollers from other companies. BOB strollers and Duallie strollers will both work with it, though you’ll need to buy an adapter separately.
One-Hand Harness Release
We know what it’s like to fight with a tricky buckle while trying to release a squirmy, fussy baby. The one-handed release allows you to free your child in an instant once you’ve reached your destination.
What We Don't Like
The Inside Is Narrow
Although it takes up little width in the back seat, it still packs plenty of padding inside. The result is that there are just about 13 inches of inner space for your little one.
Some babies may object to the tight fit inside their car seat. There’s also the potential they’ll outgrow the car seat faster than you anticipate. The extra cushioning may also be more problematic during warm months when the seat may get hot during car rides.
Product Specs
| Product Weight | 10.9 pounds |
| Dimensions | 26.6 inches by 17.9 inches by 25.9 inches |
| Minimum Child Weight | 4 pounds |
| Maximum Child Weight | 35 pounds |
| Additional Features | Safe Center LATCH installation, Quick-Adjust harness, side-impact protection |
Best Narrow Convertible Car Seats
Diono Radian 3R Convertible Car Seat
Best for Three Across
The Diono Radian seat was designed to take up little space so three can fit across a single back seat. It can be used for children who weigh as little as 5 pounds.
You can use this seat for extended rear-facing and with children who weigh up to 40 pounds. Once facing forward, you can use it as a car seat with a harness or a booster seat for children who weigh up to 120 pounds.
It’s approved for air travel and features a heavy, sturdy steel alloy frame. It offers side-impact protection and memory and EPS foam to absorb energy and impact. You can choose from multiple color options.
What We Like
Fits Three Across in Most Vehicles
This model is narrow through the base, back, and headrest. This makes it a great candidate for optimizing your back-seat space.
This seat is lined with memory foam padding to give your little one a comfortable ride.
Easy to Clean
Diono Radian 3R sports a soft and cozy plush-knit cover. It’s comfortable for your little one to sit in for long periods and is machine washable and dryable.
Offers Extended Harness Wearing
This unit offers a higher weight limit for rear-facing. Because of that, your little one can stay rear-facing until they weigh 40 pounds. It’s widely agreed that rear-facing offers your little one the most protection possible during an accident (1).
Once your child is forward-facing, they should continue using the five-point harness for as long as possible. The Diono harness is rated for use through 65 pounds. Once your little one has outgrown the harness, they can safely progress to using a seat belt.
What We Don't Like
There Are No Armrests
To maximize space and keep these car seats as narrow as possible, Diono has skipped armrests. This removes any potential barriers between multiple children but may impact comfort for longer trips and naps. This may not matter much if your child has never used armrests but may otherwise be difficult to become accustomed to.
Product Specs
| Product Weight | 25.9 pounds |
| Dimensions | 16 inches by 17 inches by 28.5 inches |
| Minimum Child Weight | 5 pounds |
| Maximum Child Weight | 100 pounds |
| Additional Features | Machine washable cover, LATCH system, steel alloy frame |
Britax Marathon ClickTight Convertible Car Seat
Best Custom Fit
Do you struggle with finding a good fit for your child in their car seat? This model from Britax offers plenty of customization opportunities.
There are seven recline positions, which are helpful when navigating a tighter space. There are 14 positions for the harness and a buckle that features two-position possibilities.
This unit features the unique ClickTight system along with the LATCH system. It allows you to securely fasten the car seat into the vehicle quickly and easily using the seat belt. It can be used for children who weigh between 5 and 40 pounds rear-facing and 20 to 65 pounds while forward-facing.
What We Like
Easy to Install
The ClickTight System makes installation easier than ever. Lift the seat’s padding and slide the seat belt through the belt path and the back of the unit. It clicks quickly and securely into the belt buckle.
Installation takes just moments and gives a tight and secure fit. It’s an excellent feature for when your car seat is frequently used in multiple cars.
Comfortable for Long Rides
This unit features plenty of cushioning to create a more comfortable spot for your child to sit. It also keeps your precious cargo better protected in a side-impact situation.
The customizable incline level helps create what your little one needs. You can extend the headrest and harness as needed when your child grows, ensuring your little one stays comfortable.
Steel Frame and Impact-Absorbing Base
A steel frame provides great structure and a safe space for your little one. The extended wings help keep the head protected and absorb any impact. This model is a single piece and features a base that also serves to absorb that force.
