The Best Infant Car Seats of 2024

An infant car seat is one of the most important items of baby gear you’re going to need as a new parent if you plan on driving with your baby—and one of the most confusing to research. If you’re looking for the best car seat for your family, we’re here to help.

We spent hours researching and real-world testing infant car seats, talking to car seat safety experts and getting feedback from Babylist parents with years of experience, and we think the Chicco KeyFit 35 Infant Car Seat stands out from the crowd as the best infant car seat overall.

It’s a safe, well-priced seat that’s easy to install and won’t take up too much space in your back seat. It’s also compatible with a wide variety of stroller brands to create a travel system, making getting out with your baby a little bit easier.

But if you’re a parent-to-be who wants even more options, there are many reliable infant seats across all different price points to fit your family’s needs. We’re giving honorable mention to three more seats: the Nuna Pipa Rx Infant Car Seat with Relx Base, Graco’s SnugRide SnugFit 35 DLX Infant Car Seat ft. Load Leg Technology and the Evenflo Litemax DLX Infant Car Seat with SafeZone Load Leg Base.

Why Trust Babylist?

Babylist is the expert in baby; we know baby gear inside and out. We talk with parents face-to-face in our showroom and on our user panels and hear from thousands annually via our Best Baby Products online survey. We know what items millions of expecting parents are adding to their baby registries. 

As Babylist’s gear editor, I’ve personally tested and reviewed dozens of infant car seats. I also have over a decade of hands-on car seat experience as a mom of two boys, ages 10 and two. I drew on both roles as I compiled this best infant car seat list. I also spoke to two Child Passenger Safety technicians (CPSTs, who are trained car seat experts): Rebekah Kimminau, founder of The Baby Gear Consultant, and Samantha Taylor of Mama Knows Car Seats. I interviewed Joe Colella, Director of Child Passenger Safety at the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association and 2020 Child Passenger Safety Hall of Fame Inductee, a leading industry voice on quality and safety for baby and children’s products. I also tapped car seat data and feedback from thousands of parents through Babylist’s annual Best Baby Products survey of over 6,000 Babylist users and talked to real parents at Babylist for their input.

The Best Infant Car Seats

• Best Overall: Chicco KeyFit 35 Infant Car Seat

• Honorable Mention: Nuna Pipa Rx Infant Car Seat with Relx Base

• Honorable Mention: Graco SnugRide SnugFit 35 DLX Infant Car Seat ft. Load Leg Technology

• Honorable Mention: Evenflo Litemax DLX Infant Car Seat with SafeZone Load Leg Base

Other Infant Car Seats We Love

• Best Lightweight: UPPAbaby Aria Infant Car Seat

• Best Car Seat Stroller Combo: Doona Infant Car Seat & Stroller

• Best for Small Cars: Clek Liing Infant Car Seat

How We Judged

• Ease of installation. A safe car seat is a properly installed car seat. We made sure all of the seats on our list don’t require a PhD and two hours of your day to install correctly—and that they’ll fit well in most vehicles. 

• Safety. We took into account independent safety ratings, each seat’s individual safety features and the NHTSA’s Ease-of-Use Ratings. We also chose seats that prioritized extended rear-facing, the safest way for babies and young children to ride.

• Ease of use. We considered factors like a seat’s weight, size, materials, canopy and other features that impact the day-to-day experience of using an infant car seat.

• Value & affordability. A more expensive car seat doesn’t necessarily equal a safer car seat. Our picks were mindful of price relative to the other critical features on our list.

Before you begin evaluating seats, here are some helpful things to know:

• An infant car seat is a car seat made specifically for babies from birth until about one year old. Infant car seats always face the rear of a vehicle.

• The majority of infant car seats attach to a base. The base stays installed in your car and the seat clicks in and out. Some infant car seats can be used without the base; in that case, you’ll use your vehicle’s seat belt or built-in connectors called LATCH to install the seat and keep it in place.

• Infant car seats can be used from day one until your baby reaches the seat’s height OR weight maximum, which for most seats is anywhere between 30-35 inches or 30-35 pounds. As soon as one of these limits is met, it’s time to move on to a convertible car seat.

• All infant car seats sold in the US must pass the same federal safety standards. While some car seats have extra safety features, that doesn’t mean those seats are safer. How easy a car seat is to install + how it fits your child also contribute to a car seat’s safety. You can read more on this later in this guide.

