r-facing is much safer for babie

2021/05/21

Rear-facing is much safer for babies. Some even have perfect scores and were practically foolproof, or at least as infallible as possible. Installation of the Aton 2 using the vehicle belt and base uses a lock off on the base and is the second easiest method of installation for the Aton. However, the European car seats use Isofix, and in America, we use the LATCH. Most car seats do not offer a rebound bar and stability leg as one is usually sufficient. We strongly encourage you to resist the temptation of buying a convertible seat (or "all-in-one" product) for your infant. Both are convertible car seats ready to last for the first two stages of car seat needs, and they both swivel! seat convertible extend2fit gotham facing graco longer ride rear safety continuum baby BabyGearLab was founded by a Pediatrician Mom with a mission to provide a reliable, independent, source of information to new parents. This booster earned the highest combined crash test results in our booster test, and it is easy to install with a rigid LATCH system. This photo shows the Vista with two UPPAbaby Mesa infant car seats. Just real, honest, side-by-side testing by people who care. It rotates completely to the front, the back, and either side. While many parents are concerned with crash test safety (as you should be), few parents know that improperly installing a seat or not using it as indicated is a significant cause of infant injury in car accidents. The Cybex Aton 2 is a high-quality infant seat with some of the best crash test analyses in the lineup. With over 100 car seats under our testing belt, it is easy to say you're in good hands with an expert crew for safety seats and crash testing. Because installation errors have been implicated in injuries and death, correctly installing a safety seat is critical. Best Convertible Car Seat for Crash Tests, Best Convertible Car Seat on a Tight Budget. These combinations are traditionally a predetermined set from the same manufacturer. The UPPAbaby Alta is a quality, high-backed booster with crash test results and comfortable features. The Evenflo is easy to use and the lightest option in our comparison, making it a good choice for parents on the go for travel or using public transportation. The five-point harness comes with padding at the top for the shoulders. Product Length 55 cm (21.65 inches) Product Width 45 cm (17.72 inches) Product Height 76.5 cm (30.11 inches ) Rear-Facing 0 to 18 kg or 0 to 4 years (0 to 39.68 pounds) Forward-Facing 9 to 18 kg or 1 to 4 years (19.84 to 39.68 pounds) 5 Recline positions in both directions. Keep in mind, its best to keep kids rear-facing as long as possible. Infant safety seats combine a carrier and a base to create a system that allows you to install the base in your car one time and carry your infant in the carrier to and from the car base or connected to a compatible stroller. Little ones love to sleep with their heads in an awkward position, and the padding helps to keep little chins from getting pinched. graco nautilus The entire car seat uses cotton and polyester for breathable comfort. Use this convertible car seat for the first four years of your childs life. This function may seem small before your baby is born, but trust us, you will be doing this more than once, and you'll be grateful for the carrier. Our experts have tested thousands of baby and kids products to share key performance, health, and safety findings. Our extensive, months-long testing process means you can feel confident in our test results and analysis to help you find the best car seat for your family and budget. Many convertible car seats have an infant insert to make the car seat more suitable for smaller passengers. This booster is similar to your vehicle seat with an adjustable headrest, armrests, and quality fabric that is easy to clean. These seats are configured for a baby's anatomy and provide posture positioning for optimal breathing and protection in a crash. After you get the baby in the car seat, swivel it back to front or rear-facing depending on their age, weight, and height. Our Editors independently research, test, and rate the best products. The Evenflo Spectrum is easy to use and buckle even when using it without the back. For crash testing, we work with MGA Research, the same certified testing lab the US Government relies on for their safety certification tests. Last, while we understand budget can be a concern, and some new parents have the tightest of budgets, we believe that car seats are not the time to try to save a few bucks. Overall, we believe this top-ranking infant seat is ideal for most families regardless of their infant seat goals, and it is compatible with various strollers from multiple manufacturers. We personally recommend the Evenflo Gold Revolve360 Rotational All-in-One Convertible Car Seat as it lasts for a full ten years or up to 120 pounds, so the high price lasts twice as long and removes the need to buy a second car seat later.

