This post has detailed reviews of the best infant car seats you can find in the market in 2022. We’ve compared more than 23 brands and settled on the ten best based on our ranking criteria with safety contributing significantly to how we ranked them.
What infant car seat is the best?
The best infant car seat has to possess the most essential features. These features are safety and comfort. But it also has to be ideal for your unique situation in terms of do you have a small or large car? Do you need to travel with your baby often, so you have to move the seat between vehicles, on the streets, on buses, etc.? This would make ease of installation, weight, and size of the seat important factors to you. In this review, we have considered all these factors, and if you read through, we hope you will find your infant car seat of choice.
In our comparison and analysis of all available options, Britax B-Safe Ultra emerged as the overall best infant car seat available in the market today. I have reviewed it further below.
Top 10 Infant Car Seats in 2022
- Britax B Safe Ultra: Overall Best Infant Car Seat
- Chicco Keyfit 30: Best Infant Car Seat for Small Cars
- UPPAbaby MESA: Best Infant Car Seat in Design & Safety
- Graco Snugride Click Connect 35
- Safety 1st onBoard 35 Air 360 Infant Car Seat
- Doona Infant Car Seat & Latch Base
- Maxi-Cosi Mico 30 Infant Car Seat With Base
- Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35 LX Infant Car Seat
- Evenflo Nurture Infant Car Seat
- Cybex Cloud Q Infant Car Seat
Reviews of Best Car Seats for Infants and Newborns in 2022
1. Britax B Safe Gen 2: Overall Best Infant Car Seat 2022
In this 2022 update, Britax B Safe Gen2 is our overall best infant car seat that you can pick today. This Gen 2 Model is an improvement from the earlier B-Safe 35 which was relatively heavier and was more expensive. This new model has unmatched quality and is made from durable fabric and is actually cheaper than the original B-Safe 35.
After thorough research, we settled on the Britax B Safe Gen 2 as our overall best infant car seat and the best Britax infant car seat. Britax is a well-known and trusted brand with a large collection of all types of infant car seats. Their Britax B safe Gen 2 is one of their premium models and comes at a reasonable price (239.99). It is not just us who love this seat; in Amazon, it has a high rating of 4.7 out of 5 by 1048 customers.
The seat measures 26.6 Length x 17.9 Width x 25.85 Height inches. It is designed for babies with a weight of 4 to 35 pounds. Once you unpack, you will notice it is a beautiful and high-quality seat. It has a cool mesh fabric to keep your little one cool and comfortable. Aside from the airy fabric, the carrier is well padded on the seat and headrest and includes a removable insert to give the preemies and smaller babies a snug and comfortable fitting. When out in the sun or rain, this seat has an extra-large canopy to shield your little one.
Regarding safety, Britax B-Safe Gen2 guarantees your child is surrounded by safety. It features two layers of side impact protection and Britax SafeCell Impact Protection. The SafeCell Impact protection is a combination of a steel frame, impact-absorbing base, a V-shaped tether to prevent seat rotation, and staged release stitches that slow and reduce forward movement in case of a crash.
We also appreciate the user-friendly design, which makes the seat so easy to install. Although the seat comes with a base, you can use it without the base as well. To install without the base Britax B-Safe Gen 2 has a unique feature called the European Belt Guide. To install with the base, the seat has two methods: using the center Latch or seat belt. We love that it has dual bubble indicators to ensure correct installation every time.
Other impressive features include a spring-assisted recline to help you get the correct angle and no-rethreading the harness ever! Britax B-Safe Gen2 is compatible with Britax single strollers, and BOB single and Duallie strollers with adapters (bought separately).
Britax B Safe 35 is part of Britax’s series of infant car seats which include Britax B Safe Ultra, Britax Endeavour, and Britax B Safe Elite. The comparison below has all the 11 similarities and over 9 differences between the Britax car seats and demonstrates why we choose Britax B Safe Ultra as our overall infant car seat in 2022.
