When it comes to infant and toddler safety, parents invest a ton of time researching the best gear [1]. Becoming familiar with top brands, safety standards, and recall history are just some of the steps people take prior to making big purchase decisions. So before you start shopping for an infant or a convertible car seat [2], check out the leading options ahead.
Chicco Fit4 4-Ii-1 Convertible Car Seat
New this year, Chicco's Fit4 4-in-1 Convertible Car Seat [4] ($350) is the only all-in-one option that offers multiple recline positions in booster mode — nine, to be exact. For anyone looking for a one-and-done car seat purchase, this one can accommodate babies from four pounds to kids up to 100 pounds. It features Chicco DuoGuard technology that provides side-impact protection for the head and torso area with two layers of rigid shell and EPS foam, a slim design that can fit three of these carseats across, removable, dishwasher-safe cup holders, and secure instalment with Latch and the SuperCinch® Latch attachment, a force-multiplying technology that applies 4 times the force for a secure fit.
Graco 4Ever 4-in-1 Convertible Car Seat
The Graco 4Ever 4-in-1 Convertible Car Seat [5] ($282, originally $300) is side-impact tested and has a built-in five-point harness system to keep your baby, and later toddler, snugly in place.
Safety 1st Grow and Go 3-in-1 Convertible Car Seat
The Safety 1st Grow and Go 3-in-1 Convertible Car Seat [6] ($160) can last your child from birth until they're 100 pounds! This car seat offers impressive side-impact protection and the brand's QuickFit Harness System secures your child in place properly without much fuss.
Nuna 2017 PIPA™ Lite LX Infant Car Seat & Base
The Nuna 2017 PIPA™ Lite LX Infant Car Seat & Base [7] ($420) is incredibly light, weighing only 5.3 pounds. It exceeds American safety standards, and includes top-of-the-line features, including a "true-lock" base installation and aeroflex foam to absorb and diffuse crash impacts.
Maxi-Cosi Pria 85 Max Convertible Car Seat
The Maxi-Cosi Pria 85 Max Convertible Car Seat [8] ($330) is not only easy to install with its click-in feature, but the sturdy car seat also provides extra cushioning around the headrest to protect from impact.
Peg Perego Primo Viaggio 4/35 Infant Car Seat
The side-impact protection on this Peg Perego Primo Viaggio 4/35 Infant Car Seat [9] ($200, originally $300) can adjust to six different positions and includes an antirebound bar.
Evenflo SafeMax Platinum All-in-One Convertible Car Seat
If you want a car seat that truly grows with your child, the Evenflo SafeMax Platinum All-in-One Convertible Car Seat [10] ($314) fits children from five to 120 pounds. It has a quick connector latch that makes installation simple, and an impact-absorbing headrest.
CYBEX Sirona M SensorSafe 2.0
The CYBEX Sirona M SensorSafe 2.0 [11] ($264) is a leader in smart tech. It's smartphone-synced, so you can track your vehicle's temperature, let you know if your kid unbuckled his seat while the vehicle is in motion, and – most importantly – alert you if you left your child in the car unattended.