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Safest Car Seat Brands (2021): Safety Ratings & Crash Test Results for Top Car Seat Manufacturers

March 4, 2021 by Sam Webster

Safest Car Seat Brands

As parents, we do what we can to prepare for the unexpected. Investing in the right child restraint takes more than hopping on the internet and finding the cheapest car seat. We have to consider the safety, the ease of use and installation, and the comfort level that best suits our specific children’s needs.

The first thing to consider is the brand that best offers you a solution. You will hear a lot of noise and read even more claims. And, it becomes overwhelming, regardless of how old your little person is.

Let’s delve into some car seat brands, together, and find the one that meets your needs and keeps your precious cargo safe and secure.


Table Of Contents
Britax
Britax Endeavours
Britax B-Safe 35
Chicco
Chicco KeyFit 30
Chicco Fit4 All-in-One
Clek
Clek Liing
Clek Fllo
Cosco
Cosco Scenera NEXT

Cosco Rise
Diono
Diono Radian 5
Diono Cambria
Evenflo
Evenflo Tribute LX
Evenflo SureRide
Graco
Graco Extend2Fit
Graco 4Ever DLX 4-in-1
Maxi-Cosi

Maxi-Cosi Mico Max Plus
Maxi-Cosi Pria 85
Peg Perego
Peg Perego Primo Viaggio 4-35
Peg Perego Viaggio Shuttle 120
Safety 1st 
Safety 1st Grow and Go 3-in-1
Safety 1st Boost Air
What to Look for in a Safe Car Seat
Wrapping It Up

Britax

Britax was born in 1939, well before child restraints were invented. In 1973, they acquired RÖMER, a vehicle seat belt company. The European company began selling its quality child restraints and seats in the United States in 1996.


The Britax brand has a solid reputation in the marketplace. Their various models are stylish, but most importantly, they consistently have high safety ratings and above-average crash test results. It helps that Britax listens to consumers and works to improve their infant car seats based on parent’s feedback.


When it comes to awards, Britax has plenty. We found a few that highlight their fan-favorite models.

  • 2020 – Baby Gear Lab Editors’ Choice (Britax Boulevard ClickTight ARB)
  • 2020 – Good Design Awards Gold Accolade (Britax Safe-n-Sound B-first)
  • 2018 – Parents Magazine Quickest Setup (Britax One4Life Car Seat)

Looking for the best infant car seats can be overwhelming. We are going to break down a few of the safest Britax child car seats.

Britax Endeavours

BRITAX B-Safe Endeavours Infant Car Seat - Rear Facing | 4 to 35 Pounds - Reclinable Base, 3 Layer Impact Protection, Circa

The Britax Endeavor is a safe choice. It scores average on both head sensor and chest sensor crash tests. It has added layers of protection, including a steel frame, a safe-cell impact-absorbing base, and an anti-rebound bar.


If you are looking for something easy to use, the Britax Endeavor is quite parent-friendly. The premium-feature of the Endeavour infant car seat is that the ease of use covers every type of installation – LATCH, belt, and no base.

Additional Safety Features:

  • LATCH System
  • Safe cell impact base
  • Anti-rebound bar
  • Steel Frame
  • Lockable handle

The Britax Endeavors is a good overall performer, but it is expensive. The premium-priced infant rear-facing car seat has a lot of features and extras that parents enjoy. It is all about what your budget will allow.

Click Here for Best Price

Britax B-Safe 35

Britax B-Safe 35 Infant Car Seat - Rear Facing | 4 to 35 Pounds - Reclinable Base, 1 Layer Impact Protection, Ashton (E1A183D)

Infant car seats have to meet or exceed safety standards. The Britax B-Safe 35 has better than average crash test results. Britax tends to offer additional safety features. The B-Safe 35 has side impact protection (SIP) and a honey-shaped impact zone on its shell.


The ease of use is outstanding for the Britax B-Safe 35. It works best with the LATCH system, but it excels with every installation. The adjustable crotch strap helps tons when you are getting your little person in and out of their rear-facing infant car seat.

Additional Safety Features:

  • Push-on LATCH connectors
  • Lockable handle
  • Extra Padding
  • Side impact protection
  • Impact zone on the shell

The Britax B-Safe 35 works best for parents that enjoy walks in the park or only use one vehicle. It is not ideal for taking in and out of a car, but the carrier works beautifully with a stroller.

