Droolicious Shopping Guide: Graco Car Seats

Graco’s new My Ride 65 ($149.99) is the answer to a lot of safety questions. We took the new seat for a serious road trip (more than 500 miles in total) and we thrilled.  As you’d expect, the seat is loaded with safety features (5-pt. harness, LATCH, EPS foam, etc.), but we are sold on the extras, such as the comfy newborn insert. This bit of padding slips in and out of the seat facilitating a snug ride for baby easy clean up for mom and dad.

The seat is a snap to adjust and install–we pulled it in and out of the car at least five times and had no issues.  A side level display makes it crystal clear if you’ve got the seat positioned correctly.  And let’s not forget about looks, this new seat comes in nine prints and colors. Available this summer at Babies “R” Us and Wal-Mart.

Pro: Easy to install and accommodates new safety standard (rear facing through age two/40 lbs.).
Con: Wide (21″) due to two drink holders.
Best For: Newborns to 65 pounds (holds baby rear facing longer than any other US car seat).

SnugRide32: Top-rated infant seat for babes 5-32 pounds. ($169.99 and up)

Pro: The 17 lb. seat is easy to snap into base and most Graco strollers.
Con: Large and long babies will outgrow this before the first year.
Best For: Newborns to six months.

ComfortSport Car Seat: Works from birth through the first year. ($99.99 and up)

Pro: Can be used rear facing until 30 pounds then converts to forward facing.
Con: Only holds toddlers up to 40 pounds.
Best For: Travel–this 20″ seat has been approve for airplane use and weighs only 12 lbs.

Nautilus 3-in-1 Booster: 26 lbs, forward -facing car seat converts to backless booster. ($179.99 and up)

Pro: Harness hold up to 65 lbs, in booster mode holds up to 100 pounds of kid.
Con: Parents complain about the position of the crotch strap on the harness (too close to seat ).
Best For: Long term investment in car safety.

Turbobooster Safe Seat: Toddler forward facing seat converts to backless booster. ($49.99 and up)

Pro: Lighter (9 lbs) and easy to install (only 16.5″ wide).
Con: No harness system, works with your car’s seat belt.
Best For: “Big kids” 3-10 years old and 30-100 lbs.

Check out the installation videos on YouTube