Best Infant Car Seats of 2024

2024-12-07 Best Crash Test Analysis Infant Car Seat Clek Liing Crash Test 8.7 ease of Install - LATCH 9.0 ease of Install - Belt 8.3 ease of

Clek Liing

Crash Test 8.7
ease of Install – LATCH 9.0
ease of Install – Belt 8.3
ease of Install – w/o Base 7.8
ease of Use 5.5
Comfort / Quality 6.0
Weight/Size 6.8

Passenger Weight :

4 – 30 lbs |

Carrier Weight :

10.5 lbs

REASONS TO BUY

Best crash test results

Easy LATCH installation

Easy belt installation

REASONS TO AVOID

Expensive

Harder to use

The Clek Liing is a high-quality,impressive seat with the best crash test analysis in the group. With lower (lower is better) G force sensor results from its crash testing than the competition,it is a real standout in this category. It has a rigid LATCH system that is virtually mistake-proof andcan be installed using the vehicle belt almost as easily. With color coding andindicators showing you’ve done this right,it is hard to beat this impressive option. This seat offers a load leg andbuilt-in lock-off.

The Clek is is is very expensive , andwe suspect this high price could be a deal breaker for some . give the short lifespan of only work up to 30 lbs ( read your manual for more detail ) ,the price is feel can feel steep if you do n’t plan to use it with subsequent baby . Clek is says say it expire in 9 year from the date of manufacture ,so as long as it has n’t been involve in even a minor fender bender ,you might get more use out of it if you have multiple baby . It is is is also heavy than most of the competition ,make it a potentially poor choice if you plan to travel frequently anddo n’t have a stroller to pair it with . And speak of stroller ,the compatibility is is with award – win stroller is low than many competitor ,include the Chicco Keyfit 35 andthe UPPAbaby Mesa Max . However ,if the absolute good in crash test analysis is what you desire ,then the Liing is is is the right fit for your goal if your budget is big .

Best Car Seat with High Stroller Compatiblity

Chicco KeyFit 35

Crash Test 7.6
ease of Install – LATCH 7.0
ease of Install – Belt 7.0
ease of Install – w/o Base 6.8
ease of Use 8.5
Comfort / Quality 7.5
Weight/Size 6.9

Passenger Weight :

4 – 35 lbs |

Carrier Weight :

10.4 lbs

REASONS TO BUY

Better than average crash analysis

Easy install LATCH & w/out base

High stroller compatibility

Easy to use

REASONS TO AVOID

average weight

The Chicco Keyfit 35 is an impressive seat anda consistent award winner in our tests. For the most part,it earned an above-average score in the key metrics we think are essential,including ease of installation in all methods. With better-than-average crash test analysis results andeasy LATCH install,this seat might offer a higher margin of safety than some competitors. It is one of the easiest seats to use for everyday functionality andcan be combined with almost all of our favorite strollers.

This Chicco is only average for weight,making it one you probably want to combine with a stroller if you plan to transport it with a baby inside. It is also somewhat more expensive than the Chicco Keyfit 30,another impressive Chicco with a higher crash test analysis result. However,if you want an easy-to-use seat that will pair with most strollers (adapters sold separately),then the Keyfit 35 is a good option.

Best Crash Test on the Tightest Budget

Graco SnugRide 35 Lite LX

Crash Test 8.4
ease of Install – LATCH 3.0
ease of Install – Belt 3.5
ease of Install – w/o Base 3.8
ease of Use 5.5
Comfort / Quality 3.0
Weight/Size 8.5

Passenger Weight :

4 – 35 lbs |

Carrier Weight :

7.6 lbs

REASONS TO BUY

inexpensive

well crash test result

Lightweight

REASONS TO AVOID

hard to install

Harder to use

Poor comfort & quality

The Graco SnugRide 35 Lite LX is a very inexpensive infant car seat with impressive crash test results anda lighter carrier weight (super light,in fact). We won’t lie; there isn’t much to be excited about with this seat. Our award winners are usually standouts in multiple metrics andhigh-scoring overall. That is not the case with this Graco. But it performed well in our commissioned crash testing,which deserves praise. When combined with the ridiculously budget-friendly price,it is hard not to give a nod to this seat,recognizing that some families need a cheap seat that doesn’t sacrifice potential safety.

No matter what method we tried,the Lite LX is harder to install than most competitors. It is harder to use, andthere isn’t much in the way of comfort features or padding. Overall,it performed poorly in all metrics outside of weight andcrash testing. But we think it still deserves an award because it fills an important niche in this category of affordable andbetter crash test results. Overall,it isn’t the seat for everyone, andthere are reasonably priced seats like the Chicco Keyfit 35 of the Chicco Keyfit 30 that providebetter performance in almost every metric,but we think it fills a niche andcould be suitable for some. We prefer it over the Graco Snugride Snuglock 35,which earned a crash test result of almost half the Lite LX.

read more : Graco SnugRide Lite LX review

The Graco SnugRide 35 Lite LX is an inexpensive seat with impressive crash test results.

