As a new parent or as a really busy one who’s never had the time to learn about all the different types of car seats before, you may be wondering if a swivel seat is even necessary or not!
Well, if the idea of contorting yourself in uncomfortable positions in order to get your little one in and out of the car sounds like something you’d rather not go through, or if you know how that feels all too well, then the answer is yes!
A swivel car seat will even spare you from having to turn and re-install the baby car seat whenever you want to change its direction.
Basically, it is bound to make your life easier!
After all, they allow you to rotate the seat on a fixed base, changing directions without the need of re-installing the whole thing.
This can be really useful as the baby grows up, and using the chair in the front-facing position is needed but also if you simply want to get your bundle of joy in and out of the car without hassle since the chair can turn to face the car door as well!
This obviously makes the whole process really easy, which is exactly what any busy parent needs.
Furthermore, there are even models that can be used for newborns and which allow the parent to remove the seat from the base, to carry them into the house without even waking them up!
Not to mention that safety is of the utmost priority when it comes to swivel car seats, so you will never have to worry about that ever again.
A really good car seat should protect your little one in any type of car crash, be it front or side-on ones!
After all, you never know what kind of accident you may end up getting involved in, no matter how careful and responsible you are as a driver. In other words, it’s better to be safe than sorry!
Hopefully, that will never be a problem for you, but your backache certainly is when you have a little one that you have to get in and out of the car all the time while fumbling with the buckle for minutes every time!
Thankfully, quite a few manufacturers now make swivel car seats that can rotate 360 degrees, allow extended rear and forward facing as well as door facing, making the whole process a breeze!
In fact, most of them now allow the parent to rotate the seat using only one hand, pressing a button, or using a lever motion, which is perfect if you’re carrying the baby at the same time when you need to put them down in the car.
Swivel car seats have pretty much solved the two most important issues with such items, which are safety and simplicity!
But since they are all simple to use as well as safe, how do you choose the perfect one for you?
Well, depending on your particular situation, swivel car seats, as great as they are, can still come with their own subjective pros and cons, which is why this guide is here to help you pick!
This way, you can rest assured that you have made an informed decision for your little one and for yourself.
That being said, we have provided you with some of the most useful and safest baby car seats on the market, all in the same place and in no particular order, so you can browse them and choose the ideal one for you and your family!
Cybex Sirona S
The Cybex Sirona S is a great car seat due to the fact that it grows with your child which means you will be able to use it for a really long time.
In fact, you will be pleased to know that it is suitable from birth up to 4 years of age or 105 cm in height.
It rotates 360 degrees and the maximum weight recommended is 14.6 kg.
When it comes to car seat safety, this brand has a great reputation and this model definitely lives up to the name so you don’t need to worry about security.
It features a number of enhanced safety features of the gb Vaya, including Driving Direction Control which is able to keep the seat from moving to forward-facing mode until the little one actually reaches the recommended height for it.
Furthermore, it is designed with Energy Reduction Technology that reduces the force on your little one’s neck in the eventuality of a front-on car crash.
This is also an extended rear-facing car seat and features 12 different height positions that allow the seat to grow with the child.
A great feature is that the headrest adjusts the harness’ height automatically so the parent can rest assured that the baby is in the correct position and completely supported.
All in all, this car seat was designed with durability in mind and comes with a number of reliable safety features.
The only con you may encounter is the fact that it can be a little fiddly to recline.
Silver Cross motion all size 360 car seat
Another swivel car seat created with durability and longevity in mind, the Silver Cross motion all size 360 car seat can be used from birth up until the age of 12!
It is a great all-rounder so it can be really hard to find any fault with this car seat.
In fact, this is the only R129 approved rotating all-stages car seat so you just know it’s reliable and will make your life easier!
As mentioned before, this also means that it can be used from your little one’s first day on this earth up until they no longer need to use a car seat anymore, no matter when that is!
You will also be pleased to learn just how easy it is to install!
