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Verywell Family / Brian Kopinski
Thanks to rotating car seats, you can say goodbye to the days of contorting your back and hitting your head on the car to reach over and unbuckle your kids. Swivel car seats turn 180 or 360 degrees on their base, so children face you in either direction for effortless ins and outs.
While all rotating car seats turn when used in rear-facing mode, some don’t swivel in front-facing mode. Additionally, many feature low weight limits for immediate use after birth and transform into forward-facing car seats and booster seats, so you’ll use them for years like a standard convertible car seat.
To find the best rotating car seats, we researched safety guidelines issued by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP),the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA),and Nationwide Children’s Hospital.我们also spoke to parents and medical professionals, including Benjamin Hoffman, MD, Denise Scott, MD, and Heather Trnka, Injury Prevention Coalition Supervisor at Akron Children’s Hospital.
With this guidance in mind, we researched top-rated rotating car seats and considered their design, safety features, installation, and value. We then narrowed our list to seven rotating car seats that met our criteria and sent them home with our parenting editors to use with their children, ages 4 months to 4 years, and in their personal vehicles. They continue to use these swivel car seats in their everyday routines to help determine their durability and longevity. We will update this list as our editors provide additional feedback to ensure we recommend the best rotating car seats for families.
What is the safest car seat?
The safest car seat "is the one that fits your child's size, is correctly installed, fits well in your vehicle, and is used properly every time you drive," according to the AAP.Similarly, the NHTSA says the key is finding and using "the right car seat correctly every time your child is in the car."
More than a specific brand or model, both organizations recommend that you focus on the type of car seat according to your child's weight, size, and age, and make sure you install it correctly. In fact, instead of safety ratings for car seats, the NHTSA issues an Ease-of-Use Rating, which evaluates the car seat's installation instructions and features, the clarity of the safety labels, and how easy it is to secure the child correctly.When available, we've included this rating in the key specs for the car seats we tested and reviewed below, though most are fairly new to the market and the NHTSA has not published their rating yet.
Best Overall
Evenflo Gold Revolve360 Rotational All-In-One Convertible Car Seat
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Evenflo
Full 360-degree swivel
Rotation works in rear- and forward-facing modes
Firm and sturdy when locked in place
Rear-facing recline can impact driver/passenger seats
The Evenflo Gold Revolve360 is no stranger to the best overall spot—it also earned the top position in our bestconvertible car seatstest. This rotating car seat swivels 360 degrees in all modes (rear-facing, forward-facing, and booster) for kids weighing 4 to 120 pounds.
有两个处理单元的两侧,布鲁里溃疡t you only need to pull one to unlock the swiveling feature. A "clicking" sound lets you know it's locked into place, so you can still hold a child in your other hand without questioning if you secured the swivel. A handle at the top of the seat allows you to adjust the headrest into 14 positions to accommodate growing kiddos. On the back of the seat's shell, you'll find another lever to recline the seat into four positions in rear-facing mode and one forward-facing (no reinstall necessary). We had no issues adjusting the recline, headrest, and swivel during testing—all handles worked seamlessly and adequately. However, the rear-facing recline can impact the driver or passenger seats, depending on the recline and adjustment of those vehicle seats. Otherwise, the car seat doesn't take up too much space, measuring 19.8 x 25.9 x 21 inches.
For safety, there's afive-point harnesswe found effortless to use, whether buckling a child in or unbuckling to take them out. Kids (and adults) will love the two cup holders for drinks, small toys, or snacks for the ride. Plus, they're removable and dishwasher-safe on the top rack.
我们爱的毛绒,柔软的织物的Evenflo轮值表ting car seat, which is available in several colors, like sapphire blue, emerald green, and onyx black. Use the included head and body pillows (rear-facing only) to ensure a more secure fit for smaller infants. Many fabric pieces are machine washable in cold water on a delicate cycle, including the seat pad, headrest pad, head and body pillows, and harness and buckle covers (be sure to remove the foam inserts from the headrest pad before tossing them in the washing machine). These fabric pieces are also safe to tumble dry for 10 to 15 minutes on low heat.
