What Are the Best Infant Car Seats in 2025?

With so many models on the market, picking a car seat that suits your family’s needs can be a little overwhelming.

As a parent, your number one concern is, of course, your child’s safety. Fortunately, all car seats sold in the US must meet the safety standards set by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). This means expensive and cheap seats alike can keep your baby safe.

The difference between a high-end and a low-end seat generally has to do with additional features and accessories that offer extra comfort and convenience. For instance, a higher-end model may have:

• A larger canopy
• Multiple recline positions
• A sturdier load leg
• An easier installation process

At the end of the day, it’s up to you to decide if a car seat with extra bells and whistles is worth the added cost.

You should also pay attention to each product’s weight and height limit, which is often around 30 lb and 32 inches. The higher these thresholds, the longer your child can use the seat.

It’s also important to check if the car seat is compatible with your stroller. If not, you’ll have to buy an adapter if you want to integrate the two.

Capacity

The Graco SnugRide Lite LX Infant Car Seat is a minimalist product targeting parents who aren’t looking for fancy features, such as adjustable recline positions.

It can protect infants and young children until they reach 30 pounds or 32 inches (whichever comes first). This means the car seat can last for a good long while—your child can use it when he’s long past the newborn stage and well into toddlerhood.

Convenience

Users say this car seat is very lightweight. You’ll probably be able to carry your baby from the stroller to the car without breaking a sweat.

Notably, some women mention this was the only car seat they were able to carry when their C-section scars were still healing during the postpartum period.

Ease of use

One of the highlights of the Graco SnugRide Lite LX is how easily you can install it—a big concern for many parents. It has a 4-position adjustable base with a level indicator that helps you make sure you’ve installed it properly.

Some users note it can be difficult to move its handle with just one hand, as you need to press the buttons on both sides of the seat. This can be a hassle when you don’t have two free hands (e.g., when you’re juggling your baby in one of them).

Durability

At just a little over 12 lb (7.5 lb without the base), the SnugRide Lite LX is surprisingly light compared to many other models on the market. Fortunately, user reviews suggest that the product’s light weight doesn’t compromise its sturdiness, and you’ll probably be able to use it for multiple kids, if that’s in your life plan.

Comfort

This seat has a 5-point harness and two-piece infant head and body support to keep your baby in place.

Most parents have no issue with the seat’s comfort, although a few note it doesn’t provide as much head support as they’d like. You can buy a larger headrest as an add-on.

Other features

Like most car seats, this product comes with an adjustable canopy to keep your baby shaded.

Keep in mind that the product doesn’t come with a load leg. If you want extra support for your car seat, you can purchase it separately via Graco or a third-party website.

Is the Graco SnugRide Lite LX Infant Car Seat worth it?

This is one of the more budget-friendly options out there. It has all the essential features you need in a car seat to keep your baby safe and reasonably comfortable.

Most users are satisfied with its quality, and as mentioned, some have successfully used it with multiple kids spread over several years. However, if you have extra money to spare, you can look into higher-priced seats with more safety protections.

When you purchase this product through Graco’s official website, you can choose from three protection plans (2–4 years), ranging from $10.99 to $21.99. These plans cover accidental damage and mechanical and electrical breakdowns.

Capacity

The Clek Liing is a decent option for parents who don’t mind splurging in exchange for a high-quality design and better materials.

The product’s capacity is fairly standard. It can fit your child from birth until she reaches 30 lb or 32 inches. You can only use it in a rear-facing position, like many infant car seats.

Convenience

At 9 lb, the carrier is designed to be easily removed from a stroller or car seat base with one hand. However, many users find it heavy and report that carrying it is quite difficult, especially with a child inside. If you’re looking for a lighter option, this might not be the best car seat for you.

Ease of use

While most users say the seat is easy to install, a few report it isn’t as intuitive as they anticipated. They were, however, still able to install it fairly quickly after a few practice runs.