This is because it comes with a QR code on it so all you have to do is scan it for an audio commentary to come up on your phone and guide you through the installation process.
It is definitely a great idea that ensures you won’t make any errors fitting the seat inside your car.
Furthermore, the Isofix fittings are super easy to slide out and attach to the anchor points, while the leg acts as the perfect counterbalance.
To ensure that the seat is safely in place, both of these points feature a display that shows the color green.
It reclines super easily and the headrest is easy to adjust as well, something that sounds like a given but is unfortunately not always the case with baby car seats.
The swivel function is smooth and can be used even if you are using the seat for a newborn!
With that being said, one con of this product would be the fact that there is no separate base which means you cannot take the seat out and with you to carry the baby into the house without waking them up.
Furthermore, it can take up a lot of space in your car, so if your vehicle is more compact, you’ll have to move the seat in front quite forward when the baby seat is rear facing in order to make it fit.
On the other hand, you will love the padding on the seat!
It is super luxurious, made out of bamboo fabrics that are super breathable and hypoallergenic, being the ideal material if you are trying to avoid back sweat for your little one.
Chicco OneFit
The Chicco OneFit is a really lightweight high-back booster seat as the name also suggests.
If you are someone who needs to store their seat somewhere when not in use, this might just be the one for you since it folds down.
Furthermore, it’s ideal for those who travel a lot as well due to the fact that it comes with a carry handle.
It is suitable even for kids taller than 100 cm.
It’s really easy to install as the Isofix arms pop out easily and slot back into place with green and red color coded indicators that will tell you when the seat is in its right place.
There is even a side-safety system that clicks onto the door-side of the seat as well as a nice safe pad that can be attached to the seat belt as extra protection for your little one’s chin and chest.
A slight con you might want to take into consideration is that the padding is not as plush as some other items of its kind, but that is exactly what makes it easier to carry around, so that could also be considered a pro, or at least a reasonable compromise.
Cybex Eternis S
The Cybex Eternis S is designed to the newest regulations which means that you can rest assured it’s as safe as they come.
With that being said, the investment is definitely worth it as it is built to the highest standard.
So if you are looking for a swivel car seat that puts safety first, this seems like the right product for you.
For instance, there is built-in side impact protection as well as an energy absorbing shell and driving direction control, to just name a few of the safety features it has been designed with.
Here are some other safety perks this product comes with:
– Can be used from 45 cm to 105 cm
– It rotates 360 degrees.
– Features an extended rear-facing design.
– It is UN R129 i-Size compliant.
– The headrest’s height has 12 adjustable positions.
It comes in two colors – beige and black.
All in all, the Cybex Eternis S is one of the best swivel car seats overall, having been designed with pretty much everything you and your little one may need.
And since it can be used from 45 cm, it means that its longevity is well worth the investment.
Britax One4Life
Britax One4Life Swivel Car Seat comes with an intuitive 360 degree rotating base, meaning that can be used both rear and forward facing.
Furthermore, the intuitive design of this product features 90 degrees rotation as well which will make placing your child into the seat and taking them out much easier than usual.
Here are some other amazing features of this car seat:
– Can be used both with and without the i-Size.
– Weighs 15 kg
– The cover is machine washable so it will make your life a lot easier.
– Features ISOFIX and also support leg installation.
– There are multiple reclining positions.
– It comes in 5 different color options.
– Features an adjustable rebound bar.
This is a product built to the highest level of quality so it is well worth the investment.
However, there is still a drawback you should consider, namely the fact that it can actually be used from 61 cm in height as opposed to the 45 cm mentioned in the guidelines.
Maxi-Cosi Pria Max 3-in-1
The Maxi-Cosi Pria Max 3-in-1 Swiveling Car Seat is suitable from 9 months to 4 years of age and features no less than 8 different recline positions!
