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Best Narrow Car Seats for Small Cars

Best Infant Car Seats for Small Cars

BY: ADRINA PALMER

Introduction

Car seats are often made with generous sizing, but for parents trying to squeeze multiple children into a smaller car, the size of car seats make a huge difference. We found the ten best narrow car seats ready to fit into almost any car and allow for three children across. Take a look at the best convertible and infant car seat options and find the right one for you and your vehicle.

Best Narrow Car Seats for Small Cars

Graco Tranzitions 3 In 1 Harness Booster Seat

For older children, the Graco Tranzitions 3 In 1 Harness Booster Seat offers comfort and transition without taking up most of the backseat.

Benefits

Use the harness booster from 22 to 100 pounds and in three different stages. It starts out as a harness booster, then a high-back booster before transitioning to a bottom booster only.

Downsides

The car seat does not work for infants and can only be used forward-facing. Using the LATCH system with some cars has proven difficult with this car seat.

Why we love it

Car seats that do not need rethreading are one of the greatest inventions for children in the last couple of decades. Two integrated cup holders allow for snacks and drinks close by.

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Graco SlimFit 3 in 1 Car Seat

From birth to one hundred pounds, the Graco SlimFit 3 In 1 Car Seat is ready to keep your child safe in the car for the first ten years of their life.

Benefits

Not only is the car seat very slim at 19.9 inches wide, but it’s also ready to use from birth, including for premature babies. The no-rethread car seat adjusts the headrest and harness all in one quick motion to ten different positions.

Downsides

While the car seat does turn into a booster, it does not turn into a backless booster. The harness straps are not easy to clean and one of the fastest parts of a car seat to get dirty.

Why we love it

Graco knows what parents want, a car seat that’s easy to install, a machine washable cover, and easy to use harness.

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GRACO SnugRide SnugFit 35 Elite

Save space with the GRACO SnugRide SnugFit 35 Elite. The car seat is designed for infants only in the rear-facing position.

Benefits

Babies get extreme comfort and safety in the car with this elite car seat. As it allows for weights of just 4 pounds, it’s a fantastic choice for premature infants. Use the car seat for up to an impressive 35 pounds or 32 inches in height.

Downsides

The SnugRide only works for infants and in the rear-facing mode. You will need to purchase a new car seat once your baby outgrows this one.

Why we love it

We adore luxury car seats that make driving easier with a baby. This option has an anti-rebound bar for safety, a no-rethread harness, and an all-weather boot for comfort, making it an exceptional car seat.

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Britax B-Safe Gen2 Infant Car Seat

The Britax B-Safe Gen2 Infant Car Seat keeps infants safe without taking up the entire back seat, leaving room for older siblings or passengers in the car.

Benefits

At just 17.9 inches wide, this infant car seat allows for plenty of room in the other seats of the back row. Added protection on the base of the car seat with energy-absorbing silicone helps parents to protect their infant. Use the car seat for premature babies, too, as it allows for weights of 4 pounds up to 35 pounds.

Downsides

As an infant car seat, this option does not transition to the next stage to work for older babies or in the forward-facing mode.

Why we love it

The easy to install car seat with a slim build and tons of padding makes this option a win for both parents and infants. It’s compatible with all Britax single strollers too!

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GRACO 4Ever DLX SnugLock 4 in 1 Car Seat

Choose the GRACO 4Ever DLX SnugLock 4 in 1 Car Seat for a one-and-done option that will not take up all the space in your car.

Benefits

At only 19 inches wide, this car seat still offers four modes: rear-facing, forward-facing, high-back booster, and backless booster. It’s the one car seat you need for the entire time your child needs a car seat.

Downsides

The car seat does not come out of the car to clip into a stroller like an infant car seat.

Why we love it

A unique LATCH installation makes this car stay in securely. Everything about this car speaks of ease so you can focus on your life and not on the car seat.

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Graco TriRide 3 in 1 Car Seat

Save money and space with the Graco TriRide 3 in 1 Car Seat. Not only does it offer a bargain but also safety and comfort too.

Benefits

The 3-in-1 car seat works as a rear-facing infant seat, forward-facing harness seat, and a high-back booster for infants as small as 5 pounds to children up to 100 pounds. At just 19 inches wide, you keep space available in the backseat and still get two cupholders.

Downsides

Getting the right adjustments in the rear-facing mode can be a bit of a hassle.

Why we love it

Six recline positions and a no-rethread harness that also adjusts up as children grow, it’s a fantastic option for families who need to stay on a tight budget, in tight spaces, and provide safety and comfort for their infants.

