For the first time ever, we surveyed our No Reception Clubhouse members to weigh in on their favorite Family Travel Gear: car seats, strollers, travel cribs, and more. The Clubhouse community is a unique group of parents who prioritize traveling with their little ones and who rely on No Reception Club travel bags as their trusted travel companion on their adventures. These are parents who are passionate about thoughtfully designed products that will make any kind of family adventure easier. And before anyone asks: No, we do not earn a commission payment if you click on the links below to purchase.
We'll be releasing new categories throughout the summer, starting with the most popular car seats. If you would like to vote on future categories, we'd love to hear from you in our survey: https://form.typeform.com/to/NG0ZNVOl.
BEST TODDLER CAR SEATS FOR TRAVEL
Note: While these car seats were the favorites in our No Reception Clubhouse community, we always recommend that every parent do their own independent research to ensure they meet the safety requirements and guidelines for the specific countries that they're traveling in.
BEST OVERALL: GRACO CONTENDER SLIM ($160 USD)
| WHAT PEOPLE LOVED | CONSIDERATIONS |
| Lightweight | Heavier than other options |
| Can be forward or rear facing | |
| Easy to install | |
| Comfortable due to closed belt path | |
| Cupholder | |
| Higher weight limits |
Notable quotes from our Clubhouse members who own the Graco Contender Slim:
“Graco Contender: It’s very easy to install in a wide number of vehicles because it doesn’t have a lot of settings to play around with. On the airplane, the closed belt path means that the toddler won’t feel the airplane buckle against their back. Just ask for a seatbelt extender to make it easier to uninstall at the end of the flight.”
“Graco Contender: We’ve tried the Cosco Scenera (too flimsy and uncomfortable) and the Wayb Pico (awesome weight/size, but uncomfortable, low limits, hard to nap in, and doesn’t feel as safe). Graco contender has a built in cupholder, is still fairly light, has higher limits and has a closed belt path, which is great for forward facing on the airplane!”
MOST RECOMMENDED: COSCO SCENERA NEXT ($50 USD)
| WHAT PEOPLE LOVED | CONSIDERATIONS |
| Compact | Quality reflects the price |
| Affordable | Flimsy and uncomfortable |
| Lightweight | Annoying to install |
| Lower weigh limit |
Notable quotes from our Clubhouse members who own the Cosco Scenera:
“Cosco Scenera for the light weight alone, which is the only thing that matters when lugging it through airports. (Be forewarned, it otherwise feels about as cheap as it is).”
"Cosco Scenera because it is super light, and compatible on airplane seats. Easy to install as well."
“We use the Cosco Scenera Next because it’s so light and cheap, but it also is light and cheap so it doesn’t feel the sturdiest/safest, but feels better for a toddler than an infant. Annoying to install though!”
“Cosco Scenera Next since it's light and easy to carry. My toddler is still a little small for it (has narrow shoulders) and it's not as smooth to pull the straps compared to our other car seats, but it works. I'm eagerly waiting for my toddler to get a little bigger to fit a Ridesafer vest or WAYB Pico.”
MOST COMPACT: WAYB PICO ($380 USD)
| WHAT PEOPLE LOVED | CONSIDERATIONS |
| Super compact | Expensive |
| Lightweight | Uncomfortable |
| Easy to install | Hard to nap in |
| Doesn't feel as safe |
"Wayb Pico. Fits underneath the Bugaboo Butterfly stroller, or on top of a carry-on roller. Easy to clip in. Our kids don't tend to have great naps in it though."
HONORABLE MENTIONS / UNDER THE RADAR
While these products did not receive the most votes, we wanted to highlight some options that stood out:
Britax Convertible Car Seat
Some notable Clubhouse quotes:
"Fits with the carrying cart. Safe and not as expensive as our regular ones for home."
"Machine Washable Covers and it clicks when tightening seatbelts for peace of mind."
Evenflo Sonus
Notable Clubhouse quote:
“I have the Evenflo Sonus and prefer it over the Cosco scenera since it fits larger toddlers. Love it because it’s light and cost effective!”
Clubhouse quote:
"Nachfolger is the best ERF travel car seat"
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Disagree with the recommendations above? Share your thoughts to help other parents make a better decision by voting here: https://form.typeform.com/to/NG0ZNVOl