For many families, and especially busy moms juggling school runs, carpools, and errands, purchasing a second car seat isn’t a luxury, it’s a lifesaver. Whether it’s for grandparents, a nanny, or a second vehicle, having a safe seat ready to go is top priority for peace of mind.
With options ranging from infant seat models to convertible car seats to boosters, parents today have a wealth of best options to choose from. But deciding which seat is the better choice depends on your child’s age, your vehicles, and how often the seat will be moved. Should i buy more than one car seat?
Why You Might Need a Second Car Seat
For many families, purchasing a second car seat isn’t a luxury, it’s a lifesaver for the daily routine. Whether it’s for grandparents, a nanny, or a smaller car with limited space, having a seat ready in another vehicle can save you time, effort, and stress.
Choosing a seat for multiple ages and phases also ensures you never have to rush to swap seats between vehicles before school drop-off or baseball practice. With options ranging from infant car seats and convertible car seats for toddlers, to boosters and rotating seats, parents today have more choices than ever before, making an informed decision essential for both safety and convenience.
Our Top Picks for Families Purchasing a Second Car Seat
Below are some of the best options for second car seats -choices that balance safety, convenience, and versatility:
Evenflo Reo
- one-and-done installation with the seat belt or lower anchors
- swivels
- narrow
- fits most kids 0-3
Graco Slimfit3 LX
- narrow
- works with non-removable headrests
- fits most kids 6 months-7
- compact rear-facing
Evenflo All4Stages Slim Plus
- narrow
- compact rear-facing
- fits most kids from 6 months-10 years
Safety 1st Ellaris
- inexpensive
- lightweight
- fits most kids from 0-4
Chicco Fit360
- one-and-done installation with the seat belt
- swivels
- fits most kids from 6 months-6
- works with non-removable headrests
Chicco MyFit
- ff only seat for kids who are 30+ lbs
- tall harness height
- narrow
- tall standing height limit for harness (54")
Evenflo GoTime LX
- Booster Seat
- works with non-removable headrests
- lightweight
- inexpensive
When Should You Consider a Second Car Seat?
Many families purchase an extra seat for:
- Grandparents, nannies, or caregivers - Makes it easy for kids to ride safely when someone else is helping with school pick-up or weekend outings
- Travel - A lightweight seat can be a game-changer when flying or using ride-shares
- Backup car - Perfect for the parent who doesn’t drive daily but needs the option in a pinch
- Multiple children - Having a multimode seat can be helpful if the children being cared for are in different stages
What to Look for in a Second Car Seat
When purchasing a second car seat, you might not need every bell and whistle from your primary seat. Focus on:
- Ease of use & easiest installation - Especially important for vehicle set ups with caregivers who are less experienced with car seats
- Compatibility with LATCH connectors - Many modern vehicles include LATCH connectors (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children), which simplify installation and reduce misuse. A seat that installs easily with LATCH is often a better choice for caregivers. Just be sure to note the weight limits.
- Lightweight design - Moving it between cars shouldn’t require a workout
- Longevity & flexibility - Convertible seats that work for infants up to toddlers
- Convenience features - Cup holders keep the kids happy
Our Picks for Buying a Second Car Seat
Evenflo Reo
The Evenflo Reo is a swivel seat that rotates from rear-facing to forward-facing without requiring a reinstall. With its one-and-done installation using the seat belt or lower anchors, it’s especially convenient for grandparents and other caregivers who may be buckling in different young children throughout the week. The seat is also narrow and fits most kids from birth to around age 3, making it a flexible option for families. However, it does come with relatively low limits: 40 pounds and 43 inches in both rear- and forward-facing modes, so it won’t last as long as some other options on the market. Still, as the least expensive swivel option available, it can be a smart choice for certain caregivers.
Graco Slimfit3 LX
The Graco SlimFit3 LX stands as an exceptional choice for families seeking a narrow and space-efficient car seat solution. Its ability to accommodate three car seats across and its compatibility with vehicles featuring non-removable headrests make it a versatile and practical option. Additionally, the forward-facing lock-off mechanism and removable cupholders enhance the user experience, ensuring a secure installation and added convenience.
Evenflo All4Stages Slim Plus
Safety 1st Ellaris
Chicco Fit360
The Chicco Fit360 car seat features a flame-retardant-free ClearTex fabric and a 360-degree swivel, making it easy to load and unload your child. It also includes a magnetic chest clip that's simple for caregivers to use but more challenging for young escape artists. The seat belt installation is made easy with a LeverLock Self-Tensioning lock-off system, and extra bases are available for use in multiple vehicles. However, at 18.5" wide, it may not work in most three-across configurations, and it may not be ideal for smaller vehicles or tall front passengers.
Chicco MyFit
The Chicco MyFit is a great option for tall kids, as it has a high standing height limit and a tall harness height. It can also be a good choice for some 3 across situations as well since it is only 17.5″ when the cup holders are folded in. However, caution should be exercised if your vehicle has non-removable headrests, as the seat may not be compatible in high-back booster mode.
Evenflo GoTime LX
Tips for Using a Second Car Seat Safely
Even if the seat is for occasional use, keep these in mind:
- Practice using the buckles, straps, and harness adjusters so grandparents or nannies feel confident
- Verify the seat fits correctly with your vehicle’s seat belts or seat belt + LATCH system
- Keep kids rear-facing as long as possible within the seat’s limits for maximum protection and reduced risk of injury
- Always double-check harness before every ride
Final Thoughts
Purchasing a second car seat doesn’t need to be overwhelming. With the right safety features, ease of use, and overall score for comfort and crash testing, you can find the perfect seat for grandparents, nannies, or travel.
Whether you’re buying for infants, toddlers, or older kids in boosters, the goal is the same: safety, convenience, and peace of mind, no matter which car they ride in.
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