The Best Car Seats for Tall Babies and Kids | 11 Car Seats for Every Budget and Car
Deciding on the best car seat for your child is one of the most important first decisions you’ll make as a parent, but that doesn’t mean the right choice for your baby is always clear. It’s tricky to choose the right car seat for your baby, particularly if they are taller or larger than the average child.
As far as sizing goes, the majority of car seats fall within 5-7 inches of each other in length. However, many brands have added new features to make the ride more comfortable for taller children, making the decision more complex.
If you’re expecting a tall baby and need to find the best car seat brands for tall kiddos, the heavy lifting is already done! We’ve compiled a list of the best car seats for tall babies, so you won’t ever have to worry about your baby fitting comfortably and safely in their car seat.
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Evenflo EveryFit 4-in-1
Evenflo is a trusted baby brand that offers various car seats for children of all ages and sizes. The EveryFit 4-in-1 is 32.5” tall, making it an ideal choice for taller babies and children.
As far as convertible car seats go, Evenflo checks nearly every box. It grows with your child through every stage; from a rear-facing infant seat all the way to a booster, you’ll get your money’s worth (and then some!) if this is the car seat you choose.
Why we like it:
- 12 position headrest and 4 recline positions
- Weight ranges from 4 to 120 pounds
- Snack tray and cup holders included
- Tested at energy levels approximately 2 times the federal crash test standard
- Mesh fabric will keep your child cool and comfortable
- The no-rethread harness straps mean you won’t have to remove the seat to adjust the height
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Graco Extend2Fit
One of the original players in the car seat game, Graco has built quite a reputation for itself as a high-quality car seat brand. Graco’s various infant, convertible, and booster car seats are considered extremely safe and reliable for our little ones.
In particular, the Graco Extend2Fit car seat is a solid choice for babies who fall on the taller side. Graco’s car seat is 24.5” long, made from alloy steel, and has a 4-panel extension panel that adjusts, giving your child five inches of additional legroom, allowing them to stay rear-facing for longer.
The convertible option is ideal for the growth spurt phase of your child’s life; they grow quickly and their car seat should accommodate them. Graco is a tried and true car seat option in my own home, with both of my children using the Extend2Fit from age 1.5 years up to 4 (currently).
Why we like it:
- The headrest adjusts to 10 different positions
- The seat reclines in 6 positions
- Very comfortable to sit in for longer periods of time
- Can support a rear-facing child up to 50 pounds
- Supports forward-facing child up to 100 pounds
- Affordable price tag
Related post: A Parent’s Guide to All Integrated Car Seats
Maxi-Cosi Pria 3-in-1
Maxi-Cosi may be a newer brand to the baby market, but they have sure made a splash! Their car seats are becoming more popular and are available at Target, Amazon, and most major retailers that sell baby products.
This Maxi-Cosi convertible car seat can seat babies from 4 pounds up to 40 pounds rear-facing, and children up to 65 pounds forward-facing. While there are car seats on the market that will hold children that weigh more, the Pria still serves as a reliable option for children.
Why we like it:
- Stainless steel frame and side-impact protection
- In and out harness holders keep straps out of the way and make adjusting easy
- 1-click latch system for easy install
- Converts into a seat belt-positioning booster seat
- Headrest and shoulder straps adjust easily as your child grows
- Very cushioned and comfortable for new babies
Related post: Smallest Baby Car Seats!
Britax One4Life
Britax is known for its high-quality combination stroller and car seat options that make mixing and matching travel options. The Britax One4Life car seat serves as an infant seat, a convertible seat for toddlers, and a booster for your child (up to 120 pounds) and up to 63 inches tall.
Britax’s car seat offers one of the more comfortable models — it has built-in armrests, cooling channels, and ventilated mesh to keep your child calm, comfortable, and cool.