You can place the Evenflo Gold Revolve360 in the left, right, or center seat of your vehicle. Installing the car seat is simple; we watched the company's installation video and it took us a little more than four minutes to install it from start to finish. The seat removes from its base so you can secure the base easier, but you can't use the car seat without its base. It's important to note that when using the lap or shoulder belt (the preferred method), you should never place the vehicle belt over the car seat's "LockStrong bar," as it prevents proper seat operation. A level indicator on the side ensures the seat is at an appropriate level. Once installed, the car seat feels sturdy and firm in all modes of use.
牧师的价格olve360 is one of the lowest of all the rotating car seats we tested. It's eye-catching, sturdy, and 100% worth the cost. Plus, Evenflo offers a lifetime warranty once you register the product, which covers manufacturing irregularities for the life of the seat (10 years).
Price at time of publication: $430
Key Specs:
Rear-Facing Limits:4 to 40 lbs. and 17 to 40 inches tall |Forward-Facing Limit:22 to 65 lbs. and 28 to 49 inches tall |Booster Seat Limit:40 to 120 lbs. and 44 to 57 inches tall |Dimensions:19.8 x 25.9 x 21 inches |Product Weight:29.6 lbs. |Harness Type:Five-point |Cup Holder:Double |Cleaning Instructions:Machine washable seat pad; safety harnesses wipe clean with mild soap and water (air dry only) |Expiration:10 years |Rotating Capability:360 degrees in rear- and forward-facing modes |NHTSA Ease-of-Use Rating:n/a
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![孩子坐在前夕nflo Gold Revolve360 Rotational All-In-One Convertible Car Seat]()
华体会体育吧
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![孩子坐在前夕nflo Gold Revolve360 Rotational All-In-One Convertible Car Seat]()
华体会体育吧
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![The Evenflo Gold Revolve360 Rotational All-In-One Convertible Car Seat rotated to face the opposite way]()
华体会体育吧
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Best Installation
Graco Turn2Me 3-in-1 Rotating Car Seat
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Amazon
Quick and easy installation
Three modes of use
Rotates left or right
Does not rotate to forward-facing mode
The Graco Turn2Me may not swivel 360 degrees, but that's only a minor drawback. We loved this car seat because it's a very solid option and it's a breeze to install. The Turn2Me rotates 180 degrees to the right or left via the push of a button on either side of the seat. Unfortunately, the rotating feature only works for rear-facing and not in forward-facing or booster modes, so re-install is necessary to transition riding positions.
我们appreciate how the rotation clicks into place regardless of which direction you turn the seat. Adjusting the 10-position headrest and four-position recline is just as simple and keeps kids 4 to 100 pounds riding comfortably. Labels on the side of the car seat tell you where to find the recline handle and how to get it into the right position.
Children ride safely with a five-point harness regardless of recline and riding position. We love how intuitive the buckle is and that the straps stay in sync, whether loosening or tightening. Two slots store the straps and keep them out of a child's way when putting them in and taking them out. Moreover, a special compartment holds the harness while in belt-positioning booster mode.
Two cup holders store a child's drinks and snacks close at hand and wipe down for a quick clean. However, unlike the Evenflo Gold Revolve360, the Turn2Me cup holders must remain installed for every ride. We appreciate the softness of the material and that some pieces are machine washable, like the headrest, side, and seat pads. A removable plush infant head and body insert gives newborns and small babies a cozy spot despite their tiny size. After several weeks of daily use (even after a trip to the beach), we never saw any stains, pilling, or other wear and tear during testing.
From start to finish, it took us 17 minutes to install the Graco Turn2Me. We read the car seat manual and watched Graco's video tutorial and thought the installation was straightforward. There's an extra step to secure a vehicle seat belt under the seat, but it's easy to maneuver. And don't worry—once you get the hang of installation, it's quicker every time. We can now install this car seat in under 60 seconds.
