Budget Convertible Seats

Graco and Evenflow budget convertible car seats

Although not recommended as often as the Britax Roundabout, the Graco ComfortSport (*Est. $90) receives good reviews from both experts and parents. The ComfortSport is small enough to fit comfortably in most cars, and parents like the removable cup holder and snack tray. Altogether, car seat reviews say the Graco is a safe, comfortable car seat, though it lacks the added features of a Britax car seat.

The Graco performs well in crash testing and has all the essential features including a level adjuster, five-point harness, washable seat padding and front harness adjustment. We did notice complaints from parents on Amazon.com about the ComfortSport's straps and difficult installation, especially when rear-facing, but other models in this price range received similar comments. Parent reviews also say the car seat doesn't work as well for taller children. Some car seat reviews say the ComfortSport's up-front adjustment controls are harder to access when the seat is rear-facing. The ComfortSport comes in a number of versions; more money gets you plusher padding and cup holders; less money gets you no frills and minimal padding. We found the most widely available models in the middle price/features range. The Graco ComfortSport is rated in the rear-facing position for babies up to 30 pounds, and in the forward-facing position up to 40 pounds.

The Evenflo Triumph Advance LX (*Est. $130) is also getting some good feedback from parents. Owners posting to user-review sites say the Triumph Advance convertible car seat is comfortable and easy to adjust, although some report problems with twisting straps. The NHTSA, however, gives this convertible a below-average ease-of-use score. Otherwise, the Evenflo Triumph Advance has good features like washable pads and energy-absorbing foam, and it's rated for children who are 5 to 35 pounds rear-facing and 20 to 50 pounds forward-facing.