In Depth Baby Product Reviews Led by a Pediatrician
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Finding the best infant car seat can be a scary adventure into the unknown. But every newborn leaving the hospital will need one if they're going home by car. We've done the hard work, with lots of seats, so you can find the right one with confidence.
Our favorite infant seat is the Nuna Pipa RX. The Pipa LX has the best crash test results and ultra-easy installation, regardless of your chosen method. With easy-to-use features and excellent comfort, the Pipa RX is tough to beat. You can save some money with the Romer Juni, which has similar crash test results and straightforward installation, but it is heavier and has limited stroller compatibility.
If your budget is tighter, the Britax Willow S can save you and provide good ease of use, easy installation, and good crash test analysis. The Joie Rue continues with the savings for the tightest budget, and it offers better-than-average crash results and super-easy LATCH installation.
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 to confidently choose the right infant car seat for your little one.
Since 2014, we've tested more than 210 of the best car seats, including 88 infant car seats. Recent updates include new competitors for convertible car seats and booster seats. 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 infant car seat review in September 2026, with new seats from Nuna, UPPAbaby, and Joie. The Joie Mint latch earned a Best for Rideshares award and the Nuna Aire is notable for saving some cash over the Nuna Pipa RX.
Quick Picks
Here's a quick list of our favorite Infant Car Seat recommendations.
The Nuna Pipa RX is an impressive seat that performs far better than its closest competitor. The Nuna earned the best crash-test rating in the group, with HIC and chest-clip sensor data much lower (lower is better) in our commissioned crash tests than in any seat we've ever tested. Where some, like the UPPAbaby Aria v2, have good results, the Nuna was the best. The Nuna is a lightweight seat at 8.5 lbs. While not the lightest, which is closer to 6.5 lbs, it is the lightest high-ranking option. The rigid LATCH connectors and built-in lock-off make achieving a secure, snug fit a breeze. Even installing without the base, the process was straightforward and felt stable with the European belt path. Our tester reports, “I found the Pipa RX is exceptionally easy to install in any installation method.”
The Nuna is one of the most expensive infant car seats we tested. This higher price could make it out of reach for many. The Nuna Pipa Aire can save you a little bit of money without compromising on crash test results, and it's lighter by 1 1/2 lbs. If you want a more budget-friendly option with strong crash-test results, the Britax Willow S can save you a couple of hundred dollars without sacrificing much. The Nuna also has a rethread harness system. While it isn't hard to use, it is a disappointment, given the price. This means that parents must remove the baby from the carrier and the carrier from the car to make the adjustment, and we worry it will be skipped because life is busy. Overall, the Nuna is a standout seat that knocked it out of the park. Our tester reports, “I love this seat, and it is the one I'd choose for those looking for the best crash test results.”
The Romer Juni comes from the Britax lineage and offers a sleek look, a unique open-base design, and multiple safety features, including a load leg and an anti-rebound bar. We love the impressive crash test results, which largely mirror the best in the bunch, with one of the lowest chest-sensor forces recorded. We think this seat is easy to install using the LATCH connectors or the vehicle belt, and the padding and fabric feel good. It also boasts the absolute best in canopy coverage. One tester said, “This canopy is crazy good, it covers everything!”
The Juni is on the heavier side, and while it is average for the group, 10+ lbs is still a lot as your baby grows. If you pair this with a stroller, you might be fine, but Romer is still relatively new in the US, so it might be hard to find a compatible stroller outside its lineup. If you want a stroller-compatible option, the Nuna Aire is significantly lighter at 7.1 lbs and works with a variety of favorite strollers when paired with an adapter. The Juni also has a handle-release design that sticks and is harder to slide, but this isn't a deal-breaker. One tester said, “I think it could be challenging if you have hand or finger dexterity problems.” Overall, the Romer is one we'd recommend to a friend because of its better crash-test analysis and easier LATCH installation.
The Britax Willow S is a lower-priced infant car seat with a below-average carrier weight of 9.7 lbs. This sleek-looking option recorded lower sensor forces on both the head and chest sensors in our crash tests (lower is better) than many competitors. While not the lowest for either sensor, together they produced some of the lowest combined results, yielding a better analysis and indicating an additional margin of protection. The fabric felt soft and smooth, with padding at the shoulders and crotch straps. It is easy to install using most methods, making it a potential choice for those who worry about budget installation. Our tester says, “I think the ClickTight lock-off helped secure the base to the strap, with little tightening concerns.”
