Picking out a car seat is a fairly simple and straight forward process if you have a mid-sized or large car. It is a whole different story when you are looking to buy a car seat which will be installed into a small car with a small back seat. It is an even bigger challenge when you have to fit more than one car seat into the small back seat.
When you have a smaller-than-average back seat, you have to keep an eye on the width of the products you consider. Here some options for you to consider before you make a purchase.
Best Car Seat for Small Back Seat
Comparsion table
Diono Radian 3R Convertible Car Seat
This car seat ca be used in both rear-facing and forward-facing mode and as a belt-positioning booster. For this reason, it gives you an extended life cycle of up to 10 years. It is more expensive than other similar products but considering you will not need to buy another car seat even when the child gets older, it ends up being cheaper.
With this seat, you can safely travel with children weighing between 5 and 45 pounds in rear-facing mode and between 20 and 80 pounds in forward-facing mode. As a booster, it can accommodate a child weighing up to 120 pounds.
The frame is made of steel which makes it a strong, durable product and the sidewalls are reinforced to protect the child from side impact in the event of a collision. Memory foam padding cradles the child’s body and helps to relieve pressure on muscles during long trips.
Unlike many other car seats you will come across, this one is FAA certified. This means you can use it on the airplane when you fly. It comes with a cup holder and you can add two more holders if you like.
Key Features
- Steel frame
- Reinforced side walls
- Memory foam padding
Pros
- Wide weight and age range
- FAA certified
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Peg Perego Primo Viaggio Infant Car Seat
- Made In Italy. Rear facing infant car seat for babies 4 to...
- Dual stage cushion system-first stage for 4 pound and up...
- Side impact protection adjusts to six different positions...
- Patent handle and seat design have color coded belt paths to...
- Innovative shell design optimizes baby's safety and comfort,...
Last update on 2023-03-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This one is ideal for small cars because it measures a slim 17 inches in width at the widest point. This is where the handles meet the sides of the seat. The base is about 14.5 inches wide making it narrow enough to fit in two other car seats.
A dual-stage cushion system allows for use with a new born baby onwards, starting from 4 pounds. At second stage, the cushion correctly supports the growing baby’s head allowing for up to 35 pounds in weight and 32 inches in height in a rear-facing position.
The main safety feature is an anti-rebound bar which reduces rotational force in the event of a collision. Other features are a 5-point harness and side impact protection. A patent seat and handle design come with color-coded belt paths which helps in belt routing when the base is not being used.
The seat has soft padding and high-quality stitching on soft jersey cotton fabric. This makes it very breathable, keeping your infant cool even on those warm summer afternoons.
Key Features
- Anti-rebound bar
- 5-point harness
- Dual stage cushion system
Pros
- Narrow enough for two other car seats
- Highly breathable fabric
- Wide weight range
- Color-coded belt path
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Combi Coccoro Convertible Car seat
- TRU-SAFE: Combi utilizes Tru-Safe Side Impact Protection in...
- COMPACT, LIGHTWEIGHT AND THREE ACROSS: The Coccoro...
- COMFORTABLE AND EASE OF USE: The Coccoro Convertible Car...
- WASHABLE: The Coccoro is machine washable. Please check your...
- WEIGHT AND HEIGHT: The Cocorro convertible car seat...
Last update on 2023-03-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
It is perfect for small cars because of its exceptionally slim profile. It is only 15.5 inches wide, making it a good choice for mothers with more than one child needing to be strapped in a car seat.
This also makes it easier to store it at home when it is not in use. This seat can be used by infants on a removable infant insert which provides appropriate position and comfort for very young children.
It can also accommodate toddlers in a different position. Weight specifications start at 3 pounds to 33 pounds in a rear-facing position and 20 pounds to 40 pounds in a forward -facing position. Height allowance starts at 19 inches all the way up to 40 inches.
This seat utilizes Tru-Safe Side Impact Protection which offers deep side-walls and a layer of foam designed to distribute impact away from the baby or toddler in the event of an accident.
The buckle used on this seat has an indicator which gives a visual cue when the harness is buckled securely so you will always know if your baby is not properly secured.
The Combi Coccoro convertible car seat is FAA certified.
Key Features
- Tru-Safe Side Impact Protection
- Removable infant insert
- Buckle with indicator
Pros
- FAA certified
- Slim enough to fit multiple car seats
- Dual use for infant and toddler
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Clek Fllo Convertible Car Seat
This seat is slim enough to fit two other car seats into a standard family friendly car. Its dimensions stand at 17 inches wide, 26 inches high and 24 inches deep. It can accommodate a child who weighs up to 50 pounds and is up to 43 inches tall in a rear-facing position. This makes it one of few seats which allow children to remain in a rear-facing position for longer.
It is a fairly light seat (25 pounds) which helps when carrying it to and from the car. All Clek Fllo convertible car seats come with a steel, anti-rebound which enhances rear-facing safety.
