12 Car Seats for 1-Year-Olds (Rear-Facing, Comfy & Safe)

Your 1-year-old is gaining independence and may start fighting time in a car seat. As a mom, it is hard to hear your baby screaming and upset.

That is why the best car seats for 1-year-olds offer extended rear-facing with extra legroom, comfortable padding, and adjustable features that keep your toddler safe and happy.

Our Favorites

Car Seats for 1-Year-Olds

1. Diono Radian 3QXT+ All in One Convertible Car Seat

This is a good car seat for 1-year-old children because it adapts as they grow.

An improvement from the previous model is the SAFE+ 2-in-1 anti-rebound panel that provides added protection and stability when rear-facing.

This allows you to keep your toddler rear-facing to 50 lbs which makes this a great safety seat for 1-year-old children.

This seat is comfortable with a memory foam base, mesh panels, and premium fabrics. Along with the large weight range, your 1-year-old will feel like a big kid in this stylish seat while still being extremely safe.

Although this seat is heavy, the 12-position headrest and secure harness mean you can keep your growing toddler safe and comfy.

What We Liked

• Machine-washable cover for longevity
• The original 3 across car seat at 17 inches wide
• 2 XL cupholders
• It is easy to assemble
• The superLATCH connectors make installation easy

What Can Be Improved

• The seat is very heavy
• It makes adjusting the passenger seat awkward
• The angle adjuster is tricky to use with small babies

Seat Weight: 34.2 lbs (15.5 kg)
Dimensions: 28.5 H x 17 W x 11.5 L in
Height Limit: Up to 57 in (145cm)
Rear-Facing Weight: 4-50 lbs (1.8-22.7 kg)
Forward-Facing Weight: 22-120 lbs (10-54 kg))
Expiration Date: 10 years from the manufacturing date

2. Clek Foonf Convertible Car Seat

The Foonf has new fabrics and colors that are free from halogenated flame retardants, which is an upgrade from the past version.

This also makes the Foonf the best convertible car seat for 1-year-old babies because they will not be affected by toxic chemicals.

The seat sits high on the base when rear-facing, giving your 1-year-old a better view.

With extended rear-facing and deep side wings, this is an appropriate car seat for 1-year-old kids because it keeps them safe and offers them more space.

The Foonf is heavy, but the steel anti-rebound bar and adjustable structural headrest make up for it.

What We Liked

• Adjustable crotch strap
• Built-in seat lock-offs
• Easy access to the belt path when rear-facing
• The streamlined design is ideal for 3 across
• Rigid LATCH installation is quick and easy

What Can Be Improved

• Doesn’t have a no-rethread harness
• It is high on the base when rear-facing
• Only suitable for infants with a separate insert

Seat Weight: 33 lbs (15 kg)
Dimensions: 28 H x 17 W x 16 L in
Height Limit: Up to 49 in (124.5cm)
Rear-Facing Weight: 14-50 lbs (6.4-23 kg)
Forward-Facing Weight: 22-65 lbs (10-29.5 kg)
Expiration Date: 9 years from the manufacturing date

3. Cybex Sirona S 360° Rotational SensorSafe Convertible Car Seat

The Cybex Sirona is the best rotating car seat for 1-year-old toddlers, and moms love it too.

The 360-degree rotatable seat with load leg is an improvement from the prior model and allows for extended rear-facing.

Your one-year-old is getting big, and this seat makes getting them into and out of the seat a breeze.

The magnetic buckle holders keep them out the way, and the cover is machine washable for those inevitable toddler spills.

This 1-year-old car seat is heavy and big, but the non-rethread harness and 12-position recline means you can adjust the seat while your toddler is in it without a fight.

