As a new parent, it’s easy to become overwhelmed with the task of securing your child in a car seat. The process becomes even more challenging when you have a compact car or a child who is particularly wiggly or unruly. But what if we told you that there was a solution to make your life easier and your child safer? Enter the rotating car seat.
Gone are the days of struggling to remove your child from their car seat, only to awkwardly maneuver them back into it. With a rotating car seat, the process becomes a breeze. Simply swivel the seat to the side, remove your child, and then place them back in.
Our Top Picks
- Best Rotating Car Seat Overall: Cybex Sirona S with Convertible Car Seat
- Best Affordable Rotating Car Seat: Evenflo Gold Revolve360 Rotational All-in-One Car Seat
- Easy To Use Rotating Car Seat: Graco® Turn2Me™ 3-in-1 Car Seat
- Best 180-Degree Rotating Car Seat: Baby Jogger City Turn Rotating Convertible Car Seat
In This Article
HappyBabyHub’s Best Rotating Car Seats Picks
Cybex Sirona S with Convertible Car Seat – Best Rotating Car Seat Overall
- Super sturdy at the base and slight motion at the top of the seat as designed
- The leg really doesn’t take up a lot of room
- The shoulder straps can attach magnetically to the side of the baby seat
- It does rotate positions fairly easily
- The latch system is easy to attach (although uses little loops to release them which presents a possible risk of catching a loop and popping it loose without knowing)
The CYBEX Sirona S features a revolutionary 360° rotatable seat with a load leg, allowing for a quick and easy transition between the rear-facing and forward-facing positions of a convertible car seat. The rotating seat is equipped with magnetic buckle holders, making it easy to slide your child in and out.
With its anti-rebound design and steel-reinforced structure, the Sirona S is designed for safety. Its linear side-impact prevention system (L.S.P.) extended can withstand up to 25% more impact during an accident compared to the same car seat without L.S.P.
The Sirona S is installed with a single belt, securing both forward-facing and rear-facing postures. Plus, the dual-level indications ensure proper installation. While the EasyLock Bar integrates with your vehicle belt for a safe and easy installation. The Sirona S can be adjusted as your child grows with its 12-position headrest and no-rethread harness.
Additionally, the chest clip is equipped with SensorSafe technology that syncs with your mobile app to alert you to potentially hazardous situations such as when your child unbuckles themselves, when the back seat is too hot or cold, when your child has been seated for too long, or when the driver inadvertently leaves the child behind.
- Dimensions: 25.3″ x 20″ x 25.5″
- Weight Limit: Rear-facing: 4-50 lbs, Forward-facing: 22-65 lbs
- Item Weight: 30.4 lbs
Evenflo Gold Revolve360 Rotational All-in-One Car Seat – Best Affordable Rotating Car Seat
- The option to swivel both forward and rear facing is great
- The seat comes out of the base for installation which makes the car seat much lighter and easier to maneuver
- Has options to help make it comfy depending on the size of your child
- The built-in cup holders are nice
- Only 2 reclining levels which mean that it does take up more room rear-facing than other car seats
The Revolve360 grows with your child and provides 10 years of use and three settings for children weighing between 4 to 120 pounds. With the Sure360 Safety Installation System, which includes the LockStrong bar that lowers to lock the car seat base into place, and Tether360 which helps keep the seat secure in the car, installation is a breeze.
This seat offers several noteworthy advantages, including a no-rethread harness with 14 different configurations, four recline options, an anti-rebound bar, and easy-to-use features that ensure a safe and secure installation. Additionally, the seat’s machine-washable fabrics make it easy to keep clean and maintain.
- Dimensions: 21″ x 19.8″ x 25.9″
- Weight Limit: Rear-facing: 4-40 lbs, Forward-facing: 22-65 lbs
- Item Weight: 29.6 lbs
Graco® Turn2Me™ 3-in-1 Car Seat – Easy To Use Rotating Car Seat
- It turns both ways so it doesn’t matter which side you put them in
- Installation was made simple using the provided youtube link
- The SnugLock makes it super simple to tighten and secure
- Very customizable compared to other seats
- The way that the seat swivels from side to side are to push a button on both sides of the car seat at the same time
The Graco® Turn2Me 3-in-1 Car Seat eliminates the need for twisting to easily get your baby in and out of the car, as it rotates from rear-facing to a face-to-face connection. With three modes of use that accommodate children from 4-100 lb, this car seat grows with your child.
The No-Rethread Simple Safe Adjust Harness System allows you to quickly and easily adjust the height of the 10-position headrest and harness. While the SnugLock® technology makes installation a breeze in both rear- and forward-facing modes. And the push-button InRight LATCH provides a quick and secure attachment.
Moreover, the 4-position recline adapts to ease installation and keep your child comfortable, and the level indicator removes any ambiguity from installation. The car seat also features 2 easy-to-clean cup holders, soft infant inserts for added comfort, and a steel-reinforced frame for durability. Graco® ProtectPlus Engineered ensures protection in frontal, side, rear, and rollover collisions.
