Choosing the right infant car seat is tricky with so many options out there.
Sure, all infant car seats have to meet safety standards, but the real differences come down to how easy they are to install, their comfort, weight, and if they work with strollers.
Extras like adjustable headrests or a special safety base can also make a big difference in daily use.
Here are our top 8 infant car seats to choose from.
In this guide:
Best Overall | Editor’s Choice | Best For Comfort | Best for Toddlers | Best Seat-Stroller Combo | Best Easy To Install | Best For Preemies| Best lightweight |
The Best Infant Car Seats in 2024
1. Best overall infant car seat
Chicco KeyFit 35
Quick Specs
Baby height, weight limits: 30 inches, 35 pounds
Seat weight (without base): 10 pounds
Seat dimensions: W16.5″ x L28″ x H24″
Why It’s Best
The Chicco KeyFit 35 is a standout choice if you are looking for the best overall infant car seat.
The Keyfit 35 installation is a breeze, thanks to the SuperCinch LATCH system that ensures a secure fit with minimal effort.
Safety-wise, it has an adjustable five-point harness and side-impact protection, keeping your baby snug and safe. The Chicco Keyfit 35 also offers a plush, padded design and a large canopy for protection.
Designed for longevity, it accommodates infants from 4 to 35 pounds, growing with your child.
The KeyFit 35 also scores high on our user-friendliness tests, offering easy one-hand release and a range of appealing colors.
We think that the combination of ease, safety, comfort, and style makes it an unbeatable overall choice for your infant’s car seat.
Stroller compatibility
Keyfit 35 works with several Chicco and Joovy strollers without extra adapters. It’s also compatible with Baby Jogger, BOB, Mockingbird, Thule, and Uppababy strollers with an adapter that you can purchase separately.
Pros
Easy to install and buckle
Provide a secure fit
Outstanding safety features
Cons
Some of our testers found it to be on the heavier side
Priced higher than some other models
Adjusting the handle requires two hands to hit two switches
2. Editor’s choice
Chicco KeyFit 30
Quick Specs
Baby height, weight limits: 30 inches, 30 pounds
Seat weight (without base): 9.5 pounds
Seat dimensions: L27.5″ x W16.5″ x H24″
Why it’s best
The Chicco KeyFit 30 is one of our most recommended and loved infant car seats offering exceptional value.
The KeyFit 30 stands out for its ease of use, installation, and versatility.
It accommodates infants from 4 to 30 pounds, featuring a two-piece infant insert for newborns, a bubble-style recline angle indicator for proper installation, and premium lower anchor connectors for added security.
The seat is also FAA approved for air travel and its compact design allows it to fit in most airline seats.
The Chicco Keyfit also features comfortable padding, easy-to-wash fabric, and it’s compatible with several strollers.
Stroller compatibility
You can use the KeyFit 30 with most Chicco strollers with no adapter but adapters are required for other strollers and the adapters are sold separately.
Pros
Easy Installation: The KeyFit 30’s has a straightforward and simple installation process.
Comfortable: Comfortable padding with a two-piece infant insert
Machine Washable Fabric: The fabric can be easily removed and washed
Cons
Heavy: Some of our testers noted that the KeyFit 30 is a bit heavy for them to carry with the baby in it.
Sun Canopy Design: The sun canopy is not big enough to shield the child from the sun.
Bulky with Certain Strollers: When used with some stroller models, it requires extra space in the trunk.
3. Best comfortable infant car seat
UPPAbaby Mesa
Quick Specs
Baby height, weight limits: 32 inches, 35 pounds
Seat weight (without base): 9.9 pounds
Seat dimensions: 17″W x 25.8″L x 23″H
Why it’s best
We recommend the UPPAbaby Mesa if you are looking for a super comfortable seat for your child, though it comes with a higher price tag.
It features a load leg, push-style LATCH connectors, and a color change indicator for correct installation, making the LATCH installation process very easy.
However, we noticed that installing the seat with a vehicle belt can be a bit more challenging.
This seat is really comfortable for babies, with lots of padding and soft fabric. It also features a big canopy.
Plus, installing the seat without its base is pretty straightforward, making it a good choice for traveling parents.
Stroller compatibility
The UPPAbaby MESA infant car seats can be used with UPPAbaby strollers: the VISTA, CRUZ, MINU, and RIDGE. You don’t need an adapter to attach the MESA infant seat to the UPPAbaby VISTA or CRUZ strollers, though adapters are required for the MINU V2 (compact stroller) or RIDGE (jogging stroller) and the adapters are sold separately. Other strollers like Thule, BOB, MIMA and Veer are also compatible with Mesa but with a universal adapter.
