The Graco 4Ever DLX is a top pick for a convertible car seat. It has a strong crash test score, is easy to use, and comes at a reasonable price.
If you prefer a rotating seat, the Chicco Fit360 is simple to install, comfortable, and user-friendly.
For infant car seats, the Chicco KeyFit 35 stands out. It’s easy to use, simple to install, and has the best crash test sensor results we’ve seen. However, it’s pricey.
A more budget-friendly option is the Britax Willow S, which also performs well in crash tests and is easy to install at a lower cost.
As your baby grows, you’ll need three types of car seats based on their age, height, and weight. If you already know which one you need, check our guides for infant car seats, convertible car seats, and booster seats.
Overview
Best overall infant car seat: Chicco KeyFit 35
Best overall convertivle car seat: Graco 4Ever DLX
Best overall booster car seat: Chicco KidFit Zip Air Plus 2-in-1
Best Overall Infant Car Seat
Chicco KeyFit 35
Quick Specs
Baby height, weight limits: 30 inches, 35 pounds
Seat weight (without base): 10 pounds
Built in Lock Off: Yes
Why It’s Best
The Chicco KeyFit 35 is a standout choice if you are looking for the best overall infant car seat.
The Keyfit 35 installation is a breeze, thanks to the SuperCinch LATCH system that ensures a secure fit with minimal effort.
Safety-wise, it has an adjustable five-point harness and side-impact protection, keeping your baby snug and safe. The Chicco Keyfit 35 also offers a plush, padded design and a large canopy for protection.
Designed for longevity, it accommodates infants from 4 to 35 pounds, growing with your child.
The KeyFit 35 also scores high on our user-friendliness tests, offering easy one-hand release and a range of appealing colors.
Pros
Easy to install and buckle
Provide a secure fit
Outstanding safety features
Cons
Some of our testers found it to be on the heavier side
Priced higher than some other models
Adjusting the handle requires two hands to hit two switches
Best Budget Infant Car Seat
Britax Willow S
Quick Specs
Baby height, weight limits: 4 lbs | 30 lbs
Seat weight (without base): 9.7 pounds
Built in Lock Off: Yes
Why It’s Best
The Britax Willow S offers great value with high crash test results and easy installation. It features an anti-rebound bar, ClickTight belt lock-off, four shoulder strap positions, and two crotch positions.
It’s an excellent option for parents on a budget who want good safety and ease of use.
The fabric isn’t as soft as some competitors, and it’s not compatible with many strollers. If you need stroller compatibility, consider the Chicco Keyfit 35 or Evenflo Syft Dualride.
Despite these minor issues, we think most families will be happy with the Willow, especially given the savings.
Pros
Good crash test analysis
Reasonable price
Ease to install
Cons
Less comfort padding
Average fabric
Best Overall Convertible Car Seat
Graco 4Ever DLX
Quick Specs
Forward Facing Weight Limits: 22-65 lb
Rear Facing Weight Limits: 4-40 lb
Forward Facing Max Height: 49 in
Rear Facing Max Height: Top of head must be at least 1 in below handle
Weight: 21.8 lb
Why It’s Best
The Graco 4Ever DLX is a top pick for a convertible seat, offering great value with the best crash test results and easy installation. It uses LATCH, is easier to install with a seatbelt than most, and has convenient features like a non-rethread harness.
While not the most comfortable, the 4Ever is still a solid choice. The Graco SlimFit 3-in-1 is more affordable and offers better padding. For maximum comfort, the Nuna Rava is a high-quality option with soft fabric, though it’s pricey.
The 4Ever has excellent crash test results with lower G forces for both HIC and chest clip sensors, offering extra protection compared to most competitors.
