The 11 Best Portable Car Seats of 2023 | by Travel + Leisure

We researched and analyzed the most travel-friendly car seats on the market right now and selected Cosco’s Scenera Next Harness Convertible Car Seat as the best one. Not only is it FAA-approved (read: your child can use it on a plane) but, at only 10 pounds, it’s one of the lightest, yet sturdiest, options as well.

Taking trips with children can be fun but also incredibly stressful; planning, packing, and lugging extra gear through airport terminals while also keeping an eye on your kids is physically and mentally overwhelming. That’s why investing in a high-quality portable car seat is a must — one that is lightweight, compact, easy-to-install, and, of course, offers the highest level of protection for your little one.

Best Overall

Cosco Scenera Next Harness Convertible Car Seat

4.9

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Why We Love It: It’s FAA-certified and can be used in rear- and forward-facing positions.

What to Consider: Its weight limit is 43 pounds.

At $60, this car seat is one of the most budget-friendly options on the market. But there’s a lot more to it than the price. With an adjustable five-point harness and built-in side protection, the Cosco Scenera Next Harness Convertible Car Seat delivers all the bells and whistles of bulkier, heavier, and pricier car seats. Traveling with a lot of kids? You can fit three Cosco Sceneras in the backseat of most standard-sized vehicles. Its compact size and FAA-approved status also make it the perfect choice when flying with your little one. And, last but not least, the removable cover (of which there are 12 print options) and dishwasher-safe cup make cleaning baby’s messes a breeze.

Price at time of publish: $60

Weight limit: 43 pounds | Product weight: 6.8 pounds | Orientation: Rear and forward | Dimensions: 30 x 18.13 x 31.75 inches | Installation type: Latch equipped

Best Overall, Runner-up

Graco 4Ever DLX 4-in-1 Car Seat

4.9

Amazon

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Why We Love It: It is four car seats in one and can fit children up to 120 pounds.

What to Consider: This is not the most budget-friendly option if you don’t plan to need it for years.

This car seat is a multi-tasking wonder that adapts to your growing child. It gives you peace of mind as it easily switches from rear to forward-facing orientation as well as from a high-back booster to a backless booster style. Graco’s best-selling car seat has a removable cover for easy clean-up and convenient harness storage while its adjustable headrest and harness system were made with comfort and safety in mind. And, speaking of comfort, your child will surely appreciate the six reclining positions, especially during long-haul trips. Lastly, the built-in belt lock-off and LATCH system are incredibly user-friendly. While this is not the most economical option, if you are looking for a multifunctional travel seat that you can use for up to ten years, your investment will certainly pay off.

Price at time of publish: $330

Weight limit: 120 pounds | Product weight: 23 pounds | Orientation: Rear, forward, and booster | Dimensions: 20 x 21.5 x 24 inches | Installation type: Integrated belt lock-off

Best With Stroller

Doona Infant Car Seat & Latch Base

4.6

Amazon

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Why We Love It: It transforms into a stroller in seconds and is FAA-approved

What to Consider: It only accommodates children up to 35 pounds.

However lightweight a travel car seat may be, you’ll still need to carry it around with the rest of your luggage. If that’s not an option for you, then invest in Doona’s infant car seat, which switches from a cart seat to a stroller in seconds. Its base has built-in wheels that make layovers, shopping trips, and airport transfers much easier. The adjustable handle also acts as anti-rebound protection for your newborn when the car seat is installed, while the double walls help avoid damage to their head, neck, and spine in case of an accident. Plus, the removable seat cover and frame are easy to clean and keep the thick padding in top shape.

Price at time of publish: $550

Weight limit: 35 pounds | Product weight: 16.5 pounds | Orientation: Rear | Dimensions: 17.3 x 23.6 x 26 inches | Installation type: Latch

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Best for Toddlers and Older Children

Evenflo Maestro Sport Harness Highback Booster Car Seat

Amazon

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Why We Love It: It converts into a high-back booster seat.

