One of the most important purchases you’ll make as a new parent is buying the best infant car seat. You’ll probably want to read baby car seat reviews before buying your baby car seat.
Top Infant Car Seats 2020
Below is a list of best infant car seat 2020.
There is no single best car seat, but we have compiled a list of top 10 infant car seats based on its safety, crash ratings, comfort, and ease of use.
While looking through the below list, pay attention to the features that matter most to you, since ultimately, you will have to make the decision for your child.
The UPPAbaby MESA car seat is one of the top baby car seat. It is a lightweight car seat, weighing only less than 10 pounds!
It fits babies 4-35 lbs and up to 32 inches tall. it includes an infant insert with a built-in wedge that creates a flatter and safer riding position, recommended for babies 4-8 lbs.
The MESA car seat features an adjustable headrest with EPP foam, giving your child the necessary side impact protection.
The MESA infant car seat is designed to keep your child’s head stationary in case of a side impact collision, resulting in up to 4 times higher test scores than other premium infant car seat brands.
The MESA is one of the top infant car seats with no rethread harness. There is a 5-position headrest and 2 crotch straps/buckle positions.
You can easily install the car seat using its SMARTSecure System that features auto-retracting lower anchor LATCH attachments or use their built-in lockoff for seatbelt installations.
There is a tightness indicator and dual-sided level indicators to confirm whether the base has been installed correctly.
The UPPAbaby car seat is certified for air travel, but the carrier needs to be installed without its base since the base is not FAA-approved.
MESA is compatible with both UPPAbaby VISTA and CRUZ strollers to create what they call a “Performance Travel System.”
For more, read our UPPAbabay Mesa review.
Chicco Keyfit 30 Infant Car Seat
If you are looking for the best car seat for newborn baby, the Chicco Keyfit car seat is a great choice.
It fits newborns from 4-30 pounds and up to 30 inches tall. It comes with a removable full body insert for smaller babies 4-11 pounds.
This Chicco infant car seat is lined with energy-absorbing foam for increased safety and comfort. It also has an adjustable, multi-position canopy.
This Chicco baby car seat features a 5-point harness that adjusts with one-pull tightener for easy adjustments and secure fit. It accommodates cars without LATCH using a built-in lockoff system for easy seatbelt installations.
The Chicco Keyfit car seat has indicators on either side of the base to determine accurate seat angle. It is packed with features that make them one of the easiest car seats to install using either the LATCH system or the vehicle’s safety belts.
Chicco Keyfit is a great infant car seat for travel as it is FAA approved for use in an airplane.
These car seats can also fit in dozens of Chicco’s KeyFit compatible strollers, including Chicco Bravo, Cortina, Cortina Together, Neuvo, Activ3, TRE, Liteway Plus, and KeyFit Caddy strollers.
For further information, read our Chicco Keyfit 30 review.
The Doona infant car seat is a high end car seat, as reflected by its premium price. It is suitable for babies weighing 4 to 35 lbs and up to 32 inches tall.
It is the world’s first infant car seat with integrated wheels that come out easily to create its own baby travel system.
This means that you can just take the car seat out of your vehicle, pop out its wheels, and use it like a stroller!
This car seat gives you the same mobility that you get with a travel system except it’s lightweight and you don’t need that extra frame. This is a great luxury car seat and stroller combo all in one.
The Doona car seat has passed safety standards both as a car seat and as a stroller. It is a completely safe and fully integrated mobility solution. In fact, it is one of the safest infant car seat.
It has a 5-point safety harness and 3-layer side-impact protection. This premium car seat has an adjustable handlebar that is also used as an anti-rebound protection.
It includes the Doona Infant Insert & Head Support, which supports your newborn’s posture and provides extra side protection through energy-absorbing materials.
The Doona car seat is easy to install, whether you use the LATCH system or the car’s seat belt. The base has level indicators to ensure correct installation, height adjustment, and belt locking clips.
