Slimmest Car Seats For Family Vehicles
The number one question I get from moms of three or more is about how to fit three car seats in a row. This is a complex question that requires a nuanced answer. I know you want me to tell you “buy THIS car seat, and you’ll fit three across no problem!”, but it just doesn’t work that way. There is so much to consider from your make and model, forward-facing vs. rear-facing arrangements, and the car seats you currently have - just to name a few.
What I will say is that having a slim car seat is going to help you maximize space no matter what car you drive. Whether you’re trying to fit three across or simply give other passengers more room next to your car seat, having a slim car seat will definitely help with that!
Today, I’ll be breaking down everything you need to know about the slimmest car seats on the market and the ones I use for my three kids. Although I’m not picky on a specific car seat, by the end of this post you’ll be able to start the puzzle of finding three across that fit with a bit more ease.
Why Are Slim Car Seats Important?
When you have a growing family, accommodating three car seats in the second row of your family vehicle can be a real puzzle (and highly desirable for some families!). Simply put, car seats take up a significant amount of space, leaving you with limited room to maneuver and fit all the seats properly. This is where slim car seats come in! They are able to maximize available space, making it easier to fit three car seats side by side.
Every parent knows age, size, and height all vary for each child, which means you may have a mix of car seats. Slim car seats are incredibly versatile and designed to work with various configurations, ensuring you can set up your second row with different seat types. Whether you have two rear-facing seats and a forward-facing one or any other combination, slim car seats make it easier to finagle with success.
Are Slimmer Car Seats Safe?
Yes! As a Certified Child Safety Technician, the safety of both your children and mine are my top priority and I take the recommendations I give very seriously. It’s understandable to think that the slimmest car seats on the market may not feel safe, but I can assure you that the opposite is actually true.
Slim car seat manufacturers understand the significance of the product they’re selling and often incorporate additional safety features to compensate for the narrower design. Many slim car seats come equipped with advanced safety technologies, such as energy-absorbing foam, reinforced steel frames, and side-impact protection. These features enhance the car seat's ability to protect your child during a collision.
I want to make it clear, no matter what car seat you purchase (bulky or slim) it has received rigorous testing to ensure all regulatory requirements are met. Manufacturers must comply with crash testing, structural integrity, and flame resistance to name a few tests in order to be able to go on market. So rest assured your child will be protected no matter what option you choose.
Top Slimmest Car Seats On The Market: Pros And Cons
Slim car seats are becoming an across-the-market choice as the need for space becomes more common for moms. Although I’m not picky on car seat brands, Clek has been my go-to and worked great for my three kiddos. But, there are tons of other great options on the market! Here are the pros and cons of the most popular slim car seats:
Slimmest Rear-Facing Car Seats:
Clek Liing
Graco Snugride Snuglock
Chicco Fit2
Clek Liing
Clek Liing
An easy-to-carry car seat with the highest height limits on the market.
Pros:
The innovative design of the Clek Liing allows you to easily pick up the carrier and click it into place, making it hassle-free to move your baby in and out of the car. Clek also offers the highest height limits on infant seats to enable extended rear-facing, ensuring your child's safety for a longer duration. Best of all, I’ve personally had a lot of success using the Liing seat in terms of slimness.
Cons:
The only con with the Clek Liing (and all Clek products) is the price. Being one of the most costly car seats on the market, it’s a significant investment for multiple kids.
Graco Snugride Snuglock 35
Graco Snugride Snuglock 35
An affordable, long-lasting car seat that works great with tall drivers.
Pros:
This car seat is a dream if you’re a family of tall drivers! The Graco Snugride Snuglock 35 is designed to have less length across, making the 6 foot and above driver (like myself) still able to comfortably drive and view your baby. You may think less length across would lead to a quicker turnaround time for a biggest seat, but no! This is one of the longest lasting rear-facing car seats on the market.
Best of all, the Graco Snugride Snuglock 35 is a most affordable option to the top three I discussed today.
Cons:
Although this is still a slim car seat option, there has been a lot of comments on the bulkiness of the Graco Snugride Snuglock 35 in terms of both carrying and installing in the car on a day-to-day basis.
Chicco Fit2
Chicco Fit2
This seat allows positioning closer to the door while still remaining safe.
Pros:
The install process for the Chicco Fit2 is an absolute breeze! The built-in seatbelt lock and anti-rebound bar make it really easy to shift this seat closer to the door (for extra space), while still keeping the safety of your child as first priority.
In terms of making this car seat last, the adjustable headrest allows for your little one to remain rear-facing longer than they would in other seats- exactly what I like to see!
