When we were choosing the next model after our kids outgrew their infant seats, we landed on whatever the buyer’s guide recommended. It happened to be the same brand—Chicco—as the infant seat, and we’re happy enough with it that we bought a second. (Note: Chicco upgraded the NextFit Zip Air, which is what we have, with the ($300) NextFit Zip and the ($330) NextFit Max Zip Air.)
I balked at the price tag: $330. But I reminded myself that my kids were going to sit in this every day for years to come. It’s giant, and with two of them in the backseat of a Toyota Corolla (one rear-facing, one forward-facing), our entire back row is basically a car seat. Larger vehicles may offer a bit more room.
There is a zip cover for easy washing, but the zipper is a little tricky to work around the crotch buckle. I usually just vacuum up the goldfish and pretzels and call it a day. The cup holder is removable, which makes it easy to clean but also easy for my kids to rip off and throw at each other.
I do have trouble keeping the straps from twisting, and it’s impossible to fix it when you’re also trying to strap a kid in. Both kids like to buckle the chest strap, so that gives them something to do while I tend to the crotch buckle.
The padding seems to be comfortable; both kids can nap in the car for hours at a time. And unlike the infant version, the shoulder straps have Velcro pads to allow for easy washing.
Overall, we’re pleased—we bought two, after all. But if I were to do it again, I might opt for a more versatile seat with a higher weight limit, like the Graco 4Ever DLX 4-in-1 Car Seat.
BEST NO-FRILLS BACKUP
Evenflo Tribute 5 Convertible Car Seat
EVENFLO
Inexpensive
Lightweight
Skimpy padding
Low forward-facing weight limit
Can be hard to install
Key Specs
Convertible: Yes
Rear-Facing Weight Range: 5 to 40 lb.
Forward-Facing Weight Range: 22 to 40 lb.
Product Weight: 9 lb.
When I say no frills, I mean no frills. We bought this seat as a spare for my parents’ car during a trip to visit them and then used it for airplane travel, and now it sits in my husband’s car. We wanted a cheap seat as a backup, and this is that. We actually paid $60 about four years ago, and it’s since gone up to $80.
It’s super lightweight because it has zero bells and whistles, including shoulder strap padding or really any padding. I can’t imagine it’s that comfortable—sorry, kid! But it checks off the safety requirements, although even correctly installed, when it was rear-facing our son was basically lying down.
Installation is a little trickier compared to other seats, but you get what you pay for. I’d recommend this seat if your budget is tight, you need an inexpensive backup, or you want a lightweight option for air travel.