The Willow S handle feels like cheap plastic with rough edges that make it harder to hold. Alternatively, the Nuna Pipa RX and Nuna Pipa Aire feature a thin metal handle that reduces overall weight, and a leather center grip that makes them easier to hold. The Willow also had a disappointingly small infant insert. It is easily compressible and less supportive than many others. However, you aren't going to use it for very long anyway. The Evenflo Shyft DualRide is designed for infants as small as 3 lbs, making it a potential choice for smaller babies, especially those wanting to stroll with their infant seat. The Willows' negatives are minor and easy to ignore, in our opinion, making the Willow one of the best seats in the group and perfect for those with smaller budgets who want the best crash-test analysis results in this price range.
The Joie Rue is a standout seat at a low price, with excellent chest-sensor crash test results. With an above-average crash analysis and a really straightforward LATCH installation, it is easy to see why the Rue is such a standout. This seat has features that function well with little effort. It has a lightweight carrier, suitable for parents who plan to carry little ones in the seat, weighing 3 lbs, below the average. Our tester said, “At around 7 lbs, this would be a great choice to carry a baby from place to place.” The comfort and quality imply a higher price, and we think most parents will love what it offers as much as the money they save.
The Rue is more complicated to install with the vehicle belt than the LATCH. If your car has LATCH anchors in your chosen position, then it's no big deal. However, if you need to install the seat with your car's belt, you might look elsewhere, like the Britax Willow or the Romer Juni. It also has a smaller canopy, but it isn't a deal-breaker if you don't pair it with a stroller. As our tester noted, “I'm not sure how much this matters, because it doesn't seem to pair with many strollers at this time.” This inexpensive infant seat has much to love, so we recommend it to those on a smaller budget who still want good crash-test results and a simple installation.
The Rue is a wallet-loving car seat that ticks the important boxes of easy to install using LATCH and better crash test analysis results, all in a lightweight, easy to carry and use package. Credit: GearLab Staff & MGA Research
The Graco SnugRide Lite LX is a very inexpensive infant car seat with impressive crash test results and a lighter carrier weight (super light, in fact, at 7.6 lbs in our tests). We won't lie; there isn't much to be excited about with this seat. Our award winners are usually standouts across multiple metrics and high scorers overall. That is not the case with the Lite LX. But it performed well in our commissioned crash testing, which is worthy of praise. When combined with the ridiculously budget-friendly price, it is hard not to give this seat a nod, recognizing that some families need a cheaper seat without sacrificing potential safety. Our tester said, “I think this could be a good seat for those who need a second seat or a lighter option for travel.”
No matter what method we tried, the Lite LX is harder to install than most. It is more challenging to use, and there aren't many comfort features or padding. Overall, it performed poorly across all tests except weight and crash testing. However, our tester states, “I think it still deserves an award because it fills an important niche for affordable infant car seats with better crash test results.” Overall, it isn't the seat for everyone, and there are reasonably priced seats like the Joie Rue or the Britax Willow S that provide better performance in almost every metric. Still, we think it could suit some on the tightest budgets looking for better crash test results. The Britax offers a slightly higher crash analysis score and is much easier to install and use. Alternatively, the Rue has a similar crash test result and a comparable price to the Graco.
The Joie Mint latch is the perfect companion for city dwellers who use rideshares and taxis. This infant carrier installs easily and quickly with rigid LATCH connectors, so no base is required. It impressed us with its crash test results. While not the highest in the group, it still achieved an average result for the carrier alone, with no base. This means it outperformed seats with far more “safety” related features. It is lightweight and easy to carry, with a comfortable handle, and the canopy is one of the biggest around, affording extra protection for little ones on the go.
The Mint is somewhat more challenging to install using just the vehicle belt. While not prohibitively hard, options like the UPPAbaby Aria v2 were easier to manage and felt more stable. The Mint also isn't the highest quality, but it gives for the price and doesn't feel cheap either. Overall, we don't think it is the right seat for everyone, but we do think it fills a niche in a way we haven't encountered before, making it perfect for those who want to keep their baby safe in cars that aren't theirs or who travel frequently.
