Are you on the lookout for the best car seat you can buy for your child? Are you done with straining your back while you're putting your little one in and out of the car seat?
Perhaps you're in the market for something that's a bit more versatile and super-convenient to use.
Today we're talking about the best swivel car seat, the latest innovation of world-class engineering, designed to make your everyday routine easier.
Table of Contents
- Top 4 Rotating Car Seats in the UK
- Top 4 US Swivel Car Seats
- #1. Cybex Sirona S Rotating Convertible Car Seat - Top Pick in the US
- #2. Baby Jogger City Turn Convertible Car Seat - Super-Adjustable Convertible Rotating Seat
- #3. Evenflo Gold Revolve360 Rotational All-in-1 Convertible - The Best Rotating Seat With Three Modes
- #4. Nuna REVV Car Seat - Best User-friendly Car Seat
- Buyer's Guide
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a swivel car seat?
- Are the swivel car seats safe?
- Is it worth getting a 360-degree rotating car seat?
- What age do 360-degree rotating car seats go up to?
- How much does a rotating car seat cost?
- Is the 360 rotating car seat base purchased separately?
- Does Maxi Cosi make a rotating car seat?
- When can you legally turn car seat around?
- Are rotating car seats allowed in Australia?
- Conclusion
Top 4 Rotating Car Seats in the UK
We've talked about the differences between the European car seats and American models before.
Although they are pretty minimal, I cannot deny that Europe is leading the way when it comes to baby gear, always coming up with innovations and high-grade engineering.
That is why there are more swivel car seat models in Europe than in the United States.
But, more and more people in the States are interested in these models because they are so convenient to use, so there are some retailers where you can find these seats, and it's really a matter of time before they are available on Amazon.com.
But for now, let's look at the top 4 swivel seats in the UK. For the US market, please check the top 3 HERE.
£££ — Britax Römer Rotating Car Seat ~ 14 kg
Super-safe model with extended rear-facing mode, an anti-rebound bar, and thick energy-absorbing foam. It offers a 360-degree rotation for easy in and out, but it's a bit pricey.
££ — Graco Turn2Me 360° Rotating IsoFix ~ 12 kg
This lighter variant is another convertible car seat with extended rear-facing use, but it comes at a more affordable price. It also offers a 360-degree spin, and it has ventilation panels for a comfortable ride throughout all seasons.
££ — Jovikids ISOFIX Car Seat 360° ~ 11 kg
Not many people know about this brand, but this Jovikids car seat is safe as a bunker. It's generously padded with a stable base and 360-degree spin. If you put comfort first, this is the model for you.
£££ — Maxi-Cosi AxissFix Toddler Car Seat ~ 12 kg
This model from Maxi-Cosi is definitely one of the safest rotating car seats you can get. It has been rigorously tested to exceed safety standards and offers fantastic flexibility. It's on the higher-end when it comes to price, though.
Alright, let's dive and see what sets this rotating car seat apart from other models and why so many parents believe it to be the best swivel car seat in the market.
So what we have here is a convertible car seat from Britax, which became popular over the years due to its rotating mechanism.
What sets this one apart from other swivel car seats in the car seat market is that Römer, apart from being extremely safe with its excellent harness system and enhanced safety features, has an adjustable headrest for your child, as well as an adjustable rebound bar.
And as you know, it has been proven in crash tests that rebound bars can minimize chances for an injury, so this one is super-safe.
Moreover, I found that the BRITAX Römer rotating car seat is effortless to set up.
There is no need to bother figuring out which part goes where, and due to its 90-degree rotation, getting your little one in has never been simpler.
What is more, the seat supports a 360-degree rotation, so it's incredibly flexible in rear-facing and forward-facing modes.
The car seat ensures your child is adequately secured with high-end energy reduction technology and a robust steel frame.
And when it comes to the side-impact technology, it doesn't fail to deliver too, having padded wings that act as a protective cocoon.
Due to its special design with the anti-rebound bar, the seat provides an extended rear-facing use, which is another reason why I find it incredible.
All in all, if you care about flawless engineering in service of your child's safety, this is the model for you.
- 360-degree rotation
- Extended rear-facing use
- Easy to install
- Anti-rebound bar
- Safety features
- Pricey
In a similar vein, the Graco TurnME is yet another 360° rotating car seat with a forward-facing position as well as an extended rear-facing position.
Although similar to the former car seat, this one does a few things differently, which I find extremely good.
