2026 Rotating Car Seats Comparison: Find Your Best Match
From Budget-Friendly to Ultra-Premium: Everything You Need to Compare Revolving Car Seat Models
UPDATED: June 2026
As car seat professionals with 20+ years of experience in the field, we have installed and used all of the rotating car seats in this comparison. We know the pros and cons of each seat. We can help you narrow down which seats deserve your consideration and which ones you should probably take a pass on.
We have a comparison chart below that lays out all the specs on the different revolving (rotating? swiveling?) car seats. Whatever you prefer to call this new category of seats, it definitely pays to do some research before tossing money at seats with price tags that can make your head spin. 😉
2026 360° Rotating Car Seat Comparison Chart
*Note: Only the Evenflo Revolve360 Extend Model has been included to represent the R360 lineup. For a complete breakdown of all Evenflo Revolve360 models, see our separate Revolve360 Comparison Chart!
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Rotation: 360°
Specs: Rear-facing 5-50 lbs., 18-49" / forward-facing 30-65 lbs., 35-49"
MSRP: $429.99
Pros: Slim design (only 17” wide), rear-facing up to 50 lbs. with generous RF height limits, unique hinged shell design combined with ClickTight tensioning lockoff makes installation a breeze. It can be a true “one-time install” with seatbelt because the tether strap stays attached regardless of whether the seat is being used rear-facing or forward-facing. All Galaxy360 models feature “SafeWash” fabrics, which are machine washable, dryer safe, and free of flame-retardant chemicals.
Cons: It's heavy, and that means low LATCH weight limits. Fortunately, a seatbelt + tether installation is super easy, so you won’t typically have a reason to use the lower LATCH anchors in your vehicle. Maximum harness height is 17”, which isn’t particularly tall, but it’s reasonable for a convertible seat.
Even with recent updates to the allowable recline range for rear-facing (allowed for installation with lap/shoulder seatbelt + tether), Galaxy360 is still more reclined when RF than most other rotating seats and will likely take up more front-to-back space as a result. When switching from RF to FF, you may need to adjust the recline angle, which requires opening the hinged shell and changing the recline position on the base. If you have to adjust the recline when transitioning from RF to FF, then it’s not a true “one-time install”.
Galaxy360 is not approved for airplane travel.
Best For: Vehicles with spacious backseats that can accommodate the generous recline angle of a rear-facing Galaxy360.
Comments: The 50 lb. rear-facing weight limit and ClickTight installation are Galaxy’s main highlights. While the generous RF recline may not appeal to some parents, or to toddlers who are already used to sitting more upright in a different rear-facing car seat, for babies transitioning out of an infant seat, it shouldn’t be an issue. It’s also worth pointing out that Galaxy would be an excellent option for children with low muscle tone who could really benefit from the extra rear-facing recline.
Rotation: 360°
Specs: Rear-facing 4-40 lbs. (SE model 12-40 lbs.) and 43" or less / forward-facing 26.5-65 lbs. and 49" or less
MSRP: $399 - $489
Trim Levels: Fit360 is the standard model; Fit360 SE is the base model, which lacks the magnetic chest clip and a newborn infant insert. Fit360 Zip includes everything found on the standard Fit360 model (including the newborn insert and the magnetic chest clip), and adds a zip-off cover for easy cleaning, plus a mirror attachment for rear-facing. All models utilize the same base.
Pros: All Fit360 models have a tall top harness height (18”), so kids will fit in the harness longer before outgrowing it by seated height. The unique base installation features an anti-rebound design. The LeverLock Door is a belt-tensioning lockoff that easily tightens and locks the seatbelt or LATCH strap. It’s a true “one-time install” with seatbelt because the tether strap stays attached regardless of whether the seat is being used rear-facing or forward-facing. All Fit360 models feature “ClearTex” fabrics and foams, which are free of flame-retardant chemicals. ClearTex fabrics are UL GREENGUARD GOLD certified. Additional Fit360 bases are available for purchase, as is an attachable mirror accessory.