| Britax B-Safe 35 | Britax B-Safe 35 Elite | Britax B Safe Ultra | BRITAX ENDEAVOURS |
| Made in USA | Made in USA | Made in USA | Made in USA |
| Released to market on March 22, 2018 | Released to market on March 12, 2018 | Released to market on March 12, 2018 | Released to market on March 29, 2019 |
| Dimensions: 17.75” W x 25” H x 26.5” D | Dimensions: 17.75 x 25 x 30.62 inches | Dimensions: 17.8 x 25 x 26.5 inches | Dimensions: 17.75 ” W x 25 ” H x 30.62 ” D |
| One layer of Side Impact Protection | Two layers of Side Impact Protection | Two layers of Side Impact Protection | Two layers of Side Impact Protection |
| Current Ranking on Amazon: 16 out of top 100 | Current Ranking on Amazon: 35 out of 100 | Current Ranking on Amazon: 37 out of top 100 | Current Ranking on Amazon: 65 out of top 100 |
| 5-Point Harness | 5-Point Harness | 5-Point Harness | 5-Point Harness |
| 11.5 lbs | Weight: 11 lbs | Weight: 12 lbs | 11.5 lbs |
| Not easy to remove the cover | Easy to remove the cover | Easy to remove the cover | Easy to remove the cover |
| Does not have an anti-rebound bar | Does not have an anti-rebound bar | Does not have an anti-rebound bar | Has an anti-rebound bar |
| Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price |
Below is a video review of Britax B Safe Gen2:
As shown in the table above, there are a few features that differentiate Britax B Safe Ultra but I strongly recommend it because of the following:
Like all other Britax Infant car seats, Britax B Safe Ultra is assembled in Fort Mill, a town in South Carolina, USA. This is also the headquarters of Britax.
Now that we’ve determined Britax B Safe Ultra is the best out of all the other Britax car seats, let’s review some of the great features that we like about this seat. Some of the features cut across all Britax seats.
- Can be fit to the car seat using LATCH system or the seat belt making it easy to use in a taxi or rental car
- It does a nice job by safely supporting kids with lightweight, as low as 4 lbs because of its infant padding insert that comes with it.
- Britax B Safe Ultra comes with several color options and it is made right here in the USA.
| Britax Brands | Other Brands |
| Selection from four safe brands highlighted above | 27 brands that meet our minimum safety guidelines |
| Cost $200 to $270 | Cost $150 to $700 |
| Weighs as low as 11 pounds | Most lightweight infant car seat brand weight as low as 7.6 pounds |
2. Chicco Keyfit 35: Best Infant Car Seat for Small Cars
Chicco Keyfit 35 is our second overall best infant but the best for small cars such as sedans. Chicco Keyfit 35 is an upgrade of the KeyFit 30 and comes in several colors and pattern options and is super portable. Chicco Keyfit 30 has been rated very highly 4.9/5 by over 350 users on Amazon. 95% of those users have given it 5-star reviews which goes to tell us that parents have really had good experiences with this car seat.
Chicco is an Italian brand that has become a household name across America. On Amazon, KeyFit 30 seat it is ranked # no.1 in the infant safety car seat category. It is a beautiful and compactly designed seat measuring 27.50 x 17 x 24. In addition to being the ideal size for small cars has consistently topped in safety and ease of installation. And it offers the best features for an infant car seat within its price range ($199.99).
The Keyfit 35 is the latest car seat addition in Chicco’s much-admired KeyFit line of products. This model is way much better in terms of versatility, safety, comfort, and design as compared to our previously reviewed KeyFit 30. However, the improvement means spending a few extra dollars on the Chicco KeyFit 35, but it is all worth it. In addition, the KeyFit 30 was slightly lighter than the newest KeyFit 35. However, the two have a lot in common which might make choosing one over the other rather tricky.
Chicco KeyFit 35 is bigger in size as it is designed to accommodate babies that weigh 4 to 35 pounds. The maximum baby height is 32”. That is slightly higher than KeyFit 30’s capacity of 4 to 30 pounds weight and a maximum height of 30 inches. Unlike the KeyFit 30, Chicco KeyFit 35 features an anti-rebound bar which means improved safety. This feature helps reduce the car seat’s movement and after-crash effects on your kiddo. It also comes with a 6-position adjustable base with a liquid bubble recline indicator. KeyFit 35 has a 6-year lifespan before expiration.
This upgraded car seat, as the manufacturer asserts, has super easy LATCH install. The LATCH connectors feature a push style with a center strap that you easily pull to tighten. The bubble level indicator helps you get the most appropriate installation angle. However, installation using the belt or base is not as straightforward but is better than some of its competitors. Many users and sites have also ranked it highly in terms of crash-test results.
Chicco KeyFit 35 has a stiffer buckle than KeyFit 30 but the lack of padding around it makes it easier to operate. The chest clip on KeyFit 35 is stiff but easy to connect. When it comes to comfort, KeyFit 35 has relatively thick and cushy padding. However, it is not very dense. The ClearTex material feels more durable and of premium quality than that of KeyFit 30. You will love the finish and fit of this car seat as well as the sturdy handle with a grip center portion.
