Best Infant Car Seats
Motor1 Reviews Team Take:
- The best infant car seats in 2024 are the UPPAbaby Mesa V2, Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35, Chicco KeyFit 30, Maxi-Cosi Mico Luxe, and Baby Trend EZ Ride.
- Infant car seats range in price from around $200 to $300, though some brands cost closer to $500.
- Aside from safety, we suggest you look for infant car seats that are adjustable with soft, removable, machine-washable padding.
A low-cost infant car seat that features uniquely-soft padding.
Finding the best infant car seat isn’t just a matter of seeking out the best deal—your child’s safety is on the line. While car seats sold in the United States must meet federal safety standards, these haven’t always been the most robust. Only recently has side-impact testing been made a requirement. Additionally, companies are able to self-test and some brands do this more rigorously than others.
On top of this, even a quality car seat is unsafe if you install it improperly or choose the wrong type of seat for your child. This is why it’s essential to do your own research and consult online guides such as this one.
Infant Car Seat Reviews
In this review, we recommend several safe infant car seats suitable for children up to three years old. We suggest car seats at different price points and from different brands.
What Is the Best Infant Car Seat?
We named the UPPAbaby Mesa V2, Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35, Chicco KeyFit 30, Maxi-Cosi Mico Luxe, and Baby Trend EZ Ride as the best-rated infant car seats on the market in 2024.
Brand/Model | Cost | Overall Rating | Award |
|---|---|---|---|
|
UPPAbaby MESA V2 |
$360 |
4.5 |
Best Infant Car Seat |
|
Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35 |
$340 ($230 for car seat only) |
4.5 |
Best Stroller Combo |
|
Chicco KeyFit 30 |
$210 |
4.3 |
Most Adjustable |
|
Maxi-Cosi Mico Luxe |
$160 |
4.0 |
Most Comfortable |
|
Baby Trend EZ Ride |
$190 |
3.5 |
Best Value |
*Because cost data fluctuates, the prices in the table above are approximate values that our team regularly updates.
Infant Car Seat Ratings: Our Testing Process
We’ve chosen companies with long track records of car seat safety and based our recommendations on in-person testing. Our review team has tested each of these car seats for ease of use, quality of materials, and adjustability. Each infant car seat was given a rating out of 5.0 stars based on these criteria.
Learn more about how we tested infant car seats here:
1. UPPAbaby Mesa V2: Best Infant Car Seat
- Cost: $360
- Overall rating: 4.5 out of 5.0
- Infant weight range: 4 to 35 pounds
- Infant height range: 32 in. or less
- Car seat weight (excluding base): 9.9 lbs.
- Machine-washable padding: Yes
The UPPAbaby Mesa is an infant car carrier designed for quick and easy installation. Suitable for infants up to 35.0 lbs., the Mesa features an adjustable headrest, no-rethread harness, and side-impact protection. The infant insert is a soft wool blend.
The UPPAbaby Mesa is compatible with Vista and Cruz strollers and is available in three colors. You can see how the UPPAbaby Mesa performed in each of our testing categories below:
| Review Category | Score (Out of 5.0 Stars) |
| Ease of Use | 5.0 |
| Adjustability | 4.0 |
| Quality of Materials | 4.5 |
| Overall Rating | 4.5 |
- Quick and easy installation
- No-rethread harness
- Can be attached to a compatible stroller
- Seat angle uncomfortable for some babies
The SmartSecure® latch system makes the Mesa one of the easiest infant car seats to install. Hoding a button loosens the straps, which automatically tighten once released. A handy indicator window shows you when the base is installed correctly.
The Mesa features soft materials and quality stitching. The attachment mechanism works well, and the base is simple to install and remove from the car seat base. Everything feels like it clicks firmly into place.
We’ve tested both the Mesa and the Mesa V2. The V2 is almost identical to the Mesa, with some added safety features as well as options for European belt routing. The V2 canopy is a little bit larger and the carry handle has an additional locking position.
