Graco is a trusted OG brand for all things baby, including car seats. Several families I talked to like Graco because of its durability and midrange price point. This model fits babies up to 35 pounds.
Similar to the Chicco Keyfit, this Graco model uses “Click Connect” (marketing speak) for easy installation into the (included) car seat base and compatible stroller system. Graco says it’s tested for side-impact protection, but to reiterate, there aren’t yet federal standards for that test.
The seat offers four recline positions, which helps for a better fit in a range of cars.
Parents love the one-hand adjustment handle, which the Chicco does not have and which makes it possible to move the handle down while holding a baby.
SLEEKEST
Britax B-Safe Gen2 Infant Car Seat
BRITAX
Comfortable, washable fabric
Single-hand buckle release
Pricey
Key Specs
Convertible: No
Minimum Weight: 4 lb.
Maximum Weight: 35 lb.
Product Weight: 11 lb.
Britax is a pricier brand for all things baby, but it’s popular for good reason: The seats are reliable, durable, and attractive-looking. The B-Safe Gen2 offers a single-hand buckle release and an oversize canopy with UPF 50+ for sunny walks.
For ease of use, this model offers a simple button release for LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers For Children) connectors. LATCH uses anchor installation versus seat-belt installation. Both are safe, but some parents prefer the ease of LATCH installation. Bear in mind LATCH lower anchors have a maximum weight limit of 65 pounds (rear-facing) and 69 pounds (forward-facing), including your child and the car seat, so once you’re over those limits, switch to seat-belt installation.
Users rave about the extra padding and soft, washable material. One parent I spoke with likes the Britax stroller that works with this car seat for its smooth ride and easy connection.
Some reviewers compare this model to the more expensive version that has an “anti-rebound bar.” It should be noted that this is an extra feature, which the manufacturer claims “reduces rebound rotation by up to 30 percent in a crash,” but is not required by federal regulations.