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Reviews and Essential Information

Graco has an incredibly diverse line of car seats and strollers. Whether you are looking for premium-quality, safety ratings, or comfort, these car seats can make you and your child feel luxurious in your daily commute. They also offer smaller, bargain-priced car seats that offer the safety you need, without any unnecessary extras. Few people look at the extremes, and most parents want an option that can give them some of the comfort of a pricey model, while staying within a reasonable budget.

The Grace MySize 65 provides a great car seat at a mid-range cost. This complete guide will give you all the information you need to determine if the MySize 65 is right for you. You’ll find all the specifications for this car seat, including pros and cons, and be able to compare it to some other highly rated competitors.

What is Graco MySize 65?

Photo from gracobaby.com

The Graco MySize 65 is a convertible car seat by Graco, a leading American company that specializes in baby car seats, toys, clothes, and accessories. As a convertible car seat, it’s designed to be used in both rear-facing and front-facing modes. Your newborn can safely ride in this comfortable car seat, and it can support your child up to 65 pounds, and up to 49 inches tall.

The car seat has an easy to use latch feature, which makes the harness much more convenient. It’s simple to accurately install in a firm position. It includes a 5-point harness, and is safe for side impacts. In terms of comfort, the MySize 65 can recline in three positions, and comes with a cup holder for your child’s drinks and snacks. The cover is both washable and removable, and comes in several color options.

Why Choose a Convertible Car Seat?

There are several types of car seats, and each one is designed for a different size of child or infant. Infant car seats, obviously, are for the smallest infants. Generally between 4 and 22 pounds, these seats are created especially for your child’s first year or two of life. A convertible car seat is a much more popular choice. While it only is rated for infants as little as 5 pounds, it has a much larger weight range. These flexible seats are generally rated for up to 55 or 65 pounds. They can have a larger range because of the dual-purpose design. You can install the car seat rear-facing, or front-facing. A rear-facing car seat is the safest option, and is made for younger infants. The weight range of rear-facing is usually 5 to 35 pounds, but each car seat is different.

After that, you must put your child in a forward-facing position. It’s strongly recommended by the American Academy of Pediatricians to keep your child rear-facing, until they are at least two years old. Your car seat will still be effective in this orientation, but will be for older children, usually up to 65 pounds. After that, you’ll need a booster seat. These seats are able to accommodate your child until they are tall enough to sit in a seat on their own. There are a few different varieties of car seats, including all-in-one, or combination seats. These versatile seats are typically more expensive, but can be used from birth all the way up to 110 or 120 pounds.

Is the Graco MySize 65 Safe?

Yes. Safety is the most important feature of any car seat. Cup holders, recliners, and comfortable chairs are unimportant, compared to keeping your child protected in the event of an accident. Thankfully, the Graco MySize 65 is rated highly, and meets or exceeds all safety standards. It has additional impact rated foam on the sides. This is specifically designed to absorb energy during a dangerous side collision, and will help protect your child. In addition, the 5-point harness system is easy to adjust, which is critical to proper placement. Once they are correctly placed, your child will be safely supported in this seat.

Installation and Warranty Information

However, even the most well-protected seat can be dangerous if improperly installed. There are many things that can go wrong when installing a car seat, so read your manual very carefully before using this seat. If in doubt, contact a child passenger security official and have them inspect your seat to ensure proper installation. Not only does the seat have to be installed correctly, you also need to make sure the straps are in the correct position and the correct fit. Too loose, and your child will be in danger of an impact. Too tight, and your child will be uncomfortable. While the MySize 65 is easy to adjust, it still is possible to get them in the incorrect position. Make sure you check the warranty.

The Graco MySize 65 is only certified for seven years after the manufacturing date. After that, Graco recommends you stop using this car seat, and immediately find a new one. Once everything is correctly adjusted, you can breathe easier knowing your child is comfortable and protected.

Specifications

• $179.99
• 4-40 lbs in rear-facing
• 22-65 lbs in front-facing
• Level indicator
• Washable cover
• Car seat weight: 19.34 lbs
• 1-year warranty

Pricing

Car seats can be as inexpensive as $35, and as expensive as $400. Each seat has a wide range of features, ranging from critical safety measures, to less necessary cup holders and one-click connections. Determine your price range, and consider the additional features you would like. Even the most inexpensive car seat still passes the minimum safety standards, but many seats go above and beyond these benchmarks.

Depending on your budget, premium car seats can also give your child an extremely comfortable experience. Long road trips are far more stressful when your infant is unhappy and crying. Higher-priced car seats also tend to make your life easier. They are easy to adjust, clean, and install correctly. All of these together can literally save hours of your time, particularly if you frequently change vehicles for your car seat.

The Graco MySize 65 falls slightly less expensive than the middle of the price range. It isn’t so cheap that it lacks comfort and quality, but it is far less expensive than some of the luxurious models on the market.

How it Compares

GRACO MYSIZE 65 CONVERTIBLE CAR SEAT, REESE

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EVENFLO SYMPHONY DLX ALL-IN-ONE CONVERTIBLE CAR SEAT, MODESTO

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SAFETY 1ST GROW AND GO 3-IN-1 CONVERTIBLE CAR SEAT, HARVEST MOON

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COSCO MIGHTY FIT 65 DX CONVERTIBLE CAR SEAT, HEATHER ONYX GRAY

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Pros and Cons

Each car seat has a variety of features to consider before making a purchase. Whether you are looking for the highest safety, convenience, comfort or a blend of all three, there are car seats available to fit every need. Determining the best car seat can be difficult, so take some time to think about which features you want in your new car seat. To help with this decision, here are some pros and cons for the Graco MySize 65.

PROS

• Very affordable price.
• Side impact protection with a 5-point harness.
• Easily adjustable straps.
• Lightweight.
• Easy to use.

Cons

• Assembly time is far more time-consuming.
• Build is not sturdy.

Our Final Thoughts

Each of these car seats has many pros and cons that make the decision a difficult one. There isn’t a perfect car seat, and each one has a few features to focus on. While it may be difficult deciding on the perfect car seat for your child, this guide should make you feel confident when comparing the pros, cons and specifics of the Graco MySize 65. With proper installation and use, your child will be safe and secure in this well-rounded car seat.

Graco 4Ever vs Extend2Fit — What Are They?

The Graco 4Ever is a car seat that works as a rear-facing seat, forward-facing seat, high-back booster seat, and backless booster seat. The Extend2Fit, on the other hand, works as a rear-facing seat, forward-facing seat, and high-back booster, but does not become a backless booster seat. While the Extend2Fit’s lack of backless booster seat capabilities is one difference, there are other features of the seats that should be compared.

Product Specs

Image from Flickr

First, we’d like to look at the technical specifications of the Graco 4Ever vs Extend2Fit.

Rear Facing

The Graco4Ever can remain rear-facing for children up to 40 pounds. Children in Canada must be 43 inches tall or less for the rear-facing setting, while children in the USA need only be one inch below the adjuster button on the headrest when it is fully extended. Children can use the rear-facing setting of the Extend2Fit seat if they weigh 50 pounds or less. The height requirements are the same as the Graco4Ever requirements. When comparing the Graco 4Ever vs Extend2Fit, the Extend2Fit wins this round because of the higher weight limit for the rear-facing position.

Forward Facing

In both the Graco4Ever and the Extend2Fit, children can use the forward facing setting if they are between 22 and 65 pounds, and less than 49 inches tall.

High-Back Booster

Children can use the high-back booster setting of the Graco 4Ever seat if they are at least 30 pounds in the USA, 40 pounds in Canada, and less than 100 pounds in both countries. They must be between 38 and 57 inches tall in the USA, and between 40 and 57 inches tall in Canada. The specifications are the same for the Extend2Fit.

Backless Booster

Children can use Graco4Ever’s backless booster if they are between 40 and 120 pounds, and if they are between 40 and 57 inches tall. The Extend2Fit does not have a backless booster feature.

Harness Positions

The Graco4Ever’s lowest harness position is six inches, with an infant insert. Its highest harness position is 18 inches. The Extend2Fit’s lowest harness position is seven inches with an infant insert, while its highest harness position is 17.5 inches. When comparing the Graco 4Ever vs Extend2Fit, the Graco 4Ever gets a point here for the wider range of harness positions.

Seat Measurements

The Graco4Ever seat is 20 inches wide with the cup holders or 19 inches wide without. It is 28 inches tall and weighs 22.8 pounds.

The Extend2Fit seat is 20 inches wide, including the cup holders. It is 30 inches tall and weighs 18.5 pounds.

Safety Features

The comparison of safety features on the Graco 4ever vs Extend2Fit seats is equal. They both have Safety Surround Side Impact Protection, which means that the child’s head is protected from all angles. They both have EPS — energy-absorbing foam that protects the child by absorbing the impact in a crash as much as possible. They both have steel frames for durability and strength. Graco puts their car seats through testing procedures that include frontal, rear and side impact testing, roll testing, and extreme interior temperature testing.

Pricing

Both seats are very similar in price. The price also varies depending on color pattern.

Graco 4Ever

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The Graco 4Ever car seat is a seat that is designed to grow with a child from the time they are a newborn until the time that they no longer need a car seat at all. It includes two removable cup holders so that when a child is old enough to have snacks and drinks in the car, they have a nice place to set them. Safety features include a steel-reinforced frame, side impact technology, and energy-absorbing foam.

• Ease of Use
• Versatility
• Design Quality
• Warranty

Most users agree that the Graco4Ever seat is easy to install, with clearly labeled and color-coded belt paths to take away the guesswork. It has only one set of LATCH straps, which have to be used in both the front-facing and rear-facing positions. When switching positions you’ll have to move them, which is not very difficult to do. The LATCH system is easy to install, and you’ll hear an audible click when it is installed correctly. The rear-facing position makes use of a bubble indicator so you can be sure that it is level when you install it. Users said that the hardest part of this seat’s installation process was tightening the seatbelt in the rear-facing position.

