Top Car Seats
Diapers.com reveals its hottest car seats
For the first time ever, we’re revealing our best-selling car seats. Our million-plus customer base has spoken with their wallets — check out the Top 10 lists below, then go to Diapers.com to see current pricing for both 2010 and 2011 models.
View Top 10: infant car seats > convertible seats > toddler seats > booster seats >
Car Seats 101 Infant seats are rear-facing only and can take your child from birth up
to 35 pounds. They can often be used with certain strollers to create a travel system. A convenient handle lets you carry baby from the backseat to the stroller without disrupting nap time. And, you can use the same car seat for two different cars with the simple addition of an extra base.
Convertible seats start off rear-facing and eventually can be positioned forward-facing. Industry experts recommend kids remain rear-facing until they’ve reached the maximum height/weight allowed for that model. Compared to an infant car seat, the convertible seat will accommodate your child longer (although it can’t be removed from the car as easily as an infant seat).
Toddler seats/5-point harness combination boosters are forward-facing only. This option lets your child use a 5-point harness restraint — considered safer than an adult seat belt — longer. After your child reaches the weight limit for the harness, the seat can be used as a belt-positioning booster with your car’s seat belt. Some options can accommodate your child up to 120 pounds.
Booster seats utilize your car’s seat belt and are meant for kids who
Special Picks Compact Cars: Sunshine Kids Radian (fit 3 across the backseat) City Dwellers/Cabs: Safety 1st Go Hybrid Booster (installs in under a minute) Long Life Span: Recaro ProSPORT (fits 20-120 lbs.); Safety 1st Alpha Omega Elite (fits 5-100 lbs.) Preemies: Chicco KeyFit, Britax Chaperone & Safety 1st onBoard (fit 4-lb. babies)
have outgrown toddler seats, but aren’t yet big enough to use the adult seat belt alone.
Travel easily with baby through airports. Consider products like the
GoGo Babyz Travelmate, a wheeled frame with handle that can be attached to your car seat, or the Lilly Gold Sit N’ Stroll which converts from seat to stroller.
Life spans of most car seats are 5 to 9 years from the date of manu-
facture. A car seat with 2010 in its name might not expire until 2019. You may be able to save a few bucks by shopping for a car seat manufactured in the previous year — some retailers will mark down the prices on those products.
Check out your state’s car seat safety requirements here. *Rankings based on 2010 sales.
top 10 infant car seats pricing key: $ = Lower priced
$$ = Mid-priced
$$$ = Higher priced
1. Graco SnugRide 35
Price: $$
It’s a favorite that’s classic in every way! And the 35-pound weight capacity is a sweet bonus.
What our customers say: “Totally in love with this car seat! Put the baby in and close the harness, then pull on the strap to tighten. So simple!”
2. Britax Chaperone
Price: $$$ Capacity: 4-30 lbs.
From the famous manufacturer of convertible car seats, this infant carrier can be used with the new Britax strollers. It’s also certified for aircraft travel so baby can take off in comfort.
What our customers say: “The rebound bar on this seat base is awesome, and it’s a very hard-to-find feature in car seats in the U.S.”
3. Chicco KeyFit 30
Price: $$
It’s not only functional, it’s downright stylish too — and also an ever popular option for travel systems.
What our customers say: “This is my fourth baby and this car seat is wonderful for a small size baby. He is secure and his head does not bobble around. The seat is light and easy to remove and attach to the base.”
4. Graco SnugRide 32
Price: $$
Installation is a snap thanks to a base with belt lock-off and 1-hand dial adjustment. It has the same great features as the SnugRide 35 (No. 1), but it takes your infant up to 32 pounds instead of 35 pounds.
What our customers say: “I love the ease at which the seat snaps in and out of its base and the stroller.”
5. Maxi-Cosi Mico
Price: $$
This European-designed carrier is light on your arms and back at just under 8.5 pounds. Plus, we hear that in Europe, “Maxi-Cosi” is used as a generic name for an infant car seat — it’s that much of a classic!
What our customers say: “Great car seat. Easily snaps into and out of car base. Baby loves it.”
*Pricing key compares infant car seats only.
Capacity: 5-35 lbs.
Capacity: 4-30 lbs.
Capacity: 5-32 lbs.
Capacity: 5-22 lbs.
