I'm driving myself crazy trying to decide on a car seat! We currently have the Chicco Keyfit 35 and love it, but my LO is about ready to graduate. I think I've narrowed my search to these two - although I'm open to suggestions.

I originally wanted a rotating seat, but I drive a Ford Escape and the car seat experts warn that any rotating seat will likely be too big.

Flame retardant free is important to me, so I knocked out all Gracos (even though a lot of them otherwise look great).

I like that the Britax has the option for an anti-rebound bar, that the rear facing weight limit is higher, and the height limit is higher as well. BUT my hesitations are that on Baby Gear Lab it did not score well in crash test rating. I know all car seats are minimally safe, but of course I'd prefer above the minimum if I can! I also don't like that the seat uses the hook style LATCH connectors instead of the push on style. I imagine that's to encourage people to use the seat belt to install, but I REALLY dislike the hook style and it's annoying that a high end car seat would come with that style!

The Chicco one has the lower weight and height limits, but scored well on Baby Gear Lab. That scoring has me leaning towards the Chicco, but I don't know if I should rely so heavily on one website.

If anyone has any experience with these - or any recommendations for a different seat that is not too deep, is flame retardant free, and has good crash test ratings - I would love any feedback you could provide!

I'm driving myself crazy trying to decide on a car seat! We currently have the Chicco Keyfit 35 and love it, but my LO is about ready to graduate. I think I've narrowed my search to these two - although I'm open to suggestions.

I originally wanted a rotating seat, but I drive a Ford Escape and the car seat experts warn that any rotating seat will likely be too big.

Flame retardant free is important to me, so I knocked out all Gracos (even though a lot of them otherwise look great).

I like that the Britax has the option for an anti-rebound bar, that the rear facing weight limit is higher, and the height limit is higher as well. BUT my hesitations are that on Baby Gear Lab it did not score well in crash test rating. I know all car seats are minimally safe, but of course I'd prefer above the minimum if I can! I also don't like that the seat uses the hook style LATCH connectors instead of the push on style. I imagine that's to encourage people to use the seat belt to install, but I REALLY dislike the hook style and it's annoying that a high end car seat would come with that style!

The Chicco one has the lower weight and height limits, but scored well on Baby Gear Lab. That scoring has me leaning towards the Chicco, but I don't know if I should rely so heavily on one website.

If anyone has any experience with these - or any recommendations for a different seat that is not too deep, is flame retardant free, and has good crash test ratings - I would love any feedback you could provide!