Converting the seat from one position to another is also simple, but needs to be done outside of the car for best results. Transitioning from rear-facing to forward-facing involves moving the LATCH connectors to the forward-facing position. Converting it to a booster position won’t require removing the harness, but simply tucking it into a special compartment on the seat. Eventually, when a child is ready for a backless booster, you remove the back of the seat.

While this car seat is durable and has lots of great features, it may not be the most comfortable seat. Some parents pointed out that the rear-facing position doesn’t recline as much as a regular infant seat. If the seat is installed in a sedan, there may be even less room to recline in. Infants who like to be in the reclining position, or who need to recline while sleeping because of issues such as GERD, might not be comfortable. The back of the seat is also hard, so once children outgrow the infant insert they might be uncomfortable, especially on longer drives. Some parents complained that their children sweated a lot while riding in this car seat. As far as being aesthetically pleasing, this car seat comes in a variety of patterns, so parents can choose the one that they or their child like best.

This unit comes with a one-year limited warranty.

Pros

• Converts to four positions
• Easy to install
• Easy to convert
• Wide range of harness positions
• Many color patterns available

Cons

• Infant position reclines less than regular infant seats
• Difficult to rec
• Uncomfortable back
• Child may sweat a lot while riding

Extend2Fit

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The Extend 2Fit car seat is similar to the Graco 4Ever in many ways. It is a convertible car seat that grows with a child, though it does not have the Graco 4Ever’s backless booster seat feature. It also has two removable cup holders. Like the Graco 4Ever, its safety features include a steel-reinforced frame, side impact technology, and energy-absorbing foam.

• Ease of Use
• Versatility
• Design Quality
• Warranty

Users found that installing this car seat using the LATCH system is fairly easy as it just snaps into the vehicle’s LATCH anchors. The seatbelt method is more difficult, especially in the rear-facing position. When comparing the Graco 4Ever vs Extend2Fit, it seems that the Extend2Fit’s seatbelt path is smaller and a little harder to weave a belt through. Transitioning the seat to a booster is just as easy as the Graco 4Ever’s transition, involving tucking the harness into a special compartment.

In the comparison between Graco 4Ever vs Extend2Fit, the Graco 4Ever has an edge in one area because it includes a backless booster seat option. This means that children can continue riding in the seat after they’ve outgrown a high-back booster seat. However, the Extend2Fit has a different edge because of its leg extender for the rear-facing mode. Because children are now expected to ride rear-facing when they are older and taller than previous generations, they need a little more leg room. Newborns and small babies won’t need the leg extender. Once children’s feet begin to hang over the edge of the seat, they can make use of the leg extender’s three positions. By the time they outgrow the leg extender, they’ll be ready to sit facing forward.

When it comes to the Graco 4Ever vs Extend2Fit discussion, many parents’ favorite aspect of the Extend2Fit seat is the extra ten pounds allowance for sitting in the rear-facing position. Parents also love the six reclining position options for the rear-facing seat, offering extra comfort for children. Many parents pointed out the no-rethread harness design that allows you to adjust the height of the harness and headrest without having to rethread it. One thing that parents complained about was the removable seat cover. It can be difficult to remove, and just as difficult to reattach. The fact that it can be removed at all, and then machine washed, is still a plus. The Extend2Fit has more padding than the Graco 4Ever, which is a plus for a child’s comfort but can also make them hot. Many parents also wished that this seat was less bulky.

This unit comes with a one-year limited warranty.

Pros

• Easy to install using LATCH system
• Six different reclining positions for rear-facing children
• Leg extender with four positions
• Children up to 50 pounds can ride rear-facing
• No-rethread harness
• Easy to transition to booster seat

Cons

• Seat cover is difficult to remove and reattach
• Bulky
• No backless booster seat option
• Installation using seatbelt can be difficult

Conclusion

It is difficult to compare the Graco 4Ever vs Extend2fit, when they are similar in so many ways. They are both convertible car seats with easy-to-install LATCH systems, six reclining options in the rear-facing position, no-rethread harnesses, and adjustable headrests. While the Graco 4Ever car seat converts to a backless booster seat for after a child has outgrown the high-back booster, the Extend2Fit offers leg extension and is good for an extra ten pounds in the rear-facing position. Price-wise, the two seats are very similar. It may come down to a parent’s personal preferences. If parents really want their child to ride in a rear-facing seat for as long as possible, the Extend2Fit is the obvious choice. Keep in mind that there is also a height limit for the car seat’s rear-facing position, so if your child is tall he may very likely outgrow the rear-facing position before he hits fifty pounds, anyway.

Parents should also take into consideration the fact that car seats have expiration dates. In the case of both the Graco 4Ever car seat and the Extend2Fit car seat, the expiration date is ten years after the seat is manufactured. This means if you have a newborn, by the time she is tall enough and heavy enough for a backless booster seat, your convertible seat may be close to expiring — or newer and even safer versions of backless booster seats may be on the market to replace your convertible seat. If this is the case, going with the Extend2Fit and forgoing Graco 4Ever’s backless booster seat option may be a good choice. On the other hand, if your child is three or four years old and is very close to outgrowing the height requirement for the Extend2Fit’s rear-facing option, going with the Graco 4Ever may be the more sensible choice.

There is definitely a lot to think about when it comes to choosing between the Graco 4Ever vs Extend2Fit. Take your time, do your research, and choose the seat that will be the perfect fit for your family. Your child’s safety is always the top priority.

Years ago, when children outgrew their five-point harness car seats they simply transitioned to regular seatbelts. Today, we have more stringent safety laws. 

What Is the Mifold Booster Seat?

The Mifold Booster Seat is a booster seat that folds up, making it ten times smaller than the average booster seat. The creators invented it because they noticed that their own children often had to ride in cars without a booster seat: for example, when they were riding in cars with friends’ parents who didn’t have an extra booster seat on hand.

They saw a need for a compact, safe, and portable booster seat that could be used for carpooling, taxi rides, and everyday use.

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Mifold Booster Seat Review: Product Specs

Designed for children ages four and up, the Mifold Booster Seat can be used when children are between 40 and 100 pounds, and between 40 and 57 inches tall. 

How It Compares

We picked a few similar products available on the market to see how they compare.

• Graco Affix Youth Booster Seat
• Evenflo Amp Performance No Back Booster Car Seat
• BubbleBum Inflatable Backless Booster Car Seat

Mifold Booster Seat

Let’s take a quick look at the Mifold models.

Comfort

According to Mifold Booster Seat reviews by parents, this seat is not very comfortable. It contains less cushioning than most booster seats, most likely because adding extra cushioning would take away from its portability and convenience.

Children are able to tolerate it for shorter rides, and that is what it is designed for.

Convenience 

The ability to fold this car seat to a size smaller than a water bottle makes this car seat especially convenient for busy parents. It can easily be stored in a backpack or even a purse.

In some Mifold Booster Seat reviews, parents mentioned that they bought several of these car seats to keep on hand for when their children have friends along with them. It is slender enough that three of them can fit side by side on a bench seat, even in a compact car. 

One thing some parents complain about in Mifold Booster Seat reviews is that it is difficult for children, especially the younger ones, to buckle themselves in. An adult must often assist them.

However, the entire process of setting up the booster seat and strapping the child in takes only about 30 seconds, which is not a major inconvenience. Some parents have also mentioned that it can be difficult to thread the seatbelt into the repositioning clip.

Design Quality 

This seat is made of aircraft-grade aluminum and Dupont Delrin 100ST, so it is very durable. It differs from other booster seats because, instead of lifting the child up so that the lap belt can fit them securely, it has a clip that holds the seatbelt down in the correct position. 

It has side panels that can be adjusted to support children of various sizes, from the 40-pound, 40-inch tall preschooler to the 100 pounds, 57-inch tall middle schooler.

One thing older kids like about it is that it does not look like a traditional booster seat. It sits flat on the seat, creating the appearance and feel of sitting on a plain seat.

Warranty

The company offers a limited one-year guarantee.

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Graco Affix Youth Booster Seat

This booster seat can be used as a high back booster for children who are 30 to 100 pounds and 38 to 57 inches tall or as a backless booster for children who are 40 to 100 pounds and 40 to 67 inches tall.

It is rated a “Best Bet” booster by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. It is engineered and crash tested to meet or exceed US standards, is Side Impact Tested, and uses EPS energy-absorbing foam for additional safety.

Comfort 

Unlike in the Mifold Booster Seat reviews, parents say that this booster seat is comfortable for children. It is a little wider than many other similar booster seats. (The dimensions are 10.5” D x 16.75” W x 25.4” H.)

It also has lots of padding. The high back position has a comfortable headrest and full back support. It also has adequate leg support.

Convenience

While this seat cannot be folded up and packed in a backpack, parents do say that it is lightweight and easy to install. It must be assembled after being purchased, but parents say it is easy to assemble.

It also stays in one piece when being transferred in and out of a car.

Design Quality

This seat uses the LATCH system, which many other booster seats do not have. The benefit of using the LATCH system on a booster seat is that it stays in place more securely, preventing it from moving around in the car when the child is not seated in it.

Some parents say it is also easier for the child to buckle their seatbelt when the seat is secured with the LATCH system because the seat stays still. 

The LATCH system uses a hook system rather than a push on system, and it can be somewhat difficult to secure. However, using the LATCH system with this seat is optional if you don’t like it.  

The seat has two cup holders and a special compartment where children can store small toys and other treasures. Some parents reported that their children found it hard to pull out the drawer when they were sitting in the seat, which led to frustration. One of the cup holders is stored under the seat and needs to be folded out for use.