It is one of the FAA approved car seats and is certified for use on aircraft. Instead of having to check your stroller and carry your car seat onto the plane, you can easily roll it on, fold the wheels and install it right in the airplane seat!
There is a 2-year manufacturer’s warranty.
Graco SnugRide Click Connect 35 Infant Car Seat
This Graco Snugride baby car seat is one of the top infant car seats. It fits infants from 4-35 pounds and up to 32 inches tall.
It is a lightweight baby car seat, making it easy to transport from the vehicle to the stroller or anywhere else.
This Graco rear-facing car seat features the Click Connect system, which provides a one-step secure attachment between the car seat and all of the Graco Click Connect Strollers to create a convenient travel system.
The car seat is easy to install and features a level indicator to ensure that you have installed it properly. It has a 5-point harness that adjusts from the front, which makes it easier to get your baby in and out of the car seat.
The Graco car seat comes with a removable newborn head support and has a rotating canopy. It also has a foot/leg cover to keep your baby comfortable.
You can also purchase a Graco infant car seat stroller combo, which is a great travel system. This Graco Modes Travel System includes the Graco SnugRide Click Connect 35 car seat and the Modes stroller.
For more information, read our Graco SnugRide Click Connect 35 review.
Britax B-Safe 35 Infant Car Seat
The Britax B-Safe 35 infant car seat is the newer version of the popular B-Safe and it is able to fit bigger children with more legroom. The maximum child weight limit is 35 lbs instead of 30.
This Britax infant car seat also has a new deeper shell to keep your child safe from front and side impacts and a base that is easier to adjust and install. You can easily install the seat’s base using the center-pull straps and lower Latch connectors.
This Britax car seat is patented with Safe Cell Impact Protection, which is an integrated system of safety components designed to protect your child beyond federal safety standards.
It has a impact-stabilizing steel frame and impact-absorbing base that compresses to absorb energy and reduce the force in the event of a crash.
It has a smart design, where its contoured shell takes up little space in your car and reduces side-to-side movement to maximize protection.
Britax’s Click and Go System makes transferring the B-Safe 35 car seat to any Britax stroller easy and convenient. A simple click ensures that your child’s car seat is securely attached and ready to go.
Read our Britax 35 infant car seat review.
Peg Perego Primo Viaggio 4/35 Infant Car Seat
Made in Italy, this Peg Perego car seat is a luxury car seat that fits babies 4 to 36 pounds and up to 32 inches tall.
It includes a base with an integrated anti-rebound bar for superior protection in the event of a crash. Its shell is lined with energy absorbing EPS foam that enhances protection and is perforated for maximum air circulation.
The Primo Viaggio car seat is easy to install, with color coded belt paths to assist with belt routing if base is not in use.
It has a no-rethread harness with side impact protection that adjusts to six different positions, protecting the baby’s head and shoulders. It has protected sides to cushion and position the baby’s head and shoulders.
Primo Viaggio 4-35 is one of the best infant car seats for taxi because it can be installed without the base. This car seat can attach directly to any Peg Perego stroller without any adapters, except for the Pliko Mini and Skate.
Maxi-Cosi Mico Max 30 Infant Car Seat
This Maxi Cosi car seat fits babies 4-30 pounds and up to 32 inches. It is one of the lightest premium car seat.
The Mico Max 30 car seat base has rebound protection and is adjustable to ensure a proper fit in your car. It features superior side protection and one-click Latch system for easy installation.
It includes a reversible Cozi-Dozi insert that provides head and neck support for smaller babies. There is an extended canopy with flip-out visor for maximum UV protection.
You can remove the seat pad without the need to unthread the harness, allowing you to take it off in a few seconds. The pad is machine washable and dryer safe.
You can pair this car seat with the Maxi-Cosi, Quinny, and many other premium strollers to create a premium travel system.
The Nuna Pipa fits infants from 4-32 pounds and up to 32 inches tall. It is a lightweight and narrow infant car seat, measuring only 17.4 inches wide and weighing only 7.9 pounds.
