As a new parent, an infant car seat may be one of the most important things to purchase early on.
After all, it’s very well needed when bringing your little bundle of joy home from the hospital for the first time as well as later on if you are planning on taking them along places.
In fact, there is this myth that most hospitals will not even discharge you if you don’t own an infant car seat so make sure to be prepared.
Of course, in reality, getting one can be a lot of added stress since there are so many options out there, making it difficult to know which is the best for your particular situation.
With that being said, this guide is here to not only help you with some crucial information but it also features some of the best infant car seats out there, all in the same place! If you’re looking for a rotating car seat, make sure you check this out as well.
So what should you be looking for when buying an infant car seat?
While a lot of convertible car seats are quite safe for newborns as well, infant car seats are actually specifically made to fit all the needs of a newborn so it’s a safe bet!
For instance, they offer some additional neck, head and spinal cord support.
Furthermore, they are also typically smaller than convertible options which means easier access to the newborn when getting in and out of a car.
Height and Weight Limits
Infant car seats usually specify the height and weight limits so as soon as your child hits those said limits, you will know to upgrade to a bigger seat.
Carrier Weight
A lot of infant car seats come with the option of installing them with a base that you need to secure to your car.
This allows you to keep the newborn undisturbed inside the carrier when taking them out and easily clip it back into the base whenever you need to take them somewhere again.
Stroller compatibility
Another feature you should consider is whether or not your choice of car seat is compatible with a stroller!
Usually, carriers are compatible with a range of different strollers which actually extends the use of some strollers not normally fit for newborns.
Installation
One of the most challenging aspects of infant car seats can be the installation process which is why you might want to look for one that is rather easy to set up and doesn’t require a lot of strength to do it.
Furthermore, some of them fit better in some cars and not others so take note of the infant seat’s specified size and compare it to the size of your car’s back seat before committing to a certain product.
If you still feel like the installation is too challenging, make sure to hire a professional instead of risking a faulty installation.
Expiration
As mentioned before, all car seats are meant to be used until your baby reaches a certain height and weight but not many know that they also come with an expiration date that is usually between 6 and 10 years!
So, if you are planning on using your infant car seat for multiple children, make sure you take note of this and pick a product with a longer life.
Chicco KeyFit 30 Infant Car Seat and Base
This is one of the most popular infant car seats out there and for a good reason!
Not only is the installation a piece of cake (can be installed in under 30 seconds) but thanks to a built-in level, it’s also super easy to install the correct recline level.
While it’s not the most lightweight product of its kind out there, it’s still lighter than a lot of other similar models.
It can be used by children that weigh up to 30 pounds or 30 inches tall but it features an insert specifically made for newborns and babies weighing 4 to 11 pounds.
Without the base, this seat weighs a total of 9.5 pounds and measures 27.5 x 16.5 x 24 inches.
Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35 Infant Car Seat
Another product that is really easy to install. It’s also versatile since it can accommodate from 4 pounds with a newborn insert all the way to 35 pounds.
Furthermore, it also features a multiple position recline and can be installed with a base but also without it by simply using a European belt path.
The car seat weighs a little less than 8 pounds.
DOONA Infant Car Seat & Stroller
The DOONA Infant Car Seat & Stroller has a unique 2-in-1 design that makes the transition from car seat to stroller really easy without the need for any additional parts.
You can install the car seat with or without a base which is great for those living in the city or parents who travel a lot.
Just keep in mind that the carrier is substantially heavier than most standalone car seats (16.5 pounds) but at the same time, the only lifting you’ll really need to do is when going in and out of your vehicle.
Not to mention how great this is for people with limited space!
The weight range is 4-35 pounds and the height range goes up to 32 inches.
MAXI-COSI Mico Max Plus Infant Car Seat
The MAXI-COSI Mico Max Plus Infant Car Seat is compatible with a wide range of stroller systems.
It’s also compatible with side-impact protection for the infant and comes with a contoured carrier handle to make it as easy as possible for the parent.