The Evenflo Shyft Dualride is a cool, relatively unique car seat with a stroller frame you can attach or detach as needed. This style of infant car seat fills a niche (in our opinion) for parents living in urban areas who need an easy-to-use solution for getting from A to B on public transportation. While the Doona car seat was the OG (to our knowledge) to do this, its crash-test results from our commissioned tests have never impressed us. The crash test analysis for the Shyft was much better, and it can be used without the stroller frame, unlike the Doon, making it more versatile. As our tester noted, “I love that I can stroll straight out of the Uber without messing with getting a stroller out of the back or trunk.” In our tests, the Shyft was easy to install, easy to use, and comfy.
This car seat is more expensive, which might be palatable since it also doubles as a stroller, but if you don't need the stroller, something like the Britax Willow S could be a better fit and cost much less. It also doesn't have the best crash test results. While better than the Doona, it was still only about average. If the best crash test analysis is a priority, we prefer the Nuna Pipa RX or the Nuna Pipa Aire, both of which pair with the most popular strollers (adapters sold separately). The Shyft is also heavy, which isn't surprising given the stroller's components, but if you use just the carrier, it is closer to average, weighing 10.5 lbs in our tests. Our tester shared, “I would not want to carry this car seat and stroller attachment up several flights of stairs, so it is something to consider if you live in a walk-up.” While this car seat is not the right option for most families, we do think it is an excellent choice for those who might otherwise decide to skip a car seat on public transportation legally and need an easy get-around choice for city life.
The Shyft is not an ordinary infant car seat, but it still managed to keep up with competitors in most metrics. Credit: GearLab Staff
Product Comparison Table
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 Tested
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 test every car seat side-by-side for everything from crash tests and ease of use to installation and comfort, so you can feel confident that you find the best seat for your family and budget. Credit: GearLab Staff
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 conducted 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 - Without (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 to run the testing faster and on a more modern sled to put the car seats through a more stressful experience. For transparency, we include test results for each seat so 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
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 seat comparison. A NHTSA study showed that 79% of infant seats exhibited critical misuse, either in the installation of the seat or the 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 avoid the most common mistakes so 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 about crash-related injuries and the common safety risks posed by 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 the difficulty of car seat installation to ensure maximum safety potential. 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.
The clip style of LATCH anchors is easy to attach but harder to remove than the push button style of anchor. Credit: Abriah Wofford
The a ball level in a groove design typically functions well and is easy to read. Credit: Abriah Wofford
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 conducted comprehensive testing using crash test data to determine each seat's performance based on measured impact forces. While each product meets the minimum safety guidelines required by the federal government, they are not all easy to use or install, nor do they all have impressive crash-test results.
Worse Value
Better Value
What's the Best Value?
Baby gear can be expensive, so finding a good value can be critical, but we don't think an infant car seat is where you should cut costs. We believe you should always buy the highest-ranking seat you can afford, with crash-test analysis and features that matter to you. However, we also know that everyone has a different budget, and some are tighter than others.
The Britax Willow S is a high-ranking choice with better crash test analysis results and a lower-than-average price. While not the cheapest, it provides a well-performing seat at a very reasonable price. The Joie Rue is a very budget-friendly seat with an impressive crash-test analysis and is easy to install using the LATCH connectors. Proper installation can impact safety, making this seat an even more compelling buy. The Graco SnugRide Lite LX is also worth considering if you have the smallest budget but don't want to sacrifice better crash results. This Graco didn't perform well on most tests, but it has a super-low list price and one of the better crash-test results. So, while it isn't a tester favorite, you won't compromise 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 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 the demand on the seats. We then use the test results to analyze and rank each seat against the competition. Because our tests exceed federal requirements, we expect some seats to fall outside federal standards. This should not be considered a failure or unsafe result, and we do not treat it as such. Alternatively, this is normal and expected, given that our testing is faster than the FMVSS 213a standard requires. All seats that pass the federal guidelines are considered safe and compliant under the NHTSA safety standard.
All of the products in this review are assumed to have 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 identify crash test performance where test data suggest the seat may provide a higher margin of safety. Our crash test analysis scores reflect our opinions of crash test performance based on actual crash test dummy sensor measurements. Our analysis focuses on options that provide an additional margin of safety relative to the competition, based on the analysis of crash test sensor data. For example, if a seat's sensors measure significantly lower impact forces (better) at the crash test dummy's head sensors, resulting in a lower Head Injury Criteria (HIC) score, we believe the seat offers a higher margin of protection than competitors with higher (more g-forces) HIC scores.
We analyzed each car seat's crash-sled test data to determine its performance relative to competitors and the federal safety standard. We included graphs comparing the crash test data in each product review and summarized them below.
