Infant car seats are a crucial part of your baby’s gear. In fact, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that parents use rear-facing infant car seats until their child reaches the car seat’s maximum height or weight limit. New parents should also familiarize themselves with hospital policies regarding baby car seats.
It’s common for hospitals to require new parents to bring their infant car seat into the hospital room so a nurse can inspect it. This inspection aims to ensure it meets proper safety standards and offers new parents advice on how to buckle their babies properly. Parents often can’t leave the hospital without a rear-facing car seat readily available or one previously installed in their car.
But with so many car seat options out there, choosing the right one can be nothing short of puzzling. Infant car seats may look alike but are certainly not created equal. Some are strictly infant car seats, while others are convertible car seats. Some have features that allow for easy installation, and some are equipped with more safety features than others. Ultimately, the best infant car seat for you is one with features that put your mind at ease when transporting some precious cargo (your baby). We’ve put together this guide to make the decision-making process a little easier.
Safety Note
Because the energy from a crash can weaken the plastic on your child’s car seat and prevent it from properly protecting your child in a subsequent accident, The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recommends car seats be replaced after a “moderate” or “severe” crash.
In addition, the structural integrity of car seats can weaken over time due to environmental factors and extreme temperatures. For that reason, car seats have expiration dates — usually somewhere around six years from the date of manufacture. Car seats that have passed their expiration date should never be used, and experts generally don’t recommend using secondhand car seats.
Top 10 Infant Car Seats
- Best Overall: Chicco KeyFit 30
- Best Car Seat Stroller Combo: Doona Infant Car Seat Stroller
- Best for Travel: Nuna Pipa Lite RX
- Best Budget: Evenflo LiteMax DLX
- Best for Peace of Mind: UPPAbaby MESA
- Best for Small Cars: Britax B-Safe Gen2
- Best for Extra Safety: Cybex Aton 2 with SensorSafe
- Best Value: Graco SnugRide SnugFit 35 Infant Car Seat
- Best for Easy Cleaning: Maxi-Cosi Mico XP Max Infant Car Seat
- Best for Splurging: Nuna EXEC All-In-One Car Seat
How We Chose the Best Infant Car Seat
To compile this list, we researched manufacturer specifications, including dimensions, weight and height limits, stability, price, and more to create a short list of the top infant car seats. Then, we combed through detailed product descriptions as well as ratings and reviews to find the best infant car seat for each category.
Best Overall: Chicco KeyFit 30
$229.99
from
Amazon.com
What We Like
- Simple installation
- Reclining base
- Extra head support
What We Dislike
- Heavy
The Chicco KeyFit 30 checks many boxes for most parents, so it hits our list as the best infant car seat overall. While it may be too heavy for some, it has a slew of redeeming qualities that prompts many folks to overlook that little hiccup.
This car seat makes registry lists time and again because of its exceptional performance on safety tests. It’s even a top-rated model on Consumer Reports. Plus, it’s easy to install.
The high-quality design of Chicco KeyFit 30 includes a generously cushioned seat with extra head support. And with a removable newborn insert, it’s one of the best car seats for newborns and preemies. The base also features a spring-loaded leveling foot so you can recline your baby’s seat at the correct angle.
The Chicco KeyFit 30 has a sleek and high-end appearance that’s not clunky. Anyone familiar with the brand also knows that its car seats connect to most Chicco strollers, so for parents looking for a car seat stroller combo, this could be a good entry for your short list.
Infant Height, Weight Limits: 30 in., 30 lbs.
Weight (Without Base): 9.5 lbs.
Best Car Seat Stroller Combo: Doona Car Seat & Stroller
$550
from
Amazon.com
What We Like
- Car seat and stroller in one
- Good for small spaces and apartment living
- Removable, easy-to-wash seat fabric
What We Dislike
- No storage
- Heavy
- Babies will outgrow it
The Doona is a chic one-and-done car seat and stroller combo, making it an excellent choice for city living or frequent flyers. But while the Doona is compact and easy to maneuver on busy sidewalks, it may not be the most solid stroller for bumpy terrain or an afternoon in the park.
For parents with a bit of wanderlust, the Doona is FAA-certified for air travel, so you can bring the seat with you on the plane instead of checking it at the gate. Plus, it folds down quickly and easily to reduce any boarding anxiety. Once you’ve reached your destination, whether a few blocks away or on another continent, the car seat converts to a stroller with the simple click of a button.