What to Consider: It doesn’t recline.

With two cup holders, this Evenflo car seat provides plenty of space for snacks and drinks, essential when traveling with children. Conveniently, the seat pad is both easy to remove and machine-washable so you don’t have to uninstall the entire car seat in case of messes. It accommodates kids weighing as little as 22 pounds and features an adjustable harness for the best fit and maximum comfort. Then, when they are old enough to transition to a high-back booster and a belt, this car seat has you covered up to 110 pounds. Given its price tag and compact size and weight, you truly are getting the best bang for your buck for years to come.

Price at time of publish: $115

Weight limit: 22-110 pounds | Product weight: 9.6 pounds | Orientation: Forward | Dimensions: 17 x 19 x 27.5 inches | Installation type: Latch

Best Convertible

Diono Radian 3R 3-in-1 Convertible Car Seat

Amazon

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Why We Love It: It has a compact frame that allows you to fit up to three car seats in the back seat of any mid-sized vehicle.

What to Consider: It weighs almost 26 pounds.

This Diono car seat will save you some serious space without sacrificing the comfort or safety of your toddler. The rear- and front-facing car seat is built from reinforced steel and high-density plastic (hence, its weight), dressed in foam and a machine-washable cover. It has an FAA-approved foldable design and can fit in the overhead bin of a plane if not needed during the flight.

But the best feature of this car seat is its functionality. With an extended rear-facing capacity of up to 50 pounds and an overall weight limit of 120 pounds, it adapts to your child’s needs to keep them secure as they grow.

Price at time of publish: $200

Weight limit: 5-120 pounds | Product weight: 25.9 pounds | Orientation: Rear and forward | Dimensions: 16 x 17 x 28.5 inches | Installation type: Latch

Best for Airplane Travel

Chicco KeyFit Infant Car Seat

Amazon

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Why We Love It: It gives a baby more legroom and a bigger headrest. 

What to Consider: Its weight limit is 22 pounds.

While airlines allow infants to travel on an adult’s lap, the safest place for your baby is in their car seat. And, while infant car seats are usually bulkier and heavier, this one is a clear exception at only 9.6 pounds (without the base). The LATCH tightener, bubble levels, adjustable recline angles, and belt lock-off system all guarantee a secure setup, while the five-point harness is easy to adjust for a comfortable fit. The seat comes with a removable head and body support pad for newborns, while the frame is lined with foam for extra cushioning. Lastly, not only is it FAA-approved, thanks to the elongated base, your little one will have plenty of legroom during flights.

Price at time of publish: $190

Weight limit: 4-22 pounds | Product weight: 9.6 pounds (without the base) and 16 pounds (with the base) | Orientation: Rear | Dimensions: 27.5 x 16.75 x 24 inches | Installation type: Latch

Best for Road Trips

Safety 1st Grow and Go All-in-One Convertible Car Seat

 Amazon

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Why We Love It: It has harness holders that make it easy to get your child in and out of the seat.

What to Consider: The frame is not slim enough to install three car seats on the backseat of a vehicle.

Any parent who has spent several hours in a car with a child knows that, aside from being safe, a car seat should also be extremely comfortable and offer space for drinks and snacks. And this one by Safety 1st checks all the boxes.

The reclining modes offer even more comfort to your child during road trips, while the harness and headrest are easy to adjust to deliver the best fit. The double cupholders are dishwasher-safe and fit most standard-sized sippy cups. And, since messes are part of taking a family road trip, the seat pad can easily be taken off and machine washed (without uninstalling the entire set-up). But the best feature of this travel car seat is that it can fit children up to 100 pounds and transforms into a booster seat, so you are basically investing in a car seat that will be with your kid for most of their childhood.

Price at time of publish: $180

Weight limit: 5-100 pounds | Product weight: 18.25 pounds | Orientation: Rear, forward, and booster | Dimensions: 31.75 x 19.25 x 28.75 inches | Installation type: Latch

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Best Booster Seat

Cosco Finale DX 2-in-1 Booster Car Seat

Walmart

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Why We Love It: Its sturdy frame is lightweight and can be used in forward-facing and booster modes.