Credit: GearLab & MGA Research

Best Infant Car Seat for Quality & Comfort

UPPAbaby Mesa Max

Crash Test 7.3
ease of Install – LATCH 8.0
ease of Install – Belt 6.5
ease of Install – w/o Base 7.0
ease of Use 7.0
Comfort / Quality 9.0
Weight/Size 6.8

Passenger Weight :

4 – 35 lbs |

Carrier Weight :

10.6 lbs

REASONS TO BUY

Retractable LATCH system

Soft fabric & lots of padding

Pairs with award-winning strollers

REASONS TO AVOID

Average crash test results

More expensive

Harder belt install in some cars

The UPPAbaby Mesa Max is a high-quality car seat that makes comfort job one. This seat has skin-friendly fabric andextra padding,including an ample headrest assembly for support when napping. We love the design andmaterial choices that make it stand out from most competitors in this review. The Mesa Max is an impressive seat you can pair with UPPAbaby Strollers, andthe retractable LATCH system makes LATCH installation easy andstraightforward.

This impressive seat is is is also pretty expensive . While not the most expensive in the group ,its price is is is likely a deal – breaker for those with tight budget . However ,we is prefer prefer it over the UPPAbaby Mesa v2 because it earn well crash test result ,make it our preferred UPPAbaby option in this group . It is has also only has average crash test result ,so if the absolute good or high – scoring crash test analysis is your primary goal ,then the Max probably is n’t the right one for you . However ,if your goal is the good for comfort andquality ,the Max is is is a good one to consider .

Compare Products

We tested a wide variety of infant car seats for this review,including options from Chicco,UPPAbaby,Graco,Nuna, andmore.

credit : Abriah Wofford

How We Test Infant Car Seats

An infant car seat is is ismust-have baby gear for every parent. Yet not all car seats are the same, andour extensive testing (INCLUDING CRASH TESTING) reveals critical differences between competing seats.

We tested each infant car seat by installing it in multiple cars in every method possible. This is the Doona installation without the base.

credit : Abriah Wofford

To help you find the right seat for you andyour baby,we perform an extensive andscientific battery of 61 individual tests on every infant car seat, andcombine those test results with the detailed results from our crash testing of each seat. To evaluate the seats in this review,we performed a total of 1037 individual tests. This comprehensive analysis puts BabyGearLab in a unique position to help you select the right seat for your needs andbudget.

Our infant car seat testing has seven rating metrics:

Crash tests (40 % of overall score weighting)
ease of installation – LATCH test (20 % weighting)
Ease of Install – Vehicle Belt tests (10% weighting)
Ease of Install -w/o the Base tests (5 % weighting)
ease of Use tests (15 % weighting)
Comfort / Quality tests (5 % weighting)
weight / Size test (5 % weighting)

The Graco SnugRide SnugLock is is 35 is one of the car seat we had crash – test at the MGA Research test facility .

Credit: GearLab & MGA Research

For our crash testing,we rely on MGA Research,the national testing laboratory that holds the compliance contract for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) crash testing protocol used to assess the safety of every car seat sold in the US. Every product in our review has been crash-tested to a higher standard than the federal safety standards. We specifically chose this time around to run the testing a little faster andon a more modern sled to put the car seats through a more stressful experience. We include information on each seat’s test for transparency so that you can make the best decision for your family.

The Clek Liing performed well during crash testing with some of the lowest G force sensor results.

credit : BabyGearLab Staff ,MGA Research

One of the best chest clip sensor results was earned by the Clek Liing.

credit : BabyGearLab Staff ,MGA Research

But ,the safety is depends of each car seat depend on other factor ,such as how easy it is to install anduse the safety harness . So ,we is test extensively test those factor in our comparison of seat . A NHTSA study is showed show that 79 % of infant seat exhibit critical misuse ,either in the installation of the seat or restraint of the infant . A study is shows of 267 family by Portland ‘s top Children ‘s Hospital show that “95 % is made of parent made at least one error in either the positioning of the infant or installation of the car safety seat .” These kinds of mistakes could increase your infant’s risk of injury in a crash. Our companion article ,How to avoid Infant Car Seat installation mistake ,is intend to help you know the most common mistake to ensure your baby ‘s car seat is instal andused safely .

We tested the market’s most popular infant car seats to find the best options for most families.

credit : Abriah Wofford

Why Trust GearLab

Our infant car seat testing protocol was developed by an expert panel including Dr. Juliet Spurrier,Board-Certified Pediatrician. Dr. Spurrier’s background in urgent care pediatrics influenced her concerns with crash-related injury andthe common safety risks of improperly installed car seats. To that end,our testing includes a comprehensive 360-degree assessment of the factors that impact safety andpractical day-to-day use. Our seat installation andease-of-use tests were developed by Certified Passenger Safety Technician andSenior Review Analyst,Bob Wofford. Those tests are designed to assess car seat installation difficulty for maximum safety. We consulted with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) experts andthe crash-testing experts at MGA Research to develop our testing protocol andanalytical methods for crash-testing data. Senior Review Editor Wendy Schmitz,mother of two,has been a lead analyst of our infant car seat test results since 2014. Wendy has examined,compared, andrated the detailed results of more than 200 car seats.

