Before you hit the road for your next family vacation, make sure everyone is buckled up safely in the back seat. Car seats come in many makes and models, from toddler to convertible, and can be quite pricey. We’ve taken the guess work out of deciding which is best for your baby. Here are the best new car seats for your kids:
Britax B-Safe 35 Infant Car Seat
There may not seem to be many benefits to buying an infant-specific car seat, since babies grow so fast, but just think about how easy life would be if you never had to take baby out of the car seat to get them in the stroller. Most infant seats can easily clip-in compatible strollers, making the transition seamless.
You’ll never have to worry about your baby with the Britax B-Safe. It provides a secure ride with high side walls covered in impact-absorbing foam. The small car seat frame means it’ll fit in almost any back seat and, bonus, it’s known for its easy installation!
Specs: This car seat is for children four to 35 lbs who are up to 32 in. tall. The seat itself weighs only 10 lbs, making it easy to carry from car to stroller. Base included, the Britax B-Safe is 17 in. x 25 in. x 26.5 in.
Buy Now: Britax B Safe 35 Infant Seat, Black
Courtesy of Graco
Graco 4Ever 4-in-1 Car Seat
The best part about convertible car seats is the fact you don’t have to buy a new car seat when baby becomes a toddler. Infant-only car seats are rear-facing, while convertible ones turn around to be front-facing. Although these seats tend to be on the expensive side, remember they are best for parents looking for one purchase to last for years.
The Graco model will last kids until they become young adults, with four different positions and uses. Start with the rear-facing infant seat, and change to front-facing, high-back booster and backless booster as your child grows. The adjustable seat ensures a comfy fit, has cup holders, and the seat cushion is machine washable so it can stay clean over 10 years of use.
Specs: Children from four to 120 lbs., measuring up to four feet, nine inches can use this car seat. Check the website for specific height and weight restrictions for each of the four positions.
Buy Now: Graco 4ever All-in-One Convertible Car Seat, Studio
Courtesy of Chicco
Chicco KidFit 2-in-1 Booster
Booster seats are used for children until the seatbelt can properly cross the shoulder and lay over the lap. States vary on laws regarding how big this means your child is, so be sure to check your local rules. There are two types of boosters to use until then: high-back and backless. High-backs works as a seat within a seat and provide some extra cushioning, while backless strictly add only extra height. You can choose whichever your kid feels best in!
We love the Chicco because it secretly converts from high-back to backless right before your eyes. The unit also secures right to your car’s seat, providing extra safety with zero slipping. While many other boosters offer bare-bones protection, this model keeps its cushioning and offers 10 different seat positions for the best fit.
Specs: At its biggest expansion, this seat weighs just over 10 lbs. and measures 16.5 in. x 32.75 in. x 18.75 in. Any child between 30 and 110 lbs. can use the seat. The Chicco website features easy videos for installation and switching between the two model options.
Buy Now: Chicco KidFit 2-in-1 Belt Positioning Booster Car Seat, Wimbledon
