2023 Rotating Carseats Comparison: Find Your Best Match

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Pros and Cons of All Current Revolving Car Seat Models

Kids love to spin—think of the beloved Sit ‘n Spin toy that virtually every family has had at some point. Or the putting your forehead on a baseball bat and spinning around, then trying to run off (oh wait, I think that’s a backyard party game). Parents love to spin their kids too, especially if it means hefting those tiny humans into their carseats will be an easier daily task. Rotating car seats are the hot new trend and it’s easy to see why!

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 of these seats. We can help you narrow down which seats are best for your situation and your preferences.

We have a comparison chart below that lays out all the specs on the different revolving (rotating? swiveling?) carseats. Whatever you prefer to call to this new category of seats, you’re probably wondering if there’s more to it than just numbers? The answer is a resounding, YES! This is a category where there’s more than meets the eye and it definitely pays to do some research before tossing money at seats with price tags that can make your head spin. 😉

2023 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!

Baby Jogger City Turn

Rotation: 180° (Rear-facing only)

MSRP: $549.99

Pros: 4-50 lbs. rear-facing, 49” or less height limit; 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; dishwasher-safe cup holders; 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; the back padding can bunch up if the caregiver isn’t careful when adjusting the headrest position up and down; 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 carseats.

Comments: Baby Jogger is a premium brand and the City Turn is a premium rotating carseat 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” carseats 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 previously, when the City Turn is installed forward-facing it cannot be rotated.

Cybex Sirona S

Rotation: 360° but tethering the seat when it’s forward-facing impedes the seat’s ability to rotate

MSRP: $549.99

Pros: 4-50 lbs. rear-facing, generous height limits; load leg and anti-rebound bar; EasyLock™ seat belt tensioning device; SensorSafe technology with app; Linear Side Impact Protection (L.S.P.); magnetic buckle holders

Cons: Must remove tether to rotate when forward-facing; belt-tensioning feature is not a lockoff so seatbelt installations still require locking the shoulder belt at the retractor; installation is not intuitive and can be tricky

Best For: Meticulous personalities who aren’t intimidated by a seat that has a learning curve and who will always remember to reattach the top tether if it’s detached to allow for forward-facing rotation. Also ideal for parents and caregivers who want technology that can relay alerts about a child left behind in the vehicle or an unbuckled chest clip. Sirona S is for the caregiver who wants all the bells and whistles and isn’t afraid to spend some time learning to install and use an atypical carseat.

Comments: Sirona S is the only convertible carseat in the U.S. market to have a load leg. This energy management feature delivers a safety benefit by transferring crash energy to the vehicle floor. Sirona S must be in the most upright position before it can rotate. There are lots of moving parts in the belt path between the belt-tensioner and the belt path cover, which can make the installation finicky. In some vehicles or seating positions, there may be compatibility issues, particularly with the load leg. Use of the load leg is optional, so it can be folded away if it cannot be used according to the manual.

Evenflo Revolve360 | Revolve360 Extend | Revolve360 Slim

Rotation: 360°

MSRP: $329 – $449

Pros: All models have really tall top harness height which means that kids will fit in the harness longer before outgrowing it by height. Extend & Slim models are rated up to 50 lbs. rear-facing. Revolve360 base model & Revolve360 Extend are All-in-One models so they can be used rear-facing, forward-facing, and as a booster. All models feature an anti-rebound base design, LockStrong™ bar belt-tensioning device and on-the-fly recline. All models are easy to install securely if you are following the directions.

Note: To rotate the Revolve360 into forward-facing mode, the seat must be in its most reclined rear-facing position. Trust us when we say that everyone gets flustered the first time they make the mistake of trying to rotate completely (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 mechanism to its full 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, so not in a traditional place.

Cons: Base model Revolve360 (which is a Walmart exclusive) has lower rear-facing weight and height limits; LockStrong™ bar featured on all models is a robust belt-tensioning device but is not a seatbelt lockoff, so if you are installing with seatbelt you still need to lock the shoulder belt at the retractor

Best For: The Revolve360 is the best all-around rotating carseat at the moment. It rotates easily in either direction and the since the tether is attached to the base, instead of on the back of the seat, it still spins even though the tether is attached. It will fit a wide range of kids for a long time in both harness and booster mode and it’s not as expensive as most of the other rotating seats on this list. Because it fits a wide range of kids and easily rotates 360°, it’s great 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 an infant seat that separates from its base, you cannot purchase extra Revolve bases for other vehicles. All Revolve models must be used with their base, which is why the bottom of the seat is shaped like a Weeble (🎵 Weebles wobble… and in this case, the seat will fall down if you try to use it without its base! 🎵).

