An all in one car seat is a popular and budget-friendly option. This is the only car seat that parents have to buy for use as their child grows.
After extensive research, I’ve determined that the Graco 4Ever DLX 4-in-1 Convertible Car Seat is the best all in one car seat for 2023. It can accommodate children from age 4, weighing up to 120 pounds, and keep them safe and snug for up to a decade! With impressive safety ratings, it provides peace of mind.
Generally, a child will use three car seats by the time they grow old enough not to need one. Three seats can be a lot of money for a parent on a budget. This is why car seats like the Graco 4Ever DLX 4-in-1 Convertible – lasting up to ten years – are popular.
Graco uses the latest technology to ensure its seat’s integrity over the long ride, such as the exclusive InRight LATCH, providing a one-second attachment. The company’s engineers also anticipate how standards will change so that they can proactively cater to them. Add the fact that the seat is made from durable materials, and you understand why this seat made it to the top of my list.
The good news is that the Graco 4Ever DLX 4-in-1 Convertible Car Seat is one of many great products. So, if it isn’t your cup of tea, I have assembled another five for you to consider. Let’s dive in.
Comparison Of Leading All-In-One Car Seats
Here is a table with a comparison of the five best car seats on my list:
| Product | Weight Limit | Height Limit | Modes |
| Graco 4Ever DLX Convertible Car Seat | 4-120 lbs. | Up to 57.” | Rear-facing Forward-facing |
| Britax One4Life All-In-One Car Seat | 5-120 lbs. | Up to 57.” | Rear-facing Forward-facing |
| Evenflo EveryStage DLX Convertible Seat | 4-120 lbs. | Up to 49″ | Rear-facing Forward-facing |
| Safety 1st Grow and Go 3-in-1 | 5-110 lbs. | Up to 55.” | Rear-facingForward-facing |
| Diono Radian 3QXT 4-in-1 | 5-120 lbs. | Up to 57.” | Rear-facing Forward-facing |
| Maxi Cosi Magellan XP Max All-in-One | 5-120 lbs. | Up to 57.” | Rear-facing Forward-facing |
How To Choose The Best All-in-One?
When selecting the best all-in-one car seat, several pivotal factors demand attention:
Safety First
Your child’s security takes precedence. Before considering any seat, I meticulously scrutinize its adherence to national safety regulations. It’s essential that the chosen seat aligns with federal safety standards and even surpasses them, ensuring your little one’s protection in all scenarios.
Accompanying Your Child’s Growth
The hallmark of an exceptional all-in-one car seat is its versatility. We evaluate each seat’s capacity to evolve with your child from infancy to toddlerhood, eliminating the need for frequent seat replacements. This approach not only simplifies your life but also contributes to significant savings.
Perfect Fit And Comfort
Our criteria encompass assessing the ergonomic design that ensures your child’s comfort at every stage. Proper harness height, seat belt alignment, and suitable recline angles are pivotal features that enhance the ride experience and provide optimal support.
Value For Your Investment
Budget considerations are a reality for most families. We dive into reviews from parents who’ve employed these seats and provide you with insights into the value they received for their investment. Additionally, we put the seats to the test, delivering transparent, unbiased reviews.
Now. let’s look at the complete list:
1. Graco 4Ever DLX 4-in-1 Car Seat – Best Overall Choice
The Graco 4Ever DLX 4-in-1 Car Seat is the best all-in-one option. Its remarkable longevity accommodates children from 4 to 120 pounds, covering a decade of growth. The high-back booster mode ensures a comfortable ride up to 100 pounds, and the innovative ProtectPlus engineering guarantees safety in various crash scenarios.
With a wide range of adjustable features and easy installation through the InRight Latch Attachment and integrated belt lock-off, this car seat is a top-tier choice.
Pros:
- 10-year lifespan for long-term use.
- Adjustable harness heights and recline angles.
- ProtectPlus engineering enhances safety.
- Easy to clean and maintain.
Cons:
- Adjustment straps have limited length.
- Fabric is susceptible to wear and tear.
