It's not possible to determine the safest car seats based on these tests, because the manufacturers aren't required to make the test results available--and so they never will. Still, we can at least be confident that each car seat sold in the United States matches or even exceeds governmental requirements.

Each year, Consumer Reports does do independent crash test ratings of car seats. It should be noted, however, that these tests are often discounted by scientists for various reasons, including past mistakes, and what they consider poor reporting and poor parameters. However, it may be a good starting point.

Over the years, Consumer Reports has reported its top picks. Keep in mind, however, that the safest car seat is only as safe as its user. If it isn't installed properly and used properly every time the child is in the car, of course it is quite unsafe.

Recently Consumer Reports conducted a test involving rear-facing infant car seats. This was an effort to make up for the previous year's test, which had errors. All the seats they used (eleven in total) passed crash test standards as defined by the government when secured with a seatbelt and when using the LATCH.

(LATCH stands for Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children.) Again, we find the United States' pass/fail system fails to provide us a "best" and "worst" model.

Consumer Reports recognized this and tried to figure out which were the safest car seats by adding a rating system for Ease of Use and Fit to Vehicle. Both of these will be important factors in a car seat's safety.

If the car seat doesn't fit inside the car properly, you won't be able to install it safely. The harder it is to install the car seat, the more likely you will not fasten the car seat safely and properly.

With these guidelines in mind, Consumer Reports determined that Chicco Key Fit was the best, safest car seat. Britax Companion came in second place.

At the same time, Consumer Reports rated Baby Trend Flex-Loc and Graco SnugRide as the Best Buys. This accounts for the features you get for the price.