10 Latest and Greatest Car Seats of 2015

Car Seat Giveaway Seats ・ Photo by Marianne Merawi

It’s been a big year in the car seat world! Several manufacturers have introduced new or updated models that fulfill needs or wants that many parents have had for a long time when it comes to child restraints. If you’re in the market for a seat for your child, here are 10 of the latest seats to check out.

A word about prices: the amount shown for each seat is the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP). These models may be available for significantly less elsewhere, so if you’re on a budget, definitely shop around, both online and in store.

Maxi-Cosi Mico Max 30

Maxi-Cosi Mico Max 30 - MSRP: $250

This year, Maxi-Cosi released the latest version of their very popular Mico infant seat. The Mico Max 30 offers a comfortable, lightweight option for new parents.

I did find the base of the Mico Max quite difficult to install, mostly due to its low profile, which made tightening the seat belt or LATCH strap tricky. The base features an anti-rebound bar, which most seats in the U.S. do not offer. It isn’t the most comfortable handle to carry, but it’s significantly lighter than other infant seats, and that is a big plus—once you put a baby in those carriers, they get heavy very fast!

A cool feature of the Mico Max is that you can choose different colors for the shell, cover, and infant inserts. If you just can’t find a seat with a color combination you really love, it’s definitely worth a look.

Pros: Very lightweight Plush padding Temperature-controlling fabric Fits newborns well Colors of shell and fabric can be customized Base includes anti-rebound bar intended to improve safety

Cons: Handle is uncomfortable and slippery to carry Base can be difficult to install Relatively expensive

Bottom line: This seat may not work for everyone, but it has truly unique features that could very well make it exactly what you’re looking for.

Photo by Chris Chavira

Cosco Scenera NEXT

Cosco Scenera NEXT - MSRP: $45

For years, the original Cosco Scenera has been the go-to, affordable convertible seat for parents on a budget. In 2014, Cosco introduced an updated version of the seat, the Scenera NEXT, and it has quickly become a top pick for those looking for an inexpensive, lightweight, and compact car seat. With rear-facing limits of 40 pounds and 40 inches, it should accommodate almost any child to age 2, and the average child to age 4. While it is low-priced, it doesn't compromise on safety. All car seats in the United States pass the same strict pass/fail crash tests, and no one seat is proven safer than any other.

Pros: Very low price Fits small newborns Rear-faces to 40 pounds or 40 inches, the size of an average four-year-old Very lightweight and portable; ideal for travel Can be installed very upright for babies who can sit unassisted, making it quite compact for rear-facing in small vehicles Available in numerous colors and prints Soft, smooth fabric; updated, sleek look Made in the USA Cons: Not very padded Does not include strap covers or infant inserts You child can outgrow forward-facing by the time it is has outgrown rear-facing  Short crotch strap (longer one is available from the manufacturer upon request) Bottom line: If you need an affordable seat—for travel, for temporary use, or just because you’re on a tight budget but still need to keep your child safe and comfortable—look no further. This is the one for you!

Photo by Chris Chavira

Cosco Apt 50

Cosco Apt 50 - MSRP: $60

Cosco’s first version of the Apt, known as the Apt 40RF, has been around for a few years now. In 2014, they released an updated version of this popular model. As the name suggests, the Apt 50 has a forward-facing weight limit of 50 pounds. It is the least expensive car seat available with a 50-pound limit. It also boasts high rear-facing limits of 40 pounds or 40 inches, and should fit even small newborns very well. The main drawbacks of this seat are that it is quite wide, and the position of the cup holders (which, incidentally, are what makes it so wide) can make it difficult to install with a seat belt. Overall, though, this seat seems pretty comfortable and straightforward to use.

Pros: Low price Fits small newborns Rear-faces to 40 pounds or 40 inches, the size of an average four-year-old Least expensive seat available that forward-faces to 50 pounds Very lightweight and portable Compact for babies over 22 pounds; fits well in small vehicles Soft, smooth fabric; updated, sleek look Made in the USA

Cons: Low-density padding Does not include strap covers or infant inserts Not long-lasting forward-facing by height Very wide; may not fit well side-by-side with other car seats Can be difficult to install rear-facing with seat belt Bottom line: Lightweight, compact, and inexpensive, the Apt 50 should make a sufficient, inexpensive seat for many children.

Photo by Chris Chavira

Safety 1st Grow and Go

Safety 1st Grow and Go - MSRP: $170

The concept of an “all-in-one” seat that can convert from rear-facing, to forward-facing, and then to a booster, is very appealing to many parents who don’t want to buy a new car seat every couple of years. Until very recently, attempts at all-in-one seats that were truly functional and fit various sizes of children well in all modes…well, they weren’t too successful. They all fell short in at least one major way.

Fortunately, Safety 1st is endeavoring to change that! The new Grow and Go, introduced in the spring of 2015, is one of the first all-in-one seats that really can take the average child all the way from birth to age 8.  While Graco also has two all-in-ones that work well in all modes, the Grow and Go is available at a significantly lower price point, making it more affordable to the average family.