What’s great about the Pipa is that it is one of the easiest car seat to install, taking only about 5 seconds! It is also one of the best infant car seats for taxi because it can be installed without the base.
As one of the narrowest infant car seat, it features a heavy duty shell made from super resilient, high end plastics. It has a 5-point harness and comes with an infant insert to keep your baby safe and comfy.
This stylish infant car seat features premium fabrics that keep your baby warm during winter and cool during summer.
There is also an integrated drape that you can use to shield your baby. The canopy has a mesh window that provides air flow for your baby and allows you to check up on your baby.
It is aircraft certified so it is also one of the best car seats for travel.
The Pipa car seat works with Nuna and Maxi-Cosi adapters so you can create one of the best infant travel system with over 20 strollers!
Safety 1st onBoard 35 Air Infant Car Seat
The Safety 1st Onboard 35 Air+ baby car seat is one of the top affordable infant car seats, typically under $150. This rear-facing baby car seat fits babies from 4 to 35 pounds.
It includes an infant insert and a super low harness setting, designed for smaller babies.
It can be installed using the LATCH connectors or the car’s seat belt, but, unlike most car seats, there is no built-in lock-off if you’re going to use the car’ seat belt. Its updated base has 5 different angles, making it easy to find the right fit for your car.
This Safety 1st car seat features GCell honeycomb HX energy-absorbing foam inside the seat to provide superior body protection. It also features Air Protect advanced cushion that protects your baby’s head.
Read our Safety 1st OnBoard 35 Air infant car seat review.
Evenflo Embrace LX Infant Car Seat
The Evenflo Embrace LX car seat is one of the top cheap infant car seats. You can usually purchase one for under $75.
This rear-facing car seat fits babies 4 to 35 pounds. It is a lightweight infant car seat, weighing about 13 pounds.
This Evenflo baby car seat includes an easy to use LATCH system and there are 3 shoulder harness positions so that you can adjust as your baby grows.
The Evenflo car seat base is adjustable and includes a central pendulum level indicator to ensure a proper recline.
A disadvantage of this car seat is that some parents find the canopy on this car seat to be too small. However, you can also purchase a baby car seat cover if you want to keep your baby more protected. You can read here for the top rated infant car seat covers.
Overall, the Evenflo infant car seat is great for the price.
Chicco Fit2 2-Year Rear-Facing Infant & Toddler Car Seat
From the same makers as the top rated Key Fit infant car seat, this infant car seat is one of a kind. It is designed with 2 unique positions for infants and toddlers.
With the Chicco Fit2 car seat, your child can stay in the rear-facing position for the first 2 years. There is a built in lever that lifts easily to convert the car seat base with one motion, making a more upright, spacious seating for your growing baby.
In stage 1, the Fit2 is like a regular rear-facing infant car seat, with reclined seating and removable head and body support. Your child can stay in stage 1/infant position from 4-35 lbs.
In stage 2, the Fit2 transforms into a rear-facing toddler car seat, creating a more mature seating position and extended leg room for babies 9-24 months. Your child can stay in stage 2/toddler position from 15-35 lbs and up to 35 inches tall.
With these 2 stages, the Chicco Fit2 is one of the best infant to toddler car seats.
It is easy to install with Recline Sure leveling foot, which helps to achieve proper base angle in the vehicle seat. There are also 2 bubble level indicators and SuperCinch latch tightener to make installation easy and smooth.
This Chicco car seat is compatible with Chicco strollers so you can create your own baby travel system.
Baby Trend Flex-Loc Infant Car Seat
Baby Trend Flex-Loc is also a cheap car seat under $100. It accommodates infants from 5 to 30 pounds and up to 30 inches tall.
Its safety features include an easy, one-hand front adjust 5-point safety harness and EPS energy-absorbing foam. The Baby Trend car seat has a front adjustable safety harness so you can make simple harness adjustments to ensure proper fit as your child grows.
The car seat is easy to install with their Flex-Lock latch system and level indicator that ensures proper installation.
