12 Car Seats for 4-Year-Olds (High Limits, Comfy & Safe)

As your child grows and changes, their needs also change. One big change is the car seat your four-year-old will need.

Four-year-olds have long outgrown their infant seat but may not yet be big enough for a booster.

Car seats for 4-year-olds should be safe and comfortable but also need added perks older kids want, like a cup holder, fun colors, and a big kid look!

Our Favorites

Car Seats for 4-Year-Olds

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

The Radian 3QXT+ is a highly recommended car seat for 4 year old. This super-safe seat is ideal for parents who want to shop once for a car seat as it is built for children 5-120 pounds. 

A significant improvement from the previous version is the latest model includes adjustable calf support to help the transition to forward-facing.

The adjustable-calf support is one feature that makes this a good car seat for a 4-year-old. Children of this age vary significantly in height, and some shorter kids especially need the added support to feel comfortable. 

The Radian 3QXT+ is expensive, but it is the only seat your child will need from birth through booster seat years.

What We Liked

• 8 layers of side-impact protection
• XL cup holder
• Parents can fit 3 seats across in most vehicles
• The cover is removable and machine washable
• Anti-rebound panel

What Can Be Improved

• Parents may be unable to adjust the passenger side front seat while using this car seat.
• The angle adjuster feature is not helpful until your infant can hold their head up.
• The seat is cumbersome, over 30 lbs.

Seat Weight: 34.2 lbs (15.5 kg)
Dimensions: 28.5 x 17 x 16 inches
Safety Rating: High-performance in roll-over, side impact, rear, and front crash testing.
Expiration Date: 10 years from manufacturer date
Child Height: 57 inches (144 cm)
Rear-Facing Weight: 4-50 lbs. (1.8-22.7 kg)
Forward-Facing Weight: 22-65 lbs (10 kg-29.5 kg) pre-booster, 40-120 lbs (18-54 kg) as booster

2. Clek Foonf Convertible Car Seat

If you have a 4-year-old at home, consider the Clek Foonf Convertible car seat. Preschoolers will love saying the word Foof, and it’s one of the safest car seats for a 4-year-old. 

Parents and kids love its adorable design, which will last your baby from 14-65 pounds! The seat is perfect for fun and funky moms as it comes in many bright and fun colors. 

The Clek Foonf is the best car seat for 4-year-olds for parents who wish to keep their baby rear-facing longer, up to 50 lbs!

In addition, it has added crash protection because it uses energy-absorbing foam and an adjustable headrest.

There hasn’t been an upgrade from the past model to the newest version, but perhaps Clek could work on making the seat lighter in the future.

What We Liked

• Narrow enough to fit three across
• FAA approved
• Anti-rebound bar
• Rigid-LATCH, even when forward facing
• Smooth recline option

What Can Be Improved

• Fabric is not machine washable or dryer friendly
• Heavy, weighs 36 pounds
• Difficult to take apart to clean

Seat Weight: 36 lbs (16.3 kg)
Dimensions: 17.5 L x 17 W x 28-32.5 H inches
Expiration Date: 9 years from manufacturer date
Child Height: 24-43 inches (61-109 cm)
Rear-Facing Weight: 14-50 lbs (6.35-22.6 kg)
Forward-Facing Weight: 22-65 lbs (9.9-29.4 kg)

3. Nuna Rava Convertiblle Car Seat

The Nuna Rava Convertible seat is an excellent safety seat for a 4-year-old, but since it’s a convertible seat, your child can use it from infancy through early elementary school.

In addition, because of its unique design, children can stay rear-facing longer, up to 50 lbs!

The Nuna Rava comes in beautiful, soft pastels and neutral toys, so it works as a car seat for a four-year-old boy or girl.

With ten adjustable recline and headrest positions, this 4-year-old car seat can easily adjust to your child’s height. 

The Nuna Rave has an optional travel bag so your four-year-old can wheel it through the airport and be part of the travel process!

The most significant change compared to the previous seat is the newest version uses flame retardant fireproof fabric.

What We Liked

• Available in soft, neutral tones
• No added fire retardant materials
• Rear-facing up to 50 lbs.
• Foldable cup holders
• 10 recline positions

What Can Be Improved

• Installation may be a bit challenging
• The base is attached, so the entire seat must be removed when moving.

Seat Weight: 27.2 lbs (12.3 kg)
Dimensions: 16 x 19 x 25.2-31 inches
Expiration Date: 10 years from manufacture date
Child Height: Up to 49 inches (124 cm)
Rear-Facing Weight: 5-50 lbs (2.26-22.6 kg)
Forward-Facing Weight: 25-65 lbs (11.3-29.4 kg)

4. WAYB Pico Car Seat

WAYB Pico Car Seat is a game changer when it comes to traveling.