Cons: It's heavy, and that means lower LATCH weight limits. Fortunately, a seatbelt + tether installation is easy, so you won’t typically have a reason to use the lower LATCH anchors in your vehicle. When Fit360 is in the forward-facing position, you may need 2 hands to rotate it.
Best For: The Chicco Fit360 may be the best all-around rotating car seat at the moment—it's a close race with the Evenflo Revolve360 models. Like Revolve360, the Fit360 swivels all the way around in either direction with the tether attached to the anti-rebound base. It easily fits a wide range of younger kids, so it's great for caregivers who transport multiple children of different ages and sizes. However, Fit360 is just a harnessed car seat; it doesn't turn into a booster seat.
Comments: The Fit360 disengages from its base with a tool at the end of the harness adjuster strap for easy installation. The car seat must be used with its base, but extra Fit360 bases are available for purchase. All Fit360 fashions are designated as “ClearTex”, which means the fabrics and foams are made without using flame-retardant chemicals. Fit360 Zip models feature a zip-off cover that makes it super easy to remove the cover for cleaning. Overall, there is a lot to love about Fit360, and Chicco’s attention to detail, both big and small, is impressive.
Chicco recently introduced the Fit360 SE ClearTex, which is almost identical to the standard Fit360, but it’s rated from 12-40 lbs. rear-facing (due to the lack of a newborn insert) and has a standard chest clip instead of the magnetic one. If you plan to use an infant seat first and then transition to a convertible once the baby is a little bigger/older, you don’t need the infant insert because it’s only for babies 5-11 lbs. Save yourself a few bucks and get the SE version. The “Stellar“ and “Lupine” fashions are both gorgeous!
Rotation: 360°
Specs: Rear-facing 4-40 lbs. and 43" or less / forward-facing 26.5-65 lbs. and 49" or less / booster 40-120 lbs.
MSRP: $749.95
Pros: Callisto has a tall top harness height (18”), so kids will fit in the harness longer before outgrowing it by seated height. It features an anti-rebound base design, a belt-tensioner for secure installations, a chest clip with SensorSafe technology, a canopy with SPF50+ fabric, and all the fabrics are free of flame-retardant chemicals. It’s a true “one-time install” with seatbelt because the tether strap stays attached regardless of whether the seat is being used rear-facing or forward-facing. Callisto G 360 can be reclined on-the-fly in both rear-facing AND forward-facing positions, which is an impressive feat of engineering.
Cons: It's very heavy, even by our standards. Once it’s installed, you will probably never want to move it. Callisto’s weight results in low LATCH weight limits for the child. Fortunately, a seatbelt + tether installation is easy, so you won’t typically have a reason to use the lower LATCH anchors in your vehicle. The belt-tensioning feature isn’t a true lockoff, so you still need to lock the seatbelt at the retractor.
Best For: The Cybex Callisto G 360 is an ultra-premium rotating car seat. If you love the idea of a seat that rotates AND reclines in both rear and forward orientations, and the hefty price tag isn’t an issue, then this seat deserves your consideration. Just be prepared for how heavy it is.
Comments: The Callisto G 360 is filled with thoughtful design and clever engineering. The addition of a highback booster mode is nice, but like most 3-in-1 car seats, kids may find it impossible to buckle themselves over the bulky sides. Personally, our biggest gripe with Callisto is how heavy it is; however, it’s worth noting that this seat experienced some structural integrity issues in Consumer Reports’ crash testing with the 6-year-old test dummy. CR has its own crash test protocol, which is more challenging than FMVSS 213b, to evaluate car seat performance beyond the required federal safety standards.
Cybex recently introduced the Callisto G 360 Select, a pared-down version of the Callisto G 360 with a slightly lower price. It has the same rotation and installation features, but fashions are limited to gray and black, and it lacks the canopy, harness holders, and SensorSafe smart chest clip, which are all included on the original model.
Coming soon: Callisto Model T Platinum, a luxury 360 model with a full-wrap cover and a 50 lbs. rear-facing weight limit. Launching in July. MSRP $799.