However, given the benefits for safety and the insanely small price, we think this Evenflo is an excellent booster solution for any family.

She would love to hear from you! This seat includes an eye-pleasing design and features for passenger comfort. The Gold Revolve360 has remained the better (and now only) choiceView on Amazon. In the end, the restrictions have more to do with height than weight. Also, the headrest has built-in ventilation to keep your baby comfortable and cool during any season.

The Alta has a rigid LATCH system that lets you secure it to the car so it isn't free-floating in your car.

Depending on the manufacturer's recommendations, you turn the seat to face forward when your child reaches a certain weight or height range. The Chicco NextFit Zip has adequate padding for a comfy ride, but it isn't as nice as the higher-ranking competition. Are you an urban dweller looking for an infant carrier? Infant seats are designed for smaller newborn bodies. From proper positioning to avoid positional asphyxiation to narrower shoulder harness straps, serious engineering goes into a safe infant car seat. Furthermore, the Evenflo car seat does not include a stability bar which may be a priority to parents. Infant seats claim to be appropriate for a baby from 4 lbs to typically up to 30-45 lbs; convertible seats also have limits, usually between 5 to 55 lbs (or higher depending on the seat). Alternatively, you can skip the pre-packages in favor of creating your own mix where you purchase a seat and compatible stroller separately (which may require buying adapters). If you plan to attach your carrier to a stroller, the weight is less critical, but if you plan to hold your carrier or travel frequently, its weight might be more of a concern. Your baby will stay in the position you put them with a click and move again when you lift the lever and rotate the seat. This seat is wider than most we considered, so it may not be a good choice for families who need to install three safety seats in the same row. Stage two is forward-facing from one to four years old or 9 to 18 kg or 20 to 39.5 pounds. Here is the Clek Foonf getting ready for its crash test, complete with crash test dummy. The Britax Emblem has impressive test results for almost every metric, with a performance that shows an exceptional all-around seat that is virtually unmatched. This convertible seat earned perfect 10 of 10 scores for installation using both the LATCH system and the vehicle belt, making it a standout choice and a product we believe is almost foolproof. No, probably not. Next, the Cybex offers 12 positions of recline and magnetic buckle holders. Ninety-three percent is a significant number. This Peg Perego features an anti-rebound bar, has thicker padding, and soft fabric for a comfortable ride; plus, it is easy to use. You should not have any issues using the Isofix into the LATCH hooks in an American car. Graco created a premature baby stage for the car seat too, that allows babies to lay flat from 0 to 10 kilograms (or up to 22). You can see from the data that even the fastest-growing boy will fail to exceed the maximum weight of the majority of seats in our tests, but he might grow too tall, which means a transition to the following safety seat style before his weight impacts a change. Installing the seat is a simple process. Bob Wofford, father of 7, Senior Review Analyst and Certified Passenger Safety Technician, leads the in-house testing team with extensive side-by-side testing for ease of installation and more. Adrina Palmer is a stay-at-home-mom to three wonderful children and a wife to an amazing husband. The study showed that "93% made at least one critical error a mistake that put their infant at increased risk for injury in a crash when positioning their infant in a car safety seat or when installing the safety seat in their vehicle.". How can we improve BabyGearLab? It is a poor choice for carrying or stuffing in a backpack even without the back. Infant seats are designed explicitly with little bodies and systems in mind. Many award-winning seats are easy to install, with at least one installation method. However, despite its shortcomings, the Evenflo would make an excellent second seat or budget-friendly primary seat that you can feel confident is as safe as they come. Rear facing seat belt installation