If you're looking for a mid-priced easy-to-use convertible car seat, the Safety 1st Alpha Sport 3-Phase Convertible Car Seat 22452 may just fit the bill. With energy-absorbing EPS foam and a slew of convenience features, it stacks up against the benefits of pricier competitors without emptying your wallet.

The Safety 1st Alpha Sport 3-Phase can be used as a rear-facing car seat for infants weighing five to 35 pounds. The ability to safely transport a child in this rear-facing car seat up to 35 pounds is a definite benefit. Most seats do not a weight limit this high, and if they do, they cost twice as much as the Safety 1st Alpha Sport 3-Phase Convertible Car Seat. It also can be used as a forward-facing car seat for children weighing 22 to 40 pounds. As the 3-Phase name suggests, it also can be used as a belt-positioning booster for children weighing 40 to 80 pounds.

The Safety 1st Alpha Sport 3-Phase Convertible Car Seat has a five-point harness with up-front harness adjustment and a four-position adjustable headrest with an infant body/head support insert (removable). We like the convenience of belt-positioning guides installed on both sides of the car seat. The Safety 1st Alpha Sport is LATCH-equipped and has a detachable cup holder. The tan-colored fabric seat is cushioned and features coordinating blue piping for a designer touch.

The instructions are easy to understand, and converting the car seat to one of its three modes is a simple task. Unfortunately, the instruction manual doesn't have any illustrations, so there is a learning curve during the first conversion attempt.


Pros: EPS foam, lower price than competitors, can use from five to 80 pounds
Cons: Instructions not illustrated