Being a parent does not mean you have to stop being cool. And, no, you don’t need to abandon your beloved sports car either! With that, it can feel impossible to find a car seat that both fits your car and provides the necessary safety for your child. Yes, sports cars are small, but with the right compact car seat and proper installation, you will be set. So, we’ve scoured the web to find the best sports car car seats that will keep you and your child cruising SAFELY in style.
There are numerous options for compact car seats to fit your specific needs. Along with that, many of the compact car seats are also convertible car seats — providing adjustability and a solution that fits the small space in a sports car. And once you buy a convertible car seat, you will be able to use it from the time your child is a newborn to their toddler days.
What To Look For In A Child Car Seat For Your Sports Car:
When purchasing a car seat to fit your sports car, you should ask yourself the following questions: Will it fit my car? Is it safety tested and approved? What are the dimensions? What features do I need? Is it easy to install? How often will I use it? What is my budget?
We will answer those questions throughout our list of the best sports car car seats and in our FAQ at the end. In this article, you will find the best car seats for sports cars that are currently on the market. We highlight the unique features of each car seat that will help you pick the perfect one.
The name says it all — this Graco SlimFit Convertible Car Seat is created to fit in small spaces, like a sports car. It’s equipped with two cupholders that swivel inward, optimizing space. Graco’s In Right Latch System makes for an easy, one-second latch attachment.
This car seat meets US standard FMVSS 213 and is suitable for children weighing 5-1oo pounds. The product dimensions are 26.8 x 19.9 x 22.4 inches. The harness is a 5-point harness that can easily convert from front-facing to forward-facing to a booster. The machine-washable cushion provides even more assurance that you can use this car seat through the years as your child grows up.
This car seat is specifically designed to be sleek and space-saving, which is why we chose it to be best overall in terms of the best sports car car seat. If you have triplets, you could even fit three of these in the back seat side-by-side! If you want a car seat that is an investment that you will use for years, this is the one for you.
Our budget choice, the Evenflo Tribute, meets or exceeds all applicable Federal Safety Standards. The convertible car seat is equipped for children from 5 pounds to 100 pounds. The dimensions for this car seat are 18.5 x 22 x 25.5 inches and it can be converted from rear-facing and to forward-facing. It is important to note that this car seat cannot be converted to a booster seat.
The seat pad can be removed and machine washed. The Evenflo has a 5-point harness. The car seat itself only weighs nine pounds, making it easy to take in and out of your vehicle. And it is easy to carry through an airport. If your family flys often or just switches between vehicles often, this car seat is an excellent choice.
This Diono Convertible Car seat is suitable for children weighing from 4 pounds to 120 pounds. The dimensions of the car seat are 16.1 x 16.9 x 28.4 inches. It can be used rear-facing, forward-facing, or in booster-mode.
The Diono is advertised as having “three across” capabilities which means it is designed to take up as little room as possible so three people can still sit in the backseat of most mid-sized vehicles. Because of this narrow design, it is great for a small sports car. The narrow design also means it does not have armrests.
In terms of comfort, this car seat has a memory foam seat cushion. This durable car seat has a steel core and reinforced head support. It folds flat for easy travel and is FAA approved for use on a plane.
This convertible car seat from Graco serves as rear-facing, forward-facing, highback booster, and a backless booster. With that, it can be used from the newborn years (4 pounds and up) to the toddler years (up to 120 pounds). The dimensions for this car seat are 20 x 21.5 x 24 inches.
Graco’s In Right Latch System makes securing this seat quick and easy. The latch system has an audible click cue so that you can ensure it has been installed securely. Along with that it also has a level indicator.
The seat cover is easily removable and machine washable. From the first time you bring your baby home from the hospital to the drives of their toddler years, this car seat will fit in your sports car. When using the 5 point harness, this car seat is FAA approved. So, on top of cruising in style in your sports car, you can also use it for air travel!
First off, this Chicco Convertible Car Seat has nine positions for both the headrest and recliner. It’s easy to install because it has a SuperCinch LATCH Tightener and a LockSure seat belt-tightening system.
