Finding the best infant car seat isn’t just a matter of seeking out the best deal – your child’s safety is on the line. While car seats sold in the United States must meet federal safety standards, these haven’t always been the most robust. Only recently has side-impact testing been made a requirement. Additionally, companies are able to self-test and some brands do this more rigorously than others.
On top of this, even a quality car seat is unsafe if you install it improperly or choose the wrong type of seat for your child. This is why it’s essential to do your own research.
In this review, we recommend several safe infant car seats suitable for children up to three years old. We’ve chosen companies with long track records of car seat safety and base our recommendations on in-person testing. Our review team has tested each of these car seats for ease of use, quality of materials, and adjustability. We offer advice for selecting the best infant car seat and explore options at multiple prices.
5 Best Infant Car Seats
- Editor’s Pick: Bugaboo Turtle Air
- Easiest to Use: UPPAbaby Mesa
- Most Comfortable: Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35
- Most Adjustable: Chicco KeyFit 30
- Best Value: Baby Trend EZ Ride
Best Infant Car Seats At A Glance
| Award | Make/Model | Seat Weight | Maximum Weight Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Editor’s Pick | Bugaboo Turtle Air | 8.6 pounds | 32.0 pounds |
| Easiest to Use | UPPAbaby Mesa | 9.9 pounds | 35.0 pounds |
| Most Comfortable | Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35 | 7.5 pounds | 35.0 pounds |
| Most Adjustable | Chicco KeyFit 30 | 9.5 pounds | 30.0 pounds |
| Best Value | Baby Trend EZ Ride | 8.8 pounds | 35.0 pounds |
How We Tested
The infant car seats in this article went through two rounds of reviews. We started by searching Amazon for top products, looking at customer ratings, Amazon superlatives, and prices. During this process, we considered dozens of brands and models.
For testing, our team ordered the five infant car seats that fared best in these categories. We installed each seat in a sedan and tried every adjustment mechanism.
Every car seat we recommend complies with U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. To determine our rankings, we compared adjustability, material quality, and ease of use. We also considered customer opinions represented by reviews on websites such as Walmart.com, Target.com, and Amazon.com. Additionally, we referred to safety ratings published by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
Ease Of Use
Even a car seat that meets federal guidelines is unsafe if installed incorrectly. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), around 46 percent of car seats and booster seats are used incorrectly. When a car seat is simple to install and includes easy-to-follow directions, the chance of user error is lower.
A car seat’s lower anchor clips can make a big difference with ease of installation. While testing car seats, we encountered two types of anchor clips: a simple metal anchor and a buckle anchor (both displayed below). The buckle LATCH is much easier to attach and release. Seats with this type of lower anchor scored higher in the ease-of-use category.
Metal LATCH
Buckle LATCH
Adjustability
You’ll want to adjust your car seat so it’s properly aligned in relation to your car. Features such as a built-in level can help you perfectly set up your infant car seat. Car seats with more harness positions and incline positions scored best in this category. Being able to adjust items like rethread harnesses also resulted in a higher score.
Quality Of Materials
Each of our best infant car seats uses strong and secure straps for safety. However, not all safe car seat pads are equally comfortable. Infant car seats with ultra-soft materials, extra padding, and quality stitchwork scored best in this category. We also evaluated how easily the material can be cleaned after messes and whether the material is flame retardant.
Infant Car Seat Testing Process
To test each infant car seat, our review team installed each product into a sedan. In addition to inspecting the materials of each seat in person, we noted the ease or difficulty of the installation process. We also tested each adjustment mechanism to ensure it worked smoothly.
We could attach each of the car seats using the car’s built-in infant seat anchors or the seatbelt. For our testing, we installed each seat using the built-in lower anchors when possible.
Why You Can Trust Us
Each year, we test over 350 auto products on vehicles and in our testing lab. Our team of product testers thoroughly researches top products, unboxes and puts our hands on each component, and tests the items on real vehicles before making recommendations to readers.
We publish hundreds of product and service reviews to bring car enthusiasts detailed guides on automotive tools, detailing kits, car seats, pet products, and much more. For more information on our testing methodology and how we evaluate every product, check out our methodology page here.