What We Liked

• EasyLock bar for a secure installation
• SensorSafe technology keeps your 1-year-old safe
• Linear side impact protection
• The fabric has a dense weave and is durable
• More comfortable for moms to use

What Can Be Improved

• No carry handle on the back for easy moving
• Tricky to tighten
• Chest clip can be awkward

Seat Weight: 30.4 lbs (14 kg)
Dimensions: 25.5 H x 20 W x 25.3 L in
Height Limit: Up to 49 in (124.4cm)
Rear-Facing Weight: 4-50 lbs (1.8-23 kg)
Forward-Facing Weight: 22-65 lbs (10-29.5 kg)
Expiration Date: 10 years from the manufacturing date

4. Diono Radian 3RXT Safe+ Convertible Car Seat

An upgrade since the earlier model is an anti-rebound bar and improved side impact protection, making this a recommended car seat for 1-year-old toddlers.

Your one-year-old can comfortably be rear-facing up to 50 lbs, and the 5-point harness is secure and tricky for little fingers to open.

The anti-rebound bar also gives your baby more legroom when rear-facing. The 12-position headrest lets you easily adjust the height because toddlers grow quickly between 12 and 18 months.

The cupholders are removable so that you can clean any spills. This seat is heavy and difficult to move, but the steel alloy frame provides ultimate safety for your toddler.

What We Liked

• Machine-washable covers
• Narrow but spacious
• Good value for money
• 18 improvements for extra safety and comfort
• Has a low profile which allows placement flexibility

What Can Be Improved

• Installation can be difficult
• Passenger leg room in the front is limited
• The open back is unattractive

Seat Weight: 30.6 lbs (13.9 kg)
Dimensions: 28.5 H x 17 W x 16 L in
Height Limit: Up to 57 in (145cm)
Rear-Facing Weight: 4-50 lbs (1.8-22.7 kg)
Forward-Facing Weight: 22-120 lbs (10-54 kg)
Expiration Date: 10 years from the manufacturing date

Also, check out the best car seats for 2-year-olds, which are super comfy and provide maximum security for your LO.

5. Diono Radian 3RX Convertible Car Seat

The Radian 3RX is a cheap car seat for 1-year-old babies because it goes from birth to booster and is an investment.

Your one-year-old will love that this seat feels like a big kid’s seat, even in the extended rear-facing position. The 12-position headrest, a change since the last version, keeps your toddler safe and comfortable.

The infant head support liner offers padded support and comfort for nap times. The low profile means you can get your growing toddler into and out of the seat easier.

The blue cover makes this a great car seat for a one-year-old boy, and the pink cover makes this an ideal car seat for a one-year-old girl. Belt installation can be tricky, though.

What We Liked

• Machine washable cover
• Narrow enough to fit 3 across
• Steel reinforced cup holder
• The only seat you will need from birth to booster
• The steel-reinforced frame makes this an extremely safe seat

What Can Be Improved

• It can be tricky to tighten
• You have to manually re-thread the straps
• It could have more padding

Seat Weight: 28.1lbs (12.76 kg)
Dimensions: 28.5 H x 17 W x 16 L in
Height Limit: Up to 57 in (145cm))
Rear-Facing Weight: 5-50 lbs (2.3-23 kg)
Forward-Facing Weight: 22-120 lbs (10-54 kg)
Expiration Date: 10 years from the manufacturing date

6. Nuna Rava Convertible Car Seat

The Rava is one of the best car seats for one-year-olds because it has flame-retardant-free fabric.

Offering extended rear-facing, this baby car seat for 1-year-old children has an adjustable footrest that gives your child 2 inches of extra legroom.

This will go a long way in keeping them relaxed, happy, and comfortable while rear-facing. This seat has additional side impact protection compared to the previous version and is also Nuna’s original convertible seat.

With 5 levels of recline and a 10-position headrest, keeping your growing baby safe and comfortable has never been easier.

Although this seat is heavy, its comfort and safety features make it one of the best-rated car seats for 1-year-old toddlers.

