Recommended Carseats
Infant Seats
Infant seats have the base that stays in the vehicle. This type of car seat is for infants from birth to 22 or 30-something lbs. and is highly portable. You can purchase an extra base for around $50+ depending on the manufacturer.
Chicco KeyFit 22
Features:4-22 lbs.; 5-point harness with front adjuster; infant-sized chest clip; adjustable base that stays in the car; “center-pull” LATCH adjustment; built-in seat belt lockoffs; storage compartment in base for manual and small toys; EPS foam; newborn insert (4-11 lbs. use only); harness pads; well-padded cover; canopy that rotates 180°; handle can remain upright in vehicle
Drawbacks: Only available with Chicco Cortina stroller as part of a “travel system”
Our comments: Well, it only goes to 22 lbs but other than that – it’s a great seat. Fits preemies and small babies really well too!
Chicco KeyFit 30
Features:4-30 lbs.; 5-point harness with front adjuster; infant-sized chest clip; adjustable base that stays in the car; “center-pull” LATCH adjustment; built-in seat belt lockoffs; storage compartment in base for manual and small toys; EPS foam; newborn insert (4-11 lbs. use only); harness pads; well-padded cover; canopy that rotates 180°; handle can remain upright in vehicle
Drawbacks: ???
Our comments: Great 30 lbs. infant seat. TBH, you’re not going to be carrying your baby around in it once the baby reaches 25 lbs. or so—she’ll be too heavy. But, it’s great to have that option if she falls asleep in the car or if you need to use it in a restaurant. On the opposite end it also fits preemies and small newborns very well.
Graco SnugRide 32
Features:5-32 lbs.; 5-point harness with front adjuster; both lap and shoulder straps adjust in length; adjustable base that stays in the car; built-in lockoff on base; EPS foam; some models have memory foam; canopy that rotates 180°; handle can remain upright in vehicle
Drawbacks: it’s large and takes up a considerable amount of backseat room especially when it’s reclined enough for a newborn. Harness may not fit a small newborn or preemie baby well.
Our comments:Works great as a larger infant seat. We know of many kids who’ve made it past 12 months in this seat. It has a very tall shell so it accommodates older, taller babies well. Just don’t confuse the SnugRide 32 with the regular, original SnugRide model. They are two completely different infant seats both made by Graco.
Convertible Seats
Convertible seats can be used either rear-facing or forward-facing. They are generally the next step after the infant seat. Use the convertible in the rear-facing position until the child reaches either the rear-facing weight or height limit. Weight and height limits vary depending on the specific model. These seats are more permanent in the vehicle than infant seats are. Because it’s bigger and heavier than an infant seat, you’re not going to uninstall it and carry it into Wal-Mart (heh, yeah, we’ve all seen it before, and yeah, we’ve all scratched our heads at it—don’t do it).
Britax Roundabout 50
Features: 5-35 lbs. rear-facing, 20-50 lbs. forward-facing; LATCH-equipped for children up to 40 lbs.; the head area is surrounded by EPS foam; non-twist straps; high harness slots; 3 crotch strap positions; lever harness adjuster; tether that can be used rear-facing as well as forward-facing; velcro to hold back the harness when it’s not in use; lighter in weight than the Marathon/Boulevard; choice of covers varies by store
Drawbacks: Only rated to 50 lbs in the forward-facing position. However, this is actually a very realistic weight limit based on the size of the seat. The Britax Marathon and Boulevard are both rated to 65 lbs but truthfully no 60 or 65 lb child could actually still fit in these similarly-sized seats. No built-in lock-offs. Single LATCH attachment strap.
Our comments:If you want a higher-weight Britax convertible seat for under $200 – this is your best (and only) choice. It’s also the only Britax convertible currently made that has more than 1 position for the crotch strap – it has 3.
