Soothe your little one on road trips and keep them engaged with a rotating car seat. These handy accessories rotate 360 degrees, allowing you to face your child toward the front of the vehicle or turn them away from distractions.
Rotating car seats come in two styles: those that rotate freely without locking and those that lock into position. The latter is better for younger children as it keeps them facing forward at all times. However, if you're looking for a model that rotates freely, check whether it has safety features such as a brake button to stop rotation while unbuckled or straps to secure it in place while driving.
There are plenty of other things to consider before making your purchase such as weight capacity and ease of installation. We've also rounded up our top-rated models so you can be sure you're getting quality every time.
How We Choose
We know that choosing the best car seat for your needs can be overwhelming, so we've done the research for you. We've tested dozens of models and only recommend those that meet or exceed safety standards while also providing a comfortable ride for baby.
We focus on both infant and convertible car seats because most parents need more than one option in terms of stage. You'll likely want an infant-only seat when your little one is first born, then a convertible option as they grow older and outgrow their infant carrier. These two categories provide great options for all stages of development—we've got something for everyone!
Evenflo Gold Revolve Opal Car Seat
The Evenflo Gold Revolve Opal Car Seat is a great choice for parents who want an all-in-one car seat that's easy to install. This convertible car seat has a unique 360° recline feature that allows you to adjust the back of the seat from upright to completely flat so your child can sleep comfortably while they're in their car seat.
The Evenflo Gold Revolve Opal Car Seat also comes with three height settings, which makes it easy to find one that fits your vehicle and your child's needs. The Sure360 Safety Installation System makes installation simple and hassle-free, while the 5-point harness system ensures your child stays safe in case of an accident.
This convertible car seat is designed for kids up to 40 pounds, but it can be used as a rear facing only option if needed. It also comes with 10 years of warranty coverage on parts and labor, making this a great value for the money!
Safety 1st Turn and Go 360 DLX
The Safety 1st Turn and Go 360 DLX All-in-One Convertible Car Seat is a great option for parents who want a car seat that can grow with their child. This model has an easy to use recline feature, so you can adjust the car seat to suit your baby from birth all the way through to booster mode.
The five position harness makes it easy for you to buckle your child in, while the magnetic chest clip secures the car seat during installation. The SafeTech magnetic connection cord also helps keep things tidy by eliminating excess cords when using multiple pieces of equipment together.
The 360° rotational technology allows you to easily turn this car seat toward you, so you can face each other as you buckle and unbuckle without straining your back or neck. The base of this model also includes visual indicators that show when tension is too loose or too tight on the vehicle belt, making installation much easier than before.
Graco Extend2Fit Convertible Car Seat
The Graco Extend2Fit Convertible Car Seat is a great choice for parents who want their child to be able to ride rear-facing longer. This car seat offers up to 5" of extra legroom, which means your child can stay rear-facing longer.
The Graco ProtectPlus Engineered shell protects in a crash with reinforced side walls and EPS foam that helps dissipate impact energy. The no-rethread headrest and harness adjust together, making the Extend2Fit easy to use. The plush head and body inserts help keep your baby feeling cradled and comfortable while they're riding rear-facing in this car seat.
You can use this car seat until your child reaches 50 pounds or 4 years old whichever comes first, which gives you plenty of time to make sure they're ready for forward facing before moving them into a booster seat.
CYBEX Sirona S 360° Rotating Seat
The Cybex Sirona S is another great car seat that's designed with safety in mind. It has a 360° rotating harness, which means you can adjust the angle of the seat to suit your vehicle and your child's height.
The easy-to-use magnetic buckle holders are also included, which allows you to attach the straps quickly and easily. The seat features 12 different headrest positions for an adjustable fit, and it comes with a SensorSafe chest clip that alerts parents if their child unbuckles themselves or becomes too hot or cold in the backseat.
The Cybex Sirona S is one of the most expensive convertible seats on our list but it does come with some impressive safety features including Lateral Impact Protection (L.S.P.), which absorbs up to 25% more impact in a collision than a car seat without L.S.P., extended, as well as anti-rebound technology that reduces rebound movement after a crash so your little ones don't get hurt by flying back into their car seat or hurting themselves by hitting hard surfaces inside the car.
Rotating Car Seats FAQs
There are so many different car seat options out there and it can be tough to figure out which one is best for your family.
You want something that's safe, comfortable, and easy to use. But with all of the questions about car seats lingering in your mind, it's not always easy to make an informed decision.
We've created a list of the most Frequently Asked Questions about car seats so that you can make an informed decision when choosing which one is right for you!
Are Rotating Car Seats As Safe?
Yes, rotating car seats are equally as safe and effective at protecting your child in the event of an accident. They have to meet the same rigorous safety standards set by the US government. Some rotating car seats have additional features that can make them more convenient for you, such as easily adjustable harness straps or a one-hand fold that makes it easier to store.
It's important not to confuse a rotating car seat with what's known as a convertible seat, which is suitable from infancy through toddlerhood. A convertible seat must be removed from your vehicle when your baby reaches three years old (or 40 pounds). Then you'll need to replace it with a booster or backless booster seat unless you plan on driving with your child in their lap, which we don't recommend.
What Age Can You Rotate Car Seats?
It's a good idea to check the manufacturer's instructions, but in general you can rotate car seats once your child is 2 or older. When you rotate the seat, move it from one position in your car to another and make sure you follow all of the manufacturer's instructions for use. If there are additional locking points on the base, be sure to lock them properly.