2. Britax One4Life Car Seat – Superior Safety Features
- This Cosco backless booster securely fits in your car and gives your child the extra height they need to keep seatbelts properly positioned
- Made for growing kids, the seat holds kids weighing between 40 to 100 pounds and 43 to 57 inches in height
- Lightweight, compact design makes the seat easy to move whenever you need to change vehicles. Latch not required
The Britax One4Life Car Seat boasts an impressive range of safety features. It supports rear-facing for infants up to 50 pounds and forward-facing in a harness until 65 pounds. With ClickTight installation technology, it ensures a secure fit effortlessly. Its ventilated, breathable fabric and easy-to-clean design add to the convenience. This car seat is designed to last up to a decade, making it a solid choice for safety-conscious parents.
Pros:
- Ventilated, breathable fabric.
- ClickTight installation for a secure fi
- Superior safety features
- It lasts up to 10 years.
Cons:
- Not compatible with the ClickTight rebound bar
- The relatively higher price point
3. Evenflo EveryStage DLX – Ideal for Preemies and Extended Rear-Facing
- Convertible 3-In-1 Car Seat: This seat is designed to keep your child safe from infant to 120 pounds; Dimensions (L x W x H): 22 x 19 x 26.5 inches
- Innovative EasyClick Latch System: The attachment system easily ratchets to achieve a tighter installation
- No Rethread Harness: Easily adjust the harness fit to be both comfortable and secure
The Evenflo EveryStage DLX is suitable for preemies and extended rear-facing. Catering to infants as small as 4 pounds, it accommodates children up to 120 pounds. It ensures comfort and safety with five recline positions and an innovative head slump prevention design for rear-facing mode.
Despite some challenges in harness tightening, rigorous crash testing and budget-friendly pricing make it a reliable choice.
Pros:
- Great for preemies and extended rear-facing
- Rigorously crash tested
- Budget-friendly option
- Multiple recline positions
Cons:
- Harness tightening can be challenging
- Initial installation may be tricky
4. Safety 1st Grow and Go 3-in-1 – Most Affordable Option
The Safety 1st Grow and Go 3-in-1 Car Seat offers affordability without compromising safety. Suitable for children from 5 to 110 pounds, it grows with your child. While it has three recline positions, the built-in harness holder enhances convenience.
Keep in mind that it might be too wide for smaller cars. Its value-oriented features and attractive design make it an excellent budget-friendly option.
Pros:
- Easy to clean with removable seat covers
- Attractive design
- Adjustable headrest and harness in one step
- Budget-friendly choice
Cons:
- Limited reclining positions
- It may be too wide for small cars
5. Diono Radian 3QXT 4-in-1 – Travel-Friendly and Versatile
The Diono Radian 3QXT is a versatile and safe car seat suitable for infants and young children. It has been rigorously tested and exceeds federal safety standards with a steel frame, reinforced sides, and a five-point harness. The car seat can be used in both rear-facing and forward-facing positions, with weight limits of 50 and 65 pounds respectively, and a height limit of 112 and 57 inches. The seat is FAA approved for air travel and features adjustable headrest and plush memory foam padding for comfort. With a 10-year lifespan, the Diono Radian 3QXT is a reliable choice for families looking for a long-lasting and safe car seat.
- Supports rear-facing until 50 pounds, longer than most
- Steel core and frame
- Anti-rebound bar
- Easy click installation
- Can wash and dry covers
- While fitting three across is possible, installation can be challenging
- Expensive option
For travelers, the Diono Radian 3QXT 4-in-1 Car Seat offers exceptional versatility. Its eight layers of side impact protection and travel-friendly features make it stand out. Including an anti-rebound bar and memory foam seat provides enhanced safety and comfort.
Its compact design allows for fitting three across most backseats, maximizing space. Although the installation may pose challenges, the extended lifespan and travel-ready features make it a solid choice.
Pros:
- Travel-friendly features
- High level of side impact protection
- Memory foam seat for comfort
- Suitable for three across backseats
Cons:
- Installation can be challenging
- Higher price point
6. Maxi Cosi Magellan XP Max All-in-One – Luxurious Comfort
The Maxi Cosi Magellan XP Max is an all-in-one baby car seat that accommodates children from 5 to 120 pounds and can be used as a rear-facing, forward-facing, or booster seat. It meets federal safety standards and features an adjustable headrest and recline positions, a 5-point harness system, and advanced side impact protection.