of the Boulevard is easy to achieve with the ClickTight system. However, some seats are significantly easier to install without the base than others, so choosing the easiest, high-ranking option could make your life easier. Unfortunately, the Primo Viaggio 4-35 is more expensive than most of the competition we've tested, and it isn't compatible with most strollers outside the Peg Perego brand. This Britax features an easy-to-use non-rethread harness adjustment; we prefer it over rethread styles. We do NOT accept free products from manufacturers to assure our readers that our opinions are entirely independent and unbiased. While some competitors earned higher scores in some metrics or overall, the Emblem is the only option with above-average scores in every test. We like the rigid LATCH connection that prevents a free-floating seat, and passengers like the belt retainers and adjustable height headrest. Overall, The Aton 2 is a great seat if your budget allows it. Copyright 2012 - 2022 BabyGearLab LLC After spending tens of thousands of dollars on crash testing car seats in a certified testing lab, we discovered that not all car seats are created equal, despite their ability to pass basic federal crash test requirements. The Alta offers supportive padding, a slight recline, and a handy side cup holder. The Chicco Keyfit 35 is a nicer quality infant car seat with a ridiculously easy LATCH installation with the SuperCinch center pull strap. The Britax Boulevard ClickTight is the perfect seat for anyone concerned about installing a seat correctly (arguably all of us), which is why we like this choice. The Evenflo turns into a booster seat, too, unlike the Turn2Me, and lasts for up to 120 pounds instead of just under 40 pounds. In fact, an NHTSA study showed that 84% of infant seats exhibited a critical misuse related to either installation of the seat or incorrect restraint of the infant, or both. Even better, you can recline both rear-facing and forward-facing. We contracted with the same crash test facility used by NHTSA to test the seats in this review. Even if your little one is exceptionally tall, you will simply move to a convertible seat sooner than other babies of the same age, which isn't a big deal, is safe, and will occur eventually no matter what. This option has a polished look with a rubbery grip handle and a headrest with a non-rethread harness adjustment. Also, we think the impressive crash test results and quality construction more than compensate for the heft of the Oobr. Lets take a closer look at this incredible European car seat and find out if its the right option for you. Something Best Convertible Car Seats 2022: Crash Tested. This result puts the Evenflo in the unique position of being the cheapest seat in the test and having some of the top crash results we analyzed. However, the Evenflo car seat works in three modes, so kids can use it for a full ten years, while the Graco Turn2Me only works for four years. For infant seats, the weight of the carrier can play a role for similar reasons. Should this weight range be a consideration when making your purchase? Because safety is paramount, we believe you should choose your car seat before the stroller. However, the Graco option is about half the price of the Evenflo option, but you will need to buy a second car seat after your child reaches four years old. If you have safety on the brain and won't move the seat from car to car very often, the Oobr is an excellent seat for you. No ads. Most car seats include a cupholder, but this one does not. Sadly, this is not one of those one-and-done car seats that you can use from birth until your child reaches ten years. From there, you can narrow your search by the ease of installation and crash test results or budget (depending on your situation and goals). The Chicco Keyfit 35 is an impressive infant car seat. Manufacturer sets, however, may be less expensive. Thats what you get with the Graco Turn2Me car seat. For this reason, we wouldn't necessarily make the weight range a deciding factor in your buying decision unless it is below 30 lbs for an infant seat (very rare). A travel system is a package deal that includes an infant car seat and a compatible stroller it can attach to. The Aton 2 has a LATCH system that is super easy to install, which potentially translates to an increase in safety.