The car seat is safe to install in any seat your vehicle's manufacturer allows, though it might be easier to rotate when installed by a window seat (rather than the middle). While the unit feels sturdy and solid, it wiggles slightly once installed—though it never moved more than 1 inch at the base, which is what the AAP recommends.
The Graco Turn2Me is a great deal with its three modes of operation, so it grows with a child from birth. While the car seat only turns in rear-facing mode, the rotating feature makes it seamless to put a child in and remove them from their seat. Additionally, unlike the Evenflo Revolve360, the Turn2Me is certified for rear- and forward-facing harness modes on an airplane.
Price at time of publication: $450
Key Specs:
Rear-Facing Limit:4 to 40 lbs. |Forward-Facing Limit:22 to 65 lbs. and up to 49 inches tall |Booster Limit:40 to 100 lbs. and 43 to 57 inches tall (at least 4 years old) |Dimensions:20.75 x 19.13 x 24.4 inches |Product Weight:30 lbs. |Harness Type:Five-point |Cup Holder:Double |Cleaning Instructions:Machine washable seat pad; harnesses surface wash only with mild soap and damp cloth or wipes |Expiration:10 years |Rotating Capabilities:Left or right only in rear-facing mode (180 degrees)|NHTSA Ease-of-Use Rating:n/a
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![Person adjusting the seat belt for a child sitting in the Graco Turn2Me 3-in-1 Rotating Convertible Car Seat]()
华体会体育吧
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![The Graco Turn2Me 3-in-1 Rotating Convertible Car Seat straight out of its packaging]()
华体会体育吧
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![Child sitting in the Graco Turn2Me 3-in-1 Rotating Convertible Car Seat]()
华体会体育吧
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Best User-Friendly
Nuna REVV Rotating Convertible Car Seat
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Nordstrom
10 total recline positions in both modes
Magnetic buckle holders
Sturdy and well constructed
No booster mode
Slight wiggle in base after installation
Like the Revolve360, the Nuna Revv also effortlessly rotates 360 degrees for easy-in and easy-out every time. Press one of two buttons on either side of the car seat to rotate it left or right or into the forward-facing mode in seconds. The car seat is relatively compact for its rotating capability compared to others we tested, like the Maxi-Cosi Emme 360. However, depending on the recline and how far the driver or passenger seat sits back, the car and vehicle seats may impact each other during rotation.
One downside to this car seat is that it doesn't transform into a booster seat, but you can still use it until a child reaches 40 pounds. The headrest adjusts one-handed into 10 positions for kids up to 43 inches tall (no-rethread necessary). The recline also adjusts to 10 positions: five rear-facing and five forward-facing. A color indicator on the side of the seat lets you know how far to recline your little one in both directions.
我们love how everything is seamless to maneuver on the Revv, including the buckles on the five-point safety harness. The straps pull out evenly and quickly after releasing them without feeling like we’re playing tug-o-war. Plus, there are magnetic buckle holders for the straps to stay out of the way when putting a child into the car seat. We also appreciate the shoulder and hip harness pads to prevent the straps from digging into the skin.
The Revv includes two cup holders you can remove or fold out of the way to save space in the back seat or throw in the dishwasher for cleaning. Luxuriously comfy padding, available in several neutral colors, encompasses the all-steel frame and is machine washable. An infant insert helps increase the recline angle for the smallest members of the family (5 to 11 pounds). The insert is also machine washable—a handy feature for spit-up incidents and blowouts.
如果你不使用低锚,大多数汽车座椅require you to thread the vehicle’s seat belt through the car seat. However, this Nuna rotating convertible car seat takes a different approach using a tether and seat belt. Place the car seat onto the vehicle’s seat, attach the car seat’s tether hook to the proper position in your vehicle, and tighten it. Then, slide the seat belt through the car seat’s special “True Tension” door at the top of the base, buckle, release all slack, and close the True Tension door. While this installation method is simple, the car seat doesn't feel as secure as installing a seat belt through the car seat itself—we did feel some wiggle in the car seat’s base during testing. On the other hand, we love how durable the Revv feels. It’s sturdy and well constructed, with ventilation in the shell to help prevent children from overheating.
