Best Infant Car Seats for People on the Move
What are the Best Infant Car Seat Brands?
Motherhood Loves Community Awards nominees have been carefully chosen by our team. We may earn a commission if you buy something through links on our site.
Choosing the right car seat for your newest family member can feel overwhelming. Safety is paramount, but comfort, convenience, and budget matter too! The Motherhood team put together a list of our favorite contenders in the baby car seat category for your consideration, from feature-rich luxury seats to innovative budget champions.
Our nominees were researched and selected as the top products in their category. We then turned to the experts—the Motherhood Community—to place their votes and determine the best of the best! The votes are in, and the winners are...
Best Infant Car Seats of 2024 Winners
Britax Cypress Infant Car Seat
Marrying convenience and safety, the lightweight Cypress Infant Car Seat is a parent favorite. Secure installation requires just three steps with the innovative ClickTight® System, and three padded inserts let users adjust the seat’s space easily. SafeWash® performance fabrics offer easy cleanup, and the UPF50+ canopy includes an extra-large window for peek-a-boo moments and airflow. The Cypress features a ReboundReduce™ Carry Handle, SafeCell® Technology, and side-impact protection—all to minimize impact movement.
Photo credit: Britax Cypress Infant Car Seat
Graco SnugRide® SnugFit 35
This affordable option goes the distance in safety as it features an anti-rebound bar for rear-end collisions and meets the Graco® ProtectPlus Engineered™ standards to withstand impacts from all sides. SnugRide® technology keeps babies as small as four pounds secure and comfortable, and parents can adjust the Silent Shade™ canopy quietly while little ones sleep. Proper vehicle installation is simple using the four-position adjustable base and pendulum level indicator.
Chicco KeyFit 35
This budget-friendly car seat is GREENGUARD Gold Certified for chemical emissions and JPMA certified to meet the highest safety standards. A removable, ergonomic positioner provides optimal support for newborns weighing 4–11 pounds. The seat grows with your baby, thanks to a five-position, easy-extend headrest system. Parents love the KeyFit 35’s combination of strong safety features and ease of use—all at a great price point.
Baby Trend Secure Lift 35
This budget-friendly car seat refuses to sacrifice quality for its low price. Top safety measures include an anti-rebound handle and push-on LATCH connectors for a secure installation. Your baby will enjoy a comfortable ride thanks to a six-position adjustable headrest and four-position recline base with a level indicator. Best yet? The ergonomic PRO Side Grip takes strain off your back and shoulders as you carry your little one around.
Chicco Fit2®
The versatile and affordable Chicco Fit2® goes the distance with two rear-facing positions you can alternate between effortlessly. The first stage accommodates newborns from birth to 12 months, while the second extends legroom for toddlers up to 24 months. A seven-position headrest and padded no-rethread harness adjust easily as your baby grows. For your convenience, the carry handle, harness tightener, and headrest require only one-hand adjustment, making everyday travel a breeze.
Evenflo® Gold Shyft™ DualRide™ with Carryall Storage Infant Car Seat and Stroller Combo
An all-in-one solution, this combo car seat, wheeled infant carrier, and stroller saves parents time and hassle. Switch from seat to stroller or carrier with one step, and reverse the process easily with the Quick Connectors and LockStrong Installation. Safety features such as the anti-rebound base offer peace of mind. While you’re strolling, the extended canopy provides ample shade for your baby while a convenient carryall storage bag and cup holder make parents happy.
Doona Infant Car Seat & Stroller
Experience effortless travel with this all-in-one system that transforms from car seat to stroller in seconds. Doona prioritizes your baby's safety with a five-point harness and a design exceeding rigorous safety standards, including TUV certification and FAA aircraft approval for travel. Extra cushioning cradles newborns, and the innovative ergonomics of the rear-facing seat keeps your little one cozy and secure. Parents appreciate the adjustable handlebar, which allows for comfortable maneuvering.
Century Carry On™ 35 LX Lightweight Infant Car Seat
Parents on the go love this affordable ultra-lightweight option (eight pounds), which is crafted with recycled fabrics for the eco-conscious. The Century's Keepsafe™ and side-impact protection systems offer excellent security. With a three-position adjustable base and a four-position carry handle for ergonomic carrying, the car seat easily handles your baby’s growth. For caregiver convenience, the Carry On 35 LX features a one-step connection to compatible Century strollers, creating a seamless travel system.
Nuna Pipa RX
With luxe details and a flexible design that attaches to Nuna’s strollers, the Pipa RX offers style and convenience. A four-position recline allows for optimal positioning, and the four-position adjustable rigid latch system provides secure, five-second installation. Side-impact protection, a crumple zone, a steel stability leg, and GREENGUARD Gold certification give parents peace of mind. Bonus? Parents love the removable, full-coverage UPF 50+ canopy with a flip-out eyeshade for shielding babies from the elements.
UPPAbaby Mesa Max
A top-tier choice for safety-conscious parents, the Mesa Max provides superior crash test performance, with an anti-rebound+ panel that minimizes movement in rear-end collisions. GREENGUARD Gold certification ensures it meets strict chemical emissions standards. A plush infant insert cradles newborns safely, and an infinite-adjust headrest creates a perfect fit. The auto-retracting LATCH system, bubble level indicators, and four-position adjustable foot make installation a breeze.