Pros
Comfort: The seat is well-padded and uses soft fabric
User-Friendly Features: Includes a retractable LATCH strap and a bubble level indicator, large canopy.
Easy LATCH Installation: It comes with push-style LATCH connectors and a color change indicator
Cons
Expensive: The seat is on the higher end of the price spectrum.
Challenging Belt Installation: Installing the seat with a vehicle belt can be a bit tricky.
Weight: The seat might be heavier or bulkier compared to other car seats on this round-up
4. Best infant car seat for toddlers
Chicco Fit2
Quick Specs
Baby height, weight limits: 35 inches, 35 pounds
Seat weight (without base): 11 pounds
Seat dimensions: L28″ x W17″ x H24″
Why it’s best
The Chicco Fit2 stands out in a few ways. First off, it’s great for keeping kids rear-facing longer, thanks to its two-stage base.
The base adjusts from a more reclined infant position (stage 1) to a more upright toddler position (stage 2), giving your little one more legroom as they grow.
The Chicco Fit2 is suitable for use until your child reaches either 35 inches in height or 35 pounds in weight, whichever comes first.
But this added feature makes the Fit2 a bit heavier than other Chicco seats. It’s also a bit pricier, but offers extra comfort with a plush padding and a well-designed canopy.
Installation is a breeze with its easy-to-use LATCH system and a handle that you can adjust with just one hand!
Stroller compatibility
Chicco Fit2 is compatible with all Chicco strollers that can accept a car seat.
Pros
Extended rear-facing: Extended rear-facing: Can be used until your child reaches 35 inches or 35 pounds, whichever comes first.
Handle Adjustment: One handed handle adjustment
LATCH Install: Offers a straightforward installation process using the LATCH system.
Cons
Poorly Designed Handle Grip: The handle grip is not ergonomically designed
Heavier: The car seat is heavier than many of its competitors
Higher Price Point: The Chicco Fit2 is priced higher than other similar options
5. Best car seat for preemies
Clek Liing
Quick Specs
Baby height, weight limits: 30 inches, 30 pounds
Seat weight (without base): 9 pounds
Seat dimensions: L27.7″ x W16.9″ x H26.8″
Why it’s best
The Clek Liing is an excellent infant seat for premature babies. It’s suitable from birth and can accommodate babies as small as 4 pounds.
It features a rigid LATCH system that’s almost foolproof, and it can be installed using the vehicle belt almost as easily. It also includes features like a load leg and built-in lock-off for added safety.
We loved how compact the Clek is in several small cars we tested it in so if you own a small car this is definitely a car seat to consider.
But at a price tag of $500, you may be better off with a Chicco Keyfit 30.
Stroller compatibility
Using the Maxi Cosi adapters, the Click Liing is compatible with several stroller models from brands like BabyJogger, Uppababy, Joovy and more.
Pros
Good for Small Babies: Excellent fit for preemies and small newborns, with a low harness setting and plush infant insert.
Sleek Design: Offers a modern and stylish appearance that complements vehicle interiors.
Compact Size: Suitable for smaller cars or those with tall front passengers.
Cons
Expensive: The Clek Liing is on the pricier side
Limited Stroller Compatibility: While it is compatible with many strollers, its range of compatibility is not as extensive as some competitors.
6. Best infant car seat & stroller combo
Doona
Quick Specs
Baby height, weight limits: 32 inches, 35 pounds
Seat weight (without base): 17 pounds
Seat dimensions: W17.4 x L26 x H22.4 in”
Why it’s best
The Doona Car Seat & Stroller combo is now a popular choice among parents looking for an easy, safe, and smart way to get around with their baby.
It’s especially good for parents who need to switch between driving and walking a lot. It’s also FAA approved for air travel and can be used without a car seat base.
Another cool thing we loved about the Doona is how it flips from a car seat into a stroller in just a few seconds, making life a lot easier when you’re out and about.
It’s super handy for city living or when you’re traveling because it doesn’t take up much room and you don’t need to lug around a separate stroller.
Safety-wise, the Doona offers side impact protection and a 5-star safety rating in frontal collision tests.
Yes, it’s a bit heavier than your usual car seat, but the convenience of having a 2-in-1 stroller and car seat combo is worth it.
Stroller compatibility
The Doona is a car seat stroller combo so you won’t need to buy a separate stroller.
Pros
Compact Design: Ideal for saving space, both in the home and when traveling.
Safety: Features side impact protection and a 5-star safety rating in frontal collision tests.
Ease of Use: The Doona is easy to use, with a seamless transition between a car seat and a stroller.