The headrest, which is used only in the highback position, has six height positions. It comes in five different color patterns.

Warranty

The company offers a limited one-year guarantee.

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Evenflo Amp Performance No Back Booster Car Seat

This is a backless booster seat that can be used by children who are between 40 and 110 pounds and between 40 and 57 inches tall.

It is rated a “Best Bet” booster by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. It exceeds safety standards and was crash tested at energy levels that were twice the federal crash test standard. It has been side impact tested and has also been tested for integrity and durability at high and low temperatures such as cars are subject to.

Comfort

Reviews of this booster differ from Mifold Booster Seat reviews, as parents say this seat is very comfortable. It has a contoured pad that can easily be removed and cleaned in a washing machine.

The armrests are padded as well. It is a little wider than other backless seats, which means that it may be more comfortable for bigger kids.

Convenience

This seat is easy to install and comes with a belt-positioning clip to make sure that the belt fits the child properly. Parents like that the armrests can easily be wiped down and that the seat padding can be either wiped down or removed for laundering.

The seat is lightweight and can easily be transferred in and out of a car. However, it is bulky and not nearly as easy to carry around as the Mifold.

Design Quality

Children love the fact that this seat comes in lots of design choices. Parent reviewers loved that it exceeds safety standards and was crash tested at energy levels that were twice the federal crash test standard.

Warranty

This seat comes with a 90-day limited warranty.

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BubbleBum Inflatable Backless Booster Car Seat

This booster can be used by children who are between 40 and 100 pounds and between 40 and 67 inches tall. It is rated a “Best Bet” booster by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

It was invented by a mother from North Ireland who was frustrated with the inconvenience of having to carry traditional booster seats while traveling.

Comfort 

Reviews of this booster differ from Mifold Booster Seat reviews because most children find this seat to be very comfortable. The memory foam filling makes it especially cushiony.

An included shoulder belt positioner is optional for children who are irritated by the seat belt rubbing against their shoulders.

Convenience 

One thing parents loved was the convenience of being able to fold up the seat for travel or storage. This seat is similarly easy to travel with.

However, instead of folding up, it deflates. It weighs about a pound or less, making it ideal for families who want to travel light. 

To install, you will need to inflate it, put it on the seat, and thread the lap belt through the side buckles on the BubbleBum. It is narrow enough to fit in most cars as well as in airplane seats.

When parents are ready to remove the seat and pack it up, they just deflate it by rolling it and flattening it. It is not as simple as the Mifold, but it is more comfortable.

Design Quality 

While some users worried at first about how durable and safe a booster seat filled with air would be, the BubbleBum is more similar to an inflatable life jacket than to an inflatable pool toy.

The thick outer shell is made of heavy-duty plastic and memory foam. Even if it becomes deflated somehow, it is still sturdy enough to pass crash tests. 

Some parents have said that their children felt like it would tip over at first, but eventually, the children got used to the different style of the BubbleBum seat.

It comes in various color combinations, including black and silver, a Union Jack, an American flag pattern, a pink zigzag pattern, and a green shamrock pattern. The seats come with their own carrying bags.

Warranty 

The BubbleBum comes with a one-year limited warranty.

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Conclusion

In our research for this article, we found that many parents who wrote Mifold Booster Seat reviews had mixed feelings about the product.

The one thing that Mifold Booster Seat reviewers liked was that it folds up into such a small size, making it very easy to transport and store and perfect for “emergency” rides in a relative’s car when no booster seat is available.

Yet it does not contain much cushioning and therefore is not very comfortable for children to ride in. It could be something to be purchased for use in a pinch, such as to use on short taxi rides or for when you have an extra child on board.

Overall, we would rate the Mifold Booster Seat a 4 out of 5. This is a great seat to have around. It offers you more options for staying in compliance with local laws and yet is very convenient.

For parents who would rather opt for a traditional, yet lightweight, booster, either the Graco Affix Youth Booster Seat or the Evenflo Amp Performance No Back Booster would be great options.

Parents should be sure to do their research in order to decide which booster seat is the best choice for their family. Be sure to follow your local car seat laws as well; and remember that experts recommend that children remain in their five-point harness car seats for as long as possible until they exceed the height and weight limits.

However, many people find the expiration date on a car seat to be much more confusing. This article will help give you a better idea of why car seat expiration dates are important and where to find the expiration date on a car seat.

Why Car Seat Expiration Dates are Important

When you break car seats down into their parts, they are nothing more than metal, fabric, padding, Styrofoam, and plastic. None of these pieces alone seem like they would need expiration dates.In fact, some of these items take so long to break down in a landfill that recycling them is mandatory in some places.  

Image source: Pixnio

Plastic is known to require thousands of years to break down, and Styrofoam, a petroleum-based product, must have proper recycling even to have a chance of not being around in 10,000 years.

Most car seat manufacturers will tell you that the seats will not begin to break down for at least 10 years physically. However, most expiration dates start at six years post-production. So why the four-year discrepancy? Understanding this concept requires knowing the life cycle of a car seat.

Improved Car Safety Equipment

Car seats are placed in vehicles, which have a constantly evolving interior and exterior, especially where safety is concerned. Car manufacturers are always trying to make cars safer than the ones they previously created. These upgrades include car seat safety.

Years ago, cars added the LATCH system, which stands for Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children. 

Image source: Flickr

Now, every new vehicle comes with these anchors as standard issue. Instead of just using seat belts to restrain children, car seats could be attached to the car frame through these anchors, thus making them much safer.

Cars now come equipped with a LATCH anchor behind the seats so that the car seat cannot make any sudden forward movements in the event of an accident. With the constant improvement in car safety, car seat safety needed to improve as well.

Improved Car Seat Safety

Image source: commons.wikimedia.org

When manufacturers create car seats, they use the most advanced technology that they have available at the time. In the past, car seats were nothing more than plastic buckets secured using the seat belt. Today, car seats have a myriad of safety features added to them.

For instance, most car seats come with a three-point or five-point harness, compared with just a two-point for a standard seat belt. The seat will have multiple slots to adjust the straps as children grow. The car seat comes with its side impact padding and headrest cushioning to absorb impact. The plastic seat itself is designed to absorb the energy of a crash rather than transfer it to the child passenger. This list continues with every new iteration of a car seat.

As safety features continue to improve, older models seem less safe and will also have two additional problems: lack of parts and recalls. Since manufacturers make new models, they will ultimately discontinue older models and stop making the parts for them. Consumers that own these old seats will no longer be able to purchase pieces that might wear out.

Expiration dates help ensure that manufacturers are no longer responsible for maintaining an adequate supply of replacement parts. If the seat is out of date, it does not need these parts. A similar problem with older models is that defects are found over time with extended use that went noticed before.

Some car sear recalls are simple and may require just a different part, such as a broken clip on the harness. Other recalls can be more difficult and need a complete recall of the seat. Once a seat reaches the expiration date, the manufacturer is no longer responsible for recalls on it since consumers must stop using the seat and dispose of it anyway.

Accidents

Image source: Pixabay

The longer a car seat is in use, the more chance it has to be involved in a crash. After an accident, the original owner may need to get a new car seat. The old car seat should be destroyed; however, some damaged car seats find their way onto the secondary or resale market.

When cars are in an accident, the vehicle identification number or VIN is placed into a database to let future buyers know the history of the vehicle.

Car seats have no such database of accidents. Therefore, there is no way to know if and when an older model car seat has been in a crash.

As you can see, if we follow the lifecycle of the car seat from manufacture to expiration date, many changes may have occurred, which makes the expiration date a logical step for manufacturers to take.

Where To Find the Expiration Date on a Car Seat

Car seat expiration dates can be found in three different ways. First, you can see the expiration date embossed or printed directly on the seat itself. You should find this date near where the manufacturer information is on the back or side of the seat. By embossing or molding the number right into the seat, there is less of a chance that the number will be removed or scratched off. Someone would have to work very hard to remove the expiration date found near the model number and production date.

Image source: Pixabay

The second way to find the expiration date is to look in the manufacturer’s manual for your specific model. This document will often list the production date or expiration date.

If you can only find a production date, then it would be safe to assume that six years from that date is the expiration date.

Finally, you can contact the company and provide the model number by phone or by email. A company representative should be able to tell you the exact expiration date for your particular car seat.

Car Seat Laws

Laws in every state require the use of car seats. However, each state has slightly different rules and regulations that determine the height and weight requirements for children to be either front- or rear- facing. The laws, however, are vague on the use of expiration dates.

Most likely, a police officer will not stop to check the expiration date on your car seat. If you are involved in a car accident and have an expired car seat, you may receive a citation. 

The laws state that car seats must be used as directed in the manual. This vague explanation allows police to adapt to changing car seat laws without having to change everything regarding the issue.

If you use the car seat as directed by the manufacturer for front- and rear-facing height and weight requirements, and you abide by the model expiration date, you will have no legal problems.

Image source: Pixabay

Car Seat Disposal

If you have a car seat that is expired, you can only do one of two things. If you need a new car seat, you can take the old car seat to a retailer that collects expired car seats and provides you with a discount on a new seat.The second alternative is to dispose of the seat legally. You should completely disassemble the seat and then recycle any relevant parts. 

Image source: Pixnio

For instance, the seat has metal and fabric components that can be sent to metal or textile recyclers.

Also, the plastic bucket seat can be recycled. You should check with your plastics recyclers to ensure that the seat can be sent there. If it cannot be recycled, you can simply write the word “expired” on the seat. Be sure to put it on the front and back using a permanent marker. Finally, you can place the seat in the trash once all the parts are removed.

Conclusion

While expiration dates on car seats may seem odd, many other products contain expiration dates besides food. For instance, cosmetics should not be kept for longer than a year since bacteria can grow and cause infections in people that use it.

