The excitement of a new born baby means that you will want to move around with your little one wherever you go. However, as you might be aware, infants are highly delicate, which highlights the need to prioritize their safety, especially while on the move. Luckily, by using an infant car seat, you will increase your little one`s safety, and ensure that your newborn is safely transported from one point to another.
Due to the availability of several types of car seats in the market, finding the best infant car seat can be a daunting prospect, especially for first time parents who know little about the products. For you to select the perfect fit, you will need to consider factors such as your baby`s age, weight and height, as failing to choose well can lead to the acquisition of car seats suited for slightly older children.
Therefore, to help you make the best decision, the review will analyze six of the best infant car seats in the market based on their features, pros and cons. Also, an exhaustive buyer’s guide will be provided to ensure that you know exactly what to be on the lookout for when purchasing an infant car seat.
1. Best product for Comfort: Chicco KeyFit 30 Magic Infant Car Seat
The Chicco KeyFit 30 Magic Infant Car Seat comes with a unique and a highly simplistic design that makes it easy to install, especially for first time parents with little experience in using car seats. Impressively, the car seat is made of premium and highly luxurious fabrics, which come fitted with a reversible mesh or suede insert for your infant. The KeyFit 30 Magic has a large canopy designed to offer additional protection to an infant, while its extendable panel made of mesh allows for gentle breezes to reach your little one. Additionally, the presence of an all-weather foldable boot ensures that parents can have direct access to the harness and most importantly, the baby.
Performance and overall features
- Comes with a superior leveling foot to ensure the base angle fits different types of vehicles.
- Boasts of a SuperCinch latch tightener that guarantees a secure and tight fit in one pull.
- The interior is lined with energy-absorbing foam that improves protection during impact.
- The car seat relies on bubble level indicators to determine the right base angle.
- Has an easy-open boot for enhanced all weather protection.
- Has an extra -large canopy that is adjustable depending on weather or location.
- Impressive 5-point harness equipped with a tightener that works on one pull.
Pros
- The 5-point harness guarantees a perfect, tight fit for your infant
- An adjustable and well foamed head support ensures that your baby is comfortable all the time.
- Large canopy for additional protection from the sun and wind when outside the car.
- Has a carrying handle that allows you to easily move your child without compromising on comfort.
- The presence of a SuperCinch inspired latch tightener ensures that installation is quick and easy.
- An all-weather, easily foldable boot gives parents direct access to both the harness and the baby.
- The presence of extendable mesh helps to block out the sun while also allowing in cool breeze to offer convenient cooling.
- The presence of a reversible insert fitted with breathable mesh and cozy suede make the car seat interior safe and comfortable for your baby.
- Connects easily to Chico strollers
- Made of durable, long lasting material
Cons
- Costly
- Does not fit perfectly in strollers that aren’t Chico manufactured.
Recommendations
The Chicco KeyFit 30 Magic Infant Car Seat is among the leading products in the infant car seat market. The presence of a suede or mesh insert ensures that your child is comfortable while the large canopy protects your child from direct sunlight, wind and dust. The product is a perfect fit for first time parents as it is easy to install and durable, which means it can be handed down once the child outgrows it.
Click here to view pricing and availability for Graco Nautilus on Amazon
2. Best product for installation: Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35 Infant Car Seat
The Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35 Infant Car Seat impressively relies on its unique Snug Lock Technology designed to help you install the seat in three easy steps. Moreover, the presence of a level indicator that is easy to read ensures that you install the car seat correctly without having to guess. The car seat is uniquely designed to enhance both comfort and safety for your little one.
Performance and overall features
- The car seat boasts of a flexible base that can be adjusted to four different recline positions allowing you to customize the angle until it fits.
- The reliance on Click Connect technology ensures that the seat connects to other Graco strollers .
- The head is removable which enhances flexibility during use
- The product has impressive compartments that store the manual and latch connectors when not in use.
Pros
- Lightweight to allow for stress free movement when moving your child to or from the car.
- The adjustable base ensures that the car seat fits in almost all vehicles.
- The level indicator is convenient for first time users as it is easy to read.
- The reliance on Snuglock technology guarantees a perfect fit and installation whenever using the seat.
- Perfect for newborns as it is designed to grow with your little one until 35 lbs
- Has a handle for easy movement.
Cons
- The product is not fitted with mesh material for enhanced cooling
- Difficult to use on strollers that aren’t Graco manufactured
Recommendations
The Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35 Infant Car Seat, due to its reliance on Snug lock technology, ensures that you easily install the seat in three quick steps. Moreover, the adjustable base makes the car seat highly suitable for different cars regardless of size or make. Due to the presence of a level indicator, the product is convenient for first time users, especially those with little experience in installing car seats.
Click here to view pricing and availability for Graco Nautilus on Amazon
3. Best product for Usability:Chicco Fit2 Infant & Toddler Car Seat
Similar to other Chicco car seats, the Chicco Fit2 Infant & Toddler Car Seat is made from durable, high-quality premium material in bid to enhance the longevity of the product. However, the Chicco Fit2 Infant & Toddler Car Seat is unique in that it has two unique positions designed to suit both infants and toddlers. This enables you to use the product during the infant and toddler stages without having to purchase another seat for your growing child.
