We had a perfectly fine SnugRide infant seat from our first child that we could have used for our second, but sold it immediately when the onBoard Air came out, because I knew I would settle for nothing less, after having used the Complete Air convertible seat. The head protection is unmatched by any other in the industry, and when it comes to my child's life I want only the best (not necessarily the most expensive, like Britax). With such little difference between the other brands and styles, there's really no reason NOT to choose the onBoard Air as it offers protection that no others offer. Next time you're looking at another infant seat, punch the head area and see what it would be like for your baby's soft little skull to hit the side in a major side-impact crash. Doesn't feel too soft, right? That's what kills so many babies in these crashes every year. Only Safety 1st has solved this issue. Do your own research, and you will agree. Anything else about car seats like fabrics and whatnot is irrelevant. Protect the body part that *IS* your child----their head.