Rotation: 360°
Specs: Rear-facing 4-40 lbs. and 43" or less / forward-facing 30-40 lbs. and 43" or less
MSRP: $249.99
Pros: Less expensive rotating car seat that weighs a few pounds less than the others on this list. It’s a true “one-time install” because the tether strap stays attached regardless of whether the seat is being used rear-facing or forward-facing.
Cons: Limited use when forward-facing (from 30-40 lbs and up to 43”); your child may not be ready to transition to a booster when this seat is outgrown; no lockoffs or belt-tensioning features; may be tippy when loading heavier children in the side-facing position, which is more likely if using the narrow recline foot to level the seat.
Best For: Babies, toddlers, and younger children who are on the smaller side
Comments: The “REO by Revolve” is unlike the Revolve360 seats we know and love. This seat does not separate from its base, and the installation is completely different from the Revolve360 line. The unconventional seatbelt routing is confusing, and there is significant potential for misuse. We recommend installing REO with LATCH. You can use LATCH to the full 40 lb. weight limit in both rear- and forward-facing modes.
Evenflo Revolve360 Extend & Revolve360 Slim
Rotation: 360°
Specs: Rear-facing 4-50 lbs. and 48" or less / forward-facing 30-65 lbs. and 49" or less
MSRP: $399 - $529
Pros: Revolve360 Extend & Slim models are both rated up to 50 lbs. rear-facing. Extend is an All-in-One model, so it can be used rear-facing, forward-facing, and as a booster. All models have very tall top harness heights (19”), which means that kids will fit in the harness longer before outgrowing it by height. Both Extend & Slim models feature an anti-rebound base design, LockStrong belt-tensioning device, and on-the-fly recline. Both offer a true “one-time install” with seatbelt because the tether strap stays attached regardless of whether the seat is rear-facing or forward-facing. Green & Gentle fashions are free from chemical flame retardants.
Note: To rotate the Revolve360 into the forward-facing position, the seat must first be positioned in the most reclined rear-facing setting. Trust us when we say that everyone gets flustered the first time they make the mistake of trying to rotate 360 (when it's in a different rear-facing recline position), and the seat seems to get stuck! It's not broken—just put it back in the rear-facing position and adjust the recline setting before trying to swivel into forward-facing mode. The recline adjustment mechanism is on the back of the seat, above your child’s head.
Cons: LockStrong™ bar featured on all models is a robust belt-tensioning device, but is not a seatbelt lockoff. If you are installing with seatbelt you still need to lock the shoulder belt at the retractor. The headrests are deep and narrow, which is great for side-impact protection but might be a snug fit for babies and toddlers with large heads.
Best For: The Revolve360 models may be the best all-around rotating car seats at the moment—it's a close race with the Chicco Fit360. The Revolve360 Extend & Revolve360 Slim fit a wide range of kids for a long time. These are great seats for caregivers who transport multiple kids of different ages and sizes.
Comments: All models of Revolve360 disengage from their base for easy installation; however, unlike the Chicco Fit360, you cannot purchase extra Revolve bases for other vehicles. The newest Revolve360 models come with a little tool to disconnect the seat from its base. While these are not the cheapest rotating seats, they are an excellent value because they fit children longer than most of the other rotating seats. The addition of a highback booster mode on the Extrend model is nice, but like most 3-in-1 car seats, kids may find it impossible to buckle themselves over the bulky sides.
