Did you know that babies typically hit the maximum height requirement of their car seat first? Our infant car seat holds up to 32 pounds...so I felt like I had all the time in the world- until I took a closer look at the HEIGHT and was shocked that my daughter was just a few inches away from the maximum height!!!
In this post:
-Extended Use (weight)
INFANT CAR SEAT: We had the Bugaboo Nuna Turtle Air Infant Car Seat and LOVED it. As an infant car seat, it was only rear-facing and fit addy from newborn to 32 pounds OR 32 inches in height. It was so incredibly light (8.89 lbs), had a sunshade, no re-thread hardness, made with merino wool and free of flame retardants, had magnetic holders for the buckle, a machine washable cover, and fit into our bugaboo stroller. Even at 13 months, we still take it in and out of the car during the winter to keep her warmer. I highly recommend it!
Let's chat Convertible Car Seats..
What makes a car seat the best?
Well, it's different for everyone.. depending on your needs.
Here are some things to consider:
Budget- Take into account the initial purchase, how long it will last, and any extra benefits that will make your life a little easier. But remember, they all pass safety standards, so as long as you install and use them correctly, you will be choosing a seat that is safe for your babe!
Child's Size- Be sure to check max height/weight limits to ensure you are getting a car seat that will accommodate your child's size and body type!
Family Size/ Number of Kids and Car Seats- Some car seats have a slim design which can be beneficial if you have (or will have) multiple kids.
Vehicle Type- Take note of the reclining abilities as well as the overall size of the car seat to make sure it will fit, as well as the installation process to make sure it will work in your vehicle.
Extra Safety Standards -All car seats meet the government's federal safety standards, but some companies go above and beyond
Toxin Free (Flame Retardant Free)- If you're avoiding harmful chemicals, then your list just got smaller because there are only a handful of car seats that are flame-retardant-free!
Convenience (Swiveling, Cupholders, Care)- so many things available, so make sure you decide what's important and find a car seat that meets your criteria!
Years of Use/ Height and Weight Requirements- Some car seats have a maximum weight limit of 65 lbs, while others convert into boosters and go all the way to 120 lbs. Choosing the latter may be a bigger purchase now but will save you from purchasing another car seat down the line. Another important thing to note is the rear-facing capabilities.
Why are flame retardants bad?
I'm not a research scientist, but I will share this statement from a New York Times Article: "Brominated flame retardants, which have received the most scrutiny, can build up in tissue, cause cancer, disrupt hormones, harm the reproductive system and cause neurodevelopmental problems, at least in animals and perhaps humans too. Studies in people are limited, largely because they require far more time and resources, but have found similar effects, including increased risk of cancer, lower I.Q. and possibly behavioral problems in young children, including hyperactivity, aggression, and bullying. Earlier this year, researchers reported that brominated flame retardants surpassed lead as the biggest contributor to I.Q. loss and intellectual disability in children."
Why is rear-facing important?
A rear-facing car seat will absorb and spread the impact of a crash more evenly, protecting the head, neck, and spine of your little one. Studies have proven that children in rear-facing car seats experience fewer and less severe injuries in crashes.
The first thing I did before choosing a car seat was ask my community (for you, that might be talking to friends and family and asking what they liked or didn't like about the car seat). I then went through each recommendation and charted the specifications so that I could see everything all at once- and make the most well-informed decision I could (while also avoiding buyer's remorse).
TOP 5 Car Seats Overall;
Nuna Rava: With a slim design, extended rear-facing use, and non-toxic materials, this one knocks the others out of the park. This was by far the most recommended car seat, with the only downfall being the hefty price tag.
Nuna Revv: Highly recommended rotating car seat that is free of flame retardants and has extended rear-facing use. At just 18 inches wide, it compares to other slim car seats. This car seat's only downfall is being the maximum weight of only 40 lbs.
Uppababy Knox: A quality car seat for a lot less $$ compared to the first couple of options. Still made with quality materials and free of flame retardants. Allows for rear-facing up to 45lbs (just 5 pounds less than the leading brands), and at just 18 inches wide, it compares to other slim car seats.