Sunscreen is another common product with an expiration date. The active ingredients in many medications reduce or become inert after a while, making the product much less effective. Running shoes wear out over time with prolonged use and should be replaced after six months or 300 to 500 miles.

Therefore, car seat expiration dates should always be heeded since the safety of the children that ride in them is the most important part of using a car seat. It makes no logical sense to use an expired product if your key reason for using it is safety. You can be confident that even the lowest-priced new model car seat is safer than an expired car seat.

[amazon box= “B07DNXMJ4M,B07GZDVLK8,B00MS9VTG0,B071VS2XKT” template=”table”]

What Is the Evenflo Symphony DLX?

Image via Amazon

The Evenflo Symphony DLX is a 3-in-1, or all-in-one, car seat (rear facing, front facing, booster). Because all three seats are conveniently combined in this one seat, it is unnecessary to purchase another one.

The seat has adjustments so the child can fit comfortably at each stage in their growth. It has anchor connectors to secure it into any vehicle that has the factory anchors, or seatbelt adjustments and connections for older vehicles.

Product Specs: Evenflo Symphony DLX Review

The highlight of our Evenflo Symphony DLX review is a 3-in-1 seat that is FAA approved. It has an 8-year lifespan to cover your child until they no longer have need of a booster (5 to 110 lbs). It has an infinite slide system so the harness can be adjusted easily to fit your child. It has a 5-point adjustable headrest with the bottom two positions being used specifically for rear facing.

It has 3 recline positions for ultimate comfort, and the deep head wings are great for sleeping while also providing advanced side impact protection. It has 2 built-in cup holders for convenience and provides both anchor connectors and seat belt options for securing it into your vehicle. Evenflo remains an industry leader in safety and rollover test standards and their E3 side impact testing is included in the Symphony DLX to keep your child as safe as possible.

Pricing for Items in the Evenflo Symphony DLX Review

Each of the car seats in our Evenflo Symphony DLX Review can be purchased at Amazon.com. They range in price from around $165.00 to $230.00. The price differences are usually dependent on features.

How Others Compare in the Evenflo Symphony DLX Review

We picked a few similar products available on the market to see how they compare to our featured item in the Evenflo Symphony DLX review.

• Britax Endeavours Infant Car Seat
• Chicco Key Fit 30 Zip Infant Car Seat
• Maxi-Cosi Pria 85 Special Edition Car Seat

Evenflo Symphony DLX

[amazon box=”B07DNXMJ4M”]

Ease of Use

One nice feature that makes the Symphony easy to use is the infinite slide harness system. It is easy to adjust the straps to keep your child safe while they are in the seat, and it gives the ability to get your child in and out quickly and easily. For convenience, the anchor connectors allow for a 60-second installation. 

Installation Time

It takes about 60 seconds to install this seat securely using the quick connectors. It will take a little longer to install if the car does not have connectors because the seatbelt will have to be laced through beneath the seat. This should take less than 5 minutes. 

Design Quality 

The two integrated cup holders are a nice touch to the Symphony because they take up less space than external or clip-on models, and they expand for different size cups. The seat is only 20″ at its widest point which makes it easier to put in even small vehicles. We also appreciated the safety head wings and how they not only keep your child safer but provide a nice resting place for taking a nap. 

Warranty

Evenflo promises their product and accessories to be free of any manufacturing defects for a period of 90 days and only to the original purchaser. 

Pros

• All-in-one convertible
• Meets or exceeds all federal safety standards
• E3 side impact protection
• Infinite slide harness
• Proven in actual crashes by customers

Cons

• No padding on harnesses

Britax Endeavours Infant Car Seat

[amazon box=”B07GZDVLK8″]

The Britax Endeavours Infant Car Seat features the patented Britax SafeCell Impact protection system. This includes a steel frame, energy absorbing base, V-shaped tether to minimize rotation, and stage-release stitches that slow forward movement in the event of an accident. The anti-rebound bar featured in the Endeavour minimizes force in an accident by stabilizing the seat.

Secure the seat base easily into your vehicle with the SafeCenter Latch, or secure the seat itself into the vehicle without using the base. The Endeavour is travel system that works with compatible strollers and the harness needs no re-threading, but adjusts easily as your child grows. It can be used rear facing between 4-35 pounds.

Ease of Use

The Endeavour features a European belt guide and is Rideshare-ready so that it can be installed without the base. It also easily connects to and can be removed from the base easily. The harnesses require adjustment, but no re-threading. 

Installation Time

Once the base is installed using the threading pattern underneath, the seat can be quickly installed and removed from the base with a latch. The seat can be installed without the base by following an easy thread pattern around the seat. After reading customer reviews though and considering different size vehicles, we took away a half star because your time of installation can increase depending on the vehicle, and also when moving from car to car.

Design Quality

The Endeavor is designed with a child’s safety in mind and the SafeCell Impact Protection System is a definite plus. The quick in and out is nice if you use the base with the seat. We took away a half star, though, because in some vehicles, the anti-rebound bar did not touch the seat in front of it no matter how the seat was adjusted. This is necessary for the seat to be fully secured in an accident. Overall, the design quality is good and safety and convenience are a priority.

Warranty

Britax offers a 1-year manufacturer’s warranty against defects in materials or workmanship. Proof of purchase is required. 

Pros

• SafeCell Impact Protection
• Built-in seat belt lock-offs
• Rideshare and travel system ready

Cons

• Seat can hold heat
• Not convertible to front/booster

Chicco Key Fit 30 Zip Infant Car Seat

[amazon box=”B00MS9VTG0″]

The Chicco Key Fit is an infant car seat for babies 4-30 pounds. It has a 5 point harness with one-pull adjustment and an adjustable, multi-position canopy. It has upper zipper accents and an easily removable pad for machine washing. The base is equipped with premium latch connectors and a super cinch tightener and the seat is lined with EPS energy-absorbing foam for more safety protection. The reclining sure-leveling foot assures a proper angle.

Ease of Use

The Chicco is easy to install and connect, and the idea of the machine washable pad and zip-on cover and visor is great. We took away a half star, though, because it isn’t quite as easy to zip it on and off.

Installation Time​

The Chicco is designed to be easy to install every time. Once the base is installed properly in the vehicle, it does so with ease. It also easily fits into compatible strollers quickly. 

Design Quality

The gender neutral design of the car seat was nice, and the base and seat fit securely. Because of the reports of issues people had with the padding and zip-on-visor and canopy. Customers commented that it was a great idea but poorly executed.

Warranty

Chicco offers a 2-year manufacturer’s warranty against defects to material and workmanship. 

Pros

• Removable head and body supports
• Travel system ready
• Zip off canopy and zip on visor

Cons

• Some issues with zippers reported by customers
• Some issues with padding reported by customers

Maxi-Cosi Pria 85 Special Edition Car Seat

[amazon box=”B071VS2XKT”]

The Maxi-Cosi Pria 85 is a 2-in-1 car seat used for rear facing and extended-use front facing. It is best for children between 14 and 85 pounds. It features advanced side-impact resistance with its Air Protect advanced cushioning system. The seat pad and harness covers are machine washable and easy to remove. The harness is one-hand adjustable, and the seat is made from premium fabric and cushioning.

Ease of Use

The Pria 85 is easy to use with the one-hand adjustable harness and head rest. The seat quickly unsnaps to wash, and the seat can be easily turned when your child is ready. 

Installation Time

We could find very few complaints about installation time. It is quick and easy to install; rear or front-facing. 

Design Quality

The Pria 85 has an attractive design with great safety features. The padding is nice and comfortable for the baby/child. We did take away a star, though, because the Pria 85 is not designed to hold an 85 pound child; it is too small. We felt this was misleading. The straps also can move after much use.

Warranty

The Pria 85 is covered for one year from date of original purchase.

Pros

• Air Protect cushioning
• Machine washable
• Premium fabrics

Cons

• Children usually outgrow before age 8
• Straps may move after a lot of use

Conclusion

Image by Quinn Dombrowski from flickr

For our featured product in our Evenflo Symphony DLX review, we decided on a solid 5 star rating. We were a little disappointed by the 6 month warranty, considering the fact other seats in our Evenflo Symphony DLX review offered a year and up on their warranties.

But the excellent reviews of our featured product could not be ignored; nor could the testimonies of the children that were protected in actual crashes by this 3 -n-1 seat. We feel you can purchase the Symphony DLX with confidence.

Featured Photo by Sharon McCutcheon on Unsplash

One of the most significant purchases you as a parent will make is a car seat. With drive times increasing and hazards on the road doing the same, now more than ever purchasing the best child safety seat is a critical decision. The market is flooded with options. Walking into any store or browsing selections online can be overwhelming. How do you know what is really safe and what just appears to be safe?

One of the most trusted brands in products for your baby is the Peg Perego Company. It is a preeminent producer of high-quality toys, car seats, high chairs and strollers. It has been around since 1949, and the Italian-based company takes its attention to detail and push to produce the safest and ground-breaking child products very seriously. It prides itself on being a true groundbreaker when it comes to developing new ways to keep your child safe.

The Peg Perego Primo Viaggio (Convertible) car seat is one of their top-selling products. What makes this car seat so popular? What are some of the key features? How does it compare to other similar products? The answers to all those questions follow in our full review.

Product Overview

We began our review by doing some research on the Peg Perego Primo Viaggio car seat including safety rating, comfort, ease of installation and use and overall quality. Below are the basic facts about the car seat.

​1. Crash Test Data

The most critical piece of information when it comes to choosing the right car seat is how it fared in crash testing. It’s good to know how the crash test data is generated. A crash test dummy child of varying heights and weights are strapped into the car seat. The sensors that are given the most attention in this type of test are the head and chest. These two areas of the body are prone to the most G-force destabilization during an actual accident; therefore, it’s important to know how a car seat can minimize the impacts to a child in these two areas.