This seat is the best car seat for four-year-olds whose families travel a lot or frequently use Uber or taxis. This portable car seat for 4-year-olds folds and can be worn backpack style, and weighs only 8 lbs. 

The WAYB Pico seat is forward-facing only but is approved for children 2 years and up who weigh at least 22 pounds and are a minimum of 30 inches tall. 

Because the WAYB is designed primarily as a travel seat, it doesn’t have as much padding and cushioning.

What We Liked

• FAA approved
• Foldable and portable
• Mesh fabric is breathable 
• Foldable – stores easily in plane compartments or car trunks
• Easy to clean

What Can Be Improved

• Difficult to install
• Sits low
• Forward-facing only

Seat Weight: 8 lbs (3.6 kg)
Dimensions:15.2 x 14.5 x 22.8-27.8 inches 
Expiration Date: 6 years from manufacture date
Child Height: 30-45 inches (11.8-17.7 cm)
Forward-Facing Weight: 22-50 lbs (9.9-22.6 kg)

5. Diono Radian 3RXT Safe+ Convertible Car Seat

Diono Radian 3RXT Safe+ is one of the best convertible car seats for 4-year-olds. This seat has several safety features that set them apart from the average car seat and bright colors preschoolers love.

The 3RXT Safe+ has 18 upgrades from the previous model. One significant upgrade since the earlier version is that the new model has Safe+® anti-rebound bar and advanced Safe+® side impact protection.

The seat is narrow, but parent reviews say it is very long, making it difficult to put it behind the driver or passenger seat when someone else is sitting there. Therefore the 3RXT Safe+ may not be ideal for smaller cars.

What We Liked

• Memory foam cushion
• Machine washable cover
• Reinforced steel frame
• 12 position headrest
• Slim Fit 3 Across

What Can Be Improved

• Narrow but long, difficult to put behind front seats in the car 
• Built-in cup holder instead of a removable one
• Narrow straps may not be safe for all children in the event of a crash.

Seat Weight: 30.6 lbs (13.9 kg)
Dimensions: 28.5 x 17 x 16 inches
Expiration Date: 10 years from manufacturer date
Child Height: 57 inches (144 cm)
Rear-Facing Weight: 4-50 lbs. (1.8-22.7 kg)
Forward-Facing Weight: 22-65 lbs (10 kg-29.5 kg) pre-booster, 40-120 lbs (18-54 kg) as booster

Also, check out the best car seats for 5-year-olds, which are super comfy and provide maximum security for your LO.

6. Diono Radian 3RX Convertible Car Seat

Diono Radian 3RX is a basic convertible seat; however, basic doesn’t mean it lacks safety features. Plus, it is now available in three bright colors that kids will love!

One change since the last model is that the newest 3RX version has an infant insert making it safer for newborns. With the new, safer infant insert, this convertible seat is an ideal baby car seat for a 4-year-old and will last your child ten years!

Most parents say the seat is easy to install, but you may find it challenging to adjust it rear-facing depending on the size of your car. You should place it on the passenger side when rear-facing if space is a concern.

What We Liked

• It folds in half and can be worn backpack style
• FFA approved for travel
• Parents can add an infant insert without removing the car seat. 
• Reinforced steel frame
• 12 position headrest

What Can Be Improved

• No anti-rebound bar
• No room for cup holders when using 3-across 
• Lacks additional head support

Seat Weight: 28.1 lbs (12.7 kg)
Dimensions: 28.5 x 17 x 16 inches
Expiration Date: 10 years from manufacturer date
Child Height: up to 57 inches (144 cm)
Rear-Facing Weight: 4-50 lbs. (1.8-22.7 kg)
Forward-Facing Weight: 22-65 lbs (10 kg-29.5 kg) pre-booster, 40-120 lbs (18-54 kg) as booster

7. Clek Fllo Convertible Car Seat

The Clek Fllo is one of the best-rated car seats for 4 year old. The Fllo uses Clek’s patented EACT energy management system.

Additional safety features include advanced side-impact protection, energy-absorbing foam layers, an adjustable headrest, and a steel anti-rebound bar.

The Clek Fllo is a lightweight car seat for 4-year-olds whose parents prize safety but still want style.

The Fllo is available in three fabric types, providing moms options depending on their needs, and they will likely find their child’s favorite color!

There have been no safety improvements from the prior version, but the newest model is available in some bright colors and designs kids will love!