Similarly, both Britax B Safe 35 and Chicco Keyfit 30 (previous model) can be fitted to the car seat using a LATCH system or a seat belt. Compared with all Britax and Chicco systems, Chicco Keyfit 30 fits easily. Compared to Chicco Fit 2 and Britax Endeavor which cost as high as $280, Chicco Keyfit 30 is cheaper as it will only cost you about $200 on Amazon. You can check its current price on Amazon here.
Below is a video review of Chicco Keyfit 30:
- Easiest-to-install infant car seat offers more headrest height, legroom and stability for extended rear-facing use
- Easy-Extend Headrest System raises with the harness to grow with children up to 32” tall
- Includes stay-in-car base with integrated anti-rebound bar for increased stability and more leg room
- Top-rated installation features such as SuperCinch force-multiplying tightener and bubble level indicators
- One-hand, click-in attachment for effortless mobility with compatible Chicco strollers (sold separately)
It is also currently ranking among the top 10 out of the top 100 best-selling infant car seats on Amazon.
Chicco Keyfit30 Vs Graco Snugride Click Connect 35
| Chicco Keyfit 30 | Graco Snugride Click Connect 35 |
| Has 17 inches width, 24 inches height, and 27.5 inches depth | Has 18.66 inches width,15.59 inches height, and 30.67 inches depth |
| Easy to install | Easy to install |
| Made in China | Made in China |
| Lead-free material | Lead-free material |
| The frame not made of steel | Frame not made of steel |
| Five-point harness | Five-point harness |
| Side impact tested | side-impact tested |
| Some have breathable materials | Non-breathable materials |
| 9.6 pounds carrier weight | 7.5 pounds carrier weight |
| Machine washable covers | Machine washable covers |
| 6 years expiration | 7 years expiration |
| 4 to 30 pounds recommended baby weight | 4 to 35 pounds recommended baby weight |
| Up to 30 inches height of the baby | Up to 32 inches height of the baby |
| More expensive | Cheaper |
3. UPPAbaby MESA: Best In Style, Design & Safety
UPPAbaby MESA Infant Car Seat is our third best infant car seat but wins big with its stylish design and advanced safety features. The great safety and design features along with its easy-to-install seat come at a higher price compared to our top 2 infant car seats above. It currently goes for about $300 but the padding in the center and the sides gives your baby comfort making it worth every dollar.
The seat is designed for infants and babies weighing from 4 to 35 pounds. Just like the other seats, we have reviewed so far it has a removable insert for preemies and smaller babies. Many parents were concerned about why the MESA car seat does not have recline levels. We found out that this car seat is specifically designed for use with infants only. So, we hope that clears the air.
This is a high-end seat made using premium quality merino wool fabric that is fire resistant. Any parent will appreciate a seat that does not use toxic fire retardant chemicals commonly used in other infant seats. Additionally, the covers are easily removable for washing.
To install, you can use the latch method or seatbelt. For both methods, the Mesa seat features a unique technology that has a tightness indicator (with color change) and self-retracting Latch connectors which makes the process easy, fast, and accurate.
The Mesa seat provides safety by using side impact protection and a headrest reinforced with EPP foam. The integrated design keeps the baby’s head stationary during a side collision. When adjusting the headrest, you don’t need to rethread the harness; it is just by a single click. The seat comes with an extendable canopy with UPF 25+ to adequately protect your baby when strolling.
Speaking of strolling, UPPA baby Mesa is compatible with both Vista and Cruz without adapters, and releases amazingly fast on just one hand. You can also position it to face you or reverse it to a table without the handle being in the way.
UPPAbaby MESA Infant Car Seat is very similar to the previous second best in our list (Chicco Keyfit30) with the following minor differences:
- UPPAbaby MESA Infant Car Seat is relatively more expensive compared to Chicco Keyfit30
- UPPAbaby MESA Infant Car Seat is heavier than Chicco Keyfit30 by about 2.9 pounds
- UPPAbaby MESA Infant Car Seat lasts longer than Chicco Keyfit30 because it has a higher maximum height and weight limits
- UPPAbaby MESA is easier to use and to install.
UPPAbaby MESA Infant Car Seat is currently ranked number 6 of the top 100 infant car seats on Amazon and it made it to our list specifically because of advanced safety features and is the easiest to install. In terms of installations, it has an automatically tightening LATCH system and the system has an indicator that tells you when the base is fully secured to the seat. If you choose to use the seat belt to install UPPAbaby Mesa, it has a lock-off.
