10 Best Newborn Car Seats 2025 in the United States

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 Graco Turn2Me 3-in-1 Car Seat is an excellent choice for parents looking for a versatile and long-lasting car seat. It accommodates children from 4 to 100 pounds, transitioning from a rear-facing seat for newborns to a forward-facing harness and later a highback booster for toddlers. One of its standout features is the rotating mechanism, which simplifies transitioning the seat from rear to forward-facing, making it very user-friendly. Additionally, the SnugLock Technology ensures a quick and secure installation using either the vehicle's seat belt or LATCH system, enhancing ease of installation, which is crucial for busy parents.

Safety is a key strength, with the ProtectPlus Engineering providing robust protection from various types of crashes. The steel-reinforced frame further adds to the durability of the seat, promising years of reliable use. Comfort is well-considered with adjustable harness systems and a 10-position headrest, allowing the seat to grow with your child. Plush head and body inserts offer extra comfort for infants.

On the downside, the car seat is relatively heavy at 30 pounds, which might not be ideal for parents needing to frequently transfer the car seat between vehicles. Additionally, while the rotating feature is useful, it may require some practice to use smoothly. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Graco Turn2Me 3-in-1 Car Seat stands out for its safety features, ease of installation, and long-term usability, making it a strong contender for parents seeking a reliable car seat for their child's early years.

The Graco 4Ever DLX Grad 5-in-1 Car Seat is designed to adapt to your child's needs from infancy up to 12 years old. One of its major strengths is its 5-in-1 design, ensuring prolonged use and value for money. The Slim Fit feature is a notable advantage, offering space-saving convenience without compromising on comfort or safety.

When it comes to installation, the SnugLock technology provides quick and easy setup in both rear- and forward-facing modes, which is a big plus for parents looking for hassle-free installation. Additionally, the car seat is equipped with a Safe Adjust Harness System and a 10-position headrest, making adjustments simple and ensuring a secure fit as your child grows. The Graco ProtectPlus Engineered features indicate strong safety standards, having undergone rigorous crash tests for various scenarios such as frontal, side, rear, and rollover crashes.

On the downside, the car seat can be somewhat bulky despite its slim design, making it a bit challenging to move frequently. Portability is somewhat limited, although the machine-washable cover and fuss-free harness storage are convenient for maintaining cleanliness. The durable polyester material ensures longevity but may not offer the highest level of comfort compared to other more plush materials. The Graco 4Ever DLX Grad 5-in-1 Car Seat is a versatile and safe choice for extended use in the newborn car seat category, though some minor portability concerns should be weighed against its strengths.