Your child means the world to you, and keeping him or her safe is one of your top priorities. While commuting between home, your parents’ place, the grocery store and more ensure that your child is protected while in tow with a reliable car seat.
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Child car safety statistics to keep in mind
- According to the CDC, one of the leading causes of child injury is motor vehicle crashes.
- According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), “Car crashes are a leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 13.”
- The good news: The NHTSA reports that child car seats “reduce fatal injuries by 71 percent for children under 1… .and by 54 percent for toddlers age 1 to 4.”
- The bad news: The NHTSA also reports that “An average of 46% of child safety seats are incorrectly installed or misused.”
Factors to consider before purchasing a car seat
Understand the types of car seats available
There are some different types of car seats on the market today, but the best one for your child will depend on his or her age, weight and type of vehicle you’re driving. To learn more about what consumers are saying about different car seats, websites like BabyGearLab.com and Consumer Reports share reviews about car seats’ ease of use, installation, comfort, quality and more.
Ensure that the car seat meets federal standards
Check to see if the car seat has been crashing tested to hit or go beyond federal standards for enhanced safety. Also review how it is engineered and the materials used, like steel and energy-absorbing foam to protect your child in case of an accident.
Never buy a used car seat
No matter the discount, do not buy used car seats because you do not know their history. Accidents and even sun-exposure can alter a car seat’s safety. If the seat has been in an accident previously, it may show signs of damage and may not offer the best protection to your child. It’s also a bad idea to buy used because you might not know if there has been a recall on the product. It’s better to buy new for your child’s safety.
The Best car seats you can buy now
Best Car Seat for Your Growing Child
1. Graco 4Ever 4-in-1 Car Seat
As an award-winning child safety device, this Graco car seat is designed to fit your child as he or she grows with multiple positions for the headrest. With the InRight LATCH system, you can quickly and easily strap your child in, and you’re ready to go.
Stand-out features include
- Features the Simply Safe Adjust Hardness System with 10 positions
- Side impact tested for enhanced security of your child
- Designed to keep your child comfortable with plush inserts
2. Chicco KeyFit 30 Infant Car Seat
Best Infant Car Seat in the U.S.
Recognized for its ease of installation, this Chicco car seat lets you know when you’ve attached it accurately through a RideRight® bubble indicator. Made with a 5-point harness for enhanced protection, your baby can ride safely tucked in.
Stand-out features include
- Features a stay-in-base that makes it easy for transport
- Built with SuperCinch LATCH tightener for a strong fit
- The removable canopy protects your baby from the elements
3. Britax Convertible Car Seat
Best Safety Features
Crafted by the #1 brand in safety technology, this Britax car seat features multiple layers of side protection and an Anti-Rebound bar to help reduce impact. ClickTight technology allows for an easy installation.
Stand-out features include
- Designed with 3 layers of impact protection
- Easy and simple installation with ClickTight technology
- Made for your child’s growth with a 14-position harness
4. Graco SlimFit 3-in-1 Convertible Car Seat
The Graco SlimFit 3-in-1 Convertible Car Seat is a #1 Amazon best-selling child safety product. This car seat is crash tested to meet or go beyond the US FMVSS 213 standard and features the InRIght LATCH system for easy installment.
Stand-out features include
- Designed to save space in your back seat
- Built with a steel-reinforced frame for greater durability
- Made for your growing child and can be positioned both rear and front-facing
5. Britax B-Safe 35 Infant Car Seat
The Britax B-Safe 35 Infant Car Seat is a favorite with parents who like its attractive design and high-quality safety features. The car seat is easy to install and has some of the highest ratings for the ease of installation when compared to other brands.
It is part of the Britax B-Agile & B-Safe 35 Elite Travel System, so parents can use the car seat with a useful stroller.
While the car seat is not perfect, the flaws are not safety-related. Most of the flaws are in regards to adjusting the harness and the smaller size of the cradle in the shell.
Britax has several useful accessories that add to the durability and usefulness of this car seat.
If you are looking for an infant car seat that offers a high level of safety, the Britax B-Safe 35 Infant Car Seat is a great choice.