​First off, the Primo Viaggio rated high in these tests. It scored above average in head and chest sensor data. The seat scored below the maximum limit for the chest and head data accumulated during the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration standard tests. The sensors did indicate higher G-force impacts to the head and chest than other car seats in the same category as the Primo Viaggio; therefore, it doesn’t offer any additional margin for safety.

​2. Ease of Installation

Installation is a vital part of the overall function and protection the unit provides. If a car seat is not installed correctly, it will not protect your child in a crash situation. In an accident, if the seat is too loose, it will jostle the baby and increase the amount of force your child is subject to. The Primo Viaggio comes with a standard LATCH (lower anchors and tethers for children) system to make installation in the car safer and more manageable. This type of system consists of two small straps lashed to the main frame of the car seat. These straps contain metal anchors that clip securely into the metal tether brackets that are located next to seatbelt receptacles in the back and third-row seats of your vehicle. These metal bars are attached directly to the frame of your car and are the safest way to restrain your child. The LATCH installation system on the Primo Viaggio is easier to use than some of the competitors.

If you don’t wish to use the LATCH system, you can use the seatbelt to attach the car seat safely to the car. Using this alternative was just as easy to use as the LATCH system. The pathway the seat belt slides through is large enough to fit your hands, making installation easier. There is a clip on each side of the car seat to slide the extra belt into to keep it tightly secure.

It didn’t matter which way the seat was being installed. Securing it in the car either rear facing or front facing was easier than many competitor brands. One thing to note is the recline button at the foot of the seat that can be difficult to use when in rear-facing mode. Access to the button is more limited in this direction.

​​3. Ease of Use

Once the Primo Viaggio is installed, it is relatively easy to use. The most important thing you need to be able to do is to adjust the harness to fit your growing child. In this seat, the harness does not need to be removed and re-routed through varying slots. The design of the Primo Viaggio allows it to lift with the adjustable headrest. There are ten adjustment options on the Primo Viaggio, and as your child grows, the headrest can be moved up, raising the harness mechanism with it. Unlike many other convertible car seats, you can make this adjustment while your child is sitting in the seat. This is a huge plus for ease of use.

The button to make the harness tighter or looser is one of the easiest to use. It is located on the base of the unit near the foot. The button can be easily accessed in either rear-facing or front-facing mode.

The unit weighs in at 21 pounds. It is one of the heavier seats out there. While this is important to note unless you live somewhere you need to uninstall and reinstall the seat continually, it shouldn’t be a deal breaker. The more important measurement is the width. If you have multiple children in and out of car seats, you should know if you can fit this seat in your backseat along with others. The width of this seat measures 18.25 inches making it one of the narrowest options out there.

​​4. Comfort and Quality

​The cover on the Primo Viaggio appears to be a high-quality, well-made fabric. The area around the headrest portion of the car seat is a reinforced fabric and is more absorbent, which is perfect for catching drool and spit-up. The cover can be removed, but it is a little more difficult to take off than some of its competitors; however, it is machine washable. The plastic seat can be wiped down easily as it is one of the smoothest and seamless surfaces we reviewed. It fits perfectly on the unit, covering all the plastic pieces that could come in contact with your child. There is more than adequate padding provided, making the seat more comfortable for your child. We were unable to feel any of the underpinnings and slots from the plastic chair below.

​Specifications

• ​Price: $350
• ​Minimum rear-facing weight: 5 pounds
• ​Maximum rear-facing weight: 45 pounds
• ​Minimum forward-facing weight: 22 pounds

• ​Maximum forward-facing weight: 65 pounds
• ​Maximum forward-facing height: 49 inches
• ​Weight: 21 pounds
• ​Width: 18.25 inches

​Pricing

The Primo Viaggio is moderately priced at $350 from the manufacturer. You can purchase this seat at retail stores such as Target and Walmart. You can also purchase it from Amazon and other online stores. A word of caution: You should never buy a used car seat from shops like eBay or at a garage sale. This is because you don’t know if that seat has been involved in a car accident. Once it has, the integrity of the unit may be compromised, and it may not be up to safety standards anymore. Car seats need to be replaced if you get into a car accident, whether your child was in the seat at the time or not.

How It Compares

We’ve taken a good look at what makes the Peg Perego Primo Viaggio a good car seat, but how does it match up to other similar products? Below we’ve put together a list of the competitors to make comparison shopping easier.

1. Britax Boulevard ClickTight ARB

​The Britax Boulevard ClickTight is the highest rated car seat in terms of ease of installation. The LATCH system on the Boulevard consists of two hooks, which make it more challenging to come loose. Using a seatbelt to install the seat is even more straightforward, and the unique construction of the belt pathway makes this the most secure way to connect the seat.

​Crash Rating

​Ease of Use

​Ease of Installation

​Comfort and Quality

​2. Clek Foonf

​The Clek Foonf may have a strange name, but it delivers when it comes to child safety. The Foonf is a steel-frame seat with the most unique LATCH system available. Instead of anchors or clips on straps, the system uses two bars that come out from the bottom. This innovative LATCH system means you never have to be bothered with trying to tighten belts to keep the seat in its place.

​Crash Rating

​Ease of Use

​Ease of Installation

​Comfort and Quality

3. Essentials by Britax

​The Essentials is the second Britax seat to make an appearance on this list. This unit scored the highest in crash tests, meaning that it provides an extra margin of safety than some of the other seats. (Note that all the car seats reviewed passed the safety crash test.) It was the most difficult to install. The Essentials has the most amount of padding. It is the lightest and most budget-friendly car seat on this list.

​Crash Rating

​Ease of Use

​Ease of Installation

​Comfort and Quality

​Pros and Cons

There are a number of pros and cons when it comes to the Primo Viaggio child safety seat. On the plus side, the unit is easy to install and provides a comfortable ride for your child. On the negative side, it didn’t fare as highly in crash test ratings as some of the other options available. It is also on the higher end of the budget, especially with the lower rating. For the same amount of money, the Britax Boulevard ClickTight scored higher on safety and was easier to install.

PROS

• ​Easy to install
• ​Innovative adjustment system allows you to change the harness with the child in the seat
• ​Comfortable
• check​Narrowest footprint allows for multiple seats or people in the same row

Cons

• ​Higher price point
• ​Crash safety average

​Conclusion

When it comes to making sure your child is safely restrained in your vehicle, you want the best option available. Peg Perego is a company that has built a solid reputation for creating child safety products through innovation. The Peg Perego Primo Viaggio is a reliable car seat with many features that place it above the middle of the pack. However, it’s lower than average crash test data, and higher price point garners it a three-stars out of five.

We know that safety is essential and you won’t have peace of mind if you don’t get the best. For this price point and lower, however, there are options that are better in some categories and just as good in others. With that being said, if you opened the Primo Viaggio as a shower gift, if installed correctly, it can provide the safety and security your child needs.

With that in mind, purchasing the right safety seat can be an overwhelming decision. The market is flooded with different brands, colors, shapes and sizes. Is a car seat carrier better for a newborn? Do you really need to get a convertible car seat? What is this LATCH system you keep reading about? How long does your baby need to be facing the back seat?

With so many questions and uncertainties, it can be easy to become paralyzed by this critical decision. That’s where we come in. We take some of the guesswork out of the buying process. We have sifted through research and reviews to bring you the most up-to-date and pertinent information on child safety restraint systems. This article will focus on the Graco My Ride 65 Convertible car seat. If you’re looking for a great product at a budget-friendly price, then continue reading to find out more information on this particular option.

[amazon box= “B00PTL1M2A,B07B7N39XD,B07DNX64W4,” template=”table”]

Product Overview

[amazon fields=”B00PTL1M2A” value=”thumb” image_size=”large”]

The first thing we look at when doing any kind of review of a product is the company that manufactures it. In case you don’t know anything about Graco, we would like to provide you with some basic information.

Graco My Ride 65 Convertible car seat

[amazon box=”B00PTL1M2A”]

The My Ride 65 has all the essential features to ensure your child stays secure and safe in your vehicle at all times. One secret to its ability to hold children rear-facing and front-facing so long is that the plastic shell is very deep. When it comes to holding a newborn, this deep recess allows the baby to be cradled and therefore feel more comforted and secured, as babies like this swaddling feeling. On the flip side, a larger child will also sink further back into the unit, thus allowing more legroom and protection. It is side-impact approved as are all car seats are in the United States.

This brings us to an important note. All car seats being sold in the United States at the time of writing this have passed the standard and necessary safety tests. This means they are good enough to hold up to the National Highway Safety Transportation Administration (NHTSA) crash test standards. The data used to collect this information consists of the proper installation of a car seat with the inclusion of crash test dummies of varying heights and weights. The sensors in the dummies measure the amount of force a child will sustain in an accident. The force is typically measured at the head and chest area. We believe you should be aware that every car seat sold has to pass these safety regulations. The differences don’t lie in safety insomuch as in additional safety features or other bells and whistles.

• Ease of Installation
• Ease of use
• Comfort and Quality
• Warranty

How you install a car seat determines its functionality in an accident. You can purchase the highest-rated unit on the market, but if it isn’t secured properly, it will do nothing when you’re involved in an accident. You should, therefore, place a lot of thought into how difficult or easy it is to install correctly. It really can mean the difference between safety and harm.

My Ride 65 has two standard installation techniques: The LATCH (lower anchors and tethers for children) system and vehicle seatbelt. The LATCH system, in this case, is a pair of hooks on straps that lock into the metal anchors found recessed in your vehicle’s seats. These are typically located near the seat belt receptacles in the back seat and third row (if applicable).

Installing the My Ride 65 with either system is relatively straightforward. The LATCH hooks are easy to get locked in, and if the seat is secured tight enough, very difficult to remove. This system is good for the safety of your child as it doesn’t allow for much wiggle room. It’s only bad for you if you need to move the seat.

