While any car seat sold in the United States is required to meet federal safety standards and is therefore considered safe to use, not all car seats are created equal. The best car seats are not only safe, but provide years of use, feel comfortable, and are easy to install and adjust.
After testing and examining a number of top-rated car seats on Amazon, our review team created a list of top recommendations. In this review, we’ll suggest car seats for various ages and offer insights on the best car seat for your child’s size.
In this article:
- 5 Best Car Seats
- Our Review Standards
- Best Convertible Car Seat: Chicco Fit4
- Best Infant Car Seat: Bugaboo Turtle Air
- Best Toddler Car Seat: Chicco MyFit
- Best Budget Toddler Car Seat: Evenflo Chase
- Best Budget Infant Car Seat: Baby Trend EZ Ride
- Types Of Car Seats
- Car Seat Buyers Guide
- FAQ: Best Car Seats
5 Best Car Seats
The five car seats recommended above are the best we’ve tested. To find more options specific to your child’s age, check out our articles on the best infant car seats, the best convertible car seats, and the best car seats for toddlers.
Our Review Standards
Our review team tested more than a dozen car seats. To select products for testing, we searched Amazon for top products by looking at customer ratings, Amazon superlatives, and prices.
Every car seat we recommend complies with U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. We compared adjustability, material quality, and ease of use to determine our rankings. We also considered customer opinions as represented by reviews on websites such as Walmart.com, Target.com, and Amazon.com.
Ease Of Use
Even a car seat that meets National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) guidelines is unsafe if installed incorrectly. When a car seat is simple to install and includes easy-to-follow directions, the chance of user error is lower.
A car seat’s anchor clips can make a big difference with ease of installation. While testing car seats, we encountered two types of anchor clips: a simple metal anchor and a buckle anchor similar to a seatbelt (both displayed below). The buckle-type anchor is easier to attach and release. Seats with this type of anchor scored higher in the ease-of-use category.
Plain Metal Anchor
Buckle Anchor (Latch)
Adjustability
Though small babies are of similar size, older children come in various shapes, heights, and weights. You’ll need to adjust any car seat to fit your child and your car. Features such as a built-in level, adjustable headrest, and multiple harness positions are useful in this regard. Car seats with more harness positions and incline positions scored best in this category.
Quality Of Materials
Better materials mean a more comfortable ride for your child. It’s also helpful when a car seat has machine-washable fabrics for easy cleanup. Car seats with soft materials, extra padding, and quality stitchwork scored best in this category.
Car Seat Testing Process
To test the best car seats, our review team installed each product into a sedan. In addition to inspecting the materials of each seat in person, we noted the ease or difficulty of the installation process. We also tested each adjustment mechanism to ensure it worked smoothly.
You can attach most car seats using the car’s built-in infant seat anchors or using the seatbelt. For our testing, we installed each seat using the built-in lower anchors when possible.
Best Convertible Car Seat: Chicco Fit4
The Chicco Fit4 is a convertible car seat with four configurations, nine recline positions, and ten headrest positions. It can accommodate children from birth up to 100 pounds, transforming from a rear-facing infant seat to a high-backed booster. We’ve rated the Fit4 higher than any other car seat because it’s easy to use and features soft, high-quality materials.
Key Features
- Cost: $350
- Weight range: 4.0 to 100.0 pounds
- Height range: Up to 57.0 inches
- Car seat weight: 25.0 pounds
Our Experience
Among the car seats we tested, the Chicco Fit4 may be the simplest to install. The instruction guide is easy to follow, and you can access more detailed instructions through your smartphone (by scanning the QR code plastered to the frame). The buckles and latches are no problem to secure and adjust.
This car seat is large. Most convertible car seats take up a lot of space and therefore may not be suited for small cars. We managed to install and use this car seat just fine (in a small sedan with a 5.0-foot, 10.0-inch person in the front seat), but if you’re sitting in the front seats and need a lot of legroom, this seat may be too big.
| Overall | 5 out of 5 |
|---|---|
| Ease of Use | 5 out of 5 |
| Adjustability | 5 out of 5 |
| Quality of Materials | 5 out of 5 |
What Customers Are Saying
The Chicco Fit4 has an average Amazon rating of 4.8 out of 5 based on more than 1,500 reviews. About 89 percent of reviewers rate the Fit4 a full 5 stars.