Revolve360 Extend Specs:
Rear-facing: 4-50 lbs. (17-48”)
Forward-facing 30-65 lbs. (35-49”)
Booster 40-120 lbs. (44-57”)
Revolve360 Extend Trim Levels:
Extend model with Quick Clean Cover - features a cover that is easy to remove for cleaning
Revere, Rockland & Rowe fashions
MSRP $469
Extend models that feature a SensorSafe smart chest clip
Onyx fashion
MSRP $499
Extend models that feature the SensorSafe smart chest clip, plus a Green & Gentle Cover that is free of flame-retardant chemicals
Flint, Emerald, Agate, Quartz & Travertine fashions
MSRP $509 - $529
Revolve360 Slim Specs:
Rear-facing: 4-50 lbs. (17-48”)
Forward-facing 30-65 lbs. (35-49”)
Ultra-slim model measures 16.7” wide
Does not offer booster mode
Revolve360 Slim Trim Levels:
Base model Slim MSRP $399.99
Slim with Quick Clean Covers MSRP $419.99
Slim with Green & Gentle covers features SensorSafe smart chest clip, and covers that are free of flame-retardant chemicals; MSRP $449 - $479
Rotation: 360°
Specs: Rear-facing 4-40 lbs. and head at least 1” below plastic handle / forward-facing 26.5-65 lbs. and 49" or less
MSRP: $349.99
Pros: Generous RF height limits; anti-rebound base design; push-on LATCH connectors; SnugLock belt-tensioning lockoff works well
Cons: EasyTurn has a narrow beltpath under the SnugLock tensioning lockoff to route the seatbelt or LATCH strap. The seatbelt routing isn’t intuitive, and there are plenty of opportunities for misuse, especially if you don’t have good visibility on the far side of the beltpath. You must store the tether when the seat is used rear-facing (and the storage location for the tether hook is behind the base), but the tether is required for forward-facing use. This means you must uninstall and reinstall EasyTurn 360 to attach/detach the top tether when transitioning between rear-facing and forward-facing.
Maximum harness height is 16”, which is short for a seat rated up to 65 lbs. and 49”. This seat will be outgrown by seated height relatively quickly.
EasyTurn is not approved for airplane travel.
Best For: Caregivers who are diligent enough to read the installation instructions carefully the first time and again before transitioning to forward-facing, who won’t need to switch between rear-facing and forward-facing often, and who don't plan to travel by airplane with the seat.
Comments: While we’re happy to report that EasyTurn isn’t plagued by the issues that affect the Graco Turn2Me, it is similar to the Joie Chili Spin SI in some ways. The unconventional seatbelt routing on this seat increases the likelihood of misuse. Even when you understand how to install it correctly with the seatbelt, the routing still requires diligence. If you don’t have good visibility of the far side of the beltpath when installing, it helps to have a second person sitting inside the vehicle, making sure that the seatbelt is routed correctly on the buckle side.
Installation using the LATCH strap is more straightforward (once you figure out how to route the strap, which is oddly connected to the lanyard), but you still need to route the latch strap under the belt guides on both sides of the beltpath. With a LATCH weight limit of 35 rear-facing or 40 lbs. forward-facing, a seatbelt installation will likely be necessary at some point.
Also, it’s worth mentioning that the mechanism that allows the seat to rotate requires 2 steps. While an extra step might be a little inconvenient, the 2-step process makes it nearly impossible for the child in the EasyTurn (or a child seated in an adjacent seat) to unlock and rotate it.
Rotation: 360°
Specs: Rear-facing 4-40 lbs., 43" or less / forward-facing 30-65 lbs., 49" or less
MSRP: $339.99
Pros: Belt-tensioning lockoff works well, anti-rebound base design, magnetic chest clip, harness strap covers are optional for use on the SI version of the Chili Spin.
Cons: Chili Spin SI has a narrow beltpath under the belt-tensioning lockoff to route the seatbelt or LATCH strap. Seatbelt routing isn’t intuitive, and there are plenty of opportunities for misuse, especially if you don’t have good visibility on the far side of the beltpath. You must store the tether when the seat is used rear-facing (and the storage location for the tether hook is behind the base), but the tether is required for forward-facing use. This means you must uninstall and reinstall Chili Spin SI to attach/detach the top tether when transitioning between rear-facing and forward-facing.
A side-impact bolster insert is required for kids under 40 lbs., but there is only 7 ½” of space in the seat between the bolsters, which may be uncomfortable for some kids who are required to use them. The bolsters are also attached to the newborn infant insert, which is confusing because that newborn insert is only for babies from 4-11 lbs.
Maximum harness height is 17”, which is shorter than most of the competition.
Chili Spin SI is not approved for airplane travel.
Best For: Caregivers who are diligent enough to read the installation instructions carefully the first time and again before transitioning to forward-facing, who won’t need to switch between rear-facing and forward-facing often, and who don't plan to travel by airplane with the seat.