6. Diono Radian 3RXT All-in-One Convertible Car Seat
Rated as an Amazon Choice product for child safety, the Diono Radian All-in-One Convertible Car Seat comes extendable for your child’s growth. Designed with aluminum, this car seat offers enhanced protection, and for growing families, you can easily fit 3 seats together in most vehicles.
Stand-out features include
- Slim design allows you to seat 3 in a row in most family cars
- Features extended rear-facing for your child’s growth
- Engineered with aluminum reinforcement
7. CYBEX Sirona M SensorSafe 2.0 Car Seat
A winner of multiple awards, this CYBEX car seat keeps tabs on your child’s safety with SensorSafe2.0 technology. A simple alert will let you know if your child is unbuckled. Made with an energy-absorbing shell, your child can be protected from impact in the event of an accident.
Stand-out features include
- Won 2018 Best of Baby Tech Award
- Comes with SensorSafe 2.0 technology that monitors your child
- Features an adjustable headrest with 12 positions
8. Graco Extend2Fit Convertible Car Seat
Extendable for your growing child, the Graco Extend2Fit Convertible Car Seat features the Simply Safe Adjust™ Harness System for a secure fit. The InRight™ LATCH system allows for quick and easy installation before hitting the road.
Stand-out features include
- Designed with the Simply Safe Adjust™ Harness System
- Crash tested to meet or go beyond U.S. safety standards
- Easy installation with the InRight™ LATCH system
9. Evenflo Big Kid AMP Booster Car Seat
From a family-trusted brand, this Evenflo car seat is crash tested 2x beyond the federal standard. With a removable back, a foam liner, and 2 cup holders on the sides, this car seat boasts integrity in design while keeping your child safe.
Stand-out features include
- Crash and side-impact tested for design integrity
- Features a removable back, for enhanced comfort
- Includes 2 cup holders on the sides
10. Safety 1st Guide 65 Convertible Car Seat
As a great choice for smaller cars or to have more room in larger vehicles, the Safety 1st Guide 65 Convertible Car Seat comes with Side Impact Protection and a 5-point harness for enhanced security. Made for growing families, 3 car seats can be fitted in a row.
Stand-out features include
- Three can be seated side-by-side in most vehicles
- Built with Side Impact Protection to keep your child secure
- Crafted with a 5-point harness for security
Benefits of different types of car seats
There are several types of car seats you can choose. The type that will work best for your child will be based on his or her age, weight, and height. If your child is 4-years old, weighs 42 lbs, and is 3 feet tall, it may be better to choose a forward-facing booster seat. See the product’s manual and safety instructions to make the best-informed decision.
- Infant car seats – These car seats are designed for babies and are generally lightweight. Usually, babies from birth up until around 22 pounds can be seated securely in these. Some come with a base that can stay attached installed inside of the car so that it’s less of a hassle transporting your little one.
- Rear-facing car seats – Designed to safely seat your little one facing the rear of the vehicle, this type of car seat is recommended for as long as possible. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, with rear-facing car seats, a child’s “head, neck, and spine are all supported by the hard shell of the car safety seat, allowing the car seat to absorb most of the crash forces, and protecting the most vulnerable parts of the body.”
- Booster seats – Designed for preschool to primary-school-aged children, booster seats are typically belt-secured versus the harness used with infant and toddler car seats. These can come with or without a back depending on your choice and may come with armrests.
Choose the best car seat for your child’s safety
With so much of our time being spent on the road it’s crucial to ensure that your child is secure in the best car seat. Choose a car seat designed to meet or exceed safety standards and follow the directions for a proper install. Now that you’ve learned about several factors to consider before you purchase a car seat, different types of car seats, and some of the top recommendations, we are confident you’ll make a better choice in protecting your little one.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How long must a child be in a car seat?
In most states, children are required by law to stay in a car seat until age 4, and in a booster seat until age 8. It also varies by state.
Do car seats need to face the rear?
The AAP recommends: Infants and toddlers should ride in a rear-facing car safety seat as long as possible.
Who can help install a baby car seat?
Police and fire officers will install car seats for free.