Even though it’s larger than before, we didn’t find the V2 canopy especially bulky. The updated version of this car seat was easy to install using the LATCH connectors. These connectors automatically retract for a firm, stable connection.
Amazon review score: 4.7 out of 5.0 based on more than 400 ratings
Satisfied customers say the Mesa is easy to install. Parents have peace of mind that the seat is properly secured, and the durable materials seem to last for many years. Those who have tried both the Mesa and the Mesa V2 tend to comment that the V2 offers an improvement over an already solid design.
“We got in a minor car accident (the baby was not in the car but the owner manual says to replace the car seat after any accident) and had to replace our original Mesa car seat. We replaced it with this Mesa 2 and love it more than the original. The padding for a new born looks more comfortable and remains in the car seat until the baby is bigger (11.0 pounds).” – Angie V. via Amazon
A few reviewers say the angle of the seat is too steep. Their babies are uncomfortable in a seat unable to recline further. And not every child finds the lining comfortable.
2. Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35: Best Stroller Combo
-
-
- Cost: $340 ($230 for car seat only)
- Overall rating: 4.5 out of 5.0
- Infant weight range: 4 to 35 lbs.
- Infant height range: 32 in. or less
- Car seat weight (excluding base): 7.5 lbs.
- Machine-washable padding: Yes
-
The Graco SnugRide®SnugLock®35 is a mid-priced infant car seat that installs easily and securely. The adjustable base offers four incline positions for optimal safety and comfort. Like many of the best infant car seats on this list, the Graco SnugRide is attachable to a stroller without any adapters.
This infant car seat has undergone rigorous testing and includes a five-point harness system that has been side-impact tested for baby retention. It also features a quick-remove seat cover for easy cleaning.
You can see how the Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35 performed in each of our testing categories below:
| Review Category | Score (Out of 5.0 Stars) |
|---|---|
| Ease of Use | 4.5 |
| Adjustability | 4.5 |
| Quality of Materials | 4.5 |
| Overall Rating | 4.5 |
Below are the pros and cons of the Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35:
- Easy to install and adjust
- Can be attached to a compatible stroller
- Removable head and body support cushions
- Large, bulky canopy
Despite its lower price tag, the SnugRide is comparable to any top-tier infant car seat. It features soft, energy-absorbing foam padding and removable inserts that ensure your child is snugly secured.
We had no problems installing the SnugRide, and the entire process took around a minute. The seat anchors clip into place and are easy to adjust. The straps and buckles secure easily, and the Click Connect™ system works well.
We were very impressed with the quality of Graco’s companion stroller, the FastAction Fold Jogger. It’s a top-notch stroller in its own right, and it takes only seconds to remove the SnugRide carrier from the car seat base and attach it to this jogger. The SnugRide pops into place securely and the Graco stroller is both lightweight and rugged. We appreciated the thick rubber tires and good balance.
Amazon review score: 4.6 out of 5.0 based on more than 3,600 ratings
Some reviewers say this car seat saved their infant’s life after a crash. Many positive reviews also mention the comfortable lining and excellent head support the SnugRide offers.
“This car seat saved my 9-month-old daughter’s life. A few days ago we were in a car accident […] When we opened the back door to check and make sure our baby was okay, she looked at us smiling […] Completely unharmed.” – William Justice via Amazon
A few parents don’t care for the canopy attachment, which some say is bulky and cumbersome and gets in the way of the carrying handle.
3. Chicco KeyFit 30: Most Adjustable
- Cost: $210
- Overall rating: 4.3 out of 5.0
- Infant weight range: 4 to 30 l0bs.
- Infant height range: 30 in. or less
- Car seat weight (excluding base): 9.5 lbs.
- Machine-washable padding: Yes
The Chicco KeyFit is a highly adjustable infant car seat that attaches securely to almost any back seat. The leveling system is spring-loaded for easy use, and the carrier base features a bubble level to help parents ensure they have the proper setup.
