Our Guide To The Best Car Seats

July 21, 2016

Our Guide To The Best Car Seats

Our Annual Guide To The Best Car Seats Of The Year!

By Mia Weber

The old adage of “safety first” rings especially true when picking out the right car seat for your baby or toddler. While industry standards insure a baseline of safety and security, it’s still important to take stock of a seat’s special features (both in terms of safety and additional cool and convenient perks) to determine if it will work for your family and your lifestyle. And the perfect starting point? Our selective guide to the best car seats of 2016!

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Aidia Baby Explorer 2-In-1 Booster Car Seat

The Explorer booster seat can be used as a high back for children weighing 30-110 lbs. You can easily remove the backrest and can be used as a backless booster seat for children weighing 40-110 pounds. Plus, this seat features SlidLock Technology, a solid shell, Side Impact Protection, seven adjustable headrest height positions, an ErgoFit handle, a cup holder, and many more premium features. $119.95, aidiababy.com
Baby Jogger City GO

Compatible with the popular City Mini line of strollers, the City GO car seat securely attaches to your favorite Baby Jogger stroller to create a convenient and comfortable travel system. It clicks into easy install base for car trips, has a taxi-safe belt path for installation without the base, features push button LATCH for easier LATCH install, and offers one-hand headrest and harness adjustment, Additionally, the City GI includes a three panel canopy with 50+ UV protection, six-position base adjustability, an infant insert, and a five-point harness. This seat is suitable for babies from 4-35 lbs. $229, babyjogger.com
Baby Trend Yumi 2-in-1 Folding Booster

This car seat pairs high-tech convenience with high style! The Yumi functions as a high-back booster for kids weighing 30-100 lbs, or as a backless booster for little ones weighing 40-100 lbs. It folds compact for easy transport and fits in an aircraft overhead compartment. Plus, it features a deep contoured energy absorbing headrest with eight height positions, patented side impact head protection, an adjustable three-positon shoulder belt with guide, a no-gap back for superior torso protection, an EZ Off-N-Wash removable seat pad snaps off the car seat shell, two cup holders, and flip-up armrests. $79.99, babiesrus.com
BOB B-Safe 35 Infant Seat

The BOB B-Safe 35 by Britax combines unmatched protection with distinctive BOB style. With just an adapter (sold separately), you can create the perfect BOB travel system using the B-Safe 35 and your favorite BOB stroller. The seat features SafeCell Impact Protection, a deep foam-lined shell for Side Impact Protection, an impact-stabilizing steel frame, SafeCenter LATCH Installation, an ergonomic handle, removable head pads, a spring-assisted recline, and much more. Plus, it’s made in the USA and certified for aircraft travel. $229.99, bobgear.com
Britax Boulevard ClickTight ARB Convertible Car Seat

The Boulevard ClickTight ARB features Britax’s top-rated ClickTight Installation System and two layers of Side Impact Protection. The ClickTight Installation System makes for a safe and easy installation every time, while an extra layer of Side Impact Protection, impact-absorbing base, and a steel frame provide amazing protection for your little one. Plus, an anti-rebound bar (ARB) limits seat movement during a collision for even more assured safety. $409.99, us.britax.com
Chicco NextFit Zip Air Convertible Car Seat

This car seat is comfortable, convenient, and safe, and is super-easy to install. It features 3D AirMesh technical performance fabric that maximizes air flow to improve ventilation, a ComfortFlex harness management system that’s padded and has a flex-out design, a no rethread harness with one-pull tightener, a five-point harness with a two-position chest clip to accommodate growing children, and a removable infant insert for smaller babies. Additionally, the NextFit has an insulated cup holder, a Zip & Wash liner that’s easy to machine wash, and a ReclineSure nine-position leveling system. This seat is suitable from 5-40 lbs rear-facing, and from 22-65 lbs forward-facing. $359.99, chiccousa.com
Clek Oobr

The Clek Oobr is a full back booster seat that is built just like the seat in your car but sized for a child. This seat revolutionizes booster seating with its complete metal sub-structure, rigid-LATCH system, structural headrest with deep side wings, energy-absorbing foam layers, and a unique recline feature. The Oobr easily converts into a backless booster seat and is tailored in GREENGUARD Select Certified Crypton Super Fabrics, which provide permanent protection against stains, moisture and odor-causing bacteria; and free of brominated and chlorinated flame retardants. Plus, the Oobr features an adjustable headrest, a removable seat back, and more. $299.99-319.99, clekinc.com
Cosco Scenera NEXT

