Cribworthy · Best Picks

Best Car Seats for New Parents

Infant, convertible, and booster seats — safety tested and parent approved.

Spec	#1Nuna RAVA Convertible Car Seat 4.9	#2Chicco KeyFit 35 Infant Car Seat 4.8	#3Graco 4Ever DLX Grad5 4-in-1 4.7	#4Britax Boulevard ClickTight 4.6	#5Cosco Scenera NEXT Convertible 4.3
Best Price	$449.95	$249.99	$279.99	$329.99	$54.99
Type	Convertible	Infant	4-in-1	Convertible	Convertible
Weight Range	5–65 lbs	4–35 lbs	4–120 lbs	5–65 lbs	5–40 lbs
Install Method	LATCH + True lock base	LATCH + ReclineSure	LATCH + InRight	ClickTight (belt-tensioning)	LATCH + seat belt
Side Impact Protection	True side protection	EPS energy-absorbing foam	Steel-reinforced frame	2 layers SafeCell	Side impact tested
Seat Weight	28 lbs	11.1 lbs (w/ base)	22.7 lbs	29 lbs	10.3 lbs
FAA Approved	Yes	Yes (without base)	Yes (harness mode)	Yes	Yes

* Prices shown may not reflect current rates. Click any price to see the latest at the retailer.

Top Pick

Nuna RAVA Convertible Car Seat

4.9

The best convertible car seat money can buy. The RAVA's no-rethread harness, steel and aluminum reinforced shell, and flame-retardant-free fabrics put it in a class of its own. It rear-faces to 50 lbs and forward-faces to 65 lbs.

Pros

✓No-rethread 5-point harness
✓Flame-retardant-free fabrics
✓Rear-faces to 50 lbs
✓Premium build quality

Cons

✗Heavy at 28 lbs
✗Premium price tag

Type

Convertible

Weight Range

5–65 lbs

Install Method

LATCH + True lock base

Side Impact Protection

True side protection

Seat Weight

28 lbs

FAA Approved

Yes

Runner Up

Chicco KeyFit 35 Infant Car Seat

4.8

The easiest infant car seat to install — period. The KeyFit 35's bubble-level leveling system and spring-loaded base make a rock-solid install achievable in minutes. It's the seat that car seat technicians consistently recommend to new parents.

Pros

✓Easiest installation in class
✓Bubble-level indicators
✓Anti-rebound bar included
✓Extended rear-facing to 35 lbs

Cons

✗Canopy could be bigger
✗Heavy with base (~18 lbs total)

Type

Infant

Weight Range

4–35 lbs

Install Method

LATCH + ReclineSure

Side Impact Protection

EPS energy-absorbing foam

Seat Weight

11.1 lbs (w/ base)

FAA Approved

Yes (without base)

Great Value

Graco 4Ever DLX Grad5 4-in-1

4.7

One car seat from birth to booster. The 4Ever DLX Grad5 handles rear-facing infant through high-back booster stages, potentially lasting 10 years. For budget-conscious parents who want one seat to rule them all, this is it.

Pros

✓4 seats in 1 (birth to 120 lbs)
✓10-year lifespan
✓Easy-to-read level indicator
✓Machine-washable cover

Cons

✗Very bulky in rear-facing mode
✗Heavy at 24 lbs

Type

4-in-1

Weight Range

4–120 lbs

Install Method

LATCH + InRight

Side Impact Protection

Steel-reinforced frame

Seat Weight

22.7 lbs

FAA Approved

Yes (harness mode)

Britax Boulevard ClickTight

4.6

Best-in-class side-impact protection with the easiest forward-facing installation system. ClickTight is literally just opening a panel and threading the seatbelt through — no fighting with LATCH anchors. SafeCell impact protection is excellent.

Pros

✓ClickTight installation system
✓SafeCell impact protection
✓Two layers of side-impact protection
✓Quick-adjust harness

Cons

✗Not the most compact
✗Fabric options limited

Type

Convertible

Weight Range

5–65 lbs

Install Method

ClickTight (belt-tensioning)

Side Impact Protection

2 layers SafeCell

Seat Weight

29 lbs

FAA Approved

Yes

Cosco Scenera NEXT Convertible

4.3

The best ultra-budget car seat that still passes all safety standards. At under $60, the Scenera NEXT is perfect as a second car seat, travel car seat, or grandparent's car seat. It's lightweight and airline-approved — function over frills.