You can detach the infant carrier from the car seat base and insert it into a Chicco stroller. This lightweight infant car seat can accommodate infants up to 30 lbs. and includes a removable canopy and machine-washable lining.
You can see how the Chicco KeyFit performed in each of our testing categories below:
| Review Category | Score (Out of 5.0 Stars) |
|---|---|
| Ease of Use | 4.0 |
| Adjustability | 5.0 |
| Quality of Materials | 4.0 |
| Overall Rating | 4.3 |
Below are the pros and cons of the Chicco KeyFit:
- Easy to install and adjust
- Can be attached to a compatible stroller
- High-quality, comfortable lining
- Includes adjustable canopy
- Lower maximum weight limit and height limit compared to other brands
Of the car seats we tested, the KeyFit was the simplest to install. The instructions were simple to follow, and the adjustment mechanisms worked well. It’s easy to properly tighten the straps because of the SuperCinch® force-multiplying tightener.
It’s also easy to adjust the angle of the KeyFit once attached, making it a solid choice if you want a high-quality car seat with a straightforward installation process. The padding is made from EPS foam covered with a soft lining.
Amazon review score: 4.9 out of 5.0 based on more than 3,900 ratings
Several reviewers like being able to adjust the carrying handle and unclip the seat from the base without waking a sleeping infant. Others praise the ease of installation
One reviewer didn’t applaud the release handle’s location. If the KeyFit is installed so it’s jammed against the front seat, the release handle can be hard to reach. A few have also expressed frustration with the sunshade.
“May return because of the design flaw with the sun shade. It doesn’t easily slide out under the handle. It’s annoying because you have to use both hands to get it fully extended.”
– Elizziebetty via Amazon
4. Maxi-Cosi Mico Luxe: Most Comfortable
- Cost: $160
- Overall rating: 4.0 out of 5.0
- Weight range: 4 to 30 lbs.
- Height range: 32 in. or less
- Car seat weight (excluding base): 9.0 lbs.
- Machine-washable padding: Yes
The Mico Luxe is a low-priced car seat made with especially soft lining materials. The removable head support and body pillow offers a different feel from most other car seats we’ve tested. Some of the padding includes air pockets that create a soft, plush lining.
You can see how the Maxi-Cosi Mico Luxe performed in each of our testing categories below:
| Review Category | Score (Out of 5.0 Stars) |
| Ease of Use | 3.5 |
| Adjustability | 4.0 |
| Quality of Materials | 4.5 |
| Overall Rating | 4.0 |
Below are the pros and cons of the Maxi-Cosi Mico Luxe:
- Removable head support and body pillow
- Lightwight
- Relatively low price
- Hard to install using LATCH Anchors
- Canopy hood can wear out quickly
The Maxi-Cosi Mico Luxe is especially lightweight. It’s easy to install but lacks some of the convenience featured in more expensive infant car seats. For example, adjusting the harness straps requires rethreading.
We first tried installing this car seat using the lower anchors. While the Mico Luxe uses quality anchor clips, they’re attached to a thin strip of nylon attached to the side (not the center) of the seat. Connecting the seat this way didn’t feel as stable as other anchor connectors.
We also installed this seat using the seatbelt strap, which felt much more secure. This process is relatively simple but not as easy as using the LATCH anchors. The Mico Luxe car seat also lacks a ball level. You can ensure the seat is properly aligned without such a level, but a built-in level takes out any guesswork.
Once the base is installed, the Mico Luxe pops in and out with the push of a button, much like any other modern car seat. It’s lightweight and includes a soft leather-like grip around the handle. The head support, the harness, and the buckle covers can all be removed.
Amazon review score: 4.3 out of 5.0 based on more than 140 ratings
Amazon reviewers like this car seat because it is lightweight and easy to use. Many comment that the lining material is especially soft and plush, including this hilarious review:
“I reckon they call it “Luxe” ‘cause your baby feels like they’re sittin’ on a cloud made of butter. Let me tell ya, that vegan leather grip on the handle? Well, it’s softer than Granny’s peach cobbler.” – Shawn via Amazon
A few people have noted that the fabric around the canopy hood is somewhat low quality and began to tear after a few months.