The Nuna Revv is the most expensive rotating car seat we tested, but we’re not surprised by the price tag. Nuna is well known for its luxury baby gear, so you’re paying for high-quality construction.
Price at time of publication: $650
Key Specs:
Rear-Facing Limit:5 to 40 lbs. and up to 43 inches tall (with vehicle belt) |Forward-Facing Limit:30 to 40 lbs. and up to 43 inches tall |Booster Limit:N/A |Dimensions: 22.5 x 18.25 x 22.5 inches |Product Weight:29.7 lbs. |Harness Type:Five-point |Cup Holder:Double |Cleaning Instructions:Seat pads machine washable on delicate cycle with mild detergent |Expiration:10 years |Rotating Capabilities:360 degrees in rear- and forward-facing modes |NHTSA Ease-of-Use Rating:5 (rear-facing), 5 (forward-facing)
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![A child sits in the Nuna REVV Rotating Convertible Car Seat]()
华体会体育吧
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![Nuna REVV Rotating Convertible Car Seat placed on cement floor]()
华体会体育吧
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![The Nuna REVV Rotating Convertible Car Seat strapped into a car]()
华体会体育吧
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Most Comfortable
Maxi-Cosi Emme 360 Rotating All-in-One Convertible Car Seat
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Amazon
Rotation lock and belt tension indicators
Plush padding
Magnetic buckles
Bulky/heavy
The Maxi-Cosi Emme 360 shines in the comfort category. It features a five-position recline and 10-position headrest so kids (5 pounds to 100 pounds) can feel comfy for each ride. We love how it swivels 360 degrees in all modes—rear-facing, forward-facing, and belt-positioning booster—so you can get your child out easily at any age. A pincher on the front of the base allows you to rotate the seat in any direction. We needed a little force to rotate the seat one-handed, so we recommend using two if possible.
As for the seat’s size, it’s large (and heavy) and takes up more space than other options on our list. You’ll want to keep that in mind if you need to accommodate other car seats in the back. A five-point safety harness keeps children riding safely on any adventure. We love how the chest clip is magnetic, so it’s easy to put together and minimizes the risk of pinching tiny fingers.
This swivel car seat has lots of padding and two cup holders for beverages. The seat fabric, including the infant insert, feels upscale and high quality and comes in six color combinations, like meadow wonder (green) or solid black. Several pieces are machine washable, like the seat pad (turn inside out first), top harness covers, and body pillow, while others, such as the buckle, are spot clean only.
The Maxi-Cosi Emme 360 was a challenge to install but worth the result. You have to rotate the seat during installation, so you’ll need plenty of space to attach the tether. One of our parenting editors had to remove their second car seat to access the back seat to install the Emme 360. However, one of our favorite features of this car seat (if notthefavorite) is the TensionFix indicator, which goes from red to green to show when your seat belt has enough tension. This handy indicator gives parents and caregivers peace of mind they may not usually get with a standard car seat and takes out the guesswork of a proper installation. While we wish the seat weren’t heavy (nearly 40 pounds), we’re impressed with its solid construction.
The $450 price tag of the Emme 360 is high, but the car seat offers several features other car seats don’t, such as the belt tension indicator and magnetic chest clip. It also transforms from an infant seat to front-facing car seat to booster, so you'll get your money's worth in the long-run.
