Best Infant Car Seat – Ideal for Small Babies

Infant car seats ensures the maximum on road safety of your little ones. This are the ideal new born baby car seat with ultimate safety and comfort. Our best infant car seats are tried, tested, and fulfills all travel needs of the baby.

Best Infant Car Seat – Ideal for Small Babies

In A Hurry? Take a Look at Our Best Choice
Top Choice
icon
Maxi-Cosi Mico Max Plus Infant Car Seat
9.7/10
OUR SCORE
9.7/10
OUR SCORE
Safety Features
Easy to Install
Support
Durability
Value for Money
Why This Product is Our Top Choice?
  • Easy to install with integrated belt lock-offs
  • It is easy to remove and the seat is machine washable
  • Includes air Protect technology that provides side impact protection
  • Anti-rotation stability leg provides support to head & neck
  • It has soft body pillows and a cushioned seat pad
  • Includes MaxShade canopy to protect the baby from sun rays

  • 65 Hours Researched
  • 20 Products Evaluated
  • 8K Reviews Considered
  • 25 Resources Studied

Are you planning for road trips but afraid to take your newborn with you? There is no need to be afraid, a simple infant car seat is what you need. Safety and comfort come first when dealing with little ones and this infant car seat is specially manufactured to meet the safety standards of newborns. Choosing a baby gear is often a difficult task for parents. Keeping in mind the highest safety standards for babies, we have selected the top 10 best baby carriers. Our top 10 products have been evaluated and decided based on the top 5 criteria that are a must to look for. Along with our top 10 products comes the buying guide and safety tips that help you choose the best product that suits your lifestyle.

IMAGE PRODUCT NAME SPECIFICATION RATING SHOPS
#1
Top Choice
Top Choice
image
The overall rating is based on the average values of all the criteria and are marked on a scale of 1-10.
9.7/10

Overall

Rating

  • Material : Fabric
  • Maximum Height : 32 Inches
  • Installation Type : LATCH
  • Maximum Weight : 30 Pounds
  • Item Weight : 9.9 Pounds
The overall rating is based on the average values of all the criteria and are marked on a scale of 1-10.
9.7/10
RATING CRITERIA
Safety Features
9.8/10
Easy to Install
9.5/10
Support
9.8/10
Durability
9.6/10
Value for Money
9.8/10
#2
Best Overall
Best Overall
image
The overall rating is based on the average values of all the criteria and are marked on a scale of 1-10.
9.5/10

Overall

Rating

  • Material : Foam
  • Maximum Weight : 30 Inches
  • Installation Type : LATCH
  • Maximum Weight : 30 Pounds
  • Item Weight : 17 Pounds
The overall rating is based on the average values of all the criteria and are marked on a scale of 1-10.
9.5/10
RATING CRITERIA
Safety Features
9.7/10
Easy to Install
9.6/10
Support
9.3/10
Durability
9.5/10
Value for Money
9.6/10
#3
Best for small cars
Best for small cars
image
The overall rating is based on the average values of all the criteria and are marked on a scale of 1-10.
9.4/10

Overall

Rating

  • Material : Fabric , Foam
  • Maximum Height : 32 Inches
  • Installation Type : Seat belt
  • Maximum Weight : 35 Pounds
  • Item Weight : 16 Pounds
The overall rating is based on the average values of all the criteria and are marked on a scale of 1-10.
9.4/10
RATING CRITERIA
Safety Features
9.4/10
Easy to Install
9/10
Support
9.6/10
Durability
9.6/10
Value for Money
9.5/10
#4
Easy To Clean
Easy To Clean
image
The overall rating is based on the average values of all the criteria and are marked on a scale of 1-10.
9.2/10

Overall

Rating

  • Material : Fabric, Foam
  • Maximum Height : 30 Inches
  • Installation Type : LATCH
  • Maximum Weight : 30 Pounds
  • Item Weight : 16.61 Pounds
The overall rating is based on the average values of all the criteria and are marked on a scale of 1-10.
9.2/10
RATING CRITERIA
Safety Features
9.6/10
Easy To Install
9/10
Support
9/10
Durability
9.2/10
Value For Money
9.2/10
#5
Most Compact
Most Compact
image
The overall rating is based on the average values of all the criteria and are marked on a scale of 1-10.
9/10