What We Liked

• Available in three different styles of fabric
• Narrow enough to fit three across
• Extended rear-facing time, up to 5 years
• Adjustable crotch strap – 6 different heights
• The seat is recyclable through Clek

What Can Be Improved

• Heavy
• Difficult to install
• It doesn’t fit three across in all vehicles

Seat Weight: 25 lbs (11.3 kg)
Dimensions: 12.5 D x 13-16.9 W x 21.5-26  inches
Expiration Date: 9 years from manufacturer date
Child Height: 24-43 inches (61-109 cm)
Rear-Facing Weight: 14-50 lbs (6.35-22.6 kg)
Forward-Facing Weight: 22-65 lbs (9.9-29.4 kg)

8. Peg Perego Convertible Kinetic Car Seat for 4yr Old

The Convertible Kinetic seat is a top-of-the-line car seat for a 4-year-old and up. It has excellent safety features and breathable Fresco Jersey fabric. Its stylish look is perfect for any car!

Parents love that it accommodates children rear-facing up to 45 lbs and 47 inches. Plus, your preschooler will get additional years forward-facing since it is suitable for children up to 65 pounds and 49 inches forward-facing.

Peg Perego car seats are expensive, but many parents say they are worth the cost. Plus, the Convertible Kinectic seat is good for ten years from its manufacturer date, making it likely you can use it for two or even three kids!

What We Liked

• Anti-rebound spacer allows for additional rear-facing time
• FAA Approved for aircraft use
• EPP energy-absorbing foam
• Removable infant insert
• Kinetic pods move crash energy away from your child

What Can Be Improved

• It is cumbersome, almost 25 lbs.
• Limited color options
• The reclining mechanism is stiff and difficult to use

Seat Weight: 24.4 lbs (11.1 kg)
Dimensions: 26.25 x 18.75 x 25.75 inches
Expiration Date: 10 years from manufacture date
Child Height: Up to 49 inches (124 cm)
Rear-Facing Weight: 5-45 lbs (2.26-19.95 kg)
Forward-Facing Weight: 22-65 lbs. (9.9-29.4 kg)

9. Britax Advocate Clicktight Convertible Car Seat for 4-Year-Old

The Britax Advocate Clicktight Convertible is a new four-year-old car seat with plenty of comfort and safety features for your child.

Its quick-adjust headrest and harness make it ideal for a growing child because parents can change the height with just a few clicks!

The Britax Advocate’s sleek design will appeal to parents, and the soft textured fabrics will delight children. The seat comes in beautiful, soft colors, making it an appropriate car seat for four-year-old girls and boys. 

Because the seat is a convertible, it will last your child from birth to 65 pounds. The seat is heavy, roughly 30 pounds, but it is easy to install with ClickTight installation.

What We Liked

• SafeWash cover is machine washable and dryer-safe
• 14 Position, no-rethread harness
• No added flame-retardants 
• 7-position recline
• Plenty of room for rear-facing toddlers

What Can Be Improved

• Heavy, over 30 pounds
• No cup holder (can purchase one)
• Big and bulky

Seat Weight: 30.1 lbs (13.65)
Dimensions: 23.5 x 23 x 20.5  inches
Expiration Date: 10 years from manufacture date
Child Height: Up to 54 inches (137 cm)
Rear-Facing Weight: 5-40 lbs (2.26-18.14 kg)
Forward-Facing Weight: 20-65 lbs. (9.07-29.4 kg)

10. Britax One4Life Clicktight All-in-One Convertible Car Seat for 4 Year Plus

If you’re looking for the best car seats for four-year-olds, the Britax One4Life ClickTight Convertible seat should be at the top of your list.

It comes with everything your four-year-old needs, including dual cup holders, a machine washable cover, and a 15-position headrest to accommodate your child at every stage of growth. 

Parents love the two layers of side-impact protection, patented v-shape tether, and Britax’s exclusive SafeCell technology. 

The seat has a quick push recline and nine positions and can accommodate your child from birth through booster years.

Unfortunately, this heavy, bulky seat isn’t ideal for moving between cars. However, since one seat will last your child their entire child seat years, you can purchase one for each vehicle.

What We Liked

• Bright, beautiful color choices
• Cup holder included
• More narrow than other convertible seats
• FAA certified
• Harness storage pockets

What Can Be Improved

• Heavy, weight 30 lbs
• It could use more padding on the seat’s bottom
• Some parents say straps are difficult to tighten and loosen.

Seat Weight: 30 lbs (13.65)
Dimensions: 20.5 x 19.5 x 25  inches
Expiration Date: 10 years from manufacture date
Child Height: Up to 63 inches (160 cm)
Rear-Facing Weight: 5-50 lbs (2.26-22.6 kg)
Forward-Facing Weight: 22-65 lbs. (9.07-9.9 kg)
Booster Weight: 40-120 lbs (18.1-54.4 kg)

11. Chicco NextFit Max Zip Air Convertible 4yr Old Car Seat

Chicco is a trusted name in baby gear but isn’t considered a high-end or designer brand. However, the Chicco NetFit Max may change your mind. Packed with safety and comfort features, it is no cheap car seat for a 4-year-old. 