- Dimensions: 20.75″ x 19.13″ x 24.4″
- Weight Limit: Rear-facing: 4-40 lbs, Forward-facing: 22-65 lbs
- Item Weight: 30 lbs
Baby Jogger City Turn Rotating Convertible Car Seat – Best 180-Degree Rotating Car Seat
- The turning mechanism is super easy to do with one hand. This is important when you’ve got a wiggly baby on the other arm
- Built-in cup holder
- Slightly lower profile than the Cybex because it doesn’t have the load leg
- Super easy to install
- The seat turns not from the center, but from the back, so it swings out over the door threshold when it’s turned. This means you cannot close the door to some cars when it is turned
The Baby Jogger City Turn Rotating Convertible Car Seat offers a safe and effortless way to rotate the seat 180 degrees with one hand while in the rear-facing position. Its patented mechanism allows you to bring your child closer to you, making it easier to get them in and out of the seat and buckle them up while standing upright.
Plus, the seat clicks audibly into place when properly locked. The COOLMAX moisture-wicking technology in the soft, lightweight fabrics ensures your child stays cool and comfortable. While the push-button LATCH and RAPIDLOCK belt-tensioning technology provide a quick and secure installation.
Additionally, the no-rethread harness allows for easy strap adjustment, and the 10-position headrest and 6-position recline ensure a comfortable ride. The seat meets TRUE Test Plus safety requirements and is designed to protect your child in a rollover, side, front, and rear accidents.
- Dimensions: 21.75″ x 19″ x 23.5″
- Weight Limit: Rear-facing: 4-50 lbs, Forward-facing: 22-65 lbs
- Item Weight: 28 lbs
How To Choose The Best Rotating Car Seat?
- Safety: The most important factor when choosing any car seat is safety. Look for a rotating car seat that meets or exceeds the safety standards set by your country’s regulatory body. Check for features such as a five-point harness, side-impact protection, and a sturdy frame.
- Size: Rotating car seats come in different sizes and are designed for different age ranges. Look for a car seat that will accommodate your child’s weight and height range, and that has adjustable features that can grow with your child.
- Rotation Mechanism: Consider the type of rotation mechanism you prefer. Some car seats have a swivel base, while others have a rotating seat that turns with the child. Think about which one would work best for your vehicle and your child’s needs.
- Installation: Some car seats come with easy-to-use installation systems, such as latch connectors or belt-tightening mechanisms.
- Comfort: Consider the comfort features of the rotating car seat, such as the amount of padding, adjustable headrest, and recline options. These features can help ensure that your child is comfortable and secure during long car rides.
- Ease Of Use: Look for a rotating car seat that is easy to use and adjust. Consider features such as a no-rethread harness or easy-to-adjust straps, which can make it easier to get your child in and out of the seat.
What Is A Rotating Car Seat?
A rotating car seat is a type of child car seat that features a mechanism that allows the seat to rotate up to 360 degrees, making it easier to get a child in and out of the seat. The rotating function eliminates the need to awkwardly lean over the seat or twist your body to secure your child. This type of car seat is particularly useful for parents with limited mobility or for those with back pain, as it reduces the strain on their bodies.
Why Do You Need A Rotating Car Seat?
A rotating car seat offers a number of benefits that make it a desirable option for parents. One of the main advantages is the ease of use and convenience it provides. With a rotating car seat, you can easily turn the seat to face you when you’re loading or unloading your child, making it easier to secure them in the seat without having to reach over the seat or twist your body into awkward positions.
Rotating car seats also offer greater flexibility in terms of the position of the seat. This is particularly important if you have a small car or if you need to fit multiple car seats in your vehicle. By being able to rotate the car seat, you can position it in a way that makes the best use of the available space.
Additionally, a rotating car seat can be a helpful option to maximize the rear-facing weight or height limits of your car seat (1).
When Do You Need A Rotating Car Seat?
A rotating car seat can be useful in several situations, such as:
- When you have a small car: If you have a compact car, it can be challenging to maneuver and install a car seat, especially if it’s a rear-facing one. A rotating car seat can make it easier to install and remove the car seat without having to contort your body in uncomfortable positions.
- When you have a wiggly or unruly child: Some children may not like being placed in a car seat, and they may become wiggly or unruly. A rotating car seat can make it easier to get your child in and out of the car seat, which can reduce stress and frustration for both you and your child.
- When you have back problems: If you have a history of back problems or a condition that makes it difficult to lean over and lift your child in and out of a car seat, a rotating car seat can be a helpful tool.
- When you want versatility: A rotating car seat can provide versatility as it can be used as a rear-facing, forward-facing, or booster seat. This can save you money in the long run as you won’t have to buy multiple car seats as your child grows.
What Are Some Disadvantages Of Rotating Car Seats?
- Cost: Rotating car seats tends to be more expensive than traditional car seats.
- Weight And Size: Rotating car seats are usually heavier and bulkier than traditional car seats.
- Complexity: Rotating car seats may have more parts and features than traditional car seats.
- Limited options: The selection of rotating car seats on the market is still relatively limited compared to traditional car seats.
- Shorter Lifespan: Some rotating car seats are designed to accommodate the needs of infants and young children, but may not be suitable for older kids.
Are Rotating Car Seats As Safe?
Yes, rotating car seats can be just as safe as traditional car seats if used correctly and installed properly. Rotating car seats have to meet the same safety standards and regulations as other car seats, and many models offer additional safety features, such as side-impact protection and energy-absorbing materials (2).