Click Here for Best Price

Chicco

Chicco is a brand that has been developing and selling baby gear for over fifty years. Pietro Catelli was an inventor and developer in the pharmaceutical industry. After the birth of his son, he began his journey into everything baby-related. Chicco is now a global brand that produces various child restraints along with other baby swag.


The Chicco brand is all about its love for babies. It is known for innovation at an affordable price. Chicco partners with pediatricians, ergonomists, and parents to produce safe and efficient car seats.


The marketplace has more car seats than any one parent can research. Chicco has won several awards in recent years that help them stand out against the crowd.           

  • 2020 – Babylist Parent Favorite Infant Car Seat (Chicco KeyFit 30 Infant Car Seat)
  • 2020 – Wirecutter Best Infant Car Seat (Chicco KeyFit 30)
  • 2020 – Healthline Best Easily Washable Convertible Car Seat (Chicco Nextfit Zip)

Reputation is everything, and Chicco works hard to produce and sell car seats that show off their overall positive attitude.  Come along with us as we review a couple that seems to shine.

Chicco KeyFit 30

Chicco KeyFit 30 Infant Car Seat, Orion

The Chicco KeyFit 30 infant car seat is where safety and affordability come together. It has impressive crash test results, too. The head sensors rank well above many other rear-facing car seats. The addition of energy-absorbing foam for side impact protection (SIP) makes the KeyFit 30 a star in the rear-facing car seat category.


The overall ease of use and installation of the Chicco KeyFit 30 is above average, too. Parents love the easy-to-use LATCH system when installing. the process of tightening and adjusting is a breeze, too. It is uncomplicated when you are buckling and unbuckling your infant.

Additional Safety Features:

  • Easy Latch system
  • Energy-absorbing foam
  • Belt lock-off
  • Lockable handle
  • Comfortable head and body cushion

The Chicco KeyFit 30 is zooming into 2021 with great reviews and a handful of infant car seat awards. The KeyFit 30 balances crash protection, ease of use and installation, and vehicle fit at an affordable price. No wonder it is a parent favorite.

Click Here for Best Price
Read Our Chicco KeyFit 30 Review

Chicco Fit4 All-in-One

Chicco Fit4 4-in-1 Convertible Car Seat | Easiest All-in-One from Infant to Booster | 10 Years of Use - Stratosphere

The Fit4 All-in-One exceeds safety standards.  Chicco has gone one step further, adding additional features to ensure that your growing kid is adequately shielded from harm. It uses EPS foam for energy absorption and a steel-reinforced frame.


Parents love Chicco’s innovations when it comes to making their seats easy to use. The Fit4 All-in-One is a rear-facing to forward-facing car seat as well as a highback booster seat. In every mode, the Fit4 All-in-One uses the LATCH system and utilizes a no-rethread harness.

Additional Safety Features:

  • Steel-reinforced frame
  • EPS foam for energy absorption
  • LATCH SuperCinch with push-on connectors
  • Chest clip with two positions
  • No-rethread harness

Parents looking for a long-term solution, the Chicco Fit4 All-in-One will protect your child as they grow. The three modes are both safe and comfortable for long rides or short drives.

Click Here for Best Price
Read Our Chicco Fit4 Review

Clek

Clek is newish on the child car seat scene. In 2007, the Canadian company wanted to address low booster usage in Canada. The brand is about parent-friendly designs with tons of safety. The founder, Chris Lumley, is a parent of two boys and tries to put that experience into every model.


Some child restraint brands go the extra mile to add premium features for comfort and security. Clek turns new technology into luxury, style, and safety.


With hundreds of car seats on the market, it is sometimes hard to see which ones truly shine.

  • 2019 - The Bump Best of Baby Award Winner for Top Infant Car Seat (Clek Liing)
  • 2014 – Best Baby Gear Car Seats Eco Excellence Award
  • 2012 – JPMA (Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association) Innovation Award

We are going to cut through the noise and narrow in a couple of Clik’s best car seats to see if it is the right fit for you.

Clek Liing

Clek Liing Infant Car Seat, Mammoth (Flame Retardant Free Merino Wool)

The Clek Liing has impressive crash test results. The rear-facing infant car seat does utilize the LATCH system and has rigid lower anchor connectors. The Liing is safer than some competitors because of its load leg.


