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.
Britax Chaperone
Features: 4-30 lbs.; 5-point harness with front adjuster; no re-thread harness height adjustment; infant-sized chest clip; anti-rebound bar on adjustable base; harness and belly pads; built-in seat belt lockoff; push-on LATCH connectors; EPS foam; adjustable canopy
Drawbacks: long base
Comments: The base will hang off the edge of many vehicle seats, but there is no safety issue as long as the base installs with1″ or less of movement at the belt path. Read our review of the Chaperone.
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. Chicco is the only manufacturer that allows the use of a specific aftermarket cover on its carseats. There’s a Chicco KeyFit 22 version that has a maximum weight limit of 22 lbs. and is only available with the travel system. We’ve got a review of the KeyFit 30 here.
Dorel onBoard 35 Air
Features: 4-35 lbs.; 5-point harness with front adjuster; low bottom harness slots; made to fit small babies well with customizable padding inserts; open cell foam “Air Protect” cushions; handle can remain upright in vehicle; EPP foam; adjustable base that stays in the car; built-in lockoff; push-on LATCH connectors
Drawbacks: canopy is smallish
Our comments: A nice infant seat, especially for small babies and preemies. Read our review here.
Graco SnugRide 32/35
Features:5-32 or 35 lbs., depending on which model you purchase; 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 32/35 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 Advocate
Features: 5-35 lbs. rear-facing, 20-65 lbs. forward-facing; “Side Impact Cushion Technology” rubber cushions on sides of seat; uses “Click & Safe” audible clicking to let user know when harness has been adjusted snugly enough; no re-thread harness height adjustment; 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; one position for the crotch strap; LATCH can be used to only 40 lbs.; side impact cushions widen seat
Our comments: It’s a Boulevard CS with Side Impact Cushion Technology. It has solid Britax construction with new innovations. See our review here.
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.
Combi Coccoro
Features: 5-33 lbs. rear-facing, 20-40 lbs. forward-facing; narrow seat installs easily in a lot of cars and airplanes–designed to work well in small vehicles and 3-across situations; lightweight; built-in lockoffs; optional Euro-style rear-facing shoulder belt path behind seat; infant pad
Drawbacks: carseat has tendency to flip toward vehicle seatback
Our comments: Combi is shipping a recline block with the Coccoro to help reduce seat’s tendence to flip toward the vehicle seatback. Choose from 8 colors; Flash EX stroller designed for use with Coccoro is now available. Read our Coccoro review here.
Cosco Scenera
Features: 5-35 lbs. rear-facing, 22-40 lbs. forward-facing; look for the 5-point version of this seat only; high harness slots; all harness slot positions reinforced for forward-facing; 3 crotch strap positions; narrow base; installs easily in a lot of cars and airplanes; cup holder; lightweight
Drawbacks: difficult harness adjuster; sparse padding
Our comments: A good budget seat that goes on sale often. Nice for traveling since it’s lightweight. We have a review of the Scenera here.
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.
Evenflo Triumph Advance
Features: 5-35 lbs. rear-facing, 20-50 lbs. forward-facing; EPP foam in head through leg area; harness height adjustment from front without unthreading the harness; 2 buckle positions; body and toddler pillows; fold-down cup holder
Drawbacks: harness not removable for cleaning/replacement; may not fit side-by-side with other car seats; harness adjuster is cumbersome
Our comments: A nice alternative to more expensive seats. It has all the safety foam, plus ease-of-use features. The knob harness tightener may take some adjustment, though, since it’s definitely different than a front pull system.
First Years True Fit and True Fit Premier by Learning Curve
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 the True Fit by adding the anti-rebound bar and recline feature to the Premier. See our review 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 Complete Air LX
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; LX version has a base with recline built-in
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. We recommend the LX version with the improved base with recline feature. 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
Combination Seats
Britax Frontier 85
Features: 5-point harness from 2 years AND 25-85 lbs.; bpb to 120 lbs.; front harness adjuster; no-rethread harness height adjuster; 3 buckle positions; 2-piece chest clip; integrated cup holders; arm rests; smooth harness adjuster
Drawbacks: must remove screw in head restraint before using it as a bpb
Our comments: Britax has improved just about everything in this seat over its older sibling, the regular Frontier, including the covers! 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 reviewed it here and listed all the differences between the new FR85 and the older version.
Evenflo Maestro
Features: 5-point harness from 20-50 lbs.; bpb to 100 lbs.; EPS foam; 2-piece chest clip; front harness adjuster; 2 crotch strap positions; cup holders; arm rests
Drawbacks: harness appears narrow at child’s neck; seatback is short, non-adjustable headrest
Our comments: It’s a great seat for the money! Kecia reviewed it in her Combo Seat as a Booster series.
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.
Britax Parkway SG
Features: 40-120 lbs.; armrests; 2 cup holders; SecureGuard lap belt clip to prevent submarining; removable back to convert to a backless booster; back adjusts height-wise with one hand
Drawbacks: crotch strap may annoy some children
Our comments: A versatile booster that will grow with your child. Read our review here.
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.
Cybex Solution X-Fix
Features: 33-100 lbs.; installs with rigid LATCH; EPS foam in head rest and shoulders; 3 position reclining head rest
Drawbacks: price, fairly short; doesn’t convert to a backless booster
Our comments: It installs easily with rigid LATCH–what more is there to say? Cybex has lined the torso and head areas in thick EPS foam and feels so strongly about its safety that it won’t allow the seat to be used backless. Some may consider that to be a feature, others a drawback to versatility. See our review here.
Graco TurboBooster
Features: 30-100 lbs.; removable back to convert to a backless booster; EPS foam in head rest; some versions have Graco-pedic memory comfort foam; retractable cup holders on both sides of seat; height-adjustable arm rests; back adjusts height-wise with one hand; back has 2 recline positions
Drawbacks: screws required to secure arm rests
Our comments: Even though this model converts to a backless booster, we recommend it as a highback for it’s head and torso protection. The screws provided in the box to secure the arm rests are often lost and are required, so look for them if you purchase the seat.
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. Read our review here.
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.
Our comments: Comfortable. Great seat for older/larger kids who don’t sleep often in the vehicle. See Julie’s review here.
Evenflo Big Kid Amp
Features: 40-100 lbs.; cup holders on both sides of seat; tall armrests for easy buckling
Drawbacks: ???
Our comments: It’s a backless booster with cool, kid-pleasing colors at a reasonable price. What else is there to say?
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!