To make sure your baby is super comfortable and safe, it comes with a headrest and shoulder straps that adjust easily. You can choose any of its five height positions without having to rethread every time.
Similar to Britax car seats such as Ultra and Elite, UPPAbaby MESA can support infants with weights from 4 pounds to 35 pounds. It can also support infants up to a maximum height of 32 ft. Without the base, UPPAbaby MESA weighs close to 10 pounds and the base adds another 9 pounds. In addition, it is not the widest seat in this list with a width of 15.5 feet.
- NEW! 2018 MESA Infant Car Seat
- SMART Secure system installs in seconds
- Adjustable no-rethread headrest with integrated Side Impact Protection. Storage pockets for harness buckles
- Attaches to VISTA and CRUZ strollers without adapters.Removable and washable seat fabric
- SPF hideaway canopy; Carry handle with stroller release button
- ONLY Suitable for infants 4-35 lbs. and up to 32 in hei
While it does not have the biggest canopy or large canopy that we’d like, UPPAbaby MESA is great for most types of cars including smaller vehicles.
In addition to the small canopy, we also don’t like the fact that you need to use both of your hands to adjust the handlebar.
Our third reason for this infant car seat not making to be the first in this list is that its fabric is not the most breathable and not very soft.
Our last reason (4th) reason for this infant car seat coming behind Keyfit 30 and Britax Ultra is that it is more expensive.
4. Graco SnugRide SnugFit 35 DLX
Graco SnugRide SnugFit 35 DLX is our fourth-best infant car seat that made it to our list because of its reception in the market as an affordable and safe alternative to expensive options.
Graco is among the famous names when it comes to infant car seats. They have been in this infant car seat manufacturing business since 1988. Their car seats are mostly very affordably priced. The SnugFit line of infant car seats stands out for combining safety techs with hassle-free installation and comfort features for your little one.
The SnugFit 35 DLX car seat is an excellent upgrade from Graco SnugRide Click Connect 35. At 27.5 x 17.5 x 25.5 inches, the DLX model is bigger with more features than our previously reviewed Click Connect 30. Both models, however, use a seat belt and latch installation techniques that guarantee your little one’s safety during the ride.
Graco SnugFit DLX infant car seat comes with an anti-rebound bar that provides an extra layer that limits the rotation of the seat or baby during an impact. This feature is not available in the Click Connect 30 model we reviewed before. Therefore, you can be sure that your kiddo is safe when riding in the rear-facing style. And did we mention the Graco ProtectPlus? This is a special feature engineered to help improve safety during frontal, rollover, rear, and side crashes.
In terms of safety, the seat has passed the rigorous crash test and was found to meet or exceed the US FMVSS safety standards, just like all infant seats in the US. We also found the DLX car seat to be more versatile as it has a weight limit of between 4 and 35 pounds and a height of 32 inches.
That is better than Click Connect 30’s 4 to 30 pounds weight and 30 pounds height limit. It also offers 5 recline positions compared to 4 in Click Connect 30. You will love the SnugLock tech that helps install the car seat with a blink of an eye using your vehicle seat belt or the InRight LATCH system.
The Graco SnugFit DLX car seat has a front-adjust No-Rethread Simply Safe Adjust Harness System. This feature allows you to adjust the headrest and harness together while your kiddo is in the seat.
In addition, there is a Silent Shade canopy that adjusts silently and a handle that is adjustable using 1 hand making it easy to slide your baby in or out of the car seat. When it comes to cleaning, SnugFit DLX excels with a Rapid Remove seat pad that facilitates quick and fast removal.
Like Chicco KeyFit 35, Graco SnugFit DLX expires 6 years after the manufacturing date.
The major downside of this upgrade, however, is that many buyers complain about the breathability of the fabric. According to reviews, babies tend to overheat.
5. Safety 1st onBoard 35 Air 360 Infant Car Seat
Safety 1st is a manufacturer of various home safety products, and they believe that parents should have fewer worries and more joyful moments. That is the standard you expect from their Onboard 35 air 360 infant car seat.
The Safety 1st seat is a large (28d x 17w x 24.75h) and heavy seat, but that is due to the sturdy construction. It is designed for babies weighing 4 to 35 pounds with a removable insert for preemies and smaller babies. You will love the deep seat structure that keeps your kiddo secure and the soft foam throughout the seat creates extra coziness.
Like the SnugFit DLX, this car seat is crash tested and has proven to offer your child safety from every angle. This car seat is one of the few to pass the new ECE R44 Supplement 7 – European Standards for rollover. We admire the car seat pad for being machine washable and dryer safe which makes caring hassle-free.