Overall

Rating

  • Material : Steel
  • Maximum Height : 32 Inches
  • Installation Type : LATCH
  • Maximum Weight : 35 Pounds
  • Item Weight : ‎11.5 Pounds
The overall rating is based on the average values of all the criteria and are marked on a scale of 1-10.
9/10
RATING CRITERIA
Safety Features
9.2/10
Easy To Install
8.8/10
Support
8.8/10
Durability
9.2/10
Value For Money
9.2/10
#6
Best Design
Best Design
image
The overall rating is based on the average values of all the criteria and are marked on a scale of 1-10.
8.9/10

Overall

Rating

  • Material : Alloy Steel
  • Maximum Height : 32 Inches
  • Installation Type : Seat Belt, LATCH
  • Maximum Weight : 35 Pounds
  • Item Weight : 17.5 Pounds
The overall rating is based on the average values of all the criteria and are marked on a scale of 1-10.
8.9/10
RATING CRITERIA
Safety Features
9/10
Easy to Install
9/10
Support
8.8/10
Durability
9/10
Value for Money
8.8/10
#7
Easy To Install
Easy To Install
image
The overall rating is based on the average values of all the criteria and are marked on a scale of 1-10.
8.8/10

Overall

Rating

  • Material : Plastic
  • Maximum Height : 32 Inches
  • Installation Type : SMART Secure System
  • Maximum Weight : 35 Pounds
  • Item Weight : 19.36 Pounds
The overall rating is based on the average values of all the criteria and are marked on a scale of 1-10.
8.8/10
RATING CRITERIA
Safety Features
9/10
Easy To Install
9.7/10
Support
8.6/10
Durability
8.8/10
Value For Money
8/10
#8
Most Secure
Most Secure
image
The overall rating is based on the average values of all the criteria and are marked on a scale of 1-10.
8.6/10

Overall

Rating

  • Material : Alloy Steel
  • Maximum Height : 32 Inches
  • Installation Type : LATCH
  • Maximum Weight : 35 Pounds
  • Item Weight : 14.99 Pounds
The overall rating is based on the average values of all the criteria and are marked on a scale of 1-10.
8.6/10
RATING CRITERIA
Safety Features
9.2/10
Easy to Install
8.2/10
Support
8.3/10
Durability
8.5/10
Value for Money
9/10
#9
Most Attractive
Most Attractive
image
The overall rating is based on the average values of all the criteria and are marked on a scale of 1-10.
8.4/10

Overall

Rating

  • Material : Plastic, Fabric
  • Maximum Height : 32 Inches
  • Installation Type : LATCH
  • Maximum Weight : 22 Pounds
  • Item Weight : 14.74 Pounds
The overall rating is based on the average values of all the criteria and are marked on a scale of 1-10.
8.4/10
RATING CRITERIA
Safety Features
9.3/10
Easy to Install
8/10
Support
8.3/10
Durability
8.1/10
Value for Money
8.4/10
#10
Most Affordable
Most Affordable
image
The overall rating is based on the average values of all the criteria and are marked on a scale of 1-10.
8/10

Overall

Rating

  • Material : Foam
  • Maximum Height : 32 Inches
  • Installation Type : LATCH
  • Maximum Weight : 35 Pounds
  • Item Weight : ‎18.13 Pounds
The overall rating is based on the average values of all the criteria and are marked on a scale of 1-10.
8/10
RATING CRITERIA
Safety Features
8/10
Easy to Install
7.4/10
Support
7.8/10
Durability
7.8/10
Value for Money
9/10

What To Consider Before Buying The Best Infant car seat?

As we know that parents are highly worried about their kids/small babies, and so they want everything that provides comfort to their kids. So, we have provided some of the factors that you must take care of before buying the best infant car seat for your baby. Let’s see what they are. 

