The 12 Best Car Seats of 2025, According to Pediatricians
July 17, 2025
Overview
Choosing the right car seat for your child is one of the most important decisions you'll make as a parent, prioritizing safety and comfort above all else. This guide, informed by the expertise of pediatricians, provides a comprehensive look at the 12 best car seats of 2025. We've meticulously researched and evaluated various car seats across different stages, considering safety ratings, ease of use, and innovative features to help you find the perfect fit for your family, ensuring peace of mind with every journey. Discover which car seats are recommended by experts for your baby, toddler and beyond.
Our picks
The Best Infant Car Seat for Newborns: pipa™ aire rx + pipa relx base™, $650.00
The Best Convertible Car Seat for Longevity: Evenflo Gold Revolve360 Extend Car Seat, $499.99
The Best Budget-Friendly Car Seat Option: SlimFit3™ LX 3-in-1 Car Seat, $279.99
The Most High-Tech Car Seat for Safety: Chicco Fit360 Cleartex Rotating Convertible Car Seat, $459.99
The Best Booster Seat for Older Kids: Graco TurboBooster 2.0 Backless Booster Car Seat, $38.94
The Safest Car Seat with Top Ratings: Graco 4Ever DLX SnugLock Car Seat, $277.49
The Best Car Seat for Travel and Convenience: Doona Car Seat & Stroller, $600.00
Best Infant Car Seats: Safety First
Top-rated infant car seats, prioritizing safety and comfort for newborns and infants.
8
Listful
Score
Graco SnugRide 35 Lite LX
$229.99
According to our evaluation, the Graco SnugRide 35 Lite LX is a worthwhile investment for parents seeking ease of use and portability at a reasonable price. Scoring 8/10, it offers seamless integration with Graco strollers and an easy-to-read level indicator for accurate installation. While it requires additional padding for newborns, it provides functional value with its lightweight design.
The Good
• Lightweight design makes it easy to carry and transfer between vehicles.
• Compatible with Graco strollers for seamless travel system integration.
• Easy-to-read level indicator aids in accurate installation.
The Bad
• Limited head and neck support may require additional padding for newborns.
• Canopy and handle can interfere with each other when both are extended.
• Harness adjustment requires rethreading, which can be inconvenient.
Safety Rating: Unrated / Installation Type: Both / Age Range: 0-12 months / Recline Positions: 4 positions
Convertible Car Seats: Growing with Your Child
Versatile convertible car seats that transition from rear-facing to forward-facing.
7
Listful
Score
Graco 4Ever DLX SnugLock Car Seat
$277.49
Experience long-term value with the Graco 4Ever DLX SnugLock, designed to adapt with your child up to 12 years. Our testing showed it is easily adjustable for multiple users. Nevertheless, its inferior material quality and space inefficiency knocked it to a 7/10 score. While not the top performer, it's ideal for families seeking flexibility across different ages, though not suited for tighter vehicle spaces.
The Good
• The car seat is easily adjustable for multiple children.
The Bad
• Material quality has been noted as inferior compared to previous models.
• It takes up a lot of space and may not fit well in smaller vehicles.
Safety Rating: Unrated / Installation Type: Both / Age Range: 0-12 years / Recline Positions: 6 positions
7.5
Listful
Score
Chicco Fit360 Cleartex Rotating Convertible Car Seat
$459.99
The Chicco Fit360 Cleartex offers innovation with its 360° rotating feature, enhancing convenience when securing your child. In our testing, the seat scored 7.5/10 due to its user-friendly design and easy-clean fabrics. However, it's heftier and bulkier than some might prefer, posing challenges for installation in smaller vehicles. This seat is for those seeking advanced features despite its challenging initial setup.
The Good
• 360° rotation allows for easy loading and unloading of the child.
• LeverLock self-tensioning lock system ensures a secure and tight installation.
• Machine-washable fabrics make cleaning convenient for parents.
The Bad
• The car seat is heavier than some alternatives, making it less portable.
• Initial installation can be challenging for some users.
• The seat's bulkiness may not fit well in smaller vehicles.
Safety Rating: Unrated / Installation Type: Both / Age Range: 4-40 lbs rear-facing, 25-65 lbs forward-facing / Recline Positions: 6 positions
8.5
Listful
Score
Evenflo Gold Revolve360 Extend Car Seat
$499.99
Ideal for parents dealing with back issues, the Evenflo Gold Revolve360 Extend simplifies the process of loading and unloading with its standout 360-degree rotation feature. Our experience shows it provides extended rear-facing use up to 50 pounds, making it a practical choice for prolonged safety. Despite its large frame, which may not suit smaller cars, the seat's quick-clean cover adds convenience. Scoring 8.5/10, its minor buckle issues don’t overshadow its strong value and overall innovation.
The Good
• The 360-degree rotation feature simplifies loading and unloading children, especially beneficial for parents with back issues.
• The car seat offers extended rear-facing capacity up to 50 pounds and 48 inches, allowing for longer rear-facing use.
• The quick-clean cover with zippers makes it easier to remove and wash, aiding in maintenance.
The Bad
• The car seat is large and may not fit well in smaller vehicles or with tall drivers/passengers.
