10 Best Infant Car Seats Reviewed in 2024
Ana
Jessica Mentzer
Babies on board? Don’t stress. Buckle those little cuties up and hit the road! Since the introduction of child safety seats in the 1930s, plenty of new technology and careful engineering have changed the design of car seats everywhere. Most kids’ car seats are easy to assemble and install, and many are made to grow with your infant so that they can be used throughout the toddler years and beyond. Below, we’ve gathered the current market’s ten best-rated and most-reviewed car safety seats for infants. Customers like these excellent models the best and are recommending them to others online in their highly-positive feedback. These terrific products come in many shapes and styles with plenty of features for the needs of independent families. We are sure that you will find the perfect seat for your little one in this outstanding assortment of car seat models perfect for all types of vehicles.
This is the best product on our list that is currently in stock:
Modular design allows six modes
2X crash safety rating
Oversized wheels
Canopy cover
Ergonomic handle
10 Best Infant Car Seats Reviewed
1. Safety 1st Grow and Go 3-in-1
Quick-fit, adjustable harness
Machine washable and dryer safe
Safe for children between 5 and 100 pounds
Three different seating options
Easy in-and-out access
Less room to adjust than the Graco 4ever
Safety 1st Grow-and-Go is the triple threat of the car seat world. This three-in-one extends to be usable through three early childhood stages. When your little one still weighs between 5 and 40 pounds, use the seat as a rear-facing infant seat. Once they’re old enough and weigh between 22 and 65 pounds, you can flip the seat around so they can face forward as you drive. And when they’re between 40 and 100 pounds, the seat can be adjusted for use as a belt-friendly booster seat. This seat is a secure, durable purchase without a lot of frills. It’s functional, sturdy, and safe. It will last quite some time, and it’s lighter in weight than other car seats, so if you’re having to lug your booster seat around and change it between cars, this is probably the kindest option for you.
Read moreComfort
Children can be quite comforted in this highly-adjustable seat that will accommodate their various growth spurts. It is well-cushioned and proportioned to fit the contours of the body well.
Design
The Graco Grow-and-Go will keep your child snugly, safely nestled for car rides in their early years. Expandable to be useful for little ones between 5 and 100 pounds, this investment grows with your budding family.
Durability
The headrest and the harness are both adjustable with one easy step, and the seat pads snap on and off, making them easy to remove and throw in the washing machine and dryer when there’s a spill.
Ease of use
The Grow and Go is built for guaranteed side-impact protection and harness holders keep the harness in an open position making it easy to slip your child in and out of their car seat.
2. Evenflo Pivot Modular Sandstone
Modular design allows six modes
2X crash safety rating
Oversized wheels
Canopy cover
Ergonomic handle
Does not have a permanent cup holder
No adjustable shoulder pads
This modular stroller offers the best in modular safety. From the Rebound bar that limits movement from frontal impacts to the base with its integrated belt-lock system, this stroller has it all. It’s also able to withstand 2X the federal crash test standards. All modes allow baby to face inwards or outwards making it perfect for windy or chilly days. The oversized wheels provide a smooth ride and plenty of traction. The seat can also move from car base to stroller with one ergonomic handle. This comfortable seat is perfect for the active parent. The car seat easily attaches to the car base or the stroller frame. This modular seat is designed to be light and easy to move around.
Read moreComfort
The ergonomic handle is designed to sit comfortably in the bend of an arm to make carrying it so easy and well-managed. Little ones will appreciate the superb comfort of the design as well.
Design
The multiple positions and canopy ensure your little one will be dry and warm in the windiest and wettest conditions. It will also keep them out of the harmful rays of the sun on bright days.
Durability
Many features on this particular car seat make it very safe and durable for the child who sits in it. it has passed the safety standard tests with great results and has a sturdy belt-lock system to hold the child securely.
Ease of use
The modular frame of the stroller section allows for six unique positions or “modes”. Because of this versatility, kids can be positioned in the most comfortable way and parents can do it so easily.
3. Chicco Keyfit Lilla
5-point harness with one hand adjustment
Full body inserts for preemies at four pounds
Center-pull adjustment and bubble levels
Compatible with Latch and non-Latch vehicles
Canopy offers little shade from sunlight says buyers
Handle requires two hands to put up and down
The Chicco Keyfit Infant Car Seat and Base are rated #1 across the board as the best in both safety and installation. This bundle also includes the Keyfit Caddy Frame Stroller that is designed specifically for this infant seat. This car seat and base include several safety features to help keep your newborn safe. It is rated for babies from 4 pounds up to 30 pounds and includes a full body cushioned insert to help secure the tiniest of infants. The carrier clicks into the included car base with features a spring-loaded leveling system that allows it to fit properly into almost any vehicle type. Bubble level indicators are located on both sides of the base to help you adjust for the correct seating angle. This car seat and base combo set is the top-rated infant car seat in America for installation ease and safety.
