Tested: Best Car Seats (2023 Guide)

Will Moore studies, tests, and writes about auto products and accessories. He's determined to separate the junk from the truly useful for the everyday driver. When he isn't comparing dash cam specs or installing child car seats, Will likes to go hiking with his wife, child, and dogs.

Reviewed By: Charles Noyes

A premium infant car seat made of soft materials.

A quality-made car seat that is easy to install and adjust.

An easy-to-install, all-in-one convertible seat.

A premium car seat with exceptionally soft, removable padding.

A value-priced car seat and stroller travel system.

Any car seat sold in the United States must meet certain federal safety standards and is therefore considered safe to use. However, the best car seats are not only safe, but provide years of use, feel comfortable, and are easy to install and adjust.

After testing a number of top-rated car seats, our review team has found several child car seats that are worth a recommendation. In this review, we’ll suggest car seats for various ages and help you find the best car seat for your child's age and size.

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.

These rear-facing car seats are designed for newborns but know that 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 limit their seat allows.

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. Weight and height are more important indicators than age for when to make the switch. Children typically need a forward-facing car seat once they reach 2.5 feet and 40.0 pounds, though this may vary by seat. Check your specific car seat for height and weight recommendations.

Booster seats represent the final stage of child car safety and should be used for children after they outgrow a forward-facing car seat (typically once they reach around three feet). With booster seats, children are secured by your car's seat belt and the booster is intended to raise your child's height so that the strap is properly positioned.

High-backed booster seats look similar to a forward-facing car seat and may be more comfortable for some children, especially those who are still too small for a backless booster but have outgrown their standard forward-facing car seat.

Many manufacturers sell convertible car seats that can transform between rear-facing seats for infants, forward-facing seats for toddlers, and high-backed boosters. This type of car seat has the disadvantage of often being larger, heavier, and more expensive than other infant or toddler car seats.

Some convertible car seats can transition between all three car seat configurations and some only switch between two. For the purposes of this article, convertible car seats that don't have a rear-facing option are included in our toddler car seat section, and seats that offer both rear- and forward-facing configurations are included in our convertible car seats section.

One of the more expensive car seats, the Bugaboo Turtle Air earns its price tag. It is made from ultra-soft Merino wool and uses a no-rethread five-position harness. This lightweight car seat weighs around 7.0 pounds and is compatible with the Bugaboo stroller travel system.

The rear-facing Turtle Air is designed for infants and newborns and can accommodate children between 4.0 and 32.0 pounds.

The Turtle Air's 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 be difficult to detach, but the Turtle Air slides out nicely and is less likely to disturb a sleeping infant.

Amazon Review Score: 4.8 out of 5 based on over 30 ratings

Few negative comments about the Turtle Air exist online. Most parents 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 people 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.

The UPPAbaby MESA is a premium infant car seat that features thick padding with a soft wool blend. We found it easy to set up because of the SmartSecure® latch system, which has a tightness indicator and self-retracting LATCH connectors to ensure perfect installation. We also like the adjustable headrest and no-rethread harness.

This car seat is compatible with Vista and Cruz strollers. To learn more, read our in-depth UPPA baby Mesa review.

Because of the SmartSecure system, which automatically tightens the anchor straps, the Mesa is exceptionally easy to install. There is also a helpful indicator that tells you when the seat base is properly aligned.

One thing that stands out about the MESA is the soft padding and the high-quality stitching. This infant car seat is on the expensive side, but this extra cost is reflected in the material and construction quality.

Amazon Review Score: 4.9 out of 5 based on over 2,700 ratings

Reviewers praise the Mesa primarily on three points: appearance, comfort, and ease of installation. Most write that their child finds the seat especially comfortable and that they are impressed with the build quality.

A few people feel that this seat has too much padding. This is an issue for some children and especially in hot environments. Others complain about the price, as similar safe car seats can be purchased for $50 to $100 cheaper.

The Graco SnugRide®SnugLock®35 car seat is a lower-priced alternative to the Mesa. Graco car seats are thoroughly tested for safety, even beyond what is legally required by the NHTSA. Like the Mesa, the Snugride can be attached to compatible strollers.

We recommend the SnugLock 35 because it is easy to use, and based on customer reports, comfortable for most babies. Read our full Graco SnugRide review for a more detailed look at this car seat.