#1 Editor’s Pick: Bugaboo Turtle Air
The Bugaboo Turtle Air is a luxurious infant car seat lined with high-quality merino wool. The detachable infant carrier has a shade canopy and is compatible with the Bugaboo stroller. It meets FAA requirements, meaning you can use it on commercial aircraft. In the event of an accident, the car seat’s anti-rebound bar will ensure your child is safe.
As a Bugaboo product, the Turtle Air is compatible with a number of baby gear accessories, such as a detachable changing bag, parasol, seat liner, and a footmuff (a baby sleeping bag). Most of these accessories are designed for use with the stroller and not while the Turtle Air is in your vehicle.
Key Features
- Cost: Around $480
- Weight range: 4.0 to 32.0 lbs.
- Height range: 32.0 in. or less
- Car seat weight (excluding base): 8.6 lbs.
Our Experience
The quality of the materials stood out the most when testing the Bugaboo Turtle Air. Not only are all the belts and buckles easily adjustable, but the lining material is the softest of any car seat we tested.
The base of the Turtle Air has an extendable load leg that adds extra stability. We were unable to attach the base to our vehicle’s anchor hooks and needed to install the Turtle Air using the car’s seat belt. This method worked well, and the seatbelt easily tucked into its required spot.
Once installed, the basket easily clicks into and detaches from the base. We found this to be among the easiest infant car seats to use.
| Our Rating | 4.5 out of 5 |
|---|---|
| Ease of Use | 4.5 out of 5 |
| Adjustability | 4 out of 5 |
| Quality of Materials | 5 out of 5 |
What Customers Are Saying
Amazon Review Score: 4.8 out of 5.0 based on over 25 ratings
Amazon has only a few customer reviews for the Bugaboo Turtle Air, but they are mostly positive. Google also rates this seat highly, awarding it an average score of 4.5 out of 5.0 stars from more than 120 reviews.
Users are happy this seat is easy to install, includes useful safety features, and is made from quality materials. Among the most common praises users heap on the Turtle Air is that it’s exceptionally light.
“The polyester fabric looks and feels amazing, and it seems like it can withstand some wear and tear. The cushions around the handle feel sturdy yet comfortable, and I love the option to customize with accessories.” – Julian via Amazon
One of the few common complaints we found pertains to the attached sun visor. Some people believe it’s bulky and difficult to tuck away when not in use. We didn’t have any issues with the visor during our testing.
#2 Easiest To Use: UPPAbaby Mesa
The UPPAbaby Mesa is an infant car carrier designed for quick and easy installation. Suitable for infants up to 35.0 pounds, the Mesa features an adjustable headrest, no-rethread harness, and side-impact protection. The infant insert is a soft wool blend.
The Mesa is compatible with Vista and Cruz strollers and is available in three colors. To learn all about this car seat, check out our in-depth review guide here.
Key Features
- Cost: Around $350
- Weight range: 4.0 to 35.0 lbs.
- Height range: 32.0 in. or less
- Car seat weight (excluding base): 9.9 lbs.
Our Experience
The SmartSecure® latch system makes the Mesa one of the easiest infant car seats to install. Holding a button loosens the straps, which automatically tighten once released. A handy indicator window shows you when the base is installed correctly.
The Mesa features soft materials and quality stitching. The attachment mechanism works well, and the base is simple to install and remove from the car seat base. Everything feels like it clicks firmly into place.
| Our Rating | 4.5 out of 5 |
|---|---|
| Ease of Use | 5 out of 5 |
| Adjustability | 4 out of 5 |
| Quality of Materials | 4.5 out of 5 |
What Customers Are Saying
Amazon Review Score: 4.9 out of 5.0 based on over 2,700 ratings
Satisfied customers say the Mesa is easy to install. Parents have peace of mind that the seat is properly secured, and the durable materials seem to last for many years.
“Very easy to install. Feels extremely safe and secure. Straps are easy to adjust, even with a small preemie.” – SW via Amazon
A few reviewers say the angle of the seat is too steep. Their babies are uncomfortable in a seat unable to recline further. And not every child finds the lining comfortable.
