We tested Britax and Nuna convertible car seats: Here’s our honest review

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Recommended Seats: USA

Choosing a car seat is tough! There are so many options, and one look at the car seat aisle can make your head swim with weight limits and bells and whistles. So how do you know what the best seat is for your child? The safest seat is the one that fits your child, fits your vehicle, and can be used correctly 100% of the time. It’s important to look at the height and weight limits printed on the box, but they often do not tell the whole story. It is also important to note things like the height of the shell, and height of the harness positions, which will factor into when the child will outgrow the seat. If you’re not sure which type your child should be in, start with our best practice guide through the four steps of car seat safety. If your child’s car seat isn’t on the list, don’t worry! That doesn’t mean it isn’t safe or isn’t recommended. All seats pass the same safety standards and are safe when used correctly. Our list is a short guide to seats that we find easy to use, long lasting, or fit a specific niche. Looking for a review of a seat that isn’t listed here? It might be in our review archive.

The car seats listed on this page are generally listed from least to most expensive, but prices do fluctuate often so click on the photo of the seat to check pricing. To take a more in-depth look at the seat, most have an accompanying review that is linked in the title. If you wish to select seats to compare, there is a link at the beginning of each section to a comparison page.If we have helped you select a seat, we’d ask you to consider purchasing your seat on Amazon.com using our affiliate link. This gives us a small referral fee and helps support the cost of the resources CSFTL provides. We appreciate your support!

If you are in Canada, we have a list of Recommended Seats for Canada, too.

Rear Facing Only Car Seats (also called infant seats)

Last modified at April 24, 2023 4:07 pm.

Price Range Key: $= up to $150 • $$= $150-$250 • $$$= $250-$350 • $$$$= $300 and up