Rotating car seats means that one of your back-seat passengers can face forward while another continues facing the rear window – a great way for young children to play without distracting adult drivers. For maximum safety, experts recommend rotating baby car seats every two weeks or whenever you bring home new purchases from off-site storage facilities like self-storage units .
Why Buy A Rotating Car Seat?
Rotating car seats offer convenience – especially for families who travel frequently and want to remove the seat from the car easily. These are great for shopping trips, too, because you can turn the seat around so your child can face you while in the grocery store.
These models are also lightweight compared with traditional car seats, which is a major benefit if you're planning on taking it in and out of your vehicle often. And unlike booster seats, rotating car seats are built to securely restrain children up to 100 pounds or more.
Is It Worth Having A 360 Car Seat?
The short answer is yes, a 360 degree car seat will give you much more flexibility when it comes to picking up and dropping off your child at daycare or school. Not only that, but if your child has extra-special needs then a 3 in 1 or 4 in 1 could be the difference between spending time with them versus not being able to get out and about at all.
Other plus points include: being able to keep an eye on your child through the rear view mirror; adjusting the harness height as they grow; and fitting three across the back of larger vehicles like SUVs without having to buy an additional base/seat. You'll also be able to move around seats depending on which family member wants to transport your little one for any given trip. Of course, there are negatives too including having another bulky item you need to store after use; finding somewhere safe and legal to park when using this type of car seat; and bringing along spare bases (and possibly other equipment) whenever you go out.
What Is The Riskiest Seat In A Car?
The answer to this question is more complicated than you might think. While it's true that the front seats are safer overall, there are factors that make some seats riskier than others. The first factor is human error. If an occupant doesn't wear a seatbelt or fails to use an appropriate child restraint system, then their chances of injury skyrocket.
The second factor is where the accident occurs and how violent it is. Seatbelts are designed for low-impact crashes so if your car hits something at high speed, your chances of being seriously injured increase noticeably. Additionally, if your vehicle rolls over during an accident, you're at greater risk of suffering spinal cord damage because most vehicles aren't engineered with rollover safety in mind.
What Is The Safest Car Seat Arrangement?
The safest way to arrange the correct number of car seats is by using one base for all your car seats. Make sure that you follow the instructions for tightening the base, as well as all other safety guidelines.
When this isn't possible because you're using more than one vehicle or have a large family to transport, it's safe to use either: An additional base on each side of the vehicle (as long as they are securely and properly tightened), or One base in the middle with an extra belt buckle extension (only if buckled in correctly).
Can My 18 Month Old Sit Forward Facing?
The answer to this question is somewhat complex and it depends on your child's age, height, and whether their ears are properly protected. According to the guidelines set forth by the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration), children can sit forward-facing from 12 months old if their ear placement falls within a certain range of the back of the seat.
If you're unsure whether your baby is eligible for a forward-facing seat, check with your pediatrician or call the manufacturer. It's much better to be overly cautious here than not enough! You also need to make sure that your baby has enough head control so he or she doesn't slump over in the seat. If your little one can sit up straight without support and hold his or her own head up, then yes, 18 month olds can definitely sit forward facing as long as they meet all other safety requirements.
Does Car Seat Go Behind Driver Or Passenger?
It's best to put your car seat behind the driver so that you have better access to check on the kids. Also, if there's an accident and the driver goes forward, he or she can keep hold of the steering wheel instead of having it slam into a child in front.
Make sure you don't block your view through the rearview mirror though. If you're worried about this, ask your mechanic for advice when you take your car in for its annual service.
Which Is The Best Swivel Car Seat?
Generally speaking, you'll want to look for a seat that has an adjustable base and four-wheel swivel action (so it can turn 360 degrees). This will make life easier when parking or shopping and your child is in the car.
The majority of baby car seats have standard three-wheel suspension. There are some exceptions though, so be sure to check the product information for your chosen model before buying.
Finally, we suggest checking online forums like Amazon's to see what other parents think of any potential purchases before parting with your hard earned cash.
Can You Put A Newborn In A 360 Car Seat?
Technically, it is possible to put a newborn in a 360 degree car seat. However, this is not recommended because it could be unsafe for your baby. The shoulder straps are usually set to the lowest position when you buy the car seat and these are not high enough to properly support an infant's neck and shoulders. When babies grow enough that their shoulders reach the higher slots, then yes you can safely use a 360 degree car seat with your infant as long as you use proper positioning guidelines.
Also keep in mind that most of these seats do not convert into booster seats so once your child outgrows their infant seat, they will need another type of car safety harness or booster until they are big enough for a forward facing regular car seat. Many parents who have purchased 360 degree baby products found them difficult to assemble correctly and often returned them after finding they didn't work well or were uncomfortable for their child. They advised other parents looking at buying one of these products to take caution before purchasing one online or at a store especially since there aren't many options available compared to standard front-facing options.
Conclusion
When it comes to choosing the best rotating car seats, there are many factors to consider. These include safety features, comfort level, ease of use and price point. All these elements need to come together in order for a parent to find the perfect rotation car seat that meets their needs. That's why it is important to do some research before buying so you can make an informed decision about which model will work best for your family. With careful consideration of all aspects of a product along with research on customer reviews and ratings, any parent can find a great rotating car seat that fits their budget and meets their expectations.