“I was super excited to get this car seat, paid the extra $50 to get the merino wool. No chemicals used to make it fire retardant. However, the material is scratchy.” – David Jewell via Amazon
#3 Most Comfortable: Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35
The Graco SnugRide®SnugLock®35 is a mid-priced infant car seat that installs easily and securely. The adjustable base offers four incline positions for optimal safety and comfort. Like many of the best infant car seats on this list, the SnugRide is attachable to a stroller without any adapters.
This infant car seat has undergone rigorous testing and includes a five-point harness system that has been side-impact tested for baby retention. It also features a quick-remove seat cover for easy cleaning. Our review guide goes into detail on everything that sets this car seat apart from the rest.
Key Features
- Cost: Around $160
- Weight range: 4.0 to 35.0 lbs.
- Height range: Up to 32.0 in.
- Car seat weight (excluding base): 7.5 lbs.
- Machine-washable padding
Our Experience
Despite its lower price tag, the SnugRide is comparable to any top-tier infant car seat. It features soft, energy-absorbing foam padding and removable inserts that ensure your child is snugly secured.
We had no problems installing the SnugRide, and the entire process took around a minute. The seat anchors clip into place and are easy to adjust. The straps and buckles secure easily, and the Click Connect™ system works well.
| Our Rating | 4.5 out of 5 |
|---|---|
| Ease of Use | 4.5 out of 5 |
| Adjustability | 4.5 out of 5 |
| Quality of Materials | 4.5 out of 5 |
What Customers Are Saying
Amazon Review Score: 4.8 out of 5.0 based on over 3,200 ratings
Some reports from parents say this car seat saved their infant’s life after a crash. Many positive reviews also mention the comfortable lining and excellent head support the SnugRide offers.
“This car seat saved my 9-month-old daughters life. A few days ago we were in a car accident […] When we opened the back door to check and make sure our baby was okay, she looked at us smiling […] Completely unharmed.” – William Justice via Amazon
A few parents don’t care for the canopy attachment, which some say is bulky and cumbersome and gets in the way of the carrying handle.
“The canopy seems like a giant pain in the butt considering it is the same size as the handle making it nearly impossible to put up and down without a struggle.” – April Brescher via Amazon
#4 Most Adjustable: Chicco KeyFit 30
The Chicco KeyFit is a highly adjustable infant car seat that attaches securely to most any back seat. The leveling system is spring-loaded for easy use, and the carrier base features a bubble level to help parents ensure they have the proper setup.
You can detach the infant carrier from the car seat base and insert it into a Chicco stroller. This lightweight infant car seat can accommodate infants up to 30 pounds and includes a removable canopy and machine-washable lining.
Key Features
- Cost: Around $230
- Weight range: 4.0 to 30.0 lbs.
- Height range: Up to 30.0 in.
- Car seat weight (excluding base): 9.5 lbs.
- Machine-washable padding
Our Experience
Of the car seats we tested, the KeyFit was the simplest to install. The instructions were simple to follow, and the adjustment mechanisms work well. It’s easy to properly tighten the straps because of the SuperCinch® force-multiplying tightener.
It’s also easy to adjust the angle of the KeyFit once attached, making it a solid choice if you want a high-quality car seat with a straightforward installation process. The padding is made from EPS foam covered with a soft lining. For a more detailed analysis of this excellent car seat, check out our in-depth review.
| Our Rating | 4.3 out of 5 |
|---|---|
| Ease of Use | 4 out of 5 |
| Adjustability | 5 out of 5 |
| Quality of Materials | 4 out of 5 |
What Customers Are Saying
Amazon Review Score: 4.9 out of 5.0 based on over 3,700 ratings
Several reviewers like being able to adjust the carrying handle and unclip the seat from the base without waking a sleeping infant. Others praise the ease of installation.
“[I] didn’t have any experience with car seats prior to this, but I have heard a lot of people say they can be hard to install and so on… however, this one was extremely easy to install and use. It took me less than 5 minutes to install it for the first time.” – Timothy C. via Amazon
One reviewer didn’t applaud the release handle’s location. If the KeyFit is installed so it’s jammed against the front seat, the release handle can be hard to reach. A few have also expressed frustration with the sunshade.
“May return because of the design flaw with the sun shade. It doesn’t easily slide out under the handle. It’s annoying because you have to use both hands to get it fully extended.” – Elizziebetty via Amazon
#5 Best Value: Baby Trend EZ Ride
You can attach each car seat on this list to a stroller made by the same company, but the Baby Trend EZ Ride sells as an all-in-one travel system that includes a stroller. This combo package is cheaper than other car seats.