Century Carry On 35 LX Read CSFTL Review	Bottom Harness Slot: 6 in. with insert Height Limit: Up to 32 in or head is within 1 inch of the top of the shell Weight Limit: 4-32 pounds Expiration: 7 years	Pros: Fits small infants well, lower price point, lightweight, ultra compact. Cons: Not many “extra” features. Features: 2 sets of harness loops, robust infant padding.	Price Range: $
Cosco Light n Comfy Read CSFTL Review	Bottom Harness Slot: 5.25″ Height Limit: Up to 29″ or head 1″ below the top of the shell Weight Limit: 4-22 lbs Expiration: 8 years	Pros: Allows handle in any position, available with recommended front adjust harness, fits small infants well, lightweight, price, and 3 crotch buckle positions. Cons: Some models have a rear adjust harness, look for front adjust model. Some models do not have adjustable bases.	Price Range: $ Buy at Amazon Buy at Target
Safety 1st OnBoard 35 LT Read CSFTL Review	Bottom Harness Slot: 4.5″ with insert Height Limit: Up to 32″ or head 1” below the top of the shell Weight Limit: 4-35 lbs Expiration: 8 years	Pros: Fits small infants well, front adjust harness, lightweight, and price. Cons: Only two available recline positions and recline line is only on the restraint portion of the seat. Features: Large canopy.	Price Range: $ Buy at Amazon Buy at Target
Graco SnugRide 35 Lite Read CSFTL Review	Bottom Harness Slot: 6″ with insert Height Limit: Up to 32″ or head 1″ below the top of the shell Weight Limit: 4-35 lbs Expiration: 7 years	Pros: Fits small infants well, front adjust harness, large canopy, lightweight, and 2 crotch buckle positions. Cons: Must remember to remove infant insert at 12 pounds Features: Allows European routing for baseless installation	Price Range: $ Buy at Amazon Buy at Target
Evenflo LiteMax Sport Read CSFTL Review	Bottom Harness Slot: 4″ Height Limit: 17-32″ or head 1” below the top of the shell Weight Limit: 3-35 lbs Expiration: 7 years	Pros: Fits small infants well, front adjust harness, lightweight, price, and 3 crotch buckle positions. Cons: Requires 1.5″ clearance between vehicle seat and car seat. Features: Buckle tongue storage and lockoff.	Price Range: $ Buy at Amazon Buy at Target
Chicco Keyfit 30 Read CSFTL Review	Bottom Harness Slot: 6″ with insert Height Limit: Up to 30″ or head 1” below the top of the shell Weight Limit: 4-30 lbs Expiration: 6 years	Pros: Allows handle in any position, fits small infants well, and front adjust harness. Cons: Must remember to remove infant insert at 11 pounds and not as lightweight as other options. Features: Harness pads, lockoff, and premium lower anchor connectors. Zip model offers easy to remove cover. * Note: the Keyfit comes in a 22 lb version also.	Price Range: $$ Buy at Amazon Buy at Target
Graco SnugRide SnugLock Series Read Platinum Review Read DLX Review Read SnugLock 35 Review	Bottom Harness Slot: 5″ Height Limit: Up to 30″ or 32″ depending on model, or head 1″ below the top of the shell Weight Limit: 4-30 or 35 lbs depending on model Expiration: 7 years Note: There is a SnugLock 30 version that has lower limits.	Pros: Allows handle in any position, fits small infants well, front adjust harness, large canopy, and 2 crotch buckle positions. Cons: Insert has specific weight requirements. Features: Adjustable base, and SnugLock lockoff. Other features vary by exact model. Some have premium lower anchor connectors, no rethread harness, and/or one button handles. Read the CSFTL reviews to determine which features are available.	Price Range: $$-$$ Buy Graco Snugride Snuglock Car Seats
Britax B-Safe 35 Gen2 Read CSFTL Review	Bottom Harness Slot: 4.5″ with insert Height Limit: Up to 32″ or head 1” below the top of the shell Weight Limit: 4-35 lbs Expiration: 6 years	Pros: Allows handle in any position, easily accessible belt path for baseless installation, fits small infants well, front adjust harness, and 2 crotch buckle positions. Cons: Must remember to change harness length and crotch buckle position at 11 pounds, and not as lightweight as other options. Features: Harness pads, lockoff, and premium lower anchor connectors.	Price Range: $$ Buy at Amazon Buy at Target
Evenflo SecureMax Gold Read CSFTL Review	Bottom Harness Slot: 6″ with insert Height Limit: 17-32″ or head 1” below the top of the shell Weight Limit: 4-35 lbs Expiration: 6 years	Pros: Allows handle in any position, fits small infants well, front adjust harness, and 2 crotch buckle positions. Cons: Requires 1.5″ clearance between vehicle seat and car seat, and load leg cannot be used in seating positions with store and go seating. Features: SensorSafe system, harness pads, load leg, lockoff, no-rethread harness, and premium lower anchor connectors.	Price Range: $$$ Buy at Amazon Buy at Target
Chicco KeyFit 35 Read CSFTL Review	Bottom Harness Slot: 6″ with insert Height Limit: less than 32″ or head 1” below the top of the shell Weight Limit: 4-35 lbs Expiration: 6 years	Pros: Allows handle in any position, fits small infants well, front adjust harness. Cons: Must remember to remove infant insert at 11 pounds and not as lightweight as other options. Features: Allows European routing for baseless installation, anti-rebound bar on base, harness pads, lockoff, no-rethread harness, and premium lower anchor connectors.	Price Range: $$$ Buy at Amazon Buy at Target
Nuna Pipa Read CSFTL Review	Bottom Harness Slot: 6″ with insert Height Limit: Up to 32″ or head 1” below the top of the shell Weight Limit: 4-32 lbs Expiration: 7 years	Pros: Allows handle in any position, fits small infants well, front adjust harness, and 2 crotch buckle positions. Cons: Can be difficult to find locally and load leg cannot be used in seating positions with store and go seating. Features: Allows European routing for baseless installation, dream drape canopy, harness pads, load leg, lockoff, and rigid lower anchor connectors.	Price Range: $$$
Evenflo Shyft DualRide Read CSFTL Review	Bottom Harness Slot: 5″ with insert Height Limit: 15.7 – 32″ or head is within 1 inch of the top of the headrest Weight Limit: 4-35 pounds Expiration: 6 years	Pros: Fits small infants well, easy install. Cons: Fairly high price point, not everyone wants a stroller. Features: Is also a stroller, fits tiny infants well, very convenient.	Price Range: $$$

Convertible and Multimode Car Seats

Convertible Car Seats (Rear and forward facing)

Last modified at April 24, 2023 4:07 pm.

Multimode Car Seats (Rear and forward facing with an additional booster mode)

Last modified at April 18, 2022 12:51 pm.