 

Easy Installation

Many infant cars can be easily fixed using the LATCH system. This system is easy to secure your car seats through built-in anchors and tethers. So, make sure to see the things related to easy installation before buying the Best infant car seat. 

 

Safety Features

Worried about the safety of your child? Then before buying the infant seat for your child make sure to take a look at the safety features that are provided by that brand. Many infant cars come with built-in leveling that will ensure that your seat has been installed properly. Additionally, the best baby car seats come with shock absorption and padding which is a great safety feature. 

 

Comfort

A child’s comfort is crucial for you to notice. So, before buying the best infant car seat make sure to see the comfort of the car seat. In some cars, you will get extra comfort that includes extra padding or snuggly head support. The harness of the car seat must be easily adjustable and must not trouble your child. 

 

Fits In Your Vehicle

The infant cars come in such a way that can be easily fittable to your vehicle. The infant car seat may vary from one car to another. Hence, some are made for long cars and some of the car seats are made for small cars. So, you have to select the car seat as per your vehicle. 

 

Fabric

You must know that babies are messy and hence you have to select a car seat that can be detached from the seat and washed. There is much fabric that is not easily removable and hence you have to look for a car seat in which the fabric can be easily removed and washed. 

 

Stroller Compatibility

It can be a most convenient transition if your car seat can be attached to your stroller. So, if you are willing to get this, make sure to buy a stroller and car seat together. 

 

So make sure to look for all the things that are mentioned above before buying the best Infant car seat. Hope that you are cleared with all the information about the things you must take care of, now let us move towards the installation and safety tips.

1

Maxi-Cosi Mico Max Plus Infant Car Seat

Top Choice
Best Price
Rating
Overall Rating
9.7/10

Safety Features
9.8/10
Easy to Install
9.5/10
Support
9.8/10
Durability
9.6/10
Value for Money
9.8/10
Highlighting Features
  • Integrated belt lock-offs for easy installation

  • A car seat is easy to remove and wash

  • Includes self-wicking fabric for the baby

  • The MaxShade canopy protects from sun rays

  • This car seat is side impact protected

  • The curvy carrier handle provides a comfortable carry

Are you looking for the best lightweight infant car seat that is easy to maintain? Maxi-Cosi Mico Max Plus could be the one you are looking for. Among its competitors, its weight is comparatively very low. Thus it's easy to carry and can be handled easily even by grandparents. The LATCH system from Maxi-Cosi Mico Max Plus Infant Car Seat is proven to provide extra comfort. It is highly designed for babies weighing up to 4 to 30 pounds and also note that height must be up to 32 inches tall. It is compatible with more than 50 stroller systems.

Pros
  • Compatible with 50+ travel systems
  • Exceptional padding for comfort and safety
  • It comes with easy installation manual
  • Has cozy head and neck support
  • Provides full coverage sun protection
Cons
  • Difficult to adjust harness
  • Difficult to lock the seat to the base
  • A bit bulky for small vehicles
2

Chicco KeyFit 30 Infant Car Seat

Best Overall
Best Price
Rating
Overall Rating
9.5/10

Safety Features
9.7/10
Easy to Install
9.6/10
Support
9.3/10
Durability
9.5/10
Value for Money
9.6/10
Highlighting Features
  • The super cinch LATCH provides secure fit

  • Includes removable head and body support

  • The smooth underside protects the vehicle's seat

  • Carrier shell lined with EPS energy-absorbing foam

  • 5-point harness with one-pull tightener

  • Ride right bubble levels verify the base angle

Are you looking for a car seat that has almost all the top features and is overall recommended by parents? Then Chicco KeyFit 30 can be a great option. The dimension of this product is 27.5 x 17 x 24 inches and it is made up of foam material. It weighs 17 pounds, which is considered quite good to handle and fit. The innovative features make it one of the easiest infant car seats to install - simply, accurately, and securely every time.  Its compatibility with Chicco strollers makes it an attractive option to look at. For many, it is the number 1 choice infant car seat.