Though it doesn’t feature wool lining or removable, machine-washable paddings, the EZ Ride is a safe infant car seat for children up to 35.0 pounds. It also has a comparable amount of recline positions.
Key Features
- Cost: Around $140
- Weight range: 4.0 to 35.0 lbs.
- Height range: Up to 32.0 in.
- Car seat weight (excluding base): 8.8 lbs.
Our Experience
We found the EZ Ride more difficult to install than the other infant car seats on this list. While we could attach the seat in under 10 minutes, the straps weren’t easily adjustable compared to other infant car seats. The anchor latch connectors are also hard to remove. But even so, the EZ Ride is a great option for its price.
While you only need to install the base once (and leave it in your car), you’ll likely end up regularly detaching the carrier from the base, especially if you plan to use the stroller. While not particularly difficult, the EZ Ride doesn’t easily detach from the base and requires some jiggling. We also found it tough to adjust the seat angle. For use outside the car, it may not be the best stroller for every child.
| Our Rating | 3.5 out of 5 |
|---|---|
| Ease of Use | 3.5 out of 5 |
| Adjustability | 3.5 out of 5 |
| Quality of Materials | 3.5 out of 5 |
What Customers Are Saying
Amazon Review Score: 4.7 out of 5.0 based on over 12,000 ratings
As with many of the best infant car seats, at least one verified review is from a parent who experienced a wreck while using the product. Real-life crash tests show the EZ Ride is safe in the event of the worst.
“This seat saved my daughter’s life [after] my wife, our 2-day old daughter (at the time), and I were involved in a car accident.” – Count Davido via Amazon
Other, less-extreme positive reviews mention the lightweight of the carrier and the utility of the included stroller. We thought the materials were of middling quality, but many reviewers say their children find the EZ Ride comfortable. While the padding isn’t removable and machine-washable, you can easily wipe it down for cleaning.
Some parents report the vehicle seat is uncomfortable for their little one, and others find it difficult to attach the belt path around a struggling infant.
“The car seat bottom clip is hard to use and my husband’s least favorite part of the whole product. You have to put the pieces together just right to get them to click into the buckle, which is hard to do if your newborn is screaming and kicking and crying.” – Jessica A. via Amazon
Infant Car Seat Safety
Safety is the most important consideration when selecting an infant car seat. In fact, most hospitals will not allow parents to drive their newborns home unless they have an approved infant car seat.
Technically, every car seat sold in the United States must meet federal safety standards set by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). In practice, this is not always the case, so make sure that any car seat you purchase is approved by the NHTSA. This is typically indicated by a sticker that includes wording like, “This restraint is certified for use in all motor vehicles and aircraft.”
While NHTSA safety standards are rigorous, they are not perfect. For instance, the NHTSA does not have regulations that require testing for side impact crash tests, and companies are able to self-certify. Therefore, it is also good practice to research the manufacturer and model of any car seat before you buy it. Read reviews from other parents and child safety advocacy groups (like the American Academy of Pediatrics). It is also good practice to check if the car seat you’re considering has been subject to any recalls.
In addition to ensuring your seat meets federal safety guidelines, you need to buy the best infant car seat for your child, based on their height and weight. Infants typically require a rear-facing car seat. Consult this chart, developed by the NHTSA, to determine which type of car seat you need.
Lastly, a car seat is only safe if it is properly installed. To check your installation, a professional can inspect your car seat. The NHTSA website features a handy tool for locating the nearest child passenger safety technician.
Are Used Car Seats Safe?
While any car seat sold in the US is legally required to meet certain safety standards, you can find unsafe seats on the secondhand market. It is generally unadvisable to purchase car seats from secondhand sellers for a number of reasons.
- Car seats expire and a used car seat may be past (or close to) the expiration date.
- There are a number of counterfeit car seats on the secondhand market. You may also come across car seats that are missing components or are intended for display purposes only.
- It is not possible to know the history of a secondhand car seat. You should not use a car seat that has been involved in a crash or been dropped or damaged as this can impact the integrity of the seated that no parts are missing.