In addition, the pillows on the onBoard 35 Air 360 are reversible, a feature that boosts comfort while creating extra legroom for your kiddo.
Safety 1st onBoard 35 Air 360 Infant Car Seat is the cheapest but gives you value for your money because of the following superior features:
Safety is the area this seat shines the most. It boasts 5 layers of safety. Side impact protection with Safety 1st Air Protect cushioning against crash and the Gcell HX patented foam for displacing crash energy around the torso. For reassurance, the seat has been crash-tested from the front, rear, side, and roll-over impact.
Your baby can ride in comfort because the seat is generously padded with soft foam all over. When it comes to the carrier, it has never been easier. Although this car seat is bulky (nearly 19 lbs.), it has a Carry Curve Handle that comes with a comfort grip that makes it feel easier.
We also love how it grows with your little bunny. The onBoard 35 Air car seat offers 4 adjustable harness heights plus 3 buckle positions. The 5-positions, stay-in-car base helps you fit the car seat to your car while the 5-point harness keeps your angel safe and comfy as well. It is a good choice if your budget for a car seat is under $150.
The On-board 35 Air 360 seat is compatible with Safety 1st, Eddie Bauer, and Cosco strollers that have the QuickClick feature on the frame.
6. Doona Infant Car Seat & Latch Base: Best for Small Cars
This Doona car seat brand is the seat to go for if you are a traveling mom. It is a fully integrated travel system, so you get it from car seat to stroller and vice versa in seconds. A lever on the side releases the carrier from the base, and a button on the back releases the wheels of the stroller. The stroller handle adjusts and angles towards you and you are ready to roll. We also like that this high-end infant car seat comes with a really big canopy to protect your little one from the harsh weather or hot sun.
Doona Infant Car Seat & Latch Base is currently the 8th best-selling infant car seat brand on Amazon, out of the top 100 and it made it our 6th best car seat for your infant. This car seat was made to our list specifically because of its small size which makes it perfect for a small car.
We love that this car seat comes in 6 color varieties which are very beautiful. The blush pink, racing green, and royal blue color varieties are very pricy at over $650.
The only big downside that we found should be changed is the ability to recline. Many parents say this is a feature that should not lack given the price tag and quality of the car seat.
The seat is designed for babies weighing 4 to 35 pounds and comes with an insert for smaller babies. It also comes with a seat protector, so you don’t have to worry about anything dripping. Like MESA and Evenflo Nature, however, this Doona infant car seat does not have an adjustable recline.
For safety, it has side impact protection and an anti-rebound bar that absorbs impact during a collision and prevents the seat from rotating quickly.
Regarding installation, the Latch base is easily secured in the car, and there is a green button that lets you know it is properly secured.
Not only is the Doona seat convenient for streets, but it is also air travel certified by FAA and TUV as well.
Video Review of Doona Car Seat:
It comes ahead of other top brands such as Graco and Britax infant car seats despite it being relatively more expensive. It cost about $500 which is almost three times the cost of our cheapest best infant car seat, the Safety 1st onBoard 35 Air 360.
Below are other features of Donna Infant Car Seat and Latch
- Dimensions: 17″ w x 23.6″ H x 26″ L
- Weight: 15.4 lbs
- Weight Capacity: 35 lbs
As mentioned above, Donna is the ideal infant car seat for a small car. The picture below shows Donna fitting perfectly to KIA Sportage. It can also fit VW car models such as VW Golf.
Donna is also the only one on our list which comes with a complete and fully integrated mobility solution that allows parents to convert this car seat into a stroller easily. It comes with award-winning foldable wheels that have been crowned as one of the safest and innovative infant car seats.
7. Maxi-Cosi Mico Max 30 Infant Car Seat With Base
Mico Max 30 was designed for babies that weigh 4 to 30 pounds but also comes with an insert for smaller kids. It is a very comfortable seat because it is generously padded and the fabric is self-wicking, which channels away body heat and moisture keeping your baby dry and comfortable. This car seat is manufactured here in America in Columbus, Indiana.
It specifically made it to the list and is ranked 7th because of its super soft fabric and has been ranked the most comfortable for your baby.
It can support your baby from when weighing just 4 pounds to up to 30 pounds and a maximum height of 32 inches.
Without the base, this car seat is also considered lightweight with just a gross weight of 9.6 pounds. With the base, the weight increases by 7, making it 16.6 pounds. It also has inflated air-side protection cushions, is very easy to clean fabric, and can actually be washed by machine or dry-cleaner. It has denim-like fabric which is great for breathing.