This car seat can hold children from 12 pounds to 65 pounds. With that, this car seat is notably not equipped to transport most newborns. The dimensions of this car seat are 21 x 19 x 29.2 inches.
The cover of the car seat easily zips off, making it very easy to wash. It also can be both rear-facing and forward-facing. But, once your child needs a booster seat, you’ll need to get a new car seat. Based on reviews from users, this car seat fits excellently in a small car.
This car seat is the runner-up for the budget buy. It takes up a small amount of space and is advertised as able to fit three in a mid-sized car’s back seat. This car seat has an adjustable headrest and a 5-point harness, making it easy to customize for a good fit. It also has detachable cup holders, that you can take on and off depending on the space you have.
This convertible car seat can be rear-facing or forward-facing. When it’s rear-facing, it’s compact design gives the driver more legroom. And, it is equipped with side-impact protection. The car seat can be used for children from 5 pounds to 40 pounds. The dimensions are 17.00 x 22.00 x 23.50 inches.
Weighing just 12 pounds, this car seat is also on the lighter weight side, making it extremely easy to transport and easy to install between cars.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I look for in a car seat?
First, in order to find a car seat that will fit your sports car, you need to make sure it has the proper dimensions to fit in your car. You will also want to check the seat’s height and weight limits to make sure it is the right fit for your child. You can find this information on the specs for the product.
Also, be sure to take a look at the safety ratings. All car seats must meet the U.S. Safety Standards. Regardless, verify that the seat you purchase is safety tested and approved.
There are different types of car seats: rear-facing, forward-facing, and booster seats. A convertible car seat can be converted to all of those.
Pay attention to the additional feature of the car seat and see if it aligns with what you want. All car seats have specific features that they are required to have by law, but there are also additional features you may find useful. For example, some car seats have detachable cup holders.
Take into account how often you will use the car seat and how easy it is to install. If you will be taking it in and out of your car often, you’ll want the installation to be simple.
Are there car seats specifically meant for sports cars?
There are no car seats specifically marketed towards sports cars, but many car seats are constructed to fit in smaller cars. The ones on our list are all able to fit in smaller cars without sacrificing an ounce of safety or quality.
What side is safer for a car seat?
The safest place to put a car seat is in the back seat. The reason is that it is away from airbags. If possible, install the car seat in the middle seat of the back row. If your car does not have a back seat, be sure to deactivate the front airbags.
How do I turn off my air bags if the car seat goes in the passenger seat?
On newer cars, there is a switch (usually marked Passenger Airbag Cut Off Switch) in the car to easily turn on and off the airbags. Typically, the switch is located around the passenger side of the dashboard. Every car is different, so you will need to refer your owner’s manual for specific instructions.
If you own a sports car with only two front seats, it is vital for your child’s safety that the airbags are turned off. And, it is illegal to use a rear-facing car seat in a passenger seat protected by an airbag.
In older cars, however, it may not be possible to turn the airbags off. Luckily, there are products you can get to disable the airbags externally. To get an airbag retrofit on-off switch installed in your car, you will need to take the car to the vehicle manufacturer or to a repair shop.
Are all compact car seats also convertible car seats?
For the most part, yes. Convertible car seats are also typically smaller and more lightweight. If a car seat is big and bulky, it likely won’t fit into your small sports car.
Should I get my car seat professionally installed?
The safety of a car seat depends on proper installation. With that, of course, you want peace of mind that you’ve done it right. Look for a child passenger safety (CPS) technician in your area. They can check to make sure you installed the car seat correctly and teach you how to install it in the future.
In the past, you could go to any fire department and they would install your car seat. That is not the case anymore, so instead look for a CPS technician near you.
Joybeth Sullivan is an accomplished content creator. She does it all as a writer, photographer, and videographer. Her work has been published in local and international outlets. She graduated from the University of Georgia in May of 2020 with a dual-degree in English & Film. Today, she is based out of Denver, CO. When she isn't writing, you can find her on long drives in the mountains with her husky, Newman, riding shotgun.