Alright, let's talk about safety.
The Graco TurnMe has exceptional safety features like linear side impact protection, which helps support your little one's head in challenging situations you might find yourself in.
Apart from the superior side impact protection, the Graco seat also has a color-coded indicator that shows you if the seat is actually properly secured and installed.
Another extremely good thing to point out is the comfort of this swivel car seat.
Your baby is sure going to be cozy in the car seat with its luxury padding, and not to mention that it has built-in ventilation panels, which will keep your baby comfortable through every season.
And as a bonus, it has an easily adjustable headrest and harness, which eliminates any hassle you might have while changing the size of the car seat as your baby grows.
I cannot stress enough how comfy and easy-to-use this rotating car seat is.
Another great thing about this car seat is its price, it is extremely affordable, and I would argue that you're getting extra for what you paid for.
So if you're looking for a car seat with superb impact protection and overall great comfort, this seat might be for you.
- 360-degree rotation
- Extended rear-facing use
- Easy to install
- Affordable
- Comfortable
- None
Moving on to our next car seat, the Jovikids ISOFIX provides great comfort and safety above all else within a reasonable price range.
This rotating car seat, like many other seats, has a very stable rotating base which in turn makes your life easier when you're adjusting the various positions for your little ones; capable of rear-facing and forward-facing positions, this car seat has it all.
When it comes to safety, the JoviKids ISOFIX provides superior side impact protection.
The steel frame is equipped with very durable shock-absorbing materials that ensure maximum safety.
It also comes with a five-point harness seat belt that provides added security for your child.
The added comfort of this seat is something I simply have to mention.
It has three layers of headrest protection which provides protection to the baby's head, but it also has a soft pillow on the inner side to help position the baby's head in the best, most comfortable position.
Assembling and disassembling has never been easier with this car seat.
It will take you about 10 seconds to get around doing so, which makes it, of course, less time-consuming, which is always a plus.
Gone are the days when you have to worry if the seat is correctly installed.
And finally, I have to mention how convenient it is; it is suitable for a lot of different car models so if you own several cars, this is the seat for you.
But bottom-line, if you're in the market for a budget-friendly yet extremely secure car seat with enhanced safety features and superb comfort, this might be the best seat for you.
- 360-degree rotation
- Easy to install
- Affordable
- Comfortable
- Exceptional safety features
- None
Yet another rotating car seat with an extremely easy way of assembling it, the Maxi-Cosi rotating car seat is a bit on the costly side but provides excellent safety features and a height-adjustable headrest for when your little one grows.
Having both rear-facing and forward-facing orientation, this car seat seems to have it all.
Let's take an in-depth look to see what sets this one car seat apart from other infant car seats in the market.
Safety-wise, the rotating car seat has i-size (R129) car seat legislation which means it has been approved by the EU safety regulation for child seats, making the AxissFix i size compliant.
This car seat offers an adjustable headrest and harness for when your little one grows up as well as a swivel that's rear-facing or forward-facing.
It also provides very good impact protection, ensuring your little one is well protected.
Another thing that is worthy of mentioning is that it has a height indicator that informs you when it's time to switch depending on your little one's age.
The seat already comes with the Isofix-Mounting device, so you do not have to buy any additional items for this car seat to be functional.
Additionally, I would check what type of car you have in order to see if this seat can actually fit in your back seat because it's not really on the smaller side.
Although a little bit steep when it comes to the price of this car seat, it has been rigorously tested to ensure its impact protection system works perfectly.
With forward-facing and rear-facing features, this car seat is the i-size complaint, and thus safety is 100 percent guaranteed with this product.
- 360-degree rotation
- Exceptional safety features
- Easily adjustable
- Easy to install
- Pricey
Top 4 US Swivel Car Seats
$$$$ — Cybex Sirona S Rotating Convertible Car Seat ~ 30 lbs
This is an incredibly well-designed rotating car seat from Cybex. It's the top choice in the US with a 360-degree rotating angle and advanced safety features. Some parents find it wobbly, though.
$$$$ — Baby Jogger City Turn Convertible Car Seat ~ 28 lbs
Here is a super-adjustable convertible car seat from Baby Jogger. It has a 180-degree rotating angle, twelve recline positions, and a rapid lock latch system. But it's pricey.
$$$ — Evenflo Gold Revolve360 Rotational All-in-One ~ 30 lbs
This model from Evenflo is a real surprise. It has a 360-degree rotation, three modes, and high-quality engineering, so it's one of the best options you can get for the money. It's not as affordable as other Evenflo car seats, though.
$$$ — Nuna REVV Car Seat ~ 32 lbs
Easy installation is a key to every parent’s heart! The Nuna Revv features incredible safety features and a plush fabric that keeps your little one comfy. However, it has a relatively low weight limit compared to the price.