Mico Max 30 infant car seat comes with 3 recline positions and can only be installed using either the seat belt or lower anchors. AirProtect is one of the features that distinguishes Mico Max 30 from the Mico 30 infant car seats.
It is specifically designed to protect your kiddo’s head in a side-impact crash. The tech does so by easing the impact forces around your baby’s head by diverting and absorbing them into the headrest.
You can install the seat with the seat belt alone, but it comes with a stay-in-car adjustable base which is convenient.
For safety, it has side protection and an anti-rebound bar. Also, it has an extra-large canopy which is stretchy and extendable with a flip-out visor for fuller coverage.
The seat is compatible with Maxi-Cosi, Quinny, and other premium strollers. It comes at an affordable price ($199.99).
Below is a comparison of Maxi-Cosi Max Plus and other Maxi-Cosi infant car seat brands available in the market.
8. Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35 LX Infant Car Seat
The Graco Seat is for babies from 4 to 35 pounds with a removable newborn insert for a better fit. It is one of the premium Graco infant car seats but at an affordable price (149.99). Unlike the sister seat we had seen earlier, the SnugRide SnugLock 35 LX has level indicators that make the process a breeze whether you install using the seat belt or Latch system. The canopy adjusts easily and silently so as not to awaken the baby.
Graco has 15 models of the Snugride line of car seats and one of our favorites is the Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35 LX Infant Car Seat. It is currently the 5th best-selling infant car seat on Amazon as of this update it is our 8th best infant car seat after comparing with other top infant car seats in our list.
For safety, it has side impact protection and energy-absorbing foam. The seat has also been tested for the frontal, side rear, and rollover crashes. The SnugLock 35 LX infant car seat offers 4 recline positions which provide you with the most appropriate installation position.
Like most, if not all, brands’ car seats, this one features Click Connect technology that provides a safe 1-step attachment to all Graco Click Connect strollers. Therefore, you can easily create a travel system that is customized based on your lifestyle.
We also love that you can easily adjust the handle, which is convenient when carrying the baby on the other arm. Also, this is a lightweight carrier (7.5 pounds) which makes traveling or switching between cars less cumbersome. SnugRide SnugLock 35 LX is compatible with all Graco Click Connect strollers.
Even best, this car seat comes with a removable newborn head and body support cushion that makes traveling with your little bunny easy, safe, and comfy. There is also a convenient compartment where you can store latch connectors when they are not in use.
Below is a comparison of Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35 LX Vs DLX Vs 30
9. Evenflo Nurture Infant Car Seat
If you want another budget option aside from Graco, consider Evenflo car seats. The Evenflo nurture infant car seat has the lowest price tag on this list ($59.99). It might be perfect if you want a simple seat that will deliver safety, and you don’t plan to use it for long.
Evenflo Nurture Infant Car Seat is our 10th best infant car seat and is co-incidentally, ranking number 13 of the top 100 best-selling infant car seats on Amazon.
Your baby may outgrow this car seat fast at it has a max recommended weight of 22 pounds (the minimum is 5 pounds). It has a canopy that provides great shade for your baby and may be used with and without a base.
The seat accommodates babies weighing 5 to 22 pounds, which is the lowest weight capacity in comparison to the other seats on this list. Like UPPAbaby MESA, however, Evenflo’s Nature infant car seat has no recline positions.
It is safe for your child since it has met the threshold laid by NHTSA. It also has a pivoting canopy to shield your little one from the sun.
You can install the car seat with the base or without, but it does not attach to any strollers.
10. Cybex Cloud Q and Cybex Aton 2
Cybex Cloud is the seat to buy if you want your baby to indulge in luxury. This car seat is comfortless for preemies and newborns. Apart from being plush all over, it has a removable insert to keep them snugly held.
Unlike any other infant car seat, Cybex Cloud Q has an innovative feature where it converts to a near-flat recline position outside of the car. This position gives the baby longer leg rest, a comfortable and ergonomic position to lie. You could say it converts to a cot where your baby can nap. And they can enjoy this seat until they reach 35 pounds.
The seat is very safe using the LSP system with an energy-absorbing shell which is designed to reduce the energy generated during a side-impact collision. Additionally, the load leg base helps reduce crash energy by half by redirecting the energy to the vehicle floor.
Amazingly, the Cloud Q seat has 11 adjustable headrests which are integrated with the harness. So, when the headrest is adjusted, the harness also adjusts without rethreading.