Who knew Graco was in Europe and not just in America? As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. While you will not mind the first year or so, after that, you will probably miss the cup holder. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission. Next, neither option will work for three across the backseat. We spend tens of thousands of dollars crash testing car seats to inform our ratings. The Clek Oobr has the best crash test score based on the best-combined sensor data from our crash test dummy. We purchase each seat and conduct intensive side-by-side testing, including crash tests at the exact location used by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The Evenflo Gold Revolve360 Rotational All-in-One Convertible Car Seat also swivels a full 360 degrees for easy entrance and exits. We contracted with the same national testing facility used by the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) for crash tests, and also obtained NHTSA's crash test data for analysis. Once your baby outgrows their convertible seat, they're ready for the big kid booster seat. Read review: Peg Perego Primo Viaggio 4-35. According to the CDC's infant boy age vs. weight growth chart (pdf), a 95th percentile baby boy (which means a baby growing faster than 94 babies out of 100) will still weigh under 28 lbs and be close to 32 inches on their one year birthday. Which baby gift is the best? Dont worry, even though the seat swivels, it will not swivel while you are driving. These reviews include more products in each category than you'll find in this comprehensive review. Our tests reveal affordable seats are available that are easy to install with impressive crash test analysis results in every category. As a result, you can transition a sleeping baby in or out of the vehicle without waking them up, keeping them safely harnessed in the carrier as you do. It has unique safety features like a "side-impact crumple zone" and load leg. Given our test process of installing every seat in at least three different vehicles and Bob's seven years of seat testing prowess, you can rest assured that Bob has more installation and car seat experience than probably anyone on the planet. The ClickTight has a slightly above-average performance for crash test results. The Evenflo Gold Revolve360 Rotational All-in-One Convertible Car Seat definitely wins as its made to last for a full decade instead of just for the first four years. The Evenflo Spectrum is significantly lighter and can go backless for even easier carpooling. It also sports a higher price tag, making it a potential non-starter for those on a tight budget. The clip makes sure the seat belt stays on the shoulders properly and ensures kids do not crawl out of their car seat when they get older and more precocious. The UPPAbaby Vista can be used with 2 infant car seats for easy transportation of up up to 2 infants. This seat offers a higher margin of potential safety to families on even the tightest budgets. The Keyfit 35 earned better crash-test analysis than most infant competitors, and it works well with various award-winning strollers. Well, we did, and we love what we are seeing as the Graco Turn2Me 360 Rotating Isofix Car Seat looks amazing. The Evenflo is the lightest seat in the group and one of the most narrow at just over 9 pounds and 17 inches, The Peg Perego Primo uses the European belt path method for installation without the base. We also like that you can quickly secure the booster in the vehicle so it doesn't move in the car when your kids aren't using it. Also, the Evenflo has a chest clip, level indicator, and two cupholders. Car seat testing is divided across five test metrics (with some variation based on car seat type): Each metric's weighted contribution to the overall score is based on how important we believe it is to the purchasing decision. We've tested over 70 car seats, including crash testing, to help you determine which car seat is the best for your baby, toddler, or child. ), we do not think car seat purchasing is the time to do it, given the potential safety implications. Booster seats are the last style of safety seat your child will use before graduating to the vehicle seat belt alone. The other advantage of infant seats is they are handy. The Evenflo Tribute LX didn't score exceptionally well in our test of convertible competitors, but what it manages to do is impress with its crash-test results. Color-coding makes installation easier too. To assure complete independence, we buy all the products we test ourselves. That is why we feel that ease of use and installation are critical components of seat safety, potentially more so than the crash test results. We believe this stylish and comfy carrier is super easy to install without the base, making it a possible contender for those using public transportation; it is almost as easy to install with the vehicle belt and the base. This seat is stupidly heavy and awkward to lift and carry, so you aren't going to want to travel with it or carry it very far. Most parents find infant carriers to be valuable tools and are grateful for the ability to leave a sleeping child resting while running errands using a stroller or the carrier handle. You do not even need to rethread the harness for the right fit! This booster is somewhat heavy and perhaps not the