10 Best Newborn Car Seats 2025 in the United States

The Graco Extend2Fit Convertible Car Seat is a versatile option designed to grow with your child, offering both rear-facing (4-50 lbs) and forward-facing (22-65 lbs) configurations. This adaptability makes it ideal for newborns, infants, and toddlers. One of its standout features is the extended rear-facing capability, which enhances safety by allowing children to remain rear-facing up to 50 pounds. Safety is a strong suit, with the car seat meeting Graco ProtectPlus standards, which guard against various crash scenarios including frontal, side, rear, and rollover impacts. The steel-reinforced frame adds to its durability and robustness.

For parents, the car seat offers ease of use with its No-Rethread Simply Safe Adjust Harness System and InRight LATCH system, which simplifies installation and adjustments. The 4-position adjustable extension panel and 10 reclining positions ensure comfort for growing children, while harness storage pockets offer convenience when buckling and unbuckling. However, at 19 pounds, it is relatively heavy, which might affect portability. Despite this, its compatibility with various strollers can mitigate transportation concerns.

The Graco Extend2Fit is built with durable materials like alloy steel and polyester, ensuring longevity and resilience. This car seat excels in safety, comfort, and adaptability, making it a solid choice for parents looking for a long-term car seat solution from newborn through toddler stages, though its weight could be a minor drawback for some.

The Doona Car Seat & Stroller in Nitro Black is a versatile all-in-one travel system that serves as both a car seat and a stroller. This product is designed to make traveling with your newborn convenient by allowing quick transitions from car seat to stroller with just the click of a button, which is particularly handy for keeping a sleeping baby undisturbed. It accommodates infants from 4 to 35 lbs and up to 32 inches in height, serving well during the early months of rapid growth.

The installation process is made easy with its secure one-click mechanism and LATCH system, ensuring that even new parents can manage it without hassle. Additionally, it features an adjustable handlebar and washable materials for better usability and hygiene. Safety is a top priority with this product, as it includes a 5-point harness, three-layer side impact protection, and anti-rebound bar crash technology.

The materials used are baby-safe, and the canopy offers UPF 50+ sun protection and is water repellent, ensuring your baby is well-protected in various weather conditions. The Doona's ergonomic design provides excellent support for your baby's neck and back, which is crucial for long-term health. Its sturdy construction from high-quality materials like fiber-reinforced polymers and rust-free aluminum ensures durability. However, the combined weight of the car seat and base (17.2 lbs and 9.7 lbs, respectively) might be a bit cumbersome for some users when it comes to portability. Additionally, its premium build and multifunctionality come at a higher price point compared to other car seats, which may not be ideal for all budgets. The Doona Car Seat & Stroller is particularly suitable for parents who travel frequently and need a seamless transition between car and stroller while prioritizing baby's safety and comfort.

The Evenflo Pivot Modular Travel System with LiteMax Infant Car Seat is an adaptable and convenient solution for new parents. One of the standout features is its versatile 6-mode modular frame, allowing you to adjust the stroller to fit your needs, whether you want your baby facing you or the world. This flexibility is particularly helpful as your child grows. The LiteMax Infant Car Seat is designed with the utmost safety in mind, meeting ASTM standards and including an anti-rebound bar for added security. It has a reasonable weight limit of up to 35 pounds, making it suitable for most infants throughout their first year.

The ease of installation is another plus, thanks to the stay-in-car base with an integrated belt lock-off system. However, at 38.05 pounds, the system is on the heavier side, which might be cumbersome for some parents when it comes to portability. The car seat's comfort is well-considered, providing a fully reclining carriage mode for nap times. Compatibility with strollers is excellent, as it seamlessly transitions between car seat, stroller seat, and carriage modes. The materials used, including polyester, cotton, and metal, ensure durability and a comfortable ride for your baby.

The inclusion of practical extras like an oversized storage basket, large cruiser tires, a parent cup holder, and a child snack tray adds to its convenience. Despite its heavier weight, the Evenflo Pivot Modular Travel System is a well-rounded choice that combines safety, ease of use, and versatility, making it a solid investment for new parents.