As a final feather in the Doona’s cap, the seat fabric is removable, so it’s easy to wash. Parents should note that the Doona isn’t a convertible car seat, so your baby will eventually grow out of it.
Infant Height, Weight Limits: 32 in., 35 lbs.
Weight (Without Base): 16.5 lbs.
Best for Travel: Nuna Pipa Lite RX
What We Like
- Lightweight
- Easy to install
- Sleek, modern design
What We Dislike
- Difficult to clean
- Expensive
Coming in at just 6.9 pounds, the Nuna Pipa Lite RX is incredibly lightweight compared to other infant car seats on our list. Couple that with a five-second base installation and a breathable blend of merino wool and Tencel lyocell fiber, and you have a car seat that’s easy to transport and feels good to both parent and baby.
Other noteworthy features of the Nuna Pipa Lite RX include a height-adjustable headrest with memory foam, a removable UPF 50+ canopy, and the parent favorite Sky Drape that shields your baby from the wind, rain, and bright lights that could disturb the little one's peaceful slumber.
Parents on the go will be happy to know that this car seat is travel-friendly. It comes with the Pipa RELX base, but parents can skip the base and install the seat using their vehicle’s seat belt. This also means the Nuna Pipa Lite RX is ideal for city dwellers who regularly take taxis and Ubers or frequent travelers who don’t want the extra weight of a car seat base.
Other safety and convenience features of the Nuna Pipa Lite RX include rigid latch connectors that click right into your vehicle LATCH hooks (without having to jam them into place) and a no-rethread harness that adjusts with the headrest. It’s also reassuring to note the anti-rebound stability leg, which prevents the seat from flipping up in the event of an accident.
Infant Height, Weight Limits: 32 in., 32 lbs.
Weight (Without Base): 6.9 lbs. (Not including insert and canopy)
Best Budget: Evenflo LiteMax 35
$125.99
from
Amazon.com
What We Like
- Budget friendly
- Excellent crash test results
- Lightweight
What We Dislike
- Feels like a lower-end car seat
This option proves that safety isn’t only available at a premium. The Evenflo LiteMax 35 is worth a closer look for parents looking for an affordable option with excellent safety ratings and many of the same safety features as its more expensive counterparts.
This car seat is lightweight, weighing just over 8 pounds. Pair that with an ergonomic handle, and parents have a car seat that’s easy to carry. Evenflo LiteMax 35 also features a five-point harness, four recline options, and a large canopy.
According to the Evenflo website, all of the brand’s car seats are tested for structural integrity at two times the collision force of standard federal crash tests. They’re also rollover and temperature tested regardless of price point.
For those who need help or reassurance with the installation process, Evenflo’s ParentLink line offers customers live video support from a certified car seat safety technician to ensure proper vehicle installation — free of charge.
Keep in mind that lower prices tend to come with a trade-off. In this case, you’re giving up the rethread harness, which may be an inconvenience for some but likely not a deal-breaker.
Infant Height, Weight Limits: 32 in., 35 lbs.
Weight (Without Base): 8.2 lbs.
Best for Peace of Mind: UPPAbaby MESA
$349.99
from
Amazon.com
What We Like
- Removable, washable seat fabric
- Easy to install and check installation
- Excellent safety features
What We Dislike
- Heavy
Anxious new parents will be happy to know that the UPPAbaby MESA takes the guesswork out of installing your baby’s car seat. Installation of this seat is as easy as clipping the LATCH connectors and pushing the base down with your own body weight.
What makes the UPPAbaby MESA so unique, you may ask? It’s equipped with indicators that turn green when the car seat is level, tight, and installed correctly. If that’s not enough to put your mind at ease, you’ll also hear a loud click to confirm the base is in correctly.
Other safety features of the UPPAbaby MESA include a no-rethread harness with extra protection and a reinforced integrated headrest that will keep your baby’s head stationary in the event of a side-impact crash. Moreover, the UPPAbaby Mesa is naturally flame-resistant, courtesy of its merino wool construction.
Speaking of wool, parents should note that the UPPAbaby MESA is soft and breathable and coupled with a UPF 25+ canopy. Despite being a little heavier than many other car seat options, it’s an excellent choice for any climate or season.
