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Your kiddo’s first infant car seat is much more than an accessory. This item adds some serious safety to your baby’s first days, weeks, and months in a car – and you can’t leave the hospital without one!
While an infant car seat is a must-have for new parents, it isn’t always easy to choose one that fits your family’s needs. From carriers to convertibles and car seats that quickly snap into a larger travel system, you have options galore. And, this may make it a challenge to select the just-right model. Before you invest in a new infant car seat or register for what you hope is a top pick, read on for all the info you need to make the most informed choice possible.
What is an infant car seat and do I need one?
An infant car seat is exactly what the name implies. This “seat” fits into your car, keeping your newborn or older baby safe during drives. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), there are three primary types of car seats for infants and toddlers – the rear-facing-only seat, the convertible seat, and the all-in-one seat. Along with these three primary categories, some infant car seats have added features such as a carry handle or the ability to snap into a stroller base.
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From navigating busy airport terminals to walking around town, these lightweight strollers are must-haves for families who travel.
Unlike a nursing pillow or an app-connected video monitor, an infant car seat is not an optional item. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that car seat use can reduce the risk of a crash-related injury by 71 to 82 percent. The importance of this risk reduction underscores the need to choose and use the right car seat in your vehicle. Not only is this a way that you can help your child to stay safe while you drive, it’s also required by law.
Each state has its own mandatory car and booster seat requirements by age or weight/height. These laws are in effect when you leave the hospital for the first time with your newborn. This means you must have a safe infant car seat to take your baby home in. The AAP recommends that infants stay rear-facing for as long as possible. When your tot reaches the max weight and height recommendations for the rear-facing seat, they may transition to a front-facing model that includes an appropriate harness.
What to look for in an infant car seat
With all the different features and options available, you may not know which car seat is the best choice for your infant – especially if this is your first child. Your new baby will need to ride rear-facing for the next few years. With this in mind, you should only look for seats that are either rear-facing or convertible. Convertible car seats start rear-facing and can transform into front-facing models down the road. This eliminates the need to buy a second seat as your toddler outgrows one that is only rear-facing.
While convertible seats are convenient and can cut costs (in the future purchase of a second car seat), they don’t come with carrier handles and may not work with travel systems or stroller frames. If you want the ability to remove the seat from your car and carry your kiddo into your home or anywhere else without waking them, you will need a rear-facing infant carrier model with a handle.
Other features to look for in an infant car seat include a sunshade canopy, easy leveling and installation options, an included snap-in base, adjustable harness and headrests, newborn inserts to keep your littlest one snug in the seat, and washable fabric. Here are some of our favorites to get you started.
The Best Infant Car Seats
Graco SnugRide 35 Lite LX Infant Car Seat
Best Lightweight Carrier
The Graco SnugRide 35 Lite LX Infant Car Seat is a rear-facing seat for babies weighing four to 35 pounds and who are up to 32 inches. The lightweight design is easy to carry, comes with a level indicator, and has a four-position adjustable base.
- Weight Range
- 4-35 pounds
- Product Weight
- 7.2 pounds
- Warranty
- One-year
- Brand
- Graco
- Number of Reclining Positions
- 3
- Lightweight
- Adjustable base
- Easy to install
The Graco SnugRide 35 Lite LX Infant Car Seat is a lightweight seat that has an adjustable base. With more than 7,500 ratings on Amazon, this popular pick among parents has an almost-five-star rating. Along with the four-position base, you can use the level indicator feature to customize the seat’s installation for added safety. Use the seat with your car’s belts or with LATCH. Either way, this option is easy to install correctly.
If a combo travel system is a must for you, this seat is compatible with other Graco strollers via a secure one-step connection. Don’t stress about getting the right support for your baby with this sweet seat. Graco’s SnugRide is exactly that – a snug ride. This seat has plenty of head and body support for your little one.
Lugging around a heavy carrier or waking baby just to move them from their car seat into a stroller is never fun. Between the lightweight design and the carrier handle, this car seat is a top option for on-the-go parents, “Convenience! This carrier car seat makes going to the store or doctor’s office magnitudes easier than a traditional car seat. It’ll save your back!”
