Travel Car Seat Rundown: What Is the Right Travel Car Seat for Me?
Traveling with kids is no joke. It takes serious planning, packing, and then even more packing. One thing that often makes parents feel overwhelmed is figuring out what to do about their child’s car seat. In this blog, we’ll walk you through a travel car seat road map to make things a little easier. We’ll break it down by age and stage, offering options that are more practical for travel. Say goodbye to heavy, bulky seats and hello to gear that actually works on the go!
Infant Car Seat Stage: Age 0 to 1
Doona Infant Car Seat
Most babies use an infant car seat until around their first birthday, although this can vary depending on your child’s size and growth. Infant seats are often the easiest to travel with since many can be installed without a base. Some, like the PIPA Urbn (sold only as part of a travel system), skip the base altogether and use built-in rigid LATCH connectors. Others, like the UPPAbaby Aria and PIPA Aire RX, are incredibly lightweight, making airport navigation a little easier.
One standout in this category is the Doona. While it’s not the lightest option out there, it offers something totally unique—it transforms into a stroller. That combo is a total game changer for travel, so you don’t need to pack both a separate stroller and car seat.
Doona's Specs:
- Suitable for: 4-35 pounds, up to 32" (when one limit is outgrown, the seat is outgrown)
- Dimensions open: 32.3" L x 17.4" W x 39" H
- Dimensions with wheels collapsed: 26" L x 17.4" W x 22.4" H
- Doona weight: 16.5 pounds
- Car seat base weight: 10 pounds
- Warranty: 2 years
- FAA Approved: Yes
Features:
- Wheels unfold underneath car seat for an instant travel system with one simple motion
- Adjustable car seat handle can serve as anti-rebound bar
- Double walls provide higher side-impact protection
- Bamboo charcoal fiber infant insert is anti-bacterial and hypoallergenic and regulates humidity and temperature
- Materials are free of PVC and BPA chemicals
- Can be used with multiple types of Doona bags (sold separately) for storage
- Stroller handlebar can be used in on-the-go mode for walking or pull-along mode when walking or sitting next to it
- LATCH base includes indicators for a safe installation
Why do we love the Doona?
The Doona makes traveling a breeze. You can wheel it through the airport, straight onto the plane, and it installs easily using the seatbelt once you're onboard. When you arrive at your destination, you’ve already got a stroller ready to roll for all your adventures!
Convertible Car Seat Stage: 0-3 (for this seat)
Maxi-Cosi Romi Convertible Car Seat
This next car seat stage can be a lot trickier when it comes to traveling. Convertible car seats are notoriously heavy, bulky, and awkward to carry around. (Hint: traveling with a toddler is a lot more work too, but I digress.)
One standout we really love for this phase is the Maxi-Cosi Romi. At just 7.8 pounds, it’s one of the lightest convertible car seats out there, making it a great pick for travel. It can be used both rear-facing and forward-facing, so it grows with your child while keeping them safe and comfortable wherever you go. When you're on the move, you can attach the top tether to the seat shell and use it as a shoulder strap, making airport strolls and quick transfers way easier.
The Romi also features Maxi-Cosi’s PureCosi fabrics, which are naturally flame resistant without any added chemicals. With built-in side impact protection and plush, cozy padding, your little one stays snug and secure through every step of your journey.
Maxi-Cosi Romi's Specs:
- Product weight: 7.8 pounds
- Usage rear-facing: 5-40 lbs and 19-40 inches
- Usage forward-facing: 22-40 lbs and 29-43 inches
- Warranty: 1 year
- FAA Approved: Yes
Features:
- Incredibly lightweight at only 7.8 pounds
- LATCH connectors double as a convenient carry strap
- Features PureCosi™ fabrics made without wool or added fire retardant treatment that are machine washable and dryer safe
- Reinforced Side Impact Protection
- Comfortable plush fabrics and padding
- Adjustable head pillow provides added support and comfort
- Hook LATCH connectors for easier installation
- Certified for use on an aircraft
- Removable, easy to clean, dishwasher safe cupholder
Why we love the Maxi-Cosi Romi?
We love the Maxi-Cosi Romi because it’s so easy to toss over your shoulder, buckle into an airplane, and use with LATCH in ride shares. Weighing in at under 8 pounds, it’s probably even lighter than some of your diaper bags!
Forward-Facing Car Seat: Ages 2-5
WayB Pico
Now typically you could continue using a convertible car seat until about age 5-6 years old, however, the Romi does have lower limits meaning your child will outgrow it quicker than your convertible car seat at home. So if your kid has outgrown the Romi, what's next?
Next comes the WayB Pico Forward Facing car seat!
The WayB Pico is a game-changer for travel with toddlers. Weighing just 8 pounds, it’s incredibly lightweight and folds down compactly enough to fit in an overhead bin or the trunk of your car. It’s perfect for everything from airplanes to ride shares, giving you the freedom to bring a proper car seat without the bulk.
Made from aerospace-grade aluminum (yes, the same kind used in space shuttles), the Pico is both durable and sleek. It’s forward-facing only and recommended for kids over age 2. You can install it using either the LATCH system or a seatbelt, and it’s FAA-approved for flights. The breathable Astroknit fabric helps keep your child cool and comfy on the go, and it's easy to clean after a long day of adventures.