The car seat is highly recommended for its versatility, comfort, and safety features. It provides parents with the convenience of a single purchase that can last through multiple stages of their child's growth, giving them peace of mind while on the road.
- Soft, plush fabric and padding
- Easy to tighten
- ClipQuik magnetic chest clip
- Washable, removable seat and cup holders
- Wide
- Expensive- but it’s the only seat you’ll need!
The Maxi Cosi Magellan XP Max All-in-One Car Seat excels for those seeking luxury and comfort. With five different modes and adjustable features, it accommodates growing children up to 120 pounds. The 14 headrest positions and washable fabric enhance comfort and convenience.
While it may be pricier, its plush design, easy installation, and overall quality make it a luxurious choice.
Pros:
- Plush fabric and padding for comfort
- Adjustable headrest and torso for customization
- Easy installation
- Washable and removable seat covers
Cons:
- Wider design
- Higher price point
7. Cybex Eternis S All-in-One Seat – Preemie-Friendly and Stylish
The Cybex Eternis S All-in-One Seat is a versatile convertible car seat that can be used in three modes: rear-facing for infants, forward-facing for toddlers, and as a booster seat for older children. It features advanced safety features such as a steel-reinforced frame, side-impact protection, and SensorSafe 2.0 technology to keep your child safe and secure.
The seat has a sleek and stylish design, is easy to install, and comes with adjustable headrest and recline positions. This car seat is an ideal choice for parents who want a safe, comfortable, and long-lasting car seat for their child.
- Removable cup holder
- SensorSafe technology
- Easy to clean
- Comfortable padding
- Easy to install
- Manufactured in the USA
- High price point
- SensorSafe may malfunction
The Cybex Eternis S All-in-One Seat stands out for its preemie-friendly design and style. Accommodating infants as small as 4 pounds ensures extended rear-facing comfort. The inclusion of SensorSafe technology adds to its safety features.
Its stylish appearance and rear-facing capability of up to 50 pounds make it an attractive choice.
Pros:
- Suitable for preemies
- Stylish design
- SensorSafe technology for enhanced safety
- Extended rear-facing capability
Cons:
- Limited information on other features
8. Graco Grows4Me 4-in-1 Car Seat – Cost-Effective Durability
The Graco Grows4Me 4-in-1 baby car seat is a versatile and adjustable car seat that can be used from infancy to beyond toddlerhood. It can be used as a rear-facing infant car seat, forward-facing harness car seat, high-back booster seat, and backless booster seat. It has undergone rigorous crash tests and received a 5-star rating from NHTSA.
The car seat features an adjustable headrest, harness, and recline positions, as well as a storage compartment and cup holder. It has a 10-year lifespan and no known recalls, with Graco providing excellent customer service. It is a safe and comfortable investment in your child's travel safety.
- Super durable
- Can be a high back or backless booster
- Installs via LATCH or seatbelt
- Great buy for the price
- Easy to install
- Two different color options
- Cupholder isn’t removable
- Shoulder straps twist easily
The Graco Grows4Me 4-in-1 Car Seat offers cost-effective durability. Supporting children up to 110 pounds, it features the Simply Safe Adjust harness adjustment system for easy customization. The storage compartment for the harness enhances convenience.
Its steel-reinforced frame and crash-tested design ensure reliability for budget-conscious parents.
Pros:
- Cost-effective durability
- Simply Safe Adjust harness for customization
- Steel-reinforced frame for safety
- Storage compartment for the harness
Cons:
- Focus on practicality over luxury
9. Graco TrioGrow SnugLock LX 3-in-1 Seat – Comfortable for Long Trips
The Graco TrioGrow SnugLock LX 3-in-1 Car Seat stands out for its comfort during long trips. SnugLock technology ensures secure installation. It can be used in rear-facing, forward-facing, and belt-positioning booster modes. It accommodates children up to 100 pounds.
Its ProtectPlus technology guarantees safety, and convenient features like a rapid-remove cover adds to its appeal.