Premium brands tend to lean towards making use and installation parent-friendly. The Clek Liing proves that safety does not mean complicated. The tensioning plate makes installing the belts simple, and the recline is adjustable without having to uninstall the seat.

Additional Safety Features:

  • Load leg
  • Clear labeling
  • Rigid lower anchors
  • Tensioning plate
  • EPP energy-absorbing foam lining

The Clek Liing is an excellent balance between crash protection, ease of use, and vehicle fit. But, the rear-facing infant car seat is quite an investment. Another thing to consider is that it is a heavy seat and base. If you need to transfer it between vehicles, it might not be for you.

Click Here for Best Price
Read Our Clek Liing Review

Clek Fllo

Clek Fllo Convertbile Car Seat, Pitch Black (Crypton C-Zero Performance Fabric) (FL19U1-PBKB)

The Clek Fllo scores right above average when it comes to crash tests. It is the addition of EPP foam and an anti-rebound bar that adds to its safety score. The combination seat protects your precious cargo in both the rear-facing and forward-facing modes.


Clek leans towards user-friendly car seats. The Filo is above average when it comes to ease of use and installation. The LATCH system is super handy when securing the base to the backseat.

Additional Safety Features:

  • Steel-reinforced
  • Push-on LATCH connectors
  • Extended rear-facing use
  • EPP energy-absorbing foam
  • Anti-rebound bar

Clek car seats are not cheap in both price and quality. But, not everyone can afford a premium seat. The Clek Filo is on the heavy side, making it hard to transport between vehicles. It has balance, but it is not for everyone, either.

Click Here for Best Price
Read Our Clek Fllo Review

Cosco

cosco

Cosco started as the Columbus Speciality Company based in Columbus, Indiana. Now, after 70 years, they continue to stand by their motto, “Cosco’s Car Seats For Everyone™.”


Cosco has a nationwide reputation for producing safe, simple, and dependable child car seats. The brand does not confuse its customers with a bunch of features and extras. Cosco sticks to the basics when providing safety for your little human.


Over the years, Cosco has won its share of awards and ranks high on affordability lists and overall comfort.

  • 2020 – Healthline Best Convertible Car Seat for Travel (Cosco Scenera NEXT)
  • 2020 – Parenting Pod Best for the Budget (Cosco Scenera NEXT)
  • 2019 – The Twinnie Award Best Convertible Car Seat for Travel (Cosco Scenera NEXT)

We will explore what makes the Scenera NEXT popular and how Cosco could be the brand for you.

Cosco Scenera NEXT

Cosco Scenera Next Convertible Car Seat with Cup Holder (Moon Mist Grey)

The safety of a convertible seat is the first thing parents worry about. The Cosco Scenera NEXT has overall good scores on their crash tests. Also, it has side impact protection and a five-point harness that adds to its safety rating.


Cosco believes in protecting your little, but they also focus attention on ease of use. The Scenera NEXT is a breeze using both the LATCH system and your vehicle seat belt. The harness and three crotch strap positions are straightforward in both rear-facing and forward-facing modes.

Additional Safety Features:

  • 5 harness slot positions
  • 3 crotch strap positions
  • Latch system
  • Dual range recline indicator
  • Safe and portable for travel

The Cosco Scenera NEXT does not come with bells or whistles. It is a bare-bones convertible car seat. But, it is ridiculously inexpensive and safe for children up to 40 pounds.

Click Here for Best Price
Read Our Cosco Scenera NEXT Review

Cosco Rise

Backless boosters do not go through the same rigorous tests as other child restraints. The Cosco Rise exceeds Federal Standards and is Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) best bet booster car seat.


Cosco is about safety and ease of use without all the extra goodies that sometimes get in the way. The Cosco Rise backless booster seat is as simple as they come. The broad base and higher armrests make it easy for your growing child to buckle and unbuckle themselves in safely.

Additional Safety Features:

  • Additional Safety Features
  • Stable platform design
  • Shoulder belt positioning clip
  • Outstanding fit-to-child
  • Easily portable

The Cosco Rise is insanely cheap. Even better than that, for parents that carpool, the backless booster seat is perfect. It is so lightweight and portable; your kid can tote it from car to car without your help.