What We Liked

• Impressive crash test scores
• Easy, secure installation
• Dual flip-open cupholders
• Convenient buckle holders
• Ventilation panels in the shell

What Can Be Improved

• The buckle tends to stick
• The seat is heavy and hard to move
• The seat can get hot

Seat Weight: 27.2 lbs (12.3 kg)
Dimensions: 25.2-31 H x 19 W x 16 L in
Height Limit: Up to 49 in (124.5cm)
Rear-Facing Weight: 5-50 lbs (2.3-23 kg)
Forward-Facing Weight: 22-65 lbs (10-29.5 kg)
Expiration Date: 10 years from the manufacturing date

7. Cybex Eternis S SensorSafe Car Seat for 1yr Olds

Unlike previous Cybex seats, this is a birth-to-booster that is an ideal car seat for a 1-year-old and up. It has adjustable linear side impact protection that protects your baby as they grow.

With a large weight and height range, your baby can stay rear-facing for up to 50 lbs. Not only does the Eternis have a 12-position headrest, but it also has 3 headrest recline positions.

That makes it the best car seat for 1-year-old naps.

The SensorSafe technology gives you peace of mind that your toddler is safe and will alert you if they have fiddled with the buckle, as curious babies do. It is a big seat that might not fit well in all vehicles.

What We Liked

• The buckle magnets are convenient
• The seat is large and spacious
• Quick installation
• Good recline options
• The shoulder straps are soft and comfortable

What Can Be Improved

• No easy carry handle on the back
• Difficult to remove the cover
• It could use more padding

Seat Weight: 26 lbs (12.1 kg)
Dimensions: 25.3 H x 20 W x 25.5 L in
Height Limit: Up to 57 in (145cm)
Rear-Facing Weight: 4-50 lbs (1.8-29.5 kg)
Forward-Facing Weight: 22-120 lbs (10-54 kg)
Expiration Date: 10 years from the manufacturing date

8. Clek Fllo Convertible Car Seat

The Fllo is a small car seat for 1-year-old toddlers and gives you seat placement flexibility. It offers your baby extended rear-facing, and the rebound not only adds protection but also 1-2 inches of extra legroom.

That is vital for keeping your growing one-year-old comfortable. Your baby is growing quickly, so the adjustable crotch strap and 6 different harness heights allow you to find the best fit for them. 

The Fllo has an ethically sourced 100% merino wool cover that is naturally flame-resistant.

That means there are no added flame-retardant chemicals that are toxic to babies. Although there aren’t recline options, the deep side wings make napping comfortable.

What We Liked

• Advanced side impact protection
• Removable cushion for belt path access
• Clean design that fits well with other seats
• The anti-rebound provides added security
• Dual-length crotch strap

What Can Be Improved

• No recline feature
• It can be tricky to fasten when forward-facing
• Only suitable for newborns with an additional insert

Seat Weight: 25 lbs (11.3 kg)
Dimensions: 31 H x 16.9 W x 13 L in
Height Limit: Up to 49 in (124.5cm)
Rear-Facing Weight: 14-50 lbs (6.4-23 kg)
Forward-Facing Weight: 22-65 lbs (10-29.5 kg)
Expiration Date: 9 years from the manufacturing date

9. Peg Perego Convertible Kinetic Car Seat for 1yr Old

With improved kinetic pods and rear-facing up to 45 lbs, this is a good car seat for 12-month-old babies.

It has an anti-rebound spacer that gives your 1-year-old 2 inches of extra legroom, making extended rear-facing more comfortable.

It also has a tri-stage cushion that gives your baby comfort and support as they grow.

The side impact protection adjusts to 10 different height positions so you can keep your fast-growing toddler safe at every stage.

With a no-rethread harness and a 6-position recline, this is a car seat that you and your 1-year-old will love. The cup holder placement can be difficult for kids to reach, though.

