
Some of my favorites at different price points (as a NICU based CPST): - Evenflo LiteMax (specifically [this one](https://www.evenflo.com/products/pivot-modular-car-seats-and-stroller-travel-systems) because I prefer this insert style, though the standalone versions also offer an excellent fit). If you expect a preemie or a smaller newborn, Evenflo seats have adjustments to give a truly excellent harness fit- but even for average or large babies they're great. - Chicco Keyfit 30 or Keyfit Ma
NICU-based CPST (certified car seat technician) recommends the KeyFit 30/Max as one of their 'favorites at different price points' - professional endorsement.
Another vote for the Chicco Keyfit 30! It's a reasonable price point, an easy installation, good safety ratings, and one of the more narrow infant seats (if you're fitting multiple kids in a car that could be a useful feature). Plus they're now ClearTex so they're flame retardant free I believe.
Praises reasonable price, easy install, safety ratings, narrow profile for multi-seat configs, and ClearTex chemical-free fabric.
We have the Chicco Keyfit and it's great. I bought solely based on the safety ratings. The safety ratings are highest for Chicco and Nuna, and I believe Graco is up there too, but not quite as high as the other two. Doona was quite low. Also, as for others saying they bought the Uppababy Mesa for the stroller — I have the Uppababy Cruz stroller and I bought a car seat connecter for the Keyfit. It works perfect, and was a couple hundred dollars cheaper lol
Chose for top safety ratings; compatible with Uppababy stroller via adapter saving hundreds of dollars vs Mesa.
Chicco keyfit 35! Goes on sale every now and then too and you can usually use a registry discount for it too. Still under $300 dull priced. It's probably the most popular seat and for s reason.
Calls it 'probably the most popular seat and for a reason'; notes it goes on sale and works with registry discounts; under $300.
For the infant seat, we loved the Chicco Keyfit 35. For the convertible seat, we use the Graco Extend2Fit. We purchased the Extend2Fit with the rebound bar, though, which I think Graco might have discontinued.
Loved the Chicco Keyfit 35 as their infant seat choice before transitioning to a convertible.
Chicco keyfit 30 with the base. I'm not too concerned about flame retardants so that didn't factor into the decision for me. Actual performance in a car crash does, and performance is affected by installation. I like that it's super duper easy to install the base with the latch system and check that it's level. It's also not as heavy as the Uppababy and nowhere near as expensive.
Chose for crash performance and easy installation; 'super duper easy' to install and level; lighter and cheaper than Uppababy.
We loved the Chicco Keyfit30. It was a great seat and I'm happy we didn't spend $400-$500 on it when we needed a new (convertible) seat after a year!
Loved it; happy with the value - didn't need to overspend; practical about the year-long usage before needing convertible.
Chicco key fit 35- we got it for $185 I think, Chicco has regular 20% off sales
Owns the KeyFit 35; provides specific price paid ($185) and notes regular 20% off sales.
Britax. Love the belt tight system. My daughter has the poplar s and it's great! She's used it for a cross country trip and no issues. They're coming out with a 360 one next month they all the car seat/baby products reviewers are raving about! Edit: our infant seat was a Chicco keyfit 35, super high on safety reports but sooo heavy!
Owned the KeyFit 35; praises high safety reports but notes it's very heavy - positive with notable caveat.
I had a chicco keyfit 30, but wish we had just gone straight to the convertible. By the time he was 6 months old he HATED the reclined position of the infant seat, and it was so awkward to carry. Once he had some head control I think it would have been better for a convertible. Downside for us is that we have a very small car and and I think the rear facing convertible in a reclined position for a younger infant would have made sitting in the front seat uncomfortable for long rides.
Owned it but wished they'd skipped it for convertible; child hated recline position by 6 months; found it awkward to carry; mixed on whether infant seat was worth buying.