• You’ll come across many technical-sounding terms when reading about car seats. While you don’t need to spend weeks figuring it all out, a basic understanding of car seat terminology can go a long way as you evaluate the right seat for you. The Infant Car Seat Gear Glossary can help.

Best Infant Car Seat Overall

Chicco KeyFit 35 Infant Car Seat - Onyx

$229.99

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Pros:

• Loved by parents + car seat safety experts
• Slim enough to work for 3-across in most cars
• Compatible with a wide variety of stroller brands

Cons:

• Can be tough to install without the base
• The anti-rebound bar makes the seat longer front-to-back, so taller parents may be uncomfortable if it’s behind their front seat
• Heavier than some other options

While many factors go into determining what makes a great infant car seat, two stand out: safety features and ease of installation. The KeyFit 35 excels at both, making it our top overall pick for the best infant car seat for most families.

The KeyFit 35 is a “remarkably easy” seat to install, according to Samantha Taylor, Child Passenger Safety technician (CPST) and the voice behind Mama Knows Car Seats. There’s one tightener in the middle that pulls the base securely in place and a built-in, easy-to-read level indicator that lets you know when the seat is correctly positioned.

“This tried and true installation is one of the easiest on the market,” says Rebekah Kimminau, CPST and founder of The Baby Gear Consultant. This is important not only because it’s going to make installing your seat a lot less stressful, but because an easy-to-install car seat is one that you’re more likely to install correctly—and a correctly installed car seat is a safer car seat.

Safety-wise, the KeyFit 35 “fits even the tiniest babies really well,” according to Taylor, and you’ll be able to use the seat from birth until your baby reaches 35 pounds or 32 inches—a higher weight and height limit than Chicco’s other widely loved seat, the KeyFit 30. There’s also an anti-rebound bar to prevent extra movement in the event of a crash.

Babylist parents say other standout features are the seat’s no-rethread harness (making fit adjustments quick and easy as your baby grows), the removable, washable cover (because car seat mess is real) and the narrow profile (it works well in smaller cars or three across). And the seat is compatible with a wide variety of popular strollers, so you can go from the car to running errands without disrupting your baby.

Real Parent Reviews

“I was nervous about installing the car seat, but this is very easy to install. The sunshade is a big plus for us because we know we’ll use it with our Chicco stroller for walks. I also like the padding on the straps and around the buckle because it seems that it’ll be more comfortable for baby. Car seats have always seemed so big and heavy to me, but this is lighter than I imagined, which is great because I’m petite—it’ll be easy for me to get it in and out of the car with baby by myself.” — Andrea H.

“I highly recommend the Chicco Keyfit 35! This is my second child and I am so happy with our choice in car seat this time around. Our little munchkin was teeny when she was born so the newborn positioner was very helpful during the first month or two! I also feel that this seat is much lighter to carry than many of the other ones we have tried. It has been a very sunny summer and the full-coverage canopy has come in handy when taking our daily walks around the neighborhood. I have also found it very easy to click the seat in and out of the car without disturbing the baby which has been a lifesaver on some days. In terms of the base, it is very easy to install and the level indicators help me confirm that it is in the car properly. I am excited for the extended legroom feature as I feel that we will get more use out of this than our past infant seat.” — Momof2 B.

Additional Specs

Child Weight/Height Guidelines	4-35 lbs, up to 32”
Car Seat Carrier Weight	10.1 lbs

Honorable Mention: Other Infant Car Seats We Recommend

While Chicco KeyFit 35 is our overall top pick for infant car seats, there are many other safe, reliable seats that can work for your family. Here are other top picks that I recommend along with car seat safety experts and Babylist parents.

Nuna Pipa Rx Infant Car Seat with Relx Base - Granite

$450.00

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Pros:

• Can be used with or without base
• Premium safety features, including rigid LATCH system and Relx stability leg
• Lightweight

Cons:

• Pricey
• Tricky to clean

The Nuna Pipa Rx is one of few seats on the market that uses something called rigid LATCH to connect the car seat’s base to a vehicle, and it’s the feature I love most about this infant car seat. (LATCH stands for Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren, a way of securing a car seat to a vehicle.) “Rigid” means that the metal connectors that protrude from the Pipa’s base attach directly to the metal lower anchors of your vehicle—no straps or hooks involved. Why is this a big deal? Because rigid LATCH connections are the most secure, meaning your car seat will move the least in the event of a crash.