What to Consider: It doesn’t have extra padding.

Children are ready to switch to a booster seat when they have outgrown the weight limitations of their forward-facing car seat. This Cosco booster car seat doubles as both — it has a harness to secure kids 30-65 pounds and belt-positioning for children weighing 40-100 pounds. With three harness levels, it adapts easily to your child’s height providing maximum comfort, too. It is easy to install and FAA-approved (with an excellent rating for use in booster mode), so you can take it with you on a road trip or a plane. At 11.5 pounds, it is also one of the lightest travel car seat models on the market. It’s a wonderful option for growing families as you can fit three in the backseat of most cars. Another convenience is that the removable cup holder can be installed on either side of the seat. And, finally, maintaining it is a breeze thanks to the machine-washable seat cover.

Price at time of publish: $70

Weight limit: 40-100 pounds | Product weight: 11.5 pounds | Orientation: Forward and booster | Dimensions: 18.25 x 19 x 29.75 inches | Installation type: Latch

Best Backless Booster

BubbleBum Inflatable Booster Car Seat

Amazon

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Why We Love It: It is foldable and fits in a backpack.

What to Consider: It doesn’t give your child any side or back protection.

This booster seat is the definition of portable, weighing in at only one pound. You can carry it folded in your backpack or purse until it’s time to use it so, Uber rides with kids just got a lot easier! The seat will expand once you open the air valve, saving you valuable time and space on the road. The BubbleBum travel car seat comes with belt clips to secure the lap belt, while the additional height puts the shoulder belt across your child’s chest. The booster seat can be used for children weighing between 40 and 100 pounds.

Price at time of publish: $35

Weight limit: 40-100 pounds | Product weight: 1 pound | Orientation: Booster | Dimensions: 11 x 4.5 x 11 inches | Installation type: Seat belt

Best Lightweight

Wayb Pico Travel Car Seat

Amazon

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Why We Love It: It is foldable and easy to carry, plus fits in the overhead compartment. 

What to Consider: It doesn’t provide much padding or cushioning.

If the weight and bulkiness of regular car seats are a major concern and you are in the market for something you can carry in a bag and install quickly, this Pico travel seat is ideal for your family. Built from lightweight aluminum, it only weighs eight pounds and folds into a compact 12 x 15 x 19 inches that can be easily stowed in its included travel bag or your current carry-all.  It is perfect for toddlers within the 22-50 pound range and provides them with an adjustable five-point harness and a headrest. The frame is covered in breathable wool/polyester fabric that will help keep your child cool and comfy for the duration of your trip. This car seat is both FAA and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration-approved as well.

Price at time of publish: $380

Weight limit: 22-50 pounds | Product weight: 8 pounds | Orientation: Forward | Dimensions: 11.6 x 14.5 x 18.9 inches | Installation type: Latch

Best Compact

Graco SlimFit 3-in-1 Car Seat

4.9

 Amazon

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Why We Love It: The innovative design saves space for backseat passengers.

What to Consider: At 25 pounds, it is not the lightest option on the market.

Car seats are bulky, which can be an issue if you’re traveling with a large group and need the extra space. Graco has come up with a clever solution to this problem by designing its SlimFit car seat with rotatable cupholders. The result is 10 percent more space for you while your child has plenty of room to get comfortable. And, speaking of comfort, the four-position recline will surely add extra points in this category.

Another great feature of this car seat is its versatility. It switches between rear-facing, forward-facing, and a booster, and can accommodate children in the range of 5-100 pounds and up to 57 inches tall.

Price at time of publish: $220

Weight limit: 5-100 pounds | Product weight: 25 pounds | Orientation: Rear and forward | Dimensions: 21.5 x 19.9 x 25.5 inches | Installation type: Latch equipped

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