Furthermore, this car seat has a removable pad that is easy to clean in the washer and dryer so you will never have to worry about any spit or puke staining the backseat of your car.
UPPABABY Mesa Infant Car Seat
The UPPABABY Mesa Infant Car Seat is stylish and also features a SmartSecure System that makes the installation process as straightforward as possible.
More precisely, there is a tightness indicator that changes from red to green to indicate when the base is installed correctly.
Furthermore, the self-retracting LATCH connectors also ensure a secure fit.
There is also a no-rethread harness that can be adjusted with the headrest, minimizing the risk of faulty installation.
If paired with the Vista or Cruz stroller, this product becomes the ultimate travel system for you and your baby.
The recommended weight ranges between 4-35 pounds while the height goes up to 32 inches.
As for the weight of the actually carried, it is 9.9 pounds.
Britax B-Safe Gen2 Infant Car Seat
Taking your newborn home from the hospital can be nerve-racking but new parents can breathe more easily if they have a super comfortable and safe infant car seat for their little one.
This one has soft pads on the harness and the seat’s fabric is smooth.
Not to mention that the cover is removable so you can easily throw it in the washing machine to clean it later on!
Furthermore, the Britax B-Safe Gen2 Infant Car Seat is easy to install, lessening the stress of it all.
This is because there are level indicators that will let you know when the seat is positioned correctly.
Furthermore, if you ever need to switch cars, there is no actual need for you to take the base out as the seat can be installed just by using a normal seatbelt as well and it’s still safe!
Clek Liing Infant Car Seat
The Clek Liing Infant Car Seat is perfect for parents of multiples since it’s a smaller option that lets you fit up to three infant seats in the back seat of the car!
It’s also just as useful if you only have one baby but your car is rather small and can’t fit a seat with a bigger footprint.
The seat is pretty slim and short but the smart design allows the seat’s interior to be spacious enough for your baby to feel comfortable while in it.
Other great features include the seven recline positions, a mesh window that promotes airflow and visibility as well as a three-position canopy that ensures SPF 100+ protection for your little one!
As for the installation features it comes it, there is a seat belt tensioning and locking device as well as indicators that will let your know when the proper tension is achieved.
On the seat’s base, there is also a load leg.
The recommended height and weight limits are 4 to 35 pounds and up to 32 inches, respectively.
The seat’s weight without the base or the special newborn insert is of about 9 pounds.
Cybex Aton 2
The Cybex Aton 2 has one of the best crash test results out there so it should give new parents some more peace of mind.
In addition to the safety it provides, this infant car seat also has a sleek design and a few other safety features such as the load leg and the “side-impact crumple zone.”
Furthermore, its LATCH system makes it super easy to install.
It is compatible with quite a few different strollers as well but keep in mind that a stroller with a click-in adapter instead of one with straps is the best choice to be paired with this seat.
Baby Trend EZ Flex-Loc
The Baby Trend EZ Flex-Loc is easy to install and quite straightforward when it comes to its use.
There are two different ways to install it, one of them being without the base.
It is a lightweight choice as well, making it ideal for new parents who travel or commute regularly alongside their baby.
Peg Perego Primo Viaggio 4
Safety is, of course, the most important feature of an infant car seat.
However, a close second can sometimes be the aesthetics and the Peg Perego Primo Viaggio 4 definitely delivers on both fronts!
It is a lightweight and sleek seat that is covered by breathable jersey fabric, available in a variety of color options.
It has a slim design as well, which manages to further enhance the stylish aesthetic in addition to just fitting better in some smaller cars, of course!
But even though it is so lightweight, the shell still feels substantial.
It is also designed with adjustable side impact protection, an anti-rebound bar that can reduce the car seat’s motion in case an accident happens as well as 6 different harness positions!
The height and weight limits are 4 to 35 pounds and up to 32 inches respectively and the car seat itself without the base weighs 9.5 pounds.