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Evenflo EveryFit 4-in-1 Convertible Car Seat

Pick the Evenflo EveryFit 4-in-1 Convertible Car Seat for ultimate comfort and head support without stealing all the space in the backseat of the car.

Benefits

The Evenflo 4-in-1 car seat provides maximum comfort, safety and lasts for ten years. Use it in for infants in rear-facing mode, toddlers in forward-facing harness mode, children as a high-back booster, and as a backless booster. At only 19 inches wide, the car seat still leaves space in the back seat for other car seats.

Downsides

Installing this car seat can be a chore in both forward or rear-facing modes. Also, it only has one recline mode.

Why we love it

Everything in this car seat is adjustable, comfortable, and ready to grow with your child. Advanced side impact protection keeps babies extra safe.

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Chicco Fit4 4-in-1 Convertible Car Seat

The Chicco Fit4 4-in-1 Convertible Car Seat also offers 4-in-1 uses and only takes up 19 inches of space across the backseat leaving room for more children or passengers.

Benefits

Use the seat for every stage your child needs except as a backless booster. The car seat adjusts as needed to grow with children.

Downsides

While the price is a little high, it’s a one-and-done car seat ready to replace multiple car seats, which saves you money in the long run.

Why we love it

Chicco works hard to make installation easy and make sure the car seat is extra safe for your baby. Several layers of protection surround your baby for the entire time they need to be in a car seat.

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Graco Extend2Fit Convertible Car Seat

Offer your child luxury comfort with the Graco Extend2Fit Convertible Car Seat. Choose from several color options and stay on budget too.

Benefits

The car seat takes up 19.2 inches of width across the backseat and works for infants as small as four pounds up to 65 pounds. Use it in rear-facing mode first and then transition to forward-facing mode.

Downsides

You will need to buy a booster seat for your child as this option does not work as a high-back or backless booster. Washing the fabric takes a lot of effort too.

Why we love it

Not all car seats take legroom into account for families who want their child to ride in rear-facing mode longer. Choose this seat to allow children to ride rear-facing up to 50 pounds and get extra legroom.

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Graco Grows4Me 4 in 1 Car Seat

While the Graco Grows4Me 4 in 1 Car Seat takes up more space than others, it’s a great choice for children who need more space without taking up too much space.

Benefits

The car seat takes up 21.5 inches which is enough for at least one more car seat in the backseat. It provides a massive amount of space, making it a great choice for babies who get claustrophobic or who are at the top of their height or weight percentiles.

Downsides

Installing the car seat is not an easy process. Also, the car seat only has one cup holder.

Why we love it

Use this seat for all four stages of car seat use. It can even be used for up to 110 pounds too!

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which car seats are the narrowest?

Any car seat that takes up less than 20 inches in width is considered a slim fit. However, most of the options on this list measure only around 19 inches. The two infant car seats take up the least space.

What is the smallest car seat width?

The Transition 3-in-1 Harness Booster only takes up 17.4 inches but cannot be used for infants.

What is the slimmest newborn car seat?

The Graco SnugRide SnugFit 35 Elite Infant car seat measures only 17.5 inches in width.

Can car seats sit in the middle?

Actually, the middle seat in the back row of a car is the safest place for an infant as it’s far away from the airbags and points of impact.

How do I know if a car seat will fit in my car?

Measure the space available in the backseat of your car and check the measurements of the car seat you want to make sure they line up.

What is the most narrow booster seat?

The Transition 3-in-1 Harness Booster only takes up 17.4 inches, making it an extremely narrow option.

Can you sit between two car seats?

While you can sit between two car seats, it will be uncomfortable. Also, it’s best to have one of the car seats in the middle seat instead of flanking the middle.

Can you put car seats next to each other?

Yes, you can put two car seats next to each other so long as they both can be installed correctly.

Can you have three car seats in the back of a car?

Yes, you can put three car seats in the back as long as they can all install correctly.

How can I find out if I can fit three car seats in the back of my car?

You will need to measure your back row and then check the measurements of the car seat you want to purchase.

Should a car seat be behind the driver or passenger?

It’s best to place the car seat in the middle if possible instead of behind the driver or passenger seat to keep them away from side airbags.

Closing Thoughts: Why choose a narrow car seat?

Fitting multiple car seats in the back row of your car can be a challenge with so many space stealing car seats on the market. Find the right option for your needs from infant, convertible, and all-in-one car seats without taking up the entire back row. Larger families can find the right option to fit more car seats in even with a smaller vehicle.