Comments: The seatbelt routing is not intuitive. If you can’t see the far side of the beltpath, it helps to have a second person sitting inside the vehicle, making sure that the seatbelt is routed correctly on the buckle side.
Installation using the LATCH strap is more straightforward (once you figure out how to route the strap, which is oddly connected to the lanyard), but you still need to route the latch strap under the belt guides on both sides of the beltpath. With a LATCH weight limit of 35 lbs. (rear or forward-facing), a seatbelt installation will likely be necessary at some point.
The hip side-impact bolsters inside the seat must be used until 40 lbs. and are separate from the infant insert, although they are bundled together when you take the seat out of the box. If the child is already over 11 lbs., you will need to remove the infant insert but keep the side bolsters in the seat.
Rotation: 360°
Specs: Rear-facing 4-40 lbs., 43" or less / forward-facing 30-65 lbs., 49" or less / highback booster 40-100 lbs., up to 57”, and at least 4 yrs. old
MSRP: $399.99
Pros: Belt-tensioning lockoff works well, anti-rebound base design, magnetic chest clip, lower anchor connectors may be used in booster mode, optional harness strap covers
Cons: Matcha has a narrow beltpath opening under the belt-tensioning lockoff to route the seatbelt or LATCH strap. Installation isn’t intuitive, and there are plenty of opportunities for misuse, especially if you don’t have good visibility on the far side of the beltpath. You must store the tether when the seat is used rear-facing (and the storage location for the tether hook is behind the base), but the tether is required for forward-facing use. This means you must uninstall and reinstall Matcha SI to attach/detach the top tether when transitioning between RF and FF. When switching from FF to highback booster mode, you must unhook and store the tether strap again.
A side-impact bolster insert is required for kids under 40 lbs., but there is only 7” of space in the seat between the bolsters, which may be uncomfortable for some kids who are required to use them. The bolsters are also attached to the newborn infant insert, which is confusing because that newborn insert is only for babies from 4-11 lbs.
Maximum harness height is 16.5”, which is shorter than most of the competition.
Matcha SI is not approved for airplane travel.
Best For: Caregivers who are diligent enough to read the installation instructions carefully the first time and each subsequent time a transition occurs, who won’t need to switch between rear-facing and forward-facing often (or from forward-facing to highback booster often), and who don't plan to travel by airplane with the seat.
Comments: The installation of the Joie Matcha SI is very similar to the Chili Spin SI. The belt routing is not intuitive. If you can’t see the far side of the beltpath when routing the seatbelt, it helps to have a second person sitting inside the vehicle, making sure that the belt is routed correctly on the buckle side.
Installation using the LATCH strap is more straightforward (once you figure out how to route the strap, which is oddly connected to the lanyard), but you still need to route the LATCH strap under the guides on both sides of the beltpath. With a LATCH weight limit of 35 lbs. (rear or forward-facing), a seatbelt installation will likely be necessary at some point.
The hip side-impact bolsters inside the seat must be used until 40 lbs. and are separate from the infant insert, although they are bundled together when you take the seat out of the box. If the child is already over 11 lbs. (but still under 40 lbs.), you will need to remove the infant insert but keep the side bolsters in the seat.
The addition of a highback booster mode is nice, but like most 3-in-1 car seats, kids may find it impossible to buckle themselves over the bulky sides.
Maxi-Cosi Andi 360
NOT RECOMMENDED (see comments for details)
Rotation: 360°
MSRP: $499.99
Pros: It's an All-in-One, so it can be used rear-facing, forward-facing, and as a booster; anti-rebound base; belt-tensioning device; on-the-fly recline; magnetic chest clip; lots and lots of padding; PureCosi flame-retardant free fabrics
Cons: 40" rear-facing height limit and relatively low top harness height mean it will be outgrown by height sooner than other rotating seats with taller harness heights; very heavy; low LATCH weight limits; non-removable harness covers
In rear-facing mode, car seat must touch front seat when installed in an outboard position. When rotating, this could lead to scuffing of the front seat upholstery in some vehicles.