Pros:
- Comfortable for long trips
- SnugLock technology for secure installation
- Versatile usage modes
- ProtectPlus technology for safety
Cons:
- Limited information on other features
10. Diono Radian 3RXT All-in-One Seat – Air Travel Approved
The Diono Radian 3RXT All-in-One Seat is the ideal choice for air travel. It’s slim design and FAA approval make it convenient for jet-setting families. It accommodates children from 5 to 120 pounds and promotes extended rear-facing. It’s a suitable option for frequent travelers with a steel core, easy installation, and a foldable design.
Pro:
- Ideal for air travel
- Slim design for tight spaces
- Accommodates a wide weight range (5 to 120 pounds)
- Extended rear-facing option
- Foldable design for portability
Cons:
- Missing specific safety and comfort feature details
11. Evenflo EveryFit 4-in-1 Car Seat – Versatile and Comfortable
The Evenflo EveryStage DLX baby car seat is a versatile and reliable convertible car seat that grows with your child. It can accommodate children from 4 to 120 pounds, making it a one-time investment that will last for many years.
This car seat features an easy-to-adjust headrest and harness, so you can customize the fit to your child's size and comfort. Its advanced safety features include a steel-reinforced frame, impact-absorbing base, and side-impact protection, all of which ensure your child's safety during a collision. The car seat also features machine-washable covers and a convenient built-in cup holder. The Evenflo EveryStage DLX has been rigorously crash tested and meets or exceeds federal safety standards.
- 90-day limited warranty
- Great for extended rear-facing
- Easy to clean
- Rigorously crash tested
- Five different reclines
- Great for preemies
- Difficult to tighten harness
- Initial installation may be tricky
The Evenflo EveryFit 4-in-1 Car Seat offers versatility and comfort. With extended usability from 4 to 120 pounds, it caters to a wide range of children.
Its innovative airflow mesh fabric enhances breathability and features like SureSafe Quick Connecting LATCH simplify installation.
While it lacks extensive special features, its versatility and comfort make it a reliable choice.
Pros:
- Wide weight range (5 to 110 pounds)
- e3 side impact protection for safety
- Sliding harness for a secure fit
- Expandable cup holder and an anti-rebound bar for usability
Cons:
- Limited information on other features
12. Baby Jogger City View Space Saving All-In-One Car Seat – Feature-Rich and Stylish
The Baby Jogger City View Space Saving All-In-One Car Seat offers a blend of features and style. It provides an extensive weight range for children from 5 to 100 pounds. It is a Secure-Stop anti-rebound bar, and its premium design contributes to safety and aesthetics.
Although the price point is higher, the range of features justifies the investment.
Pros:
- Extensive weight range (5 to 100 pounds)
- The secure-Stop anti-rebound bar for safety
- Premium design for aesthetics
Cons:
- Higher price point
13. Graco Slim-Fit 3-in-1 Seat – Ideal for Small Cars
- 3-in-1 car seat grows with your child from rear-facing harness (5-40 pounds) to forward-facing harness (22-65 pounds) to highback booster (40-100 pounds)
- Slim design with dual integrated cup holders that rotate away, making the seat 10% slimmer to save valuable back seat space
- Graco ProtectPlus Engineered: A combination of the most rigorous crash tests that helps to protect your little one in frontal, side, rear and rollover crashes
The Graco Slim-Fit 3-in-1 Car Seat is tailored to fit small cars perfectly. Its compact design and adjustable features guarantee a secure installation. It’s suitable for kids weighing 5 to 100 pounds, providing long-lasting usability.
Despite its focus on practicality over luxury, its small-car compatibility and reliable safety make it an excellent choice.
Pros:
- Tailored for small cars
- Compact design for secure installation
- Suitable for a wide weight range (5 to 100 pounds)
Cons:
- Focus on practicality over luxury
14. Evenflo Symphony Elite All-In-One – Comfortable and Convenient
- This All-In-One Convertible Car Seat fitting children from 5-110 lbs. is the only car seat you'll ever need providing rear-facing, forward facing and booster capabilities
- The Symphony DLX helps protect rear facing infants from 5-40 lbs., forward facing toddlers from 22-65 lbs. and high back booster mode supports children 40-110 lbs.