Click Here for Best Price

Diono

Diono

Diona started out as Sunshine Kids Juvenile Products in 1999. Over the next ten years, they produced award-winning child car seats. In 2011, they finally transitioned into the company we know now.


Every car seat brand has fans for different reasons. Parents love Diono because they invent affordable and safe child car seats that are easy to use.


It seems 2020 is a big year for Diono. The brand is raking in awards as it continues to improve its car seat models.

  • 2020 – Healthline Best Narrow Convertible Car Seat (Diono 3RXT)
  • 2020 – Babycenter Best Convertible Car Seat for Travel (Diono 2019 Radian All-in-One)
  • 2020 – Made For Mums Best Rear-Facing for Longer Car Seat (Diono Radian 5)

Let’s take a closer look at a couple of models to see if Diono is the right choice for you.

Diono Radian 5

source

The Diono Radian 5 is a combination of a rear-facing and forward-facing car seat. It exceeds safety standards and has decent crash test results. The Radian 5 has EPP energy foam and SuperGrip energy absorbing harness pads that reduce impact crash forces.


Some convertible car seats are a hassle when it comes to installation and use. The Diono Radian has high scores in both departments. The harness is easy to adjust, and the user manual is super simple to read and understand.

Additional Safety Features:

  • Full steel alloy frame
  • EPP energy absorbing foam
  • SuperGrip energy absorbing harness
  • V3 Energy Reduction System
  • Aluminum reinforced sidewalls and headrest

If your family likes to take vacations or long drives, the Radian 5 is both a safe and comfortable convertible car seat. Also, it is narrow and fits well in the backseat with other passengers.

Click Here for Best Price

Diono Cambria

Diono Cambria 2 Latch, 2-in-1 Belt Positioning Booster Seat, High-Back to Backless Booster XL Space and Room to Grow, 8 Years 1 Booster Seat, Ultimate Safety and Protection, Black

Booster seats do not go through the same crash tests that other child restraints do. With that said, the Diono Cambria has average results. However, the highback to backless booster seat has features that up their safety scores, such as its side impact protection and secure LATCH connectors.


The LATCH connectors make installation and use pretty straightforward, too. Getting a good belt fit is simple, and it has a spacious design that helps tons.

Additional Safety Features:

  • Contoured for proper fit-to-child
  • Recline settings
  • Belt guides for shoulder and lap
  • LATCH connectors
  • Side impact protection

Parents that are looking for an affordable highback to backless booster seat will find that the Diono Cambria does its job well. It is heavier than a lot of options, which makes toting it from vehicle to vehicle a bit tedious.

Click Here for Best Price

Evenflo

Evenflo has been making quality baby products for nearly 100 years. It continues to be a trusted source of everything from bottles to child restraints. Evenflo Company, Inc. continues to expand and develop innovations to make parenting easier.


Parents want a trusted brand when it comes to anything baby related. Evenflo makes it their mission to provide safe, comfortable, and affordable child car seats so that no parent has to worry about their child’s safety based on price.


Some brands seem to make all of the lists. Evenflo consistently creates safe car seats at a price that most families can afford.

  • 2020 – Healthline Best Budget-Friendly Convertible Car Seat (Evenflo Tribute LX)
  • 2020 – BabyGearLab Best Convertible Seat on a Tight Budget (Evenflow Tribute LX)
  • 2019 – The Best of Baby Award Winner for Top Booster Seat (Evenflo Spectrum 2-in-1 Booster Car Seat)

We are certainly going to delve into the details when it comes to the Evenflo Tribute LX, and while we are at it, we will see what else Evenflo has to offer.

Evenflo Tribute LX

Tribute 5 Convertible Car Seat, 2-in-1, Saturn Gray

It takes a lot to impress parents and car seat watchdogs. The Evenflo Tribute LX truly excels in safety. Its crash test scores rank up there with the best of them. The Tribute LX has side impact protection and a five-point harness for extra security.


The LATCH anchors make installing the Evenflo Tribute LX cut and dry. Buckling the harness is a one-motion task because of its convenient push buckle. It is a basic convertible rear-facing to forward-facing car seat.

Additional Safety Features:

  • LATCH system
  • Side impact protection
  • 5-point harness
  • Easy height adjustment
  • Lightweight

If you carpool or have a large family, the Evenflo Tribute LX fits in any backseat with plenty of room to spare for siblings and friends. It might not have all the extras, but it has overall balance in safety and ease.