Price Range Key (Harnessed Seat): $= up to $99 • $$= $100-$199 • $$$= $200-$299 • $$$$= $300 and up

Century Drive On Read CSFTL Review	Rear Facing Limits: 5-40 lbs or head 1″ below the top of the fully extended headrest Forward Facing Limits: 22-65 lbs, less than 49″, with 16″ top harness slots Booster Limits: 40-100 lbs, 43-57″, with 18″ top belt guide (does not become backless) Expiration: 7 years in harness mode, 10 years in booster mode	Pros: Fits newborns well, lightweight, and 2 crotch buckle positions. Cons: Single required rear facing recline line and lower height limits for booster mode. Features: Harness pads, hideaway harness in booster mode, dual cupholders, and no-rethread harness.	Price Range: $$ Buy at Amazon
Graco TrioGrow SnugLock Read CSFTL Review	Rear Facing Limits: 5-40 lbs, head 1″ below the top of the headrest Forward Facing Limits: 22-65 lbs, up to 49″, with 17″ top harness slots Booster Limits: 40-100 lbs, 43-57″, with 18″ top belt guide (does not become backless) Expiration: 10 years	Pros: Easy to install, fits newborns well, compact, tall shell for rear facing, and 2 crotch buckle positions. Cons: Does not allow the seat to overhang the vehicle seat in booster mode and booster not as tall as other options. Features: Can use lower anchors in booster mode, dual cupholders, harness pads, hideaway harness for switching to booster mode, no re-thread harness, RapidRemove cover (on LX model), and premium lower anchor connectors (on LX model).	Price Range: $$-$$$ Buy at Amazon
Graco Extend2Fit 3-in-1 Read CSFTL Review	Rear Facing Limits: 4-50 lbs, head 1″ below the top of the headrest Forward Facing Limits: 22-65 lbs, up to 49″, with 17.5″ top harness slots Booster Limits: 40-100 lbs, 43-57″, with 18.5″ top belt guide (does not become backless) Expiration: 10 years	Pros: 50 pound rear facing weight limit, compact front to back when extension panel is not used for older infants/children, fits average size newborns, tall shell for rear facing, and 2 crotch buckle positions. Cons: Can be bulky front to back with the extension panel in use, does not allow the seat to overhang the vehicle seat in booster mode and booster not as tall as other options. Features: 3-position extension panel that provides 5″ of extra leg room, can use lower anchors in booster mode, dual cupholders, harness pads, hideaway harness for switching to booster mode, no re-thread harness, and premium lower anchor connectors.	Price Range: $$$ Buy at Amazon Buy at Target
Graco SlimFit3 LX and True3Fit LX Read CSFTL Review	Rear Facing Limits: 5-40 lbs, up to 49″, head 1″ below the top of the headrest Forward Facing Limits: 22-65 lbs, up to 49″, with 16.75″ top harness slots Booster Limits: 40-100 lbs, 43-57″, with 18.5″ top belt guide (does not become backless) Expiration: 10 years	Pros: Easy to install, fits newborns well, narrow, tall shell for rear facing, and 3 crotch buckle positions. Cons: Does not allow the seat to overhang the vehicle seat in booster mode and booster not as tall as other options. Features: Three-across friendly, can use lower anchors and tether in booster mode, dual cupholders (optional), harness pads, lockoff for forward facing installation, hideaway harness for switching to booster mode, no re-thread harness, RapidRemove cover, and premium lower anchor connectors.	Price Range: $$$ Buy at Amazon Buy at Target
Graco 4Ever DLX Read CSFTL Review	Rear-Facing Limits: 4-40 lbs, head 1″ below the top of the headrest Forward Facing Limits: 22-65 lbs, up to 49″, with 18″ top harness slots Booster Limits: 40-100 lbs, 43-57″ with 19″ top belt guide (backless: 40-120 lbs; 43-57″) Expiration: 10 years	Pros: Easy to install, fits newborns well, compact, tall shell for rear facing, and 2 crotch buckle positions. Cons: Cannot use lower anchors in backless booster mode, does not allow the seat to overhang the vehicle seat in booster mode, heavy, and will most likely expire before child is ready to safely travel without booster. Features: Can use lower anchors in high back booster mode, converts to a backless booster, dual cupholders, harness pads, lockoff for forward facing installation, hideaway harness for switching to booster mode, no re-thread harness, RapidRemove cover, and premium lower anchor connectors.	Price Range: $$$ Buy at Amazon Buy at Target

Combination Seats (Forward facing only, 5 point harness, convert to belt positioning booster)

Last modified at April 24, 2023 4:19 pm.

