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10 Best Car Seat For 5 Year Olds 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Graco Extend2Fit Kenzie, 2-in-1 Convertible Car Seat for Infants to Toddlers with Advanced Safety Features

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,319
Safety Standards
Installation Method
Harness System

Most important from
72386 reviews

Safety Standards
The car seat delivers a strong sense of safety and comfort, making parents feel confident about their child's protection.
Installation Method
Its installation is straightforward and secure, especially when following the manual, with the Push-button InRight LATCH system providing an audible confirmation.
Harness System
The no-rethread adjustable harness and headrest make it simple to adapt the seat as the child grows.
Comfort Features
Well-padded seating and durable, easy-to-clean fabric contribute to long-term usability and convenience.
Ease of Cleaning
The seat is easy to disassemble for cleaning and maintains a like-new appearance after washing.

The Graco Extend2Fit Kenzie is a versatile 2-in-1 convertible car seat designed to grow with your child, fitting infants from 4 pounds up to toddlers weighing 65 pounds and up to 49 inches tall. This wide weight and height range makes it a great option for 5-year-olds, who often fit comfortably in the forward-facing position this seat supports. Safety is a clear strength here, with sturdy steel construction, compliance with US crash test standards, and a 5-point harness system that provides secure restraint. The seat also passed side-impact tests, adding extra peace of mind.

Installation is straightforward thanks to the Push-button InRight LATCH system, which locks in place quickly and audibly, helping ensure the seat is securely attached. For comfort, it offers extra legroom when used rear-facing and multiple reclining positions, which can be useful for longer trips. The no-rethread adjustable headrest and harness mean you can easily adapt the fit as your child grows without hassle. Additionally, harness storage pockets keep straps out of the way, making it easier to get your child in and out.

The seat is relatively compact and weighs under 20 pounds, which is light enough for most parents to handle during installation or moving between cars. Its polyester material is standard and should be fairly easy to clean, although it doesn't highlight any special removable or machine-washable covers. One consideration is that while the seat is designed to accommodate toddlers, very tall or heavy kids near the upper limits may find some seats with more legroom or padding more comfortable. Also, this model is forward and rear-facing but does not convert to a booster seat, so eventually, you would need a separate booster for older children. The Graco Extend2Fit Kenzie is a dependable, safety-focused car seat that fits well for 5-year-olds within its weight and height limits, offering convenience and comfort that make everyday use easier for families.

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,319
Safety Standards
Installation Method
Harness System

Most important from
72386 reviews

Safety Standards
The car seat delivers a strong sense of safety and comfort, making parents feel confident about their child's protection.
Installation Method
Its installation is straightforward and secure, especially when following the manual, with the Push-button InRight LATCH system providing an audible confirmation.
Harness System
The no-rethread adjustable harness and headrest make it simple to adapt the seat as the child grows.
Comfort Features
Well-padded seating and durable, easy-to-clean fabric contribute to long-term usability and convenience.
Ease of Cleaning
The seat is easy to disassemble for cleaning and maintains a like-new appearance after washing.
#2

Chicco KidFit Zip Plus 2-in-1 Belt-Positioning Booster Car Seat, Backless and High Back Booster Seat, for Children Aged 4 Years and up and 40-100 lbs. | Taurus/Black/Grey

Rating
9.6
Safety Standards
Installation Method
Comfort Features

Most important from
10420 reviews

Safety Standards
In a front impact crash, the kids walked away with just a few bruises, proving the safety and reliability of this booster seat.
Installation Method
Super easy to install and the kids are comfortable for longer distances.
Comfort Features
Super easy to install and the kids are comfortable for longer distances.

The Chicco KidFit Zip Plus is a versatile booster seat suitable for children aged 4 years and up, weighing between 40-100 lbs. This 2-in-1 booster can be used as either a high-back or backless booster, offering flexibility as your child grows. It meets safety standards with its DuoGuard system, featuring two layers of protection including a rigid shell and energy-absorbing foam, and a 3-point harness system to secure your child. The 10-position headrest adjusts easily for a comfortable fit, and its LATCH connectors with a SuperCinch one-pull tightener ensure stable installation.

The seat's zip-off cushions are machine washable, making it easy to keep clean. Comfort is a priority with the Chicco KidFit Zip Plus; it includes an ErgoBoost Plus seat with triple-foam padding and a 2-position backrest that adjusts to match the vehicle seat's position. Additionally, the booster seat comes with removable, dishwasher-safe cup holders and a storage console for added convenience. However, it is designed only for forward-facing use and might be heavier at 10 pounds compared to some other booster seats. This car seat is a great choice for parents looking for a safe, comfortable, and easy-to-clean booster seat for their growing child.