Why we like it:
- The wide weight range can last for ten years (up to 120 pounds)
- The steel-framed shell has double impact protection
- 9 recline positions, 15 position headrest
- ClickTight installation makes installation simple and quick
- Forward-facing has a 5-point harness
- Patented V-shape tether and crumple zone help absorb crash energy
- Washable cover, dishwasher friendly cup holder
Safety 1st Continuum 3-in-1
Safety 1st provides a fantastic and affordable convertible car seat for children anywhere from 5-80 pounds. It’s a true 3-in-1 option that grows right alongside your child, keeping them safe for many years.
The Continuum 3-in-1 car seat focuses on safety, comfort, and ease of use for parents. With its quick-fit harness that makes buckling a breeze, it’s no surprise that the Continuum is so highly ranked by parents everywhere. There’s nothing worse than trying to wrestle the car seat straps out from behind your child’s back!
Safety 1st also provides a comfortable experience for your baby or toddler, regardless of their age and size. The car seat features a “grow with baby” pillow that makes rides cozier for a newborn baby.
Why we like it:
- Great price point
- A less bulky option, may fit better in smaller cars
- Seats rear-facing children up to 40 pounds
- Forward-facing harness up to 50 pounds, belt-positioning up to 80 pounds
- Quick fit harness for a convenient harness and headrest adjustment
- The seat pad is machine washable and safe to dry
- 3-position recline options
- Powerful side impact protection
Best Infant Seat for Tall Babies
Infant seats are ideal for newborn babies of all sizes, and most fit babies from 28-32 inches tall. If you have a tall baby and aren’t ready to pull the trigger on a convertible car seat, the Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35 is roomy and fits infants rear-facing up to 32 inches tall.
Best Convertible Car Seat for Tall Babies
The Chicco Fit4 4-in-1 is a fantastic car seat for a tall child from 4 to 100 pounds. While this Chicco product may be on the higher end of your budget, it’s a worthy investment for at least 5 years of your child’s life.
With four stages of seat adjustment based on your child’s weight and height, Chicco offers families a convertible option that will keep your child safe and comfortable and will last for years to come.
Best Car Seat for Tall 4 Year Olds
4-year-olds can be tough to shop for because their weight and height change so frequently. If you need a car seat that will grow with your child for multiple years, Graco 4ever DLX4 fits children up to 120 pounds.
4 different stages of growth and up to 10 years of use. It doesn’t get much better than that!
More car seat reviews: Cosco Scenera vs Maxi Cosi Romi Car Seats
How do you know if your baby is too tall for a car seat?
Once there is less than an inch of the car seat’s hard shell over the top of your baby’s head, it’s time to start shopping for a bigger car seat. You can also refer to the manufacturer’s weight and height recommendations; if your child exceeds either of these, they are too tall to be using that car seat.
For more information on car seat safety and your child’s height, the Department of Transportation has a lot of helpful recommendations.
Rear-facing Car Seats for Tall Toddlers
It can be overwhelming to determine which car seat will be the most comfortable and safe for your tall toddler who is rear-facing. Fortunately, there are many rear-facing options that can keep your child safe without making them feel cramped or uncomfortable.
The Baby Trend Trooper 3-in-1 convertible seat is an affordable option, coming in at $100. The Baby Trend car seat fits toddlers up to 65 pounds and is a popular option for affordability without sacrificing on quality.
The Diono Radian 3RXT has an extended rear-facing guarantee, allowing children up to 50 pounds to sit rear-facing.
What is the best budget car seat for tall kids?
The Evenflo SureRide DLX offers a rear-facing and a forward-facing option at a very affordable price, under $100. It’s covered in three layers of energy-absorbing foam and will reduce side-impact crashes by up to 50%.
What is the smallest car seat for tall kids?
The Graco SlimFit will save space in your backseat while also seating a child up to 100 pounds. If you have a small sedan or SUV and are looking for a smaller seat that doesn’t sacrifice safety or quality, the Graco SlimFit is a great option
Related post: The Best Car Seats for Compact Vehicles
Wrap up- Best Car Seats for Tall Babies and Kids
As parents, the safety of our children is at the forefront of every decision we make. Ensuring you are properly prepared for your baby begins with finding the best car seat for them.
The best car seats for tall babies are on this list, and we’re confident you’ll find the perfect fit for your growing child that keeps them safe and provides you with peace of mind.
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