Utilizing the seat belt path on the car seat is relatively simple. The pathway is easy to find and color-coded, so you know which to use for rear-facing and forward-facing installation. The holes can be a bit on the petite side, so larger hands may have a more challenging time feeding the belt through. However, once the belt is through and latched, make sure you secure the belt with the built-in clip. This clip keeps the seat belt from loosening and causing the car seat to slide around.

Placing this seat at the proper angle is easy in most cars. There are flaps located under the seat at the base that makes positioning it at the correct angles fairly simple.

Once you have the seat in your car, it is relatively easy to use. There are a few features to note that can be more difficult if you don’t pay attention to the directions.The first is the harness adjustment. The My Ride 65 requires the harness to be removed and rethreaded. The good news is that the slots are color coded, so you can be sure to feed each strap through at the same level. The bad news is that this can be a complicated process. Not only should you follow the directions, but we recommend taking a picture of the back of the webbing and under the seat. This way, you’ll be sure to weave the straps under and round some of the elements of the shell in the same order.The second, more difficult element is the lever that tightens and loosens the harness. This action is critical as it should be adjusted every single time your child gets in or out of the seat. When the seat is rear-facing, it can be harder to reach the adjustment lever as it is at the very bottom foot of the unit. Be confident you can easily access this area before belting the seat to the car. Get the angle right so you can get to it.One feature that is extremely helpful is that the straps are made to resist twisting. If you’ve ever dealt with a car seat or stroller where the straps had become twisted, you will appreciate this feature in the My Ride 65.

This product is a primary car seat and doesn’t have some of the extra features other competitors have. However, it does have a decent amount of padding and foam, so your child should be comfortable. There is an infant insert that you install for the littlest of children. This insert is nice and keeps the baby in a good position for the duration of a vehicle ride. You don’t want to look back in your rear mirror and see your baby crammed over to one side or the other.There are also cup holders that cannot be removed. Cup holders are great as children get older and can stash a sippy cup on one side and maybe some snacks in the other. However, it dramatically widens the unit adding 10 inches to the footprint, which isn’t so great if you need to get another car seat or other people in the same row.Now that you have a good overview of the My Ride 65, we’ll get into the necessary specifications.

• ​Maximum rear-facing weight: 40 pounds
• Maximum forward-facing weight: 65 pounds
• Maximum forward-facing height: 49 inches
• Weight: 15.8 pounds
• Width: 12 inches at the base (22 inches at the cup holders)

PROS

• Converts to four positions
• Easy to install
• Easy to convert
• Wide range of harness positions
• Many color patterns available

Cons

• Infant position reclines less than regular infant seats
• Difficult to rec
• Uncomfortable back
• Child may sweat a lot while riding

How It Compares

We took a look at how the My Ride 65 measured up to similarly-priced products available on the market. We feel it’s important to give you products you can compare to this product.

Graco Size4Me Convertible car seat

[amazon box=”B07B7N39XD”]

One feature the SizeForMe 65 has is an adjustable headrest which makes changing the level of the harness incredibly easy. No rethreading required. This seat has also been side-impact rated, which is above and beyond the standard. The cover can be removed to wash without taking the whole unit out.

Evenflo SureRide 65 DLX Convertible Car Seat

[amazon box=”B07DNX64W4″]

One of the nicer elements of this seat is the extra pad that can be used to add more comfort. The cover can also be removed for washing. There is a removable cup holder.

Pros and Cons

Image via Amazon

We know how important this decision is, and in order to further help we wanted to give you every opportunity to the have some necessary information at your disposal. Below are the pros and cons for the My Ride 65, keeping in mind the other products we’ve compared it to above.

Pros

• Easy to install
• Affordable
• Comfortable
• Color-coded strap system
• Greater depth allowing for children to sink in from birth to school-age

Cons

• Fixed cup holders make it much wider than the base
• Adjusting the harness and threading, it can be complicated

Conclusion

Keeping your child secure in a vehicle can weigh heavily on your mind. We hope that we helped make the decision easier by giving you the most relevant information on the Graco My Ride 65 Convertible car seat. If you’re looking for a pretty basic, good-quality car seat for your child that will take him or her from birth to seat belt, this should be a product you consider. Even though the harness can be challenging to rethread and adjust, and the unit is very wide, it is a good option. At this price point, it is an affordable car seat that is relatively simple to install and use, and it performs well in crash tests.

What Is the Graco Milestone?

Product Specs



Pricing

Graco Milestone Review: How It Compares

We picked a few similar products available on the market to see how they compare:

• Peg Perego Primo Viaggio

• Clek
  Liing

• Graco 4Ever DLX 4-in-1

Graco Milestone

Price $

Quality *****

Comfort ****

Design Quality ****

Warranty 

This has a limited one-year warranty.

Pros

• InRight LATCH system
• Simply Safe Adjust harness system with no re-threading
• Harnesses can be stored on the back of the car seat
• Four reclining positions
• Moveable drink holder

Cons

• LATCH system may be difficult to tighten in the front facing position

Peg Perego Primo Viaggio

This car seat can be used as a rear-facing seat for children who weigh between five and 45 pounds, and as a front facing five-point harness car seat for children who weigh between 22 and 65 pounds. It is made by an Italian company that is known for fashionable, high-quality children’s products.

Price $$$

Quality *****

Comfort *****

Design Quality *****

Warranty *****

This seat comes with a two-year limited warranty.

Pros

• Shock absorbing foam
• Adjustable side impact protection
• Steel backplate
• Tethers
• Comfortable for children
• Narrow and lightweight
• Easy to install
• Two-year warranty

Cons

• More expensive than many similar seats
• Does not convert to a booster seat

Clek
Liing

The Clek Ling is an infant-only rear facing carseat, It is made by the Canadian company, Clek, and came onto the market in April of 2019. It can hold infants who weigh between four and 35 pounds and are up to 32 inches tall. 

Price $$$

Quality *****

Some of the unique safety features of this seat include a metal load leg that prevents rotation and absorbs energy in a collision, and a shell that is lined with energy-absorbing expanded polypropylene foam.

Comfort ****

Design Quality ****

Ease of installation is often a big point in Grace Milestone reviews and other car seat reviews. When it comes to the Clek Liing, parents say that installation is very easy. It uses a rigid LATCH system instead of fabric straps, keeping the seat stable during installation. It can also be installed using a car’s seatbelts, with a belt tension system that ensures that the seat is installed securely.

This seat has several features that are designed especially for infants, such as the sun canopy with a SPF 100+ mesh window. It blocks out the sun to protect the skin, while still allowing airflow and giving parents a way to peek in without disturbing the child. It has seven reclining positions which can be adjusted using a lever. The seat can be removed from the base with the push of a button and is light enough to be carried easily.

Warranty ****

Pros

• Metal loading leg
• Shell line with expanded polypropylene foam
• Easy installation with either LATCH system or seat belts
• RIgid LATCH system
• Sun canopy with SPF 100+ mesh window
• Seven reclining positions
• Easily removed from base
• Lightweight

Cons

• More expensive than many other infant seats
• Does not convert to front facing seat

liing

Graco 4Ever DLX 4-in-1

While Graco Milestone reviews praised the car seat’s ability to convert from a rear facing seat seat to a forward facing seat and a highback booster, the 4Ever DLX 4-in-1 takes it one step further. It also becomes a backless booster seat. The rear facing seat position can be used by children between four and 40 pounds.

The front-facing, five point harness position can be used by children who weigh between 22 and 65 pounds and are less than 49 inches tall. The highback booster seat can be used by children who weigh 30 to 100 pounds and are between 38 and 57 inches tall. Finally, the backless booster seat can be used by children who weigh between 40 and 120 pounds, and are between 40 to 57 inches tall.

Price $$

Quality *****

Comfort ****

Design Quality ****

Warranty ****

This has a limited one-year warranty.

Pros

• Four modes
• ProtectPlus engineered
• LATCH option in booster mode as well as other positions
• Harness attached to headrest for easy height adjustment
• Harness loosens with the push of button
• Fuss-free harness holder
• Padding can be removed for laundering

Cons

• Children may get hot and sweaty while riding
• LATCH system can be difficult to use

Conclusion

For parents who are in the market for a car seat that they can use long after their infant outgrows the rear-facing weight limit, both the Graco Milestone and the Graco 4Ever DLX 4-in-1 are great options. The two models are very similar to each other, although the 4Ever DLX 4-in-1 is a newer model and has some additional features.

Graco Milestone reviews show that parents are happy with this car seat because of its safety features, InRight LATCH system, easily adjustable harness, and ability to convert from a rear-facing seat to a five-point harness front facing seat and a highback booster seat. With the 4Ever DLX 4-in-1, you get all of these features, plus the ability to convert it to a backless booster. The decision between the two seats may come down to your family’s budget and the age of the child who will be using the seat.

If you’re on a tighter budget, and your child is still using the rear facing position, the need for a backless booster is a long way off. You may be better off getting the Graco Milestone. If you like the idea of having a newer version of the seat, with the option to turn it into a backless booster as the final stage, you may want to spring for the 4Ever DLX 4-in-1. Be sure to do your research to decide which seat is best for your family.

Why Invest in a Carseat Cover? 

You may be wondering why there is so much rage concerning car seat covers. Well, the reality is that car seat covers offer a level of practicality that is truly unmated. And the best part is that no matter who you are and what type of car you drive, you too will be able to benefit from a car seat cover. Here are just a couple of the reasons why you might want to consider a car seat cover like the Britax cover.

Cosmetic Appeal 

One of the best reasons someone might want to consider investing in a car seat cover is for the cosmetic appeal. This is especially true for sports cars that have very basic car seat covers. When you add on a car set cover, you can add an element of cosmetic appeal that can drastically change the overall look of your car.