The Scenera NEXT is one of the only car seats on the market to fit three car seats across (that’s three seats in one vehicle!). The Scenera NEXT can be used forward-facing as well as rear-facing for children weighing 5-40 lbs. Additionally, this seat features side impact protection and has machine washable fabric. Plus, this great car seat is already receiving praise from car seat advocates nationwide for its safety and affordability! $46, walmart.com
CYBEX Cloud Q Infant Car Seat

The Cloud Q keeps babies safe with its energy-absorbing shell, and helps them rest with its unique ergonomic full recline. This futuristic car seat’s telescopic linear Side-impact Protection (LSP System) transfers the forces of a side-impact collision into the seat’s energy-absorbing shell for the ultimate in safety. Additionally, the reclining backrest and longer leg-rest both recline fully into an ergonomically correct carry cot, for use outside of the car. The Cloud Q also features an 11-point adjustable headrest, a no-rethread five-point harness, an XXL fold-away sun canopy with UVP50+ sun protection, a removable newborn inlay keeps babies’ heads in an ideal breathing position, and more. $449.95, cybex-online.com
Diono Radian RXT

Made with premium materials and designed with top-tier safety feature—like a steel alloy frame, aluminum reinforced side walls, energy absorbing EPS foam, and a five-point harness—top of mind, the Radian RXT is sure to put your mind at ease as your little one stays safe and sound. Plus, the reinforced adjustable head support provides additional Side Impact Protection. The extended rear-facing capabilities are suitable for up to 45 lbs, while the forward-facing up is suitable up to 80 lbs in the five-point harness. You can also fold the seat up and wear it as a backpack, and convert this seat to a booster for kids weighing 50-120 lbs. $359.99, us.diono.com
Doona Infant Car Seat

Doona is the only infant car seat with fully integrated wheels—that means that it converts from car seat into stroller with the easy push of a button! Doona was designed to provide parents with a safe and practical mobility solution for their baby, both in and out of the car. Doona meets the highest quality and safety standards in both the car seat and stroller categories. A great option for both urban and suburban families, Doona is a safe and convenient option for babies 4-35 lbs and up to 32 inches tall; it also includes an infant insert which cradles and supports your newborn safely and properly, and a full line of accessories is also available for purchase. $499 (base is included), doonausa.com
Evenflo SafeMax All-in-One Car Seat

Evenflo’s SafeMax is the first rollover-tested car seat on the market. The SafeMax All-In-One Car Seat features a SafeZone Headrest that is designed to absorb and dissipate crash forces, providing advanced protection where your child needs it most. This car seat also provides extended safety from birth to harness booster mode (when your child is between 5-120 lbs) with its three different configurations. Plus, it features removable cup holders, a no re-thread harness, an adjustable headrest, temperature-regulating fabric that keeps your baby comfortable during hot or cold weather, and much more. $299.99, evenflo.com
GB Asana35 DLX

The GB Asana35 DLX with Fit-Loc Protection makes a safe, secure installation quick and easy. This car seat features an adjustable headrest, an adjustable five-point harness, a multi-position adjustable base, push-button LATCH connectors, an extendable sun canopy, an ergonomic handle, and much more. Plus, it has been rigorously crash tested to meet or exceed U.S. safety standards and is compatible with the GB Evoq, Lyfe, Alara, Zuzu, and Qbit Strollers. This car seat is suitable for little ones weighing 4-35 lbs. $249.99, GBChildUSA.com
Graco Extend2Fit 3-in-1 Car Seat

The Extend2Fit 3-in-1 Car Seat features a three-position extension panel that provides 5” of extra legroom—and works in tandem with the six-position incline—allowing your little one to ride rear-facing for a longer amount of time. Additionally, the Fuss-Free Harness Storage holds the buckle out of the way, making it easier to get baby in and out, and the Simply Safe feature adjusts the height of the harness and headrest in one motion without having to rethread the straps (there are 10 different positions possible). In different positions, this seat is suitable for children from 4-100 lbs. $249.99, gracobaby.com
Jané Montecarlo

The Jané Montecarlo provides a comfortable ride for kids 30-100 lbs, and looks super-stylish doing so. The high-quality fabrics consist of a smooth polyester that is breathable in warmer weather and cozy during colder months. Additionally, the Montecarlo is engineered to adapt with your child as they grow, thanks to its aluminum integral adjustment system—which adjusts easily via the backrest, the sides of the headrest, and the lumbar area—providing complete lateral protection. $190, jane-usa.com
Lilly Gold Sit’n’Stroll

The Sit’n’Stroll is both a rear-facing car seat for children up to 30 lbs and a forward-facing model for children up to 40 lbs. The model is also an FAA Certified Flight seat and can be used as a child safety seat on aircraft, or as a dining booster chair during mealtime. With the push of a lever, the model transforms into a stroller. $329.99, lillygold.com
Maxi-Cosi Pria 85 Special Edition City Motif