We also find the foldable XXL canopy with UPF 50+ for protection against the sun and winds useful and elegantly designed.
Cloud Q is compatible with Cybex and GB strollers using adapters.
11. Nuna Pipa Infant Car Seat
Nuna is a globally recognized brand with Dutch ancestries. The company has been focusing on making smart, useful, and bold baby gear since 2007 which gives them a good experience. Their Nuna Pipa car seat series stands out as the sole brand on the market to be free of flame-retardant chemicals. It was released in 2019/20 and is currently priced at $319 on pishposhbaby.com.
The Pipa infant car seat measures 26.1 x 25.2 x 17.5 inches which is putting its size closer to that of Chicco KeyFit 35. Its weight is 8 lbs. without the base and 21.4 lbs. with the base which is considerably lighter than most options in our review here. This infant car seat comes with 4 recline adjustments and a weight capacity of 4 to 32 pounds and your kiddo can use it until they reach 32 inches tall.
This infant car seat guarantees optimal child safety with side impact protection and a 5-point harness that keeps your kiddo snug. In addition, it has 3 harness slots (6 inches with the insert being the lowest) and two crotch buckle positions for extra comfort and child security. The base width and length are 12 and 24 inches which makes them good for most small cars. The seat depth is 12.5 inches which are comfortable enough even as your kiddo grows. We love the baby carrier that weighs 8 pounds which is very lightweight unlike others on this list today.
Nuna Pipa comes with an optional infant insert with a detachable low birthweight insert for kiddos that weigh under 11 pounds. Other features that we love include on-the-go recline adjustment with bubble level indicators that give parents self-confidence for seating safety. Installing this car seat is easy as it comes with rigid lower anchors. The lock-off of this Pipa infant car seat features two sections, including a shoulder belt and lap belt, which avoid interference with the lower anchor.
Video review of the top infant car seats:
Infant Guide Buying Guide 2022
Infant car seat vs convertible car seat safety
An infant seat is designed for infants and small babies and is used in the rear-facing mode. A convertible seat is designed for babies and toddlers and is used rear-facing at first, then forward-facing as your child grows. While both are safe, infant seats have more security and comfort features specifically for infants and preemies. For example, they have a head and body support for a more snug fit, a canopy, etc.
Infant Car Seats Vs Convertible Vs 3-in-1
| Infant Car Seat | Convertible Car Seat | 3-in-1 Car Seat |
| Rear-facing | Rear-facing and forward-facing | Rear-facing and forward-facing |
| Recommended for babies until they are 2 years | Recommended for babies until they outgrow the seat | Recommended for babies from infancy to 9 years |
| Recommended for babies with weight up to 35 to 40 pounds | Recommended for babies with weight up to 40 and 80 pounds | Recommended for babies with weight up to 20 to 80 pounds |
| Recommended for babies with a height of up to 32 to 35 inches tall | Recommended for babies with a height of up to 57 inches tall | Recommended for babies with a height of up to 52 to 57 inches |
| Price Range: | Price Range: | Price Range: |
Car Seats and the Law
The 2018 updated guide by the American Academy of Pediatricians(AAP), recommends that your baby should start using a safe infant car seat immediately after birth. In several states, this is already the law and some hospitals now have a policy of ‘no infant car seat, no baby‘. You’ll probably need to have that infant car seat as you check in at the hospital to deliver your little bundle of joy.
This guide has a general guide on the best infant car seats available in the market in 202. If you want small baby car seats that will fit cars with limited space, you can check out our guide here.
Safety and Car Seats
While baby car seats are required for any infant under the age of 2, it was always so. First infant car seats were manufactured in the 1930s but car seats specific to infants became popular in the 90s despite several companies and brands such as Chicco and Britax developing and retailing them as early as the 1970s.
Where to find reliable crash test results
Test results and research materials on infant car seats safety ratings are very important. I’ve relied on several organizations to give me critical info on crash tests. Fortunately, most materials are available online, safe for a few that we have to access via subscription such as Consumer Report. Regardless, we’ve combined over 2 dozen crash test results and compared top-rated brands to narrow this list to just the 10 safest brands you can pick from.
To come up with our list of the best infant car seats, we ranked each of the car seats using the following 6 ranking factors:
How we picked the best infant car seats
Below are the factors we considered to come up with the best infant car seats:
The US government has a list of recommendations on which car seats are suitable for your infant. Manufacturers of infant car seats are also expected to disclose the infant car seat crash test results and we’ve actually rated each of the top 10 infant car seats on the results test. In addition, a number of infant car seats have been approved by the FAA.