Crash Test Analysis Performance Ratings
Product
Chest Clip
HIC
Nuna Pipa RX
9.0
9.0
Romer Juni
8.6
9.0
Nuna Pipa Aire
8.9
8.4
Britax Willow S
7.6
7.9
UPPAbaby Aria V2
7.5
7.7
Clek Liing
7.0
8.0
Graco SnugRide 35 Lite LX
6.7
8.0
Peg Perego Primo Viaggio 4-35 Nido
7.2
7.4
Joie Rue
6.5
7.9
Joie Mint Latch
6.8
7.4
Chicco KeyFit 30
6.7
7.0
Chicco Keyfit Max ClearTex
6.7
7.0
Evenflo Shyft Dualride
5.7
7.9
Baby Jogger City GO 2
4.6
7.3
UPPAbaby Mesa v3
4.8
5.3
Doona
5.2
4.0
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 require results below the NHTSA maximum of 1000 for HIC and 60 for the chest clip. 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 higher crash-test analysis scores. Those with better-than-average results for the group we considered provided 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 practical way to use their results in an apples-to-apples comparison, so they would be relatively useless to us. All crash test analyses are completed using test results from the crash tests we independently pay for at the MGA Research facility.
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 features that could affect their overall safety. We didn't factor these features or claims into our analysis, as little to no real-world test data is available to support or analyze the claims related to these features. While you might be intrigued by a product that brags about side impact protection (SIP) or an anti-rebound bar, we recommend avoiding choosing solely on these features or claims and focusing more on the crash test analysis scores. Substantial information about the efficacy of these claims is surprisingly lacking (if intriguing). Also, there are no agreed-upon definitions for most terms used in the safety seat industry, nor are there universally accepted tests to evaluate claims or features. We feel it is wiser to stick to crash-test data analysis when comparing potential safety, rather than buying into unsupported or unexplained claims.
Anecdotally, in our tests, those with a load leg or an anti-rebound bar generally had lower G-forces recorded by their HIC and chest-clip sensors. However, the Graco SnugRide Lite 35 LX has some of the best crash-test results and has neither a load leg nor an anti-rebound bar. This result shows that there is more going on here than the manufacturer's apparent safety features suggest. However, if the crash test results are relatively equal between two potential seats, that would be the moment to consider additional safety features to sway your decision.
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 differences in the crash-test performance of individual seats. A study conducted by NHTSA demonstrated that 79% of infant seats exhibited critical misuse, either in the installation of the seat or the 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 increased risk of injury in a crash.
Given the crucial importance of correct installation for keeping 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 Nuna Pipa RX earned the best crash test analysis results for the group with the lowest sensor readings. Credit: 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 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, and the fewer forces are potentially applied to the safety seat passenger.
This chart shows the HIC sensor data of forces recorded for the top performer, the Pipa RX, vs. the lowest scorer. Credit: GearLab & MGA Research
This chart shows the chest clip sensor data of forces recorded for the Pipa RX, a top-performing seat, vs. the lowest scorer. Credit: GearLab & MGA Research
The top performer in this metric is the Nuna Pipa RX, which recorded lower forces in the dummy sensors than any infant seat we've tested. The Nuna Pipa Aire follows hot on its heels with similar test results. The Romer Juni comes in next with the same chest clip results as the Pipa RX and an almost as low HIC. The Britax Willow S and the UPPAbaby Aria v2 come in close behind, with impressive results for both the HIC and chest-clip sensors. The Graco SnugRide Lite LX, the Peg Perego Primo Viaggio 4-35 Nido, and the Joie Rue also earned better-than-average crash test analysis scores. Of these top-scoring options, seven have a load leg and/or anti-rebound bar. The lowest-scoring options are the Doona and the UPPAbaby Mesa v3.
The Mesa v3 had one of the worst crash test analysis results in the group. Credit: MGA Research
Did you Know?
While each car seat sold in the United States must meet specific 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. It is essentially the honor system. The federal government tests only a random selection of car seats, not all car seats.
The Rue is easier to install using LATCH connectors than several competitors. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Ease of Install with LATCH System
The easiest way to install a car seat, and therefore, the method we recommend when available, 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 installing a car seat correctly easier by reducing the likelihood of mistakes.
Why is this important?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 considerations in their review process before making a purchase. In the end, it is a safety concern.