Read moreComfort
The stroller base provides on-the-go portability that is lightweight and easy to use and will save your shoulders from the constant strain of carrying your little one and their car seat.
Design
This wonderful model utilizes SuperCinch technology for Latch compatible cars that provide a tight and secure fit with one pull, guaranteeing correct installation. It is a unique design made to be comfortable and easy to use.
Durability
Infants and small toddlers will be able to use this lovely car seat for the duration of their car seat days. It is very sturdy and long-lasting to the point that you will probably save it for another child or pass it off to relatives with newborns in great condition.
Ease of use
The five-point harness secures your baby comfortably into the cushioned seat and pulls tight with one hand for quick and easy adjustments. There are many times when you only have one hand to configure a car seat with the other one holding the baby.
4. Peg Perego Primo Viaggio 4/35
Optimized for baby comfort
Six positions with no rethreading required
Dual-stage cushion system
Short and compact handle
Made in Italy
Seat is heavy
Only one position for the shade
This Italian seat is built to last. This rear-facing infant seat is made with the finest fresco Jersey, a soft and breathable fabric for all season comfort. It comes with two cushions that swap out for different sized kids. One is for the smaller end with extra head and neck support. The other is for when they become toddlers and need more back support. If only the best Italian craftsmanship is acceptable, this is the seat for you. It also allows for six positions of side impact protection, so you never have to re-thread the restraints. All while the thick handle makes it easy to move in and out of the car. This Italian design provides the ultimate in comfort and style.
Read moreComfort
The shell of the seat is designed with perforations to ensure maximum breathability. Combined with the two different cushions for the various growth stages, babies will be so comfortable in this excellent seat.
Design
The embroidery and high-quality design fits with any high-end sports car or luxury car model. The dual-stage cushion construction ensures a secure fit at all times for your little prince or princess in the back.
Durability
Since this product is made of the highest quality of materials, it is very durable and strong for your needs of seating the infant in a vehicle. It will certainly outlast the child in pristine condition even with regular use.
Ease of use
Six possible positions for the car and a simple and useful handle make this item so easy for parents to utilize. It is a compact marvel of ingenuity that will not be a hassle to use every day.
5. Evenflo Symphony LX Crete
Made in the U.S.
Can carry kids between 5-30 lbs
Meets all Federal Safety Standards
Pad is machine washable
Head and body pillow are removable
Hook for tightening the base can be hard to reach
Difficult to fit into small cars
This car seat has it all. It can transform into an infant car seat with the push of a button. It can have the infant seat facing the rear, while it is protected with the secure straps and padding. The neutral colors are black and white, so parents can save money when they use this chair for several generations. This is a convertible car seat. It can face the rear and hold infants safe and secure. One seat is all that is needed to keep kids safe in the car until they are ready to graduate and sit like grown-ups. Parents don’t need to fuss over the harness. The five-point infinite harness provides an accurate fit every time.
Read moreComfort
Having the five-point harness to hold infants and toddlers securely gives them the security and comfort they need while enjoying a ride in the car. The added padding will also make them feel great in this item.
Design
It includes cup holders, a quick connect and disconnect system, neutral colors and easy to remove parts for parents. Since it is a convertible seat, it saves time and money in shopping for another large seat for toddlers.
Durability
Plenty of security straps and comfy padding make this a seat that will last the duration of the child’s time in such a product. it is so sturdy and long-lasting that you will most likely save it for another child to use too.
Ease of use
When they grow out of their infancy stage and into the slightly more prominent kid area (22-40 lbs.) the seat can rotate to accommodate them. this makes purchasing another larger seat not necessary.
