The best car seat is the one that fits your child, car and budget and is used properly every time. That said, you should check out the FB group Car Seats for the Littles. It's manned by car seat technicians and they're amazing at recommendations that fit your criteria.
Also, highly recommend both carseatblog.com and car-seat.org for car seat opinions and reviews. As PP said, the best car seat is one that fits your child, your car and your budget. If you plan to rear face for an extended period of time, the fit for your child and car is especially important. FWIW, I have a Graco MySize/Headwise and a Subaru Forester and expect to be able to rear face beyond the required 2 years old.
No exersaucer recs. We didn't use one. They take up too much room for our small house.
thanks I'll check those sites! I wasn't going to buy an entertainer thing but my dd won't sit still at all! she will not stay on her playmat and will not sit in the bouncer. she just wants to stand up.
Re: poll: what's the best Convertible car seat and stationary entertainer in your opinion?