Click Here for Best Price
Read Our Evenflo Tribute Review

Evenflo SureRide

SureRide Convertible Car Seat, Carson

When it comes to crash protection at an affordable price, the Evenflo SureRide is a good choice. The convertible car seat easily exceeds crash test standards. Also, the SureRide has side impact protection and energy-absorbing foam.


The Evenflo SureRide uses the LATCH system to secure your convertible car seat. It has six easily adjustable harness positions. The fact it weighs less than ten pounds is super helpful if you use rideshares or carpool.

Additional Safety Features:

  • Six harness positions
  • LATCH system
  • Side impact protection
  • Energy-absorbing foam
  • Lightweight

Some seats appeal to a wide variety of people. The Evenflo SureRide works for nearly every situation. Its slim, lightweight design makes it perfect for parents that regularly change vehicles. And, the price is hard to pass up when you are searching for that perfect convertible car seat.

Click Here for Best Price
Read Our Evenflo SureRide Review

Graco

Graco began as Graco Metal Products. It was not until 1953 that they invented their first baby product – an automated swing. Since then, Graco has been a leader in the industry and continues to work with parents and technicians to produce safe car seats for children of all ages.


Safety is only one aspect of child car restraints. When a company adds comfort, they become top performers in a crowded field. Graco has a reputation for producing high-quality car seats for infants to toddlers.


Graco produces quality car seats so often that they are always grabbing up awards and making it onto nearly every list.

  • 2020 – Baby Gear Lab Best Crash Test Results (Graco Extend2Fit)
  • 2020 – Healthline Best Convertible Car Seat for Lasting Use (Graco 4Ever DLX 4-in-1)
  • 2020 – BabyCenter Best Convertible Car Seat Overall (Graco 4Ever DLX 4-in-1)

It is pretty obvious which two car seats need a closer look. Let’s see why they are the best.

Graco Extend2Fit

Graco Extend2Fit Convertible Car Seat | Ride Rear Facing Longer with Extend2Fit, Kenzie

Sometimes a model comes along that impresses everyone. The Graco Extend2Fit surpasses expectations when it comes to their crash test results. The overall safety rating becomes more exciting because it is reasonably priced.


One of the best features for the Graco Extend2Fit is the no-rethread harness. It is an incredible help as you adjust the seat as your little person grows. The push-on LATCH connectors make secure installation a breeze with one swift movement.

Additional Safety Features:

  • Steel-reinforced frame
  • 50-pound rear-facing capacity
  • Push-on LATCH connectors
  • 4-position leg room extender
  • 10-position headrest

The Graco Extend2Fit passes all the parent-friendly tests. It is a rear-facing to forward-facing convertible car seat that would likely suit any family.  The price does not break the bank, and its safety scores are hard to ignore.

Click Here for Best Price
Read Our Graco Extend2Fit Review

Graco 4Ever DLX 4-in-1

Graco 4Ever DLX 4 in 1 Car Seat | Infant to Toddler Car Seat, with 10 Years of Use, Fairmont

The right balance of safety, comfort, and ease of use is not an easy find. The Graco 4Ever DLX 4-in-1 ranks above average in terms of crash test results. The premium-priced convertible car seat option is Graco® ProtectPlus Engineered™, which helps protect your child in frontal, rear, and rollover vehicle crashes.


The ease of use and installation scores for the Graco 4Ever DLX is rather impressive. It has a no-rethread harness that makes adjustments a breeze. It uses push-on LATCH connectors that make the process easy and helps reduce human error.

Additional Safety Features:

  • Graco® ProtectPlus Engineered™
  • LATCH connectors
  • 10-position headrest
  • 6-position recline
  • Integrated belt lock-off

The Graco 4Ever DLX is a premium-priced convertible car seat. The all-in-one has all-around good scores, but it is not for every family. It lacks a lot of extra features that usually come at that price point.

Click Here for Best Price

Maxi-Cosi

In 1984, Maxi-Cosi, part of the Dorel Juvenile brand, took on the task of making safe infant car seats. Their child restraints began on the European market but are now available in North America.