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 found that some options are significantly easier to install using the LATCH method than with 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).
Juni's rigid LATCH means there are no concerns about strap tightening. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Tightening and Loosening LATCH Straps
LATCH connectors are only the first part of the infant car seat installation equation. Whether the straps on the connectors are easy to tighten and loosen can significantly affect how easy or difficult a seat is to install. The rigid LATCH connectors, like those found on the Nuna Pipa RX, Nuna Pipa AIre, Romer Juni, and the Clek Liing, require no tightening and eliminate strap pulling altogether. Other great options include the self-retracting straps on UPPAbaby seats and the Supercinch center straps on Chicco car seats. If you have any strength or movement limitations, rigid LATCH connectors can be a godsend.
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 once they are connected to the anchors. It is also great for those who are differently abled and might be unable to pull straps effectively. The Romer Juni, Joie Mint latch, and Clek Liing have rigid LATCH connectors, earning the highest scores. They were followed closely by the Nuna Pipa RX, which features rigid LATCH systems that retract into the base when you snug it to the vehicle seat. The UPPAbaby Aria v2 has retracting LATCH straps, which we really enjoyed as they require no pulling or extra effort to tighten beyond rocking the base side to side. The Joie Rue is also a high scorer with push LATCH connectors and a useful tensioner. The most challenging option to install with LATCH is the Graco SnugRide 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 Install with 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.
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 Lockoff is Key
Some options are significantly more straightforward to install with a vehicle belt than others, and the “lockoff” feature is usually why. More seats than ever include a base with a vehicle belt lockoff. A lockoff prevents the base from sliding up and down or twisting on the seatbelt. Good lock-offs create a more secure-feeling seatbelt 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 lockoff or tensioner will make this much easier and feel more stable.
The longer Nuna Pipa belt lockoff makes getting a snug fit easier than competitors' with short or hard-to-use lock-offs. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Best Rated Seats for Seat Belt Installation
Most bases without a lockoff performed poorly in our tests. In general, they feel less secure because they often slide on the shoulder portion of the vehicle belt, causing the seat to tilt and a sense of instability. The top performers for installing a car seat with the vehicle belt are the Romer Juni, Nuna Pipa RX, Evenflo Shyft Dualride, and the Clek Liing. The Britax Willow S is almost as easy with a great lockoff. The hardest to install using the vehicle belt are the Graco SnugRide Lite LX, Chicco Keyfit Max ClearTex, and the UPPAbaby Mesa v3. The Graco lacks a lock-off, while the Mesa and Chicco easily slide on the belt, even with their lock-offs. Almost as challenging are the Joie Rue, Nuna Pipa Aire, and the Baby Jogger City GO 2.
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.
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 frequently uses public transportation. It can also be useful if you have multiple cars but don't want to move the base for a quick trip.
The Joie Mint is unique in that it installs using LATCH without the base. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Joie Mint latch has No Base
It is worth noting that the Mint has no base to install, and the carrier itself is installed using connected rigid LATCH connectors. This design makes it ideal for quick, baseless installation. The carrier is also relatively lightweight, making it a top contender for those who plan to travel or who frequently use rideshares.
Carrier Specs
Carrier Weight
Carrier Install Score
Belt Route
Towel
Baby Jogger City GO 2
10.5 lb
5.5
European
✖
Chicco KeyFit 30
9.8 lb
5.5
American
✖
Clek Liing
10.5 lb
7.8
European
✖
Doona
17.2 lb
7.3
European
✖
Graco SnugRide 35 Lite LX
7.6 lb
3.8
American
Peg Perego Primo Viaggio 4-35 Nido
10.6 lb
7.0
European
✖
Britax Willow S
9.7 lb
7.5
Both
✖
Evenflo Shyft Dualride
20.1 lb w/stroller
6.5
Both, European preferred
✖
Nuna Pipa RX
8.5 lb
9.0
Both
✖
Joie Rue
7.1 lb
5.0
Both, European Preferred
Romer Juni
10.2 lb
5.0
Both, European listed first
Chicco Keyfit Max ClearTex
11.1 lb
5.5
Both, American listed first
UPPAbaby Mesa v3
10.9 lb
7.5
Both, European listed first
Joie Mint Latch
8.5 lb
9 (LATCH), 5.5
LATCH, American
✖
Nuna Pipa Aire
7.1 lb
7.0
Both
✖
UPPAbaby Aria V2
6.8 lb
9.0
European
✖
In our opinion, if you don't expect to take your infant on public transportation very often (or ever), then you can probably safely ignore this section and move on to Ease of Use. However, if you plan to 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 purchase decision.