Protection

If you are a mom or drive around with young children in the backseat, then you know how quickly your vehicle can get dirty, especially the floors and the seats. One of the best ways to fight against this is by using a car seat cover. Having a barrier between your kids and your seats is something you will be thankful for when you kids get older

Car Seat Repair

If you are like many people who have tears in the seat, having a car seat cover is a great way to stop the damage from getting worse. In addition to that, you dont have to drive around with a ripped seat when you can easily cover it up.

What Is a Britax Cover?

Britax manufactures both original and replacement covers specifically for its car seat models. This includes covers for the Britax Roundabout 55. The set includes the actual cover, a belly pad, two strap pads, and a body pillow.

Where You Can Find the Britax Roundabout 55

Britax’s Roundabout 55 is a convertible car seat that was discontinued in 2013. This model expires seven years from the manufacture date, so there are still some seats in circulation. However, because Britax is no longer producing this car seat, the company no longer offers replacement covers.

How the Cover Works

The cover goes over the hard plastic shell of the seat to provide comfort. It can be taken off and interchanged with relative ease due to the elastic and Velcro components.

Product Specifications

Due to the discontinued production of this item, it’s only available second-hand. This somewhat limits shoppers’ choices regarding where to buy and the quality of the item.

Colors

When this cover was in production, there were several prints available for the fabric. Even with the limited second-hand options, we still found a good range, including green, aqua and black; as well as patterns with florals, polka dots and leopard print.

Fabrics

There is some mixed information regarding the fabric. Some prints, like the polka dots, are listed as 100% nylon, while other colors, like the solid black, are described as 100% polyester. We recommend checking the description of any second-hand cover you’re interested in purchasing or messaging the seller if you need to be sure.

Washing

Many buyers had difficulty washing their Britax Roundabout covers. When sent through the washing machine on a normal cycle, the cover frayed and fell apart. The consensus among customers was that the only safe way to wash this particular cover is either in the delicate cycle or by hand. Buyers who adhered to these washing instructions had no issue with the durability of the product.

Interchangeable

Britax released several versions of the Roundabout car seat models, including the 40, the 55, the G4 and the G4.1. All Roundabout covers are compatible with any generation or model. However, since the Roundabout has been retired for all generations, the accompanying covers have been retired as well. If you can find one of the other generation covers second-hand, however, they should still work with the 55.

Pricing

Prices vary for this particular product based on the condition of the item.

On eBay

At the time of this review, there were several Britax car seat covers up for sale on the online auction site eBay. Keep in mind that product availability may change over time.

Alternative Places

Third-party retailers such as Amazon and Walmart no longer offer Britax Roundabout cover replacements, but there are alternative places you can look. Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace may have items available depending on your area. There are also a number of forums for parents to join online communities, and those in need of replacements can post asking if members have covers available to trade, sell or give away.

Comparing the Competition

Car seat manufacturers advise against purchasing third-party accessories like replacement covers as a matter of safety and liability. Covers designed for a specific brand’s car seat have undergone extensive testing to make sure they don’t interfere with the harness system or otherwise compromise a child’s safety. Child safety restraint manufacturing companies cannot attest to the reliability of third-party products and may include language in the car seat user manual stating this.

However, once a seat model is discontinued, it can be difficult to find accessories created and certified by the manufacturer, as they are often discontinued as well. In this case, it’s up to parents to purchase products using their best judgment. The following alternative replacements are third-party accessories which are not certified by any particular manufacturer. They’re advertised as compatible with a variety of car seats, including the Britax Roundabout 55. Some have been tested for safety by their producers, and some have not.

In some cases, using an uncertified car set cover may be considered not following manufacturer instructions, which can void the warranty or be punishable by fines depending on your state laws. Before you purchase third-party accessories, consult your car seat’s user manual to see if any specific instructions are given about what kind of covers may be used with the seat. You may also want to research child safety restraint laws in your state to see if using third-party car seat accessories is legal. With these disclaimers in mind, let’s take a look at alternative car seat covers.

Niko Easy Wash Children’s Car Seat Cover & Liner

[amazon box=”B07BNYR1V7″]

The Niko Easy Wash Children’s Car Seat Cover and Liner is touted as a universal car seat cover that will solve your messy problems. Funded by a Kickstarter campaign, this cover is specifically created to endure multiple trips through the washing machine. It sports double stitching and sturdy elastic, as well as two cup holders and additional pockets for convenience.

Buyers had nothing but praise for this product and how it made their busy days easier with its quick-clean design. It fits over the existing seat cushions, and removing the cover is described as a breeze. The fabric is high-quality, with several different patterns available. The Niko cover has also undergone crash-tests to ensure it doesn’t interfere with child safety. The fabric has not been treated with fire retardant, so you don’t have to worry about your kids coming into contact with harmful chemicals.

Ease of Use: 5/5

Assembly Time: 5/5

Build Quality: 5/5

Warranty: N/A

Universal Car Seat Cover Liner by Janabebé

[amazon box=”B073PT3KM5″]

Janabebé’s Universal Car Seat Cover is marketed as a stylish accessory that fits a long list of car seats, including those made by Britax. The fabric is 98% cotton, with elastic making up the remaining 2%, and machine washable in cold water. Janabebé offers a dozen different pattern options in a one-size-fits-all cover that goes directly over the existing cushions.

Despite the inclusion of “universal” in the name, some buyers found the cover didn’t fit their car seats. There is a disclaimer on the website stating that due to the universal functionality, the cover may not perfectly fit every car seat shape. Several buyers experienced a complete failure and were unable to use the cover at all. Two customers had trouble with the Velcro straps used to secure the cover to the car seat, and one buyer found it difficult to remove due to the tight fit. There were also positive reviews from customers who had no trouble with the fit and found the fabric breathable and durable. It seems to depend on the car seat model. Unfortunately, there was no mention of the fit for a Britax Roundabout 55 in any reviews we referenced, so it’s impossible to know without trying the actual product.

There is no mention on the producer’s website whether this product has been safety tested. Please note this company is based in Spain, so the particulars of safety standards may differ from those established in other countries. There’s no warranty, but Janabebé does offer a refund so long as the item is returned unused and in perfect condition within 30 days.

Ease of Use: 3/5

Assembly Time: 4/5

Build Quality: 2.5/5

Warranty: 2/5

Designer Covers

[amazon box=”B00422M5IC”]

There’s an expansive market for custom-made car seat covers on the internet. Esty alone has hundreds of results. ShopRitzyBaby is a popular Etsy store that advertises custom covers for the Britax Roundabout 55, among other models and brands.

Buyers were incredibly happy with the quality of their purchases, and all commented that the fit was very good. These covers fit over the existing cushions and are machine washable. Since these are custom orders, the fabrics used vary, though you can specify the fabric type as part of your order. There’s no mention of safety testing.

There is no warranty, and the shop doesn’t offer refunds due to the custom work. However, exchanges are available as long as buyers send a message indicating they want an exchange within seven days of receiving their item.

Since Etsy is a platform for small businesses, keep in mind that you may not see the same policies or resources as large manufacturers. However, if you’re in the market for a more personalized product, shopping Etsy is a great option.

Ease of Use: 5/5

Assembly Time: 5/5

Build Quality: 4/5

Warranty: 2/5

Pros and Cons

With the limited availability of a used cover and the possible safety or legal implications of a third party option, deciding which to purchase is undoubtedly a tough choice. To simplify the conundrum, here are the major pros and cons of sticking with the manufacturer.

Pros

• Fit: Britax Roundabout covers are specifically made for the Roundabout 55, ensuring that the fit won’t be unmanageable. It may not be perfect due to repeated washings, or the pads may be out of shape, but you are much less likely to run into the issue of a “universal fit” being completely unusable.
• Britax Quality: While not completely washer-safe, Britax Roundabout covers prove quite durable in everyday situations. Buyers had no issues with fraying or wear that affected its function so long as the product was hand washed or sent through the delicate cycle.
• Certified by Manufacturer: As mentioned previously, this cover has been crash-tested extensively. Your child’s safety will not be impeded by the presence of this cover. While using a different cover doesn’t necessarily mean your child will be in danger, Britax as a company cannot, for liability reasons, guarantee their car seat will work as intended with a third-party accessory.

Cons

• Used: As with all second-hand products, you can’t know the item’s history. Since it’s a car seat cover, it’s probably seen all sorts of child-related accidents. Of course, it’s washable, so you can make sure your child’s seat is hygienic.
• Shorter Use Life: Since the cover is second-hand, it’s already seen some wear and tear and may not last as long as a brand-new product. Also, Britax only honors warranties if the product is purchased from an authorized retailer, so if your cover falls part, you’re out of luck on that front.
• Limited Color Choices: Your fabric choice is going to be influenced by what’s currently available from third-party sellers. The fabric may also be faded, stained or thin.

Conclusion

Taking into account the discontinued status of this product, we award it two out of five stars. The lack of availability was a big factor, as was the lack of warranty or support from the manufacturer. Though liability may be an issue when using a universal cover, the Niko is a reasonable and safe alternative to a second-hand Roundabout cover. It does offer some additional features like pockets and doesn’t require scouring the internet to purchase. Not to mention that it won’t fall apart in the washing machine.

In the end, however, it’s up to parents to ensure they’re complying with their state’s child restraint laws. Research to see if your state prohibits the use of third-party accessories with car seats. If not, you may be better off with a new cover.

Infant Car Seat FAQs: Your Questions, Answered

You likely have some questions as you embark on your search for the perfect car seat for your infant, especially if you’re a brand-new parent treading this unfamiliar terrain for the first time. Read on for the answers to some of the top-asked questions regarding infant car seats.

1

What Is a Newborn Car Seat?

