Best of the Best
Graco SnugRide 35
For babies 5 to 35 pounds
Why McCaffrey loves this seat: "The SnugRide has been a popular car seat among parents for many years for reason. This affordable infant seat is light, has a proven safety record, is easy to use and comes in tons of colors. This seat fits babies up to 35 pounds, which is a great feature as it is now recommended kids should stay rear facing until 2 years old."
To buy: Graco, $150
Britax Advocate 70-G3
Rear-facing for babies 5 to 40 pounds
Why McCaffrey loves this seat: "In the Advocate 70-G3, Britax offers safety features in every inch of the seat. And, it's still easy to install and use. With True Side Impact Protection, a base with SafeCell Technology, integrated steel bars, HUGS Chest Pads and more, parents can feel confident heading out with baby in tow. To take some of the guesswork out, the Advocate features Click and Safe technology where parents are alerted when the harness is perfectly snug."
To buy: Britax Advocate, $275
Maxi-Cosi Pria 70
For babies 9 to 40 pounds, or converts for toddlers up to 70 pounds
Why Denise and Alan Fields, baby gear experts and authors of Baby Bargains, love this seat: “This has ‘air protect’ side impact technology and works up to 70 [pounds] with a five-point harness. A convertible seat running at around $290 is great."
To bu: Maxi-Cosi, $290
Chicco KeyFit 30
For babies 4 to 30 pounds
Why we’re fans: There’s a 30-pound weight capacity on this seat, which combines a easy-to-use fit and fantastic crash protection. As one Consumer Reports user put it after a side-impact vehicle collision that totaled her car, you can’t put a price tag on peace of mind: “Our baby was checked out by the doctors and was perfectly fine. Needless to say, we went out and bought another [car seat] just like it.”
To buy: Chicco, $180
Evenflo Momentum 65 DLX
For babies 5 to 40 pounds
Why we’re fans: Secure your baby in tight with Evenflo’s SureLATCH, and feel good that your seat will last a bit longer with its high weight capacity and rear-facing look. This model also earned a Consumer Report best buy for affordability and functionality, so you’ll be in good hands. Although there were a couple complaints about the ease of installation, more than one reviewer claimed it saved their kids' lives in crashes.
To buy: Evenflo, $149
Cosco Scenera 40RF
For babies 5 to 40 pounds
Why we love it: This stroller is not going to win awards for its cutting-edge gadgetry, but it’s a super-affordable option with a high weight limit, so you can continue to use it as your baby grows. It’s easy to use, easy to install and lightweight. If you’re on a budget, opt for this seat.
To buy: Cosco, $65
