The Best Foldable Travel Car Seat for a 1-Year-Old: A 2025 Guide

The Best Foldable Travel Car Seat for a 1-Year-Old: A 2025 Guide

Packing for a trip with a 1-year-old is hard. Lugging their bulky, 25-pound home car seat through the airport is harder. You've searched for a "foldable travel car seat" to solve this problem, but the answer isn't as simple as you'd hope.

Here's the reality: The desire for a "foldable" seat conflicts with the #1 safety rule for a 1-year-old: they must ride rear-facing. Most truly "foldable" seats are forward-facing only, making them unsafe for your toddler.

This guide will clear up the confusion. We'll explain why most foldable seats aren't for 1-year-olds, what the FAA and AAP say, and then reveal the best lightweight, compact, and truly travel-friendly car seats that are safe for your toddler.

Related reading: Best Car Seats for Air Travel • Lightest Car Seats for Airplane Travel • How to Carry a Car Seat Safely

The "Foldable" Car Seat vs. The 1-Year-Old: A Safety Mismatch

Understanding the Safety Rules: AAP & NHTSA

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) mandate that children ride rear-facing until they max out their car seat's height/weight limits. This typically extends well past age 2—often to 40-50 lbs or more, depending on the seat.

For a 1-year-old, rear-facing is non-negotiable. Their developing neck, spine, and proportionally large head require the protection that only rear-facing provides. In a frontal crash (the most common severe crash type), a rear-facing seat cradles the child's entire body, distributing crash forces across the back of the seat rather than through the vulnerable neck and spine.

• AAP Guidelines: Car Safety Seats: Information for Families
• NHTSA Guidelines: Car Seats and Booster Seats

The Problem with Most "Folding" Seats

Popular "folding" seats like the WAYB Pico or Mifold Hifold are fantastic products—for older children. Here's the critical issue:

These seats are forward-facing only. They're designed for children who are:

• Typically 2+ or 3+ years old
• Over 22-30 lbs minimum
• Already forward-facing in their primary car seat

For a 1-year-old, these seats are not safe or appropriate. Using a forward-facing seat for a 1-year-old violates AAP and NHTSA safety guidelines and puts your child at significantly increased risk of head, neck, and spinal injury in a crash.

The good news? You don't need a "foldable" seat. You need a lightweight, compact, FAA-approved convertible seat that supports rear-facing. These exist, and they're the real solution for traveling with a 1-year-old.

The Real Solution: What to Look for in a Travel Car Seat for a 1-Year-Old

This section pivots from "foldable" to "travel-friendly." Here's what actually matters:

Lightweight (The Key Feature)

Look for seats under 10-12 pounds. Your home car seat likely weighs 20-30 lbs. A lightweight travel seat cuts that weight in half or more, making airport navigation and carrying significantly easier. The lightest options (like the Maxi-Cosi Romi at 7.8 lbs) are game-changers for travel.

FAA-Approved (Crucial for Flights)

Must have the sticker: "This restraint is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft." This red certification sticker is required for airplane use. Without it, airlines may not allow the seat on board, and you'll be stuck checking it—which risks damage.

Rear-Facing Capable (Non-Negotiable)

For a 1-year-old, this is the most critical feature. The seat must support rear-facing installation up to at least 40 lbs (preferably 50 lbs for extended use). This ensures your child can remain in the safest position throughout their toddler years.

Compact & Narrow (To Fit on Airplane Seats)

Airplane seats can be as narrow as 16 inches. Look for seats that are 17 inches wide or less. Wider seats may not fit properly in airplane seats, creating installation challenges and potential safety issues.

Easy to Install with a Seatbelt (Essential for Rideshares/Taxis)

LATCH anchors aren't available in rideshares, taxis, or rental cars. Your travel seat must install securely using just the vehicle's seatbelt. Practice this installation at home before your trip—it's different from using LATCH and requires technique.

Best Travel Car Seats for a 1-Year-Old in 2025

Here are the best lightweight, FAA-approved, rear-facing car seats that are actually safe for 1-year-olds:

Best Lightweight Pick: Cosco Scenera Next

The Cosco Scenera Next is the budget-friendly champion of travel car seats. At under 10 lbs, it's one of the lightest options available while still providing proper rear-facing protection for 1-year-olds.

Why we like it: This seat proves that safety and portability don't have to break the bank. It's FAA approved, supports rear-facing up to 40 lbs, and fits in most airplane seats at 17 inches wide.

Safety & Use: The Scenera Next meets all federal safety standards and includes side-impact protection. Installation is straightforward with either LATCH or seatbelt, though the seatbelt path is what you'll use most while traveling.