Moving on to the US market here, we have yet another 360-degree rotating car seat.
Among one of the first in the US with this mechanism, the Sirona S makes your life and your child's life easier with an easy way to switch between rear-facing and forward-facing positions.
Taking car seat safety into account, this rotating seat has a lot going for it.
Having magnetic buckle holders makes it a lot easier for you to take your child in and out of the car seat.
A one-time belt installation that secures both forward-facing and rear-facing positions is another plus.
The Sirona S has an easily adjustable headrest with 12 positions to choose from.
It also has a linear side-impact system and a five-point harness, which always ensures extra safety.
Alright, let's talk about what this car seat has that other car seats don't have, and that is the SensorSafe™ system.
This is built-in into the chest clips; basically, it informs you via message over your device if the child accidentally unbuckled itself or if the child has been too long in the car seat as well if the seat is cold or hot.
However, I was having a bit of a struggle setting up the app because it kept crashing.
When assembling the seat, I noticed there's extra wiggle room for the seat when it sat on the base, which might lead some to believe that it isn't as stable as other seats.
Another thing to note that I was having difficulty assembling it, it took me far more than I had expected.
Overall the Sirona S has a lot going for it, but a few things keep it from being an optimal swivel car seat for you and your child, one of the reasons being the price as well.
I would also pay attention to what kind of car you own because this seat might not fit your car.
- 360-degree rotation
- An easily attachable latch system
- Magnetically detachable shoulder straps
- Comfortable seat
- Pricey
- A lot more wiggle than expected on the base
- Sometimes app instability
Next in line is the Baby Jogger 180 degree rear-facing, as well as the forward-facing infant car seat.
This one has a bit of a different rotating feature; it can only move 180 degrees as opposed to the other rotating car seats that have a 360-degree rotation.
Okay, so this car seat handles safety almost like every other car seat on the market, but a few things might be different but still good.
The impact protection system here is very efficient.
Having the integrated RAPIDLOCK latch system, this car seat ensures a safe and quick installation, so there is no need to spend needless hours assembling this seat because it is extremely easy.
As I've said before, this swivel car seat is a bit unique because it has a 180-degree rotation which allows you to bring your child 10 inches closer to you with ease.
Additionally, it also has very audible clicks for when you're turning this seat back into place for travel.
It has five recline positions (2 forward-facing and three rear-facing) which allow you to find an adequate position for your child.
This swivel car seat has been tested by car seat experts, and it meets the TRUE Test Plus safety standards, so you can rest assured that this car seat has superb linear side impact protection.
I have to mention the extremely good comfort this swivel car seat provides. It is very well padded, ensuring its comfortability for your child.
Overall this is one of the best swivel car seats on the market, the unique 180-degree rotation does set it apart from other rotating car seats, but it does not limit it in any way.
I quite like this car seat, and the only gripe I have with it is that it's a little on the expensive side.
- Unique 180-degree rotation
- Impeccable safety
- Comfortable
- Easy to install
- Pricey
And next, we have the Evenflo Gold Revolve 360, and just as it says in the title, this swivel car seat has 360-degree rotation.
It offers three modes, rear-facing (4 – 40 lb), forward-facing (22 – 65 lb), and booster (40 – 120 lb).
I must say the safety on this car seat is extremely good, having the Sure360 Safety Installation System that features the LockStrong bar that pulls down to lock the base of the car seat in place.
This Evenflo car seat has many conveniences, from superior quality fabrics to premium finishes.
It's a very good contender to be one of the best swivel car seats on the market.
While it has rear-facing, it sadly doesn't have extended rear-facing, which would be a welcomed feature.
While being very convenient, one thing that I had problems with was it was a bit difficult setting up other swivel car seats but other than that; everything else was excellent.
Overall this is a well-built car seat, definitely one of the most secure swivel car seats out there that brings a lot of comfort and maneuverability with it.
This is definitely a game-changer in car seats.
With all of these added safety features, the rotations are extremely smooth and rotate almost seamlessly, so I highly recommend this seat.