Price at time of publication: $450
Key Specs:
Rear-Facing Limit:5 to 40 lbs. and 19 to 40 inches tall |Forward-Facing Limit:22 to 65 lbs. and 29 to 49 inches tall |Booster Limit:40 to 100 lbs. and 43 to 52 inches tall |Dimensions:19 x 22 x 23 inches |Product Weight:38 lbs. |Harness Type:Five-point |Cup Holder:Double |Cleaning Instructions:Machine washable seat pad, top harness covers, and more |Expiration:10 years |Rotating Capabilities:360 degrees in rear- and forward-facing |NHTSA Ease-of-Use Rating:n/a
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华体会体育吧
Best Easy to Clean
Baby Jogger City Turn Rotating Convertible Car Seat
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Amazon
Washes well without sacrificing quality
Fabric feels luxurious
Straps and buckle are easy to use
Only rotates in rear-facing mode
Confusing installation
An easy-to-clean car seat like the Baby Jogger City Turn is priceless (the rotating feature is just the cherry on top). The City Turn rotates 180 degrees effortlessly via the pull of a lever under the child’s feet, “clicking” into place to let you know it’s secure. While the seat only rotates in rear-facing mode, it turns smoothly without feeling heavy.
不幸的是,这种旋转汽车座椅并不反对vert into a booster seat. Children can ride in rear-facing mode from 4 to 50 pounds or forward-facing from 22 to 65 pounds. On the plus side, the City Turn features a 10-position headrest, 5-position recline, and padded removable infant support to ensure a comfortable ride for kids of any age within the weight recommendations. We appreciate how easy it is to adjust the plush headrest and recline—everything moves seamlessly. And you don’t have to rethread the harness when moving the headrest.
A five-point harness adjusts nicely each time. One of our favorite harness system features is the second slot for the crotch buckle. We love that once a child gets bigger, you can move the buckle into the next slot to make it easier to secure and more comfy for your child.
城市的缺点是它的大尺寸。我们could seat two additional people in the same row with the car seat in a Honda Pilot, but we experienced issues with it behind the driver’s seat. The Baby Jogger rotating car seat impacted the driver’s seat for our parenting editor’s tall spouse, who likes to position their seat further back. To rotate the seat, we had to move the driver’s seat up first, rotate the car seat, and then readjust the driver’s seat. You can place the car seat in the middle or passenger seat, but our parenting editor chose to keep those seats free for older kids’ easier access to the sidewalk. Another slight issue we encountered with the City Turn is its single cup holder. It can be uncomfortable for the passenger sitting next to the seat, but thankfully it removes for dishwasher cleaning (though it must remain installed in the vehicle).
婴儿慢跑者城市脱颖而出的古示人ony and moisture-wicking material that’s easy to clean. One of our kiddos threw up in the car seat during testing, so we removed the seat cover and tossed it into the washing machine per the manufacturer’s recommendations. Minus a small and faint stain, the seat cover washes beautifully with no odor left behind. Plus, it was fairly simple to put the cover back on. As for the straps, they’re spot clean only, which is exactly how we cleaned them with great results.
Installing this Baby Jogger rotating car seat with a seat belt was initially a struggle. First, you need to flip a piece under the seat to adjust the recline and then click it into place. Next, place the car seat into the vehicle seat and rotate it to either side to access the belt-positioning compartment. Slide the seat belt along the designated blue path, remove the slack, and close the compartment lock. While we thought installation was challenging, we appreciate the colored belt path and dual bubble level indicators to help guide us to a proper and level installation. The steel-reinforced frame feels sturdy and durable and doesn’t move side to side after installing it.
The Baby Jogger City Turn is one of the more expensive rotating car seats we tested. Its most significant setback is that it doesn’t rotate 360 degrees or transform into a booster seat for its higher price. On the other hand, it reaps a sturdy install and is a breeze to rotate left or right, adjust, and clean.