Safety 1st onBoard 35 LT Infant Car Seat
Best Adjustable Car Seat
This Safety 1st car seat has four harness heights to grow with your child. It holds infants four through 35 pounds – rear-facing only.
- Weight Range
- 4-35 pounds
- Product Weight
- 14.99 pounds
- Warranty
- One-year limited
- Brand
- 4-35 lbs
- Number of Reclining Positions
- 4
- Machine washable padding
- Four harness height options
- Compatible with any quickclip-equipped stroller
- Heavier than some other models
You need a car seat that grows with your baby. And that’s what you’ll get from the Safety 1st Onboard 35 LT Infant Car Seat. This model has four harness heights, making it possible to customize the fit as your baby gets taller. Don’t worry about a complicated adjuster system. The harness has an easy single-pull function that makes securing your baby a breeze.
While some seats require parents to hand wash the fabric or only have spot-cleaning instructions, this Safety 1st infant carrier/car seat has a removal seat pad that you can machine wash and dry.
Along with a removable seat pad, the Safety 1st Onboard 35 LT Infant Car Seat also comes with infant inserts to give newborns or smaller babies more support. But the features don’t stop there. You’ll also get added peace of mind knowing that this seat has superior side impact protection that is made from energy-absorbing materials. “My newborn looks very safe and comfortable in his car seat. It has a lot of padding and is easy to buckle him in,” according to one happy parent.
Graco Extend2Fit Convertible Car Seat
Best Convertible Car Seat
The Graco Extend2Fit car seat is a convertible option that fits children four through 50 pounds rear-facing and 22 through 65 pounds front facing. This product is Graco ProtectPlus Engineered and has removable head and body inserts.
- Weight Range
- 4lbs – 65lbs
- Number of Configurations
- 2
- Product Weight
- 19lbs
- Brand
- 4-65 lbs
- Has an extension panel for extra rear-facing legroom
- Grows with your child
- No-rethread headrest
- Doesn?t have a carrier option
Convertible car seats can save you from a second future purchase. The Graco Extend2Fit Convertible Car Seat is an option that you can use for years to come. While this seat doesn’t come with a carry handle, it does provide both rear- and front-facing protection. And the Extend2Fit adjustable extension panel gives your kid five inches of extra legroom while rear-facing. This lets you delay the transition to front-facing as long as possible. In case you’re wondering whether your little one is too heavy to stay in the rear-facing position, even with the adjustable extension panel – this seat fits children up to 50 pounds.
Along with the extended rear-facing life of the Graco Extend2Fit Convertible Car Seat it also features a six-position recline, a push-button LATCH system, harness storage pockets, cup holders, a 10-position headrest, and a no-rethread adjustable harness for added convenience. When it is safe to turn your child around, this seat holds tots front-facing up to 65 pounds.
If you’re all about convenience (and really, what parent isn’t?), take it from this raving reviewer, “With Extend2Fit, the harness is exposed in the back, making it super easy to tighten the harness. Their no re-threading design makes head reset adjustments super easy as your child grows. And the best part is the extension portion that gives rear-facing children much more legroom.”
BabyTrend Secure Snap 35 Infant Car Seat
Best Color Selection
$120 $150 Save $30
he BabyTrend Secure Snap 35 Infant Car SeatHas a removable 4-piece grow-with-me insert, a three-panel canopy, a multi-grip carry handle, and uses EPS energy-absorbing foam. Choose one of six stylish colors, such as lavender ice or Mars red.
- Weight Range
- 5-35 pounds
- Product Weight
- 18.13 pounds
- Warranty
- One-year
- Brand
- BabyTrend
- Number of Reclining Positions
- 4
- Grow-with-me insert
- Combines with any Baby Trend Snap Tech stroller or travel system
- Four recline position base
Car seats can combine style with substance. This is exactly what the BabyTrend Secure Snap 35 Infant Car Seat does! With plenty of color combos available, this BabyTrend model combines form and function into one sweet seat.
The rear-facing infant seat/carrier comes with a removable four-piece insert to keep your smaller kiddo safe, snug, and secure. And bonus, it’s washable. “So many car seats are so hard, but this one has super soft padding inside that is removable and washable!” But don’t worry about the seat making your older infant feel cramped. Take out the insert and this top pick fits children up to 35 pounds. If you want to add this seat to a stroller, it combines with all current BabyTrend travel systems.