What We Liked

• The fabric is easy to clean
• EasyTight LATCH for simple installation
• EPS and EPP foam throughout the shell
• The straps are secure but gentle on your baby
• The seat looks and feels luxurious

What Can Be Improved

• Recline mechanism gets stuck easily
• The lever to release the harness strap is hidden
• The chest clip button is tricky to release

Seat Weight: 24.4 lbs (11.1 kg)
Dimensions: 25.75 H x 18.75 W x 26.25 L in
Height Limit: Up to 49 in (124.5cm)
Rear-Facing Weight: 5-45 lbs (2.3-20.4kg)
Forward-Facing Weight: 22-65 lbs (10-29.5 kg)
Expiration Date: 10 years from the manufacturing date

10. Britax Advocate Clicktight Convertible Car Seat for 1-Year-Old

This seat is big and will let your 1-year-old be rear-facing up to 40 lbs. The improved bolsters offer maximum side impact protection for your toddler.

The Advocate has a 14-position quick-adjust harness and headrest, making this an ideal one-year-old car seat.

There is nothing more frustrating than having to adjust the straps of a wriggling toddler, but this system makes it super easy and can be done in the seat.

This seat also comes with a SafeWash cover that is flame-retardant-free, so your baby will not be affected by toxic chemicals.

The easy-click system has been known to need replacing.

What We Liked

• This seat has 3 layers of side impact protection
• SafeCell Impact Protection crumple zone in the base
• Easy for moms to install safely and confidently
• Energy-absorbing steel frame and base to protect your baby
• The tonal color palette and ribbed textures make this a stylish seat

What Can Be Improved

• Some recalls were made on this model
• The harness can be too easy for kids to adjust on their own
• Heavy and bulky

Seat Weight: 30.1 lbs (13.7 kg)
Dimensions: 23.5 H x 20.5 W x 23 L in
Height Limit: 49 in (124.5 cm)
Rear-Facing Weight: 5-40 lbs (2.3-18 kg)
Forward-Facing Weight: 20-65 lbs (9.1-29.5 kg)
Expiration Date: 10 years from the manufacturing date

11. Britax One4Life Clicktight All-in-One Convertible Car Seat for 1 Year Plus

This is a proper car seat for 1-year-old children because it will see them from birth to booster.

With extended rear-facing up to 50 lbs, your toddler stays safer for longer. They will also feel like they are sitting in a big seat, which will keep them happier.

The SafeWash fabric is naturally flame-resistant, so you don’t have to worry about dangerous flame retardants touching your baby’s skin.

This car seat for one-year-old and up is the only seat you will need.

The lush padding and quick-adjust 15-position harness and headrest grow with your child, keeping them safe and comfortable at every stage.

What We Liked

• Superior comfort and padding
• The cover is easy to remove and is machine washable
• Super fast and easy to install
• The seat is easy to clean, and you can get into the nooks and crannies
• The anti-rebound bar is covered in fabric for comfort and to protect your seats

What Can Be Improved

• The headrest is wobbly
• No backless booster option
• No anti-rebound bar included

Seat Weight: 30 lbs (13.6 kg)
Dimensions: 20.5 H x 19.5 W x 25 L in
Height Limit: Up to 49 in (124.5 cm)
Rear-Facing Weight: 5-50 lbs ( kg)
Forward-Facing Weight: 22-120 lbs ( kg)
Expiration Date: 10 years from the manufacturing date

12. Chicco NextFit Max Zip Air Convertible 1yr Old Car Seat

The seat is big when rear-facing, but with 25% more legroom than previous models, it is the best car seat for 12-month-old toddlers to stay rear-facing for up to 50 lbs.

The recline angle indicator helps you find the best position for your growing 1-year-old.

You can adjust the harness without a fight because the 9-position headrest raises with the harness while your toddler is in the seat.

That means a safe and snug fit without a fuss. The 3D AirMesh backrest keeps your baby cool, allowing them to feel happier and calmer while rear-facing.

