5 best Infant Car Seats 2024 | Crash Tested

Ensuring your infant’s safety during car travel is paramount. This guide explores the leading infant car seats of 2024, meticulously chosen based on rigorous safety testing, user-friendly features, and exceptional comfort for your child.

We cater to a variety of priorities, whether you seek top-rated safety performance, effortless installation and use, or a travel-friendly design that prioritizes both convenience and comfort. This guide exclusively features car seats that have passed Baby Gear Lab’s comprehensive crash testing.

Unbiased crash testing and real-world evaluations help you find the perfect car seat for your child’s safety and comfort. With our in-depth crash test results and hands-on testing, you can feel confident choosing the safest car seat for your little one.

5 best Infant Car Seats

Here are our 5 best car seats for newborns.

1. Clek Liing
2. Chicco KeyFit 35
3. UPPAbaby Mesa Max
4. Graco SnugRide 35 Lite LX
5. Chicco Fit2

Clek Liing

The Clek Liing excels in crash testing, achieving some of the best results in its category (lower G-force readings indicate better protection). Installation is user-friendly thanks to a rigid LATCH system with clear color indicators to ensure proper setup. For enhanced security, the Liing incorporates a stabilizing load leg with a lock-off mechanism.

However, potential drawbacks exist. The Clek Liing carries a premium price tag, which may be a significant factor for some buyers considering the shorter lifespan of infant car seats. Its weight surpasses most competitors, making it less ideal for frequent travelers who lack a compatible stroller. Compatibility with popular strollers falls short compared to some rivals, such as the Chicco KeyFit 35 and UPPAbaby Mesa Max.

In conclusion, the Clek Liing is an exceptional choice for those prioritizing the absolute best crash test performance and have the budget to accommodate it. However, if affordability or portability are key factors, alternative infant car seats warrant exploration.

Chicco KeyFit 35

The Chicco KeyFit 35 consistently delivers exceptional performance in our evaluations. It achieves above-average scores in critical metrics, including installation ease across various methods. This car seat boasts impressive crash test results, potentially offering a higher safety margin than some competitors. Additionally, the Chicco KeyFit 35 excels in everyday functionality, ranking among the easiest seats to use. Notably, this model offers exceptional compatibility, seamlessly integrating with a vast selection of our highly-rated strollers (adapters required).

While the Chicco KeyFit 35 maintains an average weight, it's recommended for use with a stroller for convenient carrying, especially with a baby inside. It carries a slightly higher price point compared to the Chicco KeyFit 30, another impressive Chicco model with even stronger crash test ratings. However, for parents seeking a user-centric car seat with exceptional stroller compatibility, the Chicco KeyFit 35 represents a compelling choice.

UPPAbaby Mesa Max

The UPPAbaby Mesa Max infant car seat distinguishes itself through its focus on exceptional comfort for your child. High-quality materials and thoughtful design choices are evident in the soft, skin-friendly fabric and ample headrest padding, promoting a restful environment for napping journeys. This car seat seamlessly integrates with UPPAbaby strollers (adapters sold separately) and boasts a user-friendly retractable LATCH system for simplified installation.

While the UPPAbaby Mesa Max carries a premium price point, it remains a competitive option within its category. It surpasses the UPPAbaby Mesa V2 in terms of crash test performance, making it our preferred choice from the UPPAbaby brand for this review. It's important to acknowledge that the crash test ratings fall within the average range. Therefore, if achieving the absolute highest safety scores is your primary concern, alternative car seats might be more suitable. However, for parents prioritizing unparalleled comfort and top-notch quality for their infant's travel experience, the UPPAbaby Mesa Max presents a compelling selection.

Graco SnugRide 35 Lite LX

The Graco SnugRide 35 Lite LX might not be the fanciest car seat, but it delivers on what truly matters - safety. This car seat passes our crash tests while keeping the price tag very low. It's also super lightweight, making it easier to carry around.

While it lacks the bells and whistles of some pricier models (think installation ease, comfort features), the Lite LX excels in crashworthiness at an unbeatable price. This makes it a great choice for families who prioritize safety on a tight budget.

Here's the catch: installing and using the Lite LX requires more effort compared to other options. It also doesn't offer much padding for your baby's comfort.

Overall, the Graco SnugRide 35 Lite LX isn't for everyone. But for budget-conscious parents seeking the best possible safety in an affordable car seat, it's definitely worth considering. There are other well-priced seats with better features (like the Chicco KeyFit 35 or 30), but the Lite LX fills a valuable niche for those who prioritize safety above all else.

Chicco Fit2

The Chicco Fit2 infant car seat offers user-friendly features like a straightforward LATCH installation and a comfortable design for your child. It also boasts compatibility with a selection of our highly-rated strollers. While the Fit2 is a competent car seat, other Chicco models within its price range demonstrate superior performance in crash testing and boast more ergonomic designs. The Fit2's carrier weight is heavier, the handle grip could be improved, and its crash test results fall below the average for this category. For these reasons, we recommend exploring alternative top-ranked infant car seats that may offer a more compelling value proposition.

CONCLUSION

Choosing the ideal infant car seat can feel overwhelming, but fret no more! This guide has explored a range of top-rated options, catering to various priorities. Whether you seek top safety performance, user-friendly features, exceptional comfort, or a budget-conscious solution, this breakdown empowers you to make an informed decision.

Remember, your baby's safety is paramount. Consider factors like crash test ratings, ease of use, weight, and compatibility with your stroller when making your final selection. No matter your choice, prioritize a car seat that has been certified safe and meets all federal safety standards.

With the right car seat in place, you can embark on countless adventures with your little one, ensuring a comfortable and secure journey for all.