A no-rethread harness and snap-in base (this comes included) makes it easy to install and the one-hand release makes popping the seat out just as simple. Not only does the BabyTrend Secure Snap 35 Infant Car Seat base make installation easy and convenient, it also features four different recline positions, built-in connector storage, and LATCH connectors.
Chicco KeyFit 35 ClearTex Infant Car Seat
Best Easy Install
$203 $270 Save $67
This Chicco rear-facing only car seat for infants four through 35 pounds comes with two bubble level-indicators and a spring-loaded leveling foot for safer installation. A five-position headrest grows with your baby and a UPF 50+ canopy keeps them shielded from the sun.
- Weight Range
- 4-35 pounds
- Product Weight
- 19 pounds
- Brand
- Chicco
- Number of Reclining Positions
- 5
- Removable infant head and body support for newborns
- Compatible with Chicco strollers
- Full-coverage privacy shield
Are you looking for a super-easy installation? Then, the Chicco KeyFit 35 ClearTex Infant Car Seat is the way to go. This seat boasts two bubble level indicators and a spring-loaded leveling foot to help you get the just-right installation angle and recline position. The included LATCH connector also makes it easy to install this Chicco model in your car, SUV, minivan, or other vehicle.
Even though the easy installation is a top-selling point, this car seat also has plenty of other features parents will want. The five-position headrest extends to grow with your child, the carrier shell is lined with EPS energy-absorbing foam protection, and the Chicco KeyFit 35 ClearTex Infant Car Seat comes with a removable insert to keep infants four through 11 pounds from slouching.
Not only does this top choice among parents have padded safety features, it is also made from Greenguard Gold certified low chemical products. This means the fabric that cuddles your baby and keeps them snug doesn’t have added harmful chemicals.
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Before you invest in a car seat, infant carrier, or stroller, consider an all-in-one travel system. These are the top picks for busy parents.
Doona Infant Car Seat & Latch Base
Best Splurge
Recommended for infants four through 35 pounds and 32 inches, the Doona car seat features a five-point safety harness, an adjustable handlebar, and the ability to quickly transform into a lightweight stroller. The rear-facing seat’s fabric is machine washable and made from breathable materials.
- Weight Range
- 4-25 pounds
- Product Weight
- 17 pounds
- Warranty
- Two-year
- Brand
- 4-35lbs
- Transforms into a stroller
- Plenty of head support
- Machine washable fabric
The Doona Infant Car Seat & Latch Base does fall at the higher end of the infant car seat spectrum. But this option has features that make the price well worth it. Unlike other car seat carriers, this rear-facing pick doesn’t just pop into a stroller. And before you keep scrolling based on this fact, check out what it does do. The Doona infant car seat has its own wheels. Yes, that’s right! This seat transforms into its own stroller, making your life just that much easier. There are no added frames or travel systems necessary.
This versatile Doona Infant Car Seat & Latch Base also features an adjustable handlebar, five-point harness for added protection, three-layer side impact protection, and a removable, washable cover. Along with the added bonus of being machine washable, the fabric used in this seat is breathable and made from kid-friendly materials such as bamboo.
How much do parents adore this easy-to-transition seat/stroller? Here’s what this parent had to say, “Love this! I tell all expecting parents this is a must buy. Makes doing errands alone easier. Easy to use. Glides over everything. Fits all general stroller attachments and covers.”
Century Carry On 35 Lightweight Infant Car Seat
Best Eco-Friendly Car Seat
$77 $110 Save $33
his Century car seat weighs less than seven pounds, features eco-friendly fabrics from the brand’s Happy Planet Collection, fits infants (rear-facing) from four through 35 pounds, has a four-position carry handle, offers one-step stroller connection with any Century Stroll On stroller, and is easy to install either via LATCH or with a belt.
- Weight Range
- 4-35 pounds
- Product Weight
- 7 pounds
- Warranty
- One-year
- Brand
- Century
- Number of Reclining Positions
- 3
- Lightweight
- Eco-friendly fabrics
- Price
- Canopy isn?t removable on some models
Eco-friendly and car seats aren’t two terms you usually put together. But with the Century Carry On 35 Lightweight Infant Car Seat, you should. As part of the brand’s Happy Planet Collection, this rear-facing infant car seat has fabric components made from recycled materials.