If you must use a secondhand car seat, it is best if you can get this seat from a friend or relative – someone who knows the history of the car seat and hopefully still has the user manual. If you must purchase a secondhand car seat, take the time to have it inspected by a car seat safety technician if possible.
Infant Car Seat Buyers Guide
Infants should be placed in a rear-facing car seat from birth until they are big enough for a forward-facing seat (typically between the ages of two and four, according to the CDC). Any infant car seat you purchase will have minimum and maximum weight and height limits to help ensure you use the right seat for your child.
The most important car seat feature is safety. A number of brands offer thoroughly crash-tested car seats, including those we recommend in this article. In addition to safety, parents should consider ease of use and comfort when shopping for infant car seats.
Ease Of Use
Ease of use is an important consideration for any product, but especially with safety devices such as infant car seats. No car seat is safe if improperly installed. Additionally, easy-to-use car seats can save significant time, especially if you frequently move your car seat between vehicles.
One thing to look for is a no-rethread harness. This type of harness makes adjusting the neck and shoulder straps much easier. Car seats without a no-rethread harness must be removed from the vehicle to adjust.
Comfort
Comfort is subjective and some children may prefer certain brands to others. You can’t know for sure which type of car seat your child will prefer until they try it out, but there are some things you can look for such as thick padding and plush materials.
Also consider the weather and temperature where you live. A merino-wool car seat may be warming in the cold but for some children, much too hot in the summer. Reading customer reviews is a good way to learn how comfortable other children find the seat, but be sure to take into account your own child’s needs and preferences.
Car Seat Terminology
- No-rethread harness: As your child grows, you will need to reposition the shoulder straps in your car seat. With a rethread harness, straps must be removed and rerouted through different slots in the car seat. A no-rethread harness only has one slot for shoulder straps, and strap height is adjusted by raising and lowering the headrest.
- EPS Foam: Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) foam is essentially Styrofoam™. EPS foam is excellent at dissipating the force of high-speed impacts and so is a standard material for crash safety devices like helmets and car seats.
- Five-point harness: A five-point harness is a seatbelt design that is secured at five-points (over both shoulders, at each hip, and between the legs). This strap system provides increased safety over a three-point strap system typical in passenger automobiles.
- SuperCinch® (Chicco): The SuperCinch system is a specialized pulley that Chicco attaches to the anchor straps that connect the car seat to your vehicle. This pulley makes it easier to tighten the anchor straps by requiring less force on the user’s part.
- Click Connect™ (Graco): Click Connect is the name of the connection system Graco uses for its detachable car seats. Graco car seats that feature Click Connect can be detached from the car seat base and connected to a compatible stroller. When a Click Connect carrier is attached, it produces an audible clicking noise so that the user can be certain it is properly connected.
- SmartSecure® (UppaBaby): The SmartSecure system is designed to ensure proper car seat installation. It consists of a set of lights that change from red to green to indicate that certain parts of the car seat are properly adjusted, such as the anchor latches, stabilizing leg, and incline position.
Helpful Resources
How Long Does An Infant Car Seat Last?
Newborns can safely use infant car seats until they meet the height and weight limit designated by the manufacturer. New parents should know that the best infant car seats can last at least until your child reaches 30.0 pounds or 32.0 inches. A convertible seat can serve as a forward-facing or rear-facing car seat and last for many years.
We spoke with Petra Stanton, the Safe Kids Supervisor at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital, who told us it is important to keep your child in a rear-facing seat for as long as possible.
“When you look at infants, they are born with the head being very large in proportion to their body. And the rear-facing car seat will protect the head and the neck. The minute you turn them forward-facing [there is the risk of whiplash]. I always feel like keeping [children] rear-facing as long as possible [is] the best thing we can tell any parent.”
Depending on the child, the transition to a convertible car seat usually happens around age two. If you’re in an accident with a car seat, you should replace it. Keep in mind that car seats (even convertible car seats) have an expiration date. Many infant car seats expire around six years after the manufacture date.
If your child has reached the age where they’re transitioning out of an infant car seat, we recommend checking out our reviews on the best convertible car seats and the best high back booster seats in 2023.
Best Infant Car Seat: FAQ
*Data accurate at time of publication.