Date Published: 03/06/2007
Several important improvements have taken place in the infant car seat industry, and Consumer Guide has chosen the models that stand out against the competition. This year, look for infant car seats to transport infants up to 30 pounds and 33 inches, rather than the standard 22 pounds and 29 inches. Why is this important? Infants must remain in a rear-facing car seat until one year of age and at least 20 pounds, but many children outweigh their car seat's limits long before their first birthdays. Watch for car seat bases with adjustable angles as well as innovations in side impact protection, including an inflatable head support and cushions that tighten during impact to prevent side-to-side movement.
Chicco KeyFit 30 Infant Car Seat
The Chicco KeyFit 30 may cost a bit more than a basic infant car seat ($170), but it hits one out of the park when it comes to safety, convenience and ease-of-use features. The Chicco KeyFit 30 is one of just a few infant car seats that fit infants up to 30 pounds and 33 inches, rather than the standard 22 pounds and 29 inches. This is important because it accommodates larger infants who must remain in a rear-facing car seat until at least 20 pounds and one year of age. The Chicco KeyFit 30 has an energy-absorbing EPS foam liner, an up-front adjustable five-point harness and a padded insert that fits around an infant's head and body. With its angle-adjustable leave-in-car base, the Chicco KeyFit 30 is easy to install, simple to use and, thanks to its ability to transport larger infants, is a practical choice.
Graco Infant SafeSeat (Step 1) in Samba 8A02SMB
At around $190, the Graco Infant SafeSeat (Step 1) in Samba isn't the most expensive infant car seat you can buy, but it comes close. That said, it has plenty of new features to ease the pain on one's pocketbook, including EPS foam lining for increased impact protection and comfort-savvy extras. The Graco Infant SafeSeat (Step 1) in Samba includes a full-body cushioned insert and an attachable cover with a built-in blanket. It has a leave-in-car base with a leveling foot, so one can change the angle of the base for correct installation. Just as importantly, the Graco Infant SafeSeat (Step 1) in Samba accommodates larger infants than previous models. It can be used until an infant reaches 30 pounds and 32 inches, which means it will last considerably longer than its predecessors.
Britax Companion Infant Car Seat
The Britax Companion Infant Car Seat costs about the same as other manufacturer's high-end models ($199.99), but includes a number of innovative features. Like the Graco SafeSeat and Chicco KeyFit 30, the Britax Companion Infant Car Seat has an angle-adjustable base and an easy-adjust five-point harness. However, it also has two standout features one won't find on other infant car seats: an anti-rebound bar and customized side-impact protection. The Britax Companion's anti-rebound bar is attached to the base and is designed to prevent the car seat from flipping forward into the seat it is facing, should an impact occur. The car seat also has a head support cushion known as True Side Impact Protection that inflates to the desired level. The Britax Companion Infant Car Seat has an EPS foam liner as one might expect, but only accommodates infants up to 22 pounds and 30 inches in length.
Peg Perego Primo Viaggio SIP
Like the Britax Companion, the Peg Perego Primo Viaggio SIP has an innovative side impact protection system that sets it apart from the competition. The side impact protection has three adjustable positions, according to an infant's size. And, should an impact occur, the car seat's headrest moves in toward a baby's head to help secure it and prevent sudden movement. The Peg Perego Primo Viaggio SIP costs more (about $250) than most of its competitors, and only accommodates infants up to 22 pounds and 30 inches in length. However, it has a car seat base with a wedge-style adjustment leveling foot and a carrying handle, and the car seat is covered in breathable microfiber.
 Peg Perego Primo Viaggio SIP |
The Baby Trend Flex Loc Infant Car Seat is a veritable bargain (about $100) compared with other standout models that can cost nearly double its price. However, it still has important features, including an EPS foam liner, an easy-to-adjust five-point harness and a car seat base (without a leveling foot). It is designed for infants up to 22 pounds and 28.5 inches in length.