When people think of the Maxi-Cosi brand, innovation and safety are the two qualities that come to mind. They continue to listen to parents’ concerns and to implement ways to make their child car restraints more user-friendly while also developing sleek designs and high-quality aesthetics.


The Maxi-Cosi brand is a well-known brand in Europe and Australia. They have turned parents and technicians into fans as they continue to expand over all over the world.

  • 2020 – Made For Mums Triple Tested Best Buy Award (Maxi-Cosi Pebble Plus i-Size)
  • 2020 – Nursery Online Red Dot Product Design Award (Maxi-Cosi Lila CP)
  • 2019 – Good Design Reward Winner (Maxi-Cosi Titan Pro)

Maxi-Cosi is a German brand, and not every model makes it across the ocean. Let’s get a closer look at the options that are most common on American shores.

Maxi-Cosi Mico Max Plus

Maxi-Cosi Mico Max Plus Infant Car Seat with Base, Nomad Black, One Size

Not every premium-priced rear-facing infant car seat is worth the hefty investment. The Maxi-Cosi Mico Max Plus scores incredibly well on crash tests. It uses patented Air Protect® technology for additional side impact protection.


If you are looking for a seamless installation, the Maxi-Cosi Mico Max Plus infant car seat has integrated belt lock-offs and has an easy-to-use LATCH system. The harness is easy to adjust and is a safe fit for even the smallest of babies.

Additional Safety Features:

  • Patented Air Protect® technology
  • Anti-rotation stability load leg
  • One-click LATCH connectors
  • 3-position height-adjustable base
  • Safe for preemies (4-pound minimum)

The Maxi-Cosi Mico Max Plus is an expensive rear-facing infant car seat. However, parents with smaller than average babies and preemies benefit from the quality and safety that the Mico Max Plus provides.

Click Here for Best Price

Maxi-Cosi Pria 85

Maxi-Cosi Pria 85 Convertible Car Seat, Devoted Black

It is not a secret that Maxi-Cosi sells premium-priced seats with features that many other competitors do not have. The Pria 85 has high crash test scores. The convertible car seat has Air Protect® technology and rigid LATCH anchors that add to its overall safety scores.


The push-on LATCH connectors not only add to security, but they help with the overall use of installation and use of the Maxi-Cosi Pria 85 convertible car seat. Also, it has a no-rethread harness which is always a parent-friendly feature.

Additional Safety Features:

  • 3-position base
  • Push-on LATCH connectors
  • Air Protect® technology
  • Harness holder clips
  • ClipQuik auto magnetic chest clip

The Maxi-Cosi Pria 85 is on the pricy side of convertible car seats. It has great side impact protection and simple to use. If you are looking for a car seat that will last you awhile, the Pria 85 might be the right choice for you.

Click Here for Best Price
Read Our Maxi-Cosi Pria 85 Review

Peg Perego

The Peg Perego brand began in 1949 by providing parents with cheaper options for carriages and strollers. The Italian baby brand has gone on to expand its presence in the marketplace and the world.


Peg Perego products are unique in how they are made. The brand is about innovation and making the best quality juvenile products they can. It often comes at a higher price, but for some parents, it is worth it for the premium features and exciting extras.


The Italian-based baby brand continues to expand throughout the United States and Canada. It seems they measure up to American brands.

  • 2020 – Best Car Seat Hub (Peg Perego Viaggio 4-35)
  • 2020 – SafeWise Luxury Pick (Peg Perego Primo)
  • 2019 – Baby Gear Lab Editors’ Choice Award (Peg Perego Primo Viaggio 4-35)

It seems the Peg Perego has a premium model that excites parents and reviewers. Let’s see what all of the hype is about.

Peg Perego Primo Viaggio 4-35

Primo Viaggio 4/35, Atmosphere

Peg Perego creates and produces premium-seats at a premium price. The Primo Viaggio 4-35 has impressive crash test results, and they go the extra mile for extra protection. The rear-facing infant car seat has an anti-rebound bar at the foot of the base.


The Primo Viaggio 4-35 is pretty easy to install and use. The LATCH system makes it easy to secure your little person and their seat. The harness is trouble-free when you need to tighten or loosen the strap. Even the handle has a parent-friendly button to rotate it to your preferred position.

