One of the first scary parenting moments is loading your tiny newborn into the car and driving them home for the first time. You want your baby to be as safe as possible, but there are so many car seats on the market it can be difficult to determine which seat is best for your baby. We’ve gathered information on the top 5 car seats to jump start your research. These models performed better in ease-of-use testing and crash tests.
Chicco KeyFit 30
This seat was deemed one of the easiest to install using the car’s LATCH system, this makes it easier for parent’s to get their car seat installed correctly. You just attach the LATCH connectors to the vehicle's hooks, push down on the car seat base, and pull the front strap to tighten. A bubble level indicator lets you know when the angle is correct, and a pop-down foot helps the base work on different vehicle seats. It is lightweight, which is a definite plus ,and makes it easier to use the infant carrier. It is priced at $180.
Combi Shuttle
The Combi Shuttle, $180, offers a good level of crash protection and has easy installation using either the vehicle belts or LATCH. This seat has a 35 lb. weight maximum and a closely matched 33-inch height limit. This is much higher than most other infant car seats, so if you have a larger baby this seat might be best for you.
Cybex Aton 2
This seat has a feature called a Load Leg that extends to the vehicle floor to reduce the rotation of the seat in a crash. This is a common feature on European car seats, but is new to the American market.The Aton 2, $300, comes with a newborn inlay and infant insert; both of which are not only nice to have, but help you position your child correctly.
Safety 1st onBoard 35 Air
The Safety 1st OnBoard 35 Air's, $160, claim to fame is its "air protect" technology, which provides greater side-impact cushioning in a crash. The seat also has energy-absorbing foam, a five-point harness with a chest clip and push-button LATCH connectors. It receives the highest possible rating in independent crash tests.
UPPABaby Mesa
the UPPAbaby Mesa, $280, not only makes installation easier with simple instructions and LATCH connectors that automatically retract to tighten, but it also has an indicator that lets you know when that installation is tight enough. Those features are best suited to LATCH and are a bit more challenging for vehicle belt installations. Combined with very good crash test performance, this new seat is one to consider.