best choice for travel or carpooling. When you click on links to buy products we may earn money to support. You can also go backless to decrease seat weight and make it easier to transport for carpooling or traveling. Searching for the best car seat for your little one? The first stage is rearward from birth to four years or 0 to 18 kg, which translates to roughly 39.5 pounds. Therefore, a lightweight, easy-to-install car seat is more critical to urbanites than others. CYBEX Sirona S offer the same 360 swiveling seat but with other benefits as well. We use the same guidelines and tests for crash testing to compare and combine our results with those from NHTSA before analysis and scoring. However, the Cybex is about twice the price of the Graco car seat which means it may not fit into everyones budget. The car seat does not have a rebound bar as it has a support leg. Watch this video to see just how simple and secure installing the Turn2ME is so you can get on the road with ease. BabyGearLab is reader-supported. The same is typically true of the convertible seats. Adjust the headrest and harness together as your child grows. Got feedback? Abriah has been testing car seats since 2016. Carriers can be cumbersome and can be ridiculously heavy when combined with the baby's weight. Our exhaustive testing and rating process provides the information you need to make your family's best car seat purchase. The Graco Turn2Me never made it to the American market and is not available for purchase. If you know the kind you need, you can check out our comparison test ratings on best infant car seats, best convertible car seat, and best booster seat. We believe they are uniquely qualified to potentially better protect your little than a seat designed for children from 4-80 lbs. Parents who frequently ride in taxi cabs or use services like Uber, will want to look for a car seat that offers easy installation without the base, just using the seat belt. Otherwise, the Evenflo Gold Revolve360 and the CYBEX Sirona S offer the same 360 swiveling seat but with other benefits as well. safety 1st grow boulevard convertible seat However, if your budget allows and limited stroller options aren't a concern, this Peg may be for you. We National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Infant seats are designed explicitly with little bodies and systems in mind, Convertible car seats are appropriate for older babies, How to Avoid Infant Car Seat Installation Mistakes, contact a certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians in their area, study by Portland's top Children's Hospital, CDC's infant boy age vs. weight growth chart, rear-facing is still the safest installation within the seat's limitations, Most infant safety seats are compatible with at least a couple of strollers. The big plus is that the Extend2Fit can stay rear-facing for up to 50 lbs, creating a safer baby environment. Mind you, the car seat does not face in the reverse mode for this option but sideways. We send one car seat to the same professional crash test facility the National Highway Transportation Safety Association (NHTSA) uses for its testing and keep the other seat in-house for over 45 detailed scientific testing on each seat. If a cupholder is something you cannot live without on a convertible car seat, do not get this option. Moreover, the Cybex Sirona S has a stability bar just like the Turn2Me. We are not big fans of a one-and-done approach to car seats and think an infant car seat should be used until your little one either grows out of it or ages out according to manufacturer directions. The Extend2Fit has below-average quality, and it isn't as comfortable as seats with similar prices. This data means it exceeded the federal requirements. Because it earned one of the top crash test results and it is easy to install with a budget-friendly price tag; we think it is an option every parent should add to their shortlist. Manufacturers advertise these ranges and make them seem very important. Convertible car seats are appropriate for older babies (around nine months) and can last until your little one is about 3-7 years old, depending on the model and your child's size. It has all the features you want in a car seat and a few nice features you will love. The extra-large head cushioning will help to keep the shoulders in place and the head too. Not only does the car seat come loaded with padding, but it also has a support leg to ensure the car seat stays stable in the car. graco snugride yield infant seat connect classic Looking for the right diaper for your little one? Imagine swiveling the car seat to the door opening so you can slide your baby in without any theatrics. Our testing protocol for car seats is intense and extremely detailed; we've conducted more than 2,470 individual tests to evaluate the more than 70 safety seats we've tested since 2014. Despite the manufacturer's focus on weight, most babies will outgrow the height limits before reaching the weight limit for most infant seats. Some of its Aton 2's daily-use features are harder to use than some competitors. This booster will please children and parents with better crash test analyses and a comfortable seating area. This team is led by our founder, Dr. Juliet Spurrier uses her experience as a board-certified pediatrician to select products with safety and installation in mind, as these are the key factors in creating a safe car environment for little passengers. The LATCH system for the Extend2Fit forward-facing configuration uses the same belt pathway as the vehicle belt. This booster is the comfiest option we tested, winning the thumbs up from our tiny testers thanks to the wide seating area, sleep-worthy headrest, and soft feeling fabric. She has a bachelors degree in Religion from Liberty University and works as a blogger, copywriter, and reviewer. The Graco had one of the best-combined head and chest sensor results, indicating an additional margin of protection over the competition. A convertible seat's weight is less of a consideration for most people because it typically spends most of its life installed in a single location. