Best Infant Car Seats

Safe and easy-to-use car seats for newborns

One seat that has proved itself in the past with owners, parents and experts is again judged an excellent infant car seat. The Graco SnugRide (*Est. $80 to $150, depending on model) is still the best car seat on the market. Parents say the Graco SnugRide is easy to use, comfortable and easy to install in most cars. The primary complaints are that the fabric is not very breathable and that bigger babies will outgrow this car seat before age 1. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) says the Graco SnugRide's instructions and labeling could use some improvements, but the Graco SnugRide's overall ease of use score is still a reasonable three out of five. The Graco SnugRide gets excellent scores in professional crash tests, although it had mixed results in the government crash testing revealed in the Chicago Tribune report. (Note that those tests were designed to rate cars, not car seats, and few seats had good results.) While the Graco SnugRide did fail some of the testing when it came to exceeding injury limits for chest and head, it was tested far more times than any other car seat model. Also, in all 31 tests, the Graco SnugRide never separated from its base.

While many models of the Graco SnugRide cost nearly $150, the higher-priced versions differ by fabric and amenities like a fancier canopy, a cold-weather boot, blanket and a peek-a-boo window in the canopy -- features most parents say you may not need. The best-reviewed versions of the Graco SnugRide are those in the $80 to $100 range. The Graco SnugRide is also one of the lightest infant carriers, weighing 7.5 pounds without the base, and all models now have EPS foam for extra support. Parents like that it has a bit of everything for a good price. The Graco SnugRide car seats come in a dizzying array of fabrics and colors; there are at least 20 different variations. Graco SnugRide infant car seats can accommodate babies up to 22 pounds and 29 inches tall.

We also found good reviews for the Baby Trend Flex-Loc (*Est. $90 to $120, depending on model). The Baby Trend Flex-Loc gets high ratings from parents and expert professional reviewers, and the NHTSA gives it good scores for overall ease of use. The Baby Trend Flex-Loc was tested twice by the government as it was crash-testing cars, according to the Chicago Tribune database, and it passed both tests by remaining attached to its base. (In one test, however, it exceeded the injury limits for chest and head injury.)

The Baby Trend Flex-Loc doesn't come in quite as many colors and fabrics as the Graco SnugRide, and if you want fancier features like a windowed canopy or cold-weather boot, the Graco SnugRide has more of those features. There are nine fabric choices with the Baby Trend Flex-Loc, but all models have the same basic features, including EPS padding, a one-hand base adjustment and an up-front harness adjustment. The Baby Trend Flex-Loc also has an interesting triangular-shaped handle that looks a little odd. Parents, however, say it works well and is comfortable. The Baby Trend Flex-Loc comes with a five-point harness and an adjustable crotch strap, which some parents may prefer. The Baby Trend Flex-Loc car seat weighs about 9.5 pounds without the base. It is designed for babies up to 22 pounds and less than 28.5 inches tall. This Baby Trend Flex-Loc car seat is a little harder to find in stores than the Graco SnugRide, which seems to have better distribution. Some models are exclusive to Babies "R" Us or Target.

The Maxi-Cosi Mico (*Est. $170) passed its single government crash test cited in the Chicago Tribune report, but it gets mixed reviews from owners at Babies "R" Us, who either love it or hate it. More than 150 owners rate the Maxi-Cosi Mico. Those who love it say it fits well in mid-size to large cars. Many of the complaints say that the car seat is too bulky or too difficult to install and remove from its base. Others say the canopy doesn't cover well and tends to fall to one side. The Maxi-Cosi Mico also receives low ratings from the NHTSA for ease of use and installation, with just two out of five stars in the government's overall rating for car seats, mostly due to poor labeling and instructions. This car seat is for infants up to 22 pounds or 29 inches.