Price at time of publication: $550
Key Specs:
Rear-Facing Limit:4 to 50 lbs. |Forward-Facing Limit:22 to 65 lbs. |Booster Seat Limit:N/A |Dimensions:21.75 x 19 x 23.5 inches |Product Weight:28 lbs. |Harness Type:Five-point |Cup Holder:Single |Cleaning Instructions:Machine washable seat pad; harness straps are spot clean only with mild soap and damp cloth |Expiration:10 years |Rotating Capabilities:Left or right only in rear-facing mode (180 degrees) |NHTSA Ease-of-Use Rating:n/a
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![A child sits in the Baby Jogger City Turn Rotating Convertible Car Seat]()
华体会体育吧
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![A woman secures a child into the Baby Jogger City Turn Rotating Convertible Car Seat]()
华体会体育吧
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![The Baby Jogger City Turn Rotating Convertible Car Seat on a tile floor]()
华体会体育吧
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How We Rated Rotating Car Seats
- 4.8 to 5 stars:These are the best rotating car seats we tested. We recommend them without reservation.
- 4.5 to 4.7 stars:These rotating car seats are excellent—they might have minor flaws, but we still recommend them.
- 4.0 to 4.5 stars:我们think these are great rotating car seats, but others are better.
- 3.5 to 3.9 stars:These rotating car seats are just average.
- 3.4 and below:我们don't recommend rotating car seats with this rating; you won't find any on our list.
Rotating Car Seats We Also Tested
- Safety 1st Turn and Go 360 DLX Rotating All-in-One Convertible Car Seat:The Safety 1st Turn and Go 360 has lots of features we love, like machine washable fabric, 360-degree swivel, five-position recline, and 10-position headrest. One of our favorite features is the tension indicator, which tells you if you've correctly installed and tightened the seat belt. Unfortunately, we're not impressed with the quality of this swivel car seat. The construction of the materials didn't feel of high quality, and the button to rotate the seat was difficult to use.
- CYBEX Gold Sirona S 360 Swivel Seat:我们were initially impressed with this CYBEX's "SensorSafe" magnetic chest clip, which features unique technology to alert you when a child unbuckles their chest clip, if the back seat is too warm or cold, and more. We also liked its easy-to-adjust 12-position recline and 12-position headrest and its comfortable seat padding (that reminded us of memory foam). However, we found it difficult to install and didn't appreciate that it can't be used in a middle seat. After a few months of testing, our editors stopped using it altogether because the seat got stuck in the front-facing position. We uninstalled it and switched it to a larger SUV where it would have more room to rotate, but the car seat still feels tippy and insecure. Even after watching multiple installation videos and triple-checking every step, it just doesn't feel as secure as other car seats, and we do not feel comfortable recommending it.
How We Tested Rotating Car Seats
To find the best rotating car seats, we started our research by studying safety guidelines from the AAP,the NHTSA,and Nationwide Children’s Hospital.我们also spoke with parents and medical professionals, includingBenjamin Hoffman, MD, AAP president-elect and nationally recognized child injury prevention and education expert, who provided his expertise on how to test swivel car seats;Denise Scott, MD, a JustAnswer pediatrician; andHeather Trnka, Injury Prevention Coalition Supervisor at Akron Children’s Hospital, to learn more about what to look for in a rotating car seat. We then looked at the top-rated rotating car seats available on the market and narrowed our list down to the top seven options, which we sent home with our parenting editors totest in the real world.
To recommend the best rotating car seats, our parenting editors use them with their children, ages 4 months to 4 years, in their vehicles and daily routines. While we started with an initial four-week testing period, parents and caregivers continue to use these swivel car seats and will do so for at least six months to gain further insights into their long-term quality and durability. For both the short- and long-term tests, we asked our parenting editors to assess each car seat on several key attributes, including ease of installation, design, safety, ease of use, durability, cleaning, and overall value.
The first step in our testing process is unboxing the rotating car seats and ensuring that there aren’t any missing pieces. We carefully read the car seats’ instruction manuals to determine if they were difficult or easy to understand. We noted whether the car seats required attachments before installation or arrived fully assembled. Next, we timed how long installation takes. We installed each car seat into various vehicles, like a Mazda CX-5 and a Honda Pilot, using both methods of installation (LATCH system and seat belt). During installation, we asked parenting editors to make notes of the ease or difficulty of installation, if they needed help, and whether a level indicator was present. Some parents and caregivers thought installation was intuitive and simple to understand, while others watched installation videos by the car seat manufacturers for clarification.