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and we never accept free products from manufacturers. While convertible seats can work for babies from 5 - 50 lbs and beyond, we don't believe it is good to choose a one-and-done seat when it comes to safety. This transition will depend on the manufacturer's guidelines and your child's size. Privacy | Cookies | Terms, In-depth baby product reviews led by a Pediatrician, Let our extensive crash testing data help you find the best and safest car seat for your baby. Do not turn them around until their legs no longer fit or they reach the maximum weight. Not many seats make putting your baby in the car or taking them out so easy. tested thousands of baby and kids products, Crash Test Analysis (20% of overall score weighting), Ease of Use Installation (multiple methods in multiple vehicles) (35% weighting). You can purchase a cup holder for a little extra money for it though making it more functional when your child is older too. However, the Cybex Sirona S can support children ages four and up who weigh up to 65 pounds. However, if you need to catch a taxi with your seat and your baby, you'd probably prefer the lightest seat possible. Unlike a convertible car seat, an infant car seat is detachable from the base. Multiple layers of padding are removable for infants to help babies fit more comfortably as they grow. The moniker "convertible" is related to the seat facing backward and then "converting" to a forward-facing seat. Installing the Keyfit 35 carrier without a base can utilize the American (shown here) or European belt path (uses the shoulder strap across the back of the carrier) for installation. Below is the list of our favorite award-winning seats across all categories. Unlike "all-in-one" seats or convertible seats that claim suitability for infants, infant car seats are only for infants and babies typically up to about 9 months or 30-35 lbs. Let us know! This seat is easy to use and offers impressive comfort and quality construction. If higher safety crash test results and easy installation are first in your mind, the Aton 2 (with the load leg) could be a top contender. A heavy steel frame seat like the Clek Oobr is a beast and isn't something you want to move often. Not all kids will do this, but still, the clip helps to keep kids and seatbelts in place. Given that poor installation often translates to more injuries, we think this seat's top installation performance makes up for the just above average crash-test results to create a seat that is tough to beat. Choosing a safety seat can be challenging, but you can buy with confidence using our detailed test results and analysis to help you. Weighting varies somewhat for each car seat category, as some features or functionality could be more critical from one product type than another. This convertible seat has excellent results for LATCH installation. We think it is wise to choose the right infant seat before selecting a must-have stroller compatible with that seat. The Turn2Me can recline to five different positions. Since 2012, we've tested over 70 seats, including crash testing, to help you determine which car seat is the best for your baby, toddler, or child. This installation style is a safe practice, and the seats have a method for this practice. You get three raises of the headrest to adjust the harness and headrest to grow with your child for the first four years. The Graco Extend2Fit earned the best score in our analysis of crash test results. Wendy Schmitz, mom of two boys and Senior Review Editor, takes part in score analysis as well as hands-on testing and installation with over six years of experience testing seats of every kind. Installing the Cybex is a breeze with one-time vehicle belt installation in both rear-facing and forward-facing. The Keyfit 35 is somewhat heavier to carry, which could be a deal-breaker if you plan to carry your baby in it. No sponsored content. Other parents might live in a larger city where they frequently use Uber and taxis, requiring a relatively mobile option with frequent installations in multiple vehicles. The Evenflo Spectrum is a high-back booster with an impressive crash test result for the head sensor and is so wallet-friendly that it is a potential contender for almost every family. We believe the 5-point harness and side shell of the convertible seats potentially offers more protection. We originally recommended the Evenflo Gold Revolve360 Rotational All-in-One Convertible Car Seat for its 10-year life span and 120 pound weight limit.