Best For: NOT RECOMMENDED
Comments: The Andi 360 is the updated version of the Emme 360 that meets new side impact standards. While the Andi 360 is not exactly the same as the Emme 360, until we know more, we are not recommending the Andi 360 at this time due to a “Basic” crash test rating the Emme 360 scored from Consumer Reports, and our observation of issues that could contribute to gross misuse on its sister seat, the Safety 1st Turn and Go 360. Simply put, there are better rotating seat options available.
Rotation: 360°
Specs: Rear-facing 5-30 lbs. and less than 34” / forward-facing 30-40 lbs. and less than 43”
MSRP: $600
Pros: Smooth turning feature; anti-rebound base design; all Revv fashions are free of chemical flame-retardants.
Cons: The very unusual belt path routing makes the seatbelt installation challenging. The belt routing is far from intuitive, and there's a risk of misrouting the seatbelt. Also, Revv has absurdly low weight and height limits for rear-facing since its 2025 update. These low limits, combined with a very low 14” top harness height, mean Revv will be outgrown quickly; it’s a very expensive seat for the amount of time a child will be able to fit in it.
Best For: Caregivers who want to skip the infant seat and use Revv from birth, then transition to a taller harnessed seat down the line; it's also an option for someone who wants great ease-of-use and plans to pass the seat down to a younger child. If you plan to pass it down and use it for future children, the hefty price tag can be a little easier to justify.
Comments: It’s a Nuna, so it’s an expensive, beautiful work of art and function; however, this is really just an infant/toddler seat due to its low weight and height limits.
Safety 1st Turn and Go 360
NOT RECOMMENDED (see comments for details)
Rotation: 360°
MSRP: $369
Pros: All-in-One model so it can be used rear-facing, forward-facing, and as a booster; anti-rebound base design; belt-tensioning device; on-the-fly recline; lots of padding.
Cons: 40" rear-facing height limit and low top harness height for forward-facing means the harness will be outgrown sooner than with other revolving car seats; very heavy; low LATCH weight limits
In rear-facing mode, car seat must touch front seat when installed in an outboard position. When rotating, this could lead to scuffing of the front seat upholstery in some vehicles.
Best For: NOT RECOMMENDED
Comments: Until we know more, we are not recommending the Turn and Go 360 at this time due to our observation of issues that could contribute to gross misuse, and a “Basic” crash test rating from Consumer Reports on its sister seat, the Maxi-Cosi Emme 360 (now the Maxi-Cosi Andi 360). Simply put, there are better rotating seat options available.
Car Seats That Only Rotate When Rear-Facing
Baby Jogger City Turn
Rotation: 180° (Rear-facing only)
Specs: Rear-facing 4-50 lbs. / forward-facing 26.5 - 65 lbs.
MSRP: $579.99
Pros: RAPIDLOCK™ seat belt tensioning device for easy and secure installation is also a true lockoff for seatbelt installations; smooth revolving mechanism; COOLMAX® fabrics are designed for moisture-wicking and temperature control; FAA-approved for airplane use (but only forward-facing)
Cons: The rear-facing installation isn't intuitive and it's possible to make critical mistakes if you aren't following the directions; in its upper headrest positions the top part of the cover doesn’t completely extend down to reach the bottom part of the cover, leaving a gap of about 2" of uncovered plastic which some kids may notice; must re-install City Turn when transitioning to forward-facing.
Best For: The City Turn is designed to bring a child closer to a caregiver when rotated and it can be used rear-facing up to 50 lbs. or 49" which makes it an excellent option for extended rear-facing; however, the seat does not rotate in forward-facing mode. City Turn may be best for caregivers interested in rear-facing beyond 40 lbs. It's also a great option for someone who needs to load/unload their rear-facing child in a more accessible, extended position - closer to them. Moisture-wicking, temperature-controlling fabric is a nice touch for kiddos who get hot in rear-facing car seats.