WayB Pico's Specs:
- Product weight: 8 pounds
- Suitable for: 22-50 pounds and 30-45 inches tall (forward-facing only)
- Age: child must be a minimum of 1 year of age; recommended for ages 2 and above
- Folded dimensions: 11.6" L x 14.5" W x 18.9" H
- Lowest use position: 22.8" H
- Highest use position: 27.8" H
- Warranty: 3 years
- FAA Approved: Yes
Features:
- Weighs just 8 pounds and folds compactly enough to fit in an airplane overhead bin
- Designed for forward-facing use and recommended for children over age 2
- Narrow enough to fit 3-across in most vehicles
- Easy installation with LATCH connectors or the vehicle or airplane seatbelt
- Passes all safety testing according to U.S. standards regulated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
- Made with aerospace-grade aluminum using minimal plastic parts for the strongest, lightest frame
- Astroknit high-performance mesh fabrics are made with a wool-polyester blend that is breathable and easy to clean
- 5-point harness
- Can be worn as a backpack in WAYB travel bag (sold separately)
Why do we love the WayB Pico?
The WayB Pico is a fantastic option for kids who are already forward-facing or have outgrown their Romi. It installs using LATCH or a seatbelt, folds down incredibly compact, and you can even wear it as a backpack. Families who travel often or rely on taxis and ride shares especially love it because it makes bringing a car seat easy without sacrificing safety. It’s lightweight, convenient, and space-saving - perfect for everything from road trips to air travel!
Booster Car Seat: Ages 6+
Cybex Solution G2 Folding Travel Booster
Once your child outgrows the WayB Pico, it’s time to transition to a booster, as long as you feel they are mature enough to sit properly for the entire ride. Boosters are generally easier to travel with, especially if you opt for a backless version. However, for younger kids, a high-back booster provides more support and comfort. Plus That’s where the Cybex Solution G2 Folding Travel Booster comes in.
The Solution G2 offers the structure of a full-back booster while folding down for easy transport. While boosters are not approved for use on airplanes, this one is perfect for stashing in the overhead bin or packing in your luggage for use at your destination.
Cybex Solution G2 Folding Travel Booster's Specs:
- Product weight: 12.8 pounds
- Suitable for: 40-120 pounds, 43.3" to 60"
- Dimensions: 14.9" D x 23.2" W x 31.5" H
- Warranty: 2 years
- FAA Approved: No (no seat belt positioning boosters are)
Features:
- Patented Reclining Headrest: Improves head protection by up to 7x
- Folds in Seconds: Compact fold saves one-third of storage space and fits in car trunks or airline overhead bins
- L.S.P. System Plus: Enhances side impact protection by 20% with an energy-absorbing shell and headrest
- GREENGUARD Gold Certified: Meets strict standards for low chemical emissions for cleaner air
- Height-Adjustable Headrest & Flexible Side Wings: Grows with your child and allows extra space when needed
- One-Hand Recline: Easily adjust the seat with one hand for added comfort
- Rigid LATCH Anchors: Secure the booster to your vehicle and keep it stable during entry and exit
- All-Round Air Ventilation: Mesh fabric and built-in air vents keep your child cool and comfortable
Why do we love the Cybex Solution G2 Folding Travel Booster?
The Cybex Solution G2 Folding Travel Booster is a favorite because it gives younger booster riders the support of a full-back booster in a super travel-friendly design. While you could pack a standard full-back booster, the foldable feature on this one is a total game changer. It’s compact enough to fit in overhead bins or luggage, making it ideal for trips. We also love that it grows with your child for lasting comfort and includes rigid LATCH anchors for added stability. Plus, its reclining headrest and excellent side-impact protection offer peace of mind on the go.
Conclusion
There are certainly other car seats that work well for travel, but we love the simplicity and practicality of this travel-friendly roadmap: Doona → Maxi-Cosi Romi → WayB Pico → Cybex Solution G2 Folding Travel Booster. Each seat fits its stage perfectly, offering a safe, age-appropriate option that also makes travel a whole lot easier. From compact folds to lightweight builds and smart features, this lineup helps take the stress out of traveling with kids.
For more on travel
If you are interesting in reading more about traveling with little ones check out Best Travel Strollers and our Ultimate Travel Guide
Why should you trust Bambi Baby?
At Bambi Baby, our decades-long commitment to quality and customer satisfaction has established us as a trusted authority in the baby products' industry. With over 40 years of experience, we have developed a deep understanding of what parents require when choosing the perfect stroller. Our expert team is dedicated to guiding you through this important decision with personalized recommendations, ensuring that the stroller you pick perfectly matches your lifestyle and needs.
Still have questions?
Bambi Baby experts are ready to connect! If you have any more questions regarding this travel car seat roadmap (Doona → Maxi-Cosi Romi→ WayB Pico → Cybex Solution G2 Folding Travel Booster) you can reach us at cs@bambibaby.com or chat with us on our website. We would love to hear from you!
We would also love to see you in store! Feel free to visit any of our store locations in New York, New Jersey, or Miami if you prefer personalized assistance from one of our experts. We're here to ensure you find the perfect gear for your baby with confidence and ease.