Rating
9.6
Safety Standards
Installation Method
Comfort Features

Most important from
10420 reviews

Safety Standards
In a front impact crash, the kids walked away with just a few bruises, proving the safety and reliability of this booster seat.
Installation Method
Super easy to install and the kids are comfortable for longer distances.
Comfort Features
Super easy to install and the kids are comfortable for longer distances.
#3

Graco Slimfit 3 in 1 Convertible Car Seat Slim & Comfy Design Saves Space in Your Back Seat, Redmond

Rating
9.5
Safety Standards
Installation Method
Comfort Features

Most important from
49158 reviews

Safety Standards
Confident in its safety performance due to high crash safety ratings and a sturdy steel-reinforced frame.
Installation Method
Easy to install and adjust, making transitions between rear-facing and forward-facing seamless even during a trip.
Comfort Features
The seat fits comfortably even for larger children and offers plush padding that keeps kids comfortable on long drives.
Ease of Cleaning
Cleanup is hassle-free as crumbs don’t get trapped under straps and spills wipe away easily.

The Graco Slimfit 3-in-1 Convertible Car Seat is a practical choice for parents seeking a seat that grows with their child from infancy through booster years. It covers a wide weight range: 5 to 40 pounds rear-facing, 22 to 65 pounds forward-facing with harness, and up to 100 pounds as a high-back booster, matching well the needs of a 5-year-old. The seat’s slim design is a big plus for families needing to save space in the back seat, and the rotating cup holders add convenience without bulk. Safety is well addressed with Graco’s ProtectPlus technology, a steel-reinforced frame, and a 5-point harness that’s easy to adjust without rethreading, which means less hassle as your child grows.

Installation is straightforward thanks to the InRight LATCH system and a level indicator, helping reduce errors. Comfort features include a 10-position adjustable headrest and multiple recline options, supporting a safer and more comfortable fit. The polyester cover is typical and easy to clean. Weighing just under 20 pounds, it’s manageable for moving between vehicles. One thing to note is that while it offers many features for the price, the height recommendations top out at 57 inches, so taller kids may need to transition out earlier. Also, the harness storage compartment is a thoughtful touch for when used as a booster.

For parents looking for a versatile, space-saving seat with strong safety features and easy installation, the Graco Slimfit is well suited for a 5-year-old and beyond.

Rating
9.5
Safety Standards
Installation Method
Comfort Features

Most important from
49158 reviews

Safety Standards
Confident in its safety performance due to high crash safety ratings and a sturdy steel-reinforced frame.
Installation Method
Easy to install and adjust, making transitions between rear-facing and forward-facing seamless even during a trip.
Comfort Features
The seat fits comfortably even for larger children and offers plush padding that keeps kids comfortable on long drives.
Ease of Cleaning
Cleanup is hassle-free as crumbs don’t get trapped under straps and spills wipe away easily.

Buying Guide for the Best Car Seat For 5 Year Olds

Choosing the right car seat for your 5-year-old is crucial for their safety and comfort during car rides. It's important to consider various factors such as safety standards, ease of installation, and the child's comfort. Here are some key specifications to help you make an informed decision.
Safety StandardsSafety standards ensure that the car seat meets specific criteria for protecting your child in the event of a crash. Look for car seats that meet or exceed safety regulations such as FMVSS 213 in the US or ECE R44/04 in Europe. These standards are important because they guarantee that the car seat has undergone rigorous testing. Always check for certification labels to ensure the seat complies with these standards.
Weight and Height LimitsWeight and height limits indicate the range within which the car seat can safely accommodate a child. These limits are crucial because using a car seat that is not appropriate for your child's size can compromise their safety. Car seats are generally divided into categories such as forward-facing seats, booster seats, and convertible seats. Choose a seat that fits your child's current weight and height, and consider one that can adjust as they grow.
Installation MethodThe installation method refers to how the car seat is secured in the vehicle. Common methods include using the car's seat belt or the LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system. Proper installation is vital for the car seat to function correctly in a crash. Some car seats are easier to install than others, so if you frequently move the seat between vehicles, look for one with a straightforward installation process. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully.
Harness SystemThe harness system is what keeps your child securely in the car seat. A 5-point harness, which includes two shoulder straps, two hip straps, and one between the legs, is considered the safest option. This system distributes crash forces more evenly across the child's body. Ensure the harness is easy to adjust and fits snugly without being too tight. As your child grows, you may need to adjust the harness height and tension.
Comfort FeaturesComfort features include padding, recline options, and ventilation. These features are important because a comfortable child is less likely to fidget and more likely to stay properly positioned in the seat. Look for car seats with ample padding, adjustable headrests, and breathable fabrics. If you take long trips, consider seats with multiple recline positions to help your child nap comfortably.
Ease of CleaningEase of cleaning refers to how simple it is to remove and wash the car seat cover and other components. This is important because children can be messy, and a clean car seat is more hygienic and pleasant to use. Look for car seats with machine-washable covers and parts that are easy to wipe down. Removable covers that can be taken off without uninstalling the seat are particularly convenient.

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