5. Baby Trend EZ Ride: Best Value
- Cost: $190
- Overall rating: 3.5 out of 5.0
- Weight range: 4 to 35 lbs.
- Height range: 32 in. or less
- Car seat weight (excluding base): 8.8 lbs.
- Machine-washable padding: No
You can attach each car seat on this list to a stroller made by the same company, but the Baby Trend EZ Ride sells as an all-in-one travel system that includes a stroller. This combo package is cheaper than other car seats.
Though it doesn’t feature wool lining or removable, machine-washable paddings, the Baby Trend EZ Ride is a safe infant car seat for children up to 35 lbs. It also has a comparable amount of recline positions.
You can see how the Baby Trend EZ Ride performed in each of our testing categories below:
| Review Category | Score (Out of 5.0 Stars) |
|---|---|
| Ease of Use | 3.5 |
| Adjustability | 3.5 |
| Quality of Materials | 3.5 |
| Overall Rating | 3.5 |
Below are the pros and cons of the Baby Trend EZ Ride:
- Includes compatible stroller
- Inexpensive
- Special configuration for underweight newborns
- Difficult to adjust straps
- Less comfortable lining materials
We found the EZ Ride more difficult to install than the other infant car seats on this list. While we could attach the seat in under 10 minutes, the straps weren’t easily adjustable compared to other infant car seats. The anchor latch connectors are also hard to remove. But even so, the EZ Ride is a great option for its price.
While you only need to install the base once (and leave it in your car), you’ll likely end up regularly detaching the carrier from the base, especially if you plan to use the stroller. While not particularly difficult, the EZ Ride doesn’t easily detach from the base and requires some jiggling. We also found it tough to adjust the seat angle. For use outside the car, it may not be the best stroller for every child.
Amazon review score: 4.7 out of 5.0 based on more than 23,000 ratings
As with many of the best infant car seats, at least one verified review is from a parent who experienced a collision while using the product. Real-life crash tests show the EZ Ride is safe in the event of the worst.
“This seat saved my daughter’s life [after] my wife, our two-day-old daughter (at the time), and I were involved in a car accident.” – Count Davido via Amazon
Other positive reviews mention the light weight of the carrier and the utility of the included stroller. We thought the materials were of middling quality, but many reviewers say their children find the EZ Ride comfortable. While the padding isn’t removable and machine-washable, you can easily wipe it down for cleaning.
Some parents report the vehicle seat is uncomfortable for their little one, and others find it difficult to attach the belt path around a struggling infant.
“The car seat bottom clip is hard to use and my husband’s least favorite part of the whole product. You have to put the pieces together just right to get them to click into the buckle, which is hard to do if your newborn is screaming and kicking and crying.” – Jessica A. via Amazon
Infant Car Seat Safety
Safety is the most important consideration when selecting an infant car seat. In fact, most hospitals will not allow parents to drive their newborns home unless they have an approved infant car seat.
Technically, every car seat sold in the United States must meet federal safety standards set by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). In practice, this is not always the case, so make sure that any car seat you purchase is approved by the NHTSA. This is typically indicated by a sticker that includes wording like, “This restraint is certified for use in all motor vehicles and aircraft.”
While NHTSA safety standards are rigorous, they are not perfect. For instance, the NHTSA does not have regulations that require testing for side impact crash tests, and companies are able to self-certify. Therefore, it is good practice to research the manufacturer and model of any car seat before you buy it. Read reviews from other parents and child safety advocacy groups (like the American Academy of Pediatrics). It is also good practice to check if the car seat you’re considering has been subject to any recalls.
In addition to ensuring your seat meets federal safety guidelines, you need to buy the best infant car seat for your child based on their height and weight. Infants typically require a rear-facing car seat. Consult this chart, developed by the NHTSA, to determine which type of car seat you need.