Travel Features: The lightweight design makes it easy to carry through airports, and the compact footprint fits in overhead bins (when not in use) or checked luggage. The machine-washable cover is a bonus for travel messes.

Typical Price: $60–$80

Pros:

• Extremely lightweight (under 10 lbs)
• Budget-friendly price point
• FAA approved with clear certification
• Rear-facing up to 40 lbs
• Narrow width fits airplane seats

Cons:

• Basic padding and comfort features
• Lower shell height means earlier outgrowing
• No premium materials or extras

Link: View Cosco Scenera Next on Amazon

Best for Comfort: Maxi-Cosi Romi

The Maxi-Cosi Romi is the premium lightweight option, offering superior comfort and materials while maintaining exceptional portability at just 7.8 lbs.

Why we like it: At 7.8 lbs, this is the lightest full car seat available. It doesn't sacrifice comfort or safety for weight—it's a premium product that happens to be incredibly portable.

Safety & Use: The Romi supports rear-facing up to 40 lbs and forward-facing up to 65 lbs, providing excellent longevity. Installation is straightforward with LATCH or seatbelt, and the premium materials provide superior comfort for long flights or car rides.

Travel Features: The ultra-lightweight design makes this the easiest seat to carry through airports. Premium fabrics are more durable and easier to clean than budget options, which matters when traveling.

Typical Price: $200–$250

Pros:

• Lightest full car seat (7.8 lbs)
• Premium fabrics and padding
• FAA approved for air travel
• Rear-facing up to 40 lbs
• Compact design fits narrow airplane seats

Cons:

• Higher price point
• Limited availability in some regions

Link: View Maxi-Cosi Romi on Amazon

Great Lightweight Alternative: Evenflo Tribute 5

The Evenflo Tribute 5 (also sold as Sonus 65 in some markets) offers a solid middle ground between budget and premium options, with reliable safety features and travel-friendly portability.

Why we like it: This seat provides excellent value, combining lightweight design with essential safety features at a reasonable price point. It's a workhorse travel seat that many families rely on.

Safety & Use: The Tribute 5 supports rear-facing up to 40 lbs and forward-facing up to 65 lbs. Installation is simple with seatbelt or LATCH, and the no-rethread harness makes adjustments easy as your child grows.

Travel Features: At under 9 lbs, this seat is easy to carry. The machine-washable cover is essential for travel, and the compact design fits well in airplane seats and overhead storage.

Typical Price: $60–$90

Pros:

• Under 9 lbs - very portable
• FAA approved certification
• Rear-facing capability for 1-year-olds
• Easy seatbelt installation (no base needed)
• Machine-washable cover

Cons:

• Basic construction materials
• Minimal padding compared to premium seats

Link: View Evenflo Tribute 5 on Amazon

The "True" Foldable (Premium) Option: TinySeats Two

The TinySeats Two is the rare exception: a truly foldable car seat that actually supports rear-facing. This premium option solves the "foldable" desire while maintaining safety for 1-year-olds.

Why we like it: This is the only foldable seat we recommend for 1-year-olds because it's the only one that supports rear-facing. The innovative folding mechanism allows it to collapse to a compact size while maintaining full safety features.

Safety & Use: The TinySeats Two supports rear-facing up to 40 lbs and forward-facing up to 65 lbs. The folding mechanism is engineered to maintain structural integrity when unfolded, meeting all federal safety standards.

Travel Features: The folding design means this seat can be stored in a carry-on bag or checked luggage more easily than traditional seats. When unfolded, it provides full protection with premium materials and construction.

Typical Price: $500–$600

Pros:

• Actually folds compactly for storage
• Rear-facing capable (unique for foldable seats)
• FAA approved for airplane use
• Premium materials and construction
• Innovative folding mechanism

Cons:

• Premium price point ($500+)
• Heavier when unfolded than traditional lightweight seats
• Limited availability and longer shipping times

Link: View TinySeats Two

The Stroller/Car Seat Hybrid: Doona Car Seat & Stroller

The Doona is a unique all-in-one solution that combines an infant car seat with built-in stroller wheels. While designed for infants, it can work for smaller 1-year-olds who haven't yet reached the 35 lb weight limit.

Why we like it: The integrated stroller wheels eliminate the need for a separate stroller, making airport navigation incredibly convenient. You simply roll the seat through the airport like luggage.

Safety & Use: The Doona supports rear-facing up to 35 lbs, which means some 1-year-olds may be nearing the limit. It's FAA approved and provides excellent protection with premium materials.

Travel Features: The built-in wheels are the standout feature—no separate stroller needed. This makes it the most convenient option for airport travel, though it's heavier than dedicated travel seats at 17 lbs.