Maxi-Cosi’s Pria 85 Special Edition City Motif features a playful black and white cityscape design, accented with sparkling cooper-colored embroidery and a bold black fabric for a look that takes this fun design to new heights. It’s super-safe with Air Protect (a revolutionary side impact technology) and a One Click LATCH System for easy installation. The Special Edition Pria 85 also includes a canopy and soft storage container, a machine-washable and dryer-safe pad, along with a cup holder. It’s suitable for babies weighing 14-40 lbs rear-facing, and 22-85 lbs forward-facing. $349.99, maxi-cosi.com
Nuna AACE

The brand-new AACE is ready to make your child’s last years in a car seat super-secure ones. Designed to grow with your little one, the AACE booster seat offers a 3D growth system that offers a one-hand, nine-position height adjustable headrest, a shoulder system that works simultaneously with the headrest, and a seat that features three depths, which gives growing legs plenty of support and space. Plus, the seat’s high back design sports an eight-position customizable recline option that allows for a relaxed ride. AACE’s 2-in-1 design also converts from a high back booster to a no back booster and accommodates riders from 40 to 120 lbs. $249.95, nuna.eu/usa
Orbit Baby G3 Infant Car Seat + Car Seat Base

Orbit Baby’s G3 Infant Car Seat offers state-of-the-art safety features and side-impact protection for your baby, as well as a parent-friendly design that allows you to dock and rotate on the Car Seat Base, Stroller Base, and Rocker Base. The G3 Car Seat Base makes your car seat installation simple, safe, and secure and offers 360-degree protection for all Orbit Baby car seats in the car. $440, orbitbaby.com
Peg-Perégo Primo Viaggio Convertible

The Primo Viaggio Convertible has the ability to grow with your child from infancy through toddlerhood by converting from a rear-facing to a forward-facing car seat. The seat offers Adjustable Side Impact Protection, and is made with the highest quality of materials, to assure a top-tier level of safety. Additionally, it offers adjustable Side Impact Protection (SIP), a Shock Absorbing Foam Element (SAFE) device, and Expanded Poly Styrene (EPS) energy-absorbing foam. The Primo Viaggio Convertible also includes a removable cushion to be used for newborns, up until baby weighs 22 lbs; in its other configurations it’s suitable from 5-65 lbs. $349.99-399.99, us.pegperego.com
RECARO Roadster Convertible Car Seat

The RECARO Roadster Convertible Car Seat offers a best in class protection system that combines key safety elements to insure the utmost security and comfort. The seat’s racing-inspired safety features are tested to international standards and also include full body Side Impact Protection with enhanced side wings to shield the head and face, a PUR foam headrest that limits neck movement, and reinforcements at the sides, hips, and thighs to help stabilize the torso and pelvis. Plus, this seat includes Cloud Comfort Memory Foam, a twist-resistant buckle and patented HERO technology, temperature balancing fabrics, an EasyAdjust no re-thread five-point harness and headrest, a removable cup holder, and more. $269.99, babiesrus.com
Safety 1st UltraMax Air 360 4-in-1 Convertible Car Seat

Protect your baby from every angle with the UltraMax Air 360 4-in-1 convertible car seat. The UltraMax Air 360 is the only 4-in-1 car seat that features 360 Protect for six layers of proven safety. It adapts to keep baby safe through four different stages of development. Rear-facing for small babies 4-22 lbs, extended rear-facing for toddlers 15-50 lbs, forward-facing 22-65 lbs, and belt-positioning booster 40-120 lbs and 57″ tall. $259.99, babiesrus.com
UPPAbaby MESA Infant Car Seat

The MESA infant car seat is designed with intuitive innovations parents can see and features that remove the guesswork. The SMARTSecure System combines auto-retracting LATCH connectors and a visual indicator that turns from red to green for simple and accurate installation. The adjustable no re-thread five-point harness and SIP ensures a proper fit. The MESA maximizes ease to minimize error, allowing parents to move forward with confidence and security. $299.99, uppababy.com
Urbini Sonti

The Sonti is an easy-to-instill and super-lightweight infant car seat. It has been rigorously crash and side-impact tested, and it offers increased side impact protection with deep sidewalls and an extended layer of energy-absorbing foam. Additionally, the Sonti features an extra grip belt lock-off on car seat base to achieve a snug installation, a four-position adjustable base with level indicator, a special infant body support to properly position babies 4-6 lbs, multiple harness and buckle slots to achieve snug fit, and more. This car seat is suitable for babies weighing 4-35 lbs. $99.99, walmart.com