Rigid LATCH also makes for a fast, easy and foolproof installation, which in turn leads to a safer car seat. “Whether you’re installing the Relx base or installing the Pipa RX baseless, it could not be faster or more straightforward,” says Taylor.

Taylor also applauds the seat for “all of the advanced safety features,” like the anti-rebound panel and the fold-down stability leg (also called a load leg) that extends from the base of the seat to the floor and is designed to absorb impact in an accident. Just know that if you’re considering a car seat with a load leg, they’re permitted in most—but not all—vehicles, so check your car’s owner’s manual before you buy.

Babylist parents rave about the quality materials, the seat’s light weight and the extendable Sky drape canopy that provides full coverage from the elements, as well as the many different strollers the seat is compatible with the use of an adapter. I also often recommend this seat to people who frequently take rideshares or taxis, as the Pipa Rx is a breeze to install in any car without the base.

Real Parent Reviews

“We absolutely love our Pipa Rx! What sold me were the extra safety features (anti-rebound bar and load leg) as well as the fact that it’s lightweight! It truly makes such a difference. It’s beautifully made and I love that they use high-quality materials without flame retardants. I couldn’t recommend this car seat more!” — Laura D.

“I knew I wanted the Pipa car seat from the beginning! It’s hard to sort through which one to get. I knew I didn’t want the Pipa Lite [because] I wanted the flexibility to strap the car seat in without a base when in a bind or while traveling. The main reason I went with the RX [is that] it fits the baby longer but also the materials are SO MUCH BETTER on this than the normal pipa which is a polyester seat. This has [an] amazing feel and is washable cotton. Worth the upgrade for sure!” — Haley

Additional Specs

Child Weight/Height Guidelines	4-32 lbs, up to 32”
Car Seat Carrier Weight	7.6 lbs

Graco SnugRide 35 DLX Infant Car Seat ft. Load Leg Technology - Astaire

$229.99

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Pros:

• Load leg + anti-rebound bar
• Easy to install using built-in level indicator
• No-rethread harness

Cons:

• Not a great fit for preemies and smaller babies
• Some parents struggle with the one-button handle adjustment

Graco makes a lot of infant car seats (there are seven different variations of the SnugRide series for sale in the Babylist Shop alone), but we’ve pegged this load leg version of the SnugFit 35 DLX as our favorite because of its ease of installation combined with added safety features at a reasonable price point.

Like the other seats in the SnugFit line, this seat is super easy to install—and that’s important when choosing a car seat. “The SnugLock arm on the base makes installation in any vehicle an absolute breeze,” says Taylor.

Features-wise, what sets this seat apart is the addition of the load leg, a safety extra not found in most of the other seats in Graco’s SnugRide lineup. While it does slightly increase the seat’s cost, we think it’s a worthwhile upgrade. (The SnugFit 35, a similar seat, will only save you about $60 and doesn’t feature a load leg and lacks a few other key features.) We also appreciate that the headrest and harness can be adjusted together while your child is in the seat (this is called a no-rethread harness), making getting just the right fit much less of a struggle than with other similar car seats.

Other features we like about this infant car seat include the one-hand adjustable handle, better head support and side impact protection than the standard SnugFit 35 model, four recline positions and a narrow profile at only about 17 inches across.

If we had to choose another favorite among the SnugFit lineup, we recommend checking out the SnugRide 35 Lite LX. It’s more bare bones and doesn’t feature a load leg or an anti-rebound bar, but it weighs over a pound less than the DLX and is an extremely affordable choice if you’re prioritizing weight when choosing an infant seat.

Real Parent Reviews

“As a mom of 3, I have seen and used various infant car seats and this Graco car seat has some wonderful features. One of most important things I look for in a car seat is safety on the road. The load leg feature on this car seat gives a little extra peace of mind when driving on busy roads. It is a nice bonus feature even if it isn’t a necessity. The instructions were clear on how to set up the load leg and it was easy to position. It does take up some space if you are in a vehicle where you need the space under the seat, but in most vehicles, it would be unobtrusive. The actual car seat and car seat base were extremely easy to install. The car seat looks stylish and comfortable. The seat feels soft and well-padded. The fabric is easily washable. The only downside to the car seat is that the headrest is not supportive for a newborn. My 2-month-old would occasionally need his head repositioned.” — Maria

