Joie Mint latch Review

Crash Testing

The Mint crash test analysis is about average, missing it by less than a point. It performed well enough in crash testing, but it wasn't a standout. For those who frequently use rideshares or might travel with a baby sans safety seat (legally) in taxis, we think it is far better to use the Mint than to go without it.

We run our commission crash testing slightly faster than federal requirements allow, and we use a sled that more closely mimics modern cars. While all seats in this review are considered safe and we assume have passed the federal standard, we are looking for seats that perform better in a higher-stress test.

The Mint latch recorded more g-forces for the HIC sensor than the top-performing option, the Nuna Pipa RX.   Credit: GearLab and MGA Research

The Mint's crash test results for the dummy's chest sensor showed more g-forces than the top performer, but they were still about average (lower is better).   Credit: GearLab and MGA Research

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The Mint recorded fewer g-forces with both the HIC and chest-clip sensors than many competitors did. While not the lowest (lower is better) in the group, they are better than many and indicate there is a potential additional margin of safety over seats that perform below it. While not a top performer, it performed well enough not to give us pause.

Ease of Installation LATCH

The Mint is unique in the world of car seats, with rigid LATCH connectors on the foot portion of the carrier that slide onto the car's anchors. There is no base, and the LATCH connectors do all the work here.

The installation is relatively easy and painless, similar to rigid LATCH bases. We had no trouble sliding the connectors onto the anchor points, and adjusting the rcline is also straightforward. Installation takes less than a couple of minutes.

The seat might slide side to side on the LATCH anchors, but this varies by car, and the manufacturer indicates it doesn't impact safety (see the video below).

Joie states that using the includes anchor guides can limit the movement, but how you feel about this side-to-side sliding is up to you.

Ease of Installation - Belt

Because there is no base with the Mint and therefore no way to compare apples-to-apples for installing the base using the vehicle belt, we used the scoring and experience from the installation method below, which uses no base with the vehicle belt.

Ease of Installation - w/o the Base

The Mint has no base; that is how it comes. So installing it without the base can be done with the attached rigid LATCH connectors or with the vehicle belt.

We have chosen to score and discuss this installation method as if it were using the vehicle belts to secure the carrier to the car, because that is what it would be on a typical infant car seat carrier.

Installation of the Mint using the vehicle belt couldn't be any simpler.   Credit: Matt Lighthart

The belt pathway on the Mint is color-coded and labeled with which portion of the belt you should use, in case you forget.   Credit: Matt Lighthart

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The Mint uses the American method of installation using the vehicle belt. This is the easier of the two and only requires threading the lap portion of the belt across the pathway on the carrier's foot/seat portion. The pathway is color-coded and easy to access with no fabric getting in the way. The carrier shell has a line decal to ensure it is level after installation.

Once the vehicle belt has been pulled tight and locked, it is relatively secure, but it wiggles more than we like. Using a towel helped us get the right installation and angle and limited wiggling in our test car, but this might not be required for all cars.

Ease of Use

The Mint earned a below-average result in our ease-of-use tests. It is almost too simple and fails to match competitors' functionality.

Buckle

The buckle is easy to use and works well. It has average stiffness when pressing, but somehow the crotch padding makes it feel easier.

The padding is sewn into the seat fabric, so it doesn't get in the way, and we appreciate the attention to detail. The chest clip is equally easy to use, and the release button is easy to press with limited resistance.

Harness Tightening/Loosening

Tightening the harness went smoothly with no resistance, but the end of the strap had been melted to prevent fraying, and the hardened plastic edge hurt our fingers, so we couldn't use the loop and instead pulled the strap itself. It is easier with the pull loop, but at least there is more than one way if it is too rough to handle.

Releasing the harness to loosen it requires pressing a button almost 2 inches deep into the seat. It is also a small button, making it more challenging if you have longer nails, wider fingers, or shorter fingers. The button is also closer to the baby than the edge, making it awkward to hold the seat edge for leverage to push the button. It isn't a deal-breaker, but it pales in comparison to some competitors'.

Harness Adjustment

The harness shoulder height adjustment is a rethread design, meaning you need to manually move the straps between levels. It isn't a big deal and likely only needs to be done once or twice during the lifespan of the seat, but given that many are non-rethread, it feels like a chore in comparison.

The slots aren't too narrow, and we didn't have any trouble getting them in or out, with the top slots being larger than the bottom ones. Getting the strap on and off the splitter in the back is also easy. The crotch strap has only one position, but removing the inserts as your baby grows creates more space behind the strap.

