Take a look at our list of best-rated infant car seats and choose the one that best fits your budget and needs.
One of my most overwhelming moments while pregnant was when I walked into Target to choose an infant car seat. Everyone was telling me how convenient car seats are, especially if you plan to move around or travel a lot with your child.
When I got into the store, there were probably hundreds of different infant car seats displayed on the aisle, ranging from convertible and all-in-one to combos and hybrids.
I kept thinking: What if I make the wrong choice? Which one is the safest? Can I be spending my money on a car seat that will break in a month?
To help future parents avoid the stress I was feeling, I put together a list of the best-rated infant car seats for 2020. This list contains items that I personally researched and that are backed up by my Sleepy Cub community of happy parents.
If you’re in doubt, you can never go wrong with one of the following five products:
Best Convertible
Graco My Ride 65 Convertible Car Seat
Parents call this best-rated infant car seat The Cadillac of car seats. Why? Because it’s secure, convertible, modern, and super easy to use.
Your child will stay comfortable while you’re taking her for a drive, and you will have peace of mind knowing she’s safe and cozy.
As the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends children to ride rear-facing up to two years of age, the My Ride 65 can keep your baby rear-facing up to 40 lbs and forward-facing until 65 lbs.
Best of all, the car seat is also latch-equipped and features integrated cup holders. Oh, and the seat cushion is machine-washable.
To put it lightly, I’m a car seat fanatic. I take pride in knowing that my kids are safe when we travel, and this seat is no exception. This seat fits such a wide variety of sizes and yet fits them so well. The install is easy and TIGHT, and I’ve never had a problem adjusting straps or getting a tight fit. The design of the seat is amazing. The insert is so plush and nice for a newborn, yet my almost two years old still loves it. - lilangelmelanie
Parents’ Favorite
Chicco KeyFit 30 Infant Car Seat
If you’re looking for a comfortable and convenient car seat for your on-the-go lifestyle, the Chicco KeyFit 30 is your best choice.
For a price of $199, you’ll get the base plus a removable head and body support that accommodates newborns as small as four pounds, all the way up to kids as much as 30 lbs and 30″. Hence, the KeyFit 30. Get it?
It’s relatively lightweight at 9.6 lbs, making your trips to and from the car easy and convenient.
But the best thing about this product is how easy it is to install. Installation is parents’ worst nightmare, but the Chicco KeyFit 30 gives frustrated parents a break.
Some of its most notable features include:
- bubble level indicators
- leveling foot
- LATCH tightener
Even better, it comes in a variety of colors and patterns, so you can choose the one that suits your needs and preferences.
I bought the key fit stroller frame along with the car seat. There are so many things that I’m happy about with both products. The handle for the carrier comes up and down quietly so that it does not wake the baby. The click-in feature to the base and the stroller is also quiet which makes it ideal if the baby is sleeping. The safety features impressed my husband and it was convenient to see the level markers on the seat so we knew we were putting it in right. - Devin
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Most Lightweight
Maxi-Cosi Mico Max 30 Infant Car Seat
The Maxi-Cosi Mico 30 Infant Car Seat is a great solution for parents who are after a fashionable and functional car seat that comes with plenty of useful features.
But that’s not all.
The Maxi-Cosi Mico Max is also one of the most lightweight car seats you’ll find on the market, weighing only 9 lbs.
It nicely and safely accommodates newborns as small as four lbs and all the way up to children as large as 30 lbs.
There are plenty of more amazing features parents get with this top-of-the-class car seat, including:
- Air Protect Side Impact Protection
- anti-rebound bar
- removable seat pad, both machine washable and dryer safe
Oh, and did I mention that the Maxi-Cosi Mico Max 30 also makes moving around easier for parents? It boasts a contoured handle that curves around your hip for a more comfortable carry.
All in all, this is a fantastic find for parents who want a car seat that’s lighter in weight, and at the same time, modern-looking and functional.
Very soft material and not scratchy! I was looking for a nice car seat that wasn’t made of that rough, scratchy material. This is very plush and soft to the touch fabric. My baby isn’t here yet, but I’m impressed by the quality of this compared to anything I’ve seen in a store! Also super lightweight! - Teryl Wallace
Best Design
Nuna PIPA Car Seat & Base
The Nuna PIPA beautifully combines two car seat essentials: style and safety. It provides the utmost comfort and protection for your little one, while at the same time, it makes sure you’re always in style.
Parents love this item as it’s extremely easy to install, with or without the base. You will need five seconds to safely and correctly install the seat in your car. Best of all, it’s also airplane-ready and super lightweight.
Another amazing part is that you can use the seat as part of a travel system with compatible strollers. You don’t have to worry about baby weight either as the car seat is designed for babies from 4 lbs all the way up to 32 lbs.
One of the best features of this car seat that parents absolutely love is the dream cape. It’s a beautifully designed canopy that provides full coverage for snoozing babies.
How can you say no to a dream cape?
I bought the blackberry car seat, and the color is just beautiful! At first, the car seat seemed confusing, but it was easy and fast to understand with the manual. It’s a very stylish car seat and very safe. Also, the best part is that it’s very light as well. - Anllely
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Best All-in-One
Britax One4Life ClickTight All-in-One Car Seat
Don’t you just sometimes wish you could buy a car seat that will grow with your child? Well, you’re in luck because the Britax One4Life All-in-One Car Seat is here to make your wishes come true.
What makes this item one of the best-rated infant car seats on the market is its ability to convert from a rear-facing infant car seat, to a forward-facing harness seat, to a booster seat. It can nicely and comfortably support children ranging from 5 up to 120 lbs, and up to 63” tall.
To ensure comfort as your child grows, you just need to adjust the 15-position headrest and harness. Converting to booster mode is also simple. The only thing you need to do is tuck the harness into the built-in storage compartment.
And voila! You have a car seat that will last you a decade.
Such a wonderful car seat! We got this for our 8-month-old, and I love it! Not only does it have extended rear-facing abilities thanks to its 50 lb limit, but it’ll also go all the way up to a high back booster, which is great! - Vori Stinson
Ready to Make a Purchase?
Shopping for baby products is one of the most exciting things for new parents, although it can get a little bit overwhelming. I’ve been in your shoes. Just like you, I was eager to buy the top-notch product for my baby to ensure comfort and safety.
Hopefully, this list will help you pick the car seat that best fits your style, preferences, and budget. Maybe the car seat you’ll end up buying is not part of this list, and that’s perfectly fine. The thing that matters the most is that the car seat you’ll choose will serve you a long time and live up to your expectations.