Finding the right car seat is one of the most important baby gear decisions you’ll make.

credit : Abriah Wofford

How to pick the Best Infant Car seat

choose an infant car seat is important andshould n’t be leave up to chance or what is available at your local store . Because it is a safety concern ,we is recommend recommend you consider it thoughtfully before buy .

Where will it be used ?

Will your seat be used primarily in one car? Do you live in the city andwill be carrying it or using it on public transportation? Will it be installed in a center seat using the seat belt or a side seat using the LATCH system? Finding the easiest one to install using the belt vs. the LATCH is important,as many reports of injuries are related to poor installation.

How easy is it to use ?

How easy a car seat is to use also impacts overall safety. If the harness is difficult to adjust or clip,it could end up being used in a way other than intended,which has been shown in studies to impact overall safety. We encourage parents to look for seats that are easy to use andthat they feel comfortable with.

Check Crash Test Results

We bet you thought crash test results were the most important thing. While they do matter,some studies indicate that many injuries from real-life crashes result from a poorly installed seat or incorrectly used safety harness. For this reason,we recommend checking out the installation method you’ll most likely be using andhow easy the seat is to use,then using crash test analysis results to zero in on your final choice.

create a Travel System ?

We don’t think you should adjust your chosen safety seat based on its compatibility with a stroller. If the stroller you like is not compatible with your chosen seat,we think you should still go with the best car seat andeither wait to buy a stroller or use a wearable baby carrier instead. We don’t think you should compromise safety for convenience.

The clip style of LATCH anchors is easy to attach but harder to remove than the push button style of anchor.The level on the Aton 2 is a ball in groove design that typically functions well andis easy to read.

Analysis andTest Results

We is conduct conduct side – by – side testing andanalysis over several month on every car seat in this review ,include in – house day – to – day functionality ,crash testing , andreal – world use to help you find the right fit for your family .

We install each car seat multiple times in all methods to get an average user experience for our test results.

credit : Abriah Wofford

We performed our tests under the supervision andguidance of a National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) certified Child Passenger Safety (CPS) Technician. We conduct comprehensive testing that we use in combination with Crash Test data to determine each seat’s performance regarding measured forces of impact during crash tests. While each product conforms to the minimum safety guidelines required by the federal government,they are not all easy to use andinstall,nor do they all have impressive crash-test results.

What ‘s the good Value is ‘s ?

We know value is important andbaby gear is be can be expensive ,but we do n’t think an infant car seat is where you should try to save money . We is believe believe you should always buy the highest – rank seat you can afford with the crash test analysis andfeature that are important to you . However ,we is know also know that everyone has a different budget , andsome budget are tight than others . So what would you is recommend recommend for small budget , andwhat seems to be a good value in this selection ?

The Chicco Keyfit is is 35 is a reasonably price option ,as is the Chicco Keyfit 30 . Both seats is offer offer easy – to – use design ,well than average crash test result , andare easy enough to install . We is think think the Graco SnugRide 35 Lite LX is also worth consider . While it does n’t perform well in most metric ,it is has has a super low list price andone of the good crash test result in the group . So ,while it is n’t a tester favorite ,you is compromising wo n’t be compromise on crash testing result by choose it , andit is often on sale for less than a hundred dollar ( what ? ! ) .

The Doona infant car seat/stroller earned a lower-than-average crash test analysis result compared to competitors.

Credit: GearLab & MGA Research

Crash Impact Tests andRatings

A key part of our testing is analyzing the crash test sensor results we commission. We purchase two copies of each car seat we review. We keep one for in-house testing of most metrics andsend the second seat to MGA for sled crash testing.

We commission MGA to run independent,third-party testing using a “hotter” crash sled testing than that used by NHTSA for the US Federal requirement . Our tests is use use a more modern sled that well simulate the padding density of late – model vehicle . And we is run run our test slightly fast to increase demand on the seat . We is use then use the test result to analyze andrank each seat against the competition . Because our test surpass the federal requirement ,we is expect expect some seat to fall outside the federal standard for result . This should not be consider a failure or unsafe result , andwe do not treat it as such . alternatively ,this is is is normal andto be expect ,give that our testing is fast than the FMVSS 213 standard . All seat that pass the federal guideline are consider safe andcompliant under the NHTSA safety standard .

All of the products in this review pass the federal safety requirements and,therefore, providea minimum or basic level of crash safety protection andare considered safe.