6. Graco 4Ever All-in-1
Four different modes
Holds up to 120 pounds
10-position headrest
Snack/cup holders integrated
Side-impact tested
Padding is thin without the infant plush insert
Might push the infant’s head forward
Little ones grow so fast; it can seem impossible to keep up with them. Thankfully, Graco understands that plight and has a solution. The Graco 4ever 4-in-1 Car Seat is a convertible seat promising ten years of use for children between 4 and 120 pounds. Use it as a rear-facing seat until they hit 40 pounds or switch it over to be forward-facing for toddlers between 20 and 65 pounds. The wheels on the family van go ‘round and ‘round but your kids will be tucked snugly away for every ride. Not only that, but in-and-out access, as well as assembly, are simple. This harness requires no rethreading. It’s usable through four different weight/development stages, meaning you can get a great deal of use out of it instead of having to purchase new accommodations each time Junior hits a growth spurt.
Read moreComfort
The cup holder and food tray are a nice luxury that is added to this car seat model, especially for little ones who like a little snack or refreshment on the way home from school.
Design
The booster seat is high-backed and holds up to 100 pounds, while the backless booster holds up to 120. The InRight Latch system makes for easy, one-second attachment.
Durability
This car seat will stay with your child from infancy through grade school. It’s sturdy, built for longevity, and safe. When you consider the costly expenses of such seats, it is nice that there are models, such as this one, that can last a long time.
Ease of use
Growing kids need their fuel, so Graco has included a cup holder and snack tray in the seat’s design. Children will want to use this seat, especially if you utilize these additional features for them.
7. Evenflo LiteMax 35 Infant Car Seat
Infant car seat best suited for little ones 4 pounds to 35 pounds
Easy to install with one step quick installation instructions
Offers four different reclining positions
Includes removal head pad and buckle tuck away pouches
Comfortable carry with ergo handle for parents
Design of car seat is very narrow and restrictive for larger babies
Retractable visor does not work well with the design of the reclining seat
When you have a newborn you never think about how hard it is going to be to carry their infant car seat around. Evenflo is changing the game with this model. It is the easiest infant car seat to carry on the market. It has been designed with active parents in mind. The lightweight design with the ergo handle gives it a unique design that keeps your little one comfortable and parents still on the move.
Read moreComfort
When infant car seats are designed they are designed with the comfort of your little one is a priority along with safety, but this car seat takes it a step above. It features a harness that is adjusted in the front. So, that means no more completely disassembling the whole seat to adjust the harness. It also aids in being able to get the baby out with ease. Along with the upfront harness system, the seat also comes with a head pillow that adds additional support and comfort. It can easily be removed when needed.
Design
Carrying an infant car seat around is hard enough that installing it should not require a day off and two people to assist. They have created this infant car seat with an easy to install base. It has a two-step process that uses the vehicles seat belt for a lock off. This is a quick and easy way to secure the installation of the seat. The seat has also been designed to once installed to be able to be reclined in four different recline options providing the ultimate design in comfort.
Durability
You think of car seats and you think of everything that it has to offer for your little one and most often never thinking about what does the car seat feature for the parents? Well, this car seat design does have a feature for the parents. It includes buckle pockets on each side of the car seat right inside the seat. This allows for parents to be able to tuck the buckle away in the pockets when they are getting the little one in and out of the car. It makes loading easy and unloaded even easier.
Ease of Use
This car seat provides a safe and secure place for your baby to rest while you drive from 4 pounds to 35 pounds. That also means that they need to be between 17 inches and 32 inches tall. It features a convenient base that stays in the car allowing parents to be able to quickly just remove the infant car seat and enjoy the lightweight and ergo handle design.
8. Maxi-Cosi Mico AP Devoted Black
For infants from 5-22 pounds
Works with Maxi-Cosi and Quinny strollers
Has air protect technology for side impacts
Weighs only a mere 8 pounds
Usable without a base for smaller vehicles
Can be difficult to remove
Baby can sweat during warmer weather
If you are looking for a more versatile installation option for a car seat, then the Maxi-Cosi Mico AP Infant Car Seat may be the right fit for you! This infant carrier utilizes a five-point harness system for maximum security in the event of an accident. The included Cozi Dozi head insert provides the best newborn head support on the market and can help keep your little one centered in the seat where they are protected the most. It also includes a sun canopy that is adjustable into several different positions and features a flip out visor to provide extra protection from bright lights to your newborn’s sensitive eyes. This infant carrier can be used without a car seat base which makes it ideal for smaller cars.
Read moreComfort
The plush fabric comes in dozens of designs to fit any style or gender preference and provides a pleasant sensory experience for your newborn. They will be snug and safe for car rides anywhere.
Design
This ultra-lightweight infant carrier does include a car seat base like other traditional models but the feature that really sets this seat apart is that the carrier can be secured to your backseat utilizes your car’s built-in seatbelts.
