Babble Best: Forward-facing Car Seats

Safety First Cosco Alpha Omega Elite - $159

Whether rear or forward-facing, the Alpha Omega Elite convertible seat by Safety First is a swell ride. With swing-down armrests, EPS energy-absorbing foam, a detachable cup holder and an easy-adjust headrest, this car seat has all the padding and extras your little one could want and all the safety features you demand. (If you want an even cushier ride, check out the Eddie Bauer Deluxe 3-in-1, which is nearly identical, but with enhanced padding and a slightly higher price point.) Keep in mind that, while this seat works for kids five to one hundred pounds, Nikki pointed out that the five-point harness is only tested up to forty lbs. After that, it's meant to be used as a belt-positioning booster seat. Update: a safety recall has affected some Cosco and Safety First car seats. Click here to check which models have been recalled.

Sunshine Kids Radian80 - $280

For twins, triplets or smaller cars, check out the Radian80 convertible seat by Sunshine Kids. This is not only one of the narrowest seats on the market (fits three across in the back of most cars), but it also folds in half for easier hauling with the included carrying strap. Suitable from five to eighty pounds, this compact car seat includes side impact protection with EPS safety foam, a steel alloy frame and removable infant padding. Available in four color options, the hefty price tag gets you a seat that is big on quality and safety but small on size.

Britax Decathalon - $284

Britax has built a stellar reputation with their line of car seats, including the Decathalon, the Marathon ($269) and the ultra-lush Boulevard ($300). The differences between these seats are mainly in the plushness of the padding. I test-drove the Decathalon, which includes Britax's patented HUGS padding system, built-in seatbelt lock-offs, adjustable positions for the five-point harness and an ultra-soft washable cover. This seat covers kids from five to sixty-five pounds and has a unique tether system when facing backwards. It's hard to go wrong with any of the Britax carseats; they're popular for a reason.

Eddie Bauer Deluxe High Back Booster - $150

Although Consumer Reports did have that little mishap with their car seat testing a while back, they have since redone their recommendations and list the EB Deluxe High Back Booster as their top pick for booster seats. Recommended for children twenty-two to eighty pounds, this seat has less adjustability for crotch and shoulder straps, but does include a slide-out cup holder in the base and the extra padding that comes with the deluxe model. Update: a safety recall has affected some Eddie Bauer car seats. Click here to check which models have been recalled.