The Clek Liing has a narrow design, allowing you to fit two other booster car seats in the same row without it getting too crowded. This space-saving design is a godsend for families with multiple children.

Durability

A notable feature of this model is its heavy base, which clocks in at a very hefty 17 lb. Thankfully, you rarely have to move the base once you install it, and you (or rather, your baby) can enjoy the sturdiness and security its weight brings.

A con some users point out is that after they used the seat for a while, it developed a rattle. That said, they still largely agree that this is a durable product you can use for a long time.

Comfort

One of the selling points of the Clek Liing is that it offers 7 recline positions.

Unlike more basic models, you won’t have to buy extra support to keep your baby’s head in a comfortable position.

Again, Clek advertises that this seat can comfortably hold children up to 30 lb; however, opinions about how true this is are split. Some people say this is one of the few models suitable for babies in the 90th percentile for height growth. On the other hand, a few others complain the seat is too compact for babies on the “chunkier” side.

Other features

You don’t have to purchase a load leg separately. The product comes with an adjustable load leg that increases stability and reduces the impact of crashes.

Its 3-position adjustable canopy is made of UPF 50+ fabric. You won’t have to worry about taking your baby out and about, regardless of rain or shine.

Is the Cleck Liing worth it?

If you’re big on safety, this is a great option. You can drive with peace of mind, knowing your child is sitting in one of the strongest and most rigid baby seats on the market.

That said, this seat is undeniably pricey. If you’re on a tight budget, you’ll want to look elsewhere. You can find a cheaper model that’s perfectly usable, albeit without so many fancy features.

Capacity

The Maxi-Cosi Pria is an all-in-one convertible car seat designed for use from birth to about 10 years old. The seat can be adjusted to accommodate your child’s growth in three stages:

• Rear-facing: 5–40 lbs; 19–40 in
• Forward-facing: 30–65 lb; 34.4–49 in
• Belt-positioning booster: 40–100 lb; 43.4–52 in

Convenience

With this all-in-one model, you don’t have to worry about your child outgrowing the seat once he enters toddlerhood. You can adjust the harness and headrest and remove the infant pillow and cushions when he grows taller, which can sometimes happen practically overnight.

There are in-and-out holders on either side of the seat that keep straps out of the way—a small but convenient feature when you have to buckle a particularly squirmy child. Users love that the cover is washable, but some note it can be tricky to remove.

Ease of use

Most users agree that the Maxi-Cosi Pria is very easy to install; per many reports, it takes just minutes.

Additionally, its one-click latch connectors make it easy for you to lock in the seat.

Keep in mind that it’s a bit bulky. If you have a smaller car, you might not be able to fit three of these seats together across a row—a small downside for most people, but a significant one for parents with smaller vehicles and big families.

Durability

Parents find the Maxi-Cosi Pria to be quite sturdy. They have no issues with its safety, and many have been using the model for years, even buying another one for their second child.

However, some users do report noticing loosened seams and snags in the fabric of the seat after a few washes.

Comfort

The seat has a 3-position recline. Moreover, the whole seat is padded and has cushions for impact protection around the head.

Most users find the seat very soft. They have no problem using it on long road trips.

Again, it’s a bulky seat that can take up a bit of space in your car; the flip side is that there’s more room for your child to make himself comfortable.

Other features

This model comes with two cup holders—one for snacks and one for drinks. You can easily remove and throw them in the dishwasher when they get dirty.

Many users praise the feel of the rubber tops around the cupholders. On the flip side, others mention that the tops fell off after some wear and tear.

Is the Maxi-Cosi Pria All-in-One Convertible Car Seat worth it?

As you probably already know, children grow like weeds and outgrow items, including car seats, quickly. With an all-in-one car seat, you won’t have to make another purchase when your child is over 30 lb (a standard threshold for infant car seats).

The Maxi-Cosi Pria is a mid-priced option, offering everything you need to keep your child safe and comfortable. Considering you can use it up until your child’s 10th birthday (provided he doesn’t outgrow the weight/height threshold before then), it’s a pretty good deal.