These seats are specially crafted to safely hold babies that weigh as little as four pounds. Newborn car seats typically come with a base that stays installed in your vehicle. The seat then attaches to the base and can be detached without having to remove your child from the seat beforehand. They also serve as a way to carry your child when you’re out and about and away from home. As infants tend to sleep frequently, the seat can make for a convenient place for baby to rest when not at home.

2

Should I Purchase an Infant Car Seat or a Convertible Car Seat for My Newborn?

While many parents prefer to purchase an infant seat for their baby’s first car seat due to the convenience they provide, you can certainly choose to opt for a convertible seat from the get-go. Most convertible models can also be used to transport newborns, though most babies will likely require the use of an infant insert to enhance their fit in the seat. Choosing to use an infant-specific seat provides the perks of being able to easily remove the seat from the car without disturbing the baby, and the advantage of attaching the infant seat to a compatible stroller, neither of which you can do with a convertible seat.

3

How Long Can a Newborn-Specific Car Seat Be Used?

Many seats currently being offered on the market are rated for use for babies weighing between 4 and 30-35 pounds, and around 30-32 inches long. The exact height and weight limits will depend on the specific seat that you choose. The amount of time that your baby will be able to use the seat will be determined by his or her size and how quickly he or she grows, which we all know babies do rather quickly! Many parents will find that they will likely be able to use their infant seats for approximately seven months to sometimes over a year.

Place Your Trust in Our Reviews:Here’s Why

Most simply stated, we’re parents just like you. At some point, we’ve been in the same confusing boat of trying to determine the best newborn car seat to keep our littlest family members safe. We’ve researched some of these seats out of necessity, for our own personal use. We’ve also dug deep to ensure that we’re only recommending the best of the best, and have dedicated hours of time to scout out the opinions of car seat experts and fellow parents alike.

​​The Cost of Purchasing an Infant CarrierCar Seat

The car seats featured in this overview range from around $90 to $200. With that said, you can find models at all price ranges, and there are certainly some that fall well above that price range, and even a few that fall below.

The 5 Best Newborn Car Seats to Purchase

Here’s our short list of car seats that are well worth your attention as you decide on the seat that’s best for your family.

1. Chicco KeyFit 30 Infant Car Seat

[amazon box=”B00YXUVJOO”]

If you were to type “most widely purchased infant car seat in the U.S.” into your Google search bar, you would find that the results would return a number of suggestions for popular and highly reviewed models. You would also notice that Chicco’s KeyFit 30 sits at the top of most of those lists, and for a good reason. That’s not to say that any of the other newborn car seat options that we discuss here aren’t equally safe and reliable, it’s just that the KeyFit 30 has long been a popular choice for new parents. The top factor that keeps both experts and parents alike recommending this seat year after year is its multitude of features intended to make installation a breeze. Chicco sets parents up for installation success from the beginning with a leveling foot located in the seat’s included base that’s spring loaded. This ensures that the seat’s base sits at the proper angle during installation. Once you have the base installed in your vehicle, a quick peek at the two bubble level indicators on either side help you easily verify that you have the angle just right. Chicco’s SuperCinch LATCH tightener makes easy work of quickly garnering a secure fit.

We’ll briefly touch on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Ease-of-Use Ratings in our overview of all of the car seats we cover here. While the organization reminds consumers that all of their rated seats meet certain safety requirements and are deemed safe for use in the United States, these ratings point out how easy the seats are to install and use. Proper installation and use are the keys to ensuring that any child’s car seat is safe. The KeyFit 30 has earned a 4-star Ease-of-Use rating from NHTSA, which means that they’ve found that the seat boasts above-average features for this particular category.

Pros

• Easy to install
• Owners note that it feels plush and comfortable
• feels plush and comfortable
• Fits well in smaller vehicles

Cons

• Several parents indicate that the canopy often falls down and won’t stay in place
• Fabric isn’t very breathable and can make the baby become overly warm on longer trips

[amazon link=”B0731JTHC7″ title=” Britax B-Safe 35 Infant Car Seat”]

[amazon box=”B0731JTHC7″ ]

Britax is well-known for their innovative safety features that bring parents needed peace of mind as they strap their littlest passengers in. The brand’s B-Safe 35 infant car seat is no different. Equipped with the company’s SafeCell Impact Protection system, the seat is comprised of a steel frame that provides strength and sturdiness to the carrier and a base that absorbs energy through compression in the event of an accident.

Britax’s B-Safe 35 has earned an impressive 5-star Ease-of-Use rating from NHTSA, which is the highest ranking possible from the organization. This means that they’ve found the seat to have an excellent level of features for its category.

Pros

• Features a deep cradle that gives a comfortable and safe feel
• 5-star Ease-of-Use Rating from NHTSA
• Can be used for children up to 35 pounds

Cons

• Some owners noted it seemed too narrow for their babies and removing the child could be difficult
• Seat fabric isn’t very breathable

3. Evenflo SafeMax

[amazon box=”B06W2KDVK3″]

When viewing the various infant car seats that we’ve featured in this review, there’s one feature that is clearly visible when you take your first look at Evenflo’s SafeMax model. The seat is equipped with the brand’s SafeZone base that, through the addition of an anti-rebound bar, dissipates and absorbs forces in the event of an accident. Like the Chicco KeyFit 30, the Evenflo SafeMax garnered a 4-star Ease-of-Use rating from NHTSA.

Pros

• Features plenty of padding
• Equipped with an anti-rebound bar
• Some parents noted that the seat fabric is breathable

Cons

• Some have experienced difficulty adjusting the seat’s harness
• Takes up more vehicle space than some other newborn seats

[amazon link=”B00H8MQ4US” title=”Graco SnugRide Click Connect 35″]

[amazon box=”B00H8MQ4US”]

The Graco SnugRide Click Connect 35 is the seat for you and your baby if you’re in the market for something that’s very lightweight and easy to carry around wherever you go. Weighing only 13.6 pounds, the SnugRide 35 may be light compared to competing newborn car seat models, but that doesn’t mean that it skimps on features. The carrier is crafted with energy-absorbing EPS foam to serve as an extra layer of safety and impact absorption in the event of a crash. The SnugRide 35 earned a 4-star Ease-of-Use rating from NHTSA.

Pros

• Lightweight and somewhat more compact than many other infant seats
• Gives audible “click” when properly latched onto base or stroller
• Affordable option

Cons

• Some parents noted that the included infant insert provided little support for newborn heads
• Some experienced difficulty locking the base into their vehicle

5. Evenflo LiteMax 35 Infant Car Seat

[amazon box=”B06VY1DFQN” template=”vertical”]

The Evenflo LiteMax 35 proves that you can still obtain a safe, quality newborn car seat at an incredibly affordable price. The lowest-priced option on our list, the Evenflo LiteMax 35 keeps costs low while still coming with the features you would expect to find on most seats, as well as a few extras. It features a level indicator on the reclining base, a belt lock-off feature for when you choose to install the seat utilizing a seatbelt and an easily accessible harness adjustment found on the front of the seat. The LiteMax 35 earned a 4-star Ease-of-Use rating from NHTSA.

Pros

• Highly affordable at under $$$
• Parents noted that it felt soft and well-padded

Cons

• Some owners noted it wasn’t great for very compact vehicles
• Some have complained that the canopy doesn’t provide much coverage and felt cheap

The Long-Running Favorite

​Title:

​Chicco KeyFit 30

Minimum Weight:

4 pounds

Maximum Weight:

30 pounds

Maximum Height:

​30 inches

Weight of Seat:

​16.8 pounds

Prime Eligible:

​Yes

Customer Rating:

​4.5 stars

Price:

​$199.99

Best for:

​Best for Ease-of-Use

​Title:

​Britax B-Safe 35

Minimum Weight:

4 pounds

Maximum Weight:

​35 pounds

Maximum Height:

32 inches

Weight of Seat:

20.1 pounds

Prime Eligible:

​Yes

Customer Rating:

4 stars

Price:

$136.34

Best for:

Best One-of-a-Kind Safety Features

​Title:

Evenflo SafeMax

Minimum Weight:

4 pounds

Maximum Weight:

​35 pounds

Maximum Height:

32 inches

Weight of Seat:

15.7 pounds

Prime Eligible:

​Yes

Customer Rating:

4.5 stars

Price:

$165.49

Best for:

Best Lightweight Option

​Title:

Graco SnugRide Click Connect 35

Minimum Weight:

4 pounds

Maximum Weight:

​35 pounds

Maximum Height:

32 inches

Weight of Seat:

13.6 pounds

Prime Eligible:

​Yes

Customer Rating:

4.5 stars

Price:

$119.99

Best for:

Best Low-Price Option

​Title:

Evenflo LiteMax 35

Minimum Weight:

4 pounds

Maximum Weight:

​35 pounds

Maximum Height:

32 inches

Weight of Seat:

14 pounds

Prime Eligible:

​Yes

Customer Rating:

4.5 stars

Price:

 $89.99

​Our Final Thoughts on Newborn Car Seats

No matter what’s most important to you when deciding on an infant carrier seat, we’ve highlighted a slew of reliable options that you can count on to keep your little bundle swathed in safety while you’re out and about. If a strong positive track record among fellow parents and experts is key, then we highly recommend the Chicco KeyFit 30. If expert ratings are paramount, then reach for the Britax B-Safe 35. With a 5-star NHTSA Ease-of-Use rating, it garnered the highest rating possible from the organization. One-of-a-kind safety features can be found on the Evenflo SafeMax, the Graco SnugRide Click Connect 35 provides a lightweight option, and both safety and a great price come together in the Evenflo LiteMax 35. Just remember that all currently manufactured seats built for the U.S. market are tested to meet a certain level of safety standards, so pick the model that will provide you the most peace of mind, and then just sit back, relax and enjoy those baby snuggles.