“I really like how lightweight this carrier is. Finally a car seat that doesn’t weigh 20 lbs without the baby in it. The only reason I didn’t give 5 stars was because the handle feels cheap and like it may become an issue down the road if used again. The one-hand operation of the handle is nice but it’s just not right yet, further engineering is needed. The fabric feels like good quality. I was impressed on how big the canopy is, it really covers better than other seats. My 14 lb 5 month old seemed very comfortable in the carrier and only slightly clammy when removed from the seat after a 35 min car ride…This seat was very easy to install as was the load leg… don’t let it intimidate you. I was impressed with the extra leg to help with impact…It just makes me feel like I’m doing everything I can to keep my baby safe. Yes, it interferes a bit when I try to fling my diaper bag into the backseat but it’s not the end of the world.” — Katlovesya20

Additional Specs

Child Weight/Height Guidelines	4-35 lbs, up to 32”
Car Seat Carrier Weight	8.7 lbs

Evenflo Litemax DLX Infant Car Seat with SafeZone Load Leg Base - Sawyer Gray

$199.49

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Pros:

• Impressive safety and comfort features for a lower price
• Low weight minimum (3 lbs); fits even the smallest of babies
• Ergonomic handle for a more comfortable carry

Cons:

• Installation is easy, but you’ll need to pay attention to the details
• Only compatible with Evenflo strollers
• Buckles tend to be stiff and difficult to unclip

Weighing in at only about eight pounds and featuring a load leg, the LiteMax is an impressive seat when you also consider the under $200 price tag. This seat has the lowest weight allowance on the market at three pounds (with physician’s approval, per Evenflo), making it a great choice if you’re bringing home a preemie or a smaller baby, according to Taylor. Other features to love include an adjustable headrest, no rethread harness and LATCH install.

When it comes to the install, it’s fairly easy, but there are a few details that you’ll want to pay attention to, like the recline angle of the base and the positioning of the load leg. Evenflo offers free one-on-one video installation support meetings with a certified car seat technician if you need help or want to check your work.

Real Parent Reviews

“This car seat is SO much lighter and easier to transport my infant in and out of the car… and that makes a big difference when your child is 18 pounds at 3 months old! Installing was fairly easy, the angle indicator was easy to read and the adjustable base with load leg makes me feel as though my son’s weight is evenly distributed and the car seat is secure in place. The look is sleek and I love that the cover says it’s machine washable since some seats are spot-clean only. My favorite feature is how easy it is to thread and loosen the harness to get my son in and out easily from the seat, compared to another name brand you had to really tug/pull to tighten effectively. Overall, we love it and think it’s a fabulous, lightweight seat and would recommend for a budget-friendly option!” — Cgolzer

“We got this car seat for our little one who is now 6 months old and my favorite feature besides the safety it provides is how lightweight it is. Most car seats are heavy but this one isn’t. It is a breeze to carry my 19 lb baby in this car seat. The straps fit snug and keep him in a proper position.” — Mommyimpressions

Additional Specs

Child Weight/Height Guidelines	4-35 lbs (3-35 lbs with physician approval), up to 32”
Car Seat Carrier Weight	8.7 lbs

Other Car Seats We Love

If you need an infant car seat to suit a specific need, like an extremely lightweight seat or a seat with all the safety bells and whistles, these infant car seats earn top spots on our list.

Best Lightweight Infant Car Seat

UPPAbaby Aria Infant Car Seat - Jake

$349.99

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Pros:

• Lightest infant car seat on the market (without attachments)
• Extra safety features, including anti-rebound bar and stability leg
• GREENGUARD Gold Certified

Cons:

• Only compatible with UPPAbaby strollers
• Inner seat bottom is narrow, so chunkier babies might feel more cramped
• Anti-rebound bar and load leg take up more space front-to-back, so will be a tight fit in smaller cars

UPPAbaby’s newest addition to their car seat lineup is our top pick if you’re prioritizing weight when shopping for an infant car seat. At six pounds minus the canopy and inserts, even I was surprised at how light this seat was the first time I picked it up—and I’ve carried a lot of car seats over the years. (The Aria is almost four pounds lighter than UPPA’s other popular infant car seat, the Mesa V2.) Safety-wise, there’s an anti-rebound panel and a load leg, and the seat is easy to install thanks to LATCH and visual indicators that turn red if something’s not right.