Infant Height, Weight Limits: 32 in., 35 lbs.
Weight (Without Base): 9.9 lbs.
Best for Small Cars: Britax B-Safe Gen2 FlexFit
$269.98
from
Amazon.com
What We Like
- Easy to install
- Plenty of safety features
- spacious seating area
What We Dislike
- Heavy
With a roomy seat, soft pads on the harness, and smooth fabric, the Britax B-Safe Gen2 FlexFit infant car seat is a sweet ride for the little ones. An excellent safety rating, level indicators ensuring proper installation, a steel frame, and a base that absorbs impacts give parents much-needed peace of mind.
But the convenience features of the Britax B-Safe Gen2 FlexFit don’t stop there. Parents will also be satisfied to know that it’s machine-washable and dryer-friendly, will never require rethreading, and contains mesh fabric that allows for airflow to keep your baby cool.
Infant Height, Weight Limits: 32 in., 35 lbs.
Weight (Without Base): 11.6 lbs.
Best for Extra Safety: Cybex Aton 2 with SensorSafe
$299.95
from
Amazon.com
What We Like
- Lightweight
- SensorSafe technology alerts parents to child's safety
- Load leg
What We Dislike
- Expensive
- Short canopy
Understandably, safety is at the top of the list for parents in the market for an infant car seat. And the Cybex Aton 2 with SensorSafe answers that call beautifully.
The Cybex Aton 2 with SensorSafe is compact from front to back and fits nicely into smaller vehicles. But don’t let its small stature fool you; it comes with a ton of unparalleled features. First, it has Linear Side-Impact Protection, meaning the car seat’s shell absorbs the energy from a side-impact collision instead of your child. It also has thick Expanded Polystyrene foam and extra-thick padded covers, all of which work in concert to redistribute the impact of a crash away from your child.
Moreover, the Cybex Aton 2 SensorSafe features a load leg system. While the load leg is a well-known safety feature in Europe, it’s relatively new to the US. Essentially, the load leg absorbs and distributes energy from a crash to the floor of the vehicle, reducing the impact on your baby’s head. Load legs also prevent infant car seats from rotating forward in a collision.
But the impressive safety features of the Cybex Aton 2 don’t stop there. We can’t forget to mention the brand’s SensorSafe technology — a brilliant chest clip that attaches to the seat’s harness and alerts your phone if your child unbuckles himself, is too warm, or has been left alone in the car.
Infant Height, Weight Limits: 30 in., 35 lbs.
Weight (Without Base): 9 lbs.
Best Value: Graco SnugRide SnugFit 35 Infant Car Seat
$169.99
from
Amazon.com
What We Like
- Easy to install
- Budget-friendly
- Great crash test rating
What We Dislike
- Big footprint
The Graco SnugRide SnugFit 35 is a budget-friendly car seat that still has plenty of great convenience and safety features. Equipped with Click Connect technology, the Graco SnugRide SnugFit 35 eliminates user error — parents can hear an audible click when the seat is installed correctly. This car seat is also designed to absorb the impact of a collision, and its exceptional performance in crash tests that exceed US safety standards speaks volumes.
The base of the Graco SnugRide SnugFit 35 is outfitted with a pendulum leveler, and parents can choose between four recline positions. You can also adjust the headrest and harness while your child is in the seat.
The Graco SnugRide SnugFit 35 can accommodate babies from 4 to 35 pounds, up to 32 inches tall. This option is a good choice for preemies and a worthwhile investment overall.
Infant Height, Weight Limits: 32 in., 35 lbs.
Weight (Without Base): 8.5 lbs.
Best for Easy Cleaning: Maxi-Cosi Mico XP Max Infant Car Seat
$299.99
from
Amazon.com
What We Like
- Seat fabric removes easily for cleaning
- Solid safety features
- Easy to install
What We Dislike
- May be a tight fit in small cars
- Narrow seat
Diaper blowouts, drool, and vomit are par for the course with babies, so for parents who like to be one step ahead, the Maxi-Cosi Mico XP Max hit our list as the best infant car seat to clean. If you find yourself face to face with any of the above, all you have to do is remove the machine-washable and dryer-friendly seat pad and throw it in the laundry. The fabric is also self-wicking, so it’s baby-friendly, too. Parents can rest easy knowing their little one is dry and comfortable even during summer.