The swivel base has been designed in such a way that it can rotate 90 degrees in order to face the car door, making placing and taking your little one in and out of the car as easy as possible.
Here are some of the other great features this product comes with:
– Simultaneous harness and headrest adjustment
– 3 point seatbelt installation
– An extra seatbelt tensioner
– Comes in 5 different color options
– Weighs only 11.8 kg.
The only cons are the lack of 360 degree rotation and ISOFIX.
Evenflo Gold Revolve360
The Evenflo Gold Revolve360 Car Seat is very similar to the car seat mentioned above, the only significant advantage being the fact that this one can, in fact, rotate 360 degrees.
The brand mentions that it has been designed with the ultimate comfort in mind, featuring a number of different recline positions.
According to them, it can recline to four positions while rear facing and three more while forward facing.
It is also made out of luxury materials that will make sure your bundle of joy feels comfortable and is also safe at the same time.
Here are a few other great features the Evenflo Gold Revolve360 Car Seat also includes:
– Fitted using both ISOFIX and a supporting leg in front.
– Can be used with newborns.
– Weighs 14.9 kg.
All in all, this product is definitely worth the investment as your child will be comfortable and protected throughout every car ride.
Not only that but it will also make your life easier thanks to the 360 degree rotation feature that allows parents to take their little ones in and out of the vehicle without too much effort.
Cosatto All in All Rotating Car Seat
Cosatto All in All Rotating Car Seat is a really versatile product as it can be used by a newborn as well as any other age up until around 12!
More precisely, the brand explains that you can use it in rear facing mode up until 4 years of age before switching it to forward facing and keeping it in that position for 8 more years after that!
Here are a few other of its impressive features:
– ISOFIX installation.
– Comes in 3 different color options.
– A 5 point, anti-escape harness.
– The liner is padded as well as removable for easier cleaning.
All in all, this product is the perfect choice if you are looking for a car seat that suits all of your little one’s needs and is also able to grow with them.
Furthermore, for some extra peace of mind that this is a durable and reliable product, it even comes with a 4 year guarantee!
Cloud Z i-Size
The Cloud Z i-Size is a great rear-facing baby carrier seat that’s perfect for use from birth up to around 12 months of age.
This product has been designed with 180 degree rotation which makes accessing the seat as well as your baby super easy and safe whether you are loading them into the car or taking them out.
The installation is pretty easy and straightforward, only using your car’s 3 point seat belt.
Still, you should keep in mind that, just like with all other swivel car seats out there, the rotation function is achieved only by attaching it to an ISOFIX base (Base Z in this case.)
It can be reclined to an almost flat position which means the baby can remain in the seat safety and comfortably for a longer period of time without a problem in case you are traveling.
This means that your bundle of joy can continue sleeping while out and about or on the road.
It also comes with a Linear Side-Impact Protection system that will protect your baby in the event of a side collision.
And that’s not all! This important safety feature joins an energy-absorbing shell that will also reduce the side impact force by around 25 percent!
Other great features are:
– The automatic height-adjusting headrest that features 11 positions that can be changed as your little one grows up.
– A removable newborn inlay, ideal for newborns.
– An integrated harness guide to ensure correct and safe installation
– An XXL fold-away UPF50+ sun canopy that will protect your baby from the harsh sun rays on those hot days.
Sirona S
The Sirona S is suitable for newborns up to 4 years of age and is created with longevity and durability in mind.
It has a The 360 rotation feature and when it is when used with the Base Z, the transition between read and forward facing can happen by just clicking a switch!
That’s right! When the time comes for your little one to use the seat in the forward facing position, you won’t have to take everything apart and re-install the seat!
To load and unload your little one more easily, there is also a stop at the door.
Furthermore, the magnetic harness holders will keep everything out of your way during that process.
The Sirona Z i-Size is designed with the same Side-Impact Protection system and energy absorbing shell as the Cloud Z so you can rest assured that your little one will remain safe and protected even in the event of a side collision.