Lastly, a car seat is only safe if it is properly installed. To check your installation, a professional can inspect your car seat. The NHTSA website features a handy tool for locating the nearest child passenger safety technician.
Are Used Car Seats Safe?
While any car seat sold in the US is legally required to meet certain safety standards, you can find unsafe seats on the secondhand market. It is generally inadvisable to purchase car seats from secondhand sellers for a number of reasons.
- Car seats expire and a used car seat may be past (or close to) the expiration date.
- There are a number of counterfeit car seats on the secondhand market. You may also come across car seats that are missing components or are intended for display purposes only.
- It is not possible to know the history of a secondhand car seat. You should not use a car seat that has been involved in a crash or been dropped or damaged, as this can impact the integrity of the seat.
If you must use a secondhand car seat, it is best to get one from a friend or relative—someone who knows the history of the car seat and hopefully still has the user manual. If you must purchase a secondhand car seat, take the time to have it inspected by a car seat safety technician.
Infant Car Seat Buying Guide
Infants should be placed in a rear-facing car seat from birth until they are big enough for a forward-facing seat (typically between the ages of two and four, according to the CDC). Any infant car seat you purchase will have minimum and maximum weight and height limits to help ensure you use the right seat for your child.
The most important car seat feature is safety. A number of brands offer thoroughly crash-tested car seats, including those we recommend in this article. In addition to safety, parents should consider ease of use and comfort when shopping for infant car seats.
Compare Infant Car Seat
| Brand/Model | Weight Range | Height Range | Car Seat Weight (excluding base) |
|---|---|---|---|
| UPPAbaby Mesa V2 | 4 to 35 pounds | 32 inches or less | 8.6 lbs. |
| Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35 | 4 to 35 lbs. | 32 in. or less | 9.9 lbs. |
| Chicco KeyFit 30 | 4 to 30 lbs. | 30 in. or less | 7.5 lbs. |
| Maxi-Cosi Mico Luxe | 4 to 30 lbs. | 32 in. or less | 9.5 lbs. |
| Baby Trend EZ Ride | 4 to 35 lbs. | 32 in. or less | 8.8 lbs. |
Ease Of Use
Ease of use is an important consideration for any product, but especially with safety devices such as infant car seats. No car seat is safe if improperly installed. Additionally, easy-to-use car seats can save significant time, especially if you frequently move your car seat between vehicles.
One thing to look for is a no-rethread harness. This type of harness makes adjusting the neck and shoulder straps much easier. Car seats without a no-rethread harness must be removed from the vehicle to adjust.
Comfort
Comfort is subjective and some children may prefer certain brands to others. You can’t know for sure which type of car seat your child will prefer until they try it out, but there are some things you can look for such as thick padding and plush materials.
Also consider the weather and temperature where you live. A merino-wool car seat may be warming in the cold but much too hot in the summer. Reading customer reviews is a good way to learn how comfortable other children find the seat, but be sure to take into account your own child’s needs and preferences.
Car Seat Terminology
- No-rethread harness: As your child grows, you will need to reposition the shoulder straps in your car seat. With a rethread harness, straps must be removed and rerouted through different slots in the car seat. A no-rethread harness only has one slot for shoulder straps, and strap height is adjusted by raising and lowering the headrest.
- EPS Foam: Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) foam is essentially Styrofoam™. EPS foam is excellent at dissipating the force of high-speed impacts and so is a standard material for crash safety devices like helmets and car seats.
- Five-point harness: A five-point harness is a seatbelt design that is secured at five points (over both shoulders, at each hip, and between the legs). This strap system provides increased safety over a three-point strap system typical in passenger automobiles.
- SuperCinch® (Chicco): The SuperCinch system is a specialized pulley that Chicco attaches to the anchor straps that connect the car seat to your vehicle. This pulley makes it easier to tighten the anchor straps by requiring less force on the user’s part.
- Click Connect™ (Graco): Click Connect is the name of the connection system Graco uses for its detachable car seats. Graco car seats that feature Click Connect can be detached from the car seat base and connected to a compatible stroller. When a Click Connect carrier is attached, it produces an audible clicking noise so that the user can be certain it is properly connected.