Typical Price: $500–$550

Pros:

• Integrated stroller wheels - no separate stroller needed
• Rear-facing up to 35 lbs
• FAA approved for air travel
• Ultra-convenient for airport navigation
• Premium design and materials

Cons:

• Heavier than dedicated travel seats (17 lbs)
• 1-year-olds may be nearing the 35 lb weight limit
• Premium price point

Link: View Doona Car Seat & Stroller on Amazon

How to Travel with a Car Seat: Tips for the Airport & Plane

1. Check for the FAA Sticker: Do This Before You Leave Home

Before packing, verify your car seat has the red FAA certification sticker that states: "This restraint is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft." Without this sticker, airlines may not allow the seat on the plane, and you'll be forced to check it—which risks damage.

2. Don't Check It at the Gate: Use It on the Plane

While you can gate-check a car seat, the safest option is to use it on the plane. Baggage handlers are rough, and checked car seats can be damaged in ways that aren't visible but compromise safety. Using the seat on the plane is also safer for your child—the FAA strongly recommends it for children under 2.

3. Use a Car Seat Travel Cart or Bag

Strap the seat to your rolling luggage using a car seat travel cart, or use a dedicated backpack-style car seat bag. This makes carrying through the airport much easier. Some bags even have wheels built in.

4. Install It Rear-Facing on the Plane

Place the car seat in the window seat so it doesn't block the aisle. Install it rear-facing using the airplane seatbelt. Practice this installation at home first—it's different from using LATCH and requires proper technique to achieve a tight fit.

5. Practice the Seatbelt Install

Before your trip, practice installing your travel seat using just a seatbelt (no LATCH base). This is what you'll use in rideshares, taxis, rental cars, and on airplanes. A proper seatbelt install should allow less than 1 inch of movement at the belt path when you pull side-to-side or front-to-back.

Travel Car Seat FAQ

Do I need to buy a seat for my 1-year-old on the plane?

Legally, no—children under 2 can fly as lap infants. However, the FAA strongly recommends purchasing a seat and using an FAA-approved car seat as the safest option. In a crash or turbulence, a lap-held child becomes a projectile. The safest choice is always a purchased seat with a properly installed car seat.

Is the WAYB Pico okay for a 1-year-old?

No. The WAYB Pico is forward-facing only and designed for children 22-50 lbs (typically 2+ years). The American Academy of Pediatrics and NHTSA require 1-year-olds to ride rear-facing until they max out their seat's height/weight limits, which is usually well past age 2. Using a forward-facing seat for a 1-year-old violates safety guidelines and increases injury risk.

What is the lightest car seat for travel?

The Maxi-Cosi Romi at 7.8 lbs is the lightest full car seat option. The Cosco Scenera Next at approximately 8-10 lbs is the best budget-friendly lightweight choice. Both are FAA approved and support rear-facing for 1-year-olds.

Can I use a forward-facing car seat for my 1-year-old when traveling?

No. Safety guidelines from the AAP and NHTSA are clear: children must remain rear-facing until they reach the maximum height or weight limit of their convertible seat, regardless of age. This typically extends well past a child's second birthday. Travel convenience never overrides safety requirements.

How do I know if a car seat is FAA approved?

Look for a red sticker on the car seat that states: "This restraint is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft." This certification is required for use on airplanes. Always check for this sticker before traveling. Without it, airlines may not allow the seat on board.

What's the difference between a foldable car seat and a lightweight travel car seat?

Most "foldable" car seats (like WAYB Pico, Mifold Hifold) are forward-facing only and designed for older children. Lightweight travel car seats are traditional convertible seats that are simply lighter and more compact, allowing them to be rear-facing for 1-year-olds while still being portable. The key difference is rear-facing capability.

Conclusion: Portability vs. Safety Doesn't Have to Be a Battle

While a truly "foldable" car seat for a 1-year-old is rare (with the TinySeats Two being the notable exception), the best solution is a lightweight, FAA-approved convertible seat that keeps them rear-facing. These seats prove that you don't have to choose between portability and safety—you can have both.

The Cosco Scenera Next offers unbeatable value for budget-conscious families, while the Maxi-Cosi Romi provides premium comfort at the lightest weight. The Evenflo Tribute 5 strikes an excellent middle ground, and the TinySeats Two delivers true foldability for those willing to invest in premium convenience.

Ditch the 25-pound beast from your car. Your next trip can be easier—and safer—with a seat that's actually meant for travel.

Remember: Safety first, always. A 1-year-old must ride rear-facing, regardless of travel convenience. The seats in this guide prove that you don't have to compromise safety for portability—the right travel seat gives you both.

References (Authoritative)

• FAA Guidelines: Flying with Children
• NHTSA Guidelines: Car Seats and Booster Seats by Age
• AAP Guidelines: Car Safety Seats: Information for Families