The Graco Click ConnectTM system makes the SnugRide very easy to install. This is a special LATCH anchor design that makes it much easier to connect a car seat to your vehicle compared to the metal anchor that is common in car seat design. Both types of connectors are safe, but the LATCH style is much easier to connect and remove.

When handling this car seat, we found the materials to be soft and durable. The padding inserts can be attached or removed as needed to best accommodate your child. The loosening and tightening mechanisms for all of the straps work as expected, and are not overly difficult to secure.

Amazon Review Score: 4.8 out of 5 based on over 3,300 ratings

Like us, reviewers on Amazon point out how easy it is to use the lower anchors to secure the SnugRide to the back seat. Many people also comment about this car seat's solid and durable feel. A few even mention that the SnugRide effectively protected their little one during an actual car crash.

Some people complain about the weight of this car seat. Having tested many car seats, the SnugRide is not especially heavy compared to other options, and not even the heaviest car seat that we tested.

Another thing that some people mention is that the canopy and headrest are bulky. They can get in the way of installation and the headrest is uncomfortable for some children.

The Chicco KeyFit 30 has a number of features that make it easy to use, including a simplified latch tightener, bubble levels, and a spring-loaded leveling system. This car seat offers several recline positions and adjustment mechanisms to ensure you’ve fitted it perfectly for your vehicle and your child.

The KeyFit 30 comes in a few models: the standard version as well as "Zip" models that feature an extra quick-remove seat pad. This upgrade is worth it if your child regularly has accidents in the back seat.

The KeyFit is among the easiest-to-install car seats that we’ve tested because the instructions are straightforward and the adjustment mechanisms are all well-designed. For instance, the leveling mechanism is spring-loaded, and the anchor latches are tightened by a single, force-multiplying SuperCinch® strap.

Our Chicco KeyFit review goes into some more detail, but we like this car seat not only for its ease of installation but apparent safety and comfort. The removable padding is easy to clean, especially for those who opt for the KeyFit Zip model.

Amazon Review Score: 4.9 out of 5 based on over 3,700 ratings

As with many popular car seats, there are a number of Amazon reviews for the Chicco KeyFit that are written by parents who claim to have gotten into a car accident while using this car seat. Among the brands we studied, the KeyFit had the most of these types of reviews, while that doesn't mean it is the safest child car seat, it does provide some peace of mind.

Aside from safety, reviewers like the KeyFit because it is easy to use and clean. Those who don't like this car seat write that the sunshade is difficult to manage and get to fully extend. Some also claim that the material is less comfortable than other, similar car seats.

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.

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 can connect to a stroller. While this car seat works, it's still hard to detach from the base and may require some shaking. 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. That said, this seat does the job for the cost.

Amazon Review Score: 4.7 out of 5 based on over 12,900 ratings

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. Other reviewers note, as we did, that the EZ Ride can be difficult to adjust and that it's not easy to detach the seat from the base.

The Chicco MyFit is a convertible toddler 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.

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 the recline adjustment works fluidly. Explanatory stickers also help ensure proper installation by providing positioning guides.

Amazon Review Score: 4.9 out of 5 based on over 5,500 ratings

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 was unharmed. Many positive reviews also say the seat is very comfortable. The head support prevents a child's head from dropping 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.

The Britax Grow With You is a solidly-built toddler car seat that can hold up to heavy use. It features a steel frame, three layers of side-impact padding and is made with flame-retardant materials. This car seat also utilizes Safe Cell technology – a flexible material that absorbs and reduces impact force.

Like many toddler car seats, the Grow With You can transition between a forward-facing model and a backless booster, to accommodate children up to 120.0 pounds. The ClickTight system allows you to attach this car seat using your back seat belt instead of the sometimes hard-to-use seat anchors.

The Britax Grow With you is a little harder to install than some other car seats because of its weight. The steel frame adds significant heft to this car seat, though it also gives the seat a solid and safe feel.

It is obvious from handling this car seat that it is made with high-quality materials – thick plastics, well-stitched fabric, and strong straps and buckles. However, we did have some trouble tightening the straps for this car seat.

Amazon Review Score: 4.7 out of 5 based on over 2,800 ratings

Many reviews for the Britax Grow With You praise this car seat for its safety features and solid feel. While some mention that this makes the seat rather heavy, most feel very comfortable strapping in their little one. A few reviewers even say that the Grow With You protected their child during a car accident.

