Best infant car seats
- Best infant car seat overall:
- Best car seat and stroller combo:
- Best lightweight infant car seat:
- Best affordable infant car seat:
- Easiest-to-clean infant car seat:
- Easiest-to-install infant car seat:
- What is an infant car seat?
- Do you need an infant car seat?
- What to look for in an infant car seat
- How long are babies in infant car seats?
- Infant car seat safety notes
One of the most important pieces of baby gear you’ll buy or add to your baby registry is an infant car seat. In fact, you won’t be discharged from the hospital without a rear-facing car seat suitable for newborns.
When it comes to car restraints for babies this young, you have two choices: an infant car seat that generally has a base that installs in your car then a carrier that you can fasten or unfasten, or a convertible car seat, which is a one-piece seat that you install first rear-facing and then flipped front-facing as your child grows.
“Infant car seats are rear-facing car seats built for infants in their earliest stage of life,” says Dr. Suzanne Chan, a board-certified pediatric nurse practitioner and child passenger safety technician (CPST).
Car seats are installed in your vehicle using lower anchors or a car’s seat belt — not both — and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) say they can be used from birth (for babies as low as four pounds) until your baby reaches the seat's maximum weight or height (whichever comes first).
Should I get an infant or convertible car seat for my baby?
Of course, you can opt for a convertible car seat, and using either a convertible or an infant seat is approved by the AAP and NHTSA. Convertible seats last for years and some parents may wonder if they need to bother buying a separate infant seat.
The choice is yours, but Chan says many families start out with an infant car seat because:
- They are smaller and more compact
- They often come as part of a travel system or with a base that allows easier transition between car and stroller
- They’re easier to use in multiple cars (if you don’t own one or travel frequently)
- You don’t have to wake a sleeping baby for transfers
When is my baby too big for an infant car seat?
According to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 213, infant car seats—and all car seats now—must have specific height and weight limits clearly labeled on the actual seat and outlined in the manual, says Chan. You’ll know it’s time to move your child to a rear-facing convertible seat once they’ve exceeded either the height or weight limit (whichever comes first).
Most infant car seats sold today hold babies until they reach 30-35 pounds or 30-35 inches. Children usually hit this milestone anywhere from 9 months to 2 years old, says Chan. But parents should check often: babies grow fast, and missing the mark is a serious safety concern.
What's the safest infant car seat?
“All car seats are put through the same safety standards and testing to ensure their safety in use,” says Chan. Translation: Any seat sold in the U.S. is a safe seat.
A common myth is that European car seats are superior to U.S.-made seats. “While true that most of our standards were led by the Swedish (such as rear-facing and rear-facing until at least age 2), when examining their safety testing and standards, they are the same," says Chan.
So if not safety, what do you get for paying more? “It can vary from car seat to car seat, but sometimes you have a higher weight and height limit, or convenience features like easier use, performance fabrics (moisture wicking), memory foam, and changeable/washable lining,” explains Chan.
How we chose the best infant car seats
With so many options on the market and car seat safety a top priority, choosing the right product can feel overwhelming. Of course, it's a relief to parents to know that all car seats sold in the United States must pass the same federal safety standards. But minor differences in design, or features that you may not even understand when first choosing a car seat, can make a huge difference in your day-to-day experience with any one seat.
So as is typical with baby products, what's "best" is decided on by a consensus of parents who put their children into the car safely and take them out again, over and over for years on end. Seeking this type of honest feedback from a chorus of parents, we started our research on BabyCenter's Community, filtering through millions of comments in search of favorite models.
Next, the BabyCenter team vetted each to make sure it met the standards outlined by CPSTs, as well as groups like the AAP and NHTSA. Finally, we looked at the design, quality, value and ease of use to ensure all infant seats on this list truly are the best ones money can buy.
Keep reading to learn our favorite easy-to-install seat, and the lightweight and budget-friendly infant car seats parents prefer. If you're in search of more car seat information, our look at the best convertible car seats and booster seats may be of aid.
