Smallest Convertible Car Seats – Our Top 4 Picks

Do you need to fit 3 across or do you just have a small car and space is at a premium? These are our top picks of the smallest convertible car seats that are compact while not compromising on quality. Fitting 3 of all of these seats across the back seat in your car is no problem. 

There's a small convertible seat here for all budgets: our top 4 are reviewed below in order of most to least expensive.

​Clek Foonf Convertible Car Seat

​The Clek Foonf is the brand’s newest release (2018) so there are plenty of updated features that make it a top contender for one of the best smallest convertible car seats. This convertible car seat also features extended rear facing, which allows your child to stay rear facing for longer.

We love this feature, which together with the other highlights make the Clek Foonf one of our Top Rated Car Seats.

Weight, size and fit​

The car seat features extended rear facing and can accommodate a child up to 50 lbs. and 43 inches in height in the rear facing position. Your child can then be placed in it from a few months old to a few years old, even as a preschooler.

It is also a compact seat and takes up a smaller amount of space in your vehicle compared to other convertible seats from brands such as Britax or Chicco. Indeed, three of these seats across the back is feasible in most vehicles.

You might want to also consider buying the ​Clek Infant-Thingy Infant Insert, Shadow​ if you plan to use this seat for your infant (from 5lbs).

Features and advantages​

The car seat has a patented Rigid-latch Energy Absorbing Crumple Technology (REACT) safety system, which sounds so technical but can be stated in layman’s terms; basically, the system significantly reduces the force of impact made when the car, where the child is a passenger, is in a collision or crash. This means that the child will be less likely to suffer from injuries such as whiplash and fractures, for as long as they’re safely strapped in.

The frame underlies such an outstanding safety system, thanks to its honeycomb design and steel anti-rebound bar. Of course, the double layers of foam, which significantly absorb the energy from the impact, also contribute to its outstanding safety. Even the adjustable headrest can reduce the risk of head and neck injuries, thanks to its side protection.

We also like the fabric used on the car seat. It isn’t just easy to clean, and it’s also free of harmful chemicals like chlorinated and brominated flame retardants.

​Considerations

The crotch buckle pad, which has been redesigned in this latest model, is quite thick and bulky. The seat is also very heavy so if you plan to remove the seat regularly the Clek Fllo may be a better option as it is around 8lbs lighter. 

The only other drawback for us is that it doesn't have a cup holder, although you can buy the ​Clek Drink Thingy​ separately as an add-on.

Is this the best car seat for you?

The Clek Foonf is an uber cool premium car seat with excellent safety features that make it a great choice for your child. You will also find it easy to install.

​Clek Fllo Convertible Car Seat

The Clek Fllo is a good choice in a convertible car seat for parents who have three car seats to fit in the back seat of a standard family-friendly vehicle. In comparing the Clek Fllo versus Clek Foonf we noted a number of similarities and differences. Both seats provide extended rear facing but the Fllo is lighter in weight and also cheaper.

Weight, size and fit​

When it’s in a rear facing position, the car seat can accommodate a child of up to 50 lbs and 43 inches in height, the same as the Foonf. It may look small, but it provides enough room for an average-sized child to move around comfortably. The straps also don’t dig into the shoulders.

You might want to also consider buying the ​Clek Infant Thingy, Noire​ if you plan to use this seat for your infant (from 5lbs).

Features and advantages​

The Fllo has a LATCH system like the Foonf, but it is a non-rigid version: abbreviated as EACT (Energy Absorbing Crumple Technology); it’s similarly as effective as the Foonf in reducing the force of impact transmitted from the point of collision to the child. This consists of an aluminum honeycomb structure, deep side wings in the adjustable headrest, and energy-absorbent foam layers all around the car seat.

While these design elements will not completely protect your child in case of a serious collision, they will be instrumental in reducing the risk of injuries.

At just 17” wide, the Fllo can be combined with other car seats for a 3-across seating arrangement. This is a desirable feature for parents with three children, all of whom should be safely and securely strapped into their respective car seat for the ride. The Fllo is also much lighter than the Foonf.

​Considerations

The car seat may be too small for older and larger children, but this isn’t a big issue for most parents who want a smaller car seat anyway. As with the Foonf, the Filo also doesn't have a cup holder. However the ​Clek Drink Thingy​ also fits this seat separately as an add-on.

Is this the best car seat for you?

The Clek Fllo may not have as many features as its more expensive counterparts but it’s still a great choice in terms of value for money. It is also one of the best convertible car seats as far as quality and safety are concerned.

​Diono Radian RXT All-In-One Convertible Car Seat, Shadow​

​The Diono Radian car seat is popular because it’s an all-in-one convertible car seat that, among the products here, arguably provides the best value for your money.

Weight, size and fit​

The car seat can be used either rear facing or forward facing, with each position having a different weight limit. For the rear-facing position, the weight range is 5 to 45 lbs., while the forward-facing position has a weight range of 20 to 80 lbs.

The car seat can fit young and older kids because of its ample width, height and depth, while the adjustable safety harness keeps them securely strapped in. 

The car seat can also be converted into a booster seat with a 50-120 lb. maximum weight limit. You don’t have to buy another baby product because you already have a car seat and booster in one.

Features and advantages​

The Diono Radian has a full steel frame and EPS foam, both of which contribute to the high safety rating of the car seat. The memory foam, coupled with the support cushions, ensures the comfort of your child.

The adjustable headrest with its reinforced side walls also lessen the force of impact, as well as provide sufficient support and comfort for the head and neck.

You can also fold the car seat flat for easy transport and storage. Due to its slim dimensions, it can also be fitted 3 across in standard mid-sized vehicles, whether sedans or mini-vans.

​Considerations

The car seat can be folded flat but you have to buy the carry strap separately.

Is this the best car seat for you?

Yes, if you’re looking for a car seat that can be converted into a booster seat. Furthermore, if you really like the Diono brand (we do) then you might want to also check out the other convertible car seats in their range. Choosing between the Diono Radian and the Rainier is a common query we get asked.

​Combi Coccoro Convertible Car Seat, Keylime/Red​

​The Combi car seat is the perfect choice for smaller cars, thanks to its exceptionally slim profile. It is also extremely lightweight for a convertible seat.

Don't like the Keylime colour? Don't worry there are 5 different colours to choose from with this seat!

Weight, size and fit​

This car seat has a lower maximum weight of just 3 to 33 lbs. for rear-facing position and 10 to 40 lbs. for forward-facing position. Larger kids will likely not be able to fit in it and, in fact, it isn’t recommended for the sake of comfort and safety.

Features and advantages​

The Coccoro has deep side walls that not only give your kid a sense of being enclosed in a semi-hug, but also provides them with a layer of thick foam, which absorbs most of the forces generated in a crash. The foam also redirects these forces away from your child’s most sensitive parts, particularly his spine, neck and head.

You don’t have to second guess whether your child is securely strapped in; you have a buckle indicator with its visual cue for this purpose, as well as the tether connector strap for ensuring that everything’s in order.

​Considerations

Again, the smaller size can be a disadvantage, but the safety and comfort features more than make up for it.

Is this the best car seat for you?

The Coccoro is a great choice in a small convertible car seat and is the lightest and cheapest seat of our smallest convertible car seats.

Conclusion

The best smallest convertible seat will still be your choice. You can choose among these four car seats and be praised for your smart decision.