It easily fits into several Baby Trend strollers such as the Expedition Jogger and the Snap N Go EX.
Baby Jogger City Go Infant Car Seat
This Baby Jogger infant car seat is one of the top 2020 infant car seats. It fits babies in the rear-facing position from 4-35 lbs and up to 32 inches tall.
You can create your own travel system by attaching this infant car seat to your Baby Jogger stroller by just using a Baby Jogger car seat adapter.
The adjustable base has 6 positions to ensure the correct fit into your car. There are dual bubble level indicators to make sure you have installed the base properly,
The City Go infant car seat is one of the best baby car seat for taxi because it can be installed in a car without its base. It also has a TaxiSafe belt path so that you can quickly and easily secure the seat with the the vehicle’s belt.
The Combi fits infants rear-facing from birth to 35 pounds and until 33 inches tall. It is a lightweight and travel-friendly car seat.
It shields your child from front, rear, and side impact collisions with its 360 degrees of protection and an anti-rebound bar.
There is an adjustable head restraint with deep side walls and a layer of EPS foam that distributes forces away from your baby’s head, neck, and spine in the event of a crash.
You can create your own travel system as the Shuttle is compatible with select Combi strollers.
For more, read Combi car seat review.
Evenflo LiteMax 35 Infant Car Seat
This lightweight baby car seat is one of the top infant car seats under $100. It fits babies 4-35 pounds.
The LiteMax 35 comes with an easy-to-install base equipped with a 2-step vehicle belt lock-off. There are also 4 recline options to maximize your baby’s comfort.
This Evenflo infant car seat comes with removable head and body pillows and full coverage canopy to protect your baby.
The LiteMax infant car seat has a padded, ergonomic handle that makes carrying your baby comfortable.
Disney Light ‘n Comfy Luxe Infant Car Seat
This cute infant car seat by Disney is perfect for your little girl. It fits babies from 4-22 pounds and up to 29 inches tall. It is one of the best infant car seats for preemies.
It features a secure 5-point harness with 4 harness heights so you can adjust it as your baby grows.
This is a lightweight infant car seat, which makes it easier for you to remove from the base and carry the car seat by itself when you leave the car.
Disney Light ‘n Comfy Luxe Infant Car Seat, Mickey Silhouette
This top rated infant car seat by Disney is perfect for your little boy. It fits babies from 4-22 pounds and up to 29 inches tall.
It features a secure 5-point harness with 4 harness heights so you can adjust it as your baby grows.
This is a lightweight infant car seat, which makes it easier for you to remove from the base and carry the car seat by itself when you leave the car.
Evenflo Nurture Infant Car Seat
This Evenflo car seat is a cheap baby car seat and one of the best infant car seats under $100. It accommodates infants from 5 to 22 pounds.
Made in the USA, this infant car seat has a 5-point harness with 3 shoulder harness and 2 crotch buckle positions.
The car seat pad can be taken off for machine washing.
Cosco Light N Comfy Infant Car Seat
One of the best affordable infant car seats, this Cosco infant car seat fits babies in the rear-facing position from 4-22 pounds and up to 20 inches tall. It comes with an infant insert so your baby can get a snug fit.
It is lightweight and easy to carry, so you can travel easily. This car seat has 4 harness heights so you can adjust it as your baby grows.
One of the best rated infant car seats, the Urbini Sonti Infant Car Seat fits infants from 4 to 35 pounds and up to 32 inches tall.
This lightweight car seat has a 4-position base that adjusts to every car. It is lined with energy-absorbing foam and has a contoured body support.
The Sonti fits the Urbini Swiftli and Urbini Reversi strollers and the Omni Plus and Emi travel systems.
You might also want to read tips on what to look for when buying an infant car seat.
Best Convertible Car Seats
Once your child outgrows the infant car seat, you can consider purchasing a convertible car seat. A convertible seat can convert from a rear-facing seat to a forward-facing seat. You can check out to see what to look for when buying a convertible car seat.
Here are the best convertible car seats 2020.