For those living in urban areas who frequently travel by taxi or rideshares, 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 offer a choice between the two.
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 meets US safety regulations. This style does not use 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. Credit: Abriah Wofford
Installing the carrier without the base for the Lite LX utilizes only the lap portion of the vehicle belt and the American belt pathway. Credit: Abriah Wofford
The European path also routes the vehicle belt across the lower part of the carrier and wraps the shoulder portion around the carrier's back. We feel 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 quicker. Most of the options in this review utilize the European belt path or both. It has been more of an even split in prior years, and we like the trend toward the European method.
The Pipa is one of the easiest carriers to install without the base. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Best Rated Seats for Installation Without the Base
The carriers easiest to install without the base are the Nuna Pipa RX and the UPPAbaby Aria v2. The Pipa RX is a lighter-weight option that can be installed with the American or European belt path and feels stable and snug when finished. The Aria v2 requires the European method, and the color-coded pathway is obvious and straightforward. The Clek Liing, Britax Willow S, UPPAbaby Mesa v3, and the Doona follow close behind, making them potential considerations for lifestyles where installing without the base is a regular occurrence. The Clek is the heaviest of the three regular carriers, so it could be more challenging to carry, though the Doon is a beast if you aren't pushing it, so going up stairs will be more challenging. In our tests, the hardest to install without the base is the Graco SnugRide Lite LX. 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 Pipa is one of the easiest seats to use. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Ease of Use
At first glance, the infant seats seem similar and function virtually identically. Not so. The contenders in this review differ in our ease-of-use testing. Buckles, harness adjustments, handles, and carrier release mechanisms can be frustrating, straightforward, or somewhere 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 occurs when a baby's body position prevents 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 deeper depression in the Joie Mint buckle could make it hard for those with longer fingernails to operate. Credit: Matt Lighthart
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 Joie Mint latch, Baby Jogger City GO 2, and Chicco Keyfit 30. The harder options that hurt our thumbs are the Peg Perego Nido, the Doona, and the Clek Liing.
Making harness adjustments with your baby in the seat should be easy. Credit: Matt Lighthart
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, rethreading them through a higher slot, and then sliding them back onto the splitter (below left). The other method is more straightforward and involves disengaging the height adjustment assembly (usually with a button or lever) and sliding it up or down (below right), with no rethreading required.
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. Credit: Abriah Wofford
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. Credit: Abriah Wofford
The latter can occur immediately, with your baby in the seat, when you notice the need. It is a swift and effective method. The former typically requires an empty carrier and can be challenging to thread and adjust, depending on the straps, slots, or 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 needed 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.
The Aria pull tab at the top of the headrest adjusts the shoulder straps higher or lower. Credit: Matt Lighthart
The Shyft has a non-rethread style harness, but the swen portions on the strap can make sliding harder than it needs to be. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Some of the best in this group were the Peg Perego Nido, UPPAbaby Aria v2, Evenflo Shyft, the Chicco Keyfit Max, and the Baby Jogger City GO 2. The hardest or most time-consuming were the rethread harnesses. These include: Romer Juni, Chicco Keyfit 30, Clek Liing, Doona, Graco SnugRide Lite LX, Britax Willow S, Nuna Pipa Aire, and the Nuna Pipa RX. While this kind of harness height adjustment might feel acceptable in a lower-priced seat like the Britax and Graco, it feels like a disappointment in the most expensive options like the Clek and the Nuna. 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 worth being aware of.
The Chicco release button is easy to find and press. Credit: Matt Lighthart
The Joie Mint harness release button is in the slot about 2 inches from the pull strap and about 2 inches deep. It is harder to use than most, in part due to this awkward placement. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Harnees Tightening and Release
Harnesses are tightened to fit using a pull strap at the end of the carrier, and released for loosening with a button typically located near the pull strap. While some straps move smoothly with little resistance, others are more difficult with a lot of friction impeding movement. Some buttons are located on top of the fabric covers and are easy to depress, while others are hidden deep under the cover with only a small slit in the fabric for access.
