INSIDE: DISCOVER THE BEST CAR SEATS FOR BABIEs, TODDLERS, and Kids IN 2020

Let's be real: there are many ways to parent. Some take a more minimalist approach to baby crap - buying only what is absolutely necessary - while others have three different bottle warmers in their kitchen cupboard. No matter what your parenting style, there's a strong chance that your kid has a carseat. But DANG, folks. Carseats are overwhelming! And expensive! And where do these straps go!?

For that reason, we've rounded up our 5 favorite carseats for your shopping pleasure.

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1.) Chicco KeyFit 30

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Why we love it: In our humble opinion, the Chicco KeyFit 30 is the very best carseat for infants (worth noting: Consumer Reports agrees!) We love it because it's lightweight and can safely tote the tiniest of babes, with a minimum weight requirement of just 4 pounds -- perfect for parents of multiples or NICU grads. It's "bucket seat" structure allows it to click in and out of its base with ease -- meaning you don't have to unbuckle baby to run into Target (especially if that baby is finally asleep.) Another pro? It is so easy to install and adjust the straps.

Weight range / height range: 4-30 pounds; 30 inches and under

Seat weight: 9 lbs.

Pro tip: Consumer Reports suggests that you stay away from the red color option, as it tends to heat up more quickly than its alternatives.

Machine Washable Cover? Oh yeah!

Rear or Forward Facing? Rear-facing only.

Price / Buy It: $159. Buy it here on Amazon
(Pro tip: it won’t show the price until the seat is in your cart, simply because Amazon’s price is lower than other sellers.)

2.) UPPAbaby MESA Infant Car Seat - Jordan

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Why we love it: This baby (transporter) is easy on the eyes. Couple that with its self-retracting latch system and easy peasy installation, and you've got yourself a winner. It too is designed with preemies in mind, meaning littles can ride snugly and safely. Extra plus? It's the only naturally flame-retardant infant carseat on the market - meaning no toxic chemicals were used to pass federal safety standards.

Weight range / height range: 4-35 pounds / 32 inches and under

Seat weight: 25.9 pounds

Pro tip: If you have any other UPPAbaby products (strollers, etc.), you can almost certainly use this carseat without an adapter.

Machine Washable Cover? No - hand wash recommended.

Rear or Forward Facing? Rear-facing only.

Price / Buy It: $349 - Buy it here on Amazon.

3.) Maxi Cosi Pria 3-IN-1

Why we love it: With a weight range of 4-100 pounds (dang!), this could easily be the only car seat you ever have to buy. The Maxi Cosi is just that -- the maximum amount of cozy. Surely that's what the name means, right? The ClipQuik chest clip is magnetic, making it super easy to get your child in and out,

But really - these things are padded to the core and also feature a nifty cupholder. It also boasts Air Protect technology for side impact crashes. It's also non-toxic - yeah!

Weight range / height range: 4-100 pounds, up to 52 inches

4-40 pounds (rear facing)
22-65 pounds (forward facing)
65-100 pounds (booster seat)

Seat weight: 17.8 lbs

Machine Washable Cover? Yes - but from personal experience - don't dry it all the way!

Rear or Forward Facing? Both.

Price / Buy It: Currently on sale for $280 (originally $329). Buy it here on Amazon.

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4.) Britax Boulevard ClickTight Convertible Car Seat

Why we love it: The ClickTight feature produces an audible click when you tighten straps, so you'll never have to guess if the straps are too loose or tight. It installs easily with clear markers of where things go (nothing worse than sweating and swearing when installing a carseat!) It also has a 10 year lifespan, meaning it can be passed down from kiddo to kiddo.

Weight range / height range: 5-65 pounds, up to 49 inches

5-40 pounds (rear-facing)
20-65 pounds (forward facing)

Seat weight: 29.4 lbs.

Machine Washable Cover? Not recommended.

Rear or Forward Facing? Both.

Price / Buy It: $259 (on sale! - Normally $324) Buy it here on Amazon.

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5.) Graco 4Ever Extend2Fit Convertible Carseat

Why we love it: Just as the name suggests, the 4Ever is a one-and-done situation: holding both newborns and big kids alike. It's a true convertible in that it can (safely) destruct into both a high-backed and backless booster seat to hold kids up to 120 pounds. The Extend2Fit feature adds an extra 5 inches of legroom for your kiddo. Plus, the 10-year lifespan makes it a great bang for your buck.

Weight range / height range: 4-120 pounds, 57 inches