Durability
Most vehicle crashes occur due to side impact and the Mico utilizes air protect technology which can cushion your baby securely if such an impact were to occur.
Ease of use
Your little one to be safely secured in smaller spaces such as truck cabs. This an ideal secondary carrier for grandparents or other caregivers that do not need to have the base installed at all times.
9. Baby Trend EZ Ride 5 Hounds Tooth
Has a spot for drinks, snacks, and keys
Stroller has multiple recline positions
Car seat made with EPS energy absorbing foam
Tray can swing away
Does not support heavy-set kids comfortably
This EZ Ride system is perfect for the on the go family. It's the complete package to carry a baby around town. Newborns rest snuggly and safe in their infant car seat. The base car seat allows mom and dad to transport the baby from car to stroller and many places in between. The stroller matches the car seat with lovely shades of light blue and grays and can fold up with a push and twist of the handlebar. It can fit inside most standard sized trunks or can be stored in the back of a truck. Jogging families enjoy this particular model because of the wheel system on the front. The tri-wheel setup on the stroller gives joggers extra maneuverability and ease of turns when they are pushing the stroller while they run. The combo setup makes shopping for multiple baby items easier.
Read moreComfort
Plenty of cushioning and support in the car seat keep the baby comfortable and snug. Parents will enjoy the comfort and freedom of using these two pieces in unison to make their lives much easier.
Design
The amazing stroller and the fabulous car seat work together to reduce strain and stress for parents. You will not have to carry the seat when you want to move the infant, as it is simple to place him or her in the handy stroller.
Durability
Just looking at this set for the infant to secure them for vehicles and for strolling around, you can see the strength of the materials and construction. This is one product that will provide great service for several generations.
Ease of use
the flexibility of using both items together for various circumstances is wonderful for parents that are quite active. The agility of the stroller is terrific for those who jog or walk for exercise.
10. Doona Infant Car Seat & Latch Base
State of the art infant car seat with super features
Car seat transforms from secure seat in the car to stroller in one motion
Features a secure five point harness system
Best suited for little ones from 4 pounds to 35 pounds
Easy clean fabric and textiles, machine washable design
Infant seat designed with a tight fit
Inner textiles seem thin and do not provide much padding
With so many features on this infant car seat to highlight it is sure to have the benefits that you are looking for in an infant car seat. It features a one motion operator that makes it a simple seat to operate. From the installation to getting the baby in and out it has all the features that you are looking for in a quality infant car seat that also has some style to it. It will have you going from in the car to in the stroller walking into the store in just a few seconds.
Read moreComfort
The comfort of an infant car seat is so very important. Often when they are young they take naps and sleep most often when you are traveling so making sure they are comfortable and safe is so important. This car seat features a five point harness system that is easy to get that ‘just right’ fit plus it also has an adjustable handlebar. The handlebar makes for comfortable handling for parents but also serves as an anti-rebound bar when it is in the car.
Design
Car seats not only have to provide a safe and secure place for the baby to ride in the car, but they should also be designed with features that make cleaning up messes in the seat easy. All of the pads and fabric inside the car seat are completely removable. They easily are removed from the seat, placed in the washer, air dried then reinstalling the pads and fabric is just as simple. The design is perfect for when a baby has an accident when you are traveling.
Durability
All the textiles that have been used when creating this car seat are all new and improved. It features inner foam is super breathable. They get great airflow that keeps the little one comfortable year around. Plus it also features a bamboo insert for when your little one is an infant.
Ease of Use
The highlight of this car seat is truly the ability for the car seat to go from being in the car securely to out of the car and strolling through the parking lot at the grocery store. This is such an advantage when the little one is sleeping or has a difficult time with transitions. The wheelbase is directly attached to the infant car seat and with one simple motion, the operation of going from car seat to full stroller is easy and smooth.
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Comfort
Both you and your child will love the comfort of using these terrific car seats. They give the child plenty of support and cushion to make them feel good, plus you can feel wonderful that you have provided them with a superior car seat that is so protective of them. There are added features such as simple and easy to use belts, straps, and handles for parents. Kids will like the cupholders, soft materials, and ergonomic designs. Plenty of ingenuity and processing goes into making these incredible seats to give the best experience to families with infants.