After installation, we wiggled the car seats side to side to ensure they didn’t move more than 1 inch in any direction. If a car seat moved more than 1 inch, we asked parenting editors to adjust the car seats. We also rotated every car seat via the proper levers, handles, and pinchers, noting whether we could use the feature one-handed. Next, we placed children into the car seats, securing harnesses to the correct positions, like the chest clip just below the child’s armpits, and then tightening straps to fit. As they use the car seats in their daily routines, our parents and caregivers record notes on what it’s like putting a child into the seat and taking them out. We want to know whether the car seat’s recline options, adjustable headrests, and straps work for their child and are easy to use each time. Moreover, we asked our editors to clean the car seats once (or more if necessary) according to the manufacturer’s directions, whether spot-cleaning the straps or machine-washing seat covers.
To ensure the durability and performance of these rotating car seats, our parenting editors continue to use these seats in their daily routines and provide insights. We’ll update this list with the most up-to-date information on how the rotating car seats fare over the next six months and beyond.
What to Look for in a Rotating Car Seat
Design
Rotating Capability
Rotating car seats can swivel in different directions, but just how much they turn varies by seat. All the rotating car seats on our list turn right or left so that you can quickly get children in or out, regardless of seating position. However, they don’t all rotate the same. For example, theEvenflo Gold Revolve360and theNuna REVV Rotating Convertible Car Seatboth swivel 360 degrees, so you can start rear-facing and transition to forward-facing without reinstalling. On the other hand, theGraco Turn2MeandBaby Jogger City Turn Rotating Convertible Car Seatrotate 180 degrees (to the right or left) instead of a full swivel.
Unfortunately, rotating car seats that don’t swivel 360 degrees often only rotate in rear-facing mode, and you’ll have to reinstall for forward-facing. On the plus side, you’ll still get plenty of rotating use until children outgrow the weight and height limits for rear-facing, which can be several years.
Size
Consider the size of a rotating car seat, where you will install it, and if you have to accommodate any additional car seats, Dr. Scott suggests. Rotating car seats need extra room to swivel, whether 180 or 360 degrees, so they tend to be larger than the average convertible car seat. During rotation, they may impact the driver or passenger seat, especially if the vehicle rider is tall and needs extra legroom.
Adjustability
Between the headrest, recline, and straps, several pieces on a rotating car seat adjust to provide additional comfort as children grow. First, look for a swivel car seat that reclines, Dr. Scott recommends. A reclining seat is beneficial for kids who can’t hold their head or neck straight (such as infants or children with disabilities).Adjust the seat to the proper recline level to help heads from drooping forward. If you’re unsure of the best recline position, check your car seat’s manual and follow the recline indicator on the seat.
Rotating car seats that convert from rear-facing to forward-facing and booster should feature an adjustable headrest. For rear-facing, the top of a child’s head should be 1 inch or more below the top of the headrest. In forward-facing mode, a child’s ears should be below the top of the headrest.
Regardless of recline and headrest positions, Trnka recommends buckling your child appropriately each time for the safest rides. When rear-facing, the harness should be at or below the shoulders, and when forward-facing, the harness should be at or above the shoulders, Trnka says. Dr. Scott adds that straps should be easy to use, whether buckling or unbuckling. According to the AAP, kids should ride in a harnessed seat as long as possible (at least to age 4).
Ease of Cleaning
Between snacks, drinks, sick days, and potty accidents, car seats (rotating or not) will get dirty, so look for one that’s easy to clean, Dr. Scott recommends. Machine washable seat covers are your best friend, especially for bigger accidents like blowouts and upset stomachs. The best way to clean your car seat correctly is to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines, Trnka says. Improperly cleaning a car seat, such as using disinfectant products, can decrease protection from the seat and harness.