Capacity

Similar to the Clek Liing, the Evenflo LiteMax 35 is a budget-friendly rear-facing infant car seat. While it doesn’t have the fancy features of high-end car seats, it gets the job done.

It has a slightly higher weight threshold than many similar models, being able to fit infants and young children up to 35 lb (like we just mentioned, many have a threshold of 30 lb).

Convenience

The LiteMax 35 is very easy to install, as most online reviews will tell you. People with strollers that fit this model say installing the seat on it is also a breeze. If you’re still looking for a baby stroller, too, consider buying a model that’s compatible with the LiteMax 35.

A con that a few users mention is that they find it tricky to release the car seat from the base. You might need some time to learn the ropes before being able to remove the seat without thinking.

Ease of use

This model is extremely lightweight. Many parents who are on the smaller side say they were pleasantly surprised by how effortless it is to carry the seat around. Additionally, most reviews suggest you can get your baby in and out of the seat quickly once you get the hang of using its seatbelt.

Durability

Although this is one of the lightest models on the market, its construction is sturdy. Users repeatedly mention its quality in online reviews, and we haven’t seen any reports of it developing serious issues with everyday use.

Comfort

Overall, the LiteMax 35 offers reasonably soft padding that people say their babies sleep well on.

As a few point out, it doesn’t have as much padding as many other, more expensive models, but this is to be expected considering its price.

Parents whose children were born early specifically mention that the seat was able to fit their preemies when they left the hospital. That said, if you have a preemie, you should still check your child’s weight and height (make sure she’s at least 4 lb and 17 in) before using the seat.

Other features

Again, this is a straightforward model without many additional accessories. It does come with a canopy to protect your child from the sun and rain. However, it doesn’t have a load leg, cupholder, or similar features. You’ll have to purchase them separately if you need them.

Is the Evenflo LiteMax 35 worth it?

If you’re looking for a simple but well-constructed car seat, this is a good option. It allows you to offer your child a safe and comfortable ride without breaking the bank.

The product comes with a limited 90-day warranty. If you want to request the repair or replacement of a defect, you must provide a receipt or bill of sale as evidence.

Capacity

The Chicco KeyFit 35 Infant Car Seat promises a luxury ride for your child, and a peek at its online reviews will tell you that it delivers.

The seat can fit newborns and young children up to 35 lb or 32 inches. Its higher-than-average weight threshold means your child can use it longer, allowing you to get more bang for your buck.

Convenience

Users rave about how easy it is to install the seat. Those who’ve used cheaper models before switching to the KeyFit 35 often mention the upgrade comes with a much smoother installation process.

If you don’t want to spend another $100+ on extra bases, that’s no problem. You can just as easily install the carrier in another car without the base.

Ease of use

One of the few downsides to this model is that it’s relatively large and heavy. You may find yourself huffing and puffing when you carry your baby in the carrier too long.

The base comes with an anti-rebound bar to provide additional stability. The tradeoff is that the seat is quite bulky and takes up a lot of space. If you need extra room, users suggest using the carrier without the base.

Another complaint is you must press both sides of the seat to move the handle. This can be annoying if you only have one free hand.

Durability

The silver lining to the seat’s heftiness is that it’s very sturdy. One parent even compares it to placing your child in a tank.

You can use the car seat for a long time, but it isn’t immune to wear and tear. However, this will generally be limited to small bumps and marks, and users say you can usually smooth them off with a damp rag.

Comfort

The seat has six recline positions that allow you to find the sweet spot for your child. It also has five height-adjustable positions to keep up with your child’s growth. Your baby is in for a smooth ride and will probably sleep well in it.

Parents say the fabric is soft and comfortable. A few comments mention the seat isn’t very breathable, which is particularly noticeable during summer. It’s worth noting that most of these parents live in warmer states, and if you’re in a colder climate, this might actually be a pro of the seat, not a con.