Performance and overall features
- The product comes with an innovative and unique 2-stage base that allows for conversion from infant to toddler position after two years.
- Has a unique design that allows the seat to be rear facing for the first two years to support infant needs.
- Comes with a removable canopy
- Headrest can be adjusted up to 7 times
- Has a one-hand handle adjustment
- Relies on smart functionality for easy installation and use
Pros
- The product is made from high quality, washable fabrics that make it easy to clean and maintain.
- Increases savings as it can be used during the infant stage and later on for toddlers.
- The 7-position, extremely comfortable headrest ensures that your little one remains comfortable during travel.
- Fits perfectly on other Chicco strollers
- The canopy can be removed, which enhances usability, especially when used on a stroller.
- Converts easily to allow for a switch from infant to toddler through a single motion.
- The removable head ensures that the car seat is convenient for infant growth
- The stage 2 positioning allows for increased leg room and a mature seating posture to support the needs of your grown toddler.
- The presence of a leveling foot ensures you can achieved the desired base angle with ease.
- The product comes with a latch tightener that allows for a perfect fit with one pull.
Cons
- Costly to purchase
- Designed to fit Chico manufactured strollers only
Recommendations
The Chicco Fit2 Infant & Toddler Car Seat is a highly convenient option for parents looking to avoid making recurrent car seat purchases as the child grows. Designed to serve both infants and toddlers, the Chicco Fit2 Infant & Toddler Car Seat is built to last. The 7-position headrest and removable canopy ensure that your child remains comfortable whenever on the move.
Click here to view pricing and availability for Graco Nautilus on Amazon
4. Best product for safety: Britax B-Safe 35 Infant Car Seat
The Britax B-Safe 35 Infant Car Seat comes with highly impressive features such as a steel frame, wide base and an impact protection layer on the inside to enhance your little one`s safety. Britax is known to produce safety-enhanced car seats;due to this, the Britax B-Safe does not compromise on safety as it uses SafeCell protection to safeguard your child in the event of impact.
Performance and overall features
- Comes with a removable body pad for a newborn
- Has a wide base designed to compress and absorb energy
- The infant car seat boasts of a steel frame that reinforces the strength and solidity of the seat.
- Has center-pull straps and a push button that allow for easy installation.
- Boasts of a unique contoured design that helps conserve car space.
Pros
- Prioritizes on safety as the interior is filled with high quality foam to absorb energy from impacts.
- The contoured shell ensures the car seat does not take up a lot of space.
- Easy to install due to the presence of push button and pull straps.
- Comes with a handle that allows for smooth movement of the child to and from the car.
- The steel frame and wide base help make the car seat more stable and appropriate for infants.
- Can be mounted on strollers
- Has a detachable base that can be left in the car for easy connection when need arises.
Cons
- Does not have mesh material to help in cooling the baby
- The canopy is not too big
Recommendations
When it comes to safety, very few car seats can match the safety enhancing features of the Britax B-Safe 35 Infant Car Seat. Although it does not have an extremely big canopy, the product has a well-padded interior designed to protect your infant from head or body impact. As such, the car seat is convenient for users who mostly drive on tricky terrain.
Click here to view pricing and availability for Graco Nautilus on Amazon
5. Best product for compatibility: Maxi Cosi Infant Car Seat With Base
Cosi Mico Max Plus Infant Car Seat is among the few infant car seats that are compatible with over 45 stroller systems. As suggested by its name, the product prioritizes on maximum coziness and comfort for your infant. When it comes to impact protection, the car seat is an industry leader as it boasts of a unique, air protection system that safeguards your little one from head and side impacts.
Performance and overall features
- Comes equipped with an anti-rotation leg that offers stability and safety when driving on tricky terrain.
- Air protect system
- Made of high quality, self-wicking fabric that helps in providing extra comfort and cushioning.
- Boasts of a MaxShade canopy designed to open in a bid to allow for wider coverage.
- Belt lock-off allows for smooth and easy installation
Pros
- Convenient as it is compatible with most strollers
- Easy to install due to its reliance on a belt lock off system
- Air protect ensures that the baby is well protected from the head to the sides.
- The presence of an anti-rotation leg guarantees that your baby will not be subjected to unnecessary movement.
- The extendable canopy provides extra coverage thereby offering maximum protection.
- The seat is made from high quality, self-wicking fabric that provides additional cushioning for your little one.
- Comfortable handle
- Comes in different colors to suit your preferences
Cons
- Can take up a bit of space due to its wide sides
- Costly to purchase
Recommendations
The Maxi,Cosi Maxi,Cosi Mico Max Plus Infant Car Seat is designed to enhance your baby’s comfort. The presence of self-wicking fabric ensures that your child has extra cushioning and protection from the slightest impacts. Moreover, the use of a wide MaxShade canopy that can zip open increases its usability, especially on windy and sunny days.