Pros
  • Designed for travelling
  • Has comfortable padding
  • Removable and machine washable covers
  • Has 5 point harness system
  • Clicks on most strollers
Cons
  • Fabric not breathable enough
  • Not enough canopy for sun protection
  • It is quite heavy
3

Evenflo LiteMax Infant Car Seat

Best for small cars
Best Price
Rating
Overall Rating
9.4/10

Safety Features
9.4/10
Easy to Install
9/10
Support
9.6/10
Durability
9.6/10
Value for Money
9.5/10
Highlighting Features
  • It is light in weight and you can easily carry it

  • Comes with an ergonomic handle

  • Provides full protection from sun, wind, and rain

  • This is a Rollover tested car seats

  • 4 recline options provides longer comfort

  • Real-time live installation support

Evenflo LiteMax Infant Car Seat is lightweight in nature so you can easily carry it and fit it in your car and that makes it the best infant car seat. The base is designed in a way that customers can easily install it using the belt lock-off. It comes with 4 shoulder harness positions that can be extended for use. Includes full-coverage canopy that helps to protect your baby from sun, wind, and rain. Its unique design makes it more comfortable for your child and hence is the best infant car seat that ranks third in our top list. 

Pros
  • Provides full protection from sun and rain
  • Washable Seat Cover
  • Has no Rethread Harness
  • 6 Year Expiration of the product
  • Excellent weight capacity
Cons
  • Complex to install
  • Too big for some car seats
  • Difficult to level when child is over 20 lbs
4

Graco SnugRide SnugLock 30 Infant Car Seat

Easy To Clean
Best Price
Rating
Overall Rating
9.2/10

Safety Features
9.6/10
Easy To Install
9/10
Support
9/10
Durability
9.2/10
Value For Money
9.2/10
Highlighting Features
  • 3-Step installation steps for seat belt and LATCH

  • 4 recline positions come with an adjustable base

  • A 5-point front-adjust harness secures the baby

  • Comes with a Rotating canopy

  • Click Connect system provides a one-step secure attachment

  • It comes with a easy to read level indicator

Graco SnugRide SnugLock 30 Infant Car Seat is the option to go for when you don't want to spend much time cleaning. This infant car comes with Snug Lock Technology which has a 3 steps installation just by using the LATCH or seat belt. This infant car can help to protect rear-facing infants that are weighing 4 to 35 pounds or have a height of 30 inches. It includes an adjustable base with 4 recline positions that provide the right position for proper installation. Finally, it comes with a customized click connect system that intends to provide more safety to your baby.

Pros
  • Fits in most small vehicles
  • Adjustable recline feature
  • It has Large canopy
  • Machine washable cover
  • Clicks into Graco Strollers
Cons
  • Fabric may not be breathable
  • Harness requires rethreading
  • Carrier may get stuck in base
5

Britax B-Safe 35 Infant Car Seat

Most Compact
Best Price
Rating
Overall Rating
9/10

Safety Features
9.2/10
Easy To Install
8.8/10
Support
8.8/10
Durability
9.2/10
Value For Money
9.2/10
Highlighting Features
  • Compatible for airplane usage

  • Can be used for a long span

  • Comes with multiple color options

  • Anti rebound bar reduces crash injuries

  • It 2 position buckle for a comfortable fit

  • Comes with quick-adjust head protection

Infants require attention for the minute of things and keeping your infant safe while traveling is very crucial. Britax B-Safe 35 Infant Car Seat is known to be compact with effective safety features for your infants. There is a removable infant head pad that will provide a cushion to your infant and provides additional support. It also comes with a safe center latch and built-in lock-offs that will secure the infant car seat base. Britax B-Safe 35 Infant Car Seat is FAA approved without the base.