Many positive reviews mention the Fit4 being easy to install. Parents like the SuperCinch Latch tightener, which is easy to use and has a secure feel.
The most frequently mentioned downside to the Fit4 is its size. It can be difficult to maneuver, and drivers with small cars find it hard to get into their vehicle. While we installed the Fit4 in a sedan with no issues, this convertible car seat is much bulkier than infant and toddler car seats.
Best Infant Car Seat: Bugaboo Turtle Air
One of the more expensive car seats, the Bugaboo Turtle Air earns its price tag. This seat is made from ultra-soft merino wool and uses a no-rethread five-position harness. The lightweight car seat weighs around 7.0 pounds and is compatible with the Bugaboo stroller.
The rear-facing Turtle Air is designed for infants and newborns and can accommodate children between 4.0 and 32.0 pounds.
Key Features
- Cost: $450
- Weight range: 4.0 to 32.0 pounds
- Height range: 32.0 inches or less
- Car seat weight (excluding base): 8.6 pounds
Our Experience
The material quality was apparent as soon as we touched the Turtle Air. The belts and buckles are simple to adjust, and the merino-wool lining is softer than any other car seat we tested.
We couldn’t get the anchor clips to attach to our vehicle because the straps didn’t reach far enough. However, it wasn’t difficult to install the car seat using the shoulder belt, which hooks neatly through the designed path.
Once the base is attached, the Turtle Air infant carrier is easily detached with a click of a button. Lower-quality infant car seats can require jostling to detach, but the Turtle Air slides out nicely and is unlikely to disturb a sleeping infant.
| Overall | 4.5 out of 5 |
|---|---|
| Ease of Use | 4.5 out of 5 |
| Adjustability | 4 out of 5 |
| Quality of Materials | 5 out of 5 |
What Customers Are Saying
There are just a few customer ratings for the Bugaboo Turtle Air on Amazon. Every reviewer gives the Turtle Air 5 stars, but this is a small sample size. On Target.com, the Turtle Air has close to 30 ratings, with an average score of 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Few negative comments about the Turtle Air exist. Most customers are surprised by the light weight and appreciate the high-quality materials. Nearly all reviewers mention this infant car seat being easy to use and install.
Some users say the canopy can get in the way when not in use, but we didn’t have any issues with it during our test installation.
Best Toddler Car Seat: Chicco MyFit
The Chicco MyFit is a convertible car seat that transitions from a five-point harness to a belt-positioning, high-back booster. It’s a good choice for parents who want a toddler vehicle seat that will also fit their child as they grow.
The MyFit has four recline positions and nine headrest positions, offering a lot of adjustability. The soft padding and removable inserts protect any child with comfort.
Key Features
- Cost: $200
- Weight range: 25.0 to 100.0 pounds
- Height range: Up to 57.0 inches
- Car seat weight: 25.0 pounds
- Machine-washable padding
Our Experience
We found the MyFit very easy to install. It uses Latch system connectors that are easy to tighten. The built-in level helps ensure proper installation and every button, and adjustment mechanism works fluidly. Explanatory stickers also help ensure proper installation by offering guides for each adjustment.
| Overall | 4.7 out of 5 |
|---|---|
| Ease of Installation | 5 out of 5 |
| Adjustability | 4 out of 5 |
| Quality of Materials | 5 out of 5 |
What Customers Are Saying
The MyFit has an “Amazon’s Choice” designation and a near-perfect 4.9-star average rating based on more than 1,900 reviews. About 92 percent of reviews rate this toddler car seat a full 5 stars.
Positive reviews mention the plush padding and light weight of the MyFit. A few users report getting into an accident while using this seat and that their child emerged unscathed. Many positive reviews also say the seat is very comfortable. The head support prevents a child’s head from lolling forward.
One reviewer claims the mechanism to attach the MyFit using a seatbelt (instead of the lower anchor tethers) doesn’t work – at least not in the reviewer’s Honda Pilot. Another negative review complains that the cupholders are too low for some children to reach them.