What We Don't Like
It’s a Little Bulky and Heavy
This model does offer a more narrow base than some others. However, it’s not a space-saving unit designed to fit three across the back seat.
It is also heavier than many other seats. If you plan on moving it frequently, this may be a drawback.
Product Specs
| Product Weight | 28.5 pounds |
| Dimensions | 23 inches by 18.5 inches by 23.5 inches |
| Minimum Child Weight | 5 pounds |
| Maximum Child Weight | 65 pounds |
| Additional Features | Adjustable headrest, seven recline positions, adjustable harness and buckle, ClickTight install, LATCH compatible |
Evenflo Sonus Convertible Car Seat
Perfect for Hot-Weather Travel
Looking for something to keep your little one comfortable during hot weather? This unit from Evenflo features a built-in ventilation system designed to keep your child cool and comfortable. It also has a slim footprint that’s suitable for sitting three across.
It’s lightweight and also approved for air travel. It’s suitable for children to use rear-facing when they weigh between 5 and 40 pounds. Forward-facing, the seat is good for children who weigh between 22 and 50 pounds.
What We Like
Lightweight and Great for Traveling
This car seat weighs in at just 13 pounds. It’s a single-piece unit, making it an excellent option for swapping back and forth between cars.
Being lightweight helps make it a little easier to navigate through an airport when traveling.
Offers Built-In Ventilation
A built-in ventilation system helps keep air moving through the seat. This may keep your child from becoming overheated. It also helps prevent sweat from accumulating during a longer period in the car.
Staying cool and dry is vital to keeping your little one comfortable while on the road.
High Safety Standards
Evenflo meets high safety standards. A leader in the Rollover Test Standards, it meets or exceeds all federal safety standards. The seat also features side-impact protection and has been approved by the FAA as safe for airplane use.
What We Don't Like
The Car Seat Is Long
This unit is narrow and designed to work for three kids in a back seat. However, it’s also long, which can be problematic for some cars when rear-facing.
Are you planning to use your car seat rear-facing in a smaller car? You’ll want to double-check that it fits while the front seats are in their preferred position.
Product Specs
| Product Weight | 13 pounds |
| Dimensions | 20 inches by 19.25 inches by 28 inches |
| Minimum Child Weight | 5 pounds |
| Maximum Child Weight | 50 pounds |
| Additional Features | Ventilation system, two removable cup holders, buckle pockets, machine washable, FAA-approved |
Best Narrow 3-in-1 Car Seats
Diono Radian 3R 3-in-1 Car Seat
Easiest to Fasten
This car seat can be used with children who weigh between 5 and 120 pounds. It can safely support a child rear-facing until they weigh 50 pounds. You can use it forward-facing with the harness until your child weighs 65 pounds and then as a booster until they are 120 pounds.
This model is available in multiple colors and offers side-impact protection. A 5-point harness helps you give your child a custom fit every ride.
Another great asset is its convertible feature that grows with your child.
What We Like
Easy to Install
One great perk I love about this car seat is its SuperLATCH system which makes installation a breeze. A single click will tell you that the connectors are securely locked in place.
Slim Footprint Without Sacrificing Accessories
This is a slim car seat that strives to provide the same comforts as its larger, bulkier competitors. Despite its petite frame, it offers plenty of comfortable cushioning. The car seat has side-impact protection for a safer ride.
It features plenty of adjustability and recline options. It also sports a cup holder for older children to use during car rides.
What We Don't Like
Not Suitable for Air Travel
Though you can use this car seat for an extended period, we must warn you that it weighs a lot, and you cannot use it on an airplane. If a lightweight car seat is important to you, you may want to consider another option.
Product Specs
| Product Weight | 26 pounds |
| Dimensions | 16 inches by 17 inches by 28.5 inches |
| Minimum Child Weight | 5 pounds |
| Maximum Child Weight | 120 pounds |
| Additional Features | Integrated cup holder, side-impact protection, SuperLATCH system, high-back booster |
Evenflo Revolve360 Slim Car Seat
Easiest to Use
The Evenflo Revolve360 Slim is one of our favorite car seats because of its award-winning, one-handed rotational feature. You can easily revolve the seat to face you while getting your child in or out, then lock it into place — either rear-facing or forward-facing — for travel. Kids think this feature is fun, and parents love how easy it is to get their little one safely in place, even when they have their hands full.