The best in the bunch for tightening and loosening are the Chicco Keyfit 30, Nuna Pipa RX, and the Nuna Pipa Aire. The most difficult were the Romer Juni, Graco SnugRide 35 Lite LX, and the Clek Ling. The UPPAbaby Aria v2 is a mixed bag, with a strap that offered more resistance than most but an easy-to-find, easy-to-use button.
We had no problems installing the Mesa v3 on the base or removing it. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Carrier to Base Attachment
Over the years, we've noticed that connecting the carrier to the base has become easier, with fewer opportunities to do it incorrectly. The Doona's heft and bulk made it harder to connect, and it wasn't our favorite. The Evenflo Shyft DualRide was a similar experience with the stroller frame attached. The heft and bulk make it harder to lift and get in the car door.
The Shyft carrier and stroller frame together are over 21 lbs and could be challenging for some to lift up and onto the car seat base. Credit: Matt Lighthart
The Peg Perego Nido has a release button that is harder to use, but putting the carrier in place was simple. The Nuna Pipa Aire has a weird release lever on the base rather than on the carrier, which makes removal awkward. The most straightforward connection is the Britax Willow S, with a carrier that falls into place with little effort, followed by the Joie Rue, Chicco Keyfit Max, and the UPPAbaby Mesa v3.
The thin metal handle on the Pipa features a useful, hand-friendly leather wrap at the center. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Handles
Most of the handles are similar and unremarkable. They operate by simultaneously pressing buttons on the side pivot points and rotating the handle. A handle's importance depends on how often you carry your little one. If you only use it to get in and out of the car or attach it to a stroller, the handle is less of 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 use it. It is the handle collision or rubbing on the canopy that is the real issue when comparing handle ease of use.
Our favorite handles are the UPPAbaby options, with the Clek Liing close behind. The worst handle/canopy seats are the Graco and Chicco Keyfit seats. The Britax Willow S splits the difference, offering an uninspired plastic handle but smooth operation that works well with the canopy open. The Nuna Pipa RX has a large canopy with an extension for more coverage and privacy. The handle works well and can be used with the canopy open. The Nuna Aire avoids the canopy/handle collision for the most part, but not when the canopy is closed, and the handle is down, moving up. The slide mechanism on the Romer Juni is somewhat unique, replacing the side buttons, but it was challenging to slide and move the handle, and we worry that people with any hand dexterity or strength issues might struggle to operate it smoothly and without frustration.
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
The Joie Mint LATCH connectors lock in place on the carrier, but require manual moving once they detach from the car anchors. Credit: Matt Lighthart
LATCH Storage
LATCH storage can impede your ability to connect the seat carrier to the base. Designs that limit or prohibit the efficient and correct installation of seats lose points. Many of the cheaper options in this review have straps that can hinder a carrier connection. The best LATCH storage is the rigid LATCH that doesn't require stowing like those we saw on the Nuna Pipa RX, Nuna Pipa Aire, Romer Juni, and the Clek Liing. The Joie Mint latch has rigid LATCH connectors on the carrier that fold up and lock in place. We also like the self-retracting LATCH connectors on the UPPAbaby Aria v2 and the UPPAbaby Mesa v3. The hardest options were hard to fit into their compartments or to put in and remove, like the Graco SnugRide Lite LX.
The Keyfit Max has a handle/canopy collision problem, we believe, which makes them both more frustrating to use. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Best Rated Seats for Ease of Use
The highest-ranking seats for ease of use are the Nuna Pipa RX, Chicco Keyfit Max ClearTex, Chicco Keyfit 30, and the UPPAbaby Mesa v3. The Evenflo Shyft is also fairly easy to use, which is impressive given the extra stroller parts. The Doona is the hardest to use and unnecessarily challenging for something that seems so simple.
Safety Alert
NEVER leave a baby in a safety seat unattended! Also, never put a carrier on countertops or in high places where it may fall, which could result 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 Nuna Pipa RX performed well in our tests for comfort and quality with supportive padding and a sleek design. Credit: Matt Lighthart
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 share common features, 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 a fabric cover to significant headrest assemblies with ample padding for napping.