Additional Safety Features:

  • Energy-absorbing EPS foam
  • Side Impact Protection
  • Right Tight System
  • 5-point adjustable harness
  • Dual Stage Cushion System

The Peg Perego Primo Viaggio 4-35 is a premium convertible car seat at a premium price. Not every family will be able to afford the Primo Viaggio 4-35, but if it is in your budget range, it is a good car seat.

Click Here for Best Price
Read Our Peg Perego Primo Viaggio 4-35 Review

Peg Perego Viaggio Shuttle 120

Peg Perego Viaggio Shuttle, Crystal Black

We, as parents, worry about our growing kiddos when it is time to transition into a backless booster car seat. The Peg Perego Viaggio Shuttle 120 exceeds safety standards. It has the additions of energy-absorbing foam and side wings that improve their overall ratings.


The LATCH system makes car seat installation easier. The Peg Perego Viaggio Shuttle 120’s rigid system helps you secure your little one safely and simply. Making adjustments are just as straightforward with a smooth shoulder clip and its five different recline positions.

Additional Safety Features:

  • Rigid LATCH system
  • Blind lock attaching system
  • Energy-absorbing foam
  • Adjustable shoulder clip
  • 5-position recline

The Peg Perego Viaggio Shuttle 120 is on-brand. It is a sleek, stylish, and safe booster seat. Families with a bit of budget wiggle room might benefit from the Shuttle 120 useful design.

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Safety 1st 

Michael Lerner founded Safety 1st in 1984 to specifically find solutions to parents’ struggles with safe baby products, especially while traveling. In 2000, they merged with the Dorel Group, and they continue to help families in both North America and Europe today.


Every car seat brand addresses different parent-related pain points. Safety 1st is all about innovation and quality without forgetting parents and convenience. Their commitment is to find smart solutions to everyday problems.


Safety 1st shows up in a lot of reviews, roundups, and ‘best of’ lists.  

  • 2020 - Healthline Best User-Friendly Convertible Car Seat (Safety 1st Grow and Go 3-in-1)
  • 2020 – The Bump Best Affordable Car Seat (Safety 1st Guide 65 Sport Convertible Car Seat)
  • 2020 – The Safety Restraint Coalition Editor’s Choice (Safety 1st Grow and Go 3-in-1)

It seems there is a bit of hype about the Safety 1st Grow and Go 3-in-1. We are going to take a closer peek at it and another Safety 1st model that might be the one for you.

Safety 1st Grow and Go 3-in-1

Safety 1st Grow and Go 3-in-1 Car Seat, Blue Coral

Safety 1st is all about providing safety at a reasonable cost. The Safety 1st Grow and Go 3-in-1 is a good example of a trusted convertible car seat. It scores a little above average on its crash tests. It won the IIHS “Good Bet” for booster mode.


Safety 1st’s parent-friendly promise comes through with the Safety 1st Grow and Go 3-in-1 convertible car seat. The Grow and Go 3-in-1 has a no-rethread harness that makes adjustments easy breezy. The crotch strap is trouble-free to adjust, too.

Additional Safety Features:

  • 3-crotch strap positions
  • No-rethread harness
  • 5-height positions
  • Versatile harness holders
  • Recline angles

The Safety 1st Grow and Go 3-in-1 Convertible car seat works within most parents’ budget. It is a long-lasting seat that will see your child grow and transition into various car seat modes.

Click Here for Best Price
Read Our Safety 1st Grow & GO Review

Safety 1st Boost Air

Booster seats are a stressful transition. The Safety 1st Boost Air is a highback to backless booster that exceeds safety standards. It has Air Protect Advanced side impact protection and side-impact wings.


The Safety 1st Boost Air requires a headrest, but other than that hiccup, the ease of use and installation is on-brand. The adjustment options are ideal, which helps secure a fantastic belt fit.

Additional Safety Features:

  • Pivoting and padded armrests
  • Air Protect Advanced side impact protection
  • Multi-position adjustable headrest
  • Impressive weight and height limits
  • Highback to backless

The Boost Air booster car seat is pretty barebones, but it comes at a price that makes it a good buy. It is a great solution for booster seats and will keep your toddler safe and sound.

Click Here for Best Price

What to Look for in a Safe Car Seat

Some child car seats have the bells and whistles you might want, and others have only the things you might need. It is somewhat about knowing which is what and finding the child restraint that best fits you and your child’s lifestyle.