Design
Even though the particular designs of each one of these seats is different, they all have the same purpose in protecting the baby in the car and giving the parent an easy carrying option when you get out. They have sturdy handles for ease of toting the child and can be used as a substitute seat when away from home. The ones that come with a stroller have extended possibilities of use. those can be used while doing activities, exercise, shopping, or other such tasks as the baby rests comfortably and undisturbed.
Durability
Made of the toughest materials, you will find that these wonderful products are quite tough and long-lasting. They must be to withstand car crashes and side collisions that could occur when the child is strapped in the vehicle. They must pass safety standards to prove that they are safe and can protect the child if accidents or collisions occur. You can feel great when your baby is in one of these, as they are protected and stable while you drive and enjoy the scenery.
Ease of Use
Since most of the time parents will be putting a child in one of these seats while holding the child, it is important that they can be operated with just one hand. The buckles and straps click into place simply while the child is held in place for positioning. The majority of these seats use the regular seat belts of the car to hold it in place, but a few of them come with their own bases and anchoring for stability. Using the combo sets that have the stroller make life much easier when you have an infant. The stroller prevents you from having to carry the car seat to places where you must walk holding the seat.
Comfort Design Durability Ease of Use 
Convertible car seats can change as kids grow, so parents don’t have to buy another seat soon. They are safe, but they don’t provide the same layer of protection. Because they don’t transform, many feel more solid and sturdy.
The most important aspects of a car seat when shopping for one is its compatibility with your vehicle, its size and weight, how it straps in or attaches to the vehicle, the size of a child it is best for, and the various features it has (movable and adjustable parts, cupholders, etc.).
Other Factors to Consider
Safety
Each of these products must pass tough safety standards, so they are protective of the infant in crashes or accidents. We make note of the standards for the items that had it stated in the product descriptions. A car seat must be safe for the child above all else to hold them securely in the vehicle and prevent them from getting out. Manufacturers do this with excellent padding and support along with harnesses and straps to hold the child in the product well.
Capacity
While all car seats are designed to hold an infant or toddler, some of them can also be converted to accommodate little kids too. Most of these featured items come with the possibility of making changes to the form to fit a toddler once the child grows out of infancy. This helps the parents in saving time and money when they do not have to look for another car seat for the toddler. Once the toddler is old enough, he or she can sit like a regular child in vehicles using the supplied seat belts. You will also notice that a few of these products comes with a stroller to make a wonderful combination set for easy handling. These pieces work well together to make your life more pleasant and carefree.
Frequently Asked Questions
q: Why are car seats important?
Car seats are essential for several reasons. One significant purpose is to keep your baby safe. They are made so that in case of a car accident, it gives them a higher chance of survival. Car seats never looked like a cool luxury item. But it’s not about looks, it’s about safety and what is best for babies.
q: Are car seats only for infants?
They are only for infants. As they grow, they are required to sit in seats designed for their body size and age. When infants grow out of their seats, they still have a couple more years of sitting in a booster seat. They do this until they are old enough to sit in a car like an adult.
q: What are some of the challenges associated with car seats in general?
When car seats aren’t installed properly in the car, it is an issue. If the seat is not fastened securely, it can put their child at risk. You should not drive with your child in the car until you are sure the infant car seat has been installed correctly. Luckily, many car seats have helpline numbers on them for assistance. The new generation products are easy to set up and require minimal support.
q: What are some mistakes parents make when installing and using car seats?
Not putting the car seat in the vehicle properly is a common mistake. There is plenty of online support to help parents figure out how to put their car seat in correctly. Parents also may try to keep their kid in a seat that doesn’t fit them right, and that will cause issues down the road. It’s not recommended that babies sit in car seats for long periods of time. They can develop a bruise on their lower back if they’re in there for longer than a few hours.
q: Which is best: infant car seats or convertible car seats?
It depends on how each family feels. For some families, convertible car seats are better because it saves a buck. Other families might feel that money is no object and they might opt for the more substantial infant car seat packages.
q: Why are car seats a requirement in the United States?
The U.S. cares for their kids and wants them to be safe. So no matter what, each state has laws mandating that children are securely restrained in a seat, appropriate for the child’s age and size. When it comes to kids, all fines tend to double when rules related to them are broken.
Sources
- , Infant Car Seat Safety 101, Informative Article
- , Car Seat Guide - When To Switch Car Seats?, Blog Article
- , Car seat safety: Avoid 10 common mistakes, Informative Online Article
- , Car Seat Safety: Newborn to 2 Years, Informative Online Article
- , Why car seats are important and a requirement, Parenting Article