Best infant car seat overall
Chicco KeyFit 30
The KeyFit 30 wins raves for parents for its quality and ease of use. The base is very simple to install securely; it features leveling bubbles to help you get everything set up safely in your back seat. The KeyFit 30 has head and body support to accommodate newborns as small as 4 pounds, and the shell is lined with EPS energy-absorbing foam for improved impact protection.
Heads up
The KeyFit 30 snaps easily into Chicco strollers. It also works with many other stroller brands, but some require an adapter that you'll need to buy separately.
Parents say
“I have a Chicco KeyFit 30 and love it.”
“The Chicco KeyFit is spacious – I used it until each kid turned 1. My oldest was always in the upper 90s on the weight and height percentage chart and she didn't outgrow it until she was a year old.”
Specs
- For infants from 4-30 pounds and up to 30 inches tall
- Seat weight 9.6 pounds; with base 17.15 pounds
- Seat dimensions 27.5 x 17 x 24 inches
Best car seat and stroller combo
Doona Car Seat and Stroller
The Doona combines the infant car seat and stroller into one single integrated piece of gear, which means when you leave the house, you just need to wrestle one thing into your car (and you don’t have to worry about compatibility between your seat and a stroller). The seat-stroller comes with a latch base and can be used with belts in a rideshare or airplane. One other advantage of the Doona: Having the stroller as part of the seat means that you won’t have to stuff an extra piece of gear in trunk when you take the car.
Heads up
Because the seat combines a stroller and seat into one item, it’s heavy (more than 16 pounds). Add a growing baby and it starts to add up. If you can find one in a store, we suggest you try it out to see if the weight will work for you. Also, the Doona is expensive. But if you consider that it’s an infant car seat and a stroller in one, it might make sense, if you're already buying on the higher end.
Parents say
"The Doona is super cool looking. If you can handle the weight, the convenience of the all-in-in infant seat and stroller is a winner."
"It's the kind of product that makes you want to have just one more baby so you can use it."
"I love my Doona! They run on the heavier side, but it's worth it for the convenience of not having to deal with extra equipment. You won't regret it!"
Specs
- For infants from 4-35 pounds and up to 32"inches tall
- Seat weight 16.5 pounds; base weight 10 pounds
- Seat dimensions 28 x 20.5 x 18.5 inches
Best lightweight infant car seat
Nuna Pipa
The Nuna Pipa has a great feel, from its quality construction and materials to its very ergonomic carry handle. This makes the Pipa super easy to move around and a cinch to get into your car. The base has a load leg to stabilize the seat in a collision, which means it has one of the latest extras in safety features. The shade and its "Dream Drape" feature is a cut above most other seats and covers your baby head to toe, making it a snuggly spot for naps.
Heads up
The Pipa doesn’t install as easily with seatbelts alone as some other infant car seats. Also, taller parents may find that if they choose to pair a Nuna stroller with the Pipa, the stroller may be too short for comfortable everyday use. If you're on the tall side and definitely want to have both a Nuna seat and stroller, consider a test drive first to make sure the fit is right for you.
Parents say
“My sister swears by the Pipa, so that's the car seat I will be using. Not all strollers have an adapter to connect the seat, so if you go with the Pipa, make sure you have a compatible stroller.”
“Nuna isn’t treated with fire retardants or chemicals; that was one of the reasons it was my first choice.”
Specs
- For infants from 4-32 pounds and up to 32 inches tall
- Seat weight 8 pounds; with base 21.4 pounds
- Seat dimensions 22.6 x 17 x 26.5 in
Best affordable infant car seat
Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35 LX
The Graco SnugRide is a baby-gear classic that's been among our top infant car seats for years. The SnugLock 35 LX continues Graco’s tradition of offering parents a popular mix of safety, price, and convenient features such as a handle you can fold with one hand, an easily adjustable base, side-impact protection, and no-hassle compatibility with Graco strollers. While not as light as other seats, the SnugRide is under 10 pounds. Parents also like that the seat can transfer between different cars with ease. Another plus: its shade, which is big and adjusts without noise.