As the seat includes a base that stays in the same position, whether your little one is rear-facing or forward-facing, there’s no need to reinstall it multiple times.
The car seat is super slim at just 16.75 inches wide, making it extra easy to fit three seats across a narrow rear bench. Despite its narrow design, it still features two cup holders that don’t extend beyond the frame and plenty of comfortable cushioning.
The quick-clean car seat cover is easy to remove and wash — the perfect solution for those messy situations.
The Revolve360 allows for extended rear-facing use through 50 pounds. This easily brings you to 2 years of rear-facing and beyond. In forward-facing mode, you can use the car seat until your child weighs 65 pounds.
The harness is easy to adjust and doesn’t need to be rethreaded.
What We Like
360-Degree Rotation
The one-handed rotational feature makes it easy to get your child in and out of their seat quickly, regardless of how squirmy they are. And the revolving base allows for easy transitions between the rear-facing and forward-facing positions.
Easy to Care For
The padding pieces and quick-clean cover can be wiped down or machine washed as needed and are easy to remove and reattach. This is great for those times when a quick spot cleaning just won’t do the trick.
Extended Rear-Facing
The seat allows for use in the rear-facing position until your child weighs 50 pounds — that’s 10 pounds more than many other options. This means you may be able to use the seat in its safest position for longer than the recommended minimum of two years.
What We Don't Like
Very Heavy
Although this is the narrowest seat we’ve found, it’s also the heaviest, weighing in at 33.8 pounds! This makes it challenging if you are regularly switching your seat between vehicles.
Product Specs
| Product Weight | 33.8 pounds |
| Dimensions | 21 inches by 16.75 inches by 24.3 inches |
| Minimum Child Weight | 4 pounds |
| Maximum Child Weight | 65 pounds |
| Additional Features | 360-degree rotation, LATCH installation, two cup holders, quick-clean seat cover |
Cosco Finale DX 2-in-1 Combination Booster Car Seat
Best Budget 2-in-1 Buy
The Cosco Finale DX features a compact footprint with a narrowness that extends from the base through the back of the seat. It’s a good option when you need to fit three car seats across.
It features a detachable side-positioned cup holder. You’ll likely want it detached for space-saving needs, especially when traveling with three seats across.
This car seat’s five-point harness helps keep your little one safe and comfortable. It can be used by children who weigh between 30 and 100 pounds.
What We Like
Great for Three Across
The seat is narrow through the base and the back of the car seat. This means side-by-side units won’t run up against each other if installed across the back seat. Many car seats have pronounced wings that inhibit installation next to each other in smaller spaces.
Best for Travelling
Weighing 11.5 pounds, this unit is very portable and can be used for traveling, whether by car or airplane.
What We Don't Like
Minimal Padding
Although the seat is lightweight, this is partly because it lacks extra padding. This can make for an uncomfortable ride, especially for long distances.
Product Specs
| Product Weight | 11.5 pounds |
| Dimensions | 18.25 inches by 19 inches by 29.75 inches |
| Minimum Child Weight | 40 pounds |
| Maximum Child Weight | 100 pounds |
| Additional Features | Detachable cup holder, adjustable harness |
Best Narrow Booster Car Seats
Evenflo Chase Harnessed Booster Seat
Best for Younger Booster Users
This booster offers the use of a harness and a seat belt. It’s safe for children who are 22 pounds or more and can be used with the harness through 40 pounds or with the seat belt until 110 pounds or 57 inches.
This unit features two integrated cup holders and is available in multiple colors. It’s LATCH system compatible and lightweight, which makes it a great option when frequently changing cars.
The seat is appropriate for children over the age of 2 who are at least 28 inches tall.
What We Like
Easy to Care For
The padding for this booster seat is easy to maintain. When it becomes dirty, you can remove and wash it in the washing machine. Afterward, tumble dry on low for 15 to 20 minutes before putting it back on your booster seat.
Seriously Safe
All boosters are safe, but Evenflo has held this model to a higher standard. This model has successfully passed side-impact and structural integrity tests at nearly twice the required levels. If you’re anxious about moving away from a car seat to a booster seat, this may be a good option.
