In Depth Baby Product Reviews Led by a Pediatrician
We buy all the products we test — no freebies from companies. If you purchase through our links, we may earn a commission, which helps support our testing.
Are you looking for an infant car seat with known crash test results? We purchased and tested 14 seats for this all-encompassing review. To help you pick the best infant car seat, BabyGearLab spends tens of thousands of dollars crash testing car seats at a certified testing lab. Our crash-test findings and extensive hands-on testing provide the details you need to confidently choose the right infant car seat. By sharing the details of our testing, we aim to provide you with all the information you need to narrow the field and choose the best car seat for your needs and budget.
We've tested around 200 of the best car seats, including 79 infant car seats, since 2014. This year's update includes all new lineups and crash testing for the top-ranked convertible car seats and booster seats too. If you are not sure which kind of car seat you need, check out our Best Car Seats review for more details.
Editor's Note: We updated this review with 15 new infant car seats and crash test results in October 2023. This update includes a “hotter” crash test method and a full side-by-side assessment of every seat. On July 9, 2024, we removed a discontinued Britax seat.
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 and can be installed using the vehicle belt almost as easily. With color coding and indicators showing you've done this right, it is hard to beat this impressive option. This seat offers a load leg and built-in lock-off.
The Clek is very expensive, and we suspect this higher price could be a deal breaker for some. Given the shorter lifespan of only working up to 30 lbs (read your manual for more details), the price can feel steep if you don't plan to use it with subsequent babies. Clek says it expires in 9 years from the date of manufacture, so as long as it hasn't been involved in even a minor fender bender, you might get more use out of it if you have multiple babies. It is also heavier than most of the competition, making it a potentially poor choice if you plan to travel frequently and don't have a stroller to pair it with. And speaking of strollers, the compatibility with award-winning strollers is lower than many competitors, including the Chicco Keyfit 35 and the UPPAbaby Mesa Max. However, if the absolute best in crash test analysis is what you desire, then the Liing is the right fit for your goals if your budget is bigger.
The Chicco Keyfit 35 is an impressive seat and a 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 and easy 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 and can 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.
The Chicco Keyfit 35 crash test sensor results from MGA Research resulted in a crash test analysis score that is significantly better than the average for the group.
The Graco SnugRide 35 Lite LX is a very inexpensive infant car seat with impressive crash test results and a 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 and high-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, and there isn't much in the way of comfort features or padding. Overall, it performed poorly in all metrics outside of weight and crash testing. But we think it still deserves an award because it fills an important niche in this category of affordable and better crash test results. Overall, it isn't the seat for everyone, and there are reasonably priced seats like the Chicco Keyfit 35 of the Chicco Keyfit 30 that provide better performance in almost every metric, but we think it fills a niche and could 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.
The UPPAbaby Mesa Max is a high-quality car seat that makes comfort job one. This seat has skin-friendly fabric and extra padding, including an ample headrest assembly for support when napping. We love the design and material 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, and the retractable LATCH system makes LATCH installation easy and straightforward.
This impressive seat is also pretty expensive. While not the most expensive in the group, its price is likely a deal-breaker for those with tighter budgets. However, we prefer it over the UPPAbaby Mesa V2 because it earned better crash test results, making it our preferred UPPAbaby option in this group. It also only has average crash test results, so if the absolute best or high-scoring crash test analysis is your primary goal, then the Max probably isn't the right one for you. However, if your goal is the best for comfort and quality, the Max is a good one to consider.
The Mesa Max only has average crash test results in our “hotter” method.
Credit: GearLab & MGA Research
Compare Products
We tested a wide variety of infant car seats for this review, including options from Chicco, UPPAbaby, Graco, Nuna, and more.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
How We Test Infant Car Seats
An infant car seat is must-havebaby gear for every parent. Yet not all car seats are the same, and our 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 and your baby, we perform an extensive and scientific battery of 61 individual tests on every infant car seat, and combine 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 and budget.