Some complain that the head support squeaks and that this is annoying. There are also comments about how the straps can be difficult to tighten.

The Graco Nautilus 65 includes many common car seat safety features such as EPS foam lining, a steel-reinforced frame, and layers of side impact protection. It offers three configurations: forward-facing car seat, high-backed booster, and backless booster. What makes this car seat stand out is the number of adjustment positions it offers, making it a versatile option.

The Nautilus 65 utilizes a no-rethread harness, making it easier to switch between forward-facing and booster modes. And the harness system allows you to adjust the harness and the headrest in one motion. The exception to this is the harness strap, which we found touchy to adjust.

Initial installation of the Graco Nautilus 65 is not especially difficult, but not as easy as some other models. The lower anchors are hard to attach and unlike the Britax Grow With You, there is no easy ClickTight system.

We noticed that the stitching in the cushion material isn't as consistent as the Britax or Chicco models that we tested, but still noticeably better than any car seat under $100.

We like the Nautilus 65 because it offers a broad range of adjustment configurations, including three recline positions, five headrest positions, and three seat configurations.

Amazon Review Score: 4.7 out of 5 based on around 400 ratings

One of the features consistently praised about the Graco Nautilus 65 is child comfort. This may be partially due to the adjustability, which makes it easier to find the perfect setup for your child. People also appreciate the relatively low cost, and many feel you can't do better in this price range.

Some complain that the seat is difficult to install. Others say that installation is a breeze, so it may depend on your vehicle. We found the Nautilus a little harder to install than some other models, but not particularly difficult.

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 100.0 pounds, transforming from rear-facing mode to a high-backed booster. We’ve rated the Fit4 higher than any other car seat because it is easy to install and uses soft, high-quality materials.

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 a more detailed user manual online (by scanning the QR code plastered to the frame).

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, but if you’re sitting in the front seats and need a lot of legroom, the Fit4 may be too big.

Amazon Review Score: 4.8 out of 5 based on over 1,900 ratings

Many positive reviews say the Fit4 is easy to install. Parents like the SuperCinch Latch tightener, which is easy to adjust 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 vehicles. While we installed the Fit4 in a sedan with no issues, this convertible car seat is much bulkier than infant and toddler car seats.

The Advocate is Britax's 2-in-1 convertible car seat for both infants and toddlers. This car seat does not offer a high-backed booster mode, though as a result is a bit lighter and easier to maneuver. Britax also has a similar model that does include a booster configuration, the Britax One4Life.

As with other Britax models, the Advocate uses the patented ClickTight system for easy installation. It also includes the safety design elements present in other Britax car seats such as a steel frame, EPS foam lining, and 3 layers of side impact protection.

While the Advocate does not feature a no-rethread harness, it is nonetheless easy to transform this car seat from the rear- to forward-facing configuration. The belt straps follow guides located underneath the seat cushion and a single button allows you to open the front part of the Advocate to reposition the straps underneath.

The straps adjust easily and the buckles are all covered with soft, flame-retardant padding for child comfort.

Amazon Review Score: 4.7 out of 5 based on around 700 ratings

Parents like Britax car seats because of the brand's reliability and the ease of installation, aided largely by the ClickTight system. The Advocate gets praise for these reasons and is noted to be especially well-padded and comfortable.

A few mention that they dislike the lower latch anchors, which are the metal clasp type and difficult to install. However, you do not need to use these anchors to secure the seat, and the ClickTight system allows you to attach the Advocate using your vehicle's seat belts.

The Graco Extend2Fit is another two-in-one car seat suitable for children up to 65.0 pounds. It has a no-rethread harness, six recline positions, and machine-washable padding. The four-position extension panel can add additional legroom which allows your child to stay in the rear-facing position for longer (the NHTSA recommends keeping your child in a rear-facing car seat for as long as possible).

For the cost, we think the Extend2Fit offers excellent value for a convertible car seat. It is less expensive than similar options like the Chicco Fit4 and Britax Advocate. To learn more about this car seat, check out our detailed review guide here.

While the Extend2Fit is easy to install in both the rear- and forward-facing positions, it can be a pain to reposition the anchors, which requires removing most of the outer fabric layers. The adjustment mechanism works but is a little sticky.

