Finding the best infant car seat is about more than finding the best deal. Fortunately for parents, child restraint systems sold in the United States must meet federal safety standards, making them less prone to error. However, even a high-quality child seat can be unsafe if installed incorrectly or if you choose the wrong type of seat for your child.
The 8 Best Baby Car Seats:
1. Bugaboo Turtle Air:
The Bugaboo Turtle Air is a luxurious child seat with a high-quality merino wool lining. The removable baby carrier has a shaded canopy and is compatible with the Bugaboo baby car. It meets FAA requirements and can be used on commercial aircraft. In the event of an accident, the anti-rebound bar on the child seat ensures the safety of your child.
As a Bugaboo product, Turtle Air is compatible with many baby accessories such as removable changing bags, sunshades, mats, and footmuffs (baby sleeping bags). Most of these accessories are designed to be used with baby cars, not when the Turtle Air is in the vehicle.
Advantages:
- Soft merino wool lining
- Lightweight
- Attaches to compatible baby cars
Disadvantages:
- Expensive
- Bulky smart visor
2. UPPAbaby Table:
The UPPAbaby Mesa is an infant car carrier that is quick and easy to install. Suitable for babies up to 35 lbs, the Mesa features an adjustable headrest, non-rethreading harness, and side impact protection. Baby inserts are a soft wool blend.
The Mesa is compatible with Vista and Cruz baby cars and is available in three colors. Find out more about this child seat in our detailed review guide here.
Advantages:
- Robust construction
- Soft lining material
- Attaches to compatible baby cars
Disadvantages:
- The angle of the seat is too steep for some babies.
- Expensive
3. Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35:
The Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35 is a mid-priced infant car seat that installs easily and securely. The adjustable base offers 4 tilt positions for optimum safety and comfort. Like many of the infant car seats on this list, the SnugRide attaches to your baby’s car without adapters.
This child seat has been rigorously tested and includes a 5-point harness system that has been side-impact tested to restrain the baby. Plus, the seat cover can be quickly removed for easy cleaning. Our review guide details everything that sets this car seat apart from the rest.
Advantages:
- Attaches to compatible baby cars
- Removable head and body support cushions
Disadvantages:
- Large and bulky awning
4. Chicco KeyFit 30:
The Chicco KeyFit is a highly adjustable infant car seat that attaches securely to most rear seats. The leveling system is spring-loaded for ease of use and the base of the carrier has a spirit level to help parents set it up correctly.
You can remove the carrier from the base of the child seat and insert it into your Chicco baby car. This lightweight infant car seat accommodates toddlers up to 30 lbs. and includes a removable canopy and machine-washable liner.
Advantages:
- Attaches to compatible baby cars
- High-quality and comfortable lining
- With adjustable hood
Disadvantages:
- Low weight and height limits compared to other brands
5. Baby Trend EZ Ride:
Every infant seat on this list can be attached to baby cars from the same company, but the Baby Trend EZ Ride is marketed as an all-in-one travel system that includes the baby car. This combo pack is cheaper than other child seats.
Although it does not have a fleece lining or removable, machine-washable pads, the EZ Ride is a safe car seat for children up to 35 lbs. Also, the reclining position is almost the same.
Advantages:
- Includes compatible baby car
- Relatively cheap
- It has a special configuration for newborns with low birth weights.
Disadvantages:
- The poor quality lining material
6. Peg Perego Primo Viaggio:
If you expect your baby to spend a lot of time in the back seat of her car, the Peg Perego Primo Viaggio is the best car seat available today. The soft, breathable fabric and plenty of extra padding will keep your baby comfortable on long journeys. The seat is the preferred option when used without a base, thanks to the European seatbelt pass that folds behind the seat.
Advantages:
- Excellent results in crash tests.
- The European seat belt pass increases security when the base is not in use.
- Beautiful design and soft materials.
- Lasting comfort.
Disadvantages:
- One of the heaviest seats in our test.
7. Britax B-Safe Gen2:
The Britax B-Safe Gen2 is fully padded and is perfect for small babies. Your child will stay snug and snug. This seat is not recommended for larger babies. It may feel a bit tight and uncomfortable on long journeys.
Advantages:
- Excellent results in crash tests.
- Safe and comfortable for small babies and premature babies.
- Beautiful design and fine finish.
Disadvantages:
- Big babies can feel a little cramped.
- Doesn’t last if other seats are in our tests.
8. Evenflo LiteMax 35:
The Evenflo LiteMax 35 is the best infant car seat you can get for under $100. It’s one of the lightest options on the market and meets all safety regulations. Safe and good value for money, but not comfortable for long periods of use due to lack of fabric and padding. Not our favorite seat, but great value for money at this price.
Advantages:
- Excellent results in crash tests.
- Good cost performance.
- One of the lightest seats available (8.8 lbs.).
Disadvantages:
- Not very comfortable for babies.
- The LATCH clip on the base is difficult to install.
- Materials and fabrics feel cheap.
Car Seat Buyer’s Guide:
Infants should be placed in a rear-facing car seat from birth until transitioning to a forward-facing seat. The seat purchased has a minimum and maximum height and weight restrictions to ensure that the baby has a proper seat.
When choosing an infant car seat, you should not only consider safety, but also materials, ease of use, and the type of seat.
Safety:
All child seats sold in the United States must meet federal safety standards. However, it is possible to buy untested child seats online. The best way to determine if a seat meets federal standards is to look for labels that indicate that the seat has been properly tested. Don’t buy an infant car seat if you’re not sure it meets these criteria.
Seat type:
In addition to making sure the seat meets federal safety guidelines, you should purchase the best infant car seat for your child based on your child’s height and weight. Babies generally require a rear-facing child seat. Use this chart from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to help determine the type of child seat you need.
Material:
The better the material, the easier the installation process will be and the more comfortable the ride will be for your child. Look for padded child seats that are plush, well-stitched, and machine washable.
Extra:
Most infant car seats are designed as carriers that attach to a base that remains attached to the vehicle. Many seats are baby car-compatible and convert your car seat from the driveway to the curb. Consider if you want an infant seat that attaches to your baby’s car, or if you want a seat with a shaded canopy.
Install on pc:
After purchasing a child seat, make sure it is installed correctly. Your car seat will be inspected by a professional to confirm fit. The NHTSA website has a helpful tool for finding a child passenger safety technician near you.