Carrier Release

Because there is no base with the Mint, we couldn't assess how easy it was to attach the carrier to the base. Instead, we considered how easy it was to retach the LATCH connectors from the anchor points on the car. This was a one-handed process that was quick to accomplish, and we had no difficulties.

Handle

The handle rotates on side pivot points and moves when the side buttons are pressed simultaneously. It isn't as smooth as other carriers, but it gets the job done.

The Mint's handle has a center wrap that makes it comfortable to hold.   Credit: Matt Lighthart

The Mint's handle rotates on each side after pressing the dual buttons; the rotation isn't as smooth as some others, but it works well enough.   Credit: Matt Lighthart

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The canopy and handle collide when the handle is pushed all the way back, and while there is room for your hand to grip it when they are both upright, our knuckles still brush the rib of the canopy, depending on its position. If you open the canopy extension, there is more room between the handle and the top of the canopy.

Canopy

The canopy is a good size and gets better with a zip-out panel. There is a flap you can flip for increased ventilation or to sneak a peek at little ones.

The rigid LATCH connectors on the Mint push onto the anchors to connect, and the recline adjustment is simple, rotating at the carrier connection.   Credit: Matt Lighthart

The Mint LATCH connectors fold up and lock in place to keep them out of the way when not in use.   Credit: Matt Lighthart

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LATCH and Manual Storage

The LATCH connectors fold back against the bottom of the carrier sides. The motion is smooth and works well. They lock in place and don't release until you unlock them, but they can get stuck moving around, and we think it would be cleaner if they were tucked away, somehow more hidden.

The manual slides into a pocket of the fabric on the seat foot portion of the carrier. There is an icon on the seat to remind you, and it is mostly out of the way. We do think accidental liquid contact could damage the manual, but we admit there aren't many options for storing the manual on a carrier-only car seat.

Comfort/Quality

The Joie Mint has below-average performance for comfort and quality. It is on par with the price, but nothing is as standout or super impressive.

Fabric and Padding

The fabric is average, being neither soft nor rough. It's nothing special or something you'd want to rub against your cheek. It fits the frame and padding well, but it sort of stretches in the middle with weight in the seat. It feels durable enough for an infant. The padding is likely good enough for smaller bodies, but it isn't particularly supportive or a standout compared to other seats.

Handle and Canopy

The handle is nothing special, but it has a lightly padded leatherette grip in the middle for comfort. It's smooth with no rough edges. The diameter feels like a good size for most hands, even smaller ones.

With the zip-out panel open, the Mint's canopy was ginormous.   Credit: Matt Lighthart

The back of the Mint canopy has a flip-up panel that exposes a mesh panel for airflow and to see the passenger.   Credit: Matt Lighthart

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The canopy has great coverage, extending over the legs when the zip panel is open. The fabric looks a bit wrinkled when the extra panel is open, but it feels durable and works as expected. There is a flap you can lift near the back for ventilation or peeking at little ones, and it stays open on its own.

Shell

The shell has a clean look with a few stickers on the side. The fabric wraps over the top, and there are no rough edges.

Weight/Size

The Mint is one of the lighter options we've tested, but it isn't the lightest. Given the design that is best suited for city dwellers (in our opinion), we find it interesting that it isn't a smidge lighter to keep up with the Joneses. It weighs in at 8.5 lb.

While lighter options are closer to 7, and 1 extra pound might not seem like much when your baby is born, every pound matters as they grow, and the carrier becomes harder to carry. If you don't plan to carry it very far or leave the carrier in your car, it may not matter that much, but the sweet spot for this baseless car seat, in our minds, is for those who use rideshares and will typically carry it for their entire outing.

Should You Buy the Joie Mint LATCH?

Maybe. This isn't the seat for everyone, and it's not the seat we'd recommend to most friends. It is an above-average seat that is best for those who use rideshares primarily to get from A to B or who lack a car of their own but want a carrier for taxis or other travel. We think there is a use case for this carrier, and kind of love how well it fills that niche, but there are other seats in the lineup that do almost everything better, no matter what your main goal might be.

What Other Infant Car Seat Should You Consider?

If you want the safest and lightest seat, because you plan to carry your carrier, the Nuna Pipa Aire combines impressive crash test analysis with a carrier that is only 7.1 lbs, almost a pound and a half lighter than the Mint. It costs more than the Mint, but it is compatible with far more strollers. If price is a concern, the Britax Willow S is cheaper than the Mint, has better crash test analysis results, and scored higher overall, though it weighs over 10 lbs, making it less than ideal for long-term carrying. If you want to get to your destination ready to stroll, the Evenflo Shyft Dualride is perfect for city dwellers who don't want to carry their car seat, as the stroller is built right in.

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