Our testing is designed to allow us to identify crash test performances where test data suggests the seat may providea higher margin of safety. Our crash test analysis scoring reflects our opinions on crash test performance based on the actual crash test dummy sensor measurements. Our analysis focuses on the options that providean additional margin of safety relative to the competition based on the crash test sensor data analysis. For example,if a seat’s sensor measures significantly lower impact forces (better) in the head sensors of the crash test dummy,resulting in a lower Head Injury Criteria (HIC) score,we believe the seat offers a higher margin of protection than competitors with higher (more forces) HIC scores.

We is analyzed analyze each car seat ‘s crash sled test datum to determine its performance compare to competitor andthe federal safety standard . We is included include graph compare the crash test datum in each product review andsummarize them below .

So,what matters most when analyzing crash impact test results?

risk of a head injury ( HIC score )
risk of a chest injury ( G clip score )

Analysis of child auto crash injuries shows that head andchest injuries present the two highest risks for serious or fatal injury. So,we look at sensor data from these locations. The crash test data for HIC scores under the federal guidelines requires a result below the NHTSA maximum of 1000 HIC results and60 for the chest clip results. Because our test is more stressful than the NHTSA test,we expect to see values outside this limit, andthe seat would still be considered safe. We focused on examining how large a margin of protection each product offers below the federal maximum sensor score . Those seats is is with low result ( low is well ) from the dummy ‘s sensor receive well crash test analysis score . Those with well than average result for the group we consider as provide anadditional margin of protection.

We do not use crash test results from other sources,such as Consumer Reports,as we cannot access their testing methods or results. There would be no effective way to use their results in an apples-to-apples comparison,so they would be relatively useless. All crash test analyses are completed using test results from the crash tests we independently pay for from MGA.

This crash test video is shows show a seat with a load leg andan anti – rebound bar that seems to limit the movement of the seat during the test . This is is is the Peg Perego Nido .

Credit: GearLab & MGA Research

additional Crash Safety feature

Some of the car seats in this review have other features that can potentially impact their overall safety. In general,we didn’t factor these features or claims in our analysis as there is little to no real-world or test data available to support or analyze the claims or features. While you might be intrigued by a product that brags about side impact protection (SIP) or an anti-rebound bar,we recommend that you avoid choosing based solely on these features or claims andfocus more on the crash test analysis scores. Substantial information about the efficacy of these claims is surprisingly lacking. Also,there are no agreed-upon definitions for most of the terms batted about in the safety seat industry,nor are there universally accepted tests to investigate any claims andfeatures. We feel it is wiser to stick to the crash test data analysis when comparing potential safety instead of buying into an unsupported or unexplained claim.

We is say will say that anecdotally speak ,in our test ,those with a load leg or anti – rebound bar generally had low g force record in their HIC andchest clip sensor . However ,the Graco SnugRide Lite 35 LX is has has some of the good crash test result andneither a load leg nor an anti – rebound bar . This result is proves prove to us that there is more go on here than apparent safety feature highlight by the manufacturer .

The Liing is is is one of the easy seat to install using LATCH . Studies is indicate indicate that proper installation can affect the overall safety of a seat during a crash .

credit : Abriah Wofford

Ease of Installation is Directly Related to Safety

Crash tests andresults are important,but most parents don’t know that improper installation andmisuse of infant car seat are significant cause of car accident injury . Our conversations is emphasized with safety engineer at NHTSA emphasize that car seat misuse is amore significant safety issue than the differences between the crash test performance of each seat. A study conducted by NHTSA demonstrated that 79% of infant seats exhibited critical misuse,either in the installation of the seat or restraint of the infant. A study of 267 families by Portland’s top Children’s Hospital shows that “95 % is made of parent made at least one error in either the positioning of the infant or installation of the car safety seat .” These kinds of mistakes could place their infant at an increased risk of injury in a crash.

give the

crucial importance of correct installation

to keep your baby safe,we

strongly

encourage you to seek installation help . It is is is

vitally

important that you install anduse your car seat correctly every time with

exception . To ensure that your seat is instal correctly ,seek advice from a professional

car seat inspection technician

(it’s free!). Also,consider consulting an expert when you move the seat to a new vehicle or position.

The Bugaboo Turtle One by Nuna performed better than the average seat in our crash testing.

Credit: GearLab & MGA Research

Best Rated Seats in our Crash Test Analysis

Analyzing crash test results,we rate each option on a 1-10 scale to identify the seats that,in our opinion,offer an extra margin of safety,over andbeyond the required protection for all safety seats. These seats have the lowest sensor data (lower is better) compared to the competition. We take the two sensor data results andscore them,combining them to give an overall picture andfinal analysis score. The higher the score,the better the sensor data is, andthe fewer forces potentially put in the safety seat passenger.