Another great feature is the Energy Reduction Technology.
ER-Tech will protect the baby’s neck in the case of a head-on collision while they’re in the forward facing position.
More precisely, the brand ensures that the amount of force to their head and neck will be reduced by no less than 20 percent!
It also features Driving Direction Control.
This product is made to be used in the rear facing position for as long as possible.
In order to keep parents from forward-facing their babies way too early by mistake, the Driving Direction Control feature actually makes it impossible for the seat position to be changed unless the headrest is adjusted to support a little passenger of over 76 cm.
Speaking of, there are a total of 12 headrest positions that will ensure your little one will be comfortable and that the seat will grow with them.
The same system also allows for really smooth rotation.
For even more safety, it is fitted with a 5-point safety harness.
Joie Baby i-spin 360 car seat
The Joie Baby i-spin 360 car seat can be used by newborns as well as older kids up until around 12 years of age or until they reach 105 cm in height!
It is a rather compact model, fitting perfectly even in smaller cars.
It is easy to install using the Isofix fittings and the leg out front.
To know for sure when everything is safely into place, there is even a reassuring green panel.
If you are looking for a car seat that will allow your little one to use it in the rear-facing position for longer, this might just be the perfect product for you.
More precisely, this seat allows your child to sit rearward until they’re 4 years old.
However, if you want them to travel in the forward-facing position earlier than that, you can easily spin the seat around when they’re 15 months of age or about 80 cm in height.
The swivel function is really smooth, although it can be a little confusing when trying to find the button the first time.
Of course, that’s only a one-time problem so it’s not a big deal at the end of the day.
When you place your little one in the seat, a panel pops up on the side of it as to provide them with some extra safety in case of an accident.
The next step consists in adjusting and fastening the 5 point harness and you’re good to go!
The recline function is ideal during those long car rides, allowing your child to nap comfortably without an issue.
As for downsides, you should know that the fabrics used for the seat are pretty smooth and shiny, which increases the risk of sweating quite a bit while in it.
Nuna tres LX car seat
Another great option for the birth to 12 years old age group, the Nuna tres LX car seat is perfect if you don’t want to worry about getting another car seat every couple of years.
When using it for a newborn, however, you might find it a bit stressful that you secure it using only one belt.
Not only is it a bit of a pain to install but it is also not as safe as using ISOFIX.
Regardless, once your child is old enough for you to use the seat in forward facing mode, you can finally use ISOFIX so that is no longer an issue.
This product’s manufacturer has also extended rear-facing use up until 4 years of age or around 105 cm in height, so that’s quite a bonus!
The padding is really nice and comfortable and the seat reclines super easily.
The infant insert is made out of merino wool, a material that will keep the little one warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
The straps can be adjusted without any struggle and the headrest is easy to adjust as well!
Not to mention that the straps are held back with magnets so they don’t get in the way whenever you load and unload your baby into and out of the car.
BeSafe iZi turn B iSize car seat
The BeSafe iZi turn B iSize car seat is suitable for newborns up until around the age of 4 or 105 cm in height!
It is really easy to install the car seat as there is a super handy bubble that will let you know when the seat is in the correct position.
Furthermore, there are also green lights to provide some extra peace of mind that everything has been installed properly.
Just keep in mind that when installing it, you need to move it all the way forward and fold it down in order to get enough room to fit everything in correctly.
However, once installed, it is actually quite compact and does not take up a lot of space in the car.
The newborn feature is perfect for your bundle of joy, providing them with comfort and safety.
The reclining function even allows them to lie more or less flat, facilitating a cozy sleep for them.
To ensure that you won’t unknowingly place it in forward facing mode while they’re still newborns a safety feature has been added that does not allow you to rotate the seat.
Then, when your little one reaches the toddler stage of their lives, you can finally rotate the chair, a process that you will find to be really easy to do.
We also made a best rotating car seats listicle, you may find some interesting products there as well.