Pros
  • Impact absorbing base
  • Super Easy Base Installation
  • Easy to clean and maintain
  • Latest safety technology
  • Can be carried on Airplanes
Cons
  • Leveling the base can be tough
  • Not Well Ventilated
  • Limited Stroller Options
6

Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35 DLX Infant Car Seat

Best Design
Best Price
Rating
Overall Rating
8.9/10

Safety Features
9/10
Easy to Install
9/10
Support
8.8/10
Durability
9/10
Value for Money
8.8/10
Highlighting Features
  • The car seat can be carried with one hand

  • 1-Hand adjustable handle

  • It has easy to read level indicator

  • The Silent Shade canopy prevents sun rays

  • SafetyCore frontal crash zone absorbs crash forces

  • Includes SnugLock Technology for 3-step Installation

Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35 DLX Infant Car Seat is the best option for car seats if you are searching for a car seat with the best design. The strong build car seat can be handled with 1 hand too. Yes, that is its best feature. These car seats are not just comfortable for your baby but also provide comfort for the parents. This is also suitable while traveling. This car seat features a Snug Lock technology which makes the installation as easy as it can be. The LATCH system makes the installation much easier. To absorb any force this seat has a frontal crash absorption zone. This car seat is also approved to be taken in an aircraft.

Pros
  • 1-hand adjustable handle
  • Generous-sized canopy
  • Deluxe push-on LATCH connectors
  • Bubble recline indicator
  • Machine washable cover
Cons
  • Fabric gets cringed on the edge
  • Minimal distance between handle and canopy
7

UPPAbaby MESA Infant Car Seat

Easy To Install
Best Price
Rating
Overall Rating
8.8/10

Safety Features
9/10
Easy To Install
9.7/10
Support
8.6/10
Durability
8.8/10
Value For Money
8/10
Highlighting Features
  • Adjustable headrest and no-rethread harness

  • It is also compatible with the MINU stroller

  • Fabric is easy to remove and wash

  • Can be operated single handedly

  • Attaches directly to VISTA and CRUZ strollers without adapters

  • Includes UPF hideaway canopy to prevent sun rays

Then UPPAbaby MESA Infant Car Seat has high safety standards that certainly make itself the best infant car seat for many parents. A normal car seat may be just too big for your infants which decreases the safety assurance. Here we are reviewing an infant car seat that provides safety and comfort to your baby while traveling in a car. It includes an adjustable headrest that has side impact protection. You can easily attach this car seat with Vista or Cruz strollers without any adapters. As it is made up of Fabric you can easily remove the seat and wash it as well.

Pros
  • Innovative base with LATCH system
  • Includes side impact protection
  • Adjustable headrest
  • Hideaway canopy with stretch fabric
  • No-rethread harness
Cons
  • No anti-rebound bar
  • Its bit expensive
  • Its quite heavy to carry
8

Safety 1st Onboard 35 LT Infant Car Seat

Most Secure
Best Price
Rating
Overall Rating
8.6/10

Safety Features
9.2/10
Easy to Install
8.2/10
Support
8.3/10
Durability
8.5/10
Value for Money
9/10
Highlighting Features
  • Meets both ASTM & JPMA safety standards

  • The product comes with 1-year limited warranty

  • It includes an adjustable infant car seat belt

  • This car seat is side-impact protected

  • It is ready to use on an aircraft

  • Can be operated single handedly

Want to buy the most secure best infant car seat for your newborn baby? Yes, then here we have reviewed Safety 1st Onboard 35 LT Infant Car Seat which can be a good option for you. If you want your child’s safety then you must consider various reviews to buy the best things for your infant. So, to consider the best thing, have a look at the information about this car seat. This infant car seat understands the need for any parent to feel safe while they travel with their baby. This is the car seat that can equip an infant of 4 pounds to a toddler of 34 pounds in the rear-facing mode.