Best Budget Toddler Car Seat: Evenflo Chase
The Evenflo Chase is a low-priced toddler car seat for children between 22.0 and 110.0 pounds. This well-reviewed seat is nicely padded for a car seat in this price range and is simple to install and adjust.
While it lacks some of the adjustability of pricer models, the Chase sacrifices little on safety. Rigorously tested for side-impact protection, the product meets or exceeds federal car seat safety standards. This is a good car seat if you’re looking for a low-cost option.
Key Features
- Cost: $54
- Weight range: 22.0 to 110.0 pounds
- Height range: 28.0 to 57.0 inches
- Car seat weight: 11.0 pounds
- Machine-washable padding
Our Experience
The Chase is easy to maneuver because it doesn’t weigh much (only 11.0 pounds). While the materials don’t match up to the Bugaboo Turtle Air, the padding and seat are high quality compared to other car seats in this price range.
Though lightweight, the Chase isn’t the easiest car seat to install. It has the metal clamp style of anchor clasp and doesn’t attach and detach as comfortably as high-end models.
| Overall | 3.8 out of 5 |
|---|---|
| Ease of Installation | 4 out of 5 |
| Adjustability | 4 out of 5 |
| Quality of Materials | 3.5 out of 5 |
What Customers Are Saying
The Chase boasts 4.7 stars from more than 7,000 Amazon ratings. About 80 percent of reviewers rate the Chase a full 5 stars. It scores highest in the “easy to install” category, with an average rating of 4.6.
Many positive reviews say the seat is an incredible bargain for the price. Especially for older toddlers, the seat is comfortable enough for short and mid-range trips. This car seat is also considered to be safe. More than one reviewer reported getting into an accident while using this car seat, which kept their child safe.
Negative reviews typically note the comfort of the Chase. The seat doesn’t recline as far as others, causing sleeping children to sometimes lean forward. One reviewer doesn’t care for the fact there are no shoulder pads, because the harness digs into his child’s arms.
Best Budget Infant Car Seat: Baby Trend EZ Ride
The Baby Trend EZ Ride is a rear-facing infant car seat that includes a stroller. While many infant car seats are compatible with strollers, you typically must purchase them separately, with the car seat and stroller together costing upward of $300. The EZ Ride is a safe car seat that includes a stroller for a low overall price.
Key Features
- Cost: $140
- Weight range: 4.0 to 35.0 pounds
- Height range: Up to 32.0 inches
- Car seat weight (excluding base): 8.8 pounds
Our Experience
The EZ Ride is not especially difficult to install, but by the standards of the best car seats, it’s more difficult than average. The straps are hard to tighten, and the anchor clasps are tricky to remove.
Like most infant car seats, the EZ Ride carriage is detachable from the base and attachable to a stroller that’s included. While this car seat works, it’s still hard to detach the base and may require some jostling. It’s unlikely you could detach the carrier without waking a sleeping baby.
The materials are soft and easy to clean, but the nylon padding seat cover is less comfortable than a wool lining or the soft lining of other high budget car seats. But for the cost, this seat does the job.
| Overall | 3.5 out of 5 |
|---|---|
| Ease of Use | 3.5 out of 5 |
| Adjustability | 3.5 out of 5 |
| Quality of Materials | 3.5 out of 5 |
What Customers Are Saying
The EZ Ride has more than 8,800 reviews on Amazon and an average rating of 4.7 stars. About 93 percent of reviewers give this infant car seat a minimum of 4 stars.
Like with many of the best car seats, Amazon reviews claim the EZ Ride succeeds at its most important task: keeping your child safe. At least one person says this seat saved their daughter’s life when they had a wreck.
Most positive reviews praise the EZ Ride’s versatility and low cost. Reviews on ease of use are mixed. Some users believe the system works great, and they are very pleased. Other reviewers note, as we did, that the adjustment mechanisms can be difficult to operate and that it’s not easy to detach the seat from the base.
Types Of Car Seats
The right car seat for you depends on your child’s weight and height. NHTSA guidelines describe the type of car seat you need at each age. Any car seat you purchase will list the recommended height and weight limitations.