It comes equipped with a dishwasher-safe cup holder and a zip-off machine washable cover; two must-have features for older kids who snack in the car. 

The Chicco NetFit Max accommodates your child rear-facing up to 50 lbs for added security but has plenty of room so your big kid won’t feel cramped.

When it’s time to turn around, the seat has added calf support for your little one’s legs.

What We Liked

• Forward-facing calf support & Ergonomic seat cushion
• Rear-facing up to 50 lbs
• GREENGUARD Gold Clear Tex Fabrics
• Lighter than many other convertible seats
• 9-position one-hand adjustable harness

What Can Be Improved

• Limited color options
• The harness is difficult to tighten
• Very long and may not fit in smaller cars.

Seat Weight: 25.5 lbs (11.5 kg)
Dimensions: 22.75 x 19 x 29.2  inches
Expiration Date: 10 years from manufacture date
Child Height: Up to 49 inches (124 cm)
Rear-Facing Weight: 5-50 lbs (2.26-22.6 kg)
Forward-Facing Weight: 22-65 lbs. (9.07-9.9 kg)
Booster Weight: 40-120 lbs (18.1-54.4 kg)

12. RideSafer Travel Car Seat Vest

The RideSafer Travel Car Seat Vest is a unique approach to car safety. The car seat vest is an alternative to a car seat for a four-year-old and up.

The safety vest meets all the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards crash test requirements and is approved for children three years old and up. 

The vest is available in four sizes x-small, small, large, and x-large. In addition, the RideSafer vest works with the Delighter Booster if the child needs additional height.

The RideSafer vest is an excellent choice for carpools and is easy to install and use. The RideSafer vest can only be used in cars where the back of the seat is higher than the child’s ears.

What We Liked

• Great for taxi rides and traveling
• FAA approved
• Lightweight
• Children can use it with a lap or lap and shoulder belt.
• Top-tether option

What Can Be Improved

• No height measurements are included.
• It doesn’t work in all cars.
• Training is required as people are not familiar with the product.

Seat Weight: 2.4 lbs (1.1 kg)
Dimensions: ‎15 x 9.5 x 3.5 inches 
Expiration Date: Vests manufactured after 2013 have a date 10 years from the manufacturer’s date
Child Weight: 30-110 lbs (13.6-49.9 kg)

What Car Seats Should a 4-Year-Old Be In?

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the proper car seat for a 4-year-old is forward facing with a harness. Once your child reaches the top of the height and weight limits allowed by the car seat manufacturer, you can move them to a booster seat. 

Some newer manufacturers now make car seats for four-year-olds that can remain rear-facing for up to 50 lbs. Since children’s weight and height range can greatly vary, some children will hit this milestone sooner than others. 

It is essential you follow the seat manufacturer’s recommendations for height and weight limits to ensure you have an appropriate car seat for a 4-year-old.

Choosing an Appropriate Car Seat for 4-Year-Old 

Choosing a car seat for a 48-month-old child and up can sometimes be confusing. Weights, heights, and car sizes all vary, which can impact your decision. When deciding, consider the height and weight limits, the fabric used, the safety features included, and how easy it is to install and use the seat.

High Weight And Height Limit

Because children can vary significantly in height and weight and seemingly grow overnight, parents should consider a seat with a high weight and height limit. In addition, it is recommended to keep your child rear-facing as long as possible. Therefore, look for a seat that allows for rear-facing placement of up to 50 lbs. 

Non-Toxic Fabrics 

Most car seat fabrics are non-toxic and must pass various chemical inspections and tests. However, the newest trend is to use naturally flame-retardant fabrics, so no additional chemicals or flame-retardants need to be added. 

The Chicco ClearTex and Britax SafeWash seats are two options manufactured without added flame-retardants. 

Safety Features

Rear-facing as long as possible is best, so look for seats that accommodate larger children rear-facing. Seats should also include absorbent foam and shock absorbers to protect your child in the event of an accident. 

Adjustable headrests and harnesses are another safety feature parents should look for; having the correct harness placement and headrest support is vital to keep your child safe.

Ease of Use

Lastly, parents should consider the ease of use. If you need to move the seat frequently, you’ll want a small car seat for 4 year old and one that is easy to take out and install. Rigid LATCH or easy LATCH options make placing and removing seats a cinch.

You may also want to test how easy it is to adjust harnesses and headrests and test the difficulty of tightening belts and tethers.