Designed for Growing Children
This unit features an adjustable harness. Four preset harness heights help accommodate your growing child and let them remain in the harness for longer. An easy-to-use up-front adjustment makes minor changes quick and simple to give a great fit.
When your child is ready for a seat belt, a belt-positioning path ensures they are always buckled in correctly. This can have your little one mastering their own fastening a bit faster.
What We Don't Like
Doesn’t Have Quick Release LATCH Tethers
Although this seat does feature the LATCH system, it doesn’t have the easy-to-use seatbelt-style buckle many new models have. Instead, it uses an older manual LATCH tether.
This LATCH system is just as effective but may add a little more time to your installation.
Product Specs
| Product Weight | 11 pounds |
| Dimensions | 18 inches by 18.5 inches by 29.5 inches |
| Minimum Child Weight | 22 pounds |
| Maximum Child Weight | 110 pounds |
| Additional Features | Integrated cup holders, harness and seat belt fastening, LATCH system, adjustable harness, and headrest |
Chicco KidFit 2-in-1 Booster Seat
Best Narrow Latch Compatible Booster Seat
The Chicco KidFit seat offers plenty of customization to best suit your growing child. The back has 10 positions to help provide consistent protection for your child’s head and neck. You can use it as a high-back or backless booster.
This booster seat is LATCH compatible and features the SuperCinch LATCH system. This system allows tightening from a single location once the LATCH tethers are in place. This makes getting a nice, tight fit fast and simple.
It’s designed for serious travel with armrests and back wings to help keep your little one comfortable. The integrated cup holders can be folded away when not in use to save space. When dirty, they can be removed and placed in the dishwasher for cleaning.
What We Like
SuperCinch LATCH System
The SuperCinch LATCH system makes installing your booster seat easier than ever. The tethers are simple to use. Just depress and slide onto the LATCH point.
To tighten the strap, you’ll use a center strap. It allows you to easily tighten your seat and create a fit that won’t move around. Even better, your booster seat will stay in place as your child gets in and out of the car.
Easy to Care For
This model is convenient to care for. You can remove the padding and armrest covers to machine wash and dry them.
What We Don't Like
Doesn’t Feature a Harness
If you’re looking for a booster seat for a younger rider, you may want to consider a model that offers a harness. This unit is strictly for use with a seat belt and won’t suit young children. It should be used with children aged 4 years and older who weigh more than 40 pounds.
Product Specs
| Product Weight | 10.2 pounds |
| Dimensions | 16.5 inches by 18.75 inches by 32.75 inches |
| Minimum Child Weight | 40 pounds |
| Maximum Child Weight | 110 pounds |
| Additional Features | Recline, fold-away cup holders, backless and high-back modes, SuperCinch LATCH, side-impact protection |
Evenflo Maestro Sport Booster Seat
Best Narrow Harness Booster Seat
You can use this booster seat with a harness or the car’s seat belt. The harness is for children who weigh between 22 and 50 pounds. Once over 50 pounds, your little one can continue to use the booster with the seat belt until they weigh 110 pounds.
It’s easy to adjust the harness from the front of the seat. This helps ensure your child has a great-fitting harness every time they’re in the car. A shoulder belt guide keeps the seat belt in the right place when using it to fasten your child.
What We Like
Easy-to-Adjust Harness
We love that you can use a harness with this booster seat to keep your little one safe. Even better, it’s easy to use. When you need to adjust it, a center adjustment allows you to tighten and release it as necessary.
Machine Washable
You can easily remove the cover and place it in the wash when needed. Spot cleaning and wiping down the plastic body and components can help keep the unit clean between washings.
What We Don't Like
Doesn’t Recline
Reclining isn’t an option with this model. If your little one spends a lot of time in their booster, naps may be compromised.
If you’re looking for a seat your child can comfortably sleep in for long periods, you may want to consider another option.