Britax One4Life: The ultimate car seat for babies in the higher percentile or for moms who want a car seat to last as LONG as possible. With a slim design, this car seat accommodates babies up to 50lbs rear-facing and up to 120lbs or 63in forward-facing (the max on the market!) PLUS, this one is free of harmful chemicals like flame retardants!
Maxi Cosi Romi: The best car seat for those who love to travel (or will be moving car seats from car to car). At just $130, you'll get a car seat that is free of flame retardants and weighs just 7.8lbs. The only downside is the maximum weight is 40 pounds.. but if you plan to travel, nothing can compare to this incredibly light car seat.
BEST Travel Car Seat;
Maxi Cosi Romi: I'm not even willing to list other travel car seats because this one is straight-up incredible. At just $130, you'll get a car seat that is free of flame retardants and weighs just 7.8lbs. The only downside is the maximum weight is 40 pounds.. but if you plan to travel, nothing can compare to this incredibly light car seat.
BEST Swivel/Rotating Car Seats;
Nuna Revv: Highly recommended rotating car seat made with non-toxic materials and extended rear-facing use. At just 18 inches wide, it compares to other slim car seats. This car seat's only downfall is the maximum weight of only 40 lbs.
Maxi Cosi Emme: This rotating car seat is free of flame retardants and allows for extended use up to 100 lbs. The only downside is that it's 23 inches wide (6 inches wider than some other brands)
Baby Jogger City Turn: This rotating car seat allows for extended rear use of up to 50 lbs, but forward-facing only accommodates up to 65 lbs and unfortunately is not free of flame retardants.
Evenflo Gold Revolve 360: This rotating car seat is one of the only ones that allow for extended use as your child grows, up to 120 lbs!
Graco Turn2Me: This rotating car seat is one of the only ones that allow for extended use as your child grows, up to 100 lbs!
Flame Retardant Free Car Seats;
Nuna Revv: Highly recommended rotating car seat made with non-toxic materials and extended rear-facing use. At just 18 inches wide, it compares to other slim car seats. This car seat's only downfall is the maximum weight for rear-facing is only 40 lbs compared to some at 50 lbs.
Nuna Exec: With a slim design, extended rear-facing use, non-toxic materials, and extended use up to 120lbs and 57 inches. A great option for those wanting one car seat for your kid's entire car seat life. The only downside is the big investment, but feel confident knowing it will be one car seat purchase, and then you'll be done!
Nuna Rava: With a slim design, extended rear-facing use, and non-toxic materials, this one knocks the others out of the park. This was by far the most recommended car seat, with the only downfall being the hefty price tag.
Cleck Fnoof: This car seat has a very unique design but was created so that you can fit 3 car seats across in most midsize cars. It has extended rear-facing capabilities and is made without flame retardants if you choose the option when purchasing.
Maxi Cosi Emme: This rotating car seat is free of flame retardants and allows for extended use up to 100 lbs. The only downside is that it's 23 inches wide (6 inches wider than some other brands)
Maxi Cosi Pria: This non-toxic option is relatively affordable compared to some other brands and allows for extended use up to 100 lbs.
Maxi Cosi Romi: This non-toxic option is the cheapest flame-retardant-free car seat on the market, not to mention this seat only weighs 7.8 lbs which makes it a great option for travel. The only downside is the maximum weight is 40 pounds.. but if you plan to travel, nothing can compare to this incredibly light car seat.
Britax One4Life: The ultimate car seat for babies in the higher percentile or for moms who want a car seat to last as LONG as possible. With a slim design, this car seat accommodates babies up to 50lbs rear-facing and up to 120lbs or 63in forward-facing (the max on the market!) PLUS, this one is free of harmful chemicals like flame retardants!
Britax Advocate: All Britax car seats are made without flame retardants which is a huge win in their book!
Uppababy Knox: A quality car seat for a lot less $$ compared to the leading brands. Still made with quality materials and free of flame retardants. Allows for rear-facing up to 45lbs (just 5 pounds less than the leading brands), and at just 18 inches wide, it compares to other slim car seats.
BEST Extended Rear Facing;
Nuna Exec: With a slim design, extended rear-facing use, non-toxic materials, and extended use up to 120 lbs and 57 inches. A great option for those wanting one car seat for your kid's entire car seat life. The only downside is the big investment, but feel confident knowing it will be one car seat purchase, and then you'll be done!
