Getting your baby in and out of a car can be quite a hassle. Not to mention the number of health risks that are imposed onto your back as you bend down to buckle your little one into the seat.
Rotating car seats are an innovative and unique way of getting your child into a car without having to put any strain on your back. These seats were invented to ease some burden off of parents’ shoulders during long journeys.
With a wide array of rotating car seats available, it can be difficult to assess which one will be most suitable for you and your little one. After careful research, we have selected the top 5 best rotating car seats that you can get your hands on.
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Benefits of a Car Rotating Seats
A car seat that swivels 360 degrees can turn itself towards the car door, allowing you to easily put in your baby and take them out of the car. It also helps you transition your little one from the seat to a cot or a pushchair while they’re napping, without waking them up from their sleep and causing disruption.
Car rotating seats are flexible and durable, allowing you to switch to rearward-facing from forward-facing. Most rotating car seats can hold up to 18kgs of weight, meaning you can have your little one rear-facing till the age of 4.
Things to consider when purchasing a rotating car seat
How easy it is to rotate the seat
Different companies will use different methods that allow the seat to rotate. Some seats may rotate based on a button or a level, while on the other hand, some may need to be detached or removed to rotate to a different angle.
How easy it is to install the seat
When you’re looking for a car rotating seat, we recommend opting for a seat that can be installed via Isofix connectors at the base of the seat. Iso-fix connectors install the seat instantly on a one-click basis. Most car rotating seats also have a color-coded indicator, giving you peace of mind that the seat has been safely and securely installed.
Whether the seat rotates 180 degrees or 360 degrees
A car seat that swivels 180 degrees will spin from side to side, which helps you to strap in your child and get them into the car with ease. However, a car seat that rotates 360 degrees will give you the option of having your child forward-facing or rear-facing.
Budget
Swiveling car seats are usually designed to hold children up to the age of 4 and can be a bit on the pricier side. Most models of car rotating seats fall under the range of 200 to 400 pounds. If you’re on a tight budget, it’s recommended to research car seats and figure out if the base of the seat is separate. Although most rotating car seats include the base as well, it can be more expensive to buy the base of the seat separately.
5 Best Rotating Car Seats
#1. Best 3-Mode Car Seat: Evenflo Gold Revolve 360
- Installation type: Latch or Seat Belt
- Dimensions: 21 x 19.8 x 25.9 inches
- Child Weight Range: 4-120 lbs
- Child Height Range: 17-57 inches
- Seat Weight: 29.6lbs
- Recline Positions: 4
- Headrest Positions: 14
While most buyers might shy away from this product because of its price, the Evenflo Revolve360 car seat gives you the best value for money. Packed with multiple features that ensure your child’s safety, this car seat is easy to install and can be used for up to 10 years of age.
True to its name, the Evenflo Revolve 360 can rotate 360 degrees, allowing you to easily get your child in and out of your car with no hassle. The Evenflo Revolve 360 is the only rotating car seat in the market that comes with 3 different modes: rear-facing, forward-facing, and booster.
With four recline options ensuring maximum comfort, this car seat is the ultimate option for long journeys. This seat comes with four different color options
Pros:
- Offers great value for money
- Easy to install
- Can be used from infancy to older years
Cons:
- Straps are not removable
- Some units were reported to not rotate a complete 360 degrees
#2. Best All-In-One Convertible: CYBEX Sirona S 360
- Installation type: Seat Belt
- Dimensions: 25.3 x 20 x 25.5 inches
- Child Weight Range: 4-65 lbs
- Child Height Range: Up to 49 inches
- Recline Positions: 12
- Seat Weight: 30.4 lbs
Innovative and unique, the Cybex Sirona S is the very first rotating car seat in the U.S. to introduce the 360-degree rotatable seat feature. With the Sirona S, users can enjoy multiple features such as the Easylock bar which helps you install the car seat with minimal effort.
Safety is a priority for all parents, and the Sirona S car seat ensures that with a built-in SensorSafe chip that sends alerts to your phone in case the seats accidentally becomes unbuckled, gets too hot or cold for your child, or if your child is accidentally left behind in the seat by the driver.
With 12 adjustable headrest positions and dual-level indicators for correct recline positions, the Cybex Sirona S car seat ensures that your child is completely relaxed and comfortable during your journey.
