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Meta Description: Car wrecks contribute to more child deaths and injuries than anything else in the U.S. To keep children safe, diligent adults purchase car seats. While a variety of manufacturers sell car seats, Safety 1st makes some excellent ones. The best Safety 1st car seat is functional, comfortable, convenient and safe.
Best Car Seat Buyer’s Guide: Best Safety 1st Car Seat
No parent wants to lose a child in an automobile accident. Unfortunately, car wrecks kill more kids in the United States than any other cause. As such, parents must work diligently to keep their children safe every time they hit the road. With the right car seat, you have the peace of mind you need to drive with confidence. Still, not every car seat on the market today is worthy of your investment. That’s where we come in. In this article, we look at Safety 1st, a leading manufacturer of car seats for children. Read on to see which Safety 1st car seat we think is the best of the best.
Safety 1st Car Seat FAQ
Who Is Safety 1st?
Safety 1st is the company responsible for the yellow “Baby on Board” signs that you see in cars around the globe. Since that sign debuted more than three decades ago, the company has become a leader in child safety products. The Safety 1st line of car seats combines safety and comfort to deliver exceptional products to consumers.
What Is a Safety 1st Car Seat?
Safety 1st car seats are restraints that hold children firmly in place inside vehicles. When used properly, these seats help prevent injury and death during automobile accidents. In most cases, Safety 1st seats attach directly to existing seats in your car. These seats come in forward- and rear-facing options. The company also sells a selection of booster seats for older, heavier children.
How Do Safety 1st Car Seats Work?
When installed correctly, Safety 1st car seats restrain infants, toddlers and older children. These seats feature additional restraints and molded bases to hold children in place. Most seats attach to your vehicle using its existing seat belts and anchor points.
Where Can You Buy Safety 1st Car Seats?
Safety 1st car seats are available for purchase online from the company’s website or through third-party online vendors, such as Amazon. You can also buy a Safety 1st car seat from traditional retailers.
How Much Do Safety 1st Car Seats Cost?
Generally, Safety 1st car seats are more expensive than other car seats on the market. Most sell for between $40 and $270. Smaller booster seats are available for less, however. A seat’s safety features, construction, appearance, design and functionality determine its overall cost.
How We Reviewed Safety 1st Car Seats
We want to provide you with information you can use. Therefore, we have put together a comprehensive list of the 10 best Safety 1st car seats. In compiling our rankings, we looked at a few criteria. Specifically, we carefully evaluated each Safety 1st seat with the following factors in mind:
We have compiled a ranking of the 10 best Safety 1st car seats. We have also rated each one of a five-point scale. If you wonder how closely one seat falls to the one before or after it in our estimation, look at the rating. If it is the same, you know we perceived little difference in the Safety 1st car seat before or after it.
In our quest to provide you with honest, reliable information, we didn’t only look through manufacturer specifications and marketing materials. On the contrary, we read over dozens of customer reviews. When an actual user loves or hates a car seat, we tell you about it. Our hope is that you use our rankings, ratings and reviews to make an informed purchase.
Overall Price Range of Safety 1st Car Seats
The most expensive Safety 1st car seats sell for about $230. You can purchase a smaller booster seat for about $30, though. If you opt for a higher-priced seat, you usually get one with the following features:
You must realize, though, that not all Safety 1st car seats are appropriate for all children. As your child grows, you may need to purchase a different car seat. You should check the laws of your state to be certain you comply with them. You should also ask your pediatrician for recommendations about which type of car seat is best for your child.
The Top 10 Best Safety 1st Car Seats: Rankings, Ratings and Reviews
1. The Winner: Safety 1st UltraMax Air 360 4-in-1 Convertible Car Seat
$229.99
5 of 5 stars
The UltraMax Air 360 4-in-1 convertible car seat is about the best car seat available for purchase. This seat keeps young passengers safe using six layers of protection technology. Even better, this convertible seat transitions through all stages of baby, toddler and young child growth. As such, you won’t have to purchase another car seat if you choose the UltraMax Air 360. Simply start with a rear-facing installation before switching to a forward-facing setup. When your child is about ready to ride without a car seat, the booster capabilities of this seat help him or her reach your car’s restraints. Most users love the sturdiness, cleanability, durability and functionality of this product. Some, however, express disappointment with the installation process. Nonetheless, for an all-around great car seat, you probably can’t do better than the Safety 1st UltraMax Air 360 4-in-1 convertible car seat.
2. The Runner-Up: Safety 1st Grow and Go EX Air 3-in-1 Convertible Car Seat
$199.99
5 of 5 stars
The runner-up Safety 1st car seat in our opinion is the Grow and Go EX Air 3-in-1 convertible car seat. This product isn’t quite as complete as the UltraMax Air 360, but it is still a very good child car seat. Choose this offering and get a seat that fits children between 5 and 100 pounds. The rear-facing installation protects infants, while the forward-facing option is ideal for toddlers. As your child ages, you can use the seat as a booster. With a deep seat and comfort pillows, the Grow and Go EX Air provides a cozy riding experience. It also features cup holders to make your trips more convenient. While most customers rave about the cleanability and functionality of this seat, some complain about its large size. Still, this Safety 1st car seat is an exceptional product in our estimation.