Cons:
Not the easiest to carry. Unlike the Clek Liing, the Chicco Fit2 can feel a bit awkward/heavy when toting your child around anywhere that’s not in the car.
Slimmest Convertible Car Seats:
Clekk Foonf
Nuna Exec
Diono Radian
Clekk Foonf
Clekk Foonf
An easy-to-install car seat that grows with your child for many years.
Pros:
Much like the Liing model, the design of the Clek Foonf is really easy to install and provides a protective base that remains stable and secure. As your kiddo grows, the Clek Foonf grows with them through an adjustable headrest. Of all the car seats I’ve seen work with three across, the Clek Foonf is always really successful.
Cons:
Much like the Liing, the price of the Clek Foonf is expensive. Although it feels more justifiable because your child will remain in the seat longer, the price tag is higher than others on the market.
Nuna Exec
Nuna Exec
One of the highest-positioning carseats available on the market. If materials are a concern near your child, this is a great option to consider.
Pros:
The Nuna Exec has a whopping 8 reclining positions and 12 head rest positions! That is incredible for keeping your child in a car seat for as long as possible. For moms with taller kids, this is a really great option to consider.
Are clean materials are particular concern in your household? The Nuna Exec is completely-free of any fire-retardant materials that can cause irritation to your kiddos. Don’t worry- even though it’s free of these chemicals, it is still safety-tested to ensure every precaution is thought of.
Cons:
This Nuna Exec is expensive. With one of the highest price points for a car seat you can find, it can be hard to justify a purchase as costly as this.
Diono Radian 3RXT
Diono Radian 3RXT
An excellent middle seat option, with a shorter height, making it easy to look out the back window.
Pros:
The Diono Radian 3RXT is excellent in the middle seat of the second row! With it’s smaller width and sides, it pairs really well with other car seats that may take up more space. Another excellent feature is it’s shorter height. Although this will not grow as well with your child in the long run, it creates a less obstructed view when looking out of the back window.
Cons:
The install process is not as easy for the Diono Radian 3RXT. With the need for both a locking clip and and a double back seat recline, this is not the simplest place and go as you’d like. As your child grows, the adjustments will require a re-install.
Slimmest Booster Car Seats:
Graco Turbo TakeAlong High Back
Maxi Cosi Rodisport
Peg Perego Shuttle Plus 120
Graco Turbo TakeAlong High Back
Graco Turbo TakeAlong High Back
An on-the-go car seat designed to be foldable and easy to carry.
Pros:
The Grace Turbo TakeAlong is just that- a car seat you can easily take with you! Known for its easy-fold design, this is the perfect slim booster option for any family that is on the move and needs flexibility. The lightweight features make it super easy to carry, but it’s still incredibly designed and compliant with all safety standards. Best of all, the price is excellent for a quality slim booster.
Cons:
There are a few complaints from kiddos feeling uncomfortable once their booster is attached. Although safety is paramount, the backless booster may not be as cushy. A more minor complaint, but the cupholders are really low, especially for kids on the lower end of the weight and height requirements.
Maxi Cosi Rodisport
Maxi Cosi Rodisport
Quite possibly the most aesthetically pleasing car seats on the market, plus it’s designed with a super comfortable and protective head rest.
Pros:
This may be one of the most aesthetically pleasing car seats on the market. It’s super easy to clean, made of really comfortable fabric, and blends with the interior of a lot of vehicles. One of the biggest pros, the head rest was designed really effectively ensuring your child’s comfort and protection for an extended period in the booster.
Cons:
The assembly for the Maxi Cosi Rodisport is not as easy as other models on the market. Once it’s in your vehicle, there is a lot of frustration around the impracticality of cup holders for your kids to use. Biggest of all, the limited recline can make it difficult to fit three car seats across in the second row.
Peg Perego Shuttle Plus 120
Peg Perego Shuttle Plus 120
Incredible weight and height limits for such a slim booster seat!
Pros:
The weight and height limits for this booster seat are some of the best on the market! Despite being one of the top contenders for height limits, the slimness of this seat is really remarkable. The width of the side panels can be adjusted according to the size of your child, plus the headrest works great for clearance when looking out the back window.
Cons:
This is a heavy booster choice. Although you won’t be carrying and re-clicking this seat back into place, it can be a hassle to move from car to car. Another downside, the price of the Peg Perego Shuttle Plus 120 is expensive. Just like a lot of our top recommendations, it’s an investment to say the least.
Do you have a slim car seat you love? Please let me know in the comments! And to keep up with my latest recommendations for all things family vehicles, check out my latest posts:
