10 Best Car Seats 2025 in the United States

The Doona Car Seat & Stroller is a unique all-in-one travel system that effectively combines a car seat and a stroller, making it ideal for busy parents on the go. One of its standout features is the effortless transition from car seat to stroller with just a click, allowing you to move easily without waking a sleeping baby. This can be a game-changer for parents who frequently travel or run errands.

In terms of safety, the Doona boasts impressive features such as three-layer side impact protection, an anti-rebound bar, and a five-point harness, ensuring your baby is secure during rides. It's also certified for air travel, which is a significant advantage for families who fly. The ergonomic design promotes proper support for your newborn's back and neck, which is crucial for developing infants.

There are some considerations to keep in mind. The weight limit of 35 lbs means it is only suitable for rear-facing use, and while this is standard, it may require transitioning to a different seat as your child grows. The total weight of 17.2 lbs for the car seat and stroller combination might be heavier than some lightweight options, which could be a factor if you're lifting it often. Installation is designed to be straightforward with its LATCH system, and the materials are washable, which helps meet the needs of busy parents. Yet, some users might find the learning curve with any new system a bit challenging at first.

The Doona Car Seat & Stroller represents an excellent choice for parents seeking convenience, safety, and functionality in a travel system. It's particularly beneficial for city dwellers or those who need to frequently switch between driving and walking, though it's essential to consider the weight and growth limits for your child's needs.

The Safety 1st Grow and Go All-in-One Convertible Car Seat is designed to grow with your child through three stages: rear-facing for babies 5 to 40 pounds, forward-facing for toddlers 30 to 65 pounds, and as a high-back booster for kids up to 100 pounds. This makes it a convenient choice for parents looking for one seat that lasts several years. Installation is flexible with both LATCH and seatbelt options, helping most users achieve a secure fit. Safety is well-covered, meeting or exceeding federal standards—including side impact protection—and it uses a 5-point harness for good restraint.

Adjusting the harness and headrest is straightforward thanks to the QuickFit system, which also makes it easier to get your child in and out. Comfort isn't overlooked either, with two removable pillows for smaller kids and a 3-position recline for better rides. The seat cover is machine washable, and the cup holders are dishwasher-safe, making cleanup simpler for busy parents.

While the seat supports a wide weight and height range, not every child will fit comfortably throughout all stages, so you might need to check fit frequently. Also, at around 13 pounds, it’s not the lightest seat if you plan to move it between cars often. This seat is a solid, budget-friendly option for parents wanting a durable, easy-to-use car seat that adapts as their child grows while maintaining good safety and comfort features.

The Graco Extend2Fit Convertible Baby Car Seat is designed to grow with your child, supporting rear-facing use from 4 to 50 pounds and forward-facing up to 65 pounds. A standout feature is its adjustable extension panel, which adds up to 5 inches of extra legroom, allowing kids to stay in the safer rear-facing position longer. Safety is a priority here, with rigorous crash testing covering frontal, side, rear, and rollover impacts. The 5-point harness system adjusts easily with the No-Rethread Simply Safe Adjust Harness System, which moves the harness and headrest together for a proper fit as your child grows.

Comfort is addressed through six recline positions and 10 headrest heights, helping to keep your child cozy and well-supported during trips. Installation is straightforward thanks to the push-button InRight LATCH system that provides a secure, audible click, while harness storage pockets make it easier to get your child in and out without hassle. The car seat weighs about 19 pounds, which is on the heavier side and could be less convenient if you frequently move it between vehicles. Additionally, while it offers plenty of recline options, its dimensions might be bulky for smaller cars.

This car seat is well suited for parents seeking a long-lasting, safety-focused option with good comfort and easy adjustments, especially if the plan is to keep the child rear-facing as long as possible.