High Back Boosters

Last modified at April 24, 2023 4:37 pm.

Backless Boosters

Last modified at April 24, 2023 4:54 pm.

Price Range Key (Backless Booster): $= up to $30 • $$= $30-$49 • $$$= $50-$99 • $$$$= $100 and up

Cosco Rise Read CSFTL Review	Booster Limits: 40–100 pounds, 43-57 in. Expiration: 10 years	Pros: Lightweight, narrow, and price. Cons: Lacks padding.	Price Range: $
Graco TurboBooster Read CSFTL Review	Booster Limits: 40-110 pounds, 43-57 in. Expiration: 10 years	Pros: Lightweight, price, and shoulder belt guide to assist with seat belt fit. Cons: Does not allow the booster to overhang the vehicle seat and lacks padding. Features: Dual cupholders.	Price Range: $ Buy at Amazon Buy at Target
Graco TurboBooster LX (previously Graco Affix) Read CSFTL Review	Booster Limits: 40-100 lbs and 43-57″ Expiration: 10 years	Pros: Lightweight and shoulder belt guide to assist with seat belt fit. Cons: Does not allow the booster to overhang the vehicle seat and lower anchors can limit three across seating. Features: Dual cupholders and lower anchor connectors.	Price Range: $$ Buy at Amazon Buy at Target
Chicco GoFit Read CSFTL Review	Booster Limits: 40-110 pounds, 38-57 in. Expiration: 8 years	Pros: Allows up to 2 in. of overhang which will help in three across seating, easy to carry, and lightweight. Cons:Does not have LATCH so must be buckled in when unoccupied . Features: Dual flexible cupholders.	Price Range: $$ Buy at Amazon Buy at Target
Graco RightGuide Read CSFTL Review	Booster Limits: 50-120 pounds, 43-60 in. Expiration: 10 years	Pros: Lightweight, fits in a backpack, consistent vehicle seat belt fit, great option for three across. Cons: Not very padded.	Price Range: $$ Buy at Target
Diono Solana 2 Read CSFTL Review	Booster Limits: 40-120 pounds, up to 63 in. Expiration: 8 years	Pros: Wider seating area fits bigger children well, two cupholders, extra padding, lower anchors, and shoulder belt guide to assist with seat belt fit. Cons: Too wide for three across.	Price Range: $$ Buy at Amazon Buy at Target
Peg Perego Viaggio Shuttle Read CSFTL Review	Booster Limits: 40-120 pounds, 39-63 in. Expiration: 12 years	Pros: Wide, low seating area fits older children well. Rigid lower anchor connectors. Cons: Can be difficult to find locally. Features: Easy to set up without (very much or any) adult assistance, easy to carry, consistent belt fit.	Price Range: $$$ Buy at Amazon
Ride Safer Delight (previously Ride Safer Travel Vest) Read CSFTL Review	Booster Limits: Height/weight Limits: Size small: 30-60 pounds, 35-50 in., Size large: 50-80 lbs and 45-57 in., Size x-large: 80-110 pounds and 47-62 in. Expiration: 10 years	Pros: Does not take up any more space than the child’s body, lightweight, and portable. Cons: Can be tricky to thread seat belt through guides and must be ordered online. Features: Version 2 and Delight have tethers that can be used with lap only belts and extra connector can be bought to make a tether anchor in some vehicles.	Price Range: $$$$ Buy at Amazon

Did we help you find a seat? Please consider purchasing from Amazon.com! Car Seats for the Littles is run by volunteers and by purchasing through our affiliate link you’ll help support the resources we provide. We’re glad you’re here, and we hope your kids are safer because of it!

If we have helped you select a seat, we’d ask you to consider purchasing your seat on Amazon.com using our affiliate link. This gives us a small referral fee and helps support the cost of the resources CSFTL provides. We appreciate your support!

If you are in Canada, we have a list for you too. Visit our Recommended Seats: Canada page.

