Tell them to avoid the 3-in-1 car seats like the Alpha Omega or Eddie Bauer. THey do not fit newborns well at all, and they will not be the last seat ever needed because they are only good for 6yrs and 1 more year in booster mode, and they make awful booster seats that do not fit children well at all and are not recommended.
These are a few that fit newborns well and will last them a long time.
Cosco Scenera- $50, will rear face to 35lbs, forward face to 40lbs. This fits newborns well but it has no head support so they would hae to use a rolled up blanket around babies head. Fits most kids rear facing to age 2, and forward facing to age 3/4. Good basic needs seat.
Evenflo Triumph ADVANCE, $130, will rear face to 35lbs ,forward face to 50lbs. Fits newborns well and is well padded with inserts for babies. Fits most kids rear ffacing to 2/3, and forward facing to 5. This is a great all around seat, easy to use and adjust, and will last until the child is big enough for a booster seat at age 5.
First Years TrueFit- $150-$170, will rear face to 35lbs, forward face to 65lbs. Fits babies very well with lots of padding and inserts. Rear faces most kids to age 3, and forward faces most kids to age 6. This is a great seat that will last until the child is ready for a simple booster seat at age 6.
Graco MyRide65- $150 will rear face to 40lbs, forward face to 65lbs. Awesome seat, tons of padding and fits newborns wonderfully. Will rear face most kids to age 4, and forward face most kids to age 6. Will last until the child only needs simple booster at age 6.
Most seats do NOT fit newborns well because the harness needs tobe just at or below the shoulders for rear facing, and if its above its not safe to use until the child is big enough. So make sure they keep in mind to not only avoid the 3-in-1 seats like hte Alpha Omega, but to keep in mind that newborsn don't fit most convertibles well, but the ones I listed above fit newborns great, would last at least 5/6 yrs in the harness, and then they can purchase a simple $20 booster seat after the child outgrows these seats at 5/6yrs old.