A steel-reinforced substructure makes it strong and durable. The aluminum honeycomb deformable core in the seat base absorbs energy in the event of a crash. Over this is a thick, energy-absorbing foam layer designed to reduce effects of impact.
Foam layers are covered with GreenGuard Golden Certified Crypton fabric which is stain resistant and protects against moisture. It also protects against odor-causing bacteria.
Key Features
- Steel-reinforced substructure
- Deep adjustable headrest
- Aluminum honeycomb deformable core in seat base
Pros
- 9 year expiration
- Slim enough to fit 3 car seats
- Energy absorbing foam layers (inner and outer)
Britax USA Boulevard Convertible Car Seat
- Easy installation: Patented click tight makes car seat...
- No rethreading, ever: Quick adjust 14 position harness with...
- Adjust accurately: Harness indicator gives an audible click...
- Surrounded in safety: 2 layers of side impact protection,...
- Fits: Rear facing 5 to 40 pounds and forward facing 20 to 65...
Last update on 2023-03-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Britax is a reputable manufacturer of car seats in the US. The Boulevard is a good choice for small cars because it is 18.5 inches wide, 23 inches long and 23.5 inches high. It is possible to use it in both rear and front sitting modes. It accommodates children as light as 5 pounds to those weighing about 40 pounds in rear-facing mode. In front-facing mode, it can take children weighing anywhere between 20 pounds and 65 pounds.
This product is equipped with SafeCell Impact protection. This technology includes a steel frame which provides additional rigidness to prevent injuries in the event of an accident. The ClickTight System allows for easy installation of the seat making it as quick and easy as fastening a seat belt.
A harness indicator is included to help you adjust belts. It produces an audible ‘clicking’ sound when it is tightly adjusted.
The seat’s headrest has layers of energy-absorbing foam which increases protection of the child’s head. Also included is a removable pillow which comes in handy when he wants to take a nap as you drive.
Key Features
- SafeCell Impact protection ( steel frame)
- ClickTight system( easy installation)
- Harness indicator (accurate adjustment)
Pros
- Dual mode (rear and front facing)
- Removable pillow
- Steel frame for extra rigidness
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Clek Foonf Convertible Car Seat
Some have compared the construction of the Clek Foonf convertible car seat to that of a tank. It fits into our list of car seats for small back seats because it is relatively slim. Its dimensions are 17 inches wide, 17.5 inches deep and 28 inches high.
This means you can comfortably fit more than one car seat into your small car. A key feature of this product is extended rear facing because it can accommodate a child weighing up to 50 pounds and up to 43 inches tall in the rear facing position.
After that you can use the seat in a forward-facing position until he is in pre-school or beyond. A steel anti-rebound helps to enhance rear-facing safety.
The seat is built on a solid metal substructure making it strong and durable. Also included is inner and outer foam layers which absorb energy. The headrest is adjustable to ensure maximum protection from side impacts.
Aluminum honeycomb crumple technology is utilized to absorb energy and reduce the force which would be exerted on the child in the event of a collision.
The Rigid-LATCH system makes it easy to install the seat in a forward-facing position so you can do it quickly and easily.
Key Features
- Steel anti-rebound
- Aluminum honeycomb crumple technology
- Rigid-LATCH system
- Tailored in GREENGUARD Gold Certified fluorine-free fabric
Pros
- Rear facing for longer
- Stain resistant fabric
- 9-year expiration
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Graco SlimFit Convertible Car Seat
The Graco SlimFit car seat is slightly wider than the previous product. It is 18 inches wide, 25.5 inches high and 16.25 inches deep. With these dimensions you can fit three car seats in an SUV or minivan but not in a small or normal-sized car.
The All in One seat grows with your little one. It has an infant insert used to support young babies as light as 5 pounds. It serves until they are about 40 pounds. The convertible car seat position serves from when they are about 20 pounds to when they weigh about 65 pounds. After that (30 to 100 pounds) the seat can serve as a belt-positioning booster.
Other features of this seat include double-layered sides for impact protection and EPS energy absorbing foam to reduce impact in a collision. This product is crash tested and has met US standard FMVSS 213.
The headrest adjusts across a variety of positons. If you are concerned about keeping the seat clean, you will be glad to know that the soft-touch fabric is easy to spot wipe. When a proper wash is necessary, it is easy to remove and can be machine washed.
Key Features
- EPS energy absorbing foam
- InRight LATCH system
Pros
- Rear and forward-facing modes
- Easily accessed, washable seat cover
- Rotating cup holders
- Highly versatile (infant, toddler, preschooler)
View price on Amazon
Factors to Consider When Buying a Car Seat for a Small Back Seat
Whether you are a first time parent or are looking for a car seat for a second or third child, the most important element any parent has in mind is safety. It always comes first.
Fortunately, this is not something you will have to worry about too much as long as the seat you settle on is one from a reputable manufacturer. These seats go through rigorous safety tests before they can be allowed into the market.