Our infant car seat testing has seven rating metrics:
Crash tests (40% of overall score weighting)
Ease of Installation - LATCH tests (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 tests (5% weighting)
The Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35 is one of the car seats we had crash-tested 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 and on 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 of each car seat depends on other factors, such as how easy it is to install and use the safety harness. So, we extensively test those factors in our comparison of seats. A NHTSA study showed 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% of parents 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 Mistakes, is intended to help you know the most common mistakes to ensure your baby's car seat is installed and used 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 and the 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 and practical day-to-day use. Our seat installation and ease-of-use tests were developed by Certified Passenger Safety Technician and Senior 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 and the crash-testing experts at MGA Research to develop our testing protocol and analytical 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, and rated 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
Choosing an infant car seat is important and shouldn't be left up to chance or what is available at your local store. Because it is a safety concern, we recommend you consider it thoughtfully before buying.
Where will it be used?
Will your seat be used primarily in one car? Do you live in the city and will 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 and that 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 and how easy the seat is to use, then using crash test analysis results to zero in on your final choice.
Creating 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 and either 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 and is easy to read.
Analysis and Test Results
We conduct side-by-side testing and analysis over several months on every car seat in this review, including in-house day-to-day functionality, crash testing, and real-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 and guidance 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 and install, nor do they all have impressive crash-test results.
What's the Best Value?
We know value is important and baby gear can be expensive, but we don't think an infant car seat is where you should try to save money. We believe you should always buy the highest-ranking seat you can afford with the crash test analysis and features that are important to you. However, we also know that everyone has a different budget, and some budgets are tighter than others. So what would you recommend for smaller budgets, and what seems to be a good value in this selection?
The Chicco Keyfit 35 is a reasonably priced option, as is the Chicco Keyfit 30. Both seats offer easy-to-use designs, better than average crash test results, and are easy enough to install. We think the Graco SnugRide 35 Lite LX is also worth considering. While it doesn't perform well in most metrics, it has a super low list price and one of the best crash test results in the group. So, while it isn't a tester favorite, you won't be compromising on crash testing results by choosing it, and it is often on sale for less than a hundred dollars (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 and Ratings
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 and send 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 requirements. Our tests use a more modern sled that better simulates the padding density of late-model vehicles. And we run our tests slightly faster to increase demands on the seats. We then use the test results to analyze and rank each seat against the competition. Because our tests surpass the federal requirements, we expect some seats to fall outside the federal standard for results. This should not be considered a failure or unsafe result, and we do not treat it as such. Alternatively, this is normal and to be expected, given that our testing is faster than the FMVSS 213 standard. All seats that pass the federal guidelines are considered safe and compliant under the NHTSA safety standard.
All of the products in this review passed the federal safety requirements and, therefore, provide a minimum or basic level of crash safety protection and are considered safe.
Our testing is designed to allow us to identify crash test performances where test data suggests the seat may provide a 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 provide an 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 analyzed each car seat's crash sled test data to determine its performance compared to competitors and the federal safety standard. We included graphs comparing the crash test data in each product review and summarized 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 and chest 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 and 60 for the chest clip results. Because our test is more stressful than the NHTSA test, we expect to see values outside this limit, and the seat would still be considered safe. We focused on examining how large a margin of protection each product offers below the federal maximum sensor scores. Those seats with lower results (lower is better) from the dummy's sensors received better crash test analysis scores. Those with better than average results for the group we considered as providing an additional 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 shows a seat with a load leg and an anti-rebound bar that seems to limit the movement of the seat during the test. This is the Peg Perego Nido.
Credit: GearLab & MGA Research
Additional Crash Safety Features
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 and focus 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 and features. 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 will say that anecdotally speaking, in our tests, those with a load leg or anti-rebound bar generally had lower G forces recorded in their HIC and chest clip sensors. However, the Graco SnugRide Lite 35 LX has some of the best crash test results and neither a load leg nor an anti-rebound bar. This result proves to us that there is more going on here than apparent safety features highlighted by the manufacturer.
