We purchase and send the seats directly to MGA, and they supply us with the sensor data after testing is complete. We do not use data from other companies, such as Consumer Reports, as they perform their own tests, and any information they divulge would not allow for a side-by-side comparison of test results. Occasionally, we use test data supplied by NHTSA to supplement our tests. NHTSA also uses the MGA testing facility, and we utilize the same testing process as NHTSA to make an apples-to-apples comparison. BabyGearLab contracts with the same crash test facility that the NHTSA uses to perform our convertible seat crash tests.
The best seat for your child is one that matches his height and weight. The Evenflo EveryFit 4-In-1 Car Seat has been engineered for maximum comfort, safety, and longevity. The EveryFit accommodates your child by adjusting to multiple positions, allowing kids to ride rear-facing beyond 2 years of age—without extending the seat or cramping other passengers. Move the harness shoulder straps to the slots or position that is at or just above your child’s shoulders.
It can be used in the rear-facing and forward-facing positions, and once your child meets the height-weight requirements, it can be transformed into a belt-positioning booster seat. The Graco Milestone also has 4 recline positions to ensure that your child is seated comfortably. For a travel seat, both Neuman and Saxton recommend the Pico from new car seat company WAYB. While it it just launched last year, Saxton says that it’s already generating a lot of buzz among bloggers. “I feel like it’s one that everybody wants,” she says, “but it’s just a little bit pricey.” It’s a lightweight seat that you can use with a five-point harness, and can be installed with LATCH or with the seat belt. It’s suitable for children 2 years and older and weighing between 22 and 50 pounds.
We measure the weight and width of each car seat in the group, including the forward-facing and rear-facing configuration weight and the width at the widest point, as these can vary. While the seat weight is potentially not as critical as an infant seat’s carrier weight, it can be important if you regularly travel or need to use public transportation . If your car seat remains in your car for the most part, then weight may not be an issue. Each seat has a harness tightening strap and a harness release button to loosen the straps. Some of these were harder to pull than others, and the buttons also vary in style and ease of use.
“The best car seat for any child and family is the car seat that fits the child, fits the car, and that the family will be able to use correctly every time,” says Hoffman. “From a safety perspective, we recommend that kids stay in the safest car seat until they outgrow it,” says Saxton. Though there’s no one-size-fits-all option, we asked experts for car-seat recommendations for each stage that would fit a variety of vehicles and lifestyles, plus make installation smoother and safer. Car safety seats may be installed with either the vehicle’s seat belt or its LATCH system. Lower anchors can be used instead of the seat belt to install the seat, and many parents find them easier to use in some cars. The top tether should always be used with a forward-facing seat, whether you use the seat belt or lower anchors to secure it.
The 2 part belt lock off on the Britax Roundabout required a screwdriver to pry open. It isn’t as user friendly as some of the competition, but having a hard to use lock off is still better than not having one. Shown above is the percentage margin by which each seat exceeded the maximum Head Injury Criteria graco booster seat score established by the Federal NHTSA standard. Several new convertible options were added to this review giving you more information on potential competitors than ever before. We purchased the Graco 4Ever 4-in-1 Convertible Car Seat so our expert reviewer could thoroughly test and assess it.
As they grow, the seat can be easily adjusted with the use of levers. In addition to the multi-recline feature, the Sequel 65 includes a few other versatile components. The crotch strap, headrest, and harness all have different settings to conform to your child. The harness and headrest have ten height options and can be adjusted together in one swift motion by pulling a lever. Graco SequenceIn addition, it has a padded and removable newborn insert to keep even the tiniest little ones comfortable and secure.