We tested Britax and Nuna convertible car seats: Here’s our honest review

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There’s nothing more important than your baby’s safety. Much like shopping for the best toys for your one-year-old and beyond, shopping for a convertible car seat is one of the most pivotal purchases you’ll make, ensuring that it’s made well and makes your baby happy.

Because your baby can sit in one of these grow-up-with-you seaters for up to five years (yes, it truly grows up with your baby!), I turned to a certified baby safety expert, perused and pored over a litany of consumer-written reviews and tested two popular models on my two-year-old and one-year-old nieces: the Britax and the Nuna.

What’s more, given my nieces unique ages, one is currently forward-facing while the other is rear-facing, which gave this weeks-long review both convertible car seat perspectives.

“Using a convertible car seat from birth, one that rear faces and then forward faces when the child is older, versus a rear-facing-only seat (also known as ‘bucket’ seats) has become more common over the last few years,” Holly Choi, baby and toddler safety expert, certified Red Cross first aid instructor, child-passenger safety technician-instructor (CPST-I) and co-owner of Safe Beginnings First Aid, told the New York Post. “Using a convertible car seat from birth can be perfectly safe and save parents money.”

Additionally, Choi explained everything on convertible car seats — from what to look for to when to seat your baby front-facing or rear-facing — in the FAQ section following the review.

How We Tested

I’ve been buckling my two-year-old niece into the Britax Convertible Car Seat for more than a year, she just started riding in the Nuna model and I’ve been testing, securing and assessing the latter for at least two weeks. Both deliver great safety features and comfort (more on that in our review section), and there are a few criteria I kept in mind while reviewing both models:

• Ease of installing: Installing car seats are no joke (more on that from our certified baby safety expert below), and, while it’s expected for proper installment to take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour, I sought-out seats that would make the process as streamlined as possible.
• Front and rear-facing ability: Because convertible car seats naturally grow up with your baby, I pored over models before testing to ensure that the design would support a baby whose arms and legs would continue to grow. This consisted of analyzing each one’s height and weight limitations.
• Head and body protection features: While each quality car seat has its own slew of features, I carefully examined each characteristic that added more value to the model, from impact protection surrounding the head to ventilation panels that’ll ensure the seater is breathable.

Best Convertible Car Seats Review

1. Nuna RAVA Flame Retardant-Free Convertible Car Seat, $550

Specifications:

Car seat dimensions: 25″ x 16″ x 19″ | Child weight and height: 5-50 lb. rear-facing; 25-65 lb. forward-facing; up to 49″ | Safety features: energy-absorbing foam and SIP (side impact protection) pods to offer side-impact protection; fully designed steel frame and reinforced belt path offer quality protection

Pros:

• Incredible safety features (like it’s five-point harness that adjusts with one hand) that are well-designed to grow with your baby
• Extra legroom for both front- and rear-facing passengers

Cons:

• The car seat takes up fairly more room than the Britax car seat we tested, though not a deal-breaker (the seat was a bit roomier in the SUV when tested than a four-door sedan, however)

As pictured, my niece Julianna Grace felt like a princess in her Nuna RAVA Flame Retardant-Free Convertible Car Seat. Instantly upon installation, it was evident that she had enough head room and the freedom to wiggle her legs, all while being properly secured from head-to-toe. Namely, the front belt is ultra-secure by her shoulders and down to her waist. This is thanks to the car seat’s unique design that allows for extra leg support for forward-facing riders, which she is up to, given her age, weight and height.

And, though my niece is currently forward-facing and loves the extra room, babies who fit the height and weight requirements to be rear-facing (earlier in their development) will enjoy the extra 2 inches of legroom. All in all, the Nuna is exceptional for targeting all of your safety needs while providing a smooth, comfortable cushion for your little one.

After much research — especially during Nordstrom’s annual Anniversary Sale, when this car seat is offered on sale for a limited time — I knew this specific model was one of the most sought-after on the market. Parents and caregivers will love it for a handful of reasons, one being that its five-point harness adjusts with one hand to keep up with your baby’s growth spurts. That said, no belt re-threading is necessary.

How to install: Nuna’s patented Simply secure installation makes the process simple, thanks to its recline-angle guides that clearly outline the ideal riding angle for your baby or toddler. It also has colored belt-oath indicators to help prevent any strap-threading errors.