Benefits of Evenflo Gold: Revolve seats in the “Evenflo Gold” line offer premium fabrics, a dedicated customer service team, and feature the SensorSafe smart chest clip and app.

Revolve360, Revolve360 Extend & Revolve360 Slim: Specs and Features

Revolve360 (Base Model): Rear-facing 4-40 lbs. (17-40”), forward-facing 22-65 lbs. (28-49”), booster 40-120 lbs. (44-57”); Base R360 model with hook-style LATCH connectors is a Walmart exclusive.

Revolve360 Extend: Rear-facing 4-50 lbs. (17-48”), forward-facing 22-65 lbs. (28-49”), Booster 40-120 lbs. (44-57”)

R360 Extend trim levels:

  • Quick Clean cover features push-on lower LATCH connectors
    • Revere, Rockland & Rowe fashions
    • MSRP $399.99
  • Gold Extend models feature push-on lower LATCH connectors and SensorSafe™ chest clip
    • Moonstone, Sapphire, Onyx & Opal fashions
    • MSRP $429.99
  • Green & Gentle Eco model is part of the Evenflo’s Gold line, featuring push-on lower LATCH connectors, SensorSafe chest clip, plus a cover that’s free of flame-retardant chemicals and is made from recycled plastic bottles
    • Emerald fashion
    • MSRP: $449.99

Revolve360 Slim: Rear-facing 4-50 lbs. (17-48”), forward-facing 22-65 lbs. (28-49”); no booster mode option; ultra-slim at only 16.7” wide

R360 Slim trim levels:

Prefer graphics? Click here for our Revolve360 Comparison Chart!

Graco Turn2Me

Rotation: 180° (Rear-facing only)

MSRP: $449.99

Pros: 4-40 lbs. rear-facing, generous height limits; All-in-One model so it can be used rear-facing, forward-facing, and as a booster; SnugLock® seat 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 slides through the closed SnugLock lockoff. 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 is able to 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 to load/unload child, we observed that the narrow base combined with the design of the rear-facing belt path can cause the seat to tip significantly in some vehicles, 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 a carseat.

The loosening of the rear-facing installation can be mitigated by using the lower LATCH connectors instead of 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.

Maxi-Cosi Emme 360

NOT RECOMMENDED (see comments for details)

Rotation: 360°

MSRP: $449.99

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

Best For: NOT RECOMMENDED

Comments: Until we know more, we are not recommending the Emme 360 at this time due to a “Basic” crash test rating from Consumer Reports, and our observation of issues that could contribute to misuse on its sister seat, the Safety 1st Turn and Go 360. There are better options available.

Nuna Revv

Rotation: 360°

MSRP: $650

Pros: Smooth turning feature; anti-rebound base design; fits newborns very well, GREENGUARD GOLD certified

Cons: Only rated to 40 lbs. (both rear-facing and forward-facing); very low top harness height means it will be outgrown quickly by height when forward-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.

Best For: Caregivers who want to start with the REVV from birth, then move up to the Nuna EXEC; it’s also good for someone who wants great ease-of-use and GREENGUARD GOLD certification, and who doesn’t mind having to buy a new harnessed seat for their child after a few years. If you plan to pass it down to a younger child after a few years, the 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. Newest Revv models have gone on a diet and lost a few pounds. This weight loss has allowed Nuna to increase the LATCH Weight limits on Revv to 35 lbs. rear-facing and 40 lbs. forward-facing (previously the LATCH weight limits were 30 lbs. RF & 35 lbs. FF). Nuna has also recently increased the forward-facing weight minimum on Revv from 25 lbs. to 30 lbs. Neither of these updates are retroactive. Follow the labels on your Revv model.

Orbit Baby Toddler Car Seat G5

Rotation: 180° (Rear-facing only)

MSRP: $480 + $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 (or have a 15 lbs. baby 😳) and it’s the only convertible carseat 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 carseat, 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 carseat.

Safety 1st Turn and Go 360

NOT RECOMMENDED (see comments for details)

Rotation: 360°

MSRP: $299

Pros: 5-40 lbs. rear-facing, 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 carseats; very heavy; low LATCH weight limits

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 misuse, and a “Basic” crash test rating from Consumer Reports on its sister seat, the Maxi-Cosi Emme 360. There are better options available.

UPDATED August 18, 2023

With so many choices in his new carseat 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! 

One Response

  1. Heather August 19, 2023

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