- 360-degree rotation
- Additional Booster mode
- Superb safety features all around
- Maximum comfort
- Affordable
- Easy to load and unload child
- None
Nuna has joined the squad of rotating swivel car seats as one of the best in the US market!
This car seat has an average price range but exquisite quality making it the number one choice of many parents!
A bundle of safety features is one of the best selling points of every Nuna car seat.
This one boasts AeroFlex foam that covers the side impact protection and absorbs any of the crash forces.
Since this is the swivel design many parents know and love, the Nuna also offers a no-rethread 5-point harness. It makes the process of buckling and unbuckling the baby so much easier!
Plus, as your little one grows, the harness is easily adjusted.
The seat also offers up to ten recline positions, five in the rear-facing and five in the forward-facing mode.
Due to its slim dimensions, the Nuna Revv is suitable for a smaller vehicle.
You will also be able to install one more car seat in the back, as the Nuna offers removable cupholders for a space-saving design.
Additionally, your little one will enjoy the extra comfort thanks to the plush fabric.
Finally, the installation process is nothing you should stress about! If you are familiar with the Nuna TrueTension system, you will be relieved at how easy it is to install the car seat.
However, a common issue with this Nuna Revv rotating car seat is the low weight limit.
Although you can use the Revv from infancy, the total weight limit is 40 pounds, thanks to the infant insert.
This means your kid can use the Revv from birth to around four years old. Other competitors offer a more prominent weight limit for a similar price.
- Easily installed
- No-rethread harness
- Ten recline positions
- Removable cup holders
- Low weight limit
Buyer's Guide
With so many different seats available everywhere, finding the right one can be challenging.
If you're not so sure what are qualities that rotating car seats should have, I'm here to help.
In the following text, you can read about the features that you should focus on when choosing the best rotating car seat for your little one.
1. Safety
It doesn't matter which type of car seats you're considering; safety is always the priority.
That being said, focus on models that meet or exceed federal safety requirements and crash tests.
Energy-absorbing shell, thick side impact protection, and the removable newborn inlay can serve as reliable indicators of high-quality and superior safety features.
2. Adjustability
Next, as your child grows, you want to have the ability to adjust the seat so that it offers the same level of safety over time.
Therefore, you want the seat to have multiple recline positions, an adjustable harness and headrest, and eventually layers of inserts and cushions.
The best option is to find a seat that offers extended rear-facing use and eventually has an anti-rebound bar.
Rear-facing mode is the safest for your child, and anti-rebound bars limit movement in crashes and offer additional protection.
3. Rotation
Since we're talking about swivel car seats here, the angle of rotation is definitely another factor you should focus on.
Why do you need the swivel car seat?
If you want to get your child in and out of the car seat as easily as possible, then 90-degree rotation is good enough.
You can rotate the seat toward the car door, get your child in, and turn the seat back.
For more flexibility and quick conversion from rear-facing to forward-facing mode, you need a 360-degree rotation or at least a 180-degree rotation.
The problem is that because of the spin, some seats of this kind have wobbly bases, so you need to be extra careful with the base and make sure it is well built and sturdy.
Here is an interesting review of the Evenflo Revolve 360 with important factors pointed out, and the use explained, so you might find it helpful.
Best for | Product Name | Price |
|---|---|---|
Super-Safe Convertible Rotating Car Seat | Britax Römer Rotating Car Seat | |
Full-Spin Affordable Rotating Car Seat | Graco Turn2Me 360° Rotating IsoFix Car | |
Generous Padding | Jovikids ISOFIX Car Seat 360° | |
High-End Design | Maxi-Cosi AxissFix | |
Top Pick in the US | Cybex Sirona S Rotating Convertible Car Seat | |
Super-Adjustable Convertible Rotating Seat | Baby Jogger City Turn Convertible Car Seat | |
The Best Rotating Seat With Three Modes | Evenflo Gold Revolve360 Rotational All-in-1 Convertible | |
Best User-friendly Car Seat | Nuna REVV Car Seat |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a swivel car seat?
A swivel car seat is just a regular child restraint system that has a special mechanism that allows the rotation of the seat in the base.
The angle of rotations is either 90 degrees, 180 degrees, or even a full circle. You can choose the angle of rotation based on your need.
If you want to get your child in and out of the seat easily, a 90-degree rotation is good enough.
However, the problem with these seats is that their flexible design makes them a bit wobbly. So, that's something to have in mind.