Installation Method
Car seats are installed into vehicles via seat belts or the LATCH (lower anchors and tethers for children) system. According to Dr. Scott, both installation methods are equally safe, but not all vehicles have lower anchors, and the LATCH system is only for forward-facing seats. Following the car seat manufacturer’s guidelines and your vehicle’s instruction manual is vital. Often, companies will include car seat manuals online so you can research proper placement before purchasing to ensure compatibility with your vehicle.
The middle of the back seat is the safest place to position a car seat.然而,这并不总是可能的每一个全家ly. Additionally, this position compromises the convenience of a rotating seat, as you still need to get inside the vehicle to remove a child. Overall, for a car seat to be effective and protect children in the event of a crash, it must be installed correctly, so reading instructions is important, Dr. Scott says.
If you’re unsure of proper installation, Trnka recommends the 1-inch rule, which means the car seat doesn’t move side to side or front to back at the base more than 1 inch. Still, for additional help, the NHTSA has a handy tool for finding aninstallation inspection station. Simply input your zip code and find certified car seat technicians near you who will inspect your car seat free of charge (in most cases). They can also show you how to install and use the car seat correctly.
Modes of Use and Requirements
Most rotating car seats double as convertible car seats, transforming from rear-facing to front-facing and sometimes booster seats. For example, theEvenflo Gold Revolve 360,Graco Turn2Me, andMaxi-Cosi Emme 360are 3-in-1 car seats that convert into booster seats. Meanwhile, theBaby Jogger City Turnonly transform from rear-facing to front-facing (no booster). Still, any rotating car seat makes putting a child in and taking them out more convenient, Trnka says. Moreover, rear-facing is the safest riding position for kids; they should max out their weight and height limits beforeturning the car seataround.
Look for a swivel car seat that fits your child’s age, weight, and height with room to grow, recommends Trnka. Many rotating car seats are safe from 4 to 5 pounds and sometimes up to 100 or 120 pounds (with varying height restrictions), depending on whether it converts to a booster seat. Otherwise, most front-facing rotating car seats max out at 65 pounds. Dr. Scott suggests considering these age, weight, and height restrictions compared to how long you can use the car seat. Moreover, Dr. Scott points out that rotating car seats do not remove from their base to carry individually like aninfant car seat, so you’ll want to consider which you’d prefer for the first few months.
Cost
Rotating car seats aren’t the average ride for kiddos, so expect a higher price tag for these unique options compared to standard convertible car seats. On the plus side, a rotating seat may be the only one your child needs, as many options transform from rear- and forward-facing modes to booster seats. The rotating car seats on our list range from $400 to $650, and high-end brands like Nuna reap more considerable costs than others.
Consider how many car seats you need throughout your child’s early years, Dr. Scott recommends. If a rotating car seat doesn’t transform into a booster seat, that will be an additional cost when your child outgrows their swivel option. Check for company sales and coupons, and check out all colors available, as some styles are cheaper than others.
Remember: A car seat with a higher price tag doesn’t mean it’s safer or easier to use than cheaper options.
Why Trust Verywell Family
Katrina Cosseyis a commerce writer, enthusiastic shopper, and devoted mom. She spent several years in broadcast journalism but found her true passion in service journalism, writing about the best products for families, pregnant people, and kids of all ages. She’s researched thousands of baby products, toys, gifts, and more and personally tested many of them. In her spare time, you’ll likely find her in the beautiful outdoors of Oklahoma with her husband and 3-year-old son. Katrina tested theGraco Turn2Me并祝愿她早(不是可用的on the market when her son was a newborn). Despite lacking a 360-degree swivel, she loves how easy it is to turn the seat 180 degrees in either direction to take her preschooler out. The Turn2Me also washes beautifully and easily; her 3-year-old had an accident in the seat, so Katrina followed the manufacturer’s cleaning recommendations by tossing the seat cover into the washing machine before drip drying. The material came out clean without sacrificing quality.
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