5 Best Car Seats for Grandparents in 2024
For grandparents involved in the day-to-day life of their grandchildren, it may make sense for them to have their own car seat. Eliminating frequent car seat transfers makes it more likely you are always using a car seat that’s safely and properly installed.
Grandparents may also have different features or factors that they want to prioritize. While safety will always remain king, a seat that’s easy to install and adjust might be important, as they may be less familiar with how to install modern seats or may have limited physical strength.
In terms of the type of seat, a convertible car seat is likely to offer the most bang for the grandparent buck, since it can be installed rear or forward-facing and can be used for a longer period of time. Here are a few of our favorite convertible car seats that grandparents will love:
Best Overall: Orbit Baby G5
Best from Birth: Graco 4Ever DLX 4-in-1
Easiest to Clean: Chicco NextFit Zip
Best Seatbelt Install: Britax One4Life ClickTight All-in-One
Sleekest Design: Clek Foonfz
Best Overall: Orbit Baby G5
When it comes to getting a little one into and out of the car, Orbit Baby G5’s rotating car seat can’t be beat. When installed rear-facing, you can rotate the seat into position after your child has been buckled in to save on back strain—sure to be a hit with grandparents everywhere.
Pros
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Rotates into position when rear-facing for the easiest loading and unloading process
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Installs easily
Cons
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The G5 Toddler Seat can only be used after a baby is 15 lbs and can sit independently (usually around 6 months or so), so it’s not a good option for the youngest babies
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Pricier than some other competitors
Best from Birth: Graco 4Ever DLX 4-in-1
While several of the car seats on this list cannot be used before a child can sit independently, the Graco 4Ever DLX 4-in-1 can be used rear-facing from just 4 lbs.
Pros
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Converts from a rear-facing infant seat all the way to a booster, making it on the only car seat you’ll need
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Does well in crash testing
Cons
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With a bulkier build, it may not fit into smaller vehicles or be more challenging to install
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Lower quality fabrics, less cushioning, and a generally non-aesthetically pleasing design
Easiest to Clean: Chicco NextFit Zip
An easy-to-clean car seat is one of those things you don’t appreciate until you really, really need it. The Chicco NextFit Zip has a zip-off cover that makes it easy to clean up even the worst spills.
Pros
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Cover zips off for easy cleanups
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Nine position harness makes adjusting as your child grows easy
Cons
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Both the LATCH and seatbelt installation process is more difficult than competitors
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Bulkier profile can make install a challenge in smaller vehicles
Best Seatbelt Install: Britax One4Life ClickTight All-in-One
While LATCH installation has been the gold standard for awhile, it’s not always an option—especially if you need to install a car seat in a center seat. The Britax One4Life ClickTight All-in-One has a straightforward seatbelt install process that sets it apart.
Pros
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Installs easily and securely with a seatbelt when LATCH isn’t an option
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Can be used from 5-120 lbs, making it the only car seat you need
Cons
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LATCH installation isn’t as easy as other seats
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Doesn’t perform as well on crash tests as other competitors
Sleekest Design: Clek Foonf
Clek is revered for its stellar safety track record, and the Foonf convertible car seat comes in a sleek design that makes it great for smaller cars.
Pros
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Sleek profile makes it easier to install in smaller cars or with multiple car seats
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Extended rear-facing capability (up to 50 pounds)
Cons
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Rigid LATCH install can be harder to use correctly
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Higher price tag may not work with some budgets
How To Choose The Best Car Seats For Grandparents?
While grandparents want to prioritize safety the same way parents do, there are other factors unique to their situation they may want to consider. For example, the size of the seat may matter if the grandparents have downsized to a smaller car. Likewise, consider how easy it is to both install the seat itself as well as maneuvering the child in and out of the seat. Grandparents may have mobility restrictions or reduced strength that need special accommodations.
Car Seat Size & Weight
It’s not uncommon for grandparents to downsize to a smaller vehicle, so it’s important to consider how well their car can accommodate a car seat’s profile. The weight of the seat may also need to be taken into account if you plan to remove it from the vehicle frequently.
Ease of Install
Consider whether you’ll use LATCH or a seat belt for installation and make sure the car seat can be installed easily with your preferred method.
Loading and Unloading
It’s not just about how easy it is to install the seat itself—consider how easy it is to maneuver your grandchild in and out of the seat itself. You may want to look for a rotating seat like the Orbit Baby G5 to make the process easier.
Longevity
Choosing a seat that can accommodate your grandchild as they grow (and adapt for future grandchildren as well) will increase the value of your investment.
Safety
Always choose a car seat that meets or exceeds federal safety requirements.
FAQs:
What is the best car seat for a grandmother?
The best car seat for a grandmother or grandparent is one that meets or exceeds safety standards and is installed correctly.
Do grandparents need a car seat?
Grandparents who will frequently transport their grandchildren in their own vehicle may benefit from purchasing their own car seat. This allows them to install a car seat once and ensure it’s done properly, rather than stressing about moving a car seat back and forth between vehicles.
Conclusion
Many grandparents delight in living near their grandchildren and helping out in day-to-day life. If transporting your grandchildren is likely to be a regular part of your routine, you may want to purchase your own car seat that remains installed in your vehicle. This lowers the risk of a poor installation by moving seats back and forth and ensures a safe, comfortable ride for your grandchild.