- SmartSecure® (UppaBaby): The SmartSecure system is designed to ensure proper car seat installation. It consists of a set of lights that change from red to green to indicate that certain parts of the car seat are properly adjusted, such as the anchor latches, stabilizing leg, and incline position.
Helpful Resources:
- CDC Car Seat Safety Guidelines
- NHTSA Car Seat Sizing Chart
- NHTSA Car Seat Inspection Locator
- NHTSA Used Car Seat Safety Checklist
- NHTSA Car Seat Ease of Use Ratings
- American Academy of Pediatrics Car Seat Safety Recommendations
How Long Does an Infant Car Seat Last?
Newborns can safely use infant car seats until they meet the height and weight limit designated by the manufacturer. New parents should know that the best infant car seats can last at least until your child reaches 30 lbs. or 32 in. A convertible seat can serve as a forward-facing or rear-facing car seat and last for many years.
We spoke with Petra Stanton, the Safe Kids Supervisor at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital, who told us it is important to keep your child in a rear-facing seat for as long as possible.
“When you look at infants, they are born with the head being very large in proportion to their body. And the rear-facing car seat will protect the head and the neck. The minute you turn them forward-facing [there is the risk of whiplash]. I always feel like keeping [children] rear-facing as long as possible [is] the best thing we can tell any parent.“
Depending on the child, the transition to a convertible car seat usually happens around age two. If you’re in an accident with a car seat, you should replace it. Keep in mind that car seats (even convertible car seats) have an expiration date. Many infant car seats expire around six years after the manufacture date.
Best Infant Car Seat: Bottom Line
- Best Infant Car Seat: UPPAbaby Mesa V2
- Best Stroller Combo: Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35
- Most Adjustable: Chicco KeyFit 30
- Most Comfortable: Maxi-Cosi Mico Luxe
- Best Value: Baby Trend EZ Ride
Infant Car Seats: FAQ
Below are some common frequently asked questions about infant car seats:
What is the safest baby car seat?
The safest car seat for your baby depends on your child’s weight and height. You should place a newborn baby in a rear-facing, infant car seat such as the UPPAbaby Mesa, Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35, Chicco KeyFit 30, Maxi-Cosi Mico Luxe, or Baby Trend EZ Ride. Each of these car seats meets U.S. federal safety standards. Doona and EvenFlo are also considered to be safe baby car seats.
To make your car seat as safe as possible, you must install it properly. Refer to the instructions in the owner’s manual for your car seat, and you can also have a professional inspect your seat. All car seats currently sold in the United States must meet requirements set by the NHTSA, but you can also consult a pediatrician if your child has specific needs.
How do car seats connect to the vehicle?
A car seat’s lower anchor clips can make a big difference with ease of installation. While testing car seats, we encountered two types of anchor clips: a simple metal hook-style latch and a buckle latch (both displayed below). The buckle latch is much easier to attach and release. Seats with this type of lower anchor scored higher in the ease-of-use category.
Hook Latch
[Image: car-seats-hooks-1]
Buckle Latch
[Image: car-seat-hooks-2]
What car seat should a newborn be in?
A car seat’s lower anchor clips can make a big difference with ease of installation. While testing car seats, we encountered two types of anchor clips: a simple metal hook-style latch and a buckle latch (both displayed below). The buckle latch is much easier to attach and release. Seats with this type of lower anchor scored higher in the ease-of-use category.
What is the top-rated infant car seat?
Our top-rated infant car seat—after testing several infant car seats—is the UPPAbaby Mesa V2. This car seat features soft, comfortable materials, and it’s easy to install and adjust.
What type of car seat do babies need?
Babies need a rear-facing car seat. Don’t place an infant in a forward-facing car seat or a booster seat.
Is there a difference between a newborn car seat and infant car seat?
When it comes to car seat installation, newborn car seats and infant car seats are essentially the same.