Pros:
- Easy to install and use
- Offers additional safety features through SensorSafe
- Padded and cushiony seats provide a comfortable ride
- Recline positions can be used for both front and rear-facing, giving your child additional comfort
Cons:
- Bulky and heavy
- Recline position changes when the seat is rotated
- The harness release button is hidden under the padded seat, making it difficult for some users to find it
#3. Best Stylish: Graco Turn2Me 3-In-1 Car Seat
- Installation type: Seat Belt, Latch
- Dimensions: 20.75 x 19.13 x 24.4 inches
- Child Weight Range: 4-100 lbs
- Child Height Range: Up to 57 inches
- Recline Positions: 4
- Seat Weight: 30 lbs
As the name suggests, the Graco Turn2Me 3-in-1 car seat quite literally turns towards you so you don’t have to. This 3-in-1 car seat comes in 3 modes, allowing it to grow with your child and give you the best value for money.
Perhaps what makes this car seat unique is that it is ProtectPlur Engineeredl meaning that this car seat has been through rigorous crash tests to ensure that your child will be completely safe and secure in case of any rollover, side, front, or rear crashes.
The Graco rotating car seat comes with a rear-facing harness, a forward-facing harness, and high-back boosters, allowing parents to gain maximum utility from this car seat over the years. With over 10 hearest height positions to choose from, this rotating car seat will be the safest option for your child at their growing ages.
Pros:
- No re-thread harness system
- Easy installation
- Rear and forward facing
- Provides utmost comfortable to infants and toddlers alike
Cons:
- The instruction manual is a bit difficult to comprehend
- Does not turn while forward facing
#4. Best Budget-Friendly: Baby Jogger City Turn Rotating Car Seat
- Installation type: Seat Belt, Latch
- Dimensions: 21.75 x 19 x 23.5 inches
- Child Weight Range: 4-65 lbs
- Child Height Range: Up to 50 inches
- Recline Positions: 10
- Seat Weight: 28 lbs
Getting your kids in and out of the car is as easy as ABC with the Baby Jogger City Turn Rotating Convertible car seat. The seat will turn 180 degrees sideways, bringing itself 10 inches closer to you so that you can buckle in your child or take them out of the seat with minimal disruptions and chaos.
This rotating car seat has both the parents and children’s comfort in mind; its patented rotation allows parents to place their child in an upright position without hurting the back, whereas the seat itself is made out of a COOLMAX moisture-protecting material to ensure your child is cool and comfortable during long journeys.
With rotation in front and rear-facing positions, a rapid lock system for secure installation, and multiple safety crash tests, this rotating car seat is one of the best seats you can get your hands on
Pros:
- High weight limit
- Rotates in forward and rear-facing positions
- Cushiony and comfortable seat
- Easy, safe, and secure installation
Cons:
- Does not rotate 360 degrees
- Slightly heavy
- Can be a bit difficult to buckle
#5. Best Value for Money: Graco 4Ever DLX 4-in-1 Car Seat
- Installation type: Manual
- Dimensions: 20 x 21.5 x 24 inches
- Child Weight Range: 4-120 lbs
- Child Height Range: Up to 50 inches
- Recline Positions: 6
- Seat Weight: 22.8 lbs
If you’re looking for a rotating car seat that has it all, then look no further; the Graco 4Ever DLX Car seat has a 4-in-1 option, which allows it to grow with your child and gives you a maximum of 10 years of usage.
This car seat can be seamlessly transformed into front facing, rare facing. high back, and backless belt positions. A safety adjust harness and the Graco protect plus engineered features ensure that your child is completely secure during car rides.
What makes this product popular amongst users is that it has 6-reclining positions, making it the ideal car seat for long trips and journeys. With a washable cover and easy installation, this rotating car seat will make your parental life much easier.
Pros:
- High weight limit
- Cushiony and comfortable seat
- Easy installation
- Graco Protect Plus Engineered
Cons:
- Some units were reported to have short belts
Frequently Asked Questions
Are rotating car seats safe?
A car seat that swivels is completely safe however, it should only be used for the purpose it is designed for. Most rotating car seats have the swivel feature only to make it easier for parents to get their child in and out of the vehicle.
Is it worth it to buy a rotating car seat?
Most users who have purchased a car seat before state that it is worth it to purchase a rotating car seat if you have a baby or a toddler. A swivel car seat will help you get your child in and out of a vehicle with ease.
Can a rotating car seat be used in a 3-door car?
Yes, you can use a rotating car seat in a 3-door car. A swivel car is rotated at 180 degrees, allowing you to securely place your child into the vehicle if required.
How does a rotating car seat work?
The car seat is attached on top of a rotating base. To rotate the car seat, you let go of the seat and spin it to a certain angle so that it can face you.
Will my child be comfortable in a rotating car seat?
If you’re looking to give the utmost comfort to your child, especially if you’re going on a long journey, then it’s recommended to invest in a reclining car seat. A rotating car seat that reclines will provide neck and back support to your child, allowing them to relax completely during the journey.
Thomas is a retired motor mechanic, father, and grandfather. He writes from his 20+ years in the automotive industry to help you find and solve anything related to car repairs, maintenance, and care.