The 6 Best Revolving Car Seats For Easy Car Rides

The 6 Best Revolving Car Seats For Easy Car Rides

Standard car seats are notorious for being heavy, bulky, and difficult to maneuver. And anyone who’s tried to buckle in a sleepy newborn or a tantruming toddler knows it’s a delicate balancing act that often sacrifices your lower back. 

Rotating Car Seats have been on the market for a few years now, and they solve many of the most frustrating challenges for parents. These seats spin on their base, making buckling your little one in easier and achieving the right seat position a one-handed proposition.

But with their increasing popularity, it can be difficult to figure out which rotating car seat is right for you. We’ve rounded up recommendations that address a variety of needs so you can choose the one that suits you best.

The Best Rotating Car Seats: A Quick Glance 

  • Best 360 Rotating Car Seat Overall: Orbit Baby G5+
  • Most Comfortable 360 Rotating Car Seat: Maxi Cosi Emme 360
  • Easiest to Install 360 Rotating Car Seat: Nuna REVV™ Convertible Car Seat
  • Best Budget 360 Rotating Car Seat: Evenflo Revolve360 Slim Convertible Seat
  • Most Tech Savvy 360 Rotating Car Seat: Cybex Sirona S
  • Most Versatile Rotating Car Seat: Graco Turn2Me™ 3-in-1

Best 360 Rotating Car Seat Overall: Orbit Baby G5+

The Orbit Baby G5+ is the best overall 360 rotating car seat, thanks to its patented SmartHub base. It installs securely in less than 60 seconds, has ergonomic carrying handles, and docks and rotates into position when installed as a car seat and on the Orbit Baby stroller.

When it’s time to upgrade from an infant car seat, Orbit Baby’s G5 Toddler Car Seat attaches to the same SmartHub base. This means that, unlike most convertible car seats on the market, it can still be detached and used on a stroller. If you’re looking for smooth transitions to and from the car every time, it doesn’t get better than the Orbit Baby rotating car seat.

Orbit Baby G5+ Pros

  1. Docks and rotates into the SmartHub base with ease—whether that’s in the car or stroller
  2. An ergonomic carrying handle and side handles make moving and docking a breeze
  3. Its deep cradle design provides maximum side-impact protection 

    Orbit Baby G5+ Cons

    • Its price tag can be hard to swallow for some
    • Its 30 lb weight limit is lower than some other options

    Most Comfortable 360 Rotating Car Seat: Maxi Cosi Emme 360

    With plush, state-of-the-art fabrics, the Maxi Cosi Emme 360 earns a spot on our list as the most comfortable 360 rotating car seat.

    Pros

    • All materials are machine washable and flame retardant
    • Offers 3 modes of use: rear-facing (5–40 lbs., 19”–40”), forward-facing (22–65 lbs., 29”–49”), and belt-positioning booster (40–100 lbs., 43”–52”)

    Cons

    • Buyers report it can be difficult to install
    • Cannot be undocked, which means you cannot transfer the seat to a stroller like the Orbit Baby G5 infant and toddler car seats

    Easiest to Install 360 Rotating Car Seat: Nuna REVV™ Convertible Car Seat

    Offering 10 different recline positions and the ability to rotate into rear or forward facing position, the Nuna Revv earns our “easiest install” 360 rotating car seat distinction.

    Nuna REVV™ Convertible Car Seat Pros

    • Ten recline positions and one handed head support adjustment
    • Integrated rebound bar doubles as a carry handle when switching cars

    Nuna Revv™ Convertible Car Seat Cons

    • Has a low weight limit for a convertible car seat, at just 40 lbs
    • Cannot be undocked, which means you cannot transfer the seat to a stroller like the Orbit Baby G5 infant and toddler car seats

    Best Budget Rotating Car Seat: Evenflo Revolve360 Slim Convertible Seat

    At $320, the Evenflo Revolve 360 Slim Convertible Seat is the most affordable rotating car seat on our list.

    Evenflo Revolve360 Slim Convertible Seat Pros

    • 4-65 lbs weight range means it will fit your child for a long time
    • At less than 17 inches wide, it’s narrow profile can be helpful if you need to accommodate more than one car seat in your backseat

    Evenflo Revolve360 Slim Convertible Seat Cons

    • Cannot be detached from its base, which means it can’t be transferred to a stroller like the Orbit Baby G5 Toddler Seat can be
    • At almost 30 lbs, it’s a heavier seat that could make transfers between vehicles more difficult

    Most Tech Savvy 360 Rotating Car Seat: Cybex Sirona S

    A Bluetooth-enabled chest clip (and corresponding mobile app) makes the Cybex Sirona S our most tech savvy rotating car seat.