Pros: Fits small newborns very well Rear-faces to 40 pounds or 40 inches, the size of an average four-year-old Good belt fit in booster mode No-rethread harness (with the exception of the lowest newborn slots) makes it easy to raise and lower the straps Includes infant inserts Affordable price for an all-in-one

Cons: Difficult to rethread harness for newborn mode Shorter shell and lower rear-facing height limit than other similarly priced convertible seats Not as sleek and modern-looking as other seats currently on the market Eight-year expiration means you’ll definitely need a backless booster once this expires, and maybe a high-back booster also; it’s not “the only seat you’ll ever need” Bottom line: If you want a reasonably-priced seat that will accommodate small or average-sized children from birth to booster age, the Grow and Go may be just what you’re looking for. It won’t be the only seat you’ll ever need, but it should get you pretty close!

Photo by Chris Chavira

Safety 1st Advance EX 65 Air+

Safety 1st Advance EX 65 Air+ - MSRP: $190

As I mentioned earlier, it is scientifically proven that children are safest when the seat is rear-facing for as long as possible; age 2 is considered the minimum, and ideally they should remain rear-facing until age 4. However, most rear-facing seats max out at 40 pounds; that's more than enough to get most kids to two, three, or even four, but not those on the very high end of the growth charts. The exceptions to that--seats that have limits as high as 45 or 50 pounds--have always been very expensive (think $300+)...until now.

This past spring, Safety 1st introduced the Advance EX, the first moderately-priced seat to offer a rear-facing limit of 50 pounds. Finally, parents of above-average-sized children have a reasonably affordable option for extended rear-facing. While like any product, this seat has its disadvantages, it is truly a game-changer for moms and dads who want the absolute maximum safety for their children.

Pros: Can be used to 50 pounds or 49 inches (whichever comes first) rear-facing--roughly the size of an average seven-year-old. Affordable price given the high rear-facing limits. No-rethread harness makes it easy to raise and lower the straps. Built-in cup holder. Well-padded; seems comfortable; includes infant insert. Multiple recline settings make it easy to achieve the appropriate angle.

Cons: Large in size, heavy and bulky; may not fit in compact or mid-sized vehicles. High sides - must lift child in and out. Unlikely to fit average-sized newborns. Does not include strap covers. Bottom line: The Advance EX, while large, is at this time the longest-lasting rear-facing seat on the market. For an above-average-sized child whose parents recognize the importance of extended rear-facing for maximum safety, it’s a reasonably-priced option that could be literally a life-saver.

Photo by Chris Chavira

Maxi-Cosi Pria 85

Maxi-Cosi Pria 85 - MSRP: $300

Maxi-Cosi seats are popular in Europe, and parent company Dorel has introduced a few to the US market in recent years as well. Their sleek, stylish seats have also done well here in the States, and the Pria 85—a new version of their first convertible, the Pria 70—is no exception.  Its thick padding seems very comfortable, and it has a sliding headrest and adjustable recline for an easier install.  It is relatively compact front-to-back and likely to fit well in most vehicles.  Along with most of the other seats by Dorel, it is made in the USA, whereas most other brands of child restraints are manufactured in China. While it isn’t the longest-lasting seat on the market as far as fitting larger and taller children, it is a good choice for parents who want a quality car seat that is safe, comfortable, and easy on the eyes.

Pros: No-rethread harness makes straps easy to adjust Will accommodate the average child to age 4 rear-facing (American Academy of Pediatrics and NHTSA recommend rear-facing to at least age 2 and as close to age 4 as possible) Adjustable headrest makes seat more compact for smaller children and then can extend as they grow Cover is easy to remove and machine washable Comfortable fabric and stylish design Strap covers to prevent straps from irritating child's neck Built-in cup holder Made in the USA Cons: Harness can be stiff, difficult to tighten and adjust Has a very high lowest harness position, and thus will not fit newborns or most young infants High sides can make it hard to get child in and out of seat Relatively wide and heavy Premium price Despite recline options, may need pool noodles or rolled towels to achieve appropriate angle

Photo by Chris Chavira

Diono Rainier

Diono Rainier - MSRP: $380

The latest line of Diono convertible car seats includes three different models (the Olympia, Pacifica, and Rainier) that share some very useful features.  They are narrow at the base, which makes them easier than most car seats to fit 3-across, even if you don’t drive a tank. The Diono seats are also low-profile; the lower sides facilitate easy loading and unloading of the child, and they are particularly handy in two-door cars where space to maneuver a baby up and over the side is limited.  All Diono convertible seats also fold flat and can be carried backpack-style or with a shoulder strap, making them a great choice for travel (that is, if you’re pretty strong—the Rainier, which I tested for this review, weighs close to 30 pounds).

The Rainier includes memory foam padding, adjustable head wings for extra side-impact protection, an infant insert, and a cup holder.  Parents of heavier children will be attracted by the 50-pound rear-facing weight limit, 10 pounds higher than the vast majority of other convertibles.  On the downside, some people—myself included—find the ratcheting harness-adjusting mechanism difficult to tighten adequately.  Overall though, if you can afford the rather hefty price tag, the Rainier is a sturdy, long-lasting seat that should provide years of safety and comfort for your child.

