Best and Safest Car Seat for 1 Y/o

The safest will be a rear-facing seat until the child is at least 2 (but ideally 3 or 4). Britax are fine as all seats pass the same safety testing. So you just find what you like, and what fits your car and child.

If you choose a Diono brand you can easily rear-face most kids until 4, which would be the safest bet due to the length of rear-facing. But do see what works with your car. The Dionos are narrow, which is a nice feature if you need that. Can even do 3 across!

I've never had a problem with a Britax seat, and we have had several. I would absolutely continue to buy them over another brand for a convertible seat. The Marathon has been my favorite. It's a good size and they won't outgrow it too soon. I didn't love the extra padding on the Boulevard - I thought it made it too bulky.

I have a Marathon for my DD (who is now 4.5). I have never had an issue with the latch or chest strap, etc.

I just went through this 2x in the last couple of years. Both times I ended up with a Sunshine Kids/Diono. They changed the name for some reason. But, I chose them because they publish test results and no other company did. They are expensive, but, they will last until you don't need a car seat anymore. I have a Britax and it does stick and if it isn't done just right it won't stay latched and my 3 year old can only do the top buckle sometimes. She can always do it in the Diono. These are also good because its the only carseat I have found that you can tether or anchor the top when it is rear facing! Good luck! its a hard decision. (I have also heard good things about the Graco Myride 65 and the Nautalis, but they don't publish results like Diono.) Oh, my 21 month old, about 36 pounds and 36" is still rear facing in his.

Had a Britax for my older one and when the time came for a convertible carseat for baby#2, we went with a Diono Radiant. Would up getting 2 of them for my car (I drive a small sedan which is THE family car) and both Britaxes went into hubby's car. Still rear facing for baby #2 and even though she's a peanut, it is by far much easier to get her into the Radiant. It is expensive and heavy but I really like this seat a lot! I keep joking that we will take her to college in it since it can be used as a booster up to 120lbs!