Britax Marathon
Features:5-35 lbs. rear-facing, 20-65 lbs. forward-facing; LATCH-equipped for children up to 40 lbs.; the head area is surrounded by EPS foam; non-twist straps; HUGS harness system for forward-facing use; high harness slots; tether that can be used rear-facing as well as forward-facing; built-in lockoffs; velcro to hold back the harness when it’s not in use; choice of covers varies by store
Drawbacks: almost all children will outgrow the seat by height (usually around 46 – 49″) before reaching the 65 lb weight maximum; only one position for the crotch strap.
Our comments:It’s a good, just-the-basics-thanks, no-nonsense higher weight harness convertible seat and it’s got the wonderful selection of Britax covers.
Britax Roundabout
Features:5-35 lbs. rear-facing, 20-40 lbs. forward-facing; the head area is surrounded by EPS foam; non-twist straps; high harness slots; the easiest push-button harness adjuster on the market; tether that can be used rear-facing as well as forward-facing; built-in lockoffs; velcro to hold back the harness when it’s not in use; easy to install in most cars; choice of covers varies by store
Drawbacks: will be outgrown in both the rear-facing and forward-facing positions more quickly than the larger Britax convertibles (RA50, Marathon, Blvd).
Our comments: Smooth as butter harness adjuster, easy install, fits nicely rear-facing in compact vehicles with little backseat leg room; cute as a button covers, ahhhhh. Just keep in mind that you’ll probably need to buy another harnessed carseat once this one is outgrown since it isn’t likely that your child will be big enough or old enough yet to safely ride in just a booster seat.
Evenflo Symphony 65
Features:5-35 lbs. rear-facing, 20-65 lbs. forward-facing with 5-point harness, bpb to 100 lbs.; Infinite Slide harness height adjusting system; SureLATCH connectors; EPP foam; one-hand adjustable headrest; removable cup holder; machine-washable cover
Drawbacks: almost all children will outgrow the harness by height before reaching the 65 lb weight maximum; only one position for the crotch strap.
Our comments:The SureLATCH connectors have built-in retractors, just like seat belts have retractors. You attach the connectors to the lower LATCH anchors in your [2003 or newer] vehicle, shove down on the car seat and the SureLATCH connectors automatically tighten for you. See our review of the original Symphony model here.
Graco MyRide 65
Features: 5-40 lbs. rear-facing, 20-65 lbs. forward-facing; harness clearly labeled to 40 lbs. rear-facing, 65 lbs. forward-facing; separate LATCH straps and connectors for rear- and forward-facing belt paths; 2-piece chest clip; the head area is surrounded by EPS foam; high harness slots; strap covers to 40 lbs. only; toddler head pillow to 40 lbs. only; infant insert; dual cupholders
Drawbacks: deep natural recline when forward-facing–may interfere with installation in some vehicles
Our Comments: Very easy to install in many vehicles and a nice value for the money. See our review here.
Safety 1st Avenue
Features: 5-35 lbs. rear-facing, 22-40 lbs. forward-facing; high harness slots; 3 crotch strap positions; harness strap covers; EPP foam; narrow base; removable cup holder; padded cover
Drawbacks: harness strap adjuster is low on the front of the seat and can be difficult to reach when seat is installed rear-facing
Our comments: The Avenue replaces the Uptown as a lower price point alternative because it has less padding than the Uptown. It also is sculpted differently on the bottom than the Uptown, which makes rear-facing installation different—noodles tend to get lost underneath the seat.
The First Years True Fit
Features:5-35 lbs. rear-facing, 23-65 lbs. forward-facing; fully lined with EPP foam; removable head restraint for rear-facing infants up to 22 lbs. for easier installation in smaller vehicles; harness height adjustment from side of seat without unthreading the harness; 2 buckle positions; body and toddler pillows; built-in lockoffs; cup holder
Drawbacks: the rear-facing lock-off may be in a position that makes it difficult to install in some vehicles
Our comments: Overall a great seat with many great features!