- Easy to install in vehicles in only 60 seconds using Evenflo's exclusive, auto-retracting Sure LATCH connectors with no pulling necessary
- Can be installed in 60 seconds with the 5-point infinite slide harness
- Pads can be machine washed separately
- Large in size, may not fit smaller cars
- Odor on cushions can be difficult to get out at times
The Evenflo Symphony Elite All-In-One Car Seat accommodates a wide weight range, from 5 to 110 pounds, catering to various child sizes. It prioritizes safety with e3 side impact protection and a sliding harness that ensures a secure fit.
Additionally, its usability is enhanced by the expandable cup holder and secure-stop anti-rebound bar.
Pros:
- Wide weight range (5 to 110 pounds)
- e3 side impact protection for safety
- Sliding harness for a secure fit
- Expandable cup holder and an anti-rebound bar for usability
Cons:
- Limited information on other features
15. Graco Milestone All-In-One Convertible Car Seat, Gotham – Budget-Friendly Reliability
- 3-in-1 car seat helps to protect your child from rear-facing harness (5 - 40 pounds) to forward-facing harness (22 - 65 pounds), to highback booster (40-100 pounds)
- Graco ProtectPlus is Engineered to help protect your little one in frontal, side, rear, and rollover crashes.
- No-Rethread Harness: Simply safe adjust harness system adjusts the headrest and harness in one motion, to ensure proper fit
- 4-position recline helps ensure a secure installation and helps keep your growing child comfy on your many journeys together
- Graco’s exclusive push-button InRight LATCH provides an easy, one-second attachment with an audible click to help ensure secure installation
- 10 headrest height positions help you to get the safest fit for your child as they grow
- Integrated harness storage compartment keeps the harness safely stored away without removing while in belt-positioning booster mode
The Graco Milestone All-In-One Convertible Car Seat offers budget-friendly reliability. It balances affordability with safety and is suitable for children from 5 to 100 pounds. InRight Latch Attachment and SureSafe Quick Connecting LATCH ensure easy installation.
While lacking extensive special features, its affordability, and safety meet essential needs.
Pros:
- Budget-friendly
- Safety features (InRight Latch Attachment, SureSafe Quick Connecting LATCH)
- Suitable for children from 5 to 100 pounds
Cons:
- Lack of extensive special features
Buyer’s Guide: Key Factors to Consider
When you’re picking the perfect all-in-one car seat for your little one, these are the essential points to consider:
- Durability: Make sure the car seat follows safety rules and stays trustworthy over time
- Price: Although all-in-one seats can cost more, think about the long-term value versus buying multiple seats
- Notable additions: Opt for features that make both you and your child more comfortable and at ease
- Safety scores: Give preference to car seats with top-notch safety ratings and strong results in crash tests
- Fit: Check if the seat fits securely in your vehicle and installs properly
Final Thoughts
Overall, the all-in-one car seat adapts to your child’s growth, and you can use it from infancy to booster seat age. There is no need to worry about buying a new car seat every few years!
These car seats can adjust to different positions and configurations to accommodate your child’s changing needs. Plus, they’re designed to be the only car seat you’ll ever need to purchase for your child.
But before you go off and buy just any all-in-one car seat, there are some critical factors to consider. You want to ensure it has top-notch safety ratings, is easy to install, provides the ultimate comfort for your child, and is compatible with your vehicle.
Now that you know what to look for when buying an all-in-one car seat, check out our reviews of the best car seats in the market today.
FAQs
What are the top features when choosing the best all-in-one car seat?
- Incorporating ClickTight technology: This ingenious feature streamlines installation, ensuring a secure fit through a simple clicking mechanism.
- Safe Cell capability: All-in-one car seats utilize Safe Cell technology to absorb impact energy and safeguard your child during accidents.
- Customizable upper support: Adapting as your child develops, the adjustable upper support guarantees proper positioning and comfort.
- Convertible structure: These seats seamlessly transition from rear-facing to forward-facing and later to a booster seat, effectively meeting your child’s evolving requirements.
How does the safety rating of an all-in-one car seat impact its overall performance?
A heightened safety rating equates to heightened protection for your child in any collision scenario.
What are the advantages of using an all-in-one convertible car seat compared to other types?
These all-in-one seats accommodate multiple growth stages, providing enduring value and convenience.