Nuna Rava: With a slim design, extended rear-facing use, and non-toxic materials, this one knocks the others out of the park. This was by far the most recommended car seat, with the only downfall being the hefty price tag.
Cleck Fnoof: This car seat has a very unique design but was created so that you can fit 3 car seats across in most midsize cars. It has extended rear-facing capabilities and is made without flame retardants if you choose the option when purchasing.
Britax One4Life: The ultimate car seat for babies in the higher percentile or for moms who want a car seat to last as LONG as possible. With a slim design, this car seat accommodates babies up to 50lbs rear-facing and up to 120lbs or 63in forward-facing (the max on the market!) PLUS, this one is free of harmful chemicals like flame retardants!
Baby Jogger City Turn: A great rotating option for extended rear-facing!
Diono Radian 3QX: With a slim design, this car seat accommodates babies up to 50lbs rear-facing and up to 120lbs or 63in forward-facing (the max on the market!) The only downside is that it isn't free of flame retardants.
Graco Extend2Fit: Compared to other Graco Models, this one accommodates up to 50 lbs rear-facing. However, the max forward facing is only 65 lbs compared to the other models, over 100 lbs!
BEST Extended Use;
Nuna Exec- With a slim design, extended rear-facing use, non-toxic materials, and extended use up to 120 lbs and 57 inches. A great option for those wanting one car seat for your kid's entire car seat life. The only downside is the big investment, but feel confident knowing it will be one car seat purchase, and then you'll be done!
Britax One4Life: The ultimate car seat for babies in the higher percentile or for moms that want a car seat to last as LONG as possible. With a slim design this car seat accommodates babies up to 50lbs rear facing and up to 120lbs or 63in forward facing (the max on the market!) PLUS this one is free of harmful chemicals like flame retardants!
Evenflo Gold Revolve 360: If you are looking for a rotating seat that will also last you an incredible long time.. than this is your seat. The only down side it that it isn't free of flame retardants.
Diono Radian 3QX: With a slim design this car seat accommodates babies up to 50lbs rear facing and up to 120lbs or 63in forward facing (the max on the market!) The only downside is that it isn't free of flame retardants.
Evenflo EveryFit: If you are looking for a budget friendly convertible seat that will also last you an incredibly long time.. this is your seat. The only down side is that it isn't free of flame retardants.
TOP Seats for Tall Kids;
Nuna Exec: With a slim design, extended rear facing use, non-toxic materials, and extended use up to 120lbs and 57 inches. A great option for those wanting one car seat for your kids entire car seat life. The only down side is the big investment, but feel confident knowing it will be one car seat purchase and then you'll be done!
Britax One4Life: The ultimate car seat for babies in the higher percentile or for moms who want a car seat to last as LONG as possible. With a slim design, this car seat accommodates babies up to 50lbs rear facing and up to 120lbs or 63in forward facing (the max on the market!) PLUS this one is free of harmful chemicals like flame retardants!
Graco Turn2Me: A rotating option that accommodates up to 100 lbs and 57 inches tall! The downside is that this one is not free of flame retardants.
Evenflo Gold Revolve: Another rotating option that accommodates up to 100 lbs and 57 inches tall! The downside is that this one is not free of flame retardants.
Diono Radian 3QX: With a slim design, this car seat accommodates babies up to 50lbs rear facing and up to 120lbs or 63in forward facing (the max on the market!) The only downside is that it isn't free of flame retardants.
Chicco Fit4: Accommodating up to 100 lbs and 57 inches while also only weight 25lbs compared to some hefty car seats over 35 lbs. A downside is that it isn't free of flame retardants.
Graco Deluxe 4ever: Accommodating up to 120 lbs and 57 inches while also only weight 25lbs compared to some hefty car seats over 35 lbs. A downside is that it isn't free of flame retardants.
Graco SlimFit: A budget friendly car seat with a slim design that accommodates babies up to 40lbs rear facing and up to 100lbs or 57in forward facing. A downside is that it isn't free of flame retardants.