Click here to view pricing and availability for Graco Nautilus on Amazon
6. Best product for impact protection: Peg Perego Primo Viaggio 4/35 Infant Car Seat with base
The Peg Perego Primo Viaggio 4/35 Infant Car Seat boasts of a dual stage system whereby the cushions offer additional support to an infant during the first and second stages. Additionally, the product is made from fresco jersey fabric, which allows for easy cooling when in use. For enhanced protection, the Peg Perego Primo Infant car seat comes with a base bar that is anti-rebound.
Performance and overall features
- The Primo Viaggio 4/35 Infant Car Seat utilizes the Right Tight technology that allows the base to lock tightly to either the seat belt or the latch strap.
- The base also has belt paths that are color coded to guide when using the seat belt to lock the base.
- The scallop shaped base ensures the car seat fits perfectly while also safeguarding your vehicle’s seat.
- Adjustable for up to six positions allowing for ease of use during each stage of your baby’s development.
- Utilizes a dual stage cushioning system that ensures your baby`s head and body are well protected.
Pros
- The presence of a base that is anti-rebound ensures the baby is well protected in the event of sudden impact.
- Uses an energy absorbent interior shell to enhance safety
- The presence of two stage guarantees that your baby will be comfortable during the different stages of development.
- Uses high quality, breathable fabric
- Lightweight thus making it easy to move around
- Comfortable and secure as it can easily adjust to an impressive six positions.
Cons
- Only fits to strollers manufactured by Peg Perego
Recommendations
The Peg Perego Primo Viaggio 4/35 Infant Car Seat prioritizes your baby`s comfort courtesy of its dual stage cushioning system. Moreover, the use of a breathable fresco jersey fabric ensures that your baby is fully comfortable whenever on the seat. The car seat can be adjusted up to an incredible six times to offer additional head and body protection to your growing baby.
Click here to view pricing and availability for Graco Nautilus on Amazon
Buyers Guide
When looking to purchase the best infant car seat, it is important to consider the following factors
1. Comfort
As a parent, you obviously want your baby to be as comfortable as possible while using the car seat. Due to this, it is crucial to check on features such as padding, head support, interior fabric and foam to ensure that your little one is as comfortable as possible. Also, you should consider factors such as adjustability and flexibility as they play a massive role in enhancing the comfort of your infant.
2. Ease of cleaning
It goes without saying that babies can be messy, especially when feeding or even during play. As a result, purchasing an infant car seat made from washable material is recommended. A car seat made from difficult-to-clean fabric can leave you frustrated, more so when you want to connect the seat to a stroller.
3. Ability to connect to other strollers
As a new parent, it is normal to always want to move around with your little one. Therefore, you should always check on the compatibility of a car seat before deciding to make any purchase. Most car seats are usually designed to fit into stroller made by their mother companies. For enhanced convenience, settling for infant car seats that can be connected easily to several strollers is advisable.
4. Safety
The main aim of using infant car seats is to enhance the safety of your little one while on the road. Therefore, it goes without saying that you will need to purchase a car seat that has several safety enhancing features. For instance, you should check on factors such as side protection, head and neck protection and finally energy absorption. A good infant car seat should be well padded and designed to protect the child in case of impact.
5. Is it easy to install?
Unfortunately, a large number of first time buyers fail to check on factors such as ease of installation. A good infant car seat should be easy to install to reduce the chances of injury or discomfort to the baby. Be sure to check on features such as base recline and latch connectors, which aim to improve the fit and installation of the car seat.
6. Size
While it is convenient to purchase a fair sized infant car seat to support the development of your baby, selecting an oversized option can lead to a shortage of space, especially if you have a small car. Therefore, you should consider factors such as shape and design to ensure that the car seat does not occupy more than required space.
7. Usability and durability
Some infant car seats such as the Chicco Fit2 Infant & Toddler Car Seat can be used by both infants and toddlers. Purchasing versatile car seats can help you save some coins since you will not be required to purchase a larger car seat once your infant becomes a toddler. Also, it is advisable to carefully check on the material used to ensure that you purchase seats made from high quality, long lasting fabric.
Conclusion
As can be seen from the above review, there are several high quality infant car seats that you can select from. Although selecting the best infant car seat is not as easy as most people perceive, observing the factors discussed in the buyer’s guide will ensure that you select a seat that best suits you and your baby. Put simply, factors such as comfort, compatibility, ease of installation and safety should not be assumed when looking to buy the best car seat.
When it comes to comfort and usability, the Chicco Fit2 Infant & Toddler Car Seat is highly recommended, especially since it boasts of several safety enhancing features. Moreover, the car seat can be used at the infant stage and later on when your baby becomes a toddler; all you have to do is make a simple adjustment.
Now that we have discussed the leading products in the infant car seat market, you should be well placed to choose a product that best suits your needs. Remember, it is always important to consider factors such as the size of a car seat to ensure that it fits perfectly in your car, and can accommodate the growth and development of your baby.