The Liing is one of the easier seats to install using LATCH. Studies 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 and results are important, but most parents don't know that improper installation and misuse of infant car seats are significant causes of car accident injuries. Our conversations with safety engineers at NHTSA emphasized that car seat misuse is a more 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% of parents 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.
Given the crucial importance of correct installation to keep your baby safe, we strongly encourage you to seek installation help. It is vitally important that you install and use your car seat correctly every time with NO exceptions. To ensure that your seat is installed 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 and beyond 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 and score them, combining them to give an overall picture and final analysis score. The higher the score, the better the sensor data is, and the fewer forces potentially put in the safety seat passenger.
The line graph shows the G forces recorded from the head sensors of the crash test dummies during crash testing of one of the lowest-scoring options (black line) compared to one of the highest (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, and the 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 and the 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 Know?
While each car seat sold in the United States must meet certain federal safety standards, neither NHTSA nor any other government entity conducts actual testing on every seat. Instead, they rely on the manufacturers to ensure their seats comply with the standards. The federal government only performs testing on a random selection of seats, not all 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 and easy.
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, and 93% 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 and ease-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, and therefore, the method we recommend is the Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) system. The good news is that your infant car seat and vehicle are likely LATCH-compatible on the left or right side of the back seat. Nearly every car seat and most 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 and most 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 easier to install using the LATCH method over other installation types. Part of what makes one seat easier with LATCH is the connector type. Lower-cost seats typically use clips, but the easiest-to-use options have click-in push-button style connectors (both are safe but vary in ease of use).
The Chicco Keyfit 35 has a handy and easy-to-use center-pull “SuperCinch” strap that takes some of the frustration out of tightening.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Tightening and Loosening 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 and loosen is also essential and can significantly impact how easy or difficult a seat is to install. The rigid LATCH connectors require no tightening and quickly became favorites for us. Other great options are the self-retracting straps on the UPPAbaby seats and the 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 and rigid 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 and push-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 and might 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, and a 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 vehicles. Our tests give you the information to determine which contenders are easier 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 are significantly easier to install using a vehicle belt than others, and the “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 and down 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 and feel 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 lacking a lock-off didn't perform well in our tests. In general, they feel less 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, and the Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35. The hardest to install using the vehicle belt were the Graco SnugRide 35 Lite LX, and the Baby Trend EZ Flex-Loc. Both of the challenging seats lack a lock-off, and all 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 and wagons have a center seat belt in the ceiling that can be easily overlooked if you aren't used to that many passengers.
Finding an infant car seat that is easy to install without the base will be key if you frequent Uber, Lyft, or taxis.
You might wonder, why do I care about installing the seat without the base?
The answer is simple: taxis, Uber, buses, and airplanes; 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 and move 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 living in urban areas who frequently travel by taxi or services like Uber, learning to install your seat without the base is critical. Also, for traveling on airplanes, the FAA recommends using an approved car seat, calling it the safest way for babies to fly. If you use an infant seat on a plane, you'll likely want to install it without the base to avoid carrying the base through the airport.
There are two belt paths for installing a carrier without the base: European and American. Every seat uses at least one way, and some 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 and creates 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 and the American belt pathway.
The European path also routes the vehicle belt across the lower part of the carrier and wraps 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 and quick 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, and we 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, and the Peg Perego Primo Viaggio 4-35 come in a close second. The hardest to install without the base in our tests are the Graco SnugRide 35 Lite LX and the Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35; both seats required a towel during installation, which could be a hassle to keep on hand while traveling. This is a bummer for the Lite LX since it does well in crash testing and is 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 and function virtually identically. Not so. The contenders in this review differ regarding our ease of use test results. Buckles, harness adjustments, handles, and carrier release mechanisms can be frustrating or straightforward and everywhere 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 and is definitely not recommended. Babies sleeping in car seats, swings, and bouncers 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 and put them to sleep on their back, in a crib or bassinet.