Evenflo EveryFit: If you are looking for a budget friendly convertible seat that will also last you an incredible long time.. this is your seat. The only down side it that it isn't free of flame retardants.
TOP Slim Design Car Seats;
Nuna Exec: With a slim design, extended rear-facing use, non-toxic materials, and extended use up to 120lbs and 57 inches. A great option for those wanting one car seat for your kid's entire car seat life. The only downside is the big investment, but feel confident knowing it will be one car seat purchase, and then you'll be done!
Nuna Rava: With a slim design, extended rear-facing use, and non-toxic materials, this one knocks the others out of the park. This was by far the most recommended car seat, with the only downfall being the hefty price tag.
Cleck Fnoof: This car seat has a very unique design but was created so that you can fit 3 car seats across in most midsize cars. It has extended rear-facing capabilities and is made without flame retardants if you choose the option when purchasing.
Diono Radian 3QX: With a slim design, this car seat accommodates babies up to 50lbs rear-facing and up to 120lbs or 63in forward-facing (the max on the market!) The only downside is that it isn't free of flame retardants.
Graco SlimFit: A budget-friendly car seat with a slim design that accommodates babies up to 40lbs rear-facing and up to 100lbs or 57in forward-facing. A downside is that it isn't free of flame retardants.
BUDGET FRIENDLY Car Seat;
Maxi Cosi Romi: I'm not even willing to list other travel car seats because this one is straight-up incredible. At just $130, you'll get a car seat that is free of flame retardants and weighs just 7.8lbs. The only downside is the maximum weight is 40 pounds.. but if you plan to travel, nothing can compare to this incredibly light car seat.
Maxi Cosi Pria: This non-toxic option is relatively affordable ($299) compared to some other brands and allows for extended use of up to 100 lbs. It also weighs just 21lbs!
EvenFlo Everyfit: A budget-friendly car seat ($167) that will last quite a long time (up to 120 lbs or 57 inches). Unfortunately, it is not free of flame retardants.
JESSICA'S FAVORITES;
Maxi Cosi Romi: With all the traveling we do as a family, it seems worth it to splurge and buy a car seat solely for travel (It also helps that we will be able to use it for a second baby too!) At just 7.8 lbs, it will make a HUGE difference when lugging it through the airport or sending it to Grandma's car. Plus, I can feel confident knowing that it's still a quality car seat made with non-toxic materials and free of flame retardants!
Nuna Rava: I had such a hard time choosing between Nuna's popular choice and the Maxi Cosi Emme (which rotates!) The Cosi has almost the same specifications as the Rava and has a higher weight capacity (100lbs compared to Nuna's 65lbs), but in the end we chose the convenience of the Rava because it offers more recline positions and a shorter length which will make a huge difference for both my husband and I (since were both over 5'8) Both are flame retardant free, slim at 19in, have a no re-thread harness, and are super cute!
Take a look at the chart and lists above to see what's in your budget, will work with the size of your child, family, and car.. and then take a peek at the other specs to see what else might sway you from one car seat to the next... I hope it helps!
If you do end up purchasing a car seat based on my recommendations through my links, I do make a small commission. (at no additional cost to you). Just a small way for you to support the work and research I put into this!
But remember, whatever you choose WILL be safe for your little one- just make sure you install it and use it correctly EVERY TIME.
If you are looking for more baby gear recommendation, read through my blog post My Top 5 Baby Carries!
Always,
Jess
_______________________________________________________
L E T ' S B E F R I E N D S !
W E B S I T E | T I K T O K | I N S T A G R A M | Y O U T U B E
Hi Friends! I'm Jessica Haizman.
I'm a new mom sharing all my tips and tricks for a cleaner, more organized, and toxic free home.
I have created efficient systems in all areas of our home, our phone, our careers, and our lives- and I have made it my mission to share these tips with anyone and everyone that will listen. Why? Because these systems bring joy and calmness into my life, keep my family healthy and allow me to spend more time living life- I want that for you too. Having a clean home drastically affects your physical and mental health, so jump on board and learn all the tips I have to share! Take the time to explore my website and interact with me on social media. I'm so excited to see how organization and a new approach on cleaning the home will change your life and leave you full of joy!