This is not a lightweight car seat for 1-year-old children, but the comfort and safety features make that a small factor.

What We Liked

• Spacious and has room for your baby to grow
• Easy to install correctly with helpful indicators
• 9-position headrest automatically raises with the harness
• Easy to install correctly with helpful indicators
• Dishwasher-safe cupholders for easy cleaning

What Can Be Improved

• The seat is quite heavy and bulky
• The release button is hidden under the fabric
• Only has one cup holder

Seat Weight: 26.5 lbs (12 kg)
Dimensions: 22.75 H x 19 W x 20 L in
Height Limit: Up to 49 in (124.5cm)
Rear-Facing Weight: 4-50 lbs (1.8-22.7 kg)
Forward-Facing Weight: 22-65 lbs (10-29.5 kg)
Expiration Date: 8 years from the manufacturing date

What Car Seats Should a 1-Year-Old Be In? 

According to the NHTSA, AAP, and CDC, the safest car seats for one-year-old children are rear-facing. 

Infant car seats are rear-facing only with a low weight limit, so a convertible or All-in-One seat is a better option because it has a higher weight limit and keeps your baby rear-facing for up to 4 years.

According to the AAP, car crashes are the leading cause of death in children, so having a safe car seat correctly installed is vital.

A rear-facing seat has a harness, moves with your child, and protects their body with a secure frame and shock-absorbing foam.

Choosing an Appropriate Car Seat for 1-Year-Old 

When looking at car seats for one-year-olds, you want a seat with extended rear-facing, a large weight and height limit, and an adjustable headrest and harness.

Extended Rear-Facing Use 

Extended rear-facing car seats are the safest for your baby. They should be rear-facing up to 50 lbs and, where possible, offer extended legroom with an anti-rebound bar or plate.

A rear-facing seat with side impact protection and an anti-rebound bar keeps your baby secure in a crash. The shock is absorbed by the seat rather than your child.

High Weight and Height Limit 

You want your baby to be rear-facing for as long as possible, so that means a seat that has a high weight and height limit. The weight limit for extended rear-facing should be 50 lbs and a height limit of 49-57 inches.

Fabrics 

Car seats are designed to keep your baby safe, but some seats use fabric that contains toxic chemicals.

Choose a car seat that has naturally flame-resistant fabric like wool or polyester rather than one filled with dangerous flame-retardants. Look for a seat cover that is washable and doesn’t contain PFAs.

Safety Features 

1-year-olds need a car seat that safely grows with them and offers good side impact protection. An anti-rebound bar/plate helps keep the car seat secure during extended rear-facing.

A 5-point adjustable harness, headrest, and recline option are all important safety features for ensuring the correct fit.

FAQ

Can I put my 1-year-old in a forward-facing car seat? 

Legally, yes, but rear-facing is strongly suggested until 50 lbs.

Can I put my 6-month-old in a forward-facing car seat? 

No, you can’t put your 6-month-old in a forward-facing car seat.

Can I put my 7-month-old in a forward-facing car seat?

No, you can’t put your 7-month-old in a forward-facing car seat. 

Can I put my 8-month-old in a forward-facing car seat? 

No, you can’t put your 8-month-old in a forward-facing car seat.

Can I put my 9-month-old in a forward-facing car seat? 

No, you can’t put your 9-month-old in a forward-facing car seat.

Can I put my 10-month-old in a forward-facing car seat? 

No, you can’t put your 10-month-old in a forward-facing car seat.

Can I put my 11-month-old in a forward-facing car seat?

Yes, if they are over 20 lbs. 

How much should a baby weigh before forward-facing?

A baby should weigh at least 20 lbs before forward-facing but extended rear-facing up to 50 lbs is recommended. 

What are the stages of car seats? 

Rear-facing car seats, forward-facing car seats, booster seats, and seatbelts.

What is next after an infant car seat? 

A convertible seat or All-in-One seat is next after an infant car seat.