There are many other considerations to keep in mind but they all depend on your individual needs as a parent or those of the child. These are some details to keep in mind before you buy.
Size:
All the car seats we have mentioned are small enough to fit in a car with a small back seat. If you are a parent with a small or medium-sized car and two or three children who need to be strapped into a car seat, size is a very important detail. Few car seats are small enough to fit in a small back seat along with two other seats.
Most sellers allow you to try fitting the seat into your car before buying so make use of this to avoid buying a seat which cannot be used in your car.
Installation process:
A quick look through users’ complaints about various brands of car seats will reveal that ease of installation is a big problem. Some car seats are great in every other sense but are so complicated to install, users say they dread having to remove it because putting it back in again is exhausting.
Smaller cars typically fulfil multiple roles so you have to remove the seat frequently to make room for other uses. If this is true for you, then you will do best with a car seat which can be installed and removed quickly and easily.
Apart from installation, also look out for a seat which is generally easy to use. Check how the belts and closures function to make sure there is nothing particularly difficult or complicated.
Personal needs and preferences:
Is your child a bit taller than the average child? Perhaps he is smaller than most children his age and therefore needs a smaller car seat he can fit into nice and snuggly. Every child is different. You will want to go with a car seat which accommodates these individual differences and ensures your child is not only safe but also comfortable.
Sometimes there are certain features you must have in a car seat. It could be a cup holder or specific belt paths… or just about anything. Knowing exactly what you will not compromise on is useful when you are shopping. You know which seats you need not take a second look at when you are shopping.
Ease of maintenance:
This is especially so if you buy a car seat which will be used for many years. It will inevitable get dirty. You need a seat which can be cleaned easily. Some seats have removable covers which are machine washable which makes keeping it clean and fresh quite easy.
Reputable names and Safety approvals:
There are lots of car seats available in the market. Only some of them are from reputable manufacturers and are approved by trusted names in the industry. Take time to do some research to find out who the reputable manufacturers are.
Versatility:
Some seats can only be used until the child is a toddler. Others can be converted from one form to another until he is about 9 years old. Although the convertible seats which can be used for many years are more expensive, you end up saving money because you will not need to buy another one.
Cost:
You can find a car seat in just about any price range. Make a decision on how much you are willing to spend before you start shopping. This helps to speed up the search because you know which seats are definitely not an option.
Car seats specifically made for small cars are not as easy to find as regular ones and are often sold at a premium. Keep this in mind when setting on a price ceiling for a car seat.
Dimensions of your car’s back seat:
You will only have yourself to blame when you go out and buy what seems like the most fabulous car seat for your little one, only to find out it can’t fit in your car. For parents with more than one child who needs to be in a car seat, keep in mind that some seats are too wide to be used along with others.
Always have the dimensions of your car’s back seat so you can measure the seat before you buy it. If you are buying online, you can always give the seller these dimensions beforehand so they can advise on which products are out of the question for you.
FAQs
What are booster seats?
Booster seats are designed for children who have outgrown forward-facing seats. This kind of seat can accommodate a child up to about 11 years old. You can drop it or lift is to the height of your child’s comfort.
How do I know which type of car seat to use at different stages?
In the United States, there are laws which govern the type of seat you should use for your child depending on their age and weight. You could be fined for using the wrong type.
Rear-facing seats are for children under 15 months. After that they should graduate to forward-facing seats until they are about 4 years old.
Are car seats with latches safer than those with seatbelts?
Neither is better or safer than the other provided they are used correctly. There is however, an age and weight limit for the latch system. It should not be used on car seats designed for children beyond 40 pounds.
What is FAA approval about?
An FAA approved car seat means that it is certified by the Federal Aviation Authority for use in aircraft. Most car seats in the market are not FAA approved. If you fly frequently with a young child, keep this in mind when buying a car seat.
Are wider car seats safer than narrow ones?
No, all seats sold in legitimate markets in the United States are completely safe. Larger car seats offer more features like more torso and head impact protection, anti-rebound bars and advanced installation systems. That said, those without these features are still perfectly safe.
Every car seat in the market has been taken through rigorous government safety tests. Anything substandard simply doesn’t make it into the market. Everything you find is safe for your child no matter how wide or narrow it is.
What should I do if I can’t install my new car seat?
Installation can be a real headache for some car seats. If you have tried every way you can think of and still can’t install it, pay a visit to your local fire department or police station. They should be able to help you. Alternatively, do an online search for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to find the nearest inspection spot.
Conclusion
The Diono Radian 3R Car Seat takes top spot in this review because it is highly versatile. It can be used for infants and then converted to a forward-facing seat for older children. It is also slim enough for a small back seat. In a mid-sized or large car, you can comfortably fit 3 car seats in.
This is one of few FAA certified car seats so it will come in handy when you are flying with your little one. It can be installed and removed with ease and it makes a clicking sound to confirm that the latch is properly secured.