Pros
Some of the best crash analysis
Easy LATCH installation
Easy-to-use features
Cons
Could use more padding
Best high-ranking Convertible
Graco Extend2Fit 2 in 1
Quick Specs
Forward Facing Weight Limits: 22-65 lb
Rear Facing Weight Limits: 4-50 lb
Forward Facing Max Height: 49 in
Rear Facing Max Height: Top of head must be at least 1 in below handle
Weight: 20.5 lb
Why It’s Best
The Graco Extend2Fit 2-in-1 is another top choice for a convertible car seat. It’s reasonably priced and offers one of the best crash test results in its category.
The seat is comfortable with supportive padding and a headrest perfect for naps.
The Extend2Fit’s standout feature is the extendable leg room, allowing for longer rear-facing seating, which is considered safer.
If you focus on safety you should consider the Extend2Fit. It offers excellent crash test results, longer rear-facing installation, and ease of use, all at a lower price.
While it’s not as easy to install as the Graco 4Ever DLX or Chicco Fit360, it’s still simpler than lower-ranked options.
Pros
Great crash test analysis score
Increased legroom
Potential rear-facing longer
Cons
No belt lock-off
Not easy to install
Best Budget Convertible Seat
Graco SlimFit 3-in-1
Quick Specs
Forward Facing Weight Limits: 22-65 lb
Rear Facing Weight Limits: 5-40 lb
Forward Facing Max Height: 49 in
Rear Facing Max Height: Top of head must be at least 1 in below handle
Weight: 18.5 lb
Why It’s Best
The Graco SlimFit 3-in-1 is a budget-friendly seat that does well in crash testing and installation. It’s lightweight, comfortable, and easy to use.
The SlimFit is a good choice for families needing multiple seats in a row. It’s not the narrowest, but it’s under 19 inches wide. It’s perfect for families with a smaller budget who want a seat with good crash test results. At 18.5 lbs, it’s easier to move than many other seats.
While the SlimFit is great, the Graco 4Ever DLX offers better results overall.
But for most families, the SlimFit offers great performance at a good price. It works well in cars with enough space, but may not be ideal for compact cars.
Pros
Good crash analysis
Wallet-friendly price
Straightforward LATCH installation
Cons
No lock-off
Not as narrow as we hoped
Best Overall Booster
Chicco KidFit Zip Air Plus 2-in-1
Quick Specs
Modes: High Back Booster, Backless Booster
High Back Booster Weight Range: 40-110 lb
High Back Booster Height Range: 38-57 in
Width: 18.2 in
Weight: 11.8 lb
Why It’s Best
The Chicco KidFit Zip Air Plus 2-in-1 is a high-quality booster seat at an affordable price. It has strong crash test results and is easy to use.
Key features include a zip-off cover, a padded leg rest, and LATCH installation. The seat also has a built-in snack container and a cover that’s simple to remove and clean.
This booster is not the best for travel. A backless option like the BubbleBum is more portable.
If safety ratings and ease of use are your top priorities and budget isn’t a concern, the Peg Perego Viaggio Flex 120 is a better choice.
Pros
Easy installation
Better analysis for crash test scores
Lounge-style padding
Cons
Lumpy and rough headrest
Best Easy to use Booster
Peg Perego Viaggio Flex 120
Quick Specs
Modes: High Back Booster
High Back Booster Weight Range: 40-120 lb
High Back Booster Height Range: 39-63 in
Width: 16.3 in
Weight: 15.7 lb
Why It’s Best
The Peg Perego Viaggio Flex 120 is a high-backed booster with top crash test results and excellent adjustability.
It features expanding side wings, a two-point height adjustment, and a tapered seat for easier buckling.
Unlike many one-size-fits-most boosters, this seat adapts to children of different sizes, making it a great option for those who don’t fit well in standard boosters.
However, the Peg is expensive, almost twice the price of the Chicco KidFit Zip Air Plus 2-in-1. It also lacks armrests, which some kids might miss. Even so, most kids don’t mind the missing armrests.
Pros
Better crash sensor results
High quality & Impressive adjustability
Easy for kids & parents
Cons
Expensive