While the Earth-friendliness of this seat is a major reason to invest in the model, it isn’t the only feature to look for. The Century Carry On is an extremely lightweight option that comes in at just under seven pounds. This makes carrying baby in their seat less challenging and will reduce your risk of back, neck, and shoulder strain. If you would prefer not to carry the car seat on your own, this pick is compatible with all Century brand strollers.
Of course, a stroller isn’t the only way to tote your tot around. Here’s what one parent had to say, “I love this car seat! I’ve used it for almost seven months now and have had zero issues. It’s sleek, light, and fits in shopping carts when I take my baby out! 10/10.”
Baby Trend EZ-Lift 35 Plus Infant Car Seat
Best Value
The Baby Trend EZ-Lift is a light car seat that weighs in at less than eight pounds. This model fits babies four through 35 pounds and up to 32 inches, has a multi-position base, and a no-twist harness indicator for added safety.
- Weight Range
- 4-35 pounds
- Product Weight
- 7.75 pounds
- Warranty
- One-year
- Brand
- Baby Trend
- Lightweight
- Price
- Ergonomic handle grip
The Baby Trend EZ-Lift 35 Plus Infant Car Seat is a value model that gives you everything you’ll want for a lower price. If you’re searching for a budget-friendly infant car seat that still rates high on safety and added features, this Baby Trend option is a model to explore.
The EZ-Lift is exactly what the name promises. This rear-facing car seat/carrier has a built-in ergonomic grip for easy lifting. As if that isn’t enough, it weighs in at just under eight pounds. This lightweight design makes lifting and carrying your kiddo in their car seat even easier. “It’s lighter than most car seats. It’s not that complicated, you can easily figure out how to work the car seat without the instructions. I chose this because it was affordable than most car seats,” according to one parent.
While size and carrying are top features, this seat doesn’t sacrifice safety for convenience. It also comes with an adjustable five-point harness, a no-twist harness indicator, and a bubble level indicator for safe and easy installation.
Infant car seat best practices
Now that you know what to look for in an infant car seat and what options are available, you’re ready to take the next step and use your new purchase! But this doesn’t mean you should just buckle the seat in and get ready for baby’s first road trip. Car seat use requires some finesse – and some serious knowledge of best safety practices.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recommends that parents and caregivers read the car seat’s instruction manual from the manufacturer and the vehicle’s manual entirely before attempting to install a car seat. This will help you to better understand how the seat fits into your specific car and how to safely lock the seat belts. Some seats come with LATCH systems. Also, follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and your car’s instruction manual for correct lower anchor and tether installation.
Your infant car seat’s base should not wiggle or slide around. It must fit snugly. You also must position the rear-facing infant seat at a reclining angle. Many seats have leveling devices that help parents to find the just-right angle for installation.
Not only do you need to install the car seat correctly, you also need to use it the right way. The safety harness should go over your kiddo’s shoulders and stay flat. If they twist or gap, you will need to adjust the straps. The chest clip should sit at your child’s armpit level for a safe fit. Even though you want to keep your baby as warm as possible in the fall, winter, or even spring chill, never place bulky clothing, puffy coats, or thick blankets under the harness straps. Instead, make sure the straps fit as close to your child as possible and turn up your vehicle’s heater to keep your little one warm.
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Choosing the right stroller can be a game-changer in your daily routine.
Newborns and smaller infants may fall or slouch down in a reclined rear-facing seat. Some manufacturers make specialized inserts to help baby stay put. If your car seat doesn’t come with this type of device, the AAP suggests using tightly rolled receiving blankets on both sides of your baby. Always consult the manufacturer’s instructions before adding blankets or anything else to the seat. If you’re in doubt or just aren’t sure how to make sure your baby is safe in their seat, talk to your child’s pediatrician or other similar provider.
Doona Infant Car Seat & Latch Base
Pick One Up Today
The Baby Trend EZ-Lift is a light car seat that weighs in at less than eight pounds. This model fits babies four through 35 pounds and up to 32 inches, has a multi-position base, and a no-twist harness indicator for added safety.
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