Of course, a clean car seat is one thing, but safety is a whole other ball game. This car seat is designed with the brand’s patented Air Protect technology, which offers solid side-impact protection around your baby’s head and extends down the side of the car seat.
The Maxi-Cosi Mico XP Max base features one-click LATCH connectors for quick and easy installation. The car seat installs just as easily without the base, and it’s aircraft-certified for those who want their babies to become world travelers at a young age.
Infant Height, Weight Limits: 32 in., 30 lbs.
Weight (Without Base): 9 lbs.
Best for Splurging: Nuna EXEC All-In-One Car Seat
$699.95
from
nunababy.com
What We Like
- Easy to install
- Good from birth to 120 lbs.
- Side-impact protection system
What We Dislike
- Expensive
Coming in at just under $700, the Nuna EXEC All-In-One car seat makes our list as, you guessed it, the best infant car seat splurge. This car seat is pricey, but it’s got a lot to offer.
The Nuna EXEC All-In-One is designed with a high-performance but lightweight Aeroflex foam for superior side-impact protection, an anti-rebound panel, and an all-steel frame — all of which equate to incomparable safety for your little one. The car seat also features the brand’s True tension base installation with rigid latch connectors that takes the guesswork and stress out of the installation process for parents.
With head and body inserts made of merino wool and additional GOTS-certified organic cotton inserts, your baby will ride undeniably comfortably. Moreover, the seat’s fabrics are flame-resistant, and the harness and crotch covers are washable.
The Nuna EXEC All-In-One car seat is suitable for infants from 5 to 50 pounds. All in all, parents can choose between three modes (rear-facing, forward-facing, and booster) and eight reclining positions, and they won’t have to deal with a rethread harness.
Infant Height, Weight Limits: 49 in., 35-50 lbs. (For 0-2-year-olds, weight limit depends on seat belt usage)
Weight: 26.6 lbs.
Things To Consider
Infant car seats come with a wide range of features — so many that it can be hard to make a decision. You may want to consider a few factors when shopping for an infant car seat:
- Installation. Be sure to look at the car seat’s installation details to make sure the process is manageable. Check out buying guides (like this one), and take the time to read product reviews. We can guarantee that a parent who had difficulty installing their baby’s car seat will definitely make it known! You can also read the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Car Seat Ease-of-Use Ratings or meet with a certified child passenger safety technician who can show you how to properly install your baby’s car seat for additional peace of mind.
- Weight and height limits. For safety sake, your baby should travel rear-facing as long as possible. In that case, weight and height limits matter. Checking the weight and height limits is particularly important for parents replacing a car seat for an older baby.
- Ease of cleaning. If there’s one thing that all parents can agree on, it’s that babies are messy! From diaper mishaps to spilled milk, car seats can really take a licking. To keep the mess to a minimum, consider car seats with removable fabric covers that are machine-washable and dryer-friendly.
- Stroller compatibility. Car seats and strollers are not universally compatible. So keep that in mind if you’re buying each of them separately. If the car seat you’re interested in purchasing is compatible with your stroller, it’s a win-win. Some strollers also have adapters for car seats, so that may expand your options quite a bit.
FAQs
What’s the safest car seat for an infant?
Our research points to the Cybex Aton 2 with SensorSafe as the safest infant car seat. The Cybex Aton 2 with SensorSafe is equipped with Linear Side-Impact Protection, comprehensive padding, and a load leg that redistributes the energy from a crash away from your baby.
The Cybex Aton 2 also has SensorSafe technology, which is a chest clip that attaches to your baby’s harness and sends an alert to your phone if your child unbuckles himself or has been left alone in the car.
What’s the No. 1-rated car seat?
The No. 1-rated car seat depends on which list you’re consulting and which features you’re prioritizing. For our list, we’ve pinpointed the best infant car seat overall as the Chicco KeyFit 30 for its excellent performance on safety tests, high-quality design, and ease of installation.
What type of car seats should newborns ride in?
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, newborns should only ride in rear-facing infant car seats until they’ve reached the car seat’s maximum height or weight limit. Parents might also consider car seats with newborn inserts for added comfort and stability.
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