Other features

The KeyFit 35’s large UPF 50+ canopy will protect your child from the sun well.

If you want 100% coverage, you can buy a compatible Chicco stroller, which interlocks with the carrier.

Some users report the canopy doesn’t fit easily under the carrying handle. You may have to shove it down to shade your baby’s face from the sun, and it’ll be hard or impossible to do this while carrying the seat.

Is the Chicco KeyFit 35 worth it?

While the KeyFit 35 isn’t the most expensive car seat on the market, it’s on the pricier side. That said, users by and large agree that it’s worth the investment, with many going as far as to say it’s the best seat they’ve ever used.

Capacity

The Nuna Pipa Aire RX comes with a Pipa RELX base. It’s the successor to the Pipa Lite RX (which is now discontinued), and opinions are split on whether the new model has a better design.

Your child can use the Pipa Aire RX until he reaches 30 lb or 30 inches. As you’ve probably gathered, this is a fairly standard threshold for infant car seats.

Convenience

The seat is designed to be installed quickly with its 5-second lock. Most users don’t mention the installation process in their reviews, and here, no news is good news—it signifies that the product is fairly user-friendly.

For this new model, Nuna switched their older no-thread harness to a manual rethread harness. Many users prefer the older version, since manual rethreading makes it harder to buckle a fussy child.

Ease of use

Nuna advertises this model as a lighter-weight seat. That said, parents who have used Nuna’s other models, such as the regular Pipa RX, say that the weight difference isn’t actually very significant. This is something to consider if weight is one of your deciding factors.

A common complaint is that the magnets on the shade extenders aren’t very strong, which can cause the drapes to fall off. Users agree the canopy could be a little longer.

Durability

Overall, the Pipa Aire is a safe and reliable product. In one (rather dramatic) online review, a parent claims that the seat kept her baby completely safe when she was in a rear-end collision—a testament to its quality side impact protection and secure 5-point harness.

Comfort

The consensus is that the Pipa Aire is very soft and comfortable for babies. It has a three-position headrest you can adjust as your child grows.

Reportedly, the seat fits babies of all sizes, including ones who are on the bigger and heavier side. Users think this is because the seats are designed to let children rest in a straight-back position (rather than a curved-back position).

Other features

The Pipa Aire’s canopy fabric offers UPF 50+ protection, the highest level of sun protection—a good thing, given its not-inconsiderable price.

Its base has a steel leg to provide extra stability. Additionally, its carry handle is made of luxe leatherette, which offers a more secure grip than plastic handles.

Is the Nuna Pipa Aire RX worth it?

As the Nuna Pipa Aire RX is a higher-end car seat, it’s worth scrutinizing it more closely than you might do for a cheaper model. After all, spending hundreds of dollars on a car seat isn’t a small thing for most families.

You’ll probably be satisfied with the Pipa Aire’s comfort, sturdiness, and safety features. However, some users question whether its high price is fully justified.

If you’re on a tighter budget, they suggest you buy the Pipa RX, which is significantly cheaper and comparable in quality. The Pipa Aire RX isn’t a bad product by any means, but it might be possible to get a better deal elsewhere.

As you’ve probably picked up, which car seat you should buy boils down to your budget and needs. If you’re still on the fence, check out our recommendations for parents who are looking for a:

• Budget option: Graco SnugRide Lite LX and Evenflo LiteMax 35
• Lightweight car seat: Evenflo LiteMax 35
• High-end / luxury model: Clek Liin and Nuna Pipa Aire RX
• Extra-sturdy car seat: Clek Liin and Chicco KeyFit 35
• Seat that kids can use for years: Maxi-Cosi Pria

Again, all of these car seats conform to the NHTSA’s safety specifications, so regardless of which you pick, you’ll end up with a safe, usable product. Weigh your budget against the additional features you’re most interested in—after all, you know better than anyone what your child needs.