The comfortable seat offers a 10-position incline (talk about riding in luxury!) and head support, making it simple to find your baby or toddler’s preferred positioning. It’s also aircraft-certified, so rest assured that it meets the criteria to be taken on airplane travel in addition to your road trips. Plus, it’s made with machine-washable knit fabric with an easy-to-clean seat pad (that feels smooth and luxurious to the touch, BTW).

This model is also sustainably made without the use of flame-retardant chemicals, so you also won’t have to worry about long-term effects of certain chemically manufactured designs. Speaking of design, you’ll adore how the Nuna includes cupholders at each side to easily flip open their favorite beverages and snacks — all within arm’s reach while your baby is secured and buckled in.

Lastly, one feature you’ll be happy with (especially in the warmer months) is this model’s ventilation panels that help ensure your baby doesn’t wake up sweaty or sit uncomfortably in longer trips. The Nuna has everything going for it: safety, comfortability and quality — and, while a splurge at $550, it’ll last you without a headache for years. Truthfully, I wish my niece was riding in this model since she was a newborn.

2. Britax Boulevard Clicktight Convertible Car Seat, $370

Specifications:

Car seat dimensions: 24″ x 18.5″ x 23.5″ | Child weight and height: 5-50 lb. rear-facing; 50-65 lb. forward-facing; up to 49″ | Safety features: two layers of side-impact protection surround the head, neck and torso; patented v-shaped tether and high-strength steel frame help absorb crash energy in emergencies

Pros:

• Wonderful safety features that support your baby head to toe
• Has ample legroom for both front- and rear-facing passengers

Cons:

• The car seat’s buckling (as your baby grows) takes some time, unlike the Nuna car seat
• The headrest, though safe for your baby and toddler to ride in, wasn’t as secure as the Nuna car seat

My niece Olivia Rose has been riding in her Britax Boulevard Clicktight Convertible Car Seat for a full year, and this is the same model Julianna Grace has ridden in before trying out her Nuna model. From taking car trips with the Britax by my side, I never had to worry about my nieces’ safety in instances when a car driving in front of our SUV stopped short or there was a bump in the road.

Namely, the car seat is backed by nearly 1,400 satisfied parents and caregivers — and for a good reason. It will grow with your baby up to 65 lbs. and the brand has infused this model with some great safety features worth noting.

First, it has a patented v-shaped tether which, in the instant of an impacted crash, will aide in providing more, much-needed protection. It also includes easy-read level indicators so you’ll be able to ‘click’ the car seat into the specific position as it grows with your baby. Its Clicktight technology is ultra-secure and safe as well.

How to install: Britax’s model comes with unobstructed seat belt paths and an automatic tensioner to take care of the tightening. That said, set-up is incredibly streamlined.

This car seat uniquely comes with 15 positions, a quick-adjust headrest and harness and two layers of side-impact protection — the latter being a feature I looked at closely. This is something the Nuna (that is $150 more on the market) proudly boasts, so I was glad to see the same safety features were evident on the Britax model.

Speaking of the car seat’s upholstery and material, rest assured that Britax offers a naturally flame-retardant knit construction 100% void of those unwanted chemically forged ingredients in the manufacturing process. Keep in mind that this model unfortunately doesn’t include cupholders, but the brand’s One4Life Convertible Car Seat ($400) has this feature.

Additionally, when comparing the Britax with the Nuna model, it’s a bit more compact (so better apt for smaller vehicles) but it doesn’t compromise your baby’s comfortability or legroom. Impressively, it provides ample room for a toddler up to 63″ tall, which is a difference of 10″ more space when compared to the Nuna model.

Though it’s buckles are secure and I’ve been testing this particular model for more than a year, the Nuna does have a bit more of comfort and ‘staying power’; in other words, some reviewers have noted that they wish the headrest was a bit more secure. I would have to agree, though I never felt safety was ever compromised. However, it’s something to note as, for $180 more, you’ll have a more stationary ride with the Nuna.

An FAQ on Convertible Car Seats

Ahead, we turned to Choi to speak on what to keep in mind as far as baby safety goes, along with key characteristics to make note of when shopping for and using a convertible car seat.

Is it better to get an infant car seat or a convertible?