Product Specs
| Product Weight | 9.6 pounds |
| Dimensions | 17 inches by 19 inches by 27.5 inches |
| Minimum Child Weight | 22 pounds |
| Maximum Child Weight | 110 pounds |
| Additional Features | Cup holders, side-impact protection, LATCH system, harness, and seat belt fastening |
| Product | Award | Seat Weight | Dimensions | Min. Weight | Max. Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safety 1st onBoard | Most Comfortable for Newborns | 15 lbs | 15.5″ x 18″ x 30.5″ | 4 lbs | 35 lbs |
| Maxi-Cosi Mico | Great With a Stroller | 19.7 lbs | 12.2″ x 19.7″ x 10.2″ | 4 lbs | 30 lbs |
| Britax B-Safe | Best for Small Babies | 10.9 lbs | 26.6″ x 17.9″ x 25.9″ | 4 lbs | 35 lbs |
| Diono Radian 3R | Best for Three Across | 25.9 lbs | 16″ x 17″ x 28.5 | 5 lbs | 120 lbs |
| Britax Marathon | Best Custom Fit | 28.5 lbs | 23″ x 18.5″ x 23.5″ | 5 lbs | 65 lbs |
| Evenflo Sonus | Best for Hot-Weather Travel | 13 lbs | 20 ” x 19.25″ x 28″ | 5 lbs | 50 lbs |
| Diono Radian 3R | Easiest to Fasten | 26 lbs | 16″ x 17″ x 28.5″ | 5 lbs | 120 lbs |
| Evenflo Revolve360 Slim | Easiest to Use | 33.8 lbs | 21″ x 16.75″ x 24.3″ | 4 lbs | 65 lbs |
| Cosco Finale DX | Best Budget 2-in-1 Buy | 11.5 lbs | 18.25″ x 19″ x 29.75″ | 40 lbs | 100 lbs |
| Evenflo Chase | Best for Younger Users | 11 lbs | 18″ x 18.5″ x 29.5″ | 22 lbs | 110 lbs |
| Chicco KidFit | Best Narrow LATCH Seat | 10.2 lbs | 16.5″ x 18.75″ x 32.75″ | 40 lbs | 110 lbs |
| Evenflo Maestro Sport | Best Narrow Harness Seat | 9.6 lbs | 17″ x 19″ x 27.5″ | 22 lbs | 110 lbs |
How to Choose a Narrow Car Seat
When shopping for a narrow seat, you’ll want to keep the following things in mind. This will help you determine which model and type will best suit your family.
Length of Use
If you’re looking for longevity, stick with something that can grow with your child. If you’re interested in a certain time frame, like early infancy, you may want a specialty car seat instead.
Features You Need
If you’re traveling by plane frequently, you may want something approved by the FAA for air travel. If you’re a road tripper, you might need something comfortable for long rides. Think about how you’ll be using your car seat to determine what features to look for.
Ease of Installation
This is especially important if you plan to shuttle your car seat between vehicles frequently. You want a car seat that won’t be frustrating or time-consuming to install.
Easy to Clean
It’s a fact of life that car seats get dirty. Your car seat should be easy to clean in case of a spill or leaky diaper. You may also want to consider materials or colors that resist staining.
Your Budget
This may play an important role in choosing your car seat. Know that car seats are available at all price points, and set a price range for your purchase.
When to Use a Narrow Car Seat
You may find a narrow seat beneficial if you drive a compact car or have multiple children.
If you regularly have other passengers in the car, a narrow seat can help free up some much-needed space. This option may give you the room you need for groceries or other equipment.
A narrow car seat will have a compact base. If there are cup holders, they will be positioned so they won’t overhang the seat. On narrow car seats, cup holders are usually detachable or repositionable.
When considering how narrow a car seat is, don’t forget to factor in the upper portion of the seat. Ideally, in a narrow space, the car seat will remain in line with the base. Many car seats feature a rounded upper portion for increased comfort, especially for younger children.
Ensure the car seat fits as anticipated in your vehicle. Always install it exactly as you plan to use it, with additional car seats in the car and the driver seat appropriately positioned. This will give you a clear picture of your space in the back seat and help identify any needed changes.
Types of Car Seats to Consider
Your child’s age and your personal needs will influence the kind of narrow seat you’re in the market for. Here are the most common car seat options.
Infant Car Seats
Infant car seats are designed specifically for young children. They usually feature a gentle recline and plenty of cushioning to help keep your little one positioned properly. Infant car seats are always used while rear-facing.
They frequently slide into a base. The basket portion of the car seat has a carrying handle and a sunshade. This helps you remove your child from the car quickly and easily without disturbing them if they’re asleep.