The First Years True Fit Premier
Features: 5-35 lbs. rear-facing, 23-65 lbs. forward-facing; anti-rebound management bar; fully lined with EPP foam; removable head restraint for rear-facing infants up to 22 lbs. for easier installation in smaller vehicles; harness height adjustment from side of seat without unthreading the harness; 2 buckle positions; body and toddler pillows; built-in lockoffs; ball recline angle indicator; cup holder
Drawbacks: the rear-facing lock-off may be in a position that makes it difficult to install in some vehicles
Our comments: The First Years improved upon a great seat by adding the anti-rebound bar and recline feature. See our review here.
Safety 1st Complete Air
Features: 5-40 lbs. rear-facing, 22-50 lbs. forward-facing; Air Protect air cushions in head wings; 3 crotch strap positions; harness height adjustment from front of seat; EPS foam
Drawbacks: cost
Our comments: The Complete Air is one of the tallest rear-facing seats on the market, so it’s a great candidate to consider if your child has a long torso. It comes with a price tag, though. Darren has 2 reviews here and here, and Lovinwaves has a review here.
Sunshine Kids Radian XTSL
Features: 5-45 lbs. rear-facing, 20-80 lbs. forward-facing; LATCH-equipped for children up to 80 lbs.; EPS foam; adjustable head wings for use with the top 3 harness slots; high harness slots; tether that can be used rear-facing as well as forward-facing; SafeStop crash force load limiter for forward-facing harness use (requires tether to 40 lbs.; remove SafeStop at 40 lbs.); infant head support and body support; 8 year expiration date; removable harness; rubber grips on base of seat; folds flat; steel frame
Drawbacks: weight; removable rear-facing base can be easily lost; incompatible forward-facing installation in vehicles with a long or stiff buckle stalk
Our comments: If you want to rear-face your kid forever, or you’ve got a snuggly wuggly that needs the higher weight limit, this is the seat for you. The Radians have the highest rear-facing weight limit on the market at 45 lbs. We have a review of the older model (lower rf weight limit) XT here and an explanation of the SuperLATCH (SL) here.
Forward-Facing Only Seats
Forward-facing only seats can be broken into two groups: forward-facing harnessed seats and combination seats. Forward-facing harnessed seats are seats that are harnessed only to a higher weight limit. Combination seats are seats with harnesses to 40 lbs. or a higher weight that then convert to a high back booster seat.
Forward-Facing Only Seats
Britax Regent
Features: 20-80 lbs.; 5-point harness; requires use of tether after 50 lbs.; HUGS harness system; mesh storage pouches
Drawbacks: very large seat; not approved for airplane use because of size; discontinued but still available until existing stock is depleted.
Our comments:Yeah, it’s a big seat, but it’s comfy. Think of it as a Barcalounger for your child. As such, it’s probably not the best seat for an average-sized toddler or pre-schooler but it’s a great seat for your 40+ lb child who isn’t ready for a booster yet.
Combination Seats
Britax Frontier
Features:5-point harness from 2 years AND 25-80 lbs.; bpb to 100 lbs.; front harness adjuster; no-rethread harness height adjuster; 3 buckle positions; 2-piece chest clip; cup holders; flip-up arm rests; smooth harness adjuster
Drawbacks:must remove screw in head restraint before using it as a bpb
Our comments:The covers are blah (oh, OK, except for the girly pink and the sporty red), but the smoooooth harness adjuster makes up for it. Kudos to Britax for being leaders in the industry and putting an age limit and reasonable lower weight limit on the seat to keep babes in arms from going straight from an infant seat to this forward-facing seat. Darren has a review here and Heather has a review here.
Graco Nautilus
Features:5-point harness from 20-65 lbs.; bpb to 100 lbs.; converts to a backless booster (40-100 lbs.); 3-position recline; cup holder built into right armrest; storage areas in each armrest; EPS foam
Drawbacks: As a booster - belt fit can be hit or miss.
Our comments: The Nautilus has 2 lifespans. When used with the harness or as a highback booster, the lifespan is 6 years. When used as a backless booster, the lifespan is 9 years. Overall, a well-made seat that is easy to install and easy to use correctly.