Infant Car Seats
These rear-facing car seats are designed for newborns, but be aware newborns will likely outgrow them after a year. An infant car seat typically has two parts: a base you leave installed in your vehicle and a detachable carrier that can often double as a carriage for a stroller. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends children remain in a rear-facing car seat as long as possible, until they reach the maximum weight or height their seat allows.
Toddler Car Seats
Experts recommend your baby switches to a forward-facing car seat once reaching a certain size. Car seats for toddlers are typically suitable for children between ages two and seven. Many toddler car seats can be transformed into booster seats to accommodate older children.
Convertible Car Seats
You can use convertible car seats as rear-facing seats for infants and forward-facing seats for toddlers. Some convertible car seats are adjustable enough to accommodate children through their entire car seat period. Convertible car seats have the disadvantage of often being larger and heavier than infant or toddler car seats.
Car Seat Buyers Guide
After determining the type of car seat you need, you should keep a few considerations in mind when seeking the best car seat for your child and budget.
Installation
Even the top-rated car seat is only safe if installed properly. Make sure you fully understand every feature of the car seat you buy. Read the instruction booklet before installation.
After installing a car seat, you should have a child passenger safety technician inspect your installation. Find the nearest inspection location using the NHTSA locator.
Car Compatibility
Convertible car seats are bigger than infant car seats. Keep this in mind if you have a sedan or sports car. Bucket seats can also affect the ability to install two car seats side by side. If you or your partner are tall, your legroom may be limited by a bulky rear-facing car seat in the back. Another consideration is your car’s upholstery material. A 30.0-pound car seat with a 40.0-pound toddler might mark up leather seats. If this happens, you might want to invest in seat protectors.
Portability
Do you intend to leave your car seat attached, or will it often move between vehicles (or from car to airplane)? If you plan to lug around your car seat, it’s better to purchase one that’s lightweight and easy to install and detach.
Safety Tips
All car seats sold in the U.S. should meet federal safety standards. However, some car seats are recallable, and an improper installation can render a seat unsafe.
- Register the car seat online: This should be one of the first steps of buying a car seat. A one-time registration will opt you into regular updates and notices from the manufacturer.
- Check national standards: Every car seat for sale in the U.S. should meet or exceed state and federal safety codes and undergo a New Car Assessment Program crash test by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Parents can follow organizations such as the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and the American Academy of Pediatrics for regular reports about child passenger safety.
- Review the expiration date: Like every solid safety feature and state-regulated product, car seats should have expiration dates. The best convertible car seats usually have an expiration date between six and ten years. You can find the date printed on your product or in the user manual. If you’ve misplaced the manual, call the manufacturer.
- Have your installation inspected: Take your car seat to the nearest inspection station so a professional can make sure you’ve properly installed and adjusted it.
Besides looking at safety standards and details from the manufacturer, you should assess what safety features are important to you as a parent. Do you want added padding or flame retardant material included in the design? Or do you want the seat with the best crash test rating?
FAQ: Best Car Seats
What is the safest car seat?
The safest car seat is one that’s properly installed and that’s the right seat for your child. All car seats sold within the U.S. must meet federal safety standards. Refer to this guide created by the NHTSA that explains which type of car seat is best for your child based on age.
Are Britax car seats safe?
Yes, Britax car seats are considered to be safe. Any Britax car seat sold in the U.S. meets all federal safety standards. However, all car seats expire, so an expired or recalled Britax car seat may no longer be safe.
What type of car seat do I need?
Generally, children up to age three need a rear-facing car seat. Children between three and seven years old will typically use a forward-facing seat, and children between seven and twelve should use a belt-positioning booster car seat. However, the right seat depends on the age and height of your child. Check the recommended height and weight limits of any car seat to ensure it’s safe for your child.
How do you install a car seat?
You can install most car seats using your vehicle’s anchor latches under the back seat. If your car doesn’t have anchor latches, you can install a car seat using the belt. Refer to the installation guide included with your specific car seat for installation instructions.
Do car seats expire?
Yes, a car seat can expire. Most car seats typically expire after six or ten years. It’s unlikely a single car seat will fit a child for that long, but some all-in-one car seats do. Expiration dates are also something to consider when buying old or second-hand car seats (which we don’t recommend).