The separate base also allows you to situate your car seat’s fit in the vehicle perfectly. You can then remove your car seat as needed without having to fuss with setting it every time. You can purchase additional car seat bases, which can be helpful for multiple-car households.
Infant car seats often have strollers they are designed to work with. This enables you to remove the car seat from the car and snap it directly into a stroller. This is an excellent feature for when you’re running errands and your little one is napping.
These car seats often feature low-weight maximums and can become heavy and cumbersome to carry as your child grows. You may need to replace your car seat with one geared toward older children within the first year.
Pros
- Provides a comfortable fit for newborns.
- Easy and convenient to get in and out of cars.
- Simple to use in multiple-car households.
Cons
- Not made to be used for more than a year or so.
- Can be cumbersome and bulky.
Convertible Car Seats
Convertible car seats can be used for a prolonged period in multiple modes to suit your growing child. This can allow you to make fewer car seat purchases. It can also make it easier to help your child transition to new car seat stages.
These can be used both rear- and forward-facing. This doesn’t always mean they’re suitable for the entirety of your little one’s childhood, though. Different convertible car seats have various weight restrictions you’ll need to pay attention to.
These car seats often have extra features older children will enjoy. They may have adjustable headrests, cup holders, and even footrests.
Pros
- Offer a prolonged period of use.
- Can be used forward-facing and rear-facing.
- May have additional features.
- Offer customization through the headrest and harness.
Cons
- Usually work best for children in the middle of the provided age range.
- Can be tedious to move from car to car.
- May be heavy.
3-in-1 Car Seats
A 3-in-1 seat is a specific kind of convertible car seat. You can use it rear-facing or front-facing with a five-point harness. Once your child has outgrown the five-point harness, you can use these as a booster seat.
They tend to be heavy and take up a significant amount of space. They strive to fill multiple roles and may not work for the extremes of the recommended size range. They are frequently comfortable and offer plenty of customization to give your child a good, safe fit.
Pros
- Lasts the duration of your child’s car seat years.
- Comfortable for long trips.
- Features additional accessories like cup holders.
- Offers recline options and adjustable components.
Cons
- Heavy and more challenging to move between cars.
- May not work as well for very young babies.
Booster Car Seats
Booster seats are appropriate for older children. They don’t use a harness and are fastened into place with a regular seat belt.
The point of a booster car seat is to lift your child. This allows the seat belt to fall across their body correctly so they’ll be protected in an accident (2). Some boosters also feature belt-positioning clips or slots to help keep the seat belt in place.
Many have a high back, allowing for extra protection through the head, neck, and body. Many high-backed boosters feature side-impact protection, and they are usually considered a safer, better option than the backless booster.
Both backless and high-backed boosters have been thoroughly safety tested and approved. They often have great features, like cup holders, for older children who are on the go.
Pros
- Great for older children.
- Offer nice traveling features.
- Positions your child properly for seat belt restraint.
Cons
- May not be as comfortable for long trips.
- Don’t always feature LATCH compatibility.
FAQs
Are Narrow Car Seats Safe?
Narrow car seats can be just as safe as their wider counterparts as long as they meet federal safety standards.
The key is ensuring they’re properly installed and used according to the manufacturer’s guidelines. The narrow design is often just a matter of saving space while maintaining safety features.
How Do You Fit 3 Car Seats Across the Backseat?
To fit three car seats across the backseat, look for narrow, slim-profile car seats. You may need to mix and match seat types (infant, convertible, booster) based on the size and age of your children.
It’s often a trial-and-error process to find a configuration that fits securely in your specific vehicle.
How Much Wiggle Room Should a Car Seat Have?
A car seat shouldn’t move any more than a single inch from side to side or front to back. If it moves more than this, it’s not installed securely enough. Always check the tightness and adjust as necessary to ensure maximum safety.
Why are Car Seats Safest In the Middle?
Car seats are considered safest in the middle because this position is the furthest from any potential impact during a collision. However, the most important aspect is that the car seat is installed correctly, no matter where it’s placed in the vehicle.
What is the Difference Between a 3-In-1 and All-In-One Car Seat?
A 3-in-1 car seat typically transitions from rear-facing to forward-facing and then to a high-back booster. An all-in-one car seat usually includes all these stages plus the transition to a backless booster, covering all car seat stages in one product.