That said, this seat uses high-quality LATCH connectors that make installation simpler. A ball indicator tells you if the seat is properly positioned.

Adjusting this convertible car seat can be tricky, as the straps are a bit harder to tighten compared to others that we’ve tested. You’ll need to tug pretty hard to secure your child.

If you need to wash this car seat, the removable padding makes this simple. We also appreciate the apparent quality and softness of the padding.

Amazon Review Score: 4.8 out of 5 based on over 69,000 ratings

One thing many reviewers like about the Extend2Fit is the price. Relative to similar car seats from other top brands, the Extend2Fit is a bargain (typically around $50 less than comparable car seats). Many note how easy the Advocate is to clean, in part because of the removable padding.

Some reviewers complain that the Extend2Fit is bulky. Several people note (as we have) that the straps can be difficult to tighten.

The Maxi-Cosi Pria is a premium convertible car seat that's a little more expensive than other options we recommend. While this premium doesn't necessarily translate to increased safety, the Pria does offer superior comfort and better-quality padding materials.

This is also a three-in-one seat system and includes a booster mode, meaning that while it costs more, it could also last your child through the entire span of the car seat years.

We found the Pria to be easy to install, but difficult to adjust. It uses the best type of anchor latch, but the reclining mechanism can be hard to adjust properly and we had difficulty tightening the anchor straps.

The Pria stands out when it comes to the padding, which was hands down the softest of any car seat we examined. It comes with a number of removable inserts to ensure you get the perfect, snug fit for your kid.

This car seat also has one of the widest ranges of style and color choices, which was not a factor for our scoring, but it is nice to have options.

Amazon Review Score: 4.6 out of 5 based on over 4,400 ratings

The feature most commonly-praised about the Pria is comfort. Parents rave at how much their children like this car seat because of the soft, adjustable padding. Parents also appreciate that this all-in-one car seat can potentially last the entirety of the car seat years.

Some reviewers mention a strong odor – like glue or Sharpie® marker – that lingers with the seat. This is not a common complaint, but one that is mentioned by multiple people. We did not notice any such odor in the Pria that we tested and the vast majority of reviews do not mention this. It may be an issue with some Pria seats.

Another common complaint about this seat is its large size. Because it is an all-in-one seat, it is bigger and heavier than other options.

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. Some car seats (for younger children) should be installed in a rear-facing position, while high-backed booster seats and toddler car seats should be installed facing forward.

Every car seat sold in the United States is required to meet certain federal safety standards set by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Check your car seat for a label or notice that proves it complies with these standards. This is typically indicated by a sticker that includes wording like, "This restraint is certified for use in all motor vehicles and aircraft."

While the NHTSA safety standards are rigorous, they are not perfect. For instance, the NHTSA allows car seat companies to self-certify. Therefore, it is also good practice to research the manufacturer and model of any car seat before you buy it. Read reviews from other parents and child safety advocacy groups (like the American Academy of Pediatrics).

In addition to ensuring your seat meets federal safety guidelines, you need to buy the car seat for your child based on their height and weight. Children should be placed in a rear-facing car seat from birth until they are big enough for a forward-facing seat (typically between the ages of two and four, according to the CDC). Any infant car seat you purchase will have minimum and maximum weight and height limits to help ensure you use the right seat for your child.

It's not enough to purchase a safe car seat, it must also be properly installed to ensure child safety. The NHTSA website has a locator to find the nearest car seat inspection site. If you’re unsure if you’ve installed your car seat properly, take it to an expert for inspection. In many cities, this is a free service. Most hospitals will not allow parents to drive their newborns home unless they have an approved infant car seat that's properly installed.

Yes, a car seat can expire. Most car seats typically expire after six or 10 years. It's unlikely a single car seat will fit a child for that long, but some all-in-one car seats do.

It is possible to buy untested and counterfeit car seats online. Be sure that any car seat you purchase is from a known, established manufacturer and be wary of secondhand sellers. That said, infant car seats can be very expensive and it is possible to buy a safe used car seat, though there are some things to keep in mind:

In general, buying a used car seat from a person you know and trust is the safest way to ensure you’re getting the right seat. Take special care when buying infant car seats from third-party sellers. If you can afford to buy a new seat directly from a reliable manufacturer, that will always be the safest bet.