Pros: Very narrow base – can fit 3 across in many mid-size cars Plush and comfortable Sleek, neoprene-like fabric Low sides make it easy to get child in and out of the seat With angle adjuster (sold separately and for use with babies who can sit unassisted and have good head control) is compact enough to fit rear-facing in almost any car High height and weight limits for both rear- and forward-facing (American Academy of Pediatrics and NHTSA recommend rear-facing to at least age 2 and as close to age 4 as possible) Folds up for travel Will fit average- to above-average-size newborns

Cons: Very expensive Ratcheting harness mechanism is difficult to operate Low rear-facing belt path can make installation tricky Difficult to attach cup holder Not useful as a booster—the booster mode is outgrown at the same height as the five-point harness Heavy

Photo by Chris Chavira

Graco Size4Me 65

Graco Size4Me 65 - MSRP:  $180-200

You’ve surely heard of clones, but did you know that there were car seats referred to as “the Graco Clones”? That’s the shorthand often used when talking about four Graco convertible car seats. For the most part, the Size4Me 65, Fit4Me 65, MySize 65, and Head Wise 65 are very similar, with some minor differences (the main one being that the Head Wise has additional “Safety Surround” impact protection around the head area). And as you’ll see, all of them offer a fantastic seat for a reasonable price. 

With high weight and height limits and numerous user-friendly features, a Size4Me can keep your child (if average-sized or smaller) safe and comfortable from infancy all the way to age 5 or 6, when most children will be ready to transition from the forward-facing five-point harness to a booster seat. 

Pros: Very tall shell allows extended rear-facing; will fit any child to 40 pounds rear-facing regardless of height Fits average-sized newborns up through the size of a typical 6-year-old Push-on LATCH connectors for easy installation Compact front-to-back for rear-facing in small vehicles Three recline positions No-rethread harness makes it easy to raise and lower the straps Includes strap covers and infant head and body inserts Built-in cup holder Easy-to-read ball level indicator Newer models include buckle pockets to hold the harness out of the way Affordable price; excellent value given the premium features

Cons: Harness can be very difficult to tighten Offers only one rear-facing recline setting, which may make it difficult to angle properly in some vehicles Bottom line: if you’re in the market for a convertible seat, it’s hard to go wrong with the Graco Size4Me (or its “clones”).  Check them out!

Graco 4Ever

Graco 4Ever - MSRP: $300

For years, parents have wished for one car seat that could last from birth until their child was ready for the adult seat belt. Previous attempts at this concept have fallen very short for various reasons.

Not anymore! Graco kind of made “car seat history” in 2014 with the introduction of the 4Ever. This 4-in-1 car seat can convert from rear-facing, to forward-facing, to high-back booster, and then to backless booster, as your child grows. With a ten-year expiration period, it may not quite be the only seat your child will EVER need, but it will get you pretty close. Most children require at least a backless booster until age 10-12, but they are very inexpensive (not to mention that when you buy this, that expense is a good 10 years away).

Pros: Four seats in one – rear-facing, forward-facing, high-back booster, backless booster Very tall shell allows extended rear-facing; will fit any child to 40 pounds rear-facing regardless of height Fits newborns up through pre-teen age, depending on the mode used Push-on LATCH connectors for easy installation Very compact front-to-back for rear-facing in small vehicles Six recline positions No-rethread harness makes it easy to raise and lower the straps Includes strap covers and infant head and body inserts Two built-in cup holders Easy-to-read bubble level indicator Ten-year lifespan from date of manufacture

Cons: Expensive Wider than some seats; may not fit well side-by-side with other car seats

Bottom line: If you can afford the (rather steep, for a car seat) up-front cost, the 4Ever is an excellent choice. Very highly recommended for children who are still rear-facing, either after the infant seat, or in place of one. 

Graco Contender 65

Graco Contender 65

MSRP:  $140

Did you know that car seat safety experts now recommend that children ride rear-facing until age 2 at the minimum, and as close to age 4 as possible? As recently as five years ago, extended rear-facing was simply not an affordable option for many families with larger than average children. Today, however, seats such as the Graco Contender 65, released in 2014, allow any child to rear-face to 40 pounds (the weight of an average four-year-old) regardless of height. 

The Contender is essentially a more basic version of the very popular Graco Size4Me. With its high weight and height limits and user-friendly features, the Contender can keep your child safe and comfortable from infancy all the way to age 5 or 6, when most children will be ready to transition from the forward-facing five-point harness to a booster seat.

Pros: Very tall shell allows extended rear-facing; will fit any child to 40 pounds rear-facing regardless of height Fits average-sized newborns up through the size of a typical 6-year-old Compact front-to-back for rear-facing in small vehicles No-rethread harness makes it easy to raise and lower the straps Includes infant insert for bottom of seat Built-in cup holder Easy to read ball level indicator Affordable price

Cons: Harness can be very difficult to tighten Lacks premium LATCH connectors Only two recline positions (one for forward-facing and one for rear-facing) Most versions do not include infant head support or strap covers

Bottom line: The Contender is an incredible value for the price tag. If you want to maximize safety by rear-facing as long as possible, without paying an arm and a leg, it may be exactly what you’re looking for.