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pricing key: $ = Lower priced
$$ = Mid-priced
$$$ = Higher priced
6. Safety 1st onBoard 35
Price: $$
It’s so sleek, so comfy — and it features 17 percent more leg room than most infant car seats.
What our customers say: “The buckle is metal and not that silly plastic puzzle. This is very easy to install and removing the car seat from the base is insanely easy.”
7. Safety 1st Designer
Price: $
This sturdy seat is a great buy for any budget. And it makes getting in and out of the car a snap. It differs from the Safety 1st onBoard (No. 6) in terms of weight limit.
What our customers say: “Comfortable…pretty pattern…soft material… stylish.”
8. Peg Perego Primo Viaggio
Price: $$$ Capacity: 5-30 lbs.
The headrest and padding are made of microfiber cloth that stays dry and allows proper ventilation. It has also been a mom favorite for many years and is consistently high-ranked.
What our customers say: “Hands down, this car seat is worth every penny. Peace of mind is priceless.”
9. Graco SnugRide 5pt Rear Adjust
Price: $
Capacity: 5-22 lbs.
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Price: $
Capacity: 5-22 lbs.
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Capacity: 4-35 lbs.
Capacity: 5-22 lbs.
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Style and comfort make it a classic times two! Less expensive than the Graco SnugRide 32 and 35, this model accommodates baby up to 22 pounds instead of 32 pounds or 35 pounds.
10. Evenflo Embrace DLX SI Installation is a breeze thanks to the 3-position base with easy-to-use adjuster.
top 10 convertible car seats pricing key: $ = Lower priced
$$ = Mid-priced
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1. Britax Marathon 70
Price: $$
It’s a safety standout with its Harness Ultra Guard System. The Marathon 70 fits baby up to 70 pounds and is Britax’s go-to seat if you’re looking for a balance of top safety features and value — plus it offers cool patterns like “cowmooflage”!
What our customers say: “It’s very simple to install. I did it in about three minutes.”
2. Britax Roundabout 55
Price: $
It’s compact, comfortable and safe too. It has weight and height limits of 55 pounds and 46 inches (compared to 70 pounds and 49 inches with the Britax Marathon), and is priced lower than other Britax convertible seats.
What our customers say: “The seat looks so comfy and my baby’s head doesn’t wobble in it — she sleeps like a queen.”
3. Britax Boulevard 70
Price: $$$ Capacity: 5-70 lbs.
The harness holders conveniently keep the straps out of the way when getting baby in the car seat. The extra head protection is an extra plus! It has the same height and weight requirements as the Britax Marathon, but also features True Side Impact Protection.
What our customers say: “I wanted to buy the safest car seat I could get my hands on. And Britax gave me the most peace of mind.”
4. Sunshine Kids Radian XT SL
Price: $$$ Capacity: 5-80 lbs.
It holds up to 80 pounds forward-facing, plus folds flat so you can actually carry it over your shoulder or wear it like a backpack!
What our customers say: “It’s the Cadillac of car seats”; “Wow this seat is built like a tank.”
5. Britax Advocate 70 CS
Price: $$$ Capacity: 5-70 lbs.
In addition to the other great Britax features, the Advocate is the only one to feature Side Impact Cushion Technology. In fact, Britax considers the Advocate, their priciest seat, to be their top-of-theline model.
What our customers say: “We love the side impact protection. Our car has side airbags and many safety features, but if he rides with grandma, he has those same safety features built into his seat.”
*Pricing key compares convertible car seats only.
Capacity: 5-70 lbs.
Capacity: 5-55 lbs.
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pricing key: $ = Lower priced
$$ = Mid-priced
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6. Sunshine Kids Radian 65SL
Price: $$
You can fit three in a row in the backseat! And, for travel, it folds flat too. The Radian 65SL takes your child up to 40 pounds rear-facing and 65 pounds forward-facing, compared to 45 pounds rear-facing and 80 pounds forwardfacing with the Radian XT SL (No. 4).
What our customers say: “Very sleek, very small! The bottom width is only 13 inches! And the widest part is 17, making it fit very comfortably in our car.”
7. Safety 1st Alpha Omega Elite
Price: $
It takes your backseat passenger from baby to big kid in a snap! And it features kid favorites like a detachable cup holder, comfortable pivoting armrests and a 3-position recline.
What our customers say: “The best part of this car seat — my husband was rear-ended in a decent impact, and our son didn’t even notice! We just ordered a second one to replace it, as nothing is better than knowing your baby is safe!”
