This might sound ridiculous, but maybe you can relate.

I booked a flight to Austin when Poppy was 10 weeks old. It was Poppy’s first flight (though not her first trip), and Ryan and I were talking plane logistics.

I told him that I didn’t want to book her a seat, because I didn’t want to bring her anchor of car seat.

“We can just bring her in the Ergo and then we don’t have to overpack.”
(because you'll need a portable crib, lightweight stroller, and your backpack diaper bag).

So we set out to make a packing list, going through all the things we’d need to bring on our first flight with a baby. We thought we had it all figured out.

And then a couple of days went by and Ryan asked me how we’d get from the airport to the AirBNB, and I responded “we can just rent a car”.

I forgot that we needed transportation when we landed. And that meant we needed a travel car seat too.

If there's one thing I've learned from traveling with a baby, it's that her needs don't change just because she's away from home. Mine do.

Car seats are no exception: they may still need one (whether on the road or in the air), but we need it to be more travel friendly. Enter: the best travel car seat.

Top 10 Best Travel Car Seat

#1: Evenflo Tribute LX Convertible Car Seat
#2: Graco Contender 65 Convertible Car Seat
#3: Cosco Scenera NEXT Convertible Car Seat
#4: Cosco Apt 50
#5: Evenflo Sonus Convertible Car Seat
#6: Graco SnugRide 30 LX Click Connect Car Seat
#7: Safety 1st Guide 65 Convertible Car Seat
#8: Britax Roundabout G4.1 Convertible Car Seat
#9: Diono Radian RXT All-In-One Convertible Car Seat
#10: Doona Infant Car Seat Stroller

But first, before we get into it…

Do You Really Need a Travel Car Seat?

The quick answer:

Maybe.

Helpful, right? Yeah, I know, not so much. So let’s clear it up. If you answered “no” to either of these questions, you may not need a travel car seat (or any car seat, for that matter):

Do you plan on renting a car, driving in a car, or transporting your baby in a vehicle at all on the trip?
Do you mind having your baby on your lap during your entire flight?

Now, assuming you answered “yes” to one of those questions, the question remains… do you need a travel car seat, or will your at-home carseat suffice?

Take a moment to picture your baby's car seat… Got it?

Now, what's the first word that comes to mind? Heavy? Big? Bulky? For me, it’s “pain in the ass to carry around town”.

Whatever it is, I'll bet it isn't “travel-friendly”. Since most car seats weigh a whopping 25+ pounds, it's not surprising! That's why a travel car seat that's either smaller, lighter or more portable is non-negotiable.

Of course, you could hire one if you don't mind putting your baby in a crusty and possibly damaged car seat… I personally feel a lot more comfortable using my own.

What Makes A Good Travel Car Seat?

Here's what you should be looking for when shopping for a travel car seat:

Lightweight
Whether you'll be traveling by car or by plane, you’ll be moving that car seat around a lot more than usual and choosing a lightweight option will make your job easier. They (whoever “they” is) should really make all car seats lightweight.

Compact
You can't really expect a car seat to be small, but it still shouldn't take up too much space. This is especially important if you're flying – bulky car seats won’t fit in airplane seats. Note: Airline seat dimensions vary, so always check to make sure your seat fits.

Safe and Comfortable
Does it come with a 5-point harness? Seating look comfortable? But then again, if you are only using it briefly, maybe cushy seating isn’t a high priority.

Stylish
Ok, maybe not super important for some people—the people who’ve already handed over their licence to be fashionable. But for those who haven’t, this category has at least some weight, right!?

Price
Is it going to cost you an arm and a leg and then only get used once a year? Well, we’ve ranked these things based on bang for your buck. And I bet that’s what’s important, because ain’t nobody just shopping based on the absolute lowest price (and if you are, then skip this guide and get straight to amazon)

Oh, and also make sure your car seat is flight approved and it says so, either on the sticker or in the manual. If you don't have proof of this, your flight attendant may not allow you to use it. Womp womp. (All the car seats in this list are flight approved, so you have one less thing to worry about!)

Okay, so which should you get for your trip? Here are the best travel car seats of 2019:

Popular, super lightweight, safe, and highly affordable—can't ask for much more from a travel car seat. Keep in mind that this isn't a luxury everyday car seat, it's a functional travel car seat that gets the job done (at a great price!).

#2
Graco Contender 65 Convertible Car Seat

A good quality, highly versatile (if you already have a Graco stroller) and affordable travel option that could be used everyday = great bang for buck!

This car seat also looks great and is a little more plush for your babe's tush. It's ranked #2 because it's a little heavier, bulkier, and more expensive. But if you'll spend a lot of time in the car, your baby will appreciate the extra cushioning.

#3
Cosco Scenera NEXT Convertible Car Seat

This no frills option is great for traveling… but not much more (and that's OK because that's all we're asking of it). Affordable, extremely lightweight and compact, this is a fabulous option if you already have an everyday car seat and you're just looking for something for your next trip.

It's also tied for the lightest of all car seats reviewed at only 7 pounds!

#4
Cosco Apt 50

This is a well loved option for its affordability and it's comfortable enough for baby, too. Definitely a winner when it comes to travel with only short car rides.

#5
Evenflo Sonus Convertible Car Seat

A great option for traveling or as a spare. This car seat is small, light and convenient – just don't expect any extras (unless you count cupholder—you get two!)

#6
Graco SnugRide 30 LX Click Connect Car Seat

Versatile, portable, and decently priced, this travel car seat is especially useful when paired with compatible strollers (most Graco strollers). The only real drawback is that it's pretty bulky and has “mommy style” written all over it.

#7
Safety 1st Guide 65 Convertible Car Seat

Great price, good quality, lightweight and decent size (fits 3 across in most cars) make this car seat well suited for everyday use…But it scored lower because it's heavier and bulkier (but has more cushioning). But nonetheless, it's a nice looking car seat, just not our ideal one for traveling.

#8
Britax Roundabout G4.1 Convertible Car Seat

Your very informative product description goes here. This is where you explain what you like and don't like about it. This section should be informative and fun, but not overly long or short.

You may also break the text up into several paragraphs as necessary to make it more readable.

#9
Diono Radian RXT All-In-One Convertible Car Seat

Tipping the scales at 26 pounds, the added security of a steel frame adds some serious weight to this car seat. This is a quality seat, though, and on the plus side, it folds, making it easy to carry and store. This travel car seat might be an option for longer car rides.

#10
Doona Infant Car Seat Stroller

Super innovative, amazing quality and unbeatable convenience, but at a steep price. If you're going to splurge anyway and your baby is under the age of 1, this foldable stroller/car seat is THE ONE!

By now you've probably noticed that most travel car seats aren't exactly small. If you're traveling solo or wondering how you'll manage juggling your baby, your baggage and a car seat, check out the BRICA Roll ‘n Go Car Seat Transporter. This neat little gadget allows you to attach your car seat and wheel it around with baby strapped in, just like a piece of luggage – absolute genius!

Yup, it's true – if you want it bad enough, there's always a way. All you need to do is find it…

What are you still doing here?!