Recaro Young Sport
Features:5-point harness from 20-40 lbs.; bpb to 80 lbs.; EPS foam; carrying handle; padded seat cushion for smaller children; harness/head rest height adjusts with knob on back of seat; open loop shoulder belt guide; tether can be used in belt positioning booster mode; plush covers
Drawbacks: 40 lbs. weight limit for harness
Our comments:This seat is a good option for older toddlers who have gotten too tall for their convertible seats, but children under 30 lbs. are still best protected by a rear-facing convertible seat. The Young Sport has a smooth-like-butter harness adjuster and also a scrumptiously soft microfiber cover that makes you want to rub your face all over it.
High Back Boosters
High back booster seats are belt positioning booster seats that have a back and head restraint. Some may also convert to a backless booster.
Clek Oobr
Features:33-100 lbs. (used as a backless booster, the minimum weight limit is 40 lbs.); installs with rigid LATCH; removable back to convert to a backless booster; EPS foam in head rest; open loop shoulder belt guides; good head restraint for sleeping in car; back reclines; magnesium frame; has a detachable drink-thingy; Crypton upholstery fabric
Drawbacks: Price
Our comments: It’s very new and oh so cool! The rigid lower LATCH attachments, a ”true” recline feature, the Crypton fabrics, the Paul Frank covers… what’s not to love? See our guest review here.
Recaro Vivo
Features: 30-100 lbs. Thick, generous EPS foam in head rest; open shoulder belt guides; deep headrest is great for sleeping kids; back height adjusts with one hand; back portion has 3 positions to match various recline angles in different vehicle seating positions (not for recline)
Drawbacks: Difficult to put together initially
Our comments: Heavier than most other highback boosters in the under $100 category because of the reinforced aluminum frame. Very sturdy and well made. Excellent side impact protection. Vivo models have soft microfiber covers. Vivo Lite models are made with breathable mesh fabric.
Sunshine Kids Monterey
Features: 30-120 lbs. (used as a backless booster, the minimum weight limit is 40 lbs.); removable back to convert to a backless booster; fully lined with EPS foam; torso wings adjustable in width; back adjusts height-wise with one hand; back has 2 recline positions; 2 cup holders; attaches to vehicle with LATCH
Drawbacks: LATCH straps somewhat short to work with when installing
Our comments: You may not get a 1″ or less tight install with the LATCH connectors. They are provided to keep the seat from becoming a projectile when a child is not using it. If you don’t have LATCH in your vehicle or the position in which you are using the booster, don’t forget to buckle it in when your child isn’t using it. You wouldn’t want this hefty seat whacking you in the back of the head in a crash.
Backless Boosters
Backless boosters are belt positioning boosters that position the child so the seat belt fits the child correctly. The vehicle must have a head restraint for the child since the booster seat doesn’t have one.
Clek Olli
Features: 40-100 lbs.; installs with rigid LATCH; soft foam cushioning; tall armrests; cargo-thingy on side of seat; several choices of covers (called “jackets”)
Drawbacks: price
Our comments:The Olli fits larger children well because it doesn’t angle to be narrower in the back. Read Kecia’s review.
Combi Dakota
Features: 33-100 lbs.; offers nice thigh support for bigger/older kids with long legs
Drawbacks: Depth may be too much for younger/smaller kids. This could encourage dangerous slumping.
Comments: Comfortable. Great seat for older/larger kids who don’t sleep often in the vehicle. See Julie’s review here.
Cosco HighRise
Features:30-100 lbs.; lightweight; inexpensive
Drawbacks:
Comments: It’s cheap, it’s lightweight, it’s narrow. What more do you want from a spare backless booster? Oh, and 30 lbs. minimum weight limit? Hopefully you’ve been hanging around here long enough to know that we advocate a 40 lbs. minimum on boosters.
For anyone interested, here’s a blog with some background to these recommendations. Feel free to comment about our list or about your favorite child seats there!