Real Parent Reviews

“I’ve been a big fan of UPPABaby strollers for years and wanted a car seat to create a travel system for my second baby. I could not be happier with the Aria. It’s SO light—I still can’t believe how much easier it is to carry than the last infant car seat I used. I also wanted a seat that prioritized safety and the Aria more than delivers. I love that there’s a load leg and an anti-rebound panel. it’s also easy to install both with or without the base.” — JML

Additional Specs

Child Weight/Height Guidelines	4-30 lbs, up to 30”
Car Seat Carrier Weight	5.9 lbs (excluding the canopy and infant insert)

Best Infant Car Seat Stroller Combo

Doona Infant Car Seat & Stroller - Grey Hound

$550.00

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Pros:

• Infant car seat + stroller all in one
• Great for travel & city life
• Lighter weight than most other strollers

Cons:

• Low height and weight limits; likely to be outgrown before 18 months
• Low handlebar can be uncomfortable for taller parents
• No storage basket, snack tray or cup holder

The Doona was the first of its kind: an infant car seat that instantly transforms into a stroller with the click of a button. This innovative feature makes the Doona the ultimate, all-in-one system for frequent travelers. It’s also ideal for city dwellers who need to quickly get in and out of public transportation, parents who live in an apartment complex and have a long way to walk between their apartment and their car or if you’re in and out of the car a lot dropping off older siblings and don’t want to disturb your sleeping baby.

It does have some downsides to be aware of, though. Once your child outgrows it, you won’t be able to use the stroller anymore. There’s no storage basket, and most babies outgrow it sooner than other infant car seats. And the handle on the Doona is low and isn’t adjustable, so it can be awkward if you’re taller. (I’m 5’10”, and I definitely have to lean over slightly to push it.)

Real Parent Reviews

“Since we don’t own a car and live in a city this stroller is perfect as it allows us to easily take Uber/Lyft or use friends/family cars without having to take both a car seat and stroller. Perfect for navigating small restaurants and stores as well as travel.” — Francesca

“I picked the Doona because I felt like it was good quality and liked that once I took it out of the car I could convert it to a stroller without the hassle of getting a separate stroller out of the trunk. But I wish it lasted longer and wasn’t just for babies since I’ll have to get a different stroller and seat once she grows out of it.” — Thielia

Additional Specs

Child Weight/Height Guidelines	4-35 lbs, up to 32”
Car Seat Carrier Weight	14.3 lbs

Best Infant Car Seat for Small Cars

Clek Liing Infant Car Seat - Railroad Ziip (Flame Retardant Free)

$479.99

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Pros:

• Compact & narrow size = good for smaller cars or fitting 3-across
• Packed with safety and comfort features
• Fits both smaller and larger infants well

Cons:

• Pricey
• Some parents had trouble removing the seat from the base

At less than 17 inches across, the Clek Liing is ideal if you have a smaller back seat or if you need to fit multiple car seats across it. And if you’re looking for an infant seat with all of the safety extras, it shines there too, as a “fan favorite” according to Taylor. It’s also the infant car seat I chose and used for over a year with my second son—exactly because of these safety features.

Like the Nuna Pipa, the Liing uses rigid LATCH, ensuring a tight installation and minimizing the chance your seat will shift during a crash. (There’s also a load leg to reduce crash forces.) Seven different recline positions—15 degrees of total recline—help you achieve the best positioning for your little one regardless of the angle of your vehicle’s seat. This ensures they’re in the proper (and safest) position and means you’re likely to get a good fit even if your car is compact from front to back.

There’s also a two-stage infant insert, GREENGUARD Gold Certification and three eco-friendly fabric options. And it has a European belt path (a routing path that makes installing the car seat with just a seat belt safer and easier) if you want to use the seat without its base.

Real Parent Reviews

“Safety was the number one priority when I was shopping for an infant car seat for my second baby. The load leg, side impact protection, and rigid LATCH sold me on the Liing, and I’m so happy we chose it. It’s also really easy to install (both with or without the base) and fit my baby perfectly from day one until he was about one year old. And since it’s a compact seat, it didn’t take up much room in my back seat, which allowed for plenty of leg room up front for both me and my husband who are both tall.” — J.L.

“It’s very compact, which is great for my tiny car. It’s also really lightweight and easy to move from car to stroller. My baby didn’t seem to love it at first, but now that he’s grown out of needing the infant insert, he seems much more comfortable.” — Grace

Additional Specs

Child Weight/Height Guidelines	4-30 lbs, up to 32”
Car Seat Carrier Weight	9 lbs

How We Chose Our Best Infant Car Seats

• We analyzed results from Babylist’s Best Baby Products survey, which polled 6,000 Babylist users and asked them to share the baby products they love the most and why.