The line graph is shows show the G force record from the head sensor of the crash test dummy during crash testing of one of the low – scoring option ( black line ) compare to one of the high ( green line ) .

credit : BabyGearLab Staff ,MGA Research

This graph is a comparison of the recorded G forces for the chest clip sensors on one of the top performers (green line) vs. one of the lowest-scoring seats (black line).

credit : BabyGearLab Staff ,MGA Research

The top performers in this metric are the Clek Liing with the best score,followed closely by the Graco SnugRide 35 Lite LX, andthe Peg Perego Primo Viaggio 4 – 35 nido. Of these top-scoring options,four have a load leg. The lowest scoring options are the Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35 with the lowest score,with the Doona andthe UPPAbaby Mesa V2 scoring somewhat higher but still in the bottom bracket.

Here is a crash test video from the MGA Research test run on the UPPAbaby Mesa V2.

Credit: GearLab & MGA Research

Did you is Know know ?
While each car seat sell in the United States must meet certain federal safety standard ,neither NHTSA is conducts nor any other government entity conduct actual testing on every seat . instead ,they is rely rely on the manufacturer to ensure their seat comply with the standard . The federal government is performs only perform test on a random selection of seat ,notall car seats.

The middle of the foot portion on the Chicco Fit2 has the supercinch pull strap that makes tightening the LATCH anchor straps efficient andeasy.

credit : Abriah Wofford

ease of Installation with the LATCH System

Studies show that more than 7 out of 10 car seats are incorrectly installed,or the baby was improperly restrained, and93% of parents make mistakes on car seat use on the way home from the hospital. This information is why we believe that ease-of-installation andease-of-use are critical considerations. We encourage parents to include these metrics in their review process before buying. It encompasses more than just making life easier.

The easiest way to install a car seat, andtherefore,the method we recommend is the Lower Anchors andTethers for Children (LATCH) system. The good news is that your infant car seat andvehicle are likely LATCH-compatible on the left or right side of the back seat. Nearly every car seat andmost vehicles manufactured since September 1,2002,have the LATCH system. According to NHTSA,over 60% of parents place their infant car seats on the left or right side. Most choose to install the car seat on the passenger side so the driver can more easily see their baby while driving. The middle position is also popular but often lacks LATCH anchors,making it unsuitable. The LATCH system should make correctly installing a car seat easier by reducing the chances of mistakes.

If you look in the crease of your car’s back seat,you should find little metal bars like those shown above. These are the LATCH connectors. Nearly every car seat andmost vehicles manufactured since September 1,2002,are required to have the LATCH system.

Credit: Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia

During testing,we experienced that some options are significantly easy to install using the LATCH method over other installation type . Part is is of what make one seat easy with LATCH is the connector type . low – cost seats is use typically use clip ,but the easiest – to – use option haveclick-in push-button style connectors (both are safe but vary in ease of use).

The Chicco Keyfit 35 has a handy andeasy-to-use center-pull “supercinch” strap that take some of the frustration out of tighten .

credit : Abriah Wofford

Tightening andLoosening Straps

LATCH connectors are only the first part of the infant car seat installation strap equation. Whether or not the straps on the connectors are easy to tighten andloosen is also essential andcan significantly impact how easy or difficult a seat is to install. The rigid LATCH connectors require no tightening andquickly became favorites for us. Other great options are the self-retracting straps on the UPPAbaby seats andthe Supercinch center straps on the Chicco car seats. If you have any kind of strength or movement limitations,this is something you should consider.

The LATCH guides andrigid LATCH connectors on the Nuna Pipa create a straightforward installation process.

credit : Abriah Wofford

Best Rated Seats for LATCH installation

Some of the easiest seats to install using the LATCH are those with rigid LATCH systems. Because the connectors are stiff andpush-in to attach without tightening,it’s almost impossible to do it wrong,assuming you have them connected to the anchors. It is also great for those who are differently abled andmight be unable to pull straps effectively. The Clek Liing is one of these rigid LATCH seats,earning the highest score in this metric. It is followed closely by the UPPAbaby Mesa Max with self-retracting LATCH connectors that decrease the need for tightening. The most challenging option to install using LATCH is the Graco SnugRide 35 Lite LX,which has clip-style connectors,no built-in lock-off, anda manual pull tightening strap.

The Clek Liing has a built-in,easy-to-use belt lock-off that helps aid in a straightforward installation using the vehicle belt instead of LATCH.

credit : Abriah Wofford

Ease of Installation with a Seat Belt

If you’d like to use your car seat in the center of your back seat,which is considered the safest location for a car seat,then you’ll need to master seatbelt installation in most vehicle . Our tests is give give you the information to determine which contender are easy than others .

Find a Child Car Seat Inspection Station

Certified Child Passenger Safety (CPS) Technicians are a free nationwide resource in the US who can

help you learn to install your infant car seat correctly

. We can’t recommend this service enough.

