The Best Car Seats
Our Review Process
Don't Waste Your Money is focused on helping you make the best purchasing decision. Our team of experts spends hundreds of hours analyzing, testing, and researching products so you don't have to. Learn more.
Our Picks For The Top Car Seats
This car seat is optimized to keep your child in a safe, rear-facing position for a long time. Rated for up to 50 pounds rear-facing and 65 pounds forward-facing, this convertible seat features a 10-increment adjustable headrest for your growing child.
Longer Rear-FacingLet your little one ride more safely as long as possible when you choose this convertible car seat.
This booster seat switches between high back and backless to accommodate children between 40 and 120 pounds. With three layers of side impact protection, this seat also features soft, nap-friendly materials.
Convertible Dual-ConfigurationKeep your kid safe as they grow with this two-configuration booster seat.
With a special leveling base, this car seat will keep your baby in the correct position effortlessly. This seat also includes a newborn positioner to correctly support those extra-delicate bodies.
Easy-to-Use BaseCradle your little one in safety and comfort with this secure and easy-to-use car seat.
This multi-configuration car seat is designed to last a full 10 years as your child grows. With a reinforced steel core, durable materials, an infant insert and 12-position headrest, this seat can easily handle years of use.
Long-Lasting ComfortGet the seat that grows with your kid when you choose this long-lasting vehicle safety accessory.
Buying Guide
Choosing the correct car seat is one of the most crucial decisions a parent can make for their child. A good car seat should support the fragile parts of your child’s body. It should also have soft materials on the surfaces the child will be touching to ensure comfort during car rides.
There are three general types of car seats: rear-facing seats for younger children, forward-facing seats and booster seats for older children. Some car seats are convertible and can switch between rear- and forward-facing. There are also all-in-one models that can also be booster seats.
Rear-facing seats cradle and support the fragile spinal columns of newborns and infants throughout a ride and in the event of a crash. A rear-facing configuration is the safest for all children until they outgrow the car seat’s rear-facing size and weight ratings.
Besides configuration, two other important considerations you should have in mind when choosing a car seat are ease of use and whether the car seat fits your vehicle. You should be able to install your car seat correctly every time, without any uncertainty.
What to Look For
- Test out your car seat in your vehicle before buying it, or make sure you can return it if it doesn’t work to your liking.
- The configuration of your car may not accommodate some car seats, so do a little research before buying.
- Keep in mind where in the car the car seat will be so you can ensure it is cleaned regularly.
- As your child gets older, let them participate in the shopping process by letting them pick colors and patterns on your next model of car seat. This will give them a closer connection to the seat.
More to Explore
Car seats were around for almost 30 years before the first ones geared toward safety were released into the market in 1962. Prior to that, car seats were designed simply to keep a child contained in the car or to help them better see out the windows.
Latest Reviews