Are car seat stroller combos safe?
All car seats must pass federal safety regulations in order to be sold.
Full Infant Car Seat Testing Methodology
To test each infant car seat, our review team installed each product into a sedan. In addition to inspecting the materials of each seat in person, we noted the ease or difficulty of the installation process. We also tested each adjustment mechanism to ensure it worked smoothly.
Each car seat could be attached using the car’s built-in infant seat anchors or the seatbelt. For our testing, we installed seats using the built-in lower anchors when possible.
Every car seat we recommend complies with U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. To determine our rankings, we compared adjustability, material quality, and ease of use. We also considered customer opinions represented by reviews on websites such as Walmart.com, Target.com, and Amazon.com. Additionally, we referred to safety ratings published by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
Ease of Use
Even a car seat that meets federal guidelines is unsafe if installed incorrectly. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), around 46 percent of car seats and booster seats are used incorrectly. When a car seat is simple to install and includes easy-to-follow directions, the chance of user error is lower.
A car seat’s lower anchor clips can make a big difference with ease of installation. While testing car seats, we encountered two types of anchor clips: a simple metal anchor and a buckle anchor (both displayed below). The buckle LATCH is much easier to attach and release. Seats with this type of lower anchor scored higher in the ease-of-use category.
Metal LATCH
Buckle LATCH
Adjustability
You’ll want to adjust your car seat so it’s properly aligned in relation to your car. Features such as a built-in level can help you perfectly set up your infant car seat. Car seats with more harness positions and incline positions scored best in this category. Being able to adjust items like rethread harnesses also resulted in a higher score.
Quality of Materials
Each of our best infant car seats uses strong and secure straps for safety. However, not all safe car seat pads are equally comfortable. Infant car seats with ultra-soft materials, extra padding, and quality stitchwork scored best in this category. We also evaluated how easily the material can be cleaned after messes and whether the material is flame retardant.
How We Score Products
Every infant car seat we test is given a score between 1.0 and 5.0 stars in each category. Here’s what those star ratings mean in concrete terms:
- 5.0 Stars: A 5.0-star rating means an infant car seat is among the best in a category.
- Ease of use: The infant car seat has clearly labeled installation guides, the seat is relatively lightweight, and the car seat includes built-in bubble levels.
- Adjustability: There are many adjustment mechanisms that operate perfectly and offer a wide degree of adjustability.
- Quality of materials: The car seat features exceptionally durable materials that are machine-washable and have a reputation for comfort.
- 4.0 Stars: A 4.0-star rating means a infant car seat performs better-than-average in a category.
- Ease of use: The infant car seat can easily be installed by a single person, and the mechanism for detaching from the base works seamlessly.
- Adjustability: There are many adjustment mechanisms that are easy to operate.
- Quality of materials: The car seat has removable, machine-washable padding and features comfortable, breathable materials.
- 3.0 Stars: A 3.0-star rating indicates what is average or typical for an infant car seat, based on our testing experience.
- Ease of use: The infant car seat can be installed with a single person with some difficulty. It is easily detached from the base, though may be heavy.
- Adjustability: The adjustment mechanisms are functional, though may not offer an especially wide range of adjustments.
- Quality of materials: The infant car seat is safe and relatively comfortable, though may not feature the softest, most durable materials.
- 2.0 Stars: A 2.0-star rating indicates the product performs poorer than the average infant car seat.
- Ease of use: The infant car seat is difficult to install, especially heavy, or it is hard to remove the car seat from the base.
- Adjustability: There are few adjustment mechanisms that are difficult to operate.
- Quality of materials: The car seat is made with uncomfortable materials that wear down quickly.
- 1.0 Star: A 1.0-star rating indicates that the infant car seat performs well below expectations in a category.
- Ease of use: The infant car seat is impossible to install without the help of an expert.
- Adjustability: There are no adjustment mechanisms.
- Quality of materials: The infant car seat is unsafe and poorly constructed.
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*Data accurate at time of publication. Products subject to availability.