Pros
  • Increased number of Harness positions
  • Plush newborn body and head insert
  • Machine washable and dryer safe
  • Properly labelled guidelines
  • It is a budget friendly car seat
Cons
  • Only one level to angle seat
  • Older style hook connectors
9

Disney Baby Minnie Mouse Light Infant Car Seat

Most Attractive
Best Price
Rating
Overall Rating
8.4/10

Safety Features
9.3/10
Easy to Install
8/10
Support
8.3/10
Durability
8.1/10
Value for Money
8.4/10
Highlighting Features
  • It has a 5 points harness with up-front adjustment

  • Extra lightweight design for easy transportation

  • Adjustable stay-in-car base

  • This car seat provides Side impact protection

  • Latch equipped with Latch storage

  • Comes with a one-year limited warranty

Are you looking for the most attractive yet secured infant car seat for your baby? Then the Disney Baby Minnie Mouse Light Infant car seat is made up for infants who are weighing from 4 to 22 pounds. You can easily carry your car seat and install it as it is light in weight. There is a five-point harness that helps to adjust it in the front of the car seat. It also features a three-buckle location and five heights. It has exceeded the Federal and ASTM safety standards which also includes a one-year limited warranty.

Pros
  • Inexpensive and beautiful product
  • Very light, easy to carry
  • High safety ratings
  • 5 point harness keeps baby in place
  • The car seat is Side Impact Protected
Cons
  • Padding is not available
  • Hard to pull harness
  • No head rest compartment
10

Baby Trend Secure Snap Tech 35 Infant Car Seat

Most Affordable
Best Price
Rating
Overall Rating
8/10

Safety Features
8/10
Easy to Install
7.4/10
Support
7.8/10
Durability
7.8/10
Value for Money
9/10
Highlighting Features
  • The Boot provides extra warmth and comfort

  • Includes Four recline positions

  • Flexible latch and built-in connector storage

  • Comes with 5-point safety harness adjustment

  • The No-rethread harness allows simple & easy installation

  • EPS energy-absorbing foam provides side impact head protection

Are you planning to buy a rear-facing infant car seat that comes with enhanced safety features? Then this infant car seat from Baby Trend is the most affordable car seat that you are looking for. This infant car seat can hold a maximum capacity of 35 pounds. The harness systems are well designed and also adjustable for the best safety without any hassle. The car seat was designed with a large canopy that will be helpful to your baby on a sunny day. The safety features also focus around the baby's head area as head injuries could be fatal. The Secure Snap Fit 35 Infant Car Seat can also fit to any Baby Trend Snap-Fit stroller.

Pros
  • It is a budget Friendly car seat
  • Removable 4-piece grow-with-me insert
  • Includes extra-large 3-panel canopy
  • Has 5-point safety harness
  • One-hand easy-access seat release
Cons
  • Not compatible with all strollers
  • Product is quite heavy
  • Seat base is very wide

Why Buying The Best Infant Car Seat is a Necessity?

If you are a new parent then you must know that you will require an infant car seat if you want to travel with your baby. Your child can get extra support on the head, neck, and spinal cord if you are using an infant car seat. It is rear-facing and highly used for small babies. Infant car seats are easy to remove from the car, hold in your hand, and also clip onto the stroller. For that reason, we have compiled the best infant car seats list for you.

 

Infant VS Convertible Toddler Car Seats

Here are some of the points that will differ between infant car vs Toddler car seats. Let’s see what are they, 

 

Car Seat Safety Standards

To help you buy the best infant car seat for your kid, we have mentioned the safety standards for you. So, take a look at the safety measures first before buying an infant seat. 

 

Common Questions Parents Ask

1. When to switch from infant to toddler car seat?

There are many children whose height reaches the infant car limit before the limit of weight. So, the parents need to change the infant car seat from the toddler car seat. Parents switch to larger seats between 9 months or 2 years. This depends on the height or weight of the child. It must be changed by assuming the height and weight of the child that is meeting the requirement of the seat’s weight and height.

 

2. Can I Take My Kid’s Car Seat On The Airplane?

Yes, some designs of infant car seats are suitable for aircraft usage. Therefore, we would suggest you take a look at the product details to know about that particular car seat.

 

3. Is it Okay if My Child’s Seat is Loose?

No, not at all. Car Seats should be installed properly otherwise it would put the child’s safety at risk.

 

4. How can I be Sure Which Car Seat Suits My Child?

You can go through our article to clear your doubts.

 

5. Can I Wash the Car Seat Covers?

Yes, you can only in some specific model designs but not for all. Read the manual before you act.

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