How long to use an infant car seat?
You may be wondering why you’d need to get an infant car seat and then trash it after a few months or years for a convertible seat. We also sought to find out how long infant car seats are supposed to be used and what we found out will enlighten you. Infant car seats are recommended for use before your baby reaches 2 years in age or 32 to 35 inches in height.
Infant Car Seat Bases
Infant car seats come with bases which makes it easy for you to click and fit the seat. You can remove the seat when you want and fit them on the stroller.
How to install infant car seat base
Best Baby Car Seats in Australia
In 2020, we sought to find the best baby car seat in Australia.
Below are the top 10 baby car seats in Australia
How To Install Infant Car Seat Without Base
Best Baby Car Seat Germany
The best infant car seat for babies in Germany is the Graco Snugridge 35 which is currently leading in sales according to Amazon data.
Best Baby Car Seats for Different Car Models
- Audi Models/Make – Audio series from Audi Q1, Q2, Q3 and Q4 are best with Chicco Keyfit30, Graco Snugridge 35 and Diono Radian
- Ford Models and Infant Car Seats: Ford have been tested and they work well with Clek Fllo and Chicco Keyfit30.
- Hyundai Models: Hyundai models such as Hyundai Tuscon and Hyundai i30 have been tested with several sets of infant car seats. Hyundai Tuscon works great with Chicco Keyfit30 and Clek Fllo as they are not big seats which fit well to Tuscon’s small spaces. Chicco Keyfit 30 also works well with Hyundai i30, Accent, and Elantra.
- Taxi: If you want a car seat that you can easily use on taxis, you’re better off with a very lightweight infant car seat such as Chicco Fit2, Graco Snugridge 35, Nuna Pipa, Baby Jogger City Go
- Toyota Rav4 model works great with Chicco Keyfit30 and Britax B safe 35
- Tesla Model S and Model 3 have been tested with Maxi-Cosi but also works well with Peg Perego Flex and Chicco Keyfit30
Best Infant Car Seats for Small Cars?
If you have a small car such as VW Golf or sedan/saloon, the following two are our best infant car seats you can use:
- Chicco Keyfit 30 Infant Car Seat – Chicco Keyfit 30, our second-best infant car seat is our favorite car seat best suited for small cars. Small cars have small space and Chicco Keyfit 30 is 16 inches and can support infants from 4 to 30 pounds. It fits in several car types such as Fiat 500, Honda Element, Toyota Yaris, Toyota RAV4, Honda Civic, Mustang, Honda Jazz and BMW series (1, 2 and 3).
- Baby Trend EX Flex-Loc Convertible Car Seat – Baby Trend EX Flex is another infant car seat great for small cars. Its width is only 15 inches and can support babies from 4 pounds to 30 pounds. The picture below shows Baby Trend EZ Flex Loc fitting nicely into a car seat for a small car.
Baby Trend EZ Flex Loc can fit nicely in car seats of small cars such as Honda Civic, Honda Jazz, Mustang, Toyota Prius, Fiat 500, and Toyota Camry. While these are ideal for Baby Trend EZ Flex Loc, other bigger cars such as SUVs can be suitable for this infant car seat. Parents also have great things to say about it using SUVs, trucks, and vans such as Nissan X-trail, Toyota Yaris, Jeep wrangler, Mini Cooper, and Nissan Qashqai.
Infant Car Seat Safety Tips:
- Try to have your baby rear-facing as long as possible or until they are at least 2 years old. Why do that? According to tests, it is 5 times safer to have the infant rear-facing than forward-facing.
- Consider going for the best infant seats with a 5-point harness until when your baby is at least 4 years or having 40 lbs
- As long as your child cannot pass the five-step test, use a booster.
- Always restrain your baby in the seat, regardless of the distance length.
- Don’t carry your infant in your lap as adults can crash on the baby in case of an accident.
Infant Car Seats FAQs
- About the Author
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Hi there! I am Kate, a mother of two and a child mobility expert here at Motherhoodhq.com. I am very passionate about creating awareness and educating parents about strollers and car seat safety. I write a lot about car seats and pay close attention to the safety ratings of different brands from NHTSA and CR. I also write about the changing car seat safety laws in different states and occasionally work as a consultant to parents looking to get some help when deciding on the best car seat, travel system, and stroller to pick. I also blog on different blogs and have been recognized as a baby mobility expert. If you have any questions, you can reach me using; kate.n@motherhoodhq.com.
