The Car Seat You Need on your Baby Registry

There are few pieces of baby gear that get as much consideration as car seats—and with good reason. Beyond helping get your precious cargo safely from point A to point B, you’ll want a car seat you can depend on for comfort, ease of use and durability. Factor in details about 5-point harnesses and latch systems, and picking the right car seat for your family can start to feel like you’re studying up for a major final exam.

Take a deep breath, mama. We’ve got you covered! After taking test drives with dozens of car seats, we know what it takes to help them go the extra mile—and the Nuna EXEC™ all-in-one car seat earned the top spot in our books. You’d otherwise be purchasing (and storing and/or disposing of) multiple car seats from infant to booster.

As you’re building your registry, here are a few points your car seat should check off the list:

Find one that’s made to last

All-in-one car seats are designed to transform from rear-facing to forward-facing to booster seats. That means you’ll get lots of mileage out of them, but only if the quality is up to the task. Look for durable materials that are easy to clean. We especially love machine-washable cushions to combat snack residue. (Trust us, it will happen.)

But what good is that longevity if there isn’t enough space in the car? If you plan to expand your family, keep an eye out for car seats that are able to fit three across in mid-size vehicles.

Make safety a cinch

The safest car seat is one that is used correctly, but some require you to break a full sweat during install and call for a wrestling match every time you use the buckles. Throughout the course of a car seat’s lifetime, that can be a big headache. That’s why we like the Nuna’s longevity and ease of use in such a safe package. When rear-facing, the anti-rebound panel provides extended leg room which allows your child to remain rear-facing longer—and when forward-facing, it turns into a leg rest to provide comfort, so the child’s legs are supported. Moreover, Nuna’s True Tension™ doors ensure an ultra-secure (read: ultra-safe) fit without the struggle, and we love that it has a bubble-free angle guide to confirm it’s perfectly placed no matter which of the eight recline positions it’s in.

Consider little details that grow with your baby

When you’re shopping for an all-in-one car seat, keep in mind that infants and big kids have different needs. So while cup holders may not be a big deal for your newborn, they will be lifesavers in a few short years. And although your teeny baby may like a reclined position and extra cushions, your elementary school-aged kiddo will be ready for more space and a higher headrest.

A car seat that checks all of these boxes (and more!) might sound like a unicorn, but the Nuna EXEC™ makes it possible. So when you’re adding it to your baby registry, you’re really adding the gift of safe, smooth travel for years to come. Just be sure to write a really kind thank-you note!

This article was sponsored by Nuna. Thank you for supporting the brands that support Motherly and mamas.