If the truth it told, then the truth is – there are so many car seats on the market it can easily drive the most patient parent over the edge. And let’s not forget how designer has to be (has anyone else noticed this trend lately? Let us all remember: pretty does not equal effective and safe.)

I was sent the Graco Nautilus 3-in-1 car seat and tried it out. The “3-in-1” means it acts as a forward facing car seat for children 1+ who weigh between 20 and 65 lbs, 3+ as a booster with back for children 30 – 100 lbs, and 4+ as a backless booster, 40 – 100 lbs.

Whether or not you like this car seat is TOTALLY dependent on its features and design.

Some basics:

Steel-reinforced seat

5-point harness for use on children between 20 and 65 lbs.

Easy height-adjustable head rest

Soft; energy-absorbing foam (EPS)

Can only be used in forward facing position

Pros:

• Sturdy – steel and EPS make this car seat feel safe
• 5-point harness makes toddler secure (and difficult for child to undo!)
• Grows with the child
• Good manual walkthrough

Cons:

• Can take a bit of work to get installed
• Slightly heavy for moving between cars
• Forward facing only

In the end, again, it is all up to what you like and are looking for in a car seat. If you’re looking for the Fort Knox of Sturdiness, look no further! On the other hand, if it is going to be moved from car to car to car, then maybe look elsewhere.

The one feature I did NOT like was the fact that it was forward facing ONLY. While this is good for children who are 2+ years old, my 1 year old will continue to use his rear-facing car seat. His pediatrician was happy to hear he will continue to use that as well and recommended we keep him in there as long as he will fit.

The
Mico Cosi Mico car seat is a seat you can easily use everywhere. Thanks to rigorous European and US standards testing, the sleek and brightly colored Maxi Cosi Mico car seat is known for its safety, surpassing US safety standards. Most people choose it for its safety features, including the padded harness and side impact protection, but also enjoy it’s ergonomic design and distinctive colors. The snugly padded seat also makes your baby feel safe and comfortable.

Off its base, the seat is light and easy to carry around with its retractable carrier handle (4 different positions!). It also fits nicely into the Quinny Zapp stroller, which we use a lot. Snapping in the seat to the base in the car can be a bit tricky, but you get used to it. The Mico will carry your baby from five to up to 22 lbs and the shoulder harness, buckle and infant head cushion are all adjustable as your baby grows from infant to toddler. We also use the sun shade a lot where we live but it could ideally be a bit longer. The nice thing is the shade tucks away behind the seat when you don’t need it. When you’re on the go, the Maxi Cosi Mico is overall just an easy car seat to reckon with.

$169.99 MSRP and 144.95 on Amazon.

The Rodi XR booster seat is one of a number of fashion forward booster seats on the market.   It comes in several bright color combinations that are likely to please young kids. As opposed to cheaper, more traditional seats like the classic Graco, this seat is meant to be enjoyed by a child as “his” seat, as opposed to just “the place where he sits.”This seat is built for kids 40 to 100 pounds and the back comes off for older kids. Like almost all seats of this type, the seat attaches using the regular three-point seat belt that goes over the seat and child, holding both in together. It weighs 13.8 pounds, which is about standard for this category.

MSRP $159.99 and on Amazon.

Pros

1. Energy-absorbing EPP padding around head and shoulder
2. Additional cup holder
3. Unique reclining position for small and large kids
4. Easy to use

Cons

1. Difficult to carry easily. No real grip and cuts into hands in natural carrying spot. Easy to grab seat by catch that releases headrest, which results in seat falling to the ground.
2. Seat only held in by seat belt. Must be strapped in when child is not in the car or could become a flying safety hazard.