3. Safety 1st Advance SE 65 Air+ Convertible Car Seat
$189.99
4.75 of 5 stars
While slightly less expensive than the Grow and Go EX Air, the Advance SE 65 Air+ is an excellent car seat for the first couple stages of child development. This product allows for either forward- or rear-facing installation. Its protective technology keeps your child safe from all angles. Also, an adjustable headrest provides a comfortable ride as your kid grows. This seat does not, however, work as a booster. As such, you should expect to purchase a booster after your child outgrows the Advance SE 65 Air+ seat.
4. Safety 1st Complete Air 65 Convertible Car Seat
$179.99
4.5 of 5 stars
The Complete Air 65 convertible car seat offers front and rear-facing options. It works well for children who weigh between five and 65 pounds. This seat includes a five-point harness, adjustable headrest and cleanable cup holder. It does not, however, work as a booster. Some users find this offering to be excessively large, but most appreciate its safety features and comfortable design.
5. Safety 1st Grow and Go 3-in-1 Convertible Car Seat
$169.99
4.5 of 5 stars
This Safety 1st product is the little brother of the runner up on our list. While this one does not include the same air-protection technology, it is an effective option. If you opt for this seat, expect to get side-impact protection, an adjustable headrest and deep-seat construction. While a few customers express disappointment in the complicated installation process, many find the online instructional video useful in clearing up any confusion. You will appreciate the booster capabilities of this seat.
6. Safety 1st Onboard 35 Air+ Infant Car Seat
$169.99
4.25 of 5 stars
When your child is in his or her first few months of growth, you probably want an infant-style car seat. The Safety 1st Onboard 35 Air+ seat is an exceptional offering. This seat faces the rear of your vehicle, accommodating infants who weigh between 5 and 35 pounds. The curved carrying handle makes transportation to and from the vehicle a breeze. Also, the easy installation is perfect for busy parents. We like the available color combinations and comfortable design of this infant seat. Still, your baby will quickly outgrow this seat, and it doesn’t offer a convertible option.
7. Safety 1st Alpha Omega Elite 65 Convertible Car Seat
$159.99
4 of 5 stars
For a more affordable car seat from Safety 1st, the Alpha Omega Elite 65 is worth a look. This seat has many of the safety features as some of the company’s pricier offerings without busting your budget. If you purchase this seat, you get three modes of use. As your child grows, you can use this seat as a booster. Body pillows and a three-stage reclining feature make this a comfortable seat for your young passengers.
8. Safety 1st Continuum 3-in-1 Car Seat
$149.99
3.75 of 5 stars
Like the other convertible car seats on our list, the Safety 1st Continuum is versatile enough to support your child through his or her first few years. Rated to 80 pounds, this seat isn’t quite as useful as some of the others we reviewed. Still, the small design of the Continuum gives you extra room in tight spaces.
9. Safety 1st Chart Air 65 Convertible Car Seat
$139.99
3.5 of 5 stars
For children who weigh between five and 65 pounds, the Chart Air provides decent protection in most collisions. It offers a convenient harness system, plush padding and a convertible design. It does not, however, work for heavier children.
10. Safety 1st All-in-One Sport Convertible Car Seat
$129.99
3 of 5 stars
The All-in-One Sport car seat is another convertible seat. This one is rated up to 80 pounds, which is a bit light for our likings. Still, it is a no-frills offering that includes many of the safety and comfort features of pricier Safety 1st products. If you are a value shopper, you will likely love this seat.
Comparison Table
|
|
Our Top Choice |
Amazon Best Seller |
Best for Infants |
Best Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Title |
UltraMax Air 360 |
Grow and Go EX Air |
Onboard 35 Air+ |
All-in-One Sport |
|
Size |
24”x19.5”x24” |
24”x19”x23.75” |
29.5”x18.5”x17” |
28.5”x20”x21” |
|
Weight |
22 lbs. |
20 lbs. |
18.26 lbs. |
18 lbs. |
|
Weight Rating |
4 to 120 lbs. |
5 to 100 lbs. |
4 to 35 lbs. |
5 to 80 lbs. |
|
Price |
$229.99 |
$199.99 |
$159.99 |
$129.99 |
The Verdict
In our opinion, the UltraMax Air 360 4-in-1 convertible car seat is the best of the best. This seat easily transitions as your child grows. You don’t, however, have to buy one of the Safety 1st seats on our list. Simply use our rankings as a guide to make a smart purchase to protect your children.