As stated, convertible car seats have grown in popularity due to the value and lasting power they bring. Be sure to note that some car seat manufacturers require additional inserts be added for a newborn to fit the seat properly, though this will be explicitly stated on the car seat’s product description; none of the car seats tested in this review require additional inserts.

“Parents should note that nothing should be added to a car seat unless explicitly allowed or suggested by the car seat manufacturer, typically stated in the user manual for the car seat,” Choi told The Post. “Rear-facing-only ‘bucket’ style seats are a great option for the first few months, because they fit small babies well and provide parents with the convenience of being able to take the baby with them in the car seat while on errands.”

What’s more, the best car seat is the one that fits your vehicle, fits your child, fits your budget, and you will use correctly 100% of the time. “These are the four factors every parent-to-be needs to consider before purchasing a car seat,” Choi adds.

Choi breaks down each of these points succinctly:

Fitting your vehicle: Variations in the passengers typically riding in the vehicle, their heights, the contours of the vehicle interior and more can cause incompatibilities in some cases. The best place for parents to start is at a baby gear store, test-fitting a car seat in your vehicle. Most baby stores and boutiques will allow caregivers to test floor-model car seats in their vehicle prior to purchase. It’s important that parents actually install the car seat rather than just place it on the vehicle seat, as the installation can make a huge different in terms of how much space the car seat will truly take up in the vehicle. Some rear facing car seats will take up more room than others and in a compact vehicle, this can make it challenging to fit the whole family in safely and comfortably.

Fitting your child: Using a convertible car seat from birth, one that rear-faces and then forward-faces when the child is older, versus a rear-facing-only seat (also known as “bucket’ seats has become more common over the last few years. Using a convertible car seat from birth can be perfectly safe and save parents money. However, rear-facing-only infant car seats are designed to fit newborns well, and some convertible car seats may not fit a small baby well.

Fitting your budget: Car seats are priced on a very wide spectrum, but it’s important to that a child’s safety is not compromised in a less expensive seat, so long as that seat is being used correctly. Many car seats are manufacturered with expensive materials, such as load legs, anti-rebound bars, rear facing tethers, speciality fabrics or additional convenience features. However, seats sold on the North American market pass federal crash testing standards. Parents should never feel guilty if they are unable to purchase an expensive car seat. What’s important here is purchasing a car seat that meets current safety regulations, fits their child and their vehicle properly, and can be used correctly for every ride.

What age should a child sit rear-facing and front-facing in a car seat?

It used to be recommended to keep children rear facing until age 2, based on a 2011 recommendation from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). In August 2018, the AAP) updated its recommendations to instead suggest children remain rear-facing “as long as possible, up to the limits of their child’s car seat. This will include virtually all children under 2 years of age and most children up to age 4.” It’s important to check your car seat’s weight and height parameters, as these are the two important factors to determine front- or rear-facing, more so than age.

The recommendations were updated based on injury data and crash analysis, specifically related to how a young child’s head, neck and spine are best protected when rear-facing, as opposed to forward-facing.

“Car seats are designed with the most common and most fatal crashes in mind, which are known to be frontal collisions (such as a head-on collision) as the overwhelming majority of collisions, followed by side-impact collisions,” Choi explains. “With this information in mind, everything in a crash will move towards the point of impact. Therefore, a child in the backseat will move toward the front of the vehicle until something stops them — depending on their situation, this could be a seat belt, their car seat’s harness, or in the case of a rear-facing child, the shell of their car seat.”

Of course, rear-end collisions are a regular occurrence, too. However, they are typically happening at much lower speeds, less likely to be fatal, and car seat harnesses will still help to protect rear-facing children in those scenarios, according to Choi.

How to properly check a car seat’s harness, according to an expert

In order for the child to be properly protected by the car seat, they also need to be harnessed correctly. Here are the main things to check, according to Choi:

• There should be no twists or folds in the harness.
• There should be no slack in the harness in the hips.
• You should be unable to pinch a horizontal fold in the harness at the collarbone (harness should pass “”the pinch test”): if you can pinch a horizontal fold in the harness at the collarbone, continue to pull the harness tight until the pinched fold falls out of your fingers.
• The chest clip should be at armpit level. The chest clip holds the harness on the strongest parts of the child’s body, so that it is properly positioned in the event of a crash. If it’s too low, the harness could slip off the shoulders in a crash.

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