  • Safety – Every child car seat has to meet certain government safety guidelines and standards.  Almost every brand adds features like anti-rebound technology and EPP energy-absorbing foam. Find the right combination that you feel comfortable with.
  • Ease of Installation – How good would a child car seat be if you could never get it into a vehicle? You will likely want a child restraint that works with both a LATCH-like system and your car seat belt.  You want the most trouble-free installation possible without risking human error.
  • Ease of Use – You know your own patience levels. You do not want to pick out a car seat that is more trouble than it is worth. Reviews are a good way to gauge the difficulty level for every seat.
  • Fit-to-Car – You sort of need to know what size works best with your means of transportation. Every seat has a unique shape.
  • Weight Limits – Parents with preemies and smaller babies sometimes have difficulty finding a safe infant car seat. The same can be said about parents with larger-than-average kids. Check the labeling and find the right range for you.
  • Fabric – Style is only one aspect of fabric choices. You want it to be soft against your little person and easy to watch if there is a messy accident.
  • Extras – Some car seats are basic. Others add extra padding, high-quality materials, and various safety features. You should know what you are specifically looking for when finding the right investment.

Wrapping It Up

The marketplace is full of car seats of every shape and size. But, kids come much the same. It is about finding the right fit for you and your precious cargo.  Part of that fit is reducing stress and worry when traveling.


It is not easy to narrow down choices, but we hope we helped.  We wish your little person a safe ride, and we hope you come along with us, again, as we traverse the huge world of child restraints and car seats.

Sources:

  1. 1
    History & Heritage
  2. 2
    Awards - Britax
  3. 3
    Britax Endeavours Review - BabyGearLab
  4. 4
    Britax B-Safe Ultra - BabyGearLab
  5. 5
    About Our Brand | ChiccoUSA
  6. 6
    The Best Infant Car Seat for 2020 | Reviews by Wirecutter
  7. 7
    Chicco KeyFit 30 Review
  8. 8
    Meet Chris Lumley, Founder of Clek
  9. 9
    Clek Liing Car Seat Review | Experienced Mommy Review
  10. 10
    Clek Fllo Review
  11. 11
    Cosco Kids
  12. 12
    Cosco Rise Review
  13. 13
    Rise Booster Car Seat
  14. 14
    Diono
  15. 15
    DIONO RADIAN 5 – A TODDLER’S POINT OF VIEW
  16. 16
    Evenflo Tribute LX Review
  17. 17
    Evenflo SureRide Convertible Car Seat Review (2020): Affordable & Great for Travel
  18. 18
    About Us | Graco Baby
  19. 19
    Graco Extend2Fit Review
  20. 20
    Graco 4Ever DLX Review
  21. 21
    The Story Behind Maxi-Cosi
  22. 22
    Maxi-Cosi Max plus Review
  23. 23
    Maxi-Cosi® Mico Max Plus Infant Car Seat
  24. 24
    Maxi-Cosi Pria 85 Convertible Review – Safety, Comfort & Style
  25. 25
    Our History | Peg Perego International
  26. 26
    Peg Perego Primo Viaggio 4-35 Review
  27. 27
    Peg Perego Viaggio Shuttle 120 Review
  28. 28
    Safety 1st

Safest Infant Car Seat (2021): Safety Ratings & Crash Test Results for 15 Best Infant Car Seats

What to Do with Old Car Seats? Car Seat Recycling and Donation in all 50 US States

Best Convertible Car Seat for Small Cars (2021): The Top Model for Every Need

WIC Free Car Seat Program: What It Is & Tips to Get a Free Car Seat

Safest Convertible Car Seat (2021): 30 Best Convertible Car Seats (with Safety Ratings)

Free Car Seats in All 50 US States (2021): The Ultimate Guide

Sam Webster

With two kids of my own, I’m passionate about child safety! I’m a research nerd who’s on a mission to make the world a safer place for kids – starting with car seats!

To contact me directly please click here.

Filed Under: Blog

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Hey! I’m Sam, mom of Sadie and Xavier.

When I started searching for a convertible car seat I was overwhelmed by the choices out there.

But being a research nerd, I relished the challenge of finding the best seat for my needs. And in the process, I gathered a ton of info!

Read More About Me

SafeConvertibleCarSeats is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

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