Cons
Expensive: It is a significant investment, especially considering the additional cost for accessories.
Heavy: The car seat is heavy, which could be a concern for those with back issues.
Lack of Storage: The compact system comes with limited storage options, making it less ideal for shopping or long outings.
7. Best easy-to-install infant car seat
Britax B-Safe Gen2 Flexfit
Quick Specs
Baby height, weight limits: 32 inches, 35 pounds
Seat weight (without base): 11.9 pounds
Seat dimensions: L26.6″ x W17.9″ H25.9″
Why it’s best
For Britax brand lovers, we recommend the Britax B-Safe Gen2 as your everyday infant car seat.
This is the newer version of older B-Safe 35 model. It’s so easy to install and use, which is a big plus.
Britax B-Safe Gen2 also gives your baby a bit more room as it fits babies from 4 to 35 pounds and up to 32 inches tall.
We loved the handy features that made it more fun to use, like the vehicle seat belt lockoff on the base, premium push-button lower anchor connectors, and an easily accessible belt path for baseless installation.
It also comes with a big canopy and a safe wash and dry cover.
Stroller compatibility
Britax B-Safe Gen2 is compatible with all Britax strollers. It’s also compatible with other stroller brands with an adapter.
Pros
Easy to install: The car seat comes with features like a seat belt lockoff on the base and push-button lower anchor connectors.
Comfortable for Babies: Roomy and has a plush and soft cover
Flexible Use: The easily accessible belt path allows for baseless installation, handy for travel or using different cars.
Cons
Difficulty Removing Carrier from Base: Some of our testers find it challenging to detach the carrier from the base.
Heavy: While not the heaviest, the carrier is slightly heavier than average.
8. Best premium infant car seat
Nuna Pipa Lite RX
Quick Specs
Baby height, weight limits: 32 inches, 32 pounds
Seat weight (without base): 8.6 pounds
Seat dimensions: L 25.2 in x W 17.5 in x H 23 in
Why it’s best
The Nuna Pipa Car seat has all the features I love in a car seat. It’s lightweight, user-friendly, has high-tech safety features, and a luxurious feel to it.
I was actually impressed by its sleek design and lightweight structure, making it incredibly easy to carry around.
The installation of the Nuna Pipa is also a breeze, thanks to the rigid LATCH connectors that clicked into place without any hassle.
The car seat has a dream drape feature that provides total darkness for the baby.
Other thoughtful features like the magnetic clips for the straps, and the removable infant pad adds to the overall ease of use and comfort this seat provides.
As for safety, the Nuna Pipa includes an anti-rebound bar and a stability leg on the base for added stability.
Even though it’s a bit pricey, the Nuna Pipa Lite RX has been totally worth it.
Stroller compatibility
Nuna Pipa Lite RX Works seamlessly with all Nuna strollers, as well as strollers from many other top brands, including Baby Jogger, Babyzen, BOB, Bugaboo, Bumbleride, Stokke, UPPAbaby, Thule and more.
Pros
Lightweight: The car seat is incredibly light, making it easy to carry around
Ease to Instal: With rigid LATCH connectors and the RELX base, the car seat can be installed quickly and securely
Adjustable and Comfortable: The seat height is easily adjustable, and the removable infant pad allows for a comfortable fit as the baby grows.
Cons
Expensive: This car seat comes with a high price tag.
Challenging Without Base: Installing the car seat without its base can be trickier and more complicated than using it with the base.
Limited Weight Capacity: The car seat supports up to 32 pounds, meaning you’ll need to switch to a convertible car seat earlier than expected.
What are the best car seats for infants?
Most known infant car seats on the market meet specific safety standards and are safe for your baby, but the best choice for your family can depend on various factors such as budget, fit in your car and strollers, ease of installation, and additional safety features. Check our top infant car seats above for more information.
What is the #1 safest car seat?
Car seats sold in the market must meet stringent safety standards. Also, all car seats are safe as long as they are installed correctly. But, brands like Chicco, Evenflo, and Nuna are often known for their superior safety feature.
What car seat do I need for my newborn?
For a newborn, you’ll need a rear-facing infant car seat. Rear-facing seats are designed to support and protect from birth until they reach the seat’s maximum height or weight limit (often around 35 pounds).
How long can infants sit in car seat?
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that newborns spend no longer than 2 hours in a car seat at a time. This guideline is to support proper spine and hip development.
Are more expensive car seats safer?
Price doesn’t always mean a car seat is safer. Sometimes, more expensive seats have extra features for comfort or style, not necessarily better safety. What’s most important is using the seat correctly every time.