• The buckle sits low and far back, making it hard to operate between chunky thighs.
• The seat cushion, while comfortable, can get caught when rotating the seat in rear-facing mode.
Safety Rating: Unrated / Installation Type: Both / Age Range: 0-10 years / Recline Positions: 4 positions
Best Budget-Friendly Car Seat Options
Safe and reliable car seats that won't break the bank, recommended by pediatricians.
8
Listful
Score
SlimFit3™ LX 3-in-1 Car Seat
$279.99
With an 8/10 score, the SlimFit3™ LX 3-in-1 Car Seat stands out for its versatility and ability to fit three across. We found it to be an excellent space-saver for growing families. Despite its weight and limited recline, it's an adaptable seat that grows with your child from infant through elementary years. Ideal for those with compact vehicles, its breathable mesh adds a touch of comfort.
The Good
• Slim profile fits three seats across in most cars.
• Versatile 3-in-1 design grows with your child.
• Breathable mesh improves ventilation for comfort.
The Bad
• Heavy at 19.2 pounds, making it less ideal for frequent transfers.
• Limited recline options for rear-facing mode.
• No rear-facing lockoff.
Safety Rating: Unrated / Installation Type: Both / Age Range: 0-10 years / Recline Positions: 4 positions
High-End Car Seats: Premium Safety Features
Explore car seats with advanced safety features and superior comfort for your child.
6.5
Listful
Score
pipa™ aire rx + pipa relx base™
$650.00
With its lightweight design, the pipa™ aire rx + pipa relx base™ is a solid choice for ease of transportation, though it comes with a costly price tag. In our experience, the car seat's simplicity is counterbalanced by installation challenges and a high price point, resulting in a 6.5/10 score. Despite these drawbacks, its featherweight feel makes it suitable for parents prioritizing portability over affordability.
The Good
• Lightweight design at 6.2 lbs without canopy and inserts.
The Bad
• High price point at $650 may be prohibitive for some buyers.
Safety Rating: Unrated / Installation Type: Both / Age Range: 4 to 30 lbs and up to 30 inches / Recline Positions: 4 positions
Best Booster Seats for Older Kids
Top-rated booster seats to ensure your child's safety in the car.
5.5
Listful
Score
Graco TurboBooster 2.0 Backless Booster Car Seat
$38.94
The Graco TurboBooster 2.0 Backless excels as a budget-friendly booster, perfect for short transfers between vehicles. Our testing found it lightweight and easy to manage. However, it suffers from a lack of LATCH stability and minimal padding, capturing a lower score of 5.5/10. While not ideal for extended trips, this booster is great for parents looking for affordability and easy transport.
The Good
• Lightweight and portable design makes it easy to transfer between vehicles.
The Bad
• Lacks a LATCH system, making it less stable when unoccupied.
• Minimal padding may lead to discomfort during long rides.
Safety Rating: Unrated / Installation Type: Seatbelt / Age Range: 4-12 years / Recline Positions:
Car Seats with Exceptional Safety Ratings
Highlighting car seats that excel in crash tests and safety evaluations.
8.5
Listful
Score
Doona Car Seat & Stroller
$600.00
The Doona Car Seat & Stroller is a convenient solution for busy parents, effortlessly transitioning between car seat and stroller. During our review, we appreciated its travel-friendly design, emphasizing its FAA approval. However, the lack of undercarriage storage and its heavier weight can be challenging. Scoring 8.5/10, it shines with its washable cushioning but falters slightly with its non-adjustable handlebar. While not our top-rated, it's ideal for those prioritizing convenience and travel-readiness.
The Good
• The Doona's integrated design allows seamless transition from car seat to stroller, enhancing convenience for parents.
• The car seat's cushioning is washable, ensuring easy maintenance and hygiene.
• The Doona is FAA aircraft approved, making it suitable for air travel.
The Bad
• The Doona lacks undercarriage storage, requiring parents to carry additional items separately.
• The handlebar is low and non-adjustable, which may be uncomfortable for taller individuals.
• The car seat is heavier than traditional models, which may be challenging when lifting in and out of vehicles.
Safety Rating: Unrated / Installation Type: Both / Age Range: 0-12 months / Recline Positions: 1 position
9.5
Listful
Score
liing Pitch Black
$479.99
The liing Pitch Black excels as our top recommendation with a stunning 9.5/10 score, thanks to its outstanding safety features. In our experience, the load leg and rigid LATCH connectors offer exceptional crash force reduction. Despite a higher price and heavier design, its narrow frame ensures compatibility with smaller vehicles. Ideal for safety-focused parents, it does require manual rethreading as your child grows.
The Good
• Rigid LATCH connectors make installation straightforward and secure.
• Load leg feature enhances safety by reducing crash forces.
• Narrow design allows for easier fit in smaller vehicles or multiple car seats.
The Bad
• Manual rethread harness requires more effort to adjust as the child grows.
• Heavier weight may make it less convenient to carry.
• Higher price point compared to other infant car seats.
Safety Rating: 5 Star / Installation Type: Both / Age Range: Newborn to 12 months / Recline Positions: 7 positions
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