The Mesa v3 is made with higher quality materials than many competitors. Credit: Matt Lighthart
The Shyft DualRide is a nicer quality seat/stroller than we typically see of Evenflo. Credit: Matt Lighthart
The padding and fabric on the Mexa v3 are comfortable and feel soft to the touch. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Best Rated Seats for Comfort and Quality
The best for comfort and quality is the Nuna Pipa RX. This seat is exceptional, with attention to detail, softer materials, and ample padding that keeps little ones cozier than others. The padding is dense and supportive, while remaining comfortable. The UPPAbaby Aria v2, Nuna Pipa Aire, Romer Juni, and UPPAbaby Mesa v3 come in next, with quality materials and an uncluttered appearance. The Evenflo Shyft DualRide also scores fairly well, but it isn't as impressive as the Pipa RX or the Pipa Aire. The most disappointing seats in terms of comfort and quality are the Graco SnugRide 35 Lite LX, Peg Perego Primo Viaggio 4-35 Nido, Chicco KeyFit 30, and the Doona. These seats have almost no padding for comfort, and many of the features lack thoughtful design and high-quality materials, in our opinion. Typically, you get what you pay for with car seats, so it is particularly egregious when seats that cost above average offer below-average quality and comfort. Many of the highest-end seats scored lower than expected, largely due to the fabric not being very soft or the padding being less supportive.
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 the car seat base and the “carrier” (the detachable car seat part you carry), we consider the carrier weight more important. If a carrier is too heavy, carrying it for a long time will be challenging. Depending on where you live and how you plan to use the carrier, the carrier weight matters. Walking up 3 flights of stairs? You'll want a lighter seat. Never taking it out of the car? Maybe it doesn't matter.
The new Aria v2 is relatively lightweight at 6.8 lbs. Credit: Matt Lighthart
The Aire is one of the lightest carriers in the group at only 7.1 lbs. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Some of the bases are seriously heavy, but we only factored in the weight of the carrier in our scoring because the base usually stays in the car. Yet many parents will carry the car seat at some point. Even if you travel, the car seat's base weight doesn't matter, since most car seats can be installed without a base.
We weighed each seat in the review so you can see which options might be easier to carry. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Best Rated Seats for Weight
The highest-scoring seat in this group is the UPPAbaby Aria v2, weighing only 6.8 lbs in our tests. The Joie Rue and Nuna Pipa Aire weigh 7.1 lbs, and the Graco SnugRide Lite LX is the next-lightest at 7.6 lbs, but it lacks many of the comfort and quality features that typically add 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 Rue might be better with an easier installation without the base. The Joie Mint latch is also fairly lightweight (8.5 lbs), and the included LATCH connectors on the carrier make it a unique option for those who use rideshares and taxis. The Nuna Pipa RX is the highest-ranking lighter weight seat, weighing 8.5 lbs. The Nuna Pipa Aire is lighter and has similar crash test results, but we found it harder to install, though that might be an acceptable trade-off if your goal is an exceptionally lightweight carrier with better crash test results. The average weight is closer to 10 lbs, and the heaviest are the Doona, which weighs over 17 lbs, and the Evenflo Shyft DualRide, which weighs over 20 lbs with the stroller frame connected.
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 full-size strollers, our favorite jogging strollers, and strollers across types. Have multiple stroller-age children? Discover more about the double strollers. If you don't want to hassle with a stroller or the car seat carrier, we love a great wearable, hands-free baby carrier that keeps little ones close, encourages bonding, reduces crying, and is far easier to manage than a stroller.
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 to chance or to what's available at your local store. Because it is a safety concern, we recommend thoughtful consideration before buying.
Where Will You Use Your Infant Car Seat?
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 with the seat belt, or in a side seat with the LATCH system? Finding the easiest one to install using the belt rather than the LATCH is important, as many injury reports are related to poor installation.
How Easy is the Infant Car Seat 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 be used in ways other than intended, which studies have shown impacts overall safety. We encourage parents to look for seats that are easy to use and have features they feel comfortable with.
Check Crash Test Results
We bet you thought crash test results were the most important thing. While they matter, 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 use and how easy the seat is to use, then using crash-test analysis results to zero in on your final choice.
If you want to use your car seat with a stroller or live where a stroller attachment would be helpful, the Shyft is one to consider. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Creating a Travel System?
We don't think you should choose a safety seat based on its compatibility with a stroller. If the stroller you like is incompatible with your preferred seat, we believe you should still choose the best car seat and wait to buy a stroller, or use a wearable baby carrier instead. We don't think you should compromise safety for convenience.
We tested a truckload of infant car seats for our review, including crash testing at an outside facility. Credit: Abriah Wofford
Conclusion
The infant car seat world is vast, and with so many claims, it can be hard to know which is the best. Every family has a unique lifestyle, with specific goals and budgets, so our review provides 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.