Are the swivel car seats safe?
Yes, these seats have to meet or exceed the same safety regulations as the regular car seats for children do.
In fact, they have to pass rigorous testing to prove they indeed are safe for use and secure in the case of an accident.
If you are worried about the seats available only in Europe, you can check out the European safety standards and regulations and get familiar with their safety policies here.
Is it worth getting a 360-degree rotating car seat?
It depends. Personally, I don't prefer these models.
I don't think it's that hard to get your child in and out of the standard car seat.
This is great functionality, but I've seen parents complaining about the base being wobbly and not secure enough.
If we stop and think about it, the whole point of a car seat is safety, and I don't want to compromise it for flexibility.
What age do 360-degree rotating car seats go up to?
Well, I've reviewed the model from Evenflo that supports three modes, including Booster. So if we take this as an example, then it can serve you until your child is 120 pounds.
But, since the seat rotates in the base, I'd say the more realistic estimate would be 3-4 years.
How much does a rotating car seat cost?
As with any other model, the prices of rotating car seats vary from one model to another.
Yet, I have to say that the average price is higher than the price of standard car seats.
Most of these models cost between $300-$500 on average, so don't expect to find a high grade seat for $100-$200.
In the UK, the situation is similar. Most seats cost around £300 or so.
Is the 360 rotating car seat base purchased separately?
Whether you will need a separate 360 rotating car seat base will mainly depend on the type of car seat you choose.
For example, the Britax RÖMER car seat has an integrated, non-detachable car seat base. This means you will not need to buy one separately.
Does Maxi Cosi make a rotating car seat?
Yes, Maxi-Cosi does make a rotating car seat! We did an in-depth review of it here. Maxi-Cosi announced their first modular car seat with the Maxi-Cosi Coral 360 model.
It’s designed for the ultra-lightweight carrying off the little one while the parent enjoys the function of a 360-degree swivel.
The car seat is compatible with the FamilyFix 360 base, and it features a detachable carrier.
This is a revolutionary design for parents who want their baby to enjoy comfort while enjoying the convenience of easy installation and maneuverability.
When can you legally turn car seat around?
When you think it’s time to turn your car seat forward-facing, you will need to check off a few considerations.
The child needs to reach the top weight and height limitations of a rear-faced seat before they are ready for forward-facing installation.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends a rear-facing position as the safest one until the age of two.
Extended rear-facing has multiple safety benefits, and it prevents safety hazards of premature forward-facing installations.
However, some children meet the weight and height regulations earlier than the standard. If this is the case, you can turn the car seat forward-facing while using the five-point harness.
Are rotating car seats allowed in Australia?
Unfortunately, no. Rotating car seats are not allowed in Australia.
The swivel car seats do not meet Australian standards due to the mandatory top tether. Australian regulations differ much in-car safety.
For instance, the rear-facing position is recommended until the age of four. After that, the child must be forward-faced.
With that in mind, you will need to purchase a car seat with extended rear-facing riding if you live or are visiting Australia.
Conclusion
That was all about the best rotating car seat.
I hope you found the information you were looking for in my article, and I helped you pick a model that's suited for your needs.
As a mom who is not a real fan of these car seats, I tried to stay unbiased and point out all the positive and negative features I found.
My favorite from the list of the best swivel car seat above is definitely Cybex Sirona S Rotating Convertible Car Seat.
I think it has the best quality-per-price ratio and incredible design.
It's sturdy, safe, and fashionable. And given my previous experiences with Cybex, I'm confident it wouldn't disappoint me.
- Convertible Car Seat: The first car seat in the U.S to feature an innovative 360° rotatable seat, the Sirona S makes it quick and easy to switch between rear-facing and forward-facing positions and...
- EasyLock Bar: Reduces the force needed up to 4x for simple and secure car seat installation. Dual-level indicators ensure that your car seat is at the correct recline angle while our load leg can...
- SensorSafe: Built into the chest clip, SensorSafe provides app alerts if a child unbuckles themselves; if the back seat has become too warm or too cold, if a child has been seated for too long, or if...
- Superior Protection: Linear side-impact protection (L.S.P.) absorbs up to 25% more impact in a collision compared to the same car seat without L.S.P. extended while the anti-rebound design reduces car...
- Adjustable Headrest: Make sure your car seat is always a perfect fit with 12 different headrest positions. The Sirona S harness adjusts without re-threading, making it easier to adjust the height of...
