Thanks ladies!! I had a chicco with both my boys wasn't sure if anything has changed. I've always been a big fan of chicco so happy they made a convertible carseat!! :) so when I move my babe up to a bigger sest she can be in that one.
Chicco keyfit 30. It was between that and the graco snugride. The Chicco was much more comfy and lighter weight. Plus my husband has a Graco in his car and I can't stand his latches, those hook ones are so difficult. The latch system with the button is so much easier. For my first baby I had a first years via. I don't think they make it anymore but all the first years brand stuff I have, I've been really happy with.
I would suggest chicco, but have a combi myself. Chiccos seem to have the least amount of recalls, have higher weight limits, and score the best in crash safety ratings, only second to the $300 cybex aton. I had a graco with my first and was really unhappy with lugging it around, it was so uncomfortable to carry. Seems like graco has recall after recall too. Consumer reports does their own independent crash tests that are much more detailed than the US nhis (w/e the acronym is) and you can look at their top 5 without a membership or go to carseat blog and they have their full list along with their own very strict and obsessive car seat opinions. I'm all about carseat safety but those people are kinda nuts! Safety aside, if you are in the store pick them up and see what is comfortable to carry.