    Cybex Sirona S Pros

    • Bluetooth enabled chest clip sends mobile app alerts if a child unbuckles the chest clip, if the back seat becomes too warm or too cold, and if the driver unintentionally leaves the child behind. 
    • One-handed swivel seat

    Cybex Sirona S Cons

    • Cannot be detached from its base, which means it can’t be transferred to a stroller like the Orbit Baby G5 Infant or Toddler Seat can be
    • At more than 30 lbs, it’s a heavier seat that could make transfers between vehicles more difficult

    Most Versatile Rotating Car Seat: Graco Turn2Me™ 3-in-1

    With its ability to function rear-facing, forward-facing, or as a booster seat, the Graco Turn2Me 3-in-1 is the most versatile rotating car seat on our list. 

    Graco Turn2Me™ 3-in-1 Convertible Car Seat Pros

    • Can be used rear-facing, forward-facing, or as a booster seat
    • Weight limit stretches from 4 lbs to 100 lbs, which means you won’t have to buy more than one car seat

    Graco Turn2Me™ 3-in-1 Convertible Car Seat Cons

    • Cannot be undocked, which means you cannot transfer the 3-in-1 car seat to a stroller like the Orbit Baby G5+ infant seat or the G5 toddler seat can
    • At more than 19 inches wide, it’s the the widest seat on our list which could cause fit issues if you need to position multiple car seats

    What to Look For in a Rotating Car Seat 

    Despite the increased functionality, the features you’re looking for in a rotating car seat aren’t all that different from a regular seat. You want to consider how it fits your car, how it fits your child, and how it fits your lifestyle.

    How the Rotating Car Seat Fits Your Car

    Take into account the car you drive as well as where you plan to position the car seat when choosing a rotating car seat. For example, a tall driver who plans to have the car seat directly behind them will need to consider what fits, and likely look for a more compact design. More than one child riding in a car seat? You’ll want to think about placement and space from a horizontal perspective as well.

    How the Rotating Car Seat Fits Your Child

    Are you shopping for an infant or toddler car seat? What sort of height and weight requirements do you need your seat to accommodate?

    How the Rotating Car Seat Fits Your Lifestyle 

    Does the car seat need to remove easily for transitions to a stroller? Does it need to be lightweight for toting up stairs? Think about what else you need to the car seat to do besides transport your child safely in a vehicle; there may be features or specifications you initially overlooked.

    Tips For Using a Rotating Car Seat Safely

    Tip #1: Make Sure Your Rotating Car Seat Is Installed Correctly

    Your car owner’s manual will include information about the type of car seat installation it supports (LATCH, seat belt, etc.). Your car seat should include thorough instructions on how to make sure the seat is installed correctly, and should also tell you what sort of indicator will let you know it’s installed properly—most will make a “click” sound or have a visual indicator of some sort. You can have your installation checked by a local expert. Check with your local police or fire department; most have a car seat safety technician on staff.

    Tip #2: Follow the Height and Weight Guidelines for Your Rotating Car Seat

    Every car seat comes with a maximum height and weight; convertible seats will include this information for both rear and forward facing positions. Keep in mind that it’s common for your child to outgrow the height limit well before the weight limit, especially for an infant car seat.

    FAQ

    Are Revolving Car Seats Worth It?

    Revolving car seats can make transitioning into and out of the car much easier, making them worthwhile for parents and caregivers.

    Are Revolving Car Seats Safe?

    A correctly installed and correctly used revolving car seat is safe.

    Which 360 Swivel Car Seat is the Best?

    The best car seat is always one that is installed correctly and used every single time. The Orbit Baby G5+ rotating car seat is one of the best swivel car seats on the market.

    Conclusion

    A revolving car seat can make transitions into and out of the car much easier. Whether you’re dealing with a sleepy newborn or a strong-willed toddler, making it easier to buckle them in and secure their car seat can make for a safer ride. If it can also save your back (and your sanity!) in the process? Making a purchase decision has never been easier.

    Back to In Our Orbit