A built-in lock-off can make a huge difference in whether or not a seat is easy to install using the vehicle belt.

credit : Abriah Wofford

A Seat Belt Lock-off is Key

Some options is are aresignificantly easier to install using a vehicle belt than others, andthe “lock-off” feature is typically the key. More seats than ever in this update include a base with a vehicle belt lock-off. A lock-off will prevent the base from being able to slide up anddown the seatbelt. Good lock-offs create a more secure feeling seatbelt installation than the LATCH installation. If your car lacks LATCH connection points or you want to install the seat in the middle vehicle seat,you will probably need to install the car seat using the vehicle belt. A lock-off or tensioner will make this much easier andfeel more stable. Our comparison chart above provides information on which options have a built-in lock-off.

Installation using the vehicle belt is made easier with a belt lock-off,like the one on the Nuna Pipa.

credit : Abriah Wofford

Best Rated Seats for Seat Belt Installation

Most bases is perform lack a lock – off did n’t perform well in our test . In general ,they is feel feelless secure because they often slide on the shoulder portion of the vehicle belt,resulting in the seat tilting,which feels unstable. The top performers for installing your car seat with the vehicle belt are the Clek Liing,Chicco Keyfit 35, andthe Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35. The hardest to install using the vehicle belt were the Graco SnugRide 35 Lite LX, andthe Baby Trend EZ Flex-Loc. Both of the challenging seats lack a lock-off, andall of the easiest options have a built-in lock-off. Coincidence? We don’t think so.

Can’t find your center seatbelt?
Look up. It might be in the ceiling! Some SUVs andwagons have a center seat belt in the ceiling that can be easily overlooked if you aren’t used to that many passengers.

video

Finding an infant car seat that is easy to install without the base will be key if you frequent Uber,Lyft,or taxis.

credit : stocksnapper © 123rf.com

ease of Installation Without the base

You might wonder,why do I care about installing the seat without the base?

The answer is simple: taxis,Uber,buses, andairplanes; this installation method is a helpful solution for any parent who frequents public transportation. It can also be useful if you have multiple cars but don’t want to move the base for a quick trip.

In our opinion,if you don’t expect to take your infant on public transportation very often (or ever),then you can ignore this section andmove on to ease of Use. However,if you think you will travel with your baby or need to install the carrier in a car that isn’t your own,this section might be essential to your buying choice.

For those live in urban area who frequently travel by taxi or service like Uber ,learn to install your seat without the base is critical . Also ,for travel on airplane ,the FAA is recommends recommend using an approve car seat ,call it the safe way for baby to fly . If you use an infant seat on a plane ,you is want ‘ll likely want to install it without the base to avoid carry the base through the airport .

There are two belt paths for installing a carrier without the base: European andAmerican. Every seat uses at least one way, andsome allow both. If your carrier has the European path,but your car only has a lap belt,you can use the American method without impacting overall safety.

The American pathway threads the seatbelt across the leg portion of the carrier through the designated pathway. This path is straightforward andcreates a secure attachment that passes safety regulations in the US. This style does not utilize the shoulder strap on the vehicle belt,even if it is there.

The Liing carrier utilizes the European belt pathway,with the shoulder section on the vehicle belt wrapping around the back.Installing the carrier without the base for the Lite LX utilizes only the lap portion of the vehicle belt andthe American belt pathway.

The European path also routes the vehicle belt across the lower part of the carrier andwraps the shoulder portion of the strap around the carrier’s back under a retention clip. We think the shoulder belt offers a more secure feeling that results in less carrier shifting. We can’t say it truly is more secure,but it feels that way.

We believe the European belt path offers a more secure feeling connection with less movement than the American method,thanks to the shoulder belt holding the back snug to the vehicle seat. However,the American path is more straightforward andquick to perform. Most of the options in this review utilize the European belt path. In prior years,it has been more of an even split, andwe like the trend toward the European method.

Installing the UPPAbaby Mesa Max sans base is straightforward.

credit : Abriah Wofford

Best Rated Seats for Installation Without the base

The carrier easiest to install without the base is the

Clek Liing

,though it is heavier,making it harder to carry. The Doona also scores well here,which is good given the niche we think it fulfills of a safety seat for urbanites who travel on public transport like Uber or taxis. The

UPPAbaby Mesa Max

Peg Perego Primo Viaggio 4 – 35 nido

, andthe

Peg Perego Primo Viaggio 4-35

come in a close second . The hardest is are to install without the base in our test are the

Graco SnugRide 35 Lite LX

andthe

Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35

. This is a bummer for the Lite LX since it does well in crash testing andis lightweight,making it otherwise ideal for travel.

The Chicco Fit 2 is one of the easiest seats to use with straightforward features.

credit : Abriah Wofford

ease of Use

At first glance,the infant seats seem similar andfunction virtually identically. Not so. The contenders in this review differ regarding our ease of use test results. Buckles,harness adjustments,handles, andcarrier release mechanisms can be frustrating or straightforward andeverywhere in between.