8. Evenflo Triumph Advance LX SI
Price: $
This long-time mom favorite is a triumph with a fold-down cup holder, energy absorbing foam liner and “TensionRight” knob. It ranks high in safety too.
What our customers say: “My car was rear-ended and thrown into another car causing extensive damage. I was injured even with a seat belt on, but thanks to this wonderful seat my son was not. He wasn’t even sore the next day.”
9. The First Years True Fit
Price: $
It’s super simple to use, even earning four stars for “Ease of Use” from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
What our customers say: “All of the features are easy to use, and I love that I don’t have to re-thread the harness.”
10. Recaro ProRIDE
Price: $$$ Capacity: 5-70 lbs.
When it comes to seating, Recaro — the well-known race car seating manufacturer — really can’t be beat!
What our customers say: “The quality of this car seat is almost shocking when compared to others. It is large and heavy, but these are some of the things that make it so safe and secure. Structurally, it is like a real seat you would find in a car.”
Capacity: 5-65 lbs.
Capacity: 5-100 lbs.
Capacity: 5-65 lbs.
Capacity: 5-65 lbs.
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top 10 toddler car seats pricing key: $ = Lower priced
$$ = Mid-priced
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1. Britax Frontier 85
Price: $$$ Capacity: 25-120 lbs.
It’s a car seat that grows with your child — up to 85 pounds in the 5-point harness mode, and up to 120 pounds in the belt-positioning booster mode.
What our customers say: “We love the extra padding, the lighter weight and all the safety features and standards Britax is known for. The 5-point harness up to 85 pounds was a huge selling point. We’re looking forward to a long relationship with our new Frontier 85.”
2. Graco Nautilus 3-in-1
Price: $$
It’s a 3-in-1 car seat that converts from a 5-point harness to a high-back booster to a backless booster. And it offers greater peace of mind thanks to the extensive safety testing this seat has undergone.
What our customers say: “Moves easily from one car to the other. User-friendly for adult and child. Child often goes on long road trips and never complains of discomfort. Worth every cent paid for the safety of our little man.”
3. Recaro ProSPORT
Price: $$$ Capacity: 20-120 lbs.
It looks so cushiony that you might feel a little jealous of baby’s seat — especially since it comes from cutting-edge Recaro. Added bonus: It’s manufactured in the U.S.
What our customers say: “It’s comfortable, stylish, and super safe! Makes me want to put Recaro seats in the car for me!”
4. Safety 1st Go Hybrid
Price: $$
It installs in under a minute and converts to a backless booster. The Go Hybrid requires your vehicle to have a top tether anchor to secure the seat and harness. Like the Apex (No. 6), it fits baby up to 65 pounds with a 5-point harness.
What our customers say: “It truly installs in less than a minute (and a very tight fit) which is crucial when getting in and out of cabs.”
5. Safety 1st Vantage High Back
Price: $
It takes your child from 22 pounds all the way up to 100 pounds. The Vantage has a forward-facing limit of 40 pounds and features padded armrests.
What our customers say: “We were in a serious car accident. Our 2-year-old came out of it with one tiny scratch, and the paramedics credited this seat with his surviving unscathed.”
*Pricing key compares toddler car seats only.
Capacity: 20-100 lbs.
Capacity: 22-100 lbs.
Capacity: 22-100 lbs.
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pricing key: $ = Lower priced
$$ = Mid-priced
$$$ = Higher priced
6. Safety 1st Apex 65
Price: $
The Apex 65 has a forward-facing limit up to 65 pounds, so baby can stay in the 5-point harness longer than in the Safety 1st Vantage (No. 5) or Safety 1st Summit (No. 7). The seat converts to a backless booster for kids up to 100 pounds.
What our customers say: “The seat is soft with a comfortable amount of padding to keep kids relaxed on long trips. There are side impact wings with the safety foam along the top but it does not impair their ability to see out the window.”
7. Safety 1st Summit
Price: $
Comes with deluxe padding and a cup holder. Unlike the Vantage (No. 5), the Summit has a non-removable base and pivoting armrests. It takes baby up to 40 pounds/43 inches forward-facing and up to 100 pounds/52 inches as a belt-positioning booster.
What our customers say: “The seat is very sturdy and I haven’t had any problems with the belt twisting. So far an excellent buy.”
8. Eddie Bauer Deluxe High Back
Price: $$
It adjusts to fit with a 3-position headrest, fold-up armrests and a 3-position recline.
