Infant car seats are to be used from birth to around 22 lbs, and the single most important aspect of a infant car seat for me is how well it performs under crash tests. But the problem is the best infant car seat might not fit in the best stroller, so if you decide to buy infant car seat and stroller separately, make sure to check if they are compatible, don't trust what they say, try yourself, the other great option is to buy a Snap and Go, whick compatible with most infant car seats.
Graco SnugRide ($80 - $140)
Pros:Great safety record, EPS padding for extra protection, LATCH compatible, according to Washington Post, it is one of the only two seats that passed all the safety tests
Cons: The seat also seems smaller than a lot of other car seats. The handle is stiff and you need two hands to adjust it. The fabric does not breathe at all which make your baby sweat in a hot summer day
Baby Trend Flex-Loc ($90)
Pros:The other one of the only two seats that passed all the safety tests, so it is safe! The unusual triangular handle makes parents either love it or hate it, I personally think it is fine for me. Come with adjustable crotch strap which is missing from Graco SnugRide
Cons: Heavy,The unusual triangular handle,The straps are too short, Not comfortable enough
Britax Companion ($180 - $200)
Pros:Anti-rebound bar, Great for a tall baby, The quality and great brand.
Cons: Pricy, Heavy, The clasp is harder to use,adjusting the handle is difficult,The little head TSIP (which is so called true side impace protection) piece is really easy to fall down
Combi Connection ($150 -$190)
Pros: Higher weight and height capacity, Very well padded and washable cover. I love the shorter handle, Light
Cons: Kind of pricy, The base recline foot does not rest well on all cars, It's very difficult to use seat belt with the base if you don't have LATCH system, The canopy isn't very sturdy, Somehow I could not figure out how to fit it into the shopping cart top area. Instruction manual is pathetic unorganized!
Peg-Perego Primo Viaggio ($200 - $300)
Pros:Very sturdy, durable and handsome looking car seat. Easy to install in any vehicle, only one to fit with our P3?!
Cons:Tooooooo expensive, Heavy,No head support, The straps don't seem to go well above baby's shoulders