Heads up
The SnugRide doesn't have some cutting-edge safety features, notably a load leg.
Parents say
“We’ve loved our Graco. I’m personally glad we didn’t go with something more expensive since this has held up so well. I understand there are things you purchase in life where ‘you get what you pay for’ but this was one where we’ve gotten the most out of our money! It’s simple and exactly what we have needed.”
“I like our Graco infant seat so much. Of the many brands of car seat I've had, it's my absolute favorite.”
Specs
- For infants from 4-35 pounds and up to 32 inches tall
- Seat weight 9.75 pounds; with base 26 pounds
- Seat dimensions 30.9 x 20 x 15.5 inches
Easiest-to-clean infant car seat
Clek Liing
The Clek Liing is has all the bells and whistles – safety features like a load leg and rigid LATCH, a base with seven recline positions, and several fancy fabric options, all of which are specially treated to be stain-, moisture-, and bacteria-resistant. The seat has advanced side-impact protection and a special body support system so it fits newborns snugly. It's free of flame retardants, and attaches to most strollers using Maxi-Cosi adapters.
Heads up
This is not a cheap seat. But the Clek Liing has an extra-long lifespan (9 years), so you can use it for future little siblings.
Parents say
“Anyone who’s ever installed a car seat knows that the process can end in doubt. Is it really in there? Is it really safe? The Clek takes a lot of that guesswork away. The base is super easy to deal with and the combination of rigid LATCH and the load leg make the seat feel like it isn't going anywhere.”
Specs
- For infants from 4-35 pounds and up to 32 inches tall
- Seat weight 9 pounds; with base 28 pounds
- Seat dimensions 26.8 x 16.9 x 22.6 inches
Easiest-to-install infant car seat
UPPAbaby Mesa
The UPPAbaby Mesa seat takes some of the guesswork out of installs. Its LATCH system automatically retracts the connections to your car to create a secure attachment, and a red-green indicator lets you know whether or not the seat is installed properly. The seat's finishes are high quality; some have chemical-free merino wool fabric. The seat is compatible with the popular UPPAbaby Vista stroller.
Heads up
Some parents have complained that the Mesa is a bit heavy compared to other seats. Other parents who have the seats outfitted with the wool-blend fabric say their seats cause their babies to sweat during the summer months. The canopy, while a lovely design in terms of its integration into the seat, is a bit small.
Parents say
“I love my Mesa car seat. I will use it again for my next baby. It's a bit heavy, but I usually wasn’t carrying it far without the stroller. Also, we lived in a big city until my baby was about 9 months, so I loved how easy it was to install without a base. We took a lot of Ubers and taxis and the quick, easy, and secure baseless install was a major upside for us.”
“My friend just had twins and loves the Mesa and how easy it is to use with the stroller. It’s a little heavier but if she can doesn’t mind with two, I figure I’ll be safe with one!”
Specs
- For infants from 4-35 pounds and up to 32 inches tall
- Seat weight 9.9 pounds; with base 18.9 pounds
- Seat dimensions 26.5 x 17 x 23 inches
What is an infant car seat?
An infant car seat or convertible car seat is necessary to keep your baby safe in a car. Infant car seats always face the rear and cradle your baby's body, protecting and supporting her head, neck, and spinal cord in the event of a sudden stop or crash. They have a five-point harness that goes over your baby's shoulders, clips across his chest, and fastens between his legs. If you start out with an infant car seat, your child will probably outgrow it around age 1, and you'll need to buy a convertible car seat.
Do you need an infant car seat?
You have other options when it comes to car seats – convertible car seats can hold infants rear-facing, and have higher weight limits so you can use them for much longer. And in general, experts say that infant car seats and convertible car seats are equally safe for babies as long as they are installed and used correctly. So why bother with an infant car seat?
