Best Toddler Car Seat:
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that babies remain in a rear-facing seat until they are two years old. But once your little one has reached the height and weight limits of an infant car seat, it will be time to switch to a front-facing toddler seat. The following car seats made our list based on safety and comfort features, ability to convert to a booster (which eliminates the need for additional car seat purchases in the future), and parent reviews.
Graco Nautilus 3-in-1 Car Seat
The Graco Nautilus is literally three car seats in one: a harnessed booster, belt-positioning booster, and backless booster, which means it will be the last car seat you will need to buy for your child. The added features (like padded arm rests and storage pockets) make the Nautilus a convenient and comfortable choice for your toddler. Read Full Review »
Britax Frontier 85 SICT Combination Harness-2-Booster Car Seat
With extensive safety features, including side impact cushion technology and a padded head restraint, the Britax Frontier 85 SICT is one of the safest car seats on the market. It also allows children to remain harnessed up to 85 lbs., keeping them safer for longer. Read Full Review »
Recaro ProSPORT Combination Booster Car Seat
With an extra-comfy ergonomic foam that molds to the body, the RECARO is rigorously tested for safety and designed to protect the five most vulnerable areas of little passengers. It also offers the highest weight capacity in harness mode (and highest weight limit in booster mode) in the industry. Read Full Review »
Safety 1st Summit Booster Car Seat
The Safety 1st Summit is a great choice for parents who are looking for a safe but affordable toddler car seat. With pivoting armrests and a seat that reclines, the Summit has some nice added features that do not cost extra. Read Full Review »
Evenflo Securekid 300 Loy Car Seat Booster
Parents who place easy installation at the top of their list will love the Evenflo SecureKid LX Combination Booster, which is designed using Quick Connectors technology. With an adjustable headrest and multiple shoulder-strap positions, the SecureKid is a convenient car seat that will grow with your child. Read Full Review »
Best Infant Car Seat:
An infant car seat is one of the most important purchases a new parent will make. Designed for convenience and portability, infant car seats typically accommodate newborns until they reach 30-35 lbs., and also double as a carrier. These infant car seats made our best list based on safety features, ease of use, and parent reviews.
Chicco KeyFit 30 Infant Car Seat
The Chicco KeyFit 30 Infant Car Seat is the number one rated infant car seat in America, and is also one of the easiest to install. The KeyFit accommodates babies up to 30 lbs. and comes with a newborn insert for infants who weigh 4-11 lbs. Read Full Review »
Graco Baby Snugride 35 Infant Carseat Lowery
With a 5-point harness and energy-absorbing foam, the SnugRide 35 will safely accommodate babies from 4-35 lbs. The rotating canopy and variety of fabric choices are just some of the features that make this infant car seat a favorite among parents. Read Full Review »
Safety 1st Safety 1st onBoard 35 Air Infant Car Seat
The Safety 1st onBoard 35 Air Infant Car Seat offers extra leg room for growing babies, and also features an Air Protect air-cushion system for added protection and support. In addition to being highly rated by parents, this car seat is also the most affordable on our list. Read Full Review »
Britax B-Safe Infant Car Seat
With an ergonomically-designed handle and a convenient push-button release, the Britax B-Safe Infant Car Seat is easy to install and comfortable to carry. The energy-absorbing foam liner and side-impact protection ensure a safe ride for babies who weigh 4-30 lbs. Read Full Review »
Maxi Cosi Prezi Infant Car Seat
The sleekly-designed Maxi-Cozi Prezi is one of the most modern-looking infant car seats on the market, and the ultra-plush, two-toned fabric makes it one of the comfiest as well. The Maxi-Cosi Prezi also offers some unique safety features that are designed to protect baby in the case of a side-impact collision. Read Full Review »
Best Convertible Car Seat:
Parents who prefer to take the one and done approach to purchasing baby gear will appreciate the longevity and versatility of a convertible car seat. Designed to be positioned as a rear-facing infant car seat for newborns, convertible car seats can later transition to a front-facing toddler seat, eliminating the need for two separate purchases. The following convertible car seats made our list based on safety and convenience, affordability, and parent reviews.
Graco My Ride 65 Convertible Car Seat
With high safety ratings and a five-point harness that will keep kids up to 65 lbs. safe and secure, the Graco My Ride 65 Convertible Car Seat is a favorite among parents. Cushy padding and dual cup holders make this seat a comfortable and convenient choice for babies and toddlers. Read Full Review »
Britax Roundabout 55 Convertible Car Seat
Parents look to Britax for exceptional safety features, and the Roundabout 55 Convertible Car Seat has them all. Designed for optimum head protection during a collision, this seat accommodates babies and toddlers and allows them to remain safely harnessed up to 55 lbs. Read Full Review »
The First Years True Fit Recline Convertible Car Seat
The True Fit Recline Convertible Car Seat by The First Years gets high marks for ease of use, and with an easy-to-read angle indicator, parents can rest assured knowing the seat is installed correctly. The harness is extra easy to adjust, eliminating the hassle of re-threading as your child grows, and the reclining option keeps kids comfy on even the longest rides. Read Full Review »
Combi Coccoro Lightweight Convertible Car Seat
Parents who are looking for a compact, lightweight car seat will love the Combi Coccoro Convertible Car Seat. One of the lightest on the market, it takes up less room than some of the other seats on this list, but still offers the same safety features. Read Full Review »
Maxi-Cosi Pria 70 Convertible Car Seat
Designed to accommodate babies and kids weighing 9-70 lbs., the Maxi-Cosi Pria 70 Convertible Car Seat has the highest weight limit on our list. With an easily-adjustable harness and impressive safety features, this seat is also one of the more compact on the market. Read Full Review »
Best Car Seat Carrier:
As a parent, you have plenty of choices when deciding how to get around town with baby. But if you’re looking for a lightweight, low-fuss method of travel, you’ll want to invest in a car seat carrier. Smaller than strollers (and more convenient, too), our picks for best car seat carriers are based on performance, car seat compatibility, storage features, and parent reviews.
Safety 1st Clic It! Universal Infant Car Seat Carrier
The Safety 1st Clic It! Universal Infant Car Seat Carrier is compatible with most brands of car seats, and is available in a variety of kid-friendly colors. Conveniently compact, this carrier folds down to fit into tight spaces and is one of the more affordable carriers on our list. Read Full Review »
Joovy Roo Car Seat Stroller
The Joovy Roo Infant Car Seat Frame Stroller gives you everything youre looking for in a car seat carrier, like four cup holders, an oversize storage basket, and a one-hand folding mechanism. But what makes this carrier different from the rest is its innovative side mount, giving you easy access to baby. Read Full Review »
Graco SnugRider Elite Infant Car Seat Carrier
Lightweight, portable, and compact in size, the Snugrider Elite infant car seat carrier is a great choice for parents who already own a Graco infant car seat. Moms say this updated version of the SnugRider is more streamlined than the original, but it still offers all of the conveniences parents need when theyre on the go. Read Full Review »
Chicco Keyfit Caddy Stroller Frame
Designed exclusively for the Chicco KeyFit Infant Car Seat, parents say this click-and-lock caddy is compact, smooth-riding, and secure. With a roomy storage basket, all-wheel suspension, and toe-tap brakes, this lightweight car seat carrier will accommodate babies up to 30 lbs. Read Full Review »
GoGo Babyz Kidz Travelmate
The Go-Go Babyz Travelmate is an award-winning car seat carrier created to make traveling a breeze. Designed for babies and kids up to 50 lbs., this lightweight, compact carrier attaches to most car seats and is easily maneuvered with just one hand. Read Full Review »
