If you’re pregnant, it’s time to start thinking about all the fun things you’ll need when your baby comes home. One of the most important things you can choose is a high-quality car seat. If there’s ever an accident, you want to know your newborn is protected — so you’ll want one of the best baby car seats on the market.
Car seat companies work hard to earn your business by keeping your child safe, but there are a lot on the market. To help you choose the right one we’ve put together this list. It’s important to know that you don’t have to spend a fortune to keep your little one safe, but you do need to do your research.
Here’s our list of the best baby car seats for 2019 (so far).
1. Chicco Keyfit 30 Infant Car Seat
The Chicco Keyfit 30 Infant Car Seat is the number one rated infant car seat in America. This car seat is easy to use, fits snuggly in your vehicle and has an excellent crash protection rating. To make your life even easier, you can add the compatible Chicco stroller.
Newborn head and body supports can be removed as your baby gets older. This seat is ideal for babies from 4-30 pounds and up to 30 inches tall. The five-point harness has an easy pull to tighten the strap to fit your baby. The car seat cost just under $200. The stroller is optional.
2. Diono Radian RXT Convertible Car Seat
If you want a car seat that lasts longer than the newborn phase, the Diono Radian RXT Convertible Car Seat is the one for you. This one holds your baby rear-facing during the 5-45 pound days. Afterward, you can switch it forward facing when your child is 20-80 pounds. It can even act as a booster seat for any child up to 120 pounds. It’s easy to install, easy to clean with a removable cover and even better still, it’s FAA approved for air travel.
3. Chicco Nextfit Convertible Car Seat
The Chicco Nextfit Convertible Car Seat has nine reclining positions to help you find the zone that your baby is most comfortable in. With an easy transition from rear to forwardfacing, this seat can also accommodate your children as they grow and is ideal for families who plan to keep their car seat for more than one child. It comes with a dishwasher safe removable cup holder and easy to clean machine washable padding.
4. Graco Nautilus
A consistent favorite with the parenting crowd is the the Graco Nautilus. It’s the perfect buy when your baby outgrows their infant seat. The seat can be adjusted to face either rear or forward. Its harness straps fit kids between 20 and 65 pounds. It also serves as a high-back booster or a backless booster as your child ages.
5. Clek Foonf
If you have some extra cash on hand and you want a flashier seat for your child, the Clek Foonf Convertible Seat may be your best choice. Although it’s a little more expensive at around $450, it has additional safety features such as an anti-rebound bar, energy-absorbing foam and a rigid substructure. Available in several different colors, this seat is also narrower to allow for additional car seats in the row.
6. Evenflo Tribute Sport Convertible
The Evenflo Tribute Sport Convertible car seat is the seat for you if you’re looking for high-quality and safety but don’t want to spend a fortune. Easy to use, this car seat comes from an established brand and good reviews from Consumer Reports. Easy to use with a compact fit, the seat has a five-point harness and up-front harness adjustment and usually costs around $50-$60.
Best Baby Car Seats — How Do You Choose?
For most parents, buying the right car seat must be within budget and have solid safety features. This list provides you with seven safe, solid options with a wide variety of prices. Before you purchase your car seat, we encourage you to take it in and out of your car to determine if it’s easy to buckle in and out. With new technology and research, your seat should be practical, easy to use and safe.