• We utilized insight from the Babylist editorial team, including me, Gear Editor Jen LaBracio, an expert in the baby space for over six years and a mom of two who has written hundreds of baby gear guides and personally researched and tested hundreds of baby products, including infant car seats.

• We spoke with two CPSTs: Rebekah Kimminau, founder of The Baby Gear Consultant, and Samantha Taylor of Mama Knows Car Seats. We also interviewed Joe Colella, Director of Child Passenger Safety at the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association and 2020 Child Passenger Safety Hall of Fame Inductee.

• We researched information on infant seat safety and reviews from several leading car seat experts, including Car Seats for the Littles and The Car Seat Lady, as well as information from the American Academy of Pediatrics. We also considered the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Ease-of-Use Ratings.

• We reviewed customer reviews from hundreds of real Babylist parents and talked to real parents at Babylist for their input.

What You Need to Know About Infant Car Seats

Most parents choose to register for or buy an infant car seat because it’s designed specifically for younger babies. Other types of car seats include:

• Convertible car seats: These grow-with-your-child seats transform from rear-facing car seats for babies and toddlers to forward-facing seats for older children. Some convertible seats can be used from birth, but know that they’re heavy and bulky and aren’t designed to be taken in and out of a vehicle frequently. Many parents choose a convertible car seat as the next step after their child has outgrown their infant car seat. Rotating car seats and all-in-one car seats fall into the convertible car seat category.

• Booster seats: A booster seat uses a vehicle’s seat belt as a restraint. Think of a booster as the step between a car seat and a seat belt; it elevates a child in a car’s seat, making adult seat belts fit better on little bodies. You’ll move to a booster once our child maxes out the top limit of their forward-facing convertible car seat.

Infant car seats versus convertible car seats

You'll need a car seat if you plan to take your baby in the car. Whether you choose an infant car seat or a convertible is a matter of personal preference.

Purchasing a convertible car seat means one less piece of baby gear to research and buy. (These are our picks for best convertible car seat, if you decide to switch or start with one.) Convertibles also have a much longer lifespan than infant seats; many will take you from the baby days well into the preschool years, and some even through elementary school. But for most parents, “an infant seat is the right choice for a first car seat,” explains Taylor. 

Many convertible car seats don’t fit newborns very well, says Taylor. “There are a few convertible car seats that do, but far and away the newborn fit of an infant seat is more consistent,” she explains. “You also can’t beat the convenience of an infant seat for those quick trips into the store (and seemingly weekly trips to the pediatrician in the beginning). Unless you feel particularly comfortable baby-wearing from birth, for example, it’s difficult to bring a newborn into the grocery store without an infant car seat, as most babies cannot sit up in a shopping cart safely until beyond six months of age.”

Convertible car seats are also heavy and time-consuming to uninstall and reinstall. If your baby will be riding in multiple vehicles, transferring an infant car seat is much easier. (Just be sure to purchase an additional car seat base for your other vehicle.) It’s also easier to transfer a sleeping baby from the car to the stroller (or the other way around) if you’re using an infant car seat that’s compatible with your stroller. This is doable if you purchase a travel system—a car seat and a stroller from the same brand that attach—or create your own set using adapters. (You can check our Car Seat and Stroller Compatibility guide to see which brands work together.)

Why do infant car seats face backward?

“According to the American Academy of Pediatrics and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, it's safest for infants and toddlers to ride rear-facing in a car seat for as long as possible,” explains Colella. “This recommendation is based on data showing that rear-facing seats offer better protection in crashes for children from birth through 23 months of age, along with child development and biomechanics considerations.”

How long can babies stay in an infant car seat?

Infant car seats can be used from day one until your baby reaches the seat’s maximum height or weight limit (usually anywhere between 30-35 pounds, depending on the specifics of your seat).

While you can switch as early as you want, according to Taylor, “you must switch if ONE limit of the car seat is met,” she explains. This means that if your child falls within the height limits of your infant car seat but has outgrown the seat’s weight limit, it’s time to switch to a convertible car seat—and vice versa. Most babies outgrow their infant seat around one year of age, but it can also happen much sooner, depending on your baby’s growth. Let Us Help You Pick Your Next Car Seat is as helpful resource for making the infant-to-convertible switch.