The main reason is convenience. Infant car seats come with two parts: a base that's secured to your car, and the actual car seat, which snaps in and out of the base. This means you don't have to unharness your child every time you get in or out of the car. You can snap the car seat off of the base and carry it with you, or snap it into a coordinating stroller. (You can also use an infant car seat without the base and secure it with the seatbelt – for instance, to travel in a rideshare, a taxi, or a relative's car.)
Convertible car seats don't have bases and are cumbersome to take in and out of the car. You can't use them with strollers, either.
What to look for in an infant car seat
If you're buying a new car seat in the U.S. through a reputable retailer, you can be assured you're getting a safe seat. Every seat sold in this country must meet federal safety laws. There are differences in how seats meet these requirements. Here are features to look for as you shop infant car seats:
Ease of use: Look for the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration's five-star rating system. The more stars a car seat has, the easier it is to use. The NHTSA ratings take into account how easy it is to install the seat in your car and secure your child in it, as well as the content and clarity of the instruction manual.
A car seat base: Infant car seats come with a plastic base that you install in your car; some parents buy an extra one for a second vehicle. Snap the car seat into the base and buckle in your child when you're ready to go. Some bases have add-ons, such as adjustable feet that can help you get the proper recline angle, or level indicators that show you when the seat is at the correct angle. Increasingly, seat bases come with a "load leg," which is a strut that extends from the front of the seat base to the floor of your car. This leg reduces the rotation of the seat and rebound that can occur during a collision. Some manufacturers say that the load leg can reduce the crash forces exerted on a car seat by an impact by 40 percent.
Easy adjustments: You'll need to adjust the harness and headrest as your child grows. Better car seats allow you to easily adjust the straps and harness height from the front. The most user-friendly models have single-hand belt adjustments with quick-release buckles, no-rethread harnesses, and single-hand height-adjustable headrests.
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children): All car seats and vehicles must be compatible with the LATCH system (including two-seat convertibles). LATCH allows you to attach the car seat directly to your vehicle instead of using the seat belt to secure it. This can make installation easier, although correct installation using seat belts is just as safe. Most infant car seats use the lower anchors only and not the tethers. LATCH connectors come in two styles: attached to a flexible strap that threads through the car seat, and "rigid LATCH" that sticks straight out of the seat back. Many experts consider the rigid LATCH connectors easier to operate.
Easy cleaning: Babies and messes go hand in hand, but a surprising number of car seats come with covers you can't take off. A detachable, machine-washable seat cover will make cleanup much easier.
Comfort: A well-padded seat with plenty of head support gives your baby a better ride.
Side-impact protection: Some car seats have special energy-absorbing foam and other features designed to better protect your baby's head and chest in a side-impact accident.
How long are babies in infant car seats?
Most babies outgrow an infant car seat's maximum height or weight limit around age 1. (For some babies, this happens sooner.) At that point, you'll need to buy a convertible car seat.
Infant car seat safety notes
It's safest to keep your child rear-facing as long as possible – until your child reaches the maximum rear-facing height and weight limits for your car seat. (Most newer convertible seats can handle kids up to 40 pounds or more in a rear-facing position, allowing them to stay rear-facing until age 4 or older.)
We don't recommend used car seats. They could be missing important parts, have been involved accidents (even unseen damage can affect the way a seat functions), fall short of current safety standards, or have been recalled due to faulty designs. Also, plastic gets brittle over time, so an old seat could break in a crash.
It's harder than it sounds to install a car seat correctly, and according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), many car seats are improperly installed.
For safety's sake, have your car seat and its installation checked by a professional. To arrange an inspection in your area, use the NHTSA's car-seat-inspection-station locator.
For advice on avoiding the most common car-seat-installation mistakes, see our article on installing a car seat. You can also talk to parents in our Car Seat Questions group.
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