Comments: Baby Jogger is a premium brand and the City Turn is a premium rotating car seat that functions exceptionally well. However, it’s also the second most expensive seat in this comparison. This is strictly a harnessed car seat that cannot be used as a booster. While we don’t buy into the hype of "All-in-One" car seats because we understand that they won’t be the only car seat your kid will ever need (despite the marketing that tries to convince you otherwise), it’s worth noting that this seat does not transition into a booster despite being one of the most expensive seats on this list. Also, as we have mentioned already, when the City Turn is installed forward-facing it cannot be rotated.
Graco Turn2Me
Rotation: 180° (Rear-facing only)
Specs: Rear-facing 4-40 lbs. / forward-facing 26.5 - 65 lbs.
MSRP: $399.99
Pros: 4-40 lbs. rear-facing, generous RF height limits; All-in-One model so it can be used rear-facing, forward-facing, and as a booster; SnugLock belt-tensioning and lockoff device
Cons: Installation issues (see comments for details). Despite a panel that opens for access, the rear-facing belt path is small, and the seatbelt webbing is able to slide through the closed SnugLock lockoff, contributing to the installation issues. Cup holders are difficult to attach properly and may rub against vehicle seatback when rotating. Must re-install Turn2Me when transitioning to forward-facing.
Best For: Caregiver who can install in a seating position that has LATCH, doesn’t plan to use the seat rear-facing beyond 35 lbs., and doesn’t mind that Turn2Me can’t rotate when forward-facing.
Comments: Turn2Me has some potential rear-facing installation issues. When rotated sideways to load/unload a child, we observed that the narrow base combined with the design of the rear-facing beltpath can cause the seat to tip significantly, even when it’s properly installed. If Turn2Me is installed rear-facing with seatbelt, the tipping issue can cause the installation to loosen over time - even when the SnugLock lockoff is used, and the seatbelt is locked at the retractor. A loose installation can reduce the effectiveness of any car seat.
The loosening of the rear-facing installation can be mitigated by using the lower LATCH connectors instead of the seatbelt for kids under 35 lbs., which is the rear-facing LATCH weight limit for Turn2Me. Installation with lower anchors doesn't prevent the rear-facing tipping issue, but the LATCH strap stays tight and the installation doesn’t loosen. Unfortunately, you can only install rear-facing with lower LATCH anchors up to 35 lbs. due to the LATCH weight limit. Beyond 35 lbs., you either have to take your chances with a seatbelt install (checking daily to make sure Turn2Me doesn’t move more than 1” from side-to-side or front-to-back), or install the seat forward-facing and lose the rotation feature.
Orbit Baby Toddler Car Seat G5
Rotation: 180° (Rear-facing only)
MSRP: $500 + $180 for base
Pros: Can use the Toddler seat on Orbit G5 or X5 Jogger stroller frames and switch easily between vehicles that have the G5 SmartHub base in them; attaches to G5 SmartHub base from any angle; can travel without the base by using the Side Impact Braces for installation; Oeko-Tex® Standard 100 certified fabrics
Cons: 15-35 lbs. rear-facing; cost to use ratio is a consideration: it’s a very expensive seat for the amount of time a child will be able to fit in it; minimum rear-facing weight limit of 15 lbs. means you must use an infant seat first and it’s the only convertible seat on the market with a maximum rear-facing weight limit of just 35 lbs. Must re-install when transitioning to forward-facing.
Best For: If you start out with the Orbit Baby G5 Infant Seat, this is the natural progression since you already own the base and likely the stroller too. The Orbit G5 Toddler Seat gives a caregiver the ability to move the convertible seat from the car to the Orbit stroller, just like they did with the infant seat.
Comments: A truly innovative seat when it hit the market in 2010, the Orbit Toddler Car Seat hasn’t made any major updates to keep up with their competitors or with consumer demand for higher rear-facing weight limits. If you’re past the infant seat stage and want a revolving car seat, the Orbit Toddler Seat may not be ideal since you'd also have to buy the base ($180) in order to make use of the revolving aspect of the car seat.
With so many choices in his new car seat category, we hope that providing you with the pros and cons of each rotating seat will help you to narrow down your options and make an informed decision!