How to Choose a Safe Infant Car Seat

Ask any car seat expert about how to choose the safest car seat and you’ll likely get the same response: all car seats sold in the US must meet the same strict safety regulations and pass all testing and requirements set forth by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. (That’s exactly what Joe Colella told us, emphasizing that “a higher price tag does not necessarily equate to more safety.”) But what exactly does that mean, and how does it translate in real life as you shop for an infant car seat and compare features?

According to Colella, the car seat you choose should meet these criteria:

1. Fits your child. “The right car seat is one designed for your child’s height, weight, age and developmental needs,” he says. 

2. Fits your vehicle. The car seat must be correctly attached to the vehicle to perform its functions. “Following car seat installation instructions and vehicle owner’s manual guidance is crucial.”

3. Used consistently and correctly. You and anyone else who drives your child need to be familiar with the car seat and its features and should be comfortable using it correctly on every ride.

These three things—how a car seat fits your child, how easy it is to install it in your car and how easy it is to use day in and day out—are inextricably linked to a car seat’s safety. You can buy a seat with all the extra safety features in the world, but if it’s impossible to install or doesn’t fit well in your car, none of the extra bells and whistles matter. 

“With hundreds of seats to choose from, rest assured that every single one is a safe choice,” echoes Taylor. “If you’re buying a car seat from a reputable retailer or directly from the manufacturer, it passed rigorous safety testing.” She recommends narrowing down your choices by focusing on four factors: your budget, safety features, unique seat features and compatibility. 

Car seat fit

Figuring out if the car seat you like will fit in your car is one of the most common concerns we hear from parents-to-be. And while there’s no substitute for a real-life test, we know how difficult that can be—so here’s what else you can do.

• Measure. Simple, yes, but we can’t stress just how important this step is when you’re shopping for a new car seat. Before committing, look up the seat’s dimensions, then break out the measuring tape and spend a few minutes in your car. If you own a compact car, be attentive to the seat’s height and depth measurements. If fitting multiple car seats across your back seat is your concern, consider the car seat’s width measurements. 

• Check if the car seat can touch the front seat. An infant car seat’s front-to-back measurement and the angle required for a proper install both can affect how a car seat fits into a back seat. A tall, deep seat with fewer recline options can cause an issue if you drive a smaller, more compact vehicle or if you’re tall and need space to push your front seat back. One way to solve for this is to research if the particular brand of seat you’re interested in allows for a rear-facing car seat to touch the vehicle seat in front of it. Most manufacturers allow a car seat and a front seat to lightly touch, but some require an inch or two of clearance between the two. (And even within the manufacturers that do allow the seats to touch, there are very specific—and differing—guidelines brand by brand. Here are Graco's guidelines, for example, versus Clek’s.) You can search and download a manufacturer’s car seat manual to check guidelines around this before you purchase.

• Pay attention to recline. Recline is for more than just comfort; it also affects how a seat fits in a vehicle once it’s installed. Generally, a car seat with more recline options will fit a wider range of vehicles. But like all things with car seats, this isn’t always the case—so don’t use this as your only fit predictor.

Infant car seat safety features

According to the car seat safety experts we spoke to, these are the safety features to prioritize when shopping for an infant car seat.

• Anti-rebound bar: In the event of a crash, a car seat will move toward the point of impact. An anti-rebound bar reduces the movement of a car seat as it moves back into your vehicle’s back seat. It halts the rebound and causes the seat to come to a stop sooner than it would have without the bar.

• LATCH: LATCH stands for Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren. The LATCH system is an alternate way to secure your car seat that uses built-in anchors and tethers rather than your vehicle’s seat belt. The system consists of two lower anchors found in the seat crack of your car that clip or hook onto two lower attachments on your car seat and a tether anchor behind the back seat that clips onto a tether hook found on the back of your car seat. LATCH is not available in every seating position, so you’ll need to consult your vehicle manual. Both LATCH and seat belt installations are safe, but in most cases are not to be used at the same time. There are also LATCH weight limits that you need to be aware of before utilizing this system to install your seat.

• Side impact protection: “Enhanced side impact protection features can improve child safety in crashes from more directions,” explains Colella. All car seats manufactured after June 30, 2025, will be required to meet side impact performance regulations, but some models already have features built in that have been crash-tested for improved outcomes.