What our customers say: “I love it because it will last for a very long time and when I have my second child I am all set.”
9. Cosco Juvenile High Back
Price: $
It comes equipped with a removable cup holder — a small feature that makes car rides that much easier.
What our customers say: “Easy to install…easy to clean…sturdy.”
10. Orbit Baby Toddler Car Seat
Price: $$$ Capacity: 15-50 lbs.
It’s not only convenient, it’s green too! The upholstery is Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certified. This is an international certification that sets limits for over a hundred harmful chemicals and makes sure they are not present in the fabrics.
What our customers say: “I love that it swivels in on the base (when in rear-facing position), so you don’t have to hurt yourself leaning in to buckle in the baby.”
Capacity: 22-100 lbs.
Capacity: 22-100 lbs.
Capacity: 22-100 lbs.
Capacity: 22-80 lbs.
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top 10 booster car seats pricing key: $ = Lower priced
$$ = Mid-priced
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1. Graco Highback TurboBooster
Price: $
It goes from high-back booster to backless booster in a snap.
What our customers say: “My daughter just turned 4 and she loves this booster seat. She has said many times it’s very comfortable and when she falls asleep her head doesn’t tip forward onto her chest.”
2. Britax Parkway SG
Price: $$
The cup holders fit sippy cups, soda cans and water bottles. The SecureGuard (“SG”) feature also keeps a child from “submarining” (sliding under the seat belt) during a crash.
What our customers say: “It’s super sturdy but lightweight and easy to take in and out. My son loves the cup holders and the soft cushiony fabric.”
3. Recaro Vivo
Price: $$
Recaro is known for its high-quality seats for vehicles of all types and this car seat wears their name proud!
What our customers say: “Our son just loves this booster seat. We got two of these, one for each car, in red/black. We told him that it’s his race car seat since Recaro is a race car brand. He just loves the way it looks and feels and we love the solid construction.”
4. Graco Backless TurboBooster
Price: $
Capacity: 40-100 lbs.
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5. Recaro ProBOOSTER
Price: $$
Capacity: 30-120 lbs.
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Kids will love its style — after all, it comes from race-car cool Recaro! The Recaro Vivo (No. 3) and ProBOOSTER differ in weight and height limits. The ProBOOSTER goes up to 120 pounds/61 inches; the Vivo goes up to 100 pounds/59 inches.
What our customers say: “The booster is the best in the market.”
Capacity: 30-100 lbs.
Capacity: 40-120 lbs.
Capacity: 30-100 lbs.
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It’s lightweight and safe. And with its affordable price, you can get one for all your vehicles. It’s backless, whereas the Graco Highback TurboBooster (No. 1) converts to a backless booster.
*Pricing key compares booster car seats only.
pricing key: $ = Lower priced
$$ = Mid-priced
$$$ = Higher priced
6. The First Years Compass B540
Price: $
Capacity: 30-100 lbs.
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Price: $$
Capacity: 30-120 lbs.
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8. Eddie Bauer Auto
Price: $
Capacity: 30-100 lbs.
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The hideaway cup holders, storage pouch and pivoting padded armrests help make long and short car rides a breeze!
What our customers say: “It’s also really light and easy to transport from one car to the other.”
9. Maxi-Cosi Rodi XR
Price: $$$ Capacity: 30-100 lbs.
With its 1-hand recline feature, you can adjust the seat’s position for your kid’s comfort. It also easily converts to a backless booster for children from 30 to 100 pounds.
What our customers say: “Sturdier than most other boosters…Very stylish, hip, modern…This car seat feels comfortable to my daughter and appears to have enough padding.”
10. Clek Oobr Full Back
Price: $$$ Capacity: 33-100 lbs.
It’s a fullback booster that can convert to a backless booster, and the latches lock with an audible click. Plus, it can’t be beat design-wise — check out the cool Paul Frank patterns available.
What our customers say: “This was just what we were looking for — it received a ‘Best Bet’ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and was the only seat that provided a recline position for him to sleep comfortably in the car.”
You can’t miss with a product awarded five stars for “Ease of Use” by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
7. Sunshine Kids Monterey From 30 pounds to 120 pounds, from high-back booster to backless booster, your child is covered! And your child will be sitting in comfort thanks to the seat bottom with extra length (for leg support) and dual cup holders (perfect for long car rides!).
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