Not all baby car seats are equal.
They may appear same to you, but they are not. There are a few things you need to consider in purchasing a baby car seat. Among them, the most important things are safety, convenience and price. Of course, each brand is tested and certified by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), but each has its own special features and advantages. For instance, you may want to make sure whether there is a convertible car switch or adjustable head support that allows more room to accommodate your baby as he or she grows.
Here is the list and special features described for the top 5 baby car seats:
1. Graco SnugRide 40 – Best Quality
Graco SnugRide 40 is the best in the market today. Its convertible car seat provides for children up to 2 years old. But the downside is that Graco SnugRide 40 is expensive. The listed price is $280, but Graco SnugRide 40 takes some of the best features of convertible car seats. It offers more padding to add extra security for your child, and its harness and headrest is easy to adjust.
2. Chicco KeyFit 30 – Efficient
Chicco KeyFit 30 offers a moderate price with maximum quality. Chicco KeyFit 30 is more specialized than Graco Snug 40. If you need a smaller baby car seat, or you have a smaller car or two–door car, Chicco KeyFit 30 is a perfect choice. The listed price is $189. Although Chicco KeyFit 30 is not best in design, you can easily remove it from its base and fits several Chicco strollers. Chicco KeyFit 30 works best for smaller child or infants less than 30 pounds.
3. Britax BOB B-Safe – Specialized
The Britax BOB B-Safe is compatible with a half dozen strollers with the energy absorbing foam. The list price is $144, cheaper than Chicco KeyFit 30. But Britax BOB B-Safe is too large for smaller cars, and it only supports from 4 pounds up to 30 pounds.
4. Evenflo Embrace LX – Safety at Best Price
The Evenflo Embrace LX offers the best price. The listed price is $79.99, three times cheaper than other top brands. The quality is reliable. If you are running on a tight budget, Evenflo Embrace LX can be your choice. The Evenflo Embrace LX is equipped with all safety and convenient features required of baby car seat. It has a reclining base and also fits four Evenflo strollers. The downside is, however, its fabric may cause skin irritation if your child is sensitive, and its adjustable harness is also a little difficult to use.
5. Baby Trend Flex-Loc – Affordable
The Baby Trend Flex-Loc is easy to install and inexpensive. The listed price is $89. The Baby Trend Flex-Loc is a great choice for those who are looking for a generic yet practical baby car seat. The downside is, however, the BOB B-Safe offers relatively a large seat and a base. If your car is small, it won’t fit perfectly. The canopy is a standard size, but the center pull strap is not easy to handle if the carrier is onto the base.
You can also check out a great top ten list here.