• Stability leg/load leg: A load leg is a metal pole that extends from the base of an infant car seat to the floor of a vehicle. Also called stability legs, they reduce the amount of crash energy transferred to a child, according to Colella, specifically to the head and neck. (Not all vehicles allow the use of load legs, however, so always check your owner’s manual.)

You may also want to consider these additional safety features:

• Alert systems: These built-in sensor systems are designed to warn a driver if a child is inadvertently left in the car and are something parents should consider when shopping for an infant car seat, according to Colella. Some can also communicate with the driver if the child is not fully buckled in or if other unsafe conditions are occurring.

• European belt path vs. American belt path: A belt path is how you’ll install your car seat when you’re not using a base. (Think for travel, rideshares, etc.) Both belt paths start by routing your car’s lap belt over your baby’s lap area. A European belt path wraps the belt around the back of the infant seat for extra protection. Car seat safety experts recommend the European belt path as it allows for a more secure installation and decreases crash forces.

• No-rethread harness: As your baby grows, you’ll need to adjust your seat’s shoulder straps to accommodate the correct fit. A no-rethread harness means you’ll be able to move the straps up and down without having to manually reroute them through the back of the seat.

• Safety indicators: Some car seats come with built-in leveling systems and indicators to signal they’ve been correctly installed.

Infant car seat convenience features

If you drive often, you’re going to be getting your baby in and out of their car seat quite a bit—so it’s just as important to evaluate ease of use features when you’re researching car seats. “Beyond features directly related to crash performance, parents should consider features that will encourage correct use 100 percent of the time,” explains Colella. These are some to consider.

• Canopy: A canopy is an extendable piece of fabric found at the top of a car seat. Canopies extend and retract to provide shade, protection from the elements and privacy for your baby.

• Ease of cleaning. “A lesser known fact about car seats is that not all covers are machine washable,” explains Taylor. Babies are messy, and this feature is a must-have for some parents.

• Fabric: Besides looking for a style of fabric that matches your taste, consider its durability and how easy it’ll be to wash when messes happen. You also may want to consider an infant car seat with GREENGUARD Gold Certification, which means both the item and its manufacturing process were tested and reviewed for over 10,000 chemical and VOC emissions.

• Fit: Car seats range in size and shape. The way a car seat fits in your specific vehicle is both a convenience feature (especially if you’re on the taller side or prefer to recline your seat) and a safety feature (a safe car seat is one that fits properly in your car’s back seat and can be secured correctly).

• Peekaboo window: A peekaboo window is a small opening found in the fabric of a car seat canopy. It’s often made of mesh or another type of sheer fabric and lets you get a quick peek at what your little one is up to without having to retract the canopy or sneak around the side of the seat.

• Stroller compatibility: You can snap infant car seats into many strollers or stroller frames. You can buy a prearranged set, like a travel system, or mix and match brands as long as they are compatible via car seat adapters.

• Weight: A lightweight seat isn’t a necessity, but it makes carrying around your baby easier on your arms and back.

Infant Car Seat Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the best place to put an infant car seat?

The center of your vehicle’s back seat is statistically the safest place to install your child’s car seat. That’s because many crashes involve a side impact, so a middle position will help to avoid direct impact. However, not all vehicles allow for a car seat in every spot that has a seat belt. If you can’t install your car seat in the center, choose the position where you can install it tightly using either LATCH or your vehicle’s seat belt, according to the AAP’s car seat safety information guidelines. And always check your specific vehicle’s owner’s manual before installation. The Safe Kids’ Ultimate Car Seat Guide Installation Tips is a great resource for car seat installation.

Can my baby sleep in their infant car seat?

Yes, babies can fall asleep in an infant car seat, but it’s important to then transfer them to a safe sleep space like a crib or a bassinet, as the AAP recommends against the use of car seats for sleep outside of a car. The AAP also advises that babies have a break from the car seat every 90 minutes.

Can I buy a used infant car seat?

Car seat safety experts always recommend purchasing any car seat new, as a used seat may be damaged or may not meet current safety regulations. If you do end up selecting a used infant car seat, get it from someone you trust. Be sure the seat has never been in a crash, look up the seat’s expiration date and check for any recalls through NHTSA. If the seat is dirty, follow the manufacturer’s strict rules around how to clean the car seat; each seat has a specific set of cleaning instructions to maintain the seat’s safety and integrity.