The Chicco Keyfit 35 has an easy-to-use buckle and chest clip.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Buckle Release Buttons
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 and better for longer nails; others are shaped strangely and not 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, and Chicco Keyfit 35. The harder options that hurt our thumbs are both Peg Perego seats, the Evenflo LiteMax DLX, Doona, and the Clek Liing.
The UPPAbaby Max harness height adjustment has one of the easiest designs to operate.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Adjusting the Harness as Your Baby Grows
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 and rethreading them through a higher slot before sliding them back on the splitter (below left). The other method is more straightforward and includes disengaging the height adjustment assembly (usually with a button or lever) and sliding 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 and attach to a splitter like the one seen here.
The Mesa head assembly moves up and down 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 and effective adjustment method. The former typically requires an empty carrier and can be challenging to thread and adjust 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, and immediate 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 and theoretically 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, and the Baby Jogger City GO 2. This adjustment isn't an everyday event and might 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 and with fewer opportunities for doing it incorrectly. The Doona's heft and bulk made it harder to connect, and it wasn't our favorite. The most straightforward connections were the Evenflo LiteMax DLX and the Baby Trend EZ Flex-Loc.
The Fit2 has a one-handed handle adjustment which is relatively unique in this category.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Handles
Most of the handles in this review are similar and unremarkable. They operate by squeezing or pushing buttons simultaneously on side pivot points and rotating 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 and which 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 and out of the car and attaching 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 and Chicco Keyfit seats.
The Baby Jogger City Go2 LATCH connector storage is two compartments near the tensioner bar. The design is oddly complex and less 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 and correct 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 and remove, like the Baby Trend EZ Flex-Loc and the Graco SnugRide 35 Lite LX.
The Keyfit 35 is one of the easier seats to use for everyday functionality. As shown 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, and the Baby Jogger City GO 2. The Baby Trend EZ Flex-Loc, and the 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 and cause 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 instances of suffocation. Safety first! When you get home, move your baby to a crib, and never leave them unattended in a car seat.
The Mesa Max is one of the best options if quality and comfort are your top priorities.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Comfort/Quality
We compare the materials and how well they are assembled and work together for comfort and quality. We consider details such as padding, fabric, and canopies and how these translate to comfort, use, and potential longevity.
All seats have similarities, such as dense foam for impact protection and a 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 and quality. Significant differences exist between the seats, from almost no padding and just a fabric cover to significant headrest assemblies with ample padding suitable for napping.
The Chicco Keyfit performed well compared to the competition for quality and comfort, offering more padding than much of the competition.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Best Rated Seats for Comfort and Quality
The best for comfort and quality is the UPPAbaby Mesa Max. This seat is exceptional, with attention to detail, softer materials, and ample padding that keeps little ones cozier than others. The Chicco Keyfit 35 comes in second place, but it isn't close to the Max, and there are significant differences, though we still love the Keyfit 35. The most disappointing seat for comfort and quality is the Graco SnugRide 35 Lite LX. This seat has almost no padding for comfort, and many of the features lack thoughtful design and high-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 and cumbersome due to its size, but it is also designed to be a stroller, and this could be a trade-off if this is important to you.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Weight
While we measure the weight of both the car seat base and the “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 and lacks much of the comfort and quality 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, and the 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, and strollers across types. Have multiple stroller-age children? Discover more about the best double strollers.
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, and with 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 and budgets that can impact the seat you seek. Because we understand every family is different, we've tested and ranked the infant car seats in our review to provide the details you need to make the best buying decision for your baby. With our details and analysis of the MGA crash test data, we believe you can find the best infant car seat for your needs and budget in our lineup of popular car seats.