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.

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.

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.

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 you have leather seats, you might want to invest in seat protectors.

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.

Babies grow quickly. In addition to installing your car seat, you’ll also need to continually adjust it so that your child is properly secured. Some car seats have features that make them easier to install and adjust. There are also car seat travel systems that make it easy to transition your child from the car to a stroller.

Many car seats advertise the inclusion of a no-rethread harness. A no-rethread harness does not need to be rethreaded when you adjust the shoulder straps. Car seats that don't have a no-rethread harness typically must be removed from the vehicle entirely and then reinstalled after the shoulder straps have been adjusted.

Rear-facing car seats are easier to install than forward-facing seats, so for infant car seats, a no-rethread harness is less of an advantage, but nonetheless a convenient feature.

Car seat stroller combos are increasingly popular and very convenient for parents on the go. Most infant car seats are designed as carriers that attach to a base you keep installed in your vehicle. Many seats come with stroller compatibility, transforming your car seat from road to sidewalk use.

Better materials can mean an easier installation process and a more comfortable ride for your child. Look for car seats with machine-washable padding that's plush and well-stitched. Beyond that, the most comfortable car seat is different for every child.

Weather can play a part in car seat comfort, with some materials working well in the cold, but proving too hot and scratchy in hot climates. The only way to know how your infant feels about a car seat, however, is to monitor their behavior when they use it.

As with many products, certain terms are frequently used to describe car seats and it isn't always obvious what these words mean in practical terms. Many manufacturers also use proprietary, brand-specific terms to describe their products. The list below defines several that appear in this article:

We recommend several infant car seats based on our in-person testing and parent experience, but when it comes to your child's safety, it's worth consulting medical and safety professionals as well.

See the links below for several helpful doctor and government resources that help parents find the right infant car seat:

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. We only chose car seats that comply with United States Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.

During testing, we compared adjustability, material quality, and ease of use to determine our rankings. We also considered customer opinions as represented by reviews on retailers’ websites such as Walmart, Target, and Amazon.

Even a car seat that meets federal guidelines is unsafe if installed incorrectly. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), around 46 percent of car seats and booster seats are used 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 LATCH anchor that buckles similarly to a seatbelt (both displayed below). The LATCH anchor is easier to attach and release. Seats with this type of anchor scored higher in the ease-of-use category.

Though small babies are typically of similar size, older children often 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.

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.

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.

Each year, we test over 350 auto products on vehicles and in our testing lab. A team of product testers thoroughly researches top products, unboxes and puts our hands on each component, and tests the items on real vehicles before making recommendations to readers.

We publish hundreds of product and service reviews to bring car enthusiasts detailed guides on automotive tools, detailing kits, car seats, pet products, and much more. For more information on our testing methodology and how we evaluate every product, check out our methodology page here.

In 2022, our reviews team launched a study to gauge what shoppers valued most while searching for car seats. This is what consumers told us they look for before purchasing any size or style of car seat:

Our team also found that 73 percent of respondents say they rarely uninstall their car seat once it is in place. Roughly a quarter of those surveyed said the most they removed the car seat was a handful of times each month.

The hard part about choosing the best car seat is the landscape is changing on several fronts. Not only is your child growing, increasing in height and size, but the design of new car seats is always changing. Manufacturers have to adapt to government regulations, improve functionality, and add safety features like energy-absorbing foam.

While some products flash the all-in-one convertible car seat, a lot of wear can happen over the years that may render the car seat unusable before your child outgrows it. There's also always the threat of a recall that could invalidate your purchase. The best bet is to choose a car seat you feel best suits your child, meets your budget, and installs easily in your vehicle.

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.

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.

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. Older children who are too big for car seats may be good with a simple backless booster. 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.

There are four types of car seats: rear-facing car seats, which are used for infants and very young children, front-facing car seats, and booster seats, typically suited for big kids over a certain height or weight limit. There are also convertible car seats, which double as rear-facing options and later convert to a regular car seat. Some even have a booster mode.

A three-in-one car seat is one that can be used in rear-facing and front-facing positions. It can also be used as a booster seat when a child reaches the appropriate height and weight.

Toddlers should be in a rear-facing car seat until they reach a safe height and weight for front-facing seats.

*Data accurate at time of publication.