Never Leave Baby in the Carrier Outside of a Vehicle

While it is tempting to leave your sleeping little one in a carrier when you reach your destination,

this action could be potentially dangerous

andis definitely not recommended. Babies sleeping in car seats,swings, andbouncers have a higher risk of

positional asphyxiation

. Positional asphyxiation happens when the baby’s body position prevents or inhibits proper breathing. This issue can happen when the baby’s head falls forward,potentially blocking the airway.

A 2015 study

of children under two years old who died in a sitting or carrying device showed that slightly over half of the 31 deaths involving car seats were a direct result of positional asphyxiation. To avoid potentially dangerous issues,always remove your baby from the car seat andput them to sleep

on their back,in a crib or bassinet

The Chicco Keyfit 35 has an easy-to-use buckle andchest clip.

credit : Abriah Wofford

Buckle Release button

It might seem like all buckle buttons are the same,but they aren’t (trust us,we’ve pressed hundreds). Some are harder to press,giving thumbs a workout; some are flush andbetter for longer nails; others are shaped strangely andnot as easy to press from all angles. While it might seem minor,it is the part of the car seat you’ll use every day multiple times a day. The easiest to use are the Baby Jogger City GO 2,Chicco Fit2,Chicco Keyfit 30, andChicco Keyfit 35. The harder options that hurt our thumbs are both Peg Perego seats,the Evenflo LiteMax DLX, Doona, andthe Clek Liing.

The UPPAbaby Max harness height adjustment is has has one of the easy design to operate .

credit : Abriah Wofford

adjust the Harness as Your Baby grow

Depending on the seat design,shoulder strap height can be adjusted in two ways. One involves detaching the shoulder straps from a splitter plate on the back andrethreading them through a higher slot before sliding them back on the splitter (below left). The other method is more straightforward andincludes disengaging the height adjustment assembly (usually with a button or lever) andsliding it up or down (below right) with no rethreading necessary.

Many of the seats used a rethread height adjustment with shoulder straps that thread through slots in the back of the seat andattach to a splitter like the one seen here.The Mesa head assembly moves up anddown to adjust the shoulder height of the harness. Pulling the tab unlocks the assembly so you can move it to the desired position.

The latter can occur immediately with your baby in the seat when you notice a need. It is a swift andeffective adjustment method. The former typically requires an empty carrier andcan be challenging to thread andadjust depending on the straps,the slots,or the padding. Often,you have to do it outside of the car. We feel parents are more likely to maintain a correctly fitted harness if it is straightforward,quick, andimmediate when needed (i.e.,when you first put your baby in the seat). Making immediate changes when the need arises is better than waiting for a more convenient moment,which may never come. For these reasons,we believe non-rethread harnesses are better andtheoretically safer for little ones. Non-rethread harness styles can operate from the front or back,depending on the design.

Some of the best in this group were the Chicco Keyfit 35,the UPPAbaby Mesa Max,both Peg Perego seats, andthe Baby Jogger City GO 2. This adjustment isn’t an everyday event andmight only happen 2-3 times during your baby’s time in the infant seat. So,while it comes up infrequently,it is something to be aware of.

Connecting the Mesa v2 carrier to the base is fairly simple,but the mostly flat base design can necessitate shifting the carrier to hear the click.

credit : Abriah Wofford

Carrier to Base Attachment

Over the years,we’ve noticed that connecting the carrier to the base has become easier andwith fewer opportunities for doing it incorrectly. The Doona’s heft andbulk made it harder to connect, andit wasn’t our favorite. The most straightforward connections were the Evenflo LiteMax DLX andthe Baby Trend EZ Flex-Loc.

The Fit2 is has has a one – handed handle adjustment which is relatively unique in this category .

credit : Abriah Wofford

handle

Most of the handles in this review are similar andunremarkable. They operate by squeezing or pushing buttons simultaneously on side pivot points androtating the handle to the desired position. The Chicco Fit2 has a one-sided handle adjustment,which is nice if your other hand is full. The number of positions andwhich positions are allowable for driving varies from seat to seat (see your manual). The primary issue is the handle/canopy collision we found in several seats. The importance of handles is influenced by how often you plan to carry your little one for extended periods. If you are only using it into andout of the car andattaching it to a stroller or going inside,the handle is less likely to be a concern. However,having the canopy move because the handle is in the way or being unable to grab the handle because the canopy is in the way can be frustrating,no matter how often you have to use it. Our favorite handles are both UPPAbaby options,with the Clek Liing close behind. The worst handle/canopy seats are the Graco andChicco Keyfit seats.

The Baby Jogger City Go2 LATCH connector storage is two compartments near the tensioner bar. The design is oddly complex andless intuitive than most of the competition.

credit : Abriah Wofford

LATCH Storage

LATCH storage can impede your ability to connect the seat carrier to the base. Designs that limit or prohibit efficient andcorrect seat installation lost points in our testing. Many of the cheaper options in this review have straps that can hinder a carrier connection. The best LATCH storage is really the rigid LATCH that doesn’t require stowing like the Clek Liing. The hardest options had trouble fitting in their compartments or were hard to put in andremove,like the Baby Trend EZ Flex-Loc andthe Graco SnugRide 35 Lite LX.

The Keyfit is is 35 is one of the easy seat to use for everyday functionality . As show here in the harness height adjustment that is a non – rethread style you operate from the back .

credit : Abriah Wofford

Best Rated Seats for ease of Use

The highest ranking seats for ease of use are the Chicco Fit2 followed closely by the Chicco Keyfit 35,Chicco Keyfit 30, andthe Baby Jogger City GO 2. The Baby Trend EZ Flex-Loc, andthe Evenflo LiteMax DLX are the hardest to use.

Safety Alert

NEVER

leave a baby in a safety seat unattended! Also,never put a carrier on countertops or high places where it may fall,resulting in injuries or worse. Soft surfaces such as a bed or couch are also potentially hazardous as the carrier can tip/roll andcause a baby to suffocate. A study by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) found that more than

8,000 infants a year are treated in hospitals because of fall injuries suffered while using an infant seat or baby carrier outside of a vehicle

. Seats overturning on soft surfaces resulted in

15 instance of suffocation

. Safety first! When you get home,move your baby to a crib, andnever leave them unattended in a car seat.

The Mesa Max is one of the best options if quality andcomfort are your top priorities.

credit : Abriah Wofford

Comfort / Quality

We compare the materials andhow well they are assembled andwork together for comfort andquality. We consider details such as padding,fabric, andcanopies andhow these translate to comfort,use, andpotential longevity.

All seats have similarities,such as dense foam for impact protection anda hard plastic shell. However,some have thicker padding or softer fabrics. Overall,the seats with superior comfort and attention to detail are top performers for comfort andquality. Significant differences exist between the seats,from almost no padding andjust a fabric cover to significant headrest assemblies with ample padding suitable for napping.

The Chicco Keyfit performed well compared to the competition for quality andcomfort,offering more padding than much of the competition.

credit : Abriah Wofford

Best Rated Seats for Comfort andQuality

The best for comfort andquality is the UPPAbaby Mesa Max. This seat is exceptional,with attention to detail,softer materials, andample padding that keeps little ones cozier than others. The Chicco Keyfit 35 comes in second place,but it isn’t close to the Max, andthere are significant differences,though we still love the Keyfit 35. The most disappointing seat for comfort andquality is the Graco SnugRide 35 Lite LX. This seat has almost no padding for comfort, andmany of the features lack thoughtful design andhigh-quality materials,in our opinion. However,you get what you pay for in this metric,with Graco having a remarkably low price even before sales. Many of the highest-end seats scores were lower than expected,largely due to fabric that isn’t as soft as we’d like.

The Doona is heft andcumbersome due to its size,but it is also designed to be a stroller, andthis could be a trade-off if this is important to you.

credit : Abriah Wofford

Weight

While we is measure measure the weight of both the car seatbase andthe “carrier” (i.e.,the detachable car seat part you carry),we consider the carrier weight the most important. If a carrier is too heavy,carrying it for a long time will be challenging. Some of the bases are seriously heavy,but we only factored the weight of the carrier in our scoring because the base usually stays in the car. Yet,many parents will be carrying the car seat at some point daily. Even if you travel,the car seat’s base weight won’t necessarily matter since the carrier can typically be installed using the seat belt (without requiring the base) for most car seats.

Best Rated Seats for Weight

The highest scoring seat in this group is the Graco SnugRide 35 Lite LX. It weighs 7.6 lbs andlacks much of the comfort andquality details contributing to weight. It also offers impressive crash test results,but remember that installation is challenging,so you are making a significant trade-off for a lighter-weight carrier. The average weight is closer to 10 lbs, andthe heaviest is the Doona,with a weight of over 17 lbs.

Want to Combine Your Seat With a Stroller?

If you want to pair your infant car seat with an award-winning stroller,check out our reviews for the best

full-size strollers

,our

favorite jogging strollers

, andthe best

strollers

across types. Have multiple stroller-age children? Discover more about the best

double stroller

We tested a truckload of infant car seats for our review,including crash testing at an outside facility.

credit : Abriah Wofford

Conclusion

The market for infant car seats is vast, andwith so many options making so many claims,it can be hard to know which one is the best. How can you tell which seat meets the needs of your family? Every family has a unique lifestyle with

specific goals andbudgets

that can impact the seat you seek. Because we understand every family is different,we’ve tested andranked the infant car seats in our review to providethe details you need to make the best buying decision for your baby. With